The Maine Events, Rodney Riesel [best books to read in your 20s TXT] 📗

Allen laughed. “Jesus! Don't tell him that.”

Jordan burst out laughing. “I'm just bustin' your balls,kid.” He stood and pointed at the last piece of pizza in the box.

“It's all yours,” said Allen

Jordan snatched up the slice. “You supposed to speak withRose again?”

“I'm sure I will at some point.”

“I'd appreciate it if you kept this little meeting toyourself.”

“Sure thing.”

“Rose won't be gettin' anything outta my brother either. Fora few days at least. He took our mom up to Augusta for the week. He won't behome until Saturday night.” Jordan stepped through the door. “You want thisdoor open or closed?”

“You can leave it open.”

Jordan nodded and walked away.

Jacob waited until he was sure Jordan was out of earshotbefore he asked, “Is he a real Mafia guy?”

“That's the word on the street.”

“You think he's as tough as he looks?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Me too. I better get going.”

Jacob scratched Frankie on the head and told him he'd seehim tomorrow, and out the door he went.

“I was going to eat that pizza later, Frankie,” said Allen.“I can't believe he didn't leave me one slice.”

Allen flipped the lid closed on the pizza box, picked it up,and threw it like a Frisbee toward the trash can. The box hit the side of thecan and dropped to the floor. He placed the untouched glass of tequila in thefridge.

“Maybe I should write a book about a writer who goes toMaine and gets accused of having something that belongs to a gangster.” Hestared at the laptop. Think, think, think!

Chapter Seven

At twenty minutes before five on Tuesday morning, Allen'salarm went off. It was the sound of a British police siren. He had purposelychosen it for the irritation factor; nothing else would rouse him.

“Oh my God,” Allen groaned. as he felt around for the cellphone. He pressed the button and silenced the cell. “Frankie, you ready forthat sunrise?”

Allen swung his legs over the bed and went for the coffeepot. He noticed it was the last package of regular coffee. He made a mentalnote to ask Crystal for more.

While the coffee was dripping, he splashed his face withwater, and ran his fingers through his hair. He brushed his teeth.

“Frankie, get up.”

Frankie yawned loudly and climbed to his feet.

“You want something to eat first?”

Frankie spun in a circle. That usually meant he knew whatthe word eat meant, and that's what he wanted to do.

Allen dumped the other half can of Alpo on Frankie's plateand tossed the can in the trash. By the time Allen had dressed, put on hisflip-flops, and poured his coffee, Frankie was done eating and waiting by thedoor. Allen grabbed the leash, and out they went.

When the two pals arrived at the top of the seawall, the skywas just taking on an orange glow. The few clouds on the horizon were purple, red,orange, and pink, going from dark to light as they ascended upward into thesky.

“Look at that, Frankie. That's something you won't see inHerkimer.”

Frankie sat down on the concrete. He didn't seem to careabout the sunrise. He was just wondering what time the birds showed up.

Allen sipped his coffee. He looked down the seawall. Sevenor eight other spectators had arrived. They all held their cell phones in frontof them and took pictures. Many of them turned around and took selfies with thesunrise behind them.

“No one sees anything as it happens anymore, Frankie. Theyall see it later while inspecting their pics for flaws. Look too fat—delete.Double chin—delete. Bags under my eyes—delete.” Allen sat down next to the dogand placed his mug on the other side of him. “Maybe I should take a selfie. Oneof you and me. I'll frame it and put it on the mantle at home. Would ya likethat, boy. You want a picture of us on the mantle?”

“Mornin', Crane,” said Cam.

Allen looked over to see the old couple walk up next to him.

“Hey, Cam.”

“This here's my lovely bride, Mildred.”

Allen stood and held out his hand. “It's a pleasure to meetyou, Mildred.”

Mildred spread her arms. “Can I get a hug, Mr. Crane?”

“Of course.”

Mildred threw her arms around Allen and gave him a bigsqueeze. “I love your books so much.”

Allen wondered how long he was supposed to hug. “Thanks,Mildred, that means a lot,” he wheezed, shooting a desperate look at Cam.

“For God's sake, Mother,” he said, “let the poor boybreathe.

Mildred released her grip. “I have two of your books up inmy room. I'd love to have those signed, if it wouldn't be too much to ask.” Shereached down and petted Frankie.

“Bring them over anytime. I'm in room eleven.”

Cam helped Mildred to her butt, and then sat down besideher. Allen took a seat with Frankie between him and Mildred.

Mildred reminded Allen of his own grandmother, but thenagain, she kind of reminded him of everybody's grandmother. She wore a thin,light gray granny dress and brand-new white Skechers. Over her shoulders was atan cardigan that was much too big for her. Allen figured it was probablyCam's.

“Take some pictures, Cam,” said Mildred.

“Did you bring the camera?” Cam asked.

“I thought you had it.”

“That's what ya get for thinkin'.”

Allen took out his cell phone. “I can take a few for you andtext them to you,” he offered.

“Well, thanks, Allen. That's mighty nice of ya,” saidMildred.

Allen snapped a few pics. “You want me to get a couple ofyou together in front of the sunrise?”

“You want a photograph with me, Mildred?” Cam asked.

“Reckon that would be nice. Help me to my feet!” she yelled.

Cam obliged, grabbing onto her outstretched hands andpulling her upright. “Got deep vein thrombosis in my leg,” Mildred volunteered.“Doctor told me I shouldn't sit for too long a spell. Get's swollen somethin'awful. Here, I'll show ya.”

She started to hike her dress.

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,” Cam cried, “the boy don't want tosee swollen leg!”

The old couple got into position with their arms around eachother's waists. Cam was about a foot and a half taller than Mildred; it tooksome doing for Allen to frame them in the viewfinder.

“Smile,” Allen said.

Mildred smiled a smile that could light up Broadway. Cammanaged a grimace.

“That