Wind Without Rain

by Jim Hallaux

  Mr. Van Winkle was not impressed with the young man. Sure, he’s neat, his shirt and trousers pressed, and courteous, but where’s the suit?

  “I’m Tom Thompson… and my father always said, ‘You can call me anything but late for dinner,’ But I will call you Mr. Van Winkle, sir.”

  Rip called out to his son, “I believe you forgot to take down the Help Wanted sign. I am sorry, son, but the position is filled.” It was not true, but Rip would wait for a more suited applicant.

  “I see,” Tom said. His disappointment showed. “May I leave my name and number? In case things do not work out for your new hire?”

  “Of course,” Rip said appeasing him. “Let me grab you a pencil and paper.”

  As Tom wrote the information, he explained, “The phone number is for Job Corps where I am studying. You can leave a message with the receptionist.”

  Rip started to cut the conversation short when his son came out from the work area. Frank pushed up his goggles to his forehead.

  “Did you say Job Corps, young man?”

  “Yes. Why?”

  “Great thing they are trying to do. My friend, Larry Alred, works over there. You know him?”

  “Yes, he’s my counselor.” Tom felt a connection. “He’s helped me a lot.”

  “We went to school together. Terrible tennis player, but a good man.”

  “I don’t know. He seems to run me all over the court.”

  Frank glanced at his father as he continued to take over the conversation.

  “The key with Larry is to overplay his forehand and attack his backhand. He cannot handle it.”

  Tom shook Frank’s hand as he approached. “Thank you for the advice. I will be on my way. It was great speaking with you.”

  “Not so fast, son. Does Larry know you are applying for a job?”

  “Yes. Weekends only though. I am not through with Job Corps yet.”

  “Uh huh. Wait a second.”

  Frank walked past his father, reached over the display of watches, and grabbed a heavy, black telephone, its cord tangled like spaghetti. He dialed zero on the rotary dial.

  “Yes, would you connect me to Larry Alred at the Job Corps out at Tongue Point? Thank you.” After a pause, “Larry. Frank Van Winkle. How have you been?” Pause. “I would love a game but I was hoping for more of a challenge. Listen, I have a young man,” Frank glanced at the information Tom had written, “Tom Thompson, here applying for a job on the weekends.” Pause. “I see. That is all I need to hear. Look forward to Sunday. About Noon?” Pause. “See you then.”

  Frank cradled the handset on the phone base and looked to Tom.

  “The job is yours, Tom.”

  “That is great. When should I start?”

  “What are your plans today?”

  “I am free all afternoon.”

  “Good. Let’s take care of some paperwork and then I will turn you over to my father.

  “Come on,” Frank said, “Let’s get you settled in.”

  Tom turned to Frank’s father. “It was a pleasure meeting you. I’m looking forward to working for you, Mr. Van Winkle.”

  “Welcome aboard. Please call me Rip.”

  “Rip it is, then.”

  Tom took a quick glance at the window that displayed the engagement ring Merri Sue loved, then followed Frank into the back room.

  21

  November 21

  Sally sat down next to Penny in the cafeteria. They exchanged smiles. Sally had conjured up a plan and Penny was a big part of it.

  “Hi,” Sally said.

  Penny smiled but said nothing.

  Sally ate a fry and took a bite of her BLT before trying again to start a conversation. She stared across the cafeteria at Tom who was sitting with Merri Sue. They shared many smiles Sally noticed. “So, you and Merri are good friends?”

  “That’s right.”

  “Nice girl,” Sally said to build trust.

  “Yes, she is my best friend here at JC.”

  “She seems to be enjoying her company today.” Sally nodded her head in Tom’s direction. Penny turned but looked uninterested.

  “Yeah, but it’s none of my business.”

  “You’re right. It’s just that Tom and I had a thing going in school. Pretty hot, actually.”

  “Really? Things seem to have changed for Tom now.”

  “I don’t know about that, but I do know he came on to me yesterday.”

