Father William stared at him for a long moment, trying to decide if Cain was making fun of him, then nodded a terse acceptance and returned to his meal.

Moonripple brought Father William’s beer over to him. Cain was about to start questioning her again when the door opened and Charles Marlowe Felcher walked in, strode up to the bar, and ordered a beer and a whiskey. He looked hot and discouraged, as indeed he was.

“Good afternoon,” he said, nodding to Cain and Father William.

“Greetings, neighbor,” said the preacher. “I think it’s still morning for a few more minutes, though.”

“It feels like afternoon,” One-Time Charlie replied, downing the whiskey and going to work on the beer. “I’ve been making the rounds all morning, looking for work.”

“There’s not much to be had on Safe Harbor,” offered Father William.

“So I’ve been finding out.” He signaled to Moonripple and held up his whiskey glass. “Keep this thing full, honey.” He looked back to Father William. “I didn’t know this joint was a restaurant, too.”

“It isn’t,” said the preacher. “I’m a friend of the family.”

“You live around here?”

“Just vacationing.”

“You, too?” he asked Cain.

“Just drinking beer,” replied Cain.

“What’s your name, friend?” asked Father William.

“Felcher, Charles Felcher,” was the reply. “But most people call me One-Time Charlie.”

“Orpheus told me about you,” said Moonripple disapprovingly.

“Well, whatever he told you, it was probably a lie,” said One-Time Charlie. “After all, that’s what he gets paid for doing, isn’t it?”

“He doesn’t get paid at all,” she said.

“Then he’s a bigger fool than I thought,” laughed Charlie, downing a second whiskey and holding his glass out for a refill.

“He’s not a fool!” she said hotly. “He’s a great artist!”

“Didn’t anyone ever tell you that the customer is always right?” said One-Time Charlie.

“Not when he says bad things about Black Orpheus, he isn’t,” she replied defiantly.

“Have it your way,” he said with a shrug. “I’m just here to have a drink and cool off.”

Father William returned to his repast, while Cain sipped his beer thoughtfully and decided not to question Moonripple any further until One-Time Charlie had left or passed out. He decided that the latter was more likely, given the rate at which he was putting away whiskey and washing it down with beer.

“Moonripple, my girl, I think I could use another two or three sandwiches before you bring out my dessert,” announced Father William when he had emptied his plate. “And put a little more cheese on them this time.”

“Yes, sir,” she said, heading off to the kitchen.

“That looks like a nice job, being a friend of the family,” commented One-Time Charlie, looking up from his drink.