Scáth Powers

I finally come back to the cafe from my day of work on the farm to start my other job underneath it. When I walk in I see those ridiculous, fancy pants suits the chumps are wearing. As ridiculous as them flivvers out front, and worse they match them too. Well at least two did. One fella in a grey and navy suit and one in a yellow and black pinstripe- they must be the drivers and they just sit staring at me. The other two are the gabbers, I could tell right away. One in a tan and purple threads and the other, the extremely forward one Sam, in a black and red pinstripe outfit and a s**t-eating grin. I hate them already, but money is money is money right?

'Well Mr. Powers, it certainly is nice to finally make your acquaintance. I spoke with you on the telephone, I'm Sam Carolla.' We shake hands and I motion for him to sit back down at the table where I join him. The two drivers sit at the table behind him and the other man joins us at our table.

'This here's Bill Bailey, a friend and partner of mine in the bootlegging business. Now normally I would just send him or another associate to discuss my offerings but I felt compelled to personally make an appearance out here in Paradis. I hear your hooch is keen enough, but more appealing to me is the fact that no one else is after it. Besides your loyal farmers and the occasional passer-by of course. You have a fairly large operation here, one that I see potential in. Potential I would like to see grow, and more-so that I would like to help grow.'

He speaks well-enough, but I see greed in his eyes. A hard-egg. I know he sees a simple booze-hound or b**b when he looks at me, but I have tricks up my sleeve as well.

'Well then, Mr. Carolla, that certainly does sound like a proposition worth flapping our gums over. But first things first,' I smile and nod at Gina to go get some of the whiskey, 'how about we loosen up a bit and sample this beverage you came all this way to discuss.'

'Why that sounds just fine Mr. Powers. I have a feeling it'll go just right with this banana bread that little tomato made.' With that I saw him reach out and grab a slice of the little beast's banana bread, something I hadn't noticed until just now was on the table.

'What tomato?' I could feel the anger rising inside of me. How did he know about her and why was her bread on the table? I'm getting angrier by the second, but know I need to keep my cool in their presence.

'That little doll that's in the back working on dinner. Ain't she just the cutest thing, she yours?' I know he's being complimentary but I can feel my face getting red.

'That's my niece, she's not supposed to be in here. Gina!' Just as I call for her, she comes from behind the counter with a bottle of our hooch and some glasses on a tray. I can instantly tell that she knows why I'm calling her.

“Yes Scáth?' She looks scared, but still has the god-awful smile on her face. I hate that smile.

'What is she doing back there?'

'Well she brought some flour from the house since we was out heres at the cafe. When Mr. Carolla here founds out Isaiah was cooking the dinner he kindly requested she do it instead. I just wanted to oblige them is all.'

Just as I start to say something, Mr. Carolla cuts me off.

'Now I don't see what the fuss is all about. She seemed nice enough and I was inclined to give whatever poor fella was back there a break from a woman's task. No one should be in trouble now, it was all my bidding Mr. Powers. How about we just continue with our business discussion and try some of that fine-looking liquor there.' The smug b*****d, I hate him even more now; but still, I know this deal will be mighty profitable.

'With all due respect,' I steady my voice to continue, 'we do things a certain way around here, always have. I know you're looking to join in our operation, but my niece has nothing to do with that. So, please, leave her out of the equation next time. Gina, get her back to the house. Mr. Carolla, let's get back to the business at hand.' I could see the men behind Carolla slowly reach inside their coats during my little speech, as they waited for a signal. Now that I'm finished, there's silence as he contemplates.

'Your joint, your rules Mr. Powers. Now back to your whiskey, cheers.' He raises his glass and I do the same, as Gina rushes to the back to get that little beast out of her mother's kitchen. My blood cools and I hear his proposition. When our meeting finishes about an hour later, I shake his hand. Now officially a supplier to Silver Dolla Sam, now officially apart of one of the biggest bootlegging organizations in the country. Now that my business is in order, I need to go deal with my so-called pleasure. 

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you for sharing the amazing story. You brought back to life the days of hard work and little profit for the woman in the old world. I like the characters and the situation. I wanted to read more.
Coyote