  “Oh yeah? And how’s that working out for you?” Penny said glancing back at Merri Sue and Tom.

  “We’ll see,” Sally said as she rose, ignoring her half-eaten sandwich.

  Penny watched as Sally fluffed her hair, took a deep breath, and started towards Tom. Another deep breath as she neared the table.

  “Hi, Tom,” Sally said in a friendly tone. “Good to see you… again.”

  Tom was caught off guard. He did not remember her name. Merri sensed Tom’s awkwardness, felt something was wrong, and stood. She stuck out her hand in Sally’s direction.

  “Hi. I’m Merri. And you would be?”

  Sally ignored Merri.

  “After yesterday, Tom, I thought I’d come by to say hi.”

  Tom, taken aback, glanced at Merri and saw anger. He realized he was standing in quicksand with no one there to throw him a rope.

  Merri’s defenses kicked in. Her walls went up. She turned to Tom.

  “What happened yesterday, Tom?”

  “Nothing, Merri. We—” Sally cut him off before he could explain.

  “We spent some time together,” Sally said not lying but not painting a fair picture either. She looked into Tom’s eyes. It was all Merri’s vulnerability could handle.

  “I’m outta here,” she declared as she retreated toward the exit.

  “Merri, wait,” Tom called out, but she continued walking away.

  “Forget her, Tom. She’ll be okay. Let’s sit and talk.”

  “I have nothing to talk to you about. Stay out of my affairs. You hear?”

  She shrugged her shoulders posing an innocent face.

  Tom looked at Merri walking away. He glanced at the clock hanging on the cafeteria wall. Lunch hour was over. No time to fix things now, but they would spend the afternoon in Carpentry workshop together.

  No telling how that’s going to go.

  22

  November 21

  Members of the carpentry group met at the Automotive Shop worksite. Fortunately for Tom, Merri Sue would be there. Unfortunately for Merri Sue, she would have to show up. It would be awkward.

  Tom showed up first. He took to the roof to lay sheathing with a classmate, Edgar. They hung out awaiting the rest of the class. For Tom, that only meant Merri. He did not wait long. She rounded the corner of the automotive shop and approached the new construction. By habit, she looked up at the project, proud of what they were accomplishing, but saw Tom there. Her eyes dropped to the ground floor. Her stomach churned.

  Tom started to say something, but she avoided his eyes. This might be a long afternoon.

  As the team got started, Merri and Ralph lifted a four by eight sheathing up to the roof where Edgar and Tom pulled it up. Tom tried to smile at Merri, but her eyes avoided him. Edgar secured the board while Tom measured for a partial piece needed.

  “Four by five and a half,” he said. Merri never looked up but helped Ralph lay a full sheet on the sawhorses. She measured, picked up a Skill saw, and while Ralph held the needed piece, she made her cut.

  Tom decided on levity.

  “Don’t have all day up here,” he said.

  Finally, Merri looked up at him.

  “You seem to have plenty of time when you need it.”

  Tom was lost. What did that mean?

  Merri wasn’t done. She had too much pent up inside her.

  “OK, who is this Sally chick and what does she mean to you? Tell me now and tell me the truth.”

  “I don’t have a clue what you are talking about, Merri. I don’t know her. T
oday was only the second time I’ve seen her.”

  The instructor coming over. Tom focused on his work.

  “We have a problem here?”

  “No, sir,” Tom said.

  “Only one,” mumbled Merri.

  “What was that?”

  “Nothing, sir. No problem.”

  “Good. Let’s get back to work.” The instructor glanced up at Tom. He refocused on the sheathing.

  Ralph said in a low voice, “What’s going on? You’re bringing me into this.”

  “Sorry,” Merri replied. “Tom is a shit is all.” She thought for a second. “Men!”

  “So, I’m included in that list?”

  Merri smiled, though her anger at Tom still simmered inside her.

  “Of course, not,” She said. “At least, not yet.”

  Ralph helped Merri lift a sheathing to the roof.

  “Good. I was uncomfortable being so close with a Skill saw in your hands. Never seen you angry before.”

