HOPE FOR CHANGE... But Settle for a Bailout (45 page)

“Good... bye,” said Emma. “Than-k...
you.”

Lori and Larry each looked at Emma, who
hugged Lori again briefly, and slowly walked back into the main
living quarters.

“Take care of December,” sail Lori.

“Don’t get killed,” replied Larry.

Lori laughed. “Don’t worry, Bix. You haven’t
seen the last of me.” She kissed him again lightly on the lips, and
turned to join Ralphie.

Larry listened for footsteps on the marble
and when the stairwell was silent, he walked to the Victrola,
cranked the handle, and dropped the needle onto “The
Charleston.”

### End ###

Photo by Michael Palmer

Bill Orton is a writer and political aide, living in
Long Beach, California, with his daughter, two cats and a dog. He
no longer has a beard, but it’s a great recent picture.

Other work by the author available on
Smashwords.com
:

Lilac’s Book: Random Advice & Hippy Values, for
Ages 12 to Adult.

Anyone wishing to invite the author to speak, to
offer literary representation or to discuss adaptation to theatre,
film, audio or the web may send email to
[email protected].