Six am
The chimes seemed to come from nowhere. Six bells. There isn’t a bell tower nearby or even a church looking building. Zeb sat up and looked around to see where sound came from and went so far as to mumble to himself asking “where in the world?” As if to answer his question a rather round man in a tightly stretched blue uniform pulled up to the courthouse in a little dented yellow datsun. He got out and stood up then stared in direction of the park. He seemed to notice Zeb looking back for a moment then looked off to the left and put his hand above his eyes as though he was looking into the distance at something important. He then turned and strode to the patrol car he had parked behind head high and chest out. The strain on the buttons was noticeable even from twenty or so yards away. He got in the patrol car and then with lights but no sirens turned the car around towards the park. He didn’t stop at the curb however but instead drove right up on the grass so the patrol car was next to the bench Zeb was sitting on.
“good morning officer!” Zeb said in a preemptive strike, “I was just hoping to see a civil servant fulfilling his duty so that I could ask- where is the bell tower those chimes came from? It certainly must be a lovely church building to have bells like that.”
The officer took off his hat and exited the car, standing in the open door clearly puzzled.
“Should I have said Sherrif? I probably should have. Where is the church with those bells?”
The officer’s face brightened and cleared. He knew about this. “Church? Oh it used to be two blocks up pine way. Fine structure it was and one of the biggest in the county… Church goer are you?”
“well yes sir as often as I can. What happened to your church? Was it fire?”
“Fire? No it was Arson! Everyone in town knows it was. They just won’t let a man do his duty I tell you. It was that wild child and his friends, I just feel it in my bones. Fire department said something about faulty wiring. I tell you the founders of our fine city built better than that. It had to be Arson!”
“A shame for sure to lose a fine building like that. I am certain you will have the culprit right away inspector.”
A clear smile now forming the officer turned off the patrol car and came and sat next to Zeb. “well a God fearing respecter of fine buildings like you will surely understand the difficulty involved. I can’t poke my nose in too far without upsetting people. I have had to work every Sunday since for the last two years just to keep things together. Very difficult job. I practically run the town for the mayor you know. But I can’t let up! Duty and all!.”
“And a fine town it is, a fine town.”
“you know friend, I was worried you were another bum passing through town but I guess you are just another early riser like me. You have to be on the lookout though. It can be dangerous here as well.”
Suddenly the officer was on his feet again. A scowl on his face. “Trouble, I better go!” he walked around the hood and climbed back in his patrol car, then nodded and backed all the way to where the car had been parked before. A tiny white haired lady with a scarf over her head glanced toward the car and hurried up the steps to the door and raced in just as he did. He followed close behind. Low speed chase drama all for his enjoyment.
…
The street was still rather empty but the smell of breakfast was in the air. Zeb had noticed Pete go past with an empty news paper sack on his shoulder and was ready for eggs again, hopefully without spit this time. Out of nowhere a voice called to him. “you know he was just upset that you took his morning sitting spot. If you had been under the tree he wouldn’t have said anything. Guess Caroline Frye has saved you too now huh?” “who is that?” Zeb asked. “Caroline Frye. The little old lady whose back porch I sleep on. She thinks I am a military vet.” “Why would she think that?” “Didn’t you notice? First one not to. Cuz of my leg. I came into town about a year ago on the bus just like you but sat down with my crutches next to me on the bench at the depot and she walked up and asked me where I was when I lost my leg. I guess I was feeling bitter cuz I just told her I didn’t want to talk about it. She said her Johny never wanted to talk about the war either and kind of took me under her wing.”
“What did happen to your leg?”
“Honestly I don’t know. I went with some friends partying on a buddy’s graduation night. Had some good hash and plenty to drink. His house wasn’t far from the tracks so I just figured that we went walking on the tracks. Long story short I woke up in the hospital to people telling me I am lucky to be alive and asking what I might know about my buddy’s whereabouts. When fingers started to be pointed I knew it was time to leave so I came here.”
“And Mrs Frye has been looking after you ever since?”
“Angel woman. That is what I call her. Every day she goes to push for a medical marijuana joint in town here just to take care of me. Stick around and I am sure she will give you breakfast too. “
“Thanks, I sounds like someone I would like to meet.” I will do that.
Labels: Zeb Pete