  “He flirts with another woman. Saw it with my own eyes. Same old story.”

  “Doesn’t sound like Tom. You sure?”

  She glanced up at Tom as he placed the sheathing. “Doesn’t matter anymore.”

  Cold personalities were everywhere the rest of the afternoon. At four o’clock, Merri left quickly. Ralph lagged to talk to Tom.

  “What did you do? She’s pissed.”

  “I have no idea. One minute we have something going. The next, this. You tell me cuz I haven’t a clue.”

  “She said she caught you flirting with another woman.”

  “What? No way.”

  “That’s what she said.”

  Where did that come from? Sally!

  “It was an old classmate from high school. Don’t even know her name.”

  “She seems sensitive for a reason. Go easy on her.”

  Tom felt frustrated by it all.

  “Maybe I need to focus on Job Corps.”

  “Can’t catch a fish if you don’t throw out a line.”

  “Seriously? That’s the best ya got?”

  “You have to pay to get the good ones.”

  “Good thing I’m broke.”

  They both smiled but Tom was not giving up on Merri. He’d confront her later and clear things up.

  Penny lay on her bed, studying. The front door burst open and Merri tossed herself face down on the other bed.

  “What’s going on?” Penny sat up on the edge of the bed. Merri said nothing, her face buried in the pillow. “Okay. None of my business but if you need to talk, I’m here for you.”

  Merri sat up, turning to look at Penny. Her eyes red. Her arms crossed over her chest.

  “I’m pissed.”

  Penny had never seen her friend so mad. “Pissed at who?”

  “I’m pissed at Tom and every other man I’ve ever known”

  “What do you mean, Merri?”

  “All my life, men promised me this. Promised me that. It’s all hot air. They’re all full of shit.”

  “Not going to argue with you there. But your expectations are a bit high. They’re only this side of Cro-Magnon.”

  Penny caught a slight smile at the corner of Merri’s mouth. She stood and sat next to Merri, putting a comforting hand on Merri’s shoulder.

  “What did Tom do?”

  “We were having lunch together. Everything was going fine. Then, someone named Sally comes over and starts flirting with Tom. Right in front of me.”

  “And Tom did what?”

  “Well, I don’t know. She had her arm around him and gave him THAT look.”

  “So far, the only guilty party is her. She came over. She put her arm around him. She looked at him.”

  Merri thought about it a moment.

  “I guess you’re right. Oh, I’m such a mess.”

  “Wait. I remember something she said.” Penny thought a moment longer. “Tom came on to her yesterday. Maybe your gut is telling you something after all.”

  Tom headed for Merri’s room. Confusion fogged his mind. Why am I in trouble here? What did I do wrong? In the legal system, you’re innocent until proven guilty. Not with women!

  Tom crossed the road to the cafeteria and entered the squeaking door. He passed the buffet line which was closed. Only shiny stainless steel remained. And a vase of flowers at the end for decoration. Tom caught the eye of a student working in the kitchen. Tom pointed to the flowers.

  “I need these more than you do,” he said.

  The student cupped his hand over his eyes as if saying ‘I see nothing.’

  Tom grabbed the vase and continued to Merri’s. He was not sure what he would say. Hopefully, the flowers would help though. He rapped on the door. It took forever for a response but then he heard footsteps. The door opened. It was Merri’s roommate, Sammi.

  She remained silent as she stared at Tom.

  “Is Merri here? I need to speak to her.”

  “She’s not here,” Sammi said, though she motioned with her eyes that Merri was behind the door. “Try the tennis courts.”

  “Sammi, go for a walk. Merri and I need to talk.”

  Sammi scrambled outside around a man in control. Tom closed the door behind him. Merri stared at him, eyes wet with tears. She tried to wipe them dry.

  “Merri, whatever you think is going on, you’re wrong. I didn’t —”

  “You came here to tell me I’m wrong? Great start. How’s this for an ending?” She grabbed the flowers out of the vase and broke the stems in half. She held them in the air and released them to the floor. “That’s all I have to say. You can take them and stick it.

