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PEGGY LEFT FOR JASPER AT about 6:00 p.m. That meant two things:
While he waited for the midnight-hour to strike, he began to read through Billy Bob’s notebook, quickly scanning each page of the book and pleased that he did not find Peggy’s name. He selected three names with stars that were listed under Mr. Bob. He did not recognize any of the names but was sure they would mean something to Mr. Bob. He had two men and one woman on the list.
It was almost time for the call. He decided to use the same pay phone as the last time. His only concern was Craig coming by while he was using it. Since he had been appointed sheriff, the prick had taken his duties somewhat seriously. He even patrolled the town at night. To ensure Craig did not discover him making the call, he decided to hide near the phone until the new sheriff had passed by on his rounds. Sure enough the patrol car passed the phone at 11:55 p.m. fairly predictably. As soon as Craig disappeared around the corner, Jim came out of hiding and picked up the phone.
As usual, Mr. Bob answered on the second ring.
“Who is this?”
“It’s your conscience again.”
“Quit calling me, you little fuck.”
“This is my last call unless you beg me to call again.”
“Now why in the hell would I do that?”
“Did you get your money back?”
“Yes, you little fuck, I did. Yesterday morning. Why?”
“Little Bobby, you’re getting old. Remember if you got the money back you failed the test.”
“What test?”
“The test to see if you really are an asshole. Trust me! You are one hundred percent, certifiably an asshole.”
“I don’t have to listen to this.”
“You do if you want to live.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“Just making a promise, nothing more or less.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Nothing. You failed the test. Now I’m going to see how much pain I can inflict between Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
“I did what you told me to do”? Little Bobby said.
“You did? What color envelope did I tell you to put he money in?”
“I don’t remember.”
“Do you remember me telling you not to involve the police?”
“Yes.”
“Then why was Craig sitting a half block from the post office?”
“I’m sorry. What can I do?”
“Suffer some small percent of the pain you have inflicted on others.”
“What are you going to do?”
“C’mon now, I can’t give away all my surprises, but I will share one little thing. Starting Thursday I plan to call the people listed under your name in Billy Bob’s notebook. You know Billy Bob was a real detailed person. He has the names and telephone numbers. I wonder how the people will feel when I tell them you had Billy Bob following them and reporting back to you? I guess you’ll find out as I plan on giving them your unlisted number.”
“You wouldn’t do that.”
“Just wait. This should be a busy weekend. Here are the first three people I plan to call.” Jim then read him those names.
“When I hang up you will not hear from me again.”
“Please! How can I get in touch with you?”
“By begging?”
“Please! Please!”
“Not that way, but by actions.”
“What actions?”
“When you can stand the pain no longer open all the windows and doors of that big house of yours. Leave them open until I call. If one window is closed, I will not call.”
“It’s winter time! I’ll freeze to death.”
“You asked how to contact me. If you do not do as I say then goodbye and enjoy your pain!”
Jim hung up.
Monday was another pleasant day with the Barkleys. As they were walking back from the café Mike asked: “Jim would you be interested in applying for a postal worker position?”
A cold chill went down his back. What if the Barkleys discovered his true background? Would they still want him around?
“What do I need to do?”
“When we get back to the post office I will get you the application and requirements.”
“Sounds good. I can at least try. All they can do is say no.” Jim then laughed.
“Nonsense, my boy. Remember you have us on your side.”
“I know I do. Thank you.”
This was an unexpected pressure. He would need an excuse to stall until after Christmas. That night he worked on his smoke bomb. He first cut all the firecrackers open and poured the powder out. On one of the firecrackers he just cut off the end. This would be his igniter. He poured all of the explosive powder into a small fruit jar, worried that there might not be enough to do the job. To supplement the supply of powder he took six .30-06 shells from his ammo box. With a pair of pliers, he removed the bullet from the case. He then poured the gunpowder into the jar. Satisfied he had enough powder, he now needed something to help with the smoke. Looking around he saw a kitchen towel. An oil-soaked towel was exactly what he needed. He smiled with gratification when everything fit neatly into his box. He even had room for a pair of pruning shears that he retrieved from the shed. The plan was complete; he was ready for the next step. The plan depended on his ability to get time off from the post office without raising suspicion.
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