And I Think It’s Going To Rain Today

The bus from Bakersfield drove into the Portesrville station and lurched to a stop, hurling those who rose too soon back against the seat backs in front of them. Richard felt the jar of a man from behind and heard the quick utterance, ‘Sorry’. Waiting until most of the passengers had departed before he stood up, stretching his arms forward and back then bending his back, trying to remove one or two kinks. It’s been a long trip, a very long trip. Now I’m here. Richard sidled into the aisle, moved about twenty feet, and stepped off the bus. His driver was unloading the luggage and stood checking claim tickets as passengers reached bags, packages, and the assortment of boxes on the walkway. Richard handed his claim check and picked up his suit case. He started for the doors of the station. Remember what Doc said: slow down and scan the room before you enter. Don’t look anybody in the eye and they won’t remember your face. Then go to the phone booths and look for a map of the city in the front of the directory. Every city, even the small ones have a map in the directory. Richard found a directory under the pay phone. A map was still there. He scanned the grid, slowly memorizing it. Taking a folded piece of paper from his pocket, he unfolded it, located the street on the map, and placed the paper into his pocket again. Next he walked across the room and out the front door. He crossed the street and turned the corner. Another couple of blocks and turn left, should be on the right hand side of the street, number 602, on the corner. Ten minutes later his steps stopped and he stood in front of 602 Elm Street, an older structure built in the once popular pseudo Victorian style, ginger bread molding tacked on as an after thought.

Six feet of lawn stood between the hotel and the sidewalk, a low hedge served as a fence between pedestrian and guest. While the facade still echoed of middle class respectability while decades had eroded much of that quality and the many layers of paint threaten to cover what was left. Richard inspected the outside facade. Doc was right, it looks respectable, and that is what I want, to look respectable. He said a man can hide in a sea of cops if he looks respectable. The walkway invited him to climb the few steps and walked through the wood and glass double doors. Richard crossed the lobby and stood in front of the desk.

A woman stood behind the desk watching him enter the lobby and stop in front of the desk. He’s young, looks like he’s trying to grow into that suit. Something about the eyes though, I wonder what kind of trouble he’s been in. ‘What may I do for you?’

‘I have a reservation under the name of Martin. I wish to check in.’ Her facial features soften as she relaxed the muscles in her jaw and across her brow. She turned to check a card index, picked the one with his name on it.

‘You were supposed to check in yesterday.’ Her voice betrayed a bit of irritation.

‘Yes, I know. I’m very sorry. My transportation was delayed in Omaha, a mechanical problem with the bus. I hope my reservation is still good.’ Richard tried to be as polite as he knew how. Doc always said being polite don’t cost anything and gets you a long way with people. Her name tag identified the clerk as Ms Winters.

‘We understand. Please sign the register, won’t you? I’ve put you in room 206, up the stairs and to the left at the end of the hall. You are paying in advance, I presume?’

‘Yes, at least to the end of next week. I’ve business here.’ Richard laid the bills on the counter. She counted them then placed the bills in petty cash type of box. Richard took a good look at the woman. She was tall, almost too thin for her height, silver hair, or was it gray? Her age appeared indeterminate and her clothes out of style by twenty years, at least. She handed him to key to his room as though it was a dead mouse. He took it from her, the key, not the dead mouse. Richard was about to leave when Ms Winters added, ‘There’s a fresh towel in your room. The shower and commode are in the common bath, middle of the hall.’

He turned, crossed the lobby, and walked up the stairway. Richard found his room, number 206, just as Ms Winters described, at the end of the hall. He unlocked the door and walked in.

Room 206 was small, perhaps twelve by fourteen feet with one window opposite the door. It was furnished with the standard hotel furniture. One double bed with brass tube head board, one plain dresser, and two plain straight back chairs. A worn short napped carpet cover the floor, the color faded. Richard placed his suitcase on one of the chairs and looked at the bed. This place is old but clean, quiet too. Next he removed his suit coat and placed it on the chair back, after which he took off his pants and carefully folded the legs along the crease and put them under the mattress, hoping to press them with the weight of his body as he slept. Richard looked at his watch, Only eight, seems later. My legs are cramped and sore from riding in packed buses. And my arms feel as if they might fall off any minute. There’s a couple of swallows left in the flask, should help me sleep. Got to get up early tomorrow. Doc always said not to hang around the lobby of the hotels, attracts too much attention. Besides, I need a job, almost out of money. Richard slipped into bed and drank what was left. The warmth of the alcohol soothed his mind and released the pent up sleepiness. His mind relaxed and he was asleep.

