A PUPPET ON A STRING

Chapter 13

The cherry red Buick was parked where he had left it a few days earlier. Itstood out among the cheap rusting Japanese imports. Made from American steel.It was built to last. On turning the key it coughed a cloud of foggy phlegm andcame to life. As though it was annoyed to have been awoken from its slumber.With the air rushing over him through the window, he could smell the freshsea breeze drifting down the coast from Alaska. It felt good to be home. Flint feltcramped and dirty by comparison. Julie offering the only relief to the nightmarehe wished to forget.

Nearing noon, Marilyn would be working the day shift until four thatafternoon. Deciding he would head to Jefferson's for a couple of drinks to settlehis nerves. And catch up with the Tomo knowing he would spill the beans at thefirst opportunity of any passing gossip.The bar hadn't move since his last visit. His park was empty. No one had takenup residency. Pulling the Buick to the curve. Letting the engine turn over to workthe creaks out of the old girl's joints after a few days sitting idle. Frank gave thethrottle a final tap, to signal Tomo of his arrival.On entering the bar he looks about for Smith. Tomo saw his tentativeness andspoke first.

"He's not here." He calls out as if to give the all clear.

"Thanks for the warning." Seeing the empty booths.

"I thought he was your boss? What wrong. You two fall out of love already?"

"I wish." Said Frank pulling himself onto his trusty stool as cowboy wouldpull himself onto his horse.

Hearing the stool creak as did his bones, relieved to be home again.

"Put your feet up... I'll get you one on the house."

"Make it a double then."

"What do you think I've been serving up until now?" Asked Tomo lookingup with a puzzled look on his face.

"Then double that... I'm going to need it." Eager to get the glass in his hand.

"So how was Flint? I thought you said you were coming back yesterday..."Pushing the drink towards him.

"Flint was Flint... Exciting place... Thought I'd stay another day, catch upwith an old friend out that way."

"Didn't know you had any friends Frank?" Tomo joked.

"Not a lot... I've got you don't I? ... Did you catch the news?"

"Yeah... Saw some apartment building had a gas explosion or something."

"Yeah... Right opposite my hotel."

"Woah! ... Don't blame you being shaken by that."

"Nah... All good mate... Some poor sod got killed though." Keeping thedetails to himself.