“Did he seem dazed or confused?”
“Your friend the same as always. Make-a the joke.”
On the grill, the hamburgers were beginning to burn at the edges. Mark flipped them between buns, adding generous quantities of mustard, pickle, catsup, and sliced onions to Salt’s sandwich.
Penny now was so excited she scarcely could take time to eat.
“Which way did Jerry go when he left here?” she questioned eagerly.
“He crossa de street. After dat, I did not see.”
“Jerry lives in the St. Agnes Apartments not far from here,” Salt recalled. “Maybe he’s there now!”
Quickly finishing their sandwiches, the pair gave Mark a dollar, refusing to accept change. As they started away, he followed them to the door.
“You know-a somebody who wanta good job, good pay?” he whispered. “Frankey is eating me outta all my profits. You know-a somebody?”
“Afraid we don’t,” Salt replied. “We’ll keep it in mind though, and if we hear of anyone wanting work, we’ll send him around.”