Sunlight flooded the room. The maid had left the curtains open when she cleaned the room and Richard had neglected to close them last night. The light caught his eyelids, penetrating them, startling him awake. My god, what time is it? He looked at his watch. Six thirty, I better get up and shower, get out of here. I’ve got much to do. Richard found the common shower room empty and set about his toilet. By seven thirty he was down the hall and out the front door. The morning sun felt good against his forehead and cheeks. On the main drag he found a small cafe with a public phone inside. Richard ordered coffee and toast, his dwindling finances could not afford more substance for breakfast. A check of the phone book revealed the location of the local library, about seven or eight blocks distant. It should be a safe walk, too early for the cops to be too suspicious of me walking along the street. Just in case, keep the suit buttoned and walk like I live here. As it was, the library was twenty minutes by foot and not open yet, he had a fifteen minute wait. He chose a park bench farthest from the street, judging it would be safe enough. The library was about to open but he didn’t want to be the first customer. Better to enter with several people than alone, less conspicuous.

Once inside the library Richard set about completing two tasks. Doc always told him that a library is your friend. If it is in a good part of town, then that means people have pride in their town. Libraries always have telephone books, so take your time and go through the yellow pages. If you see a lot of bail bondsmen then you know the crime rate is high. If the crime rate is high, your risk of being rousted is very high, find another town if you can. Richard looked at the pages and counted the number of bail bondmen. Fourteen, not that many. Now check the doctors, look for those who specialized in drug addiction. Too many drug treatment centers and the drug trade is high. There will be too many informants on the streets. Again, the count was low. This city looks safe enough. Time to check the job wanted adds in the newspaper. I need to find something fast, like dishwasher. Ah, here’s one. A diner on Old County Road needs a dishwasher. There’s another one on River Drive. Check the locations. River drive is six miles from the hotel, the one on Old County is only ten blocks. I’ll try that one first.

The walk only took an hour and the location was good, near a couple of small factories, some warehouses, and a few offices. Upon arriving, Richard entered the diner and found a man, maybe in his late forties, behind the counter. Only a couple of patrons were sitting on the stools in front of the counter and there appeared to be no other help in the sight. Must be the owner. Short, bald, and a little over weight, that figures. Let’s see, I got my story. Standing directly in front or the counter, Richard made eye contact with the owner.

‘Hi, I’m Richard Martin. I was wondering if that job as dishwasher is still open?’ The owner wasn’t expecting such a direct approach. He was intrigued by Richard’s demeanor and presence. Richard was one of those individual who always look younger than they are and that suit one sized too large completed the look, it was an idea he got from Doc.

‘Well, young man, no, I haven’t hired anyone yet. You around from here?’

‘No, eastern Ohio.” My accent gives me away, that much I know. Remember now, act young, act twenty. ‘Tell the truth, kinda down on my luck. I was trying to get to LA, but just run out of money. But hey, I don’t mind washing dishes. Used to do that for my aunt. She had a small place, mostly breakfast and lunch, closed up in the afternoon.’ Yeah, lay it on a little. Be sincere and honest like. He’ll bite, I know it.

‘I’m only paying minimum wage, but you can have a couple of cheap meals every shift. I’m Howard Marks, by the way. I do the short order cooking. You’ll have to wait on the booths against the windows. I can’t leave the grill, you know.’ He stuck his hand out as if the seal the deal. Richard took it and gently moved his arm up and down a couple of times. ‘By the way, where are you staying?’

‘The Paradise Hotel, I’m paid through till next week.’

‘You can’t live there on the wages I’m paying. You’re going to need a cheaper place to stay. My sister runs a boarding house three blocks from here. I’ll tell her you're coming next week. It’ll cost about half what you’re paying now. Normally supper’s extra, but I’ll tell her to slip it free. Start now, if you want, plenty of dishes, pots and pans to scrub. Get it done before the lunch rush.’

