Happy Utopia Day, Joe McCarthy

Chapter 22

I think you might be an expert on that-what a pixie is?

-Senator Joseph McCarthy

Derek trudges up the grassy embankment. He has been walking down by the river. "Where is everybody?"

"They left."

Derek can't believe it. "They left?"

"I got too bossy with them-pissed them off."

"Are they coming back?"

"I don't think so."

"Damn, Thompson. What are we going to do now?"

I sit down at a splintering picnic table. "I'm sorry."

"Wizkid, too? You pissed him off?"

"I don't know. Didn't matter. You saw how he's leashed up."

Derek sits down across from me. "Damn, Thompson."

"I know, I know." We're stuck and are going to have to

hitchhike to Star. And who in their right mind would pick up

two grown men?

We sit and think. The sun warms the morning chill. A

breeze picks up and rustles the aspen leaves in a pleasing mountain

rhythm.

"Nice here," I say.

Derek breathes deeply through his nose. "I love the smell

of pine."

"We should get out of these maintenance clothes," I say.

"Little suspicious."

"Yeah."

Derek reaches down for a duffel bag. "Khakis and polos. I

know my pants fit, but I had to guess again for you. Thirty-six

by thirty-two?"

"That'll work. A little baggy, but better than those Guccis."

"I've got razors, soap, and deodorant. There's a tranquil spot

a ways down the river. You want to go for a swim and clean up?"

"Probably a good idea."

We grab the bags and walk along the riverbank until we

find the place Derek has in mind. The river widens here into a