CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN
Sonny and Gerald were engaged in a rousing match of checkers as Herbert strolled into Zeeks barber shop. Nigel gave the barber chair a half turn as Herbert stepped up, and then plopped himself down.
“So, just a little off the top, and maybe touch up the rest a little?” Nigel asked retrieving his clippers and black comb from the nearby counter.
“That’d be just fine,” Herbert said as he assisted Nigel in placing the cover sheet over his chest and legs.
“Now don’t think for a minute you can pull that malarkey over on me, as you do Herbert.” Sonny said pointing at Gerald.
“I’m sure I have no idea what your talkin’ bout,” Gerald grinned.
“You know darn well what I’m talkin’ bout. Each time I look off you fiddle with the checker’s.” Sonny stated straight off.
Herbert chimed in, “That’s the truth, he’s always pulling somethin’ fishy when your head’s turned, yes siree.”
Nigel cut in, “If you boys can’t play nice, I’ll just have to put the checker board up.” He laughed, which set the others to laughing as well.
“You know, as far as I’m concerned, Johnny Hudson got what was comin’ to him.” Gerald put his thoughts right out in the open for all to see.
“Maybe so, but I’d be careful who you go tellin’ that to. Old Mike O’Malley just might not see it that way and give you a fat lip, to be sure.” Sonny warns his friend.
“I’m no fan of Johnny, but that business of chopping off his tally-whacker and his giblets, that was a bit much for any man to have to endure.” Nigel imparted as he looked to the others.
“That was done after the fact, according to the new coroner. I overheard him at the diner discussing it with Buddy.” Gerald spoke up.
“Now Earl, he was a good man, and I’d better not hear anyone say different.” Sonny puffed up his chest as the words hung in the air for a few moments.
The others nodded in agreement at their friend’s statement. Earl Schulz was respected and most folks hereabouts only had kind words to say about the man.
“Say, did you fellers hear Nancy moved out and wants a divorce from Thomas?” Herbert dropped that little nugget right in their laps.
“What? Say it ain’t so. You better not be pullin’ our leg Herbert,” Nigel’s facial look was one of astonishment.
“No siree, Nancy moved in with her sister Stella.” Herbert announced.
“Who told you Nancy left and wants a divorce?” Gerald asks not sure what to believe.
“Margaret and Ellen were jaw-jackin’ about running into Nancy and Stella down at the dress shop, and Nancy told them two busybodies all about it, and said she didn’t care who knew it neither.” Herbert said flat out.
“Why, I just can’t believe it, they always seemed to have such a strong marriage. Sure, they had their problems like most folks, but divorce? I just can’t believe it.” Sonny said scratching his chin.
“Well, I also heard Thomas was foolin’ around with his trainee, Sherry Hendrix.” Herbert baited the others.
“Oh my god, no wonder Nancy want’s out of their marriage. You know, once an older man gets the taste of a younger woman, they can’t never have the same feelin’s they once had for their wife, no sir.” Gerald said.
“That’s a darn shame, yes, a darn shame indeed. Poor Thomas, Nancy will most likely get one of those high-toned lawyer’s from over in Millersburg. They don’t take any prisoners; they go right for a man’s throat.” Nigel said.
“He’ll be lucky to end up with the clothes on his back, what a pity,” Herbert said shaking his head.