‘Thanks, you bet. You won’t be sorry.’ Richard took off his coat and hung it up, then rolled his sleeves past his elbows and strode over to the double sink in the back. Dozens of dishes were stacked up, most still had food on them. On the sink apron were at least a dozen fry pans that needed to be scoured. I can’t make this look too easy else Howard will get suspicious. Just take my time, string it out. Let the man think he’s getting more for his money.

The next few weeks went quickly. Richard had moved to the boarding house and started to save a little money. Howard’s sister, Annie, had tried to ask Richard about his past but he always answered about his hope for the future. The other boarders didn’t seem to be terribly interested in his past history and he never volunteered to reveal much about himself. Doc said always talk about the future and folks will stop asking about the past, just make sure it’s always the same general dream. You know, a wife and couple of kids someday, maybe a house in the future. Tell em you can’t think about it now, got to save up for the future before you can have it. Remember, always play your cards close to your vest, don’t say more than you have to. So when Annie pressed him about his past, Richard talked about his future. “I’m looking to find a decent job, can’t dishes forever. My own apartment would be nice and a good used car. You know, better myself.’ Soon Annie stopped prying. At night, Richard kept to himself reading one of the library books he had checked out. At work he mentally kept track of the people who came into the diner, noted who the regulars were, but always said as little as possible. Somehow problems always come up when you least expect them. He noticed that two patrolmen always came in for lunch a little after one each day, unless it was a weekend. Today they were early and brought a friend, Detective Sargent Jamison. The trio sat in a corner booth with a sheaf of papers and a few photographs spread on the table. Howard’s voice broke his concentration.

‘Rich, go see what the police will have.’

Richard nodded his head and headed for the booth. One of the two patrolmen greeted him jovially.

‘Hi Rich, how’s the dish washing business?’ Richard blushed for a moment. The detective caught the change in color on Richard’s face and stared intently at him. Richard tried to shake that look off. He regained his composure.

‘What can I get you?’ He focused his attention on the two patrolmen. But the detective was the first to speak.

‘You’re new here, aren’t you?’

‘I just started working here about three weeks ago.’

‘No, I mean you’re new here in town, right?’

‘Oh, I’ve been here a while longer than that.’

‘Yeah? Where you come from?’ One of the patrolmen interrupted the questioning. Tapping the detective on the arm the patrolman called Pat asked.

‘Any idea who’s been boosting the goods stolen from Acme’s warehouse? The detective turned his gaze from Richard for a few seconds the faced Richard again.

‘No, no idea. But maybe the thief is someone new in town.’

‘Frank and I think it’s the Rodriguez kid. Same MO as the older brother.

‘You dummies, the older brother is doing a stretch in Tehachapi. Still there last time I checked.’

‘Yeah, but Sarge, we’ve seen the younger brother hanging around here lately. Say, Rich, bring us some coffee, would you?’

‘Sure thing’ Boy, that was close. If that detective had run me in, I’d be sitting in jail right now. Keep cool, boy, just keep cool.

After thirty minutes the police left and Richard hunched his shoulders and let them fall again. He let his breath out and returned to the sink. I must keep a sharper lookout if I’m to stay out of trouble.

Richard walked home that evening, thinking about the day, thinking about the future. What was that Doc always said: if you’re going to hide in plain sight you’ve got to change your outwards behavior. Yeah, Doc, I’ll do that, maybe join a church. Make myself a little more respectable. Yes, maybe start taking adult ed classes at night. After supper Richard sat in his room planning his next moves. He had the community flier in his hands, one of those little news, gossip, and advertisement rags that come free to each house. Let’s see, adult ed classes start in two weeks. I’ll go over to the community center on Saturday and pick something out. And then there are these churches. Methodists? No, too middle class and too liberal. Baptist? No, Doc says you get too riled up and then want to start blurting out your life story. Lutheran? Yeah, a quieter group, Doc always told me they are a bit more working class. I’ll attend the service Sunday, see how it turns out.

When Richard arrived at the community center he checked his watch. Not bad, about forty minutes, two miles, I think. Nice exercise in good weather. He found the adult ed councilor and together they agreed on two courses, one in bookkeeping and the other in office management. Together the classes would take up two nights a week for the next twelve weeks. Because Richard was considered low income the courses were free and the books were loaned. Not bad, not bad at all. Just have to remember to do well but not out shine anyone else. As Doc use to say: don’t stand out and attract attention, you want to look average. He walked around the center, reading the various notices on the bulletin boards. Some were for other classes, some social activities, and some just community notices. Over the next three months Richard became a fixture in the classrooms two nights a week. During the small talk after class one of instructors mentioned a possible opening at Acme Manufacturing on the loading docks.

