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NEXT MORNING JIM WAITED AT the front door of the post office. Because there had been no water in the apartment, he was forced to use the restroom of the service station across the railroad tracks to wash up and shave. Not used to shaving in cold water, he cut himself several times and stopped the bleeding by putting little pieces of toilet paper on the cuts. When Mr. Barkley saw him, he began to laugh at the top of his lungs, so long and hard he had to sit down. When he just kept laughing, Jim and Mrs. Barkley began to laugh as well. The people in the shop next door came out to see what the noise was all about. The shop owner said: “Mike, what is all the laughing about?”
Mr. Barkley pointed to Jim: “Do you remember the first time Michael tried to use my straight razor? I don’t know who got cut the most, Michael then or Jim now!”
The shop owner responded: “Mike, it’s great to hear that big laugh of yours. The whole town has missed it.”
Mike Barkley turned to Jim: “What did you do to yourself?”
“There was no water in the apartment and I had to use the service station down the street. It’s been quite a few years since I shaved with cold water. I had forgot that it makes a difference.”
“Well, we’ve got to do something about that. Come on back to the rear of the post office and let’s turn on the water valve for the apartment. Other than no water how did you sleep in your new home?”
“Great, you and Mrs. Barkley have been too kind.”
“Nonsense, my boy! I haven’t seen a gleam in Mother’s eyes since we lost Michael. We should be thanking you! You have a home as long as you want it.”
Mr. and Mrs. Barkley were making it even harder to remember why he came here in the first place. Could this be a stopping point, a new life for Jim Coleman? known as Jim Cole? Time would tell. He was right.
As each day went by, he felt more at home. His first payday came and his pay’s money was burning a hole in his pocket. He felt he could waste it on a good time. After all, the job at the post office was not why he came to town.
As he swept out the lobby of the post office, Sandy, from the Tastee Freeze, appeared with a need to buy stamps.
“Well, if it isn’t old fast mover.”
“Well, if it isn’t my lucky charm. Maybe you can tell me where a young, single man with money in his pocket can go to have fun.”
“That would be the Supper Club.”
“I can’t afford a club.”
“No, silly. It’s just a bar with dancing. It’s located just outside of town on the other side of the county line. Fannin County is dry ? which means no beer. Gilmer County is wet. It’s just called a club instead of a bar. That’s the way Mr. Bob wants it. The talk is that Mr. Bob is a silent partner and that’s why he will not let Fannin County sell booze. If you go, be careful. You do not want to drive by the Blue Ridge city limit sign. That’s where Mr. Bob’s city sheriff, Billy Bob, waits to give out tickets.”
“I can’t drive as I don’t have car or a license.”
“Then don’t walk down the highway near the sign either. Billy Bob will get you for disturbing the peace, even if you trip over a rock.”
“Is that legal?”
“It may not be, but... You’re in Mr. Bob’s town. He makes the rules. The joke is that our town sheriff makes more money than the Governor.”
“What does the county judge say about that?”
“What do you think? The judge is Mr. Bob’s nephew ? his sister’s only son.”
“I see they do own this town.”
“Town and county.”
“Thanks for the warning. You really are a lucky charm. How far did you say this club is? Can I walk to it?”
“It’s about two and a half miles from the city limit sign at the end of Main Street. Have fun.”
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