He touched down on the Parliament Hill and was instantly surrounded by high-booted RCMP constables, looking slightly panicky. He held his hands up, startled. "What gives, guys?"
"Sorry, sir," one said. "High security today. One of Them is speaking in
Parliament."
"Them?"
"The bugouts. Came down to have a chat about neighbourly relations. Authorised personnel only today."
"Well, that's me," Hershie said, and started past him.
The constable, looking extremely unhappy, moved to block him. "I'm sorry sir, but that's not you. Only people on the list. My orders, I'm afraid."
Hershie looked into the man's face and thought about hurtling skywards and flying straight into the building. The man was only doing his job, though. "Look, it's payday. I have to go see the Minister of Defense. I've been doing it every month for years."
"I know that sir, but today is a special day. Perhaps you could return tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow? My rent is due today, Sergeant. Look, what if I comm his office?"
"Please, sir, that would be fine." The Sergeant looked relieved.