A Summer's Angels by Doyle. Daniel G

Author:Doyle. Daniel G. [ Doyle, Daniel G.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781483539539
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2013-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 7

__________________________

DIMES & RATS

In Ferraro's Barber Shop Jamie sat rigidly on the booster seat that spanned arm to arm across the barber chair. Old man Ferraro insisted on using the booster, which always embarrassed Jamie. Jim waited, slouched in a chair against the back wall with two other customers. He was reading an old, dog-eared "Life" magazine. Ferraro finished with the clippers, sprinkled Jamie's hair with perfumed water, combed it slick, then held a mirror behind Jamie's head. He smiled at Jamie's reflection in the wide mirror in front of the chair.

"Like a movie star," Ferraro said.

Jamie wrinkled his nose, flipped the cape off, leaped off the booster and rushed outside. Jim laughed and then winced as he stood up and limped over to the cash register to pay Ferraro.

Ferraro made change and gestured at Jim's leg. "Been what, almost two years and still in pain?" he said. "What the hell's the VA doing?"

"Shrapnel all through it . . . tiny bits. Pain could stop tomorrow, or maybe never," Jim said with a twisted smile.

One of the waiting customers got into the barber chair and spoke to Jim's reflection in the wide mirror. "Nothing they can do?"

"Oh yeah," Jim said and chuckled. "They can cut the fuckin' thing off."

Jim turned to leave when the other waiting customer, red-eyed and drawn, called to him hoarsely. "Beautiful boy mister."

Jim nodded to the man.

"Hug him mister. Hug him a lot."

"Oh, I, I uh do," Jim said slightly taken aback.

Ferraro handed Jim a lollypop. "Kids are never too old for candy," he said then he turned his head so only Jim could hear him whisper. "Buried his son yesterday . . . fuckin' Polio."

Jim sucked in a breath and looked over. "Sorry buddy. Very sorry."

"Do it mister. Hug him. Hug him every day."

Jim felt obligated to answer. " I will. I will buddy."

A short time later Jim and Jamie carrying packages came out of the one major Department Store in town. When they approached their parked car, Jamie froze when he saw Herb across the street. Though Herb's face was almost totally covered by tape, Jamie could see he was glaring at him.

On the driver side, Jim slid behind the wheel. "C'mon Buster," he said, "We ain't got all day."

Not taking his eyes off Herb, Jamie got in the car.

Jim noticed Jamie's apprehension and followed his line of sight. "Wow! What happened to him? You know him?"

"No." Jamie said quickly.

"Looks like he knows you," Jim said and started the car.

"He doesn't know me!"

Jim was surprised at Jamie's outburst, but let it pass. He pulled away from the curb and, with his head turned, didn't notice Jamie duck down. And didn't see Herb's wild look following the car as they drove off.

It was raining and Jamie was sprawled on the front parlor couch with a "Superman" comic book. Mrs. Reichert, wearing a raincoat and carrying an umbrella tramped down the stairs into the parlor.

"Coming downs likes cats ands dogs," she said. There was no reaction from Jamie.

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