No Second Wind by Guthrie A. B.;

Author:Guthrie, A. B.;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Open Road Media

13

I rolled out of bed at eight o’clock, feeling frisky though I’d had little sleep, feeling frisky in spite of chilblains that would bother me more when I warmed up after being cold again. I shaved and bathed and got into clean clothes.

When I entered the kitchen, the dog, Bipsie, pranced to me for a head rub. Mother and Marie Coletti were seated at the table, eating hot cakes. Mother said, “Goodness sake, Jase, you’re ’way early and all dressed up.”

“Busy day ahead.”

Mother rose and went to the stove and began ladling batter into the skillet. “Marie has made reservations for tomorrow,” she told me.

“So soon?” I said. “One of us will drive you to the city.”

“I hate to ask that,” Marie said. “I’ve put you out enough as it is. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.” Only a fading streak or two showed where her bruises had been. She wore less make-up than usual. An improvement, I thought. She was a cute girl, one showing good courage now, and, if she broke down, a man would feel a wanting to comfort her. Yet she would never have the western look, the look of sun and wind and of distance in her eyes.

“You just hush about that,” Mother said to her. “It all evens up. We’ve been glad to have you. Don’t just stand there, Jase. Sit down. These will be cooked in a minute.” She began turning the hot cakes.

“I’ll be ready,” Marie was assuring us. “I’ve got my things from the trailer house.” Her hand went to the dog and her eyes dropped to him. “I’m afraid I have to ask one more favor.”

“Ask away.”

“It’s Bipsie. I simply can’t push him on my family.” Her gaze lifted to me. “Would it be too much? Could you find a good home for him?”

“He’s a nice little pet,” Mother said, putting a plate before me. “I’m sure any number of people would be glad to have him. Don’t you think so, Jase?”

“Of course. Any number of people.” I knew the way the wind blew, but I didn’t smile. Let them work their little conspiracy. “I’ll ask around.”

“You must be sure they’re the right people,” Mother said.

“Come to think of it,” I said, trying to speak as if the thought had just entered my mind, “I guess we could keep him. You’re too much alone, Mother.”

“Do you really think so, Jase?”

Marie put in, “I don’t want you to, just to be nice.”

“That’s settled then,” I said, giving them their women’s victory without letting on that I knew all along. It pleased them and didn’t displease me. The idea was so good it hadn’t needed their strategy.

I ate bacon and two helpings of hot cakes, drank my coffee and made my excuses.

Omar Test lived alone in a shack on the south end of town. For want of a car I walked there and knocked on the flimsy door. It opened after a while and revealed Test. He had on a ragged outdoor coat.

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