  But Merri, I —”

  “But nothing. Just leave… leave!”

  Tom stood in silence for a second, then turned for the door.

  “Merri, I don’t know what you are talking about. I only know what was starting between us is important to me.

  Merri had heard that before. She tossed the flower vase at him.

  “Take your vase back to the cafeteria. It means something to them.”

  Tom looked at the vase. Looked at her. Left the room.

  PART FIVE

  Crossroads

  23

  November 25

  Bill slid his right hand through his red curly hair, his try at grooming, then wiped it on his jeans. He caught Joe watching him, so he licked a pinky finger and ran it over an eyebrow. He smiled at Joe and they both laughed. They were on their way to The Basement where Peter, Bill, and Joe were squatting. Pete said he had great news. He did not elaborate. The guys trespassed the backyard of the three-story Victorian to its basement door. They passed by a thin, rectangular window meant to let light into the basement, but a heavy piece of cardboard had replaced the window. The guys did not want their presence known. Bill looked around and, seeing no one, threw his shoulder at the door as he turned the doorknob. Most of the ground in Astoria was making a slow march to the river. Foundation problems for the 100-year-old home made the doors not fit. A massive crack in the cement next to the entrance was proof of it; a small price to pay for free rent.

  As the duo entered The Basement, Joe noted a stranger in their midst. Damn it’s the weird guy from the bar.

  Peter turned to greet his buddies.

  “Guys.” His voice upbeat, he turned to the stranger. “This is a new friend of mine. I believe he can help us.”

  The men exchanged pleasantries, but Peter did not introduce the unknown man by name.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t get your name.” Bill was uneasy with the stranger.

  Peter jumped in to control the discussion. “That’s because he wants to help us but wants no notoriety for it. I’ll explain in a minute. Sit, guys.”

  The men scrambled to find a seat. Bill sat in a bent-leg beach chair while Joe chose a camping ice chest; old but still able to support his ample girth. The stranger sat on Bill’s bed pad which was not sitting well with Bill.

  Peter remained standing to sell his thoughts to the gang.


  “Remember last weekend we discussed needing to make a large impact to create change in our society? Well, you'll find our friend's talent interesting.”

  “Help us with what, Peter?”

  Peter pointed Joe’s way as if he had an epiphany. “Exactly!” Peter exclaimed and then lost his direction. He stood in silence for a second until his thoughts refocused. “Mr.—” he hesitated, “X has significant skills we need to make our statement.” Mr. X nodded his head as he scanned the guys and acknowledged his introduction.

  “I’m not with you, man,” Joe admitted, and Bill nodded agreement.

  Bill stretched to his left and grabbed a cigar box mixed with the rubble that covered the floor. He rolled a joint with little concern for Mr. X’s presence. Bill licked the paper, sealed it, and lit it. Taking a long hit, he savored it for a moment and passed it to Joe. Bill thought to himself he had enjoyed better, but any joint beat a day without one. Joe offered the doobie to Mr. X who hesitated before passing it to Peter without taking a hit. Bill was not impressed.

  Peter continued. “I’ve been thinking. If we want recognition, people need to know who we are. We need an image. A name. What do you think about the People’s Army?”

  “We don’t have an army, Pete.”

  “So, it’s symbolic, Bill. And, if we make an impact, perhaps an army sympathetic to our cause will grow.”

  “I like it, Pete,” said Joe.

  Mr. X nodded but remained silent.

  Feeling he had control of the guys, Peter moved on. “So, Mr. X is a friend of a guy I know from Eugene. He’s one of those guys that implode buildings when you want them razed. He has the skills we need.

  “Let’s blow up something here in Astoria. Demand to be heard. Get the people to back us and throw the politicians in prison for their affront to our society.”

  “You’re right, man!”

  “Power to the people.”

  “The Man uses us as stepping stones to their wealth and shares nothing as if we don’t exist,” Peter declared.