CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
As Ed Stein, the official town drunk—so named by the good Christians—cast an eyeball on Doc Otis who was heading into O’Malley’s Bar; he knew it would be the perfect opportunity to mooch a free drink or two, seeing how Doc hated to drink alone. Ed parked himself on the wobbly stool next to Doc at the makeshift bar.
Doc smiled as he now became aware of his thirsty friend, “Mike, my fine fellow, would you be so kind as to set my friend here up with something cold and tasty.”
Mike O’Malley complied with Doc’s request; seeing how Doc was his number one customer. Come rain, dust storm, or sunshine…Doc never missed his evening sustenance. Ed, when sober enough, would join his benefactor several times a week at this dilapidated watering hole. He would drink to his heart’s desire as Doc expounded on the virtues of everyday life; and the subsequent problems therein.
On this night there just so happened to be Johnny Hudson present, and having a heated discussion, no less, with his associate Mike O’Malley, who he was in cahoots with. Nether Doc nor Ed paid any heed to the two men behind the bar until their voices over shadowed their own.
“You heard me! Just do it!” Johnny bellowed at Mike.
As Mike quietly replied, “You have me word, I’ll see to it. No need to pop your cork, to be sure Laddy.”
Doc stopped in mid-sentence, as the short outburst drew his attention to the two fellows; Johnny Hudson turned and gave him a menacing glare as he ogled the inebriated gent. Doc, knowing full well what Johnny was capable of, turned to Ed, “It’s getting late my dear friend, so I must say my farewell and be on my way.”
Ed was so plastered he didn’t have the slightest clue what had transpired. Grinning, he mumbled something incoherent as Doc made his way out the door into the humid dark night. Moments later, Ed, as was his custom, would fall off his stool and be summarily dragged outside by Mike O’Malley to sleep it off by the trash cans near the street.
Unbeknownst to poor Ed Stein, his unfulfilled life would soon end; he would be headed for his place amongst the fluffy-white clouds, and the never ending golden harp music of the chubby angels. Notwithstanding, there might still be a saving grace come his way, for when you think someone’s number is up, that’s when the unexpected appears on the horizon and something miraculous occurs to change everything. Only time would tell what awaited our befuddled, yet friendly town drunk.