Page 46 of Gideon

“Uh, yeah. I think he left the day you met him.”

“Too bad. There aren’t many I like around town. I wish he would have stuck around.” He turned to Gideon when he reached the door. “He was interesting, you know? Not many around here are.”

“He was unusual.” Gideon scanned the apartment as they entered. “You cleaned up?”

“I did what I could. You want a coffee? We missed the last one.”

The coffee was still dripping from a freshly made pot, and all the dishes were put away.

“Yeah. Uh, but what’s going on?”

“What’d you mean?” Joey limped into the kitchen and got a couple of mugs to fill.

“Did Eric say something?”

“Eric said a lot of things. Was there a particular anecdote you’re looking for?”

“I guess not. It’s good to see you doing so well.”

Joey studied Gideon as he handed him the mug, then he laughed. “You don’t know what to think of your old man, do you?”

“No. You’re different.”

“Oh yeah? Good or bad?” He went to the couch and sat. “The look on your face is hard to read.”

“I’m sure you can figure it out.”

“What can I say? Can’t live like a slob forever. You turned up in town when I was in a hole. I climbed out. End of story.”

“You’re not drinking anymore?”

“Don’t go overboard. There are some non-negotiables.”

“Right.” It wouldn’t be the first time his dad had made an effort only for it to blow up worse than ever.

“Why don’t you sit? You’re making me nervous.”

Gideon sat on the edge of the armchair. “You hear about the totem poles yet?”

“What about ‘em?”

“They’re gone.”

“What’d ya mean?”

“They were cut down last night.”

“Huh. Strange.”

They both looked at the window when they heard muffled shouts coming from outside.

Joey pushed up from his seat.

“The town’s not happy about the change,” Gideon said. “They’ve probably got a parade of protesters going down the street.”

Joey set his mug on the coffee table and went to the window. “That’s no parade. They’re not moving anywhere.” The window stuck as he tried to open it. He shook it, then jammed the heel of his hand on the corners, and it opened.

Gideon joined him at the window and looked out at the crowd that had gathered underneath the window.

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