Black and Tan

It was a shock. Not unexpected. All the same a shock.

Happened so fast that only a blur was caught in the corner of my eye.

Then, there she sat. In my lap. Purring. Content. Demanding a pet.

Every morning. Like clock work this black and tan cat, with a little white, jumps into my lap. Goes with the first cup of black joe. I'm getting used to it now.

Actually I look forward to it. I am now a part of her pride. She's such a petting whore.

Speaking of a whore, I got to get some work. I'm a whore for dollars and they are few and far between these days, work and dollars. I grab the cell phone from its cradle on my right hip.

I punch in the numbers and push the send button.

One ringadinggy. Two ringadinggy. The line picks up before the third ringadinggy.

"Labor Ready, this is Marsha. How may I direct your call?"

"Hi Marsha. Jim. Got anything for me today?"

"O hey Jim. Not yet but it is still early. Ya know I'll call when something comes in that we can use your skills for sweetie."

"Yeah, I know. Later."

"Bye"

Hummm. Not even a day labor job. How in the hell can I pay my bills with no work? It's a good thing I ain't got bills. Well, next number to call. Don't wanna do it. But gotta do it.

I know someone that can use my 'skills'.

I dial. It is answered on the first ring, like this is expected. "That offer still stands?"

"Yes"

"When"

"Come by this afternoon for all the details."

"You got the cash?"

"Yes"

"I'll be there around one."

The black and tan cat finds me. Jumps into my lap. Demanding a pet. Demanding that I stay with her. Don't go.

I arrive before one. I stake out the place. Make sure all is kosher. Gotta be sure this is legit.

I see my fisted right hand before me. I knock twice on the door. It opens.

"Come in."

There before me is the job. Well, at least the tools I'll be using to do the job. Beside that is the money. I pocket the money.

"What is the address?"

He tells me.

"What are the names."

He tells me.

"Alright"

I pick up the clown suit. And the empty balloons that will be filled with helium when I get to the gig.

Hell, it's a job.

I won't tell the cat.