Curiosity Industry
Part Tweleve

The final echoes of that last syllable drove like nail through Herman's ear. As the sound of Grady's laughter snapped in his head, he charged at him swinging wildly and landed a long swooping right hand. He felt the reality of McDowell's existence as he followed through with the blow. Grady danced backwards, loosing his balance. Nasty cobwebs splintered in his head and he spilled to the ground. Herman turned back to McDowell, grabbed his arms and pulled them together behind the bully's back, digging a knee into his spine.

Grady cried, pitifully, and begged for mercy from Henry. "Make him stop, please stop." Grady's face flushed. He sobbed as Herman drove his leg deeper into his spine. Henry wrenched Herman from Grady's back and him on the ground.

Drunken laughter returned from the building at an even higher decibel. It flowed over Herman with the early light and woke his mind to anger. Sliding over to the driver's side, he re-ignited the engine.

After swimming all night in the memories of his brother, Herman paused. He tried to imagine what his brother might say to him. "But its wrong, Herman, a sin to steal. Sins stick pins in baby Jesus' crown," the voice protested.

Jim came from the building and screamed at the dust billowing from the road. His Cadillac disappeared into the brown fog, winding up the road to Cincinnati. A green blotch grew smaller, swallowed by the morning light.


THE END