“Jesus.” Finn pulled a dollar out of his pocket and handed it to Bennet. All the other men but Magnus did the same.

“I said he would,” Sal said.

“You said shit,” Otto said.

Goldwin dropped the rifle on the ground and lurched off into the woods toward the baying of his dogs. Mina, like a living wound, dragged herself after him.

Dear Ruth,

Will you let me no why I am so bad? A friend told me he thought this young man was kin of yours but it is clear now that what is going on between you and this young man is of a man-woman kind. You think I have no place to speak. But many people in this town new we were dating so it is bad for me. We spent much time together of a man-woman kind and I thought we would be together in a man-woman way. I do not get why for four months you said yes to me taking you out. You even let me buy you a stake at a very fancy place that you did not even eat. What did you think I wanted. You are a single woman and I am the same, did you think I just wanted to feed you up. Not that I mean you had to be my girl or nothing but why did you keep saying yes. That diner cost me near fifteen dollars. I am torchered to think maybe I should have been more bold. I saw a movie with a man taking hold of a woman even though she hit him and wandered maybe if this is what you wanted. You did not seem to like my place and now your with this young man. Did he buy you a more high price stake in New York City. And he is much younger and not from this country even.

Goldwin

PISGAH 1956

PISGAH
1956

FRANK LAY UNDER MR. FLORSHAM’S DODGE DART, WORKING on the front axle. It had been a week since his stomach was pumped out and it still felt painful to swallow. The only thing he remembered from that night was the desire to save Annie. From what, he didn’t know.

“Frankie?” His mom appeared at the back door in her robe. “A sandwich you want, honey?”

“I’ll get it in a minute.” After pulling himself out, he leaned back against the car’s grille, but eased off as the two jacks holding up the front end creaked ominously.

“I don’t mind, honey. I get it for you.”

“Why don’t you get dressed?” he said. “Least give that thing you’re wearing a wash.”

“What’s wrong with you?” She came into the yard.

Anger flared in him, made him feel rigid and brittle.

She stood close now. “In one week you don’t look me in my face.”

He kept his eyes on her feet in their pink furry mules: bunions and painted toenails.