‘Go over to personnel and fill out an application, mention my name to the secretary.’ John Ryder was one of those teachers who liked to help his students become successful beyond the classroom.

‘Thanks, Mr. Ryder. I’ll do that tomorrow at after the lunch rush, I don’t want to inconvenience Mr Marks.’ Nothing came of it, the secretary said they weren’t hiring at the moment.

On Sundays Richard made the longer walk to the Lutheran church for morning services, almost an hour in length. At first he sat in the back just watching and trying to imitate the rest of the congregation. He stood when they stood, tried to sing when they sang, but otherwise tried to remain unobtrusive. But the minister and several members of the welcoming committee were there to greet him after the services and soon enough one of the men started giving Richard a ride to church every Sunday. Ralph Swensen was one of those men. He was a plumbing contractor who was expanding into the supply side of the business. Margo, his wife, ran his back office and chaired the Ladies Auxiliary for the church. Four months later Richard found himself being asked to spend Thanksgiving Day with the Swensen family, turkey, dressing, all the trimmings. After dinner the three adults went into the den for a warm eggnog with brandy.

‘Richard, as you know, my plumbing supply business is growing. Margo here, has become very busy in the office. In fact, her work is eating into our family time. I need some help, a kind of general purpose man. Someone we can train to handle the unloading and stocking of supplies that come in every week, track the inventory, and update the accounts.’

‘Mr Swensen, are you offering me a job?’

‘It’s Ralph here in the house, Richard. And yes, I am offering you a job, just as I described. It won’t pay much at first and I’m can’t promise the business will grow quick enough in these first couple of years to give you much of a raise. My competitor is fighting me hard, as he should.’ It was Margo’s turn.

‘I told Ralph we would include bus fare since the warehouse is on the main line. I always make Ralph a hot lunch and I'll make one for you, as well. So far the figures tell me we can only pay about twenty percent more than you get now at the diner. But we’d both be grateful if you took the job. It would mean a lot to us. And in the future we would be far more generous.’

Richard was silent for a minute. Doc, what should I do? Never expected this. First time anyone said they needed my help. ‘Okay, I’ll take the job. When do you want me to start?’

Ralph spoke again, ‘Let’s give Howard Marks two or three weeks notice. He’s got a business to run and will need a replacement. Say middle of January at the latest?’

‘Yeah, that would be good. Howard’s been good to me. Middle of January should work.’

So, almost imperceptibly, Richard’s life was changing. He was opening, little by little, his life to others, becoming involved with their lives. One Sunday after services Margo approached Richard. Accompanying her was an attractive young woman. Richard had seen her sitting with her parents in one of the pews closer to the front.

‘Richard, I’d like you to meet Jill Morgan. Jill, this is Richard.’ Both Richard and Jill made their awkward hellos, then Margo continued.

‘The church Spring Social in scheduled for April and I asked Jill if she wouldn’t mind heading it up this year. Of course she needs help and I thought you might like to give her a hand. It would only be one night a week.’

‘Richard, I could really use your help. Margo says you are really good at organization.’ Jill looked Richard in the eye for a the few seconds she spoke, then lowered her eyes a little. Jill grabbed a lock of hair and gave it a little twist before smoothing it in place.

‘Of course, Jill, I’ll, ah, be glad, ah to help.’ Both women were all smiles, the trap had been baited and set. What would follow was the standard informal little chats about the committee, the church, and hopes for the future. Richard found himself in strange territory. Come the night the Spring Social most of the congregation had thanked the hosts, Jill and Richard, for making it a splendid evening. There was singing and the children put on a biblical play. Richard had even convinced a guitar duo from the community center to give a performance. The two were each assuring that the success of the evening belonged to the other partner and both blushed in turn as the praise flowed. Richard went outside to sit and think for a few minutes while the event wore on. I don’t understand what is happening to me. Jill is a pretty woman, very bright and articulate. I think she is attracted to me. What am I to do? His thoughts were interrupted by the voice of George Morgan.

