Page 149 of I Am the Messenger

"Why not?" Marv objects.

"It'll be quicker to walk, Marv." Audrey tries reasoning with him. "And really, Marv, there are less mosquitoes out here than there are in there." She points at the prize vehicle on the road.

"Thanks a lot." He begins to sulk.

"Marv, do you remember what happened last time you gave me a lift? A few weeks ago?"

Grudgingly, Marv recalls it.

Audrey reminds him anyway.

"We ended up pushing it all the way to your place." She comes up with an idea. "You need a bike in the back

seat."

"Why?"

This is getting interesting.

Almost entertaining.

"Oh, come on, Marv," she says. "I'll let you ponder that on your way home--especially if you break down."

She waves goodbye and walks onto the road.

"Bye, Audrey," I whisper. She's gone.

When Marv gets in his car, I hope for the inevitable, and it happens.

The engine fails seven or eight times, and I walk across the lawn, open the passenger door, and get in.

Marv looks at me.

"What are you doing, Ed?"

Quietly. Earnestly.

I speak.

I say, "I need your help, Marv."

He attempts to start the car again. No luck.

"With what?" he asks. He tries again. "You got something needs fixing?"

"No, Marv."

"You want me to clip the Doorman for you?"

"Clip?"

"Yeah, you know--whack him for you."

"What are you, Capone?"

Marv admires his own humor and still persists with the key, which irritates me no end.

"Marv," I say, "could you stop with the key and be serious for a minute or two? Would you do me that honor?"