Fiction Fix Sixteen

Edward Hagelstein
“I don’t know if they’re gay or not.”
“No. About the name? Sigfried Kashmir.”
“It’s a little over the top.” Sarah says.
Miles tears himself away from the tableau because he’s due on stage in thirty seconds.
He’s been following the show’s progress on the dressing room monitor.
Miles encounters Hunter Liston alone in the alley after his scene. There appears to
have been no response by law enforcement to the gunshot, Miles notes with some relief.
Hunter glances at him and looks away. Miles decides it’s time to issue Hunter a warning.
Outlining the possible consequences of his behavior.
“I want you to know something,” Miles says.
Hunter looks around and sees he’s alone with Miles in the alley. Miles hasn’t spoken
to him off stage before. Hunter’s expression is slightly vacant. He appears to have been
sampling the Chivas between scenes.
Hunter stares after him, realizing Miles just threatened him entirely in
his Scrooge voice.
“What’s that?” Hunter asks.
“If the world goes to hell, and total anarchy ensues–”
“Like chaos–”
“Just like that,” Miles says. “If that happens, the breakdown of society and its laws–”
“Like New Orleans after the hurricane?” Hunter’s enjoying this conversation. Something
fresh and amusing. He grins at Miles.
“If it happens, I want you to know, I’m coming for you.”
“Me? You’re coming for me?” Hunter stops grinning. “Why?”
“Hannah,” Miles says. “She’s just a girl. Still in high school.”
“Oh? But she’s having a good time.”
“She’s a child.”
“Come on,” Hunter says. “We’re just having some fun. Her mother hasn’t said anything.”
“Her mother’s a moron,” Miles says. “I heard they’re predicting something like eleven
possible hurricanes next year. Chances are one blows through here. I know where you
live. Trees down everywhere, the power goes out, the police are busy for a few days after
the big one hits.” Miles points his finger at Hunter. “I’ll be coming to visit you in the dead
of the night.” He walks inside.
Hunter stares after him, realizing Miles just threatened him entirely in his Scrooge voice.
*
Fiction Fix 79