Episode 25 Sneaky Pete's

David reveals the current situation to Robert about Marie and Todd.

Robert arrives at Hennepin Ave and 6th St about twenty minutes later. He rushed there since he's worried about David. Has he gotten into a fight with Todd? Is Marie ok? Or is he simply having car trouble?

Robert parks where he can find a spot a block away and starts to hike to where he thinks David might be. David, per his personality, has given Robert very little to go on.

Robert stands awkwardly near the meeting place and waits to see any sign of David. After about ten minutes, Robert decides to enter a small pub nearby. I'll sit near the window and hopefully still see David when he shows up. If he shows up!

Sneaky Pete's pub has been on Hennepin Ave in Minneapolis for about 25 years. It's a small, dark place where you won't see blaring TVs, pretty ladies, or live music.

Robert orders a cocktail from the bar. The bartender is an overweight, middle-aged man. With some annoyance he asks, “Who are you looking for?”

Robert pays for his drink and responds in a calm way, “An older guy. He's short and very shy. He was probably waiting for me outside.”

The bartender smirks, then points toward a seated patron, “You mean that dude?”

Robert wheels around to look directly at a grinning David, sitting alone in a booth with a beer in front of him.

Robert pauses, then asks, “I assume you're in trouble David.”

David's grin disappears as he takes another sip of his beer. As Robert approaches a pub patron from nearby says with a laugh, “This ain't no gay bar guys!” Robert ignores the comment and sits down opposite David in the booth.

“So what's up? Is Marie ok?”

David doesn't answer. He looks down and stares at the table.

“David, you need to tell me why I'm here. You don't look like a bar hopper.”

After a minute of silence after which Robert starts to stand up to leave, David waves him to sit down.

Finally, David quietly says, “This deal with Marie can't go on.”

Robert coaxes David by saying, “Talk to me.”

David answers by saying, “It's been a rough few days with Todd. He's been drinking even more than usual. He tries to make things right with Marie by being kind, adventurous, or charming for a day or two, but then he just disappears and comes back drunk, dirty, and broke.”

Robert only manages to utter, “Holy crap!”

“Yeah. But this time it was over the top. He went into Marie's store on payday and started embarrassing her by being loud. He demanded she sign over her paycheck. She finally did. She wanted him to just leave. He spent her week's paycheck in one night! This can't keep happening!”

Robert realizes he's witnessing a quiet, reserved man who is in over his head.

“Robert, I confronted him. I found him and we talked. It didn't go well. I told him to stay away from her. I said, Stay away from my little girl! I was mad. He told me if I ever talked to him again about anything at all he'd slit by throat.” David couldn't speak any further. He was visibly shaking.

After a long moment Robert reaches out and covers David's hand with his.

“No worries David. This situation with Todd won't continue. And we won't speak of this again will we? Marie deserves better than that guy.”

“I understand Robert. I'll never speak of this again. Ever.”

Robert has one more question though. “Where can I find Todd? Where does he spend his time?”

David explains, “Todd is apparently leaving today for Bagley. That's where his family's farm is. He goes there to work and get a paycheck. He doesn't give a damn about the farm itself.”

“That's all I need to know.”

Robert finishes his drink with one large sip and puts his glass down. “Good. Take it easy man. Finish your beer.”

Robert intends on dealing with this situation soon, as Marie needs peace in her life. But not tonight. Robert needs to make a plan.

Reviews

[Sara Mercury]

This guy sounds a bit like a guy who is a much less intellectually-challenged Carl, in the film, Slingblade, who goes around like a vigilante, bumping off people who really need to just go away, or they will continue to destroy those lives closest to them...

[Ballpark Frank]

Robert doesn't deal well with a******s and he wants to protect those he loves.

[Sara Mercury]

Sounds just like Slingblade. Ever seen the film?

[Ballpark Frank]

No. I'm curious about it though.

[Ballpark Frank]

I saw it. Cool! A little depressing, but so is my story. Lol

[Sara Mercury]

Great! Yes, it's both a sad and very disturbing picture...

[Samuel Dickens]

That David is an odd one--add him to a growing list of others. His concerns for his daughter are legitimate, of course, but turning to Robert for help is unfortunate.

[Ballpark Frank]

He's a trusting older guy. A bit naive.