Science Fiction: Welcome to my Worlds

Motel 666
By
Don (full name on file)
(copyright 2009)

Chapter One

Rajiid threaded his way through the cluttered aisles at the front of the pharmacy trying to avoid bumping into the chunky Arab. He seemed so completely absorbed in his study of the bandage selection that Rajiid felt reluctant to disturb his concentration. Customers always came first. Behind the counter, he could see Anna had already started pulling last night’s fax orders from the machine.

The Arab reached up to adjust his turban—another Pathan, apparently. He remembered reading in the paper that some cities in India were being practically overrun with them now. The man took a step back just as Rajiid tried to step past. Their arms brushed for a split second and Rajiid almost stumbled as he felt a quick flash of anger—almost rage—pour from the other man.

Opening his mouth to apologize for whatever imagined offence he might have given, he saw only a look of calm interest on the other’s face. Imagination, he told himself firmly. Not going to go down that road again.

He watched Anna work efficiently at sorting pills into various bottles for the fax orders as he stepped up behind the counter and put on a fresh jacket from the cabinet.