Echo

not contagious.” He nodded at Abby, who smoothly reached up and removed her glasses. She smiled at Peter and looked him straight in the eye.
    “Jose is my distant cousin and unfortunately he gets it bad; can’t even open his eyes in the light. I have a much better time with the condition, but the older I get the more sensitive I seem to be. My brother, Scotty, also has the condition.” As she slipped her glasses back on without batting an eye, she smiled and said, “You’ll be meeting Scotty soon enough.”
    That’s my girl , Jose thought proudly. I think we’re actually going to accomplish this.
    “Well then, Abby, I must thank you for indulging me.” Standing, he held out his hand to Abby and then to Jose. “I will put some details on paper and get contracts to you by tomorrow. I further suggest that we incorporate the three of you and make me an employee of the corporation. There are some tax advantages you would enjoy. I will put my salary specifications in the contract, subject to negotiation. Ok, with you both? Please leave your contact numbers with my receptionist and we’ll be in touch.”
    ###
    Watching Abby and Jose from the window of his office, Peter wondered why he agreed to work for this interesting couple. He recognized himself as a very meek mannered professional. He didn’t like chaos in his life. He liked control. Women found him nebbish and only mildly successful. This is a poor county after all. He nursed his share of resentments as he always got passed over for the sharper guys in the room. At his age, he thought he would have married and had a few children by now. He thought he could support a family; as long as his wife worked too.
    His clients were mostly African American, whites and the occasional Latino. No Muslims. They engaged their own Muslim attorneys; the Imams. He, himself, did not support Sharia law. And this was a large Muslim area. Sighing, he realized he would probably never do any better than he already was. Perhaps this unusual opportunity meant he might find some adventure attractive?
    He thought about Abby Preston; a very lovely woman. And single. His forehead beaded with perspiration at the ridiculous thought of the two of them together. He took a handkerchief from his breast pocket and carefully dabbed the sweat from his brow. He removed his round eyeglasses leaving his owl eyes naked. Cleaning them off, he replaced them and turned his attention to the work piled up on his desk. Speculation about Ms. Preston must wait until later.
    ###
    Scanning the street carefully, Abby and Jose hurried to the car, locking the doors behind them.
    “You did good, Abby. We’re on our way.” Abby smiled and absently nodded her head, wondering how much more trouble Tomas would cause her. What business did he have following them around town?
    “How come you haven’t said anything about what happened in Peter’s office?”
    “I don’t want you to worry. We’ve got it covered. Just keep the doors locked and we’ll be out of here faster than you can say, my brother has a tail. ” Jose cracked up. Abby glared. “Come on, you’ve got to laugh. Let’s go home and break out the blowtorches.” They gave each other a high five and started the car.
    Arriving home, they found Scotty on the sofa with Echo and Barney, the television turned to a news story, playing softly in the background. Appraising the sofa, Jose noticed the beaten condition. Barney and Echo could sure be hard on the furniture.
    Jose wanted to start melting down the gold but he thought Scotty could do a better job than Abby. He didn’t want to risk her getting burnt.
    Walking over to shut off the television, he glanced at the news story. Just some politician. They sure are an attractive family . Turning up the volume he heard the announcer say, “Senator Omar Nasir with his beautiful wife, Jane, and their charming fourteen year old daughter on the eve of the senator’s announcement from his home in Sarasota, Florida. They are pleased to announce that he will be seeking his party’s nomination as the first Muslim president of the United States of America.” Watching the happy family wave to the crowd, Jose caught a glimpse of someone he thought he recognized. An older man, in the crowd behind the senator’s family … Nah, can’t be . He didn’t know anyone of note, certainly not someone in politics.
    Sarasota again; good omen. Snapping off the television, he clapped his hands.
    “Come on, Scotty.