June 4, 1914

After work, Maggie walked up and said, “You sure arrived here in an all fire hurry from a place really far away.  You must have done something wrong.”  I was speechless and continued standing on the covered porch watching the green iridescent headed ducks fly swiftly just above the river.

“Did you kill someone in a duel?”

“No!” I replied stunned, turned, and faced her.

“Did you have a romantic affair with someone’s wife?

“They were married.”

“They? Blessed Mary in heaven, they?  How many were there?” Her eyes were incredulous and enlarged.

“Three.”

“Three? Well you didn’t mess around.” She danced and pranced. “Ha, I knew it was something like that.  How did you get caught?”

“Dripping candle wax.”

“It is just like a romance novel.  The telltale signs of your rendezvous.  That’s great.” She pressed for more information. “Were they jealous of each other?”

“More than a little, I think.”

“Did any of them end up pregnant?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Well, it’s a good story anyway.  You’re looking to live in Brooklyn.  Do you like to drink?”

“I like a pint of ale,” I said defensively.

“I like whiskey and river water.  My side of town is dry.  Could you get a pint in a plain fruit jar for me and my friend Angela?”

“Whiskey or river water?”  I questioned smiling.

“Don’t be silly, whiskey.  I’d lose my job if I went to one of those saloons. I’ve met an English barmaid though and she brought over a couple jars. She’s too inconsistent. You’re my new source.”

“Really, I’ll have to look her up,” I replied half-heartedly.

“Be careful over there.”

“I will,” I assured and bought whiskey for Maggie in the evening, poured it into a fruit jar to deliver in the morning. I have my first friend!