Colloque

Colloquy “Well, hello stranger, where have you been?” "Around." “No, really, I mean it’s been at least three months since I last saw you here at the bus stop.” “Okay, nowhere really and a little bit of everywhere, you might say.” "Come on now; you've got to give me more than that. I've told my husband about our little talks, and he won’t believe me when I tell him about today. So give me something juicy to lay on him.” "It's not that interesting, but I was in Hillsdale for a while. Then I went to Greenberg for a week or so, and after that, I slid down to Coppers Beach, along the coast. Now let me see, on the way back here, I stopped in Murphy for a couple of weeks. And now I'm here.” "You're right; it's not that interesting. So what did you do?" “You know something I don’t remember, you being this damn nosy.” “I don’t mean to come off as being nosy, but you always had such interesting stories, that sort of brightened my day. It seems like nothing ever happens in this dull town where we live. Oh, forget it for now. Here's my bus. I hope I see you again tomorrow." “What the hell is wrong with you, old man? Didn’t you hear me yell to hold the bus? Now I’m going to be late for my meeting with my PO. Are you deaf, you old fart?” “No, I’m not deaf, I heard you just fine, just didn’t want to spend the energy to get up and try to grab the driver's attention. Anyway, I figured if you wanted to catch that bus, you'd move your fat ass a little more quickly. Just goes to show, you shouldn't spend your life expecting other people to do things for you." “You’re a real wise ass old man. I now think, since I got to be here a while, I might as well spend that time teaching you a lesson.” “I sure hope you can swing faster than a bullet from this 357 under my shirt. You want a give it a try there, fat boy?” *** “Hey, two days in a row, are you working on a new record? I told my husband, about seeing you yesterday. He said, all those towns you mentioned, that there had been a murder in each one during the last three or four months. Then he joked and said I might be enjoying a morning chat with a serial killer. And then he just laughed.” “Oh- yeah, I wouldn’t worry about that. But you never know, in today's world, if you can see what I mean?" “He’s always joking about something, my husband that is, but most of the time I don’t even pay attention to it because he does it so much, you know.” "You'd be smart not to pay attention to that particular scenario. I doubt a serial killer would just be sitting in a small town on a bench at a bus stop. I would think he'd have much more on his mind, like planning his next move and how to do it without being caught." “I’m sure you’re probably right about that, but do you remember yesterday when that big boy was yelling to hold the bus? That was John, and I've seen him at the stop many times. I could've got the bus driver to stop, but John's sort of a bully you know. And the bus driver said he was running late, anyway. That's not why I'm bringing it up, though. I heard on the radio news this morning that his body was found about two blocks from here under that canopy attached to the side of the school gym. There was a big bullet hole in the back of his head. Did you two talk at all yesterday?” “We batted a few words back and forth, but nothing significant. I will agree, though, that he did come off as a bully. He wasn’t here a minute before his attitude began to irritate me, so I just got up and left.” “Is that a gun I see in your waistband?” “No, I don’t think so.” “But when you moved just now, I’d swear that was a gun I saw in your waistband.” “No, I’m sure you’re mistaken, it was probably my silver flask. I like to have a little drink now and then, but it could be a big ole knife though or a piece of stained glass with a keen edge.---You know what I mean?” “I guess you’re right and I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything like you’re a criminal or something. I’m sure I must be wrong. Oh, there’s my bus again, and I have to go now. Maybe I’ll see you again tomorrow. Goodbye for now.” *** “Yes ma’am, may I help you?” "Yes, I'd like to talk to someone about a murder. I think I know something helpful. I’m supposed to be at work now, but I decided to come to the police station first and let someone hear what I think I know.” “I’m the desk sergeant- let me get a detective for you to talk with.” “I’m Detective Browning ma’am, what is it that you think you need to tell me?” “I think I know who murdered Big John last night. You know the big boy you found over near the Beaumont bus stop with a big bullet hole in the back of his head. And while I’m thinking about it, this person may also be responsible for those half-dozen deaths around the state for the last three or four months.” “What’s this person’s name, ma’am?” "You know, I don't think I've ever heard his name, but I'm pretty sure I know where he'll be tomorrow morning around this time.” *** “Good evening, Doris. That is your name- correct?” “Yes, but how did you know?--- How-how-- did you know where I lived?” “That’s beside the point right now, Doris. I’m leaving town again, but before I go, we need to get something straight between us.” THE END