Brokenhearted in Bakersfield

 

76 - OUR SUPERHERO

As Maggie an’ me pulled up to the Manager’s Coach she patted my knee, “You do what you gotta do.  I’m going back to my place and pack.  I’m moving in.”  Then she took a look at my double-wide and said, “I suppose the last set of losers to occupy this dump took all the furniture with them?”

“Every stick what wasn’t nailed down, and some that was,” I replied.

“Well, good,” she snapped her fingers.  “I’ll go shop for new stuff, and we’ll charge it all to the business.  That should get Kartone’s cigar flapping.”  Maggie laughed as she tore off.

“Don’t forget to pick up a tub and toilet,” I called out.

As Maggie drove outta Broken Heart Park, Miss Dorothy drove in.  She tooted her horn at me.  Miss Dorothy was in her Night Nurse uniform sitting up front at the driver’s seat.  In the back sat Little Billy with his inner tube and Joe Plato with his head all wrapped in bandages.  I could see Little Billy and Joe appeared to be engaged in a rather animated conversation between themselves, until Joe abruptly looked up and noticed me.  He then tapped Miss Dorothy on the shoulder, and they slowly pulled up in front of my trailer.

Joe’s voice boomed, “Mr. Park Manager!  It’s of upmost importance we speak about security.  Will you be ta’home in a half hour?”

“Suppose so,” I responded.

“Good,” he smiled.  Then Joe patted Miss Dorothy’s shoulder as he pointed toward the far horizon.  Suddenly he shouted to the skies:  “Safety!  Security!  The Silver Ghost!”

I had no idea what that was about, but I couldn’t help wondering if Joe’s bandages wasn’t tied a little too tight.

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