Monday, August 13, 2018

incident at the border - 17. boys night out


by nick nelson

illustrated by konrad kraus and roy dismas

part seventeen of forty

for previous episode, click here

to begin at the beginning, click here





“it’s a nice clear night, dear. i think i will go for a little walk.”

“so soon? did you not go for one just a few nights ago?”

“no, it was more than two weeks ago, i just checked my diary. i can show it to you if you like.”

“oh no, i believe you. but i think it is supposed to be rather chilly out.”

“i will bundle up. i will wear that nice scarf you bought me for my birthday. it will be the perfect occasion for it.”

“very well then. have a good time. i know how much you enjoy your nights out with the boys, as you call them.”

“thank you, dear. i hope you have a nice pleasant evening yourself.”


ernestine watched as charles collected his hat, scarf, cap, and umbrella and closed the door behind him.

and then waited a minute more until she heard the elevator arrive. the elevator made almost no noise, but she had exceptional hearing.

and then she went to the window and watched as charles emerged on to the sidewalk, exchanged a few words with the doorperson, and then headed down the street toward the lit up shops and restaurants.

when he was gone from view, ernestine took out her phone and punched in a number she was careful not to have on speed dial.

jeffrey answered right away, as he almost always did.

“jeffrey? it’s ernestine. charles has gone out for the evening. if you are free and would like to come over. “


“why yes, that’s sounds jolly. i have a few little things to attend to, but then i shall be right over.”

“until then,”

*

the berkeley was one of the smallest banks still in existence, but was open - to those it was open to - twenty-four hours a day.

its office was completely unmarked and located above a sushi shop and a baseball card collectors shop, both of which were closed for the night when charles arrived.

charles rang the banks unmarked bell and was buzzed into the narrow staircase between the two shops. he climbed the stairs in the dark and opened the office door.

he was a little surprised to find mr wade not there, and ms folger there in his place, seated at mr wade’s desk.


“a bit short notice this time, mr beaugard,” ms folger greeted him with a smile.

“oh? i did not mean to inconvenience you.”

“not at all, not all, we are open twenty-four hours after all.” ms folger continued to smile her little cat faced smile.

“i don’t like to give my wife too much notice. not that she is likely to have me followed. mr wade agreed that it was a good policy.”

“mr wade has been moved to another office. you will be dealing with me from now on, mr beaugard.”

“oh. i see.” charles was taken aback but tried not to show it.


“i tell you what,” ms folger went on, “why don’t you drop by some time tomorrow. say around two o’clock? we can discuss how we can best go forward.”

“will there be any significant changes? “ charles asked, keeping his voice steady.

“i don’t foresee any. but we will discuss it tomorrow.” ms folger reached into the desk drawer and began taking out packets of money. “for tonight, just go on about your business as usual.”

“i will try,” charles smiled, and began putting the packets of money into the pockets of his overcoat.

“a bit chilly outside,” ms folger observed.

“yes, it is.”


18. a good thing




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