Free The Traveling Corpse by Double Edge Press Page B

faced the American flag, and recited the Pledge of
Allegiance while the many Canadian snowbirds who were present stood
respectfully.
    Nelly pulled a number at random out of a
small wooden bottle and called out, “Table Number 5.” All those
seated in Row 5 got up, cheering because they were lucky enough to
be called first to go through the food line. Like Annie, most of
the seniors brought a coffee mug with them. It was their way of
helping the environment by not using plastic cups.
    The line snaked along the east wall and into
the Annex, the room behind the stage, where you picked up a
doughnut or opted for an order of toast. There was always a variety
of doughnuts to choose from—plain cake doughnuts, glazed, lemon or
jelly-filled, buttermilk puffs, blueberry ones, some gooey with
icing dripping off or with candy sprinkles. The jelly ones were
usually chosen first and were long gone before those seniors
sitting at the last table got their turn to go through the line.
After picking up a doughnut, you followed the line back into the
big clubroom, passing between the stage and the kitchen on the west
side of the room. At the kitchen snack window, volunteers filled
your mug with steaming coffee. You had your choice of ‘leaded’ or
‘unleaded’—regular or decaf. Packets of creamers and sugars along
with plastic stirrers were on each table.
    â€œArt really hopes we’re not the last table
called this morning. I got him up so early, he’s starved,” said
Annie. “Keep your fingers crossed.”
    â€œWhen you’re tha last table called, all
that’s left is jest plain ole doughnuts. My favorites are tha ones
frosted with lots of chocolate icin’!” DeeDee said, licking her
lips.
    â€œI suppose you like lots of sprinkles, too,”
teased Verna.
    â€œNaw, they are jest too fattin’!” retorted
DeeDee with an impish grin.
    They were delighted when Nelly called number
seven next—their table’s number. As Verna was waiting in line for
her coffee, she overheard two women that she knew talking about
Kitty Kreeger. “Excuse me,” Verna interrupted. “Did I hear you say
that the Kreegah’s are moving out of the park? Leaving
BradLee?”
    Verna and the two women moved to one side to
visit. Then Verna hurried back to her table to pass on this bit of
surprising information. “Listen to this gang,” she said excitedly.
“I just heard some friends of mine talking about Kitty Kreegah, and
they say the Kreegahs definitely are moving out of BradLee. We were
just talking about them at bridge on Monday; remembah I told you I
saw a ‘For Sale’ sign on their house? We were just hoping that they
were going to put up a new, bigger mobile home right here in the
park, not move away!”
    â€œThat’s a s’prise,” said DeeDee in amazement.
“Whatal happen ta Bingo?”
    â€œBarb turned and looked at her husband and
quietly asked, “Did you know about this?”
    â€œJust heard about it now from Paul as I was
getting my coffee. He thinks the sooner he gets the word out that
we need a new leader for Bingo, the better. When Nelly calls for
announcements, Paul plans to speak.
    DeeDee asked, “Do ya suppose that havin’ an
assistant shoved on Karl made him mad? Mad enough that he’s
quittin’ an’ movin’ away?”
    â€œHe seemed all right at Bingo last night. I
didn’t think he acted any different than anytime before—nosey, as
usual. Did you, Barb?” Annie asked her friend. Barb shrugged.
    â€œSure does seem awful sudden,” Doc added.
    â€œIf they ha’ time to make arrangements with a
realtor, it can’t be ah’ that sudden,” DeeDee said.
    Verna leaned forward so she could see around
Art. “It wasn’t a realtor sign, just a plain ole’ For Sale sign
that you can buy at any hardware or Wal-mart for selling your car
or your boat