Chapter 11

Angela suddenly felt like she might have made a big mistake by coming to Pike Place Market at night. A bubble of fear began to work its way up from her stomach to her throat. It was so very late. She was so, so tired.

Angela thought she might cry from the oddness and aloneness of it all.

“See here, young lady.” It was Adam Zimmerman breaking in on Angela’s thoughts again. Only this time his voice didn’t boom and he wasn’t laughing. He sounded concerned and his voice was gentle.

“What’s the matter? Has something gone wrong?” He stood up behind the counter and swept one arm toward his bottles. “Time can make most troubles go away.” His old-young-old face drooped with sadness. “I can’t stand to see a young lady in distress. Tell me your story and I’ll find the time to help.”

Angela decided there was no point in hiding her worries.

She told Adam Zimmerman what Mindy had told her and that she had come to the Market to see if it was true. And, most of all, that she was a little overwhelmed and was going to be in a lot of trouble.