Callisto by Torsten Krol Read Free Book Online Page B

whizzed and sputtered, then I said to him, “What can I do for you?” That was the correct response to his question under the circumstances, because it showed politeness without me admitting I’m not Dean like he thinks I am.
    He put out his hand which I had to reach up to take hold of because he’s at the top of the steps and I’m at the bottom. He’s an old guy, way past sixty with gray hair that’s still thick and neatly barbered. He’s wearing a suit and tie and there’s a little neat mustache on his lip. I could smell the aftershave on him, which reminded me I hadn’t shaved in a couple days plus I’m stinking with sweat after a long day pushing lawnmowers in the sun. “Chet Marchand,” he says. “Thought it might be you I passed on the road. Saw the sign on the truck door. How’s business this fine day?”
    â€œOkay, I guess.”
    I come on up the steps and opened the door, still hoping maybe Dean’s going to come out yawning and take care of this, but that didn’t happen, so I had to step aside polite and let this guy into the house. I led him on through to the kitchen, glad I tidied it up this morning, and invited him to take a seat, then thought maybe I should’ve taken him through to the living room instead, but it’s too late now. The living room was kind of a mess anyway, so this way is better. I sat down too, thinking maybe I should offer him a glass ofwater, which I wanted one of myself but it could wait. Obviously this guy Chet was nobody Dean knew, so the visit couldn’t be important and wouldn’t take long to finish off. I was still thinking it’s insurance he’s selling. The note I left for Dean was still on the table so I scrunched it up good.
    Chet gave me a smile, very friendly and says, “Is Mrs Wayne at home today?”
    Who the fuck is that, I’m thinking, then it strikes me Mrs Wayne must be Aunt Bree. Where the hell was Dean who should be answering this family stuff?
    â€œShe’s in Florida on vacation.”
    â€œFlorida on vacation,” he says. “That’s a fine state to visit and see the natural wonders.”
    â€œI’m going there someday myself.
The Yearling
, that’s a Pulitzer Prize book, it happens there in Florida, only a long time ago.”
    â€œThat’s a fine book. I remember reading it when I was young.”
    He was starting to make me nervous. What did he want?
    â€œWell,” he says, getting down to business, “I must say I’m a little bit surprised Mrs Wayne isn’t here, but no matter, we can discuss matters just between the two of us. Okay if I call you Dean?”
    â€œSure.” He could call me Donald Duck, but that didn’t make it so.
    â€œPlease call me Chet. Now about my little trip out here, Dean, has your aunt given you any indication what this might be about?”
    I looked up at the ceiling like I’m thinking hard about it. “No.”
    â€œOh, well, I’m surprised about that, but that’s okay. Giventhe nature of the correspondence between us, I assumed there’d be discussion between the two of you concerning the matter.”
    â€œNope, she never mentioned a word about it, not to me.” That was a true statement. I was finding it’s possible to tell people lies without actually lying. This was something I never thought of before and was a big surprise.
    â€œWell, then,” he says, “maybe I should start at the beginning, as they say.”
    â€œOkay.”
    â€œMrs Wayne is concerned about you, Dean. I might have said worried, I might even have said distraught, but the word I’ve chosen, just to keep things in perspective, is concerned. This good Christian woman is concerned for your future, Dean, and I apologize for the dramatic nature of what I’m going to say next, but she’s concerned for your very soul.”
    â€œUhuh.”
    â€œMrs Wayne has