Whisper

15

"It is my brother."

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I turned around. John Maynard was coming toward me, hand extended.

"Nice to see youse again, young fella. I see Sheila has been rummaging through the back room."

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I nodded.

"I will take both of these bottles. I figure $750 to be a fair price."

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John thought for a moment.

"What price did Sheila say?"

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I laughed.

"$20 a bottle."

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He nodded.

"Then $20 a bottle it is."

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I was shocked.

"I can't accept that. These are collectors now."

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He patted me on the back.

"You seem like an honest man, Will. If memory serves me well, I paid about $100 for both of those bottles, some 20 years ago.

Why don't you make me a fair offer."

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I took out my debit card.

"$750 and not a penny less."

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John shrugged.

"Do as the man says, sis."

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I thanked the Mayor and paid for my purchase.

Sheila wrapped them in old newspapers and put them in a box for me.

.

"I was wondering if you could bring me in a case of Glenfiddich 12 year old?"

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John nodded.

"I will check on the price and let you know."

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I nodded, smiling.

"And I did come here to talk to you about a couple things."

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"We can go into my office if you want?"

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I nodded.

"First I have to ask about Halloween. I don't really expect anyone to come all the way out to my place, but I would like to do something for the kids."

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Sheila smiled.

"That would be a nice gesture, Will. What did you have in mind?"

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I had no idea.

"How many kids are there?"

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"Maybe 20 or so that will actually go door to door. A few of the older kids go too, but more to be a nuisance than anything."

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I looked around the store.

"Well what about we give each of the kids a soft drink or juice, along with a chocolate bar and a bag of chips. Does that sound good?"