>>5124196“Wyatt says ‘<span class="mu-i">hiya</span>’ of course.” Stripes explains as Paulie confers with the newly-arrived <span class="mu-g">LOUIE THE BARBER.</span> “The big lug woulda’ come along, but he had ta’ replace a whiny belt right when we were about ta’ head out–his words, dig?”
Yea, you giggle, you dig! Watching your pals help load the barber’s supplies into Paulie’s truck, you raise an eyebrow back towards Stripes–how’s <span class="mu-i">he</span> doing?
“You kiddin’? Havin’ the time of my death, sis!” He replies with a grin! “All I do all day is work on cars, make sure things are runnin’ smoothly around da’ <span class="mu-g">DRIVE-IN,</span> an’ pal around wit’ the other boneheads!” Sending a friendly wave towards your Pop-Pop, Stripes leans in and whispers in your ear: “between you an’ me? These old guys got da’ <span class="mu-i">best</span> stories! I was shootin’ the shit with one of those buccaneers you sent us the other night an’ he told me all about this one girl who-”
The skeleton pauses mid-sentence as a realization spreads across his face. “You uh… you know what? That’s uh… that’s more of a <span class="mu-i">guy</span> story.”
But you wanna <span class="mu-i">HEAR iiiiit,</span> you whine! When Stripes holds firm, you stomp your foot a few times. No dice.
“Anyways, things are good, sis–<span class="mu-i">real</span> good. An’ they’ll be even better when we help you kick that <span class="mu-r">TIM</span> guy’s bony butt outta’ that tower of his!”
Damn right, you grin, just like old times, right?
“Well sure,” Stripes replies with a cheeky grin, “Minus Cliff pretendin’ ta’ be someone else an’ makin’ it look like we’re about ta’ sell ya’ out, of course!”
Shaking the barber’s hand, Paulie lights a fresh cigarette and leans against his truck.
“Heard that’s the last of the <span class="mu-b">PARTY GOODS.</span>” Stripes remarks with a nod of his head. “Atta’ girl, Stan–might wanna start drinkin’ water now, cuz’ you’re gonna get a <span class="mu-i">LOTTA</span> free drinks once we’re all set up!”
You’d <span class="mu-i">better</span>, you retort! So did he just come along to see you, or?
“Well I’m <span class="mu-i">supposed</span> ta’ help Paulie run the shop,” Stripes explains, lighting a cigarette of his own, “Buuut he looks like he’s got it under control.” Taking a long, thoughtful puff, the greaser gives you a serious look. “Cliff asked me ta’ come too–wanted me ta’ give you a message.”
You blink–what’s he talking about? The skeleton leans in close again, close enough to be sure that no one else can hear.
“He says to watch out for your employers… and everyone else workin’ for ‘em.” Leaning back to give Mitzi a wave as her tired eyes watch you both, the greaser ends the message with a shrug. “Nothin’ you didn’t already know, of course, but still.” Placing his smoke back in his mouth, Stripes gives you a fresh smile.
“Good ta’ see ya, kid–go talk to da’ others if ya’ want. I ain’t goin’ nowhere.”
Good idea!
>CONTD. 