|
|
|
“Mike where do you want me to leave the apartment key?”
“Just keep it. You’ll be back soon.”
“What if you need to get inside for something?”
“I don’t know why I would, but if it will make you happy just stick it on top of the door frame, in the middle.”
“I’ll do that, sir.”
“I guess you’ll need your pay tomorrow?”
“Yeah, I will. Thanks.”
Wednesday morning Mike announced they wanted to treat him to lunch. He agreed because he wanted so much for the Barkleys to remember him as a family member. When they finished lunch, Mrs. McKinney brought out a cake with one candle on it. Written on the top of the cake was Jim, Hurry Back. It hit him so hard he almost announced it was all a joke and he was staying. However, he knew his plan was in motion and couldn’t be stopped. He only needed the help of one other person and that would be taken care of today.
When they left the café he felt like he was leaving his family, walking out on the only mother and father he ever knew. He hadn’t felt this depressed when the authorities took him off to jail. As they walked south on Main Street, he stopped in front of Mull Department Store.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I need to get a few clothes for the trip. I shouldn’t be more than, oh, five minutes, tops.”
“Son, take your time. You’ve earned it.”
“Thank you, sir.”
As he entered the store a young man asked: “Can I help you?”
“Yes, I need a little bit of information. I see you sell Boy Scout equipment. You wouldn’t know who the Scoutmaster in Blue Ridge is, would you?”
“Yep. That would be Jack Campbell. Are you looking to be an assistant scoutmaster?”
“Yes, I am. How did you know?”
“Just a guess. You are too old to be a scout” — he said laughing.
“Do you know how I can get in touch with him?”
“Let me see. I think I have one of his cards. He’s an insurance agent... here it is. I’d call him at the office if I were you. I’m sure he could use the help.”
“Thanks for your help.”
“Your welcome and good luck on the scout thing.”
He walked up the street and, seeing that no one was near the pay phone, he thought he should probably call Mr. Campbell now.
He dialed the number on the card. As it rang, he put his handkerchief over the mouthpiece as he always did. This time he wanted to be perceived as a female if possible.
“Is this Mr. Campbell?”
“Yes, ma’am. This is Jack Campbell. How can I help you?”
“I’m Mr. Bob’s CPA. He wanted me to find out if he makes a donation to the Scouts will you provide him a receipt for tax purposes.”
“Yes ma’am. I surely can.”
“That’s great. Mr. Bob would like to donate $2,000 to the Scouts.”
“That would be wonderful. We’ll be able to send most of our Scouts to summer camp on that amount. Could I pick up the check?”
“Yes, sir. If you’ll...? Jim coughed loudly? excuse me.”
“Ma’am, you need to take care of your cold.”
“I know. It’s all I can do to talk.”
“I thought you sounded like you were sick. You were saying Mr. Bob would let me pick up the check.”
“Yes, Mr. Campbell. He will. You do know how particular Mr. Bob is, don’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ve heard.”
“He would like for you to come to his house at 5:15 p.m. Friday evening. Can you do that?”
“I’ll be there.”
“Let me caution you. You can be five minutes early but you cannot be a minute late. Do you understand?”
“Yes, ma’am, I do. I’ll be there on time and thank you for recommending the Scouts.”
“Why do you think it was me?”
“Because Mr. Bob once explained to me I was wasting my time with those delinquents and he wouldn’t support them.”
“I did inform him he needed another deduction. Mr. Bob is more motivated by money than anything.”
“I know, the whole town knows. Thanks for thinking of the Scouts. I’ll be there on time.”
Walking back to the post office, Jim wished there was a real check in the wings for Mr. Campbell who seemed like a nice guy. Some things in life just aren’t fair.
 |  |  |
|
|
|