The festival was in full swing now. Saturday was the first day of the 'Fair on the Square'. It was a collection of booths all around the gazebo and on the streets. Traffic was detoured around downtown for the entire week. The Mayor had to fight with the City Council every year about that. But he wanted to keep the city's traditions alive, despite the growing local traffic concerns.

So many local businesses had vied for space at the fair. Of course any business that had a store right on the Square didn't usually bother to rent a space. But there were still plenty needed, especially since the traveling food vendors took up a lot of the spots. This was one of the last festivals of the year in Ohio so it was gold to those who could get in on it.

There was no real rush to be open at 10 A.M. since many of the town's inhabitants had gone on the ghost walk, the night before. Vendors took their time to get everything right. They had to wait for final inspections anyway. If they sold food they were preparing, they had to have a visit from the local fire Marshall and health department.

Other types of booths were informational and games. There were booths selling siding, insurance, and other things. There were booths about local employment. Most of these were accompanied by some 'game' to give away coupons for their services or products. There were actual 'Carnies' operating the usual games which showcased huge stuffed animals, etc. The school sports boosters and local civic organizations had their booths to promote the town.

There was a section for a few rides but it was not in the square because there was no room for them. They were located in the old Kregen's lot on the West side of town. It used to be a grocery store years ago but went out when everyone started shopping at the huge shopping center that moved in down the road by the highway.

Runa was busy setting up the Animal Clinic booth. It was her turn to run it today. She was in charge of the game that gave away several items on a spinning wheel. It was a small wheel that stood on a table and it had some pretty good prizes, including decent samples of recommended pet foods, pet toys and coupons for animal care. There was a really good prize too. It was an actual package for a first time visit with initial pet exam and shots, etc.

Her boss, Marie Hunter, had also made a deal with Betty Chapel to sell some of her new 'puppy' deserts. It was something she was trying. There was a little sign about 'Sweet Temptations'. In return, Betty had a sign about the Animal Clinic and coupons on her booth where she was selling her cupcakes.

"Good Morning," Runa heard someone say. She was struggling with the tent. She turned to see Mendalie standing there with two coffee cups in her hand and a little bag. Runa dropped the edge of the tent and stood up.

"Don't stop for me. This is entertaining anyway," Mendalie said.

"Real funny," Runa said. "Is that for me?"

Mendalie handed her a cup.

"Oh thank you! I need this," Runa said. "And thanks for coming to help."

"No problem," she said as she set her cup on the booth table and reached into the bag. "But I think I got here too soon. You were supposed to have this up already."

Taking a sip from the cup, Runa half frowned at Mendalie.

The cool autumn wind flowed gently through the bright sun as it kissed Mendalie's pretty, straight, blonde hair. The edges of her hair danced slightly and Runa wondered why Mendalie seemed more reserved this morning. She knew it was early but this was still fairly subdued for her. Her focus shifted past Mendalie to some movement on the other side of the gazebo. Grant Ravensdale was walking past. He seemed busy but looked right at her and this time she didn't look away. He smiled at her. Runa started to smile too but stopped herself. She sighed and closed her mouth tight. Finally, he looked away and kept walking.

Mendalie turned to see why Runa was suddenly distracted.

"Who are you looking at?" she asked.

"No one," Runa said.

"Hey, do you know what my mom told me?" Mendalie asked. "They found some old bones last night during the ghost walk. Isn't that creepy?"

"What?!" Runa exclaimed. "Who found bones? I didn't hear that."

Mendalie handed Runa a blueberry scone from the bag. "Some kids went off down by the old schoolyard and were messing around. They starting digging in this pile of dirt where the city was gonna build something last year and found them."

"Wow," Runa said. "I wonder who it was"

"Maybe it's a serial killer's victim," Mendalie said in an ominous tone.

"Shut up!" Runa told her. "Don't say things like that."

Mendalie laughed as she took a small bite from her own scone. "Mom says this town is full of creepy things. Always has been."

"I know," Runa said, looking deep in thought for a minute.

"Do you have to be here tomorrow too?"

"Nope, I'm all yours baby," Runa said.

"What about Lover boy?" Mendalie asked.

"He's going to some game with Tony. They'll be gone all day," Runa explained.

"Yeah!" Mendalie exclaimed. "You wanna go up to that mall I was telling you about?"

"Sure."