Viper

The Interview

Clyde drove in his 1974 BMW 3.0 C.S. which was still running well. He was a man who took great care of his things and it was apparent in his work. His attention to detail and craftsmanship were top level, which is why he had so many satisfied customers and a growing business.

Clyde ordered for the two of them and sat down on a table looking out the window. The sun had finally broken through the ocean front, and shone brilliantly on the deep blue sea below. Not that this was the view from the window. The trucks driving though kicking up dirt, and chugging black plumes of smoke was. And did not promote the beautiful picturesque background associated with the southern California beach scene.

David felt odd being in a public place with his vigilante rescuer and didn't know if he should continue the subject. He had come all this way for a reason and as most young people, felt that cutting to the chase was the most efficient way to carry on with life. Just as Clyde had said, the sight of David's injuries had prompted a free drink from the restaurant which David settled for Coke.

"So do you come here often?" asked David.

"I want to come more but got high cholesterol so I had to cut back. Only come from time to time now," said Clyde as he ate the complimentary chips and salsa.

"So are you really giving up on your side project?" asked David not able to keep waiting.

"Why are you so concerned about it? I thought you said it was stupid and all that?" asked Clyde as he spoke with a mouth full of chips.

"I don't know. I guess I just don't believe you," said David as he too started snacking on the salty, corn treats.

"What's it to you if I do or don't?" shot back Clyde.

"I just never meet anybody with such a passionate goal that they'd just abandon it without looking back," said David as he took chips after Clyde.

"So what you trying to say? It's like a curiosity sideshow or some sort of observational study for you?" asked Clyde as he now snacked on the chips at a faster rate.

"No, not at all. Just seeing someone so passionate about something can be contagious is all," said David as he now competed with Clyde eating the chips until they were gone.

"Why don't you cut the crap? Why don't you tell me what you really are here for?" asked Clyde directly.

"You want to know why I'm here. I want to see proof. I want to see that you are no cheap adrenaline junky, or some midlife crisis wanna, be that is out looking for one more shot at glory that's just going to get killed or get someone else killed. I want to see if you are the real deal or a poser," said David lowering his voice as he got more serious.

"What does it matter? I said I was OUT," said Clyde emphasizing the word out with his animated, large jaw.

"Come on, give me a break. Just like that? After ten years or more and who knows what other sacrifices and everything, you are just done?" continued to press on David. "Why?" he continued.

"Why? Because I'm no good at it. I tried, I did my best and I could never get beyond a certain point. I can't keep up with them boys out there and I know my limits. I don't belong out there on the streets. That's a young man's game," said Clyde.

"Is that why you confided in me? Why you took me with you? Why you met with me today?" asked David yet again.

"Boy you keep asking me the same things over and over again. Now I've told you before. You was being a pain in the butt, you made me take you and you tracked me down. You like a bitter ex-wife!" said Clyde making himself laugh.