‘Richard, that was one of the best socials this church has had in a while. You did a great job.’ Richard stood up and faced George.

‘Jill should get all the credit, all those ideas of hers. I mean how could it not be great?’

‘Nonsense, Richard, Jill told me of your contributions and your ability to organize and plan well. By the way, my wife, Edna, and I would love to have you come for dinner next Saturday. I think Jill would love to have you over, too. Say about seven? Jill will be happy to pick you up.’

A few seconds of silence passed, then Richard stammered, ‘Yes, er of course, ah, I’d love to come.’ Now what? What am I getting myself into? That question would weight heavily in his mind all though the week. After the dinner, Richard went back to his room engrossed it thought. This was a new experience. Doc never said anything about this. All that time we sat in the exercise yard, he never talked about women except to say I should avoid them. 'They’re trouble, Rich. Nothing but pure trouble.' But that can’t be true. Margo is a nice woman, I saw so as she helped to teach me the business, never asked for anything in return. And Jill, and her mother, they’ve been very nice to me. I even like them, really like them.

The next Sunday and all the ones that followed saw Richard sitting besides Jill in the family’s pew at church. And he often stayed for coffee in the reception room after, sometimes taking part in the discussion. George, Mr Morgan asked him to become an usher. Other members would ask him for Sunday dinner when he was not busy with the Morgans or the Swensens. Funny, I rarely saw Ralph and his family socializing with George and Edna. Maybe I just didn’t notice before. All through the summer and into the fall the romance of Richard and Jill was in full bloom. Everybody saw it save Richard. Ralph’s business grew and Richard gained more responsibility in the business. He gained more respect in the community, especially from the police who saw instead of a possible miscreant, a full fledged pillar of the community. By the following May the plans for marriage had been laid, the question popped, and the rings bought. One night the couple sat talking of the future.

‘Richard, how many children do you want? I want two, a girl and a boy, if possible. I think it would be fun to raise one of each.’

Richard looked thunderstruck. How many children? I’m not sure I want any. This marriage business is getting out of hand. ‘I haven’t really thought about it. Gosh, the idea of being a daddy kind of scares me.’

‘Oh, come on Richard, being a father isn’t that hard. You just love them and do the right things, that’s all.’

‘I suppose so, but why two?’

‘I told you silly, I want a girl and a boy. Oh, before I forget, Daddy want’s to see you. He’s in his study.’

Richard left his bride to be and headed down the hall to George’s study, a large room lined with bookcases and a tall vaulted ceiling. Her father sat behind the desk reading legal briefs as Richard walked in.

‘You wanted to see me, sir? George looked up from his work and leaned back in the chair.

‘Come over here, Richard.’ He motioned to the chair to the side of his desk. “You know, you were such a help with that Owens rental problem that I thought,’ George paused for a few seconds, ‘well, my partners and I thought it was time to bring you into our real estate partnership as a part time manager. Now remember, we’re not millionaires yet, but we do have options on other properties, and…and we could use a little help. We, I mean myself and Jill and the other partners are impressed with your organizing skills. And Ralph tells us you have taken a load off his shoulders at his business. Well, you can see, we have faith in you. What do you say?’

‘I’m totally stunned, sir. I mean, er, ah, I don’t know what to say.’

‘Say yes. I told Jill that if you worked for us, well, she has a house in mind and I think we could swing that purchase.’

It’s the night before the wedding rehearsal dinner and Richard is trying to remain calm. The wedding is close and all this planning is driving me nuts. Jill’s father, George is going to buy the house she wants, a down payment as a bonus for managing his properties. Now we have the wedding rehearsal dinner tomorrow. Just one challenge after another. Oh, here’s Jill with another.

‘Honey, look over this guest list and see if we missed anyone?’

I started reading the names from the top of the first page and there on the second page was a name that stuck a stick in my eye. Henry Rollins was the name. I startled with trepidation.

‘Jill, who is this, this name right here. A Mr Henry Rollins?’

‘Oh, that is one of Daddy’s friends from law school. He’s a very famous district attorney for one of those big cites back east. Daddy says there was a multiple murder case that made Mr Rollins famous five or six years ago. It made all the headlines for two of three weeks back east. New York City, I think’

I am filled with dread I had buried years before. I recognize that name. I feel that fear. I see that face. I hear that voice. I want to run. Now.

15

William Bean

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