Kid Dynamite was sullen. “I’m better now. But how would you know? I haven’t seen you at any of the fights. Personally, I’d rather be me than him. In fact, I feel sorry for the guy. Frank was out of line badmouthing me. It wasn’t called for. That’s what the whole beef is about. I don’t know what they told you, but I didn’t do anything except raise my voice a little.”

“Raise your voice a little?” Mikey said. He pulled the car over to a gravel culvert where two men in bib overalls were fishing with stink bait. Kid Dynamite braced himself as Mikey switched off the engine. The big man took a deep breath and exhaled. Nephew and uncle sat watching the river for a moment. Each of the fishermen had a can of Budweiser in hand. “The beer drinker’s stance,” Mikey said. “They always stand that way. Isn’t that something?”

“Nothing in there but carp and bullheads. How can you call that fun?” Kid Dynamite said. “They ought to get off their asses and do something more active. You can buy fucking fish.”

Mikey laughed, “The problem I’m having here is that I like you. You act like a spoiled little brat. No harm in that. I’m trying to get past that so I can help out. As troublemakers go, you’re just a pissant. I was worse. Shit. There was a depression. It was different. It took the law of the fist to salvage me. Is it the same with you? I treat you decently, things are okay for a while and then you start in on him. Look,” Mikey said, pointing his finger in the kid’s face. “I’m on your side on this one. But you can’t terrorize him in his own home. You scared the fucking shit out of him.”

“I’m not a scary person,” Kid Dynamite said. “I’m mild-mannered as all hell.”

Mikey laughed again. He reached over and clapped his nephew on the shoulder. “Loosen up, kiddo. You’re tighter than a drum.”

Kid Dynamite shrugged. “I’ll win the fight. I trained. I’m in shape. Once we start exchanging punches, I’ll know what to do.”

“Your dad had balls. He was half my size and would take on anyone. But the thing that makes you good in the ring is the very thing that makes life outside the gym impossible. I was hoping you would end up more like myself than your crazy father.” The glare of the sun bounced off the river, and Kid Dynamite used his hands for an eyeshade. Mikey replaced his sunglasses and said, “You’re sure Mag hasn’t been ragging on Frank?”

“Yeah, I’m sure. She knows he’s sick. She doesn’t rag on him. In her way, she’s trying to help him.”