Jonathan flipped a grilled cheese sandwich. He watched the café through the hole in the wall that served as a food window.
His mother strained to reach the top shelf while a sleazebag businessman watched her from behind. Asshole probably only asked for honey in his latte because he could see she’d have to stretch to get it.
He was tired of watching his mom be debased by her business. He wanted one of his computer programs to take off. Who’s Got the Power was too complicated for general use, but he could make a simplified version, maybe, sell it to Apogee or someone. Look after her like his deadbeat father never even tried to do.
Jonathan packed the grilled cheese into a take-out container and scooped in some fries. As his mother reached to take it she smacked her forehead.
“I keep forgetting to tell you—a boy called Brian phoned. Said it’s urgent you return his call. God, I’m so sorry. No clue where my head is at.”
Jonathan grinned. “Don’t worry. Brian thinks everything is urgent.”
She frowned. “Jon, you're...okay...right?”
He lifted his eyebrows.
“You're taking your meds?”
He smiled, he hoped reassuringly. “Of course I am. Thanks for the message.”
No more orders were in the kitchen printer, so Jonathan ducked into the back alley to make the call. He waved hello to the homeless guy with the plaid sleeping bag who’d been living there for as long as Jonathan could remember.
Brian’s voice was breathless. “Jonathan? You called. Finally.”
“I’m working. What’s up?”
“Thank you so much for that catering job last night. It was amazing. To be right there when John Alton collapsed—I mean, I know it’s awful. It’s horrible. But for once I wasn’t the guy outside looking in.”
Jonathan fished his marijuana pipe from his pocket. It looked like a cigarette in case anyone wandered by.
“You’re welcome,” Jonathan said. “Now, you’re sure you want to crash this meeting today? I can’t guarantee a warm reception.”
“More sure than I’ve ever been about anything.”
“Okay.” Jonathan looked around. Of course no one was listening. Even the homeless guy had wandered off somewhere. “Here’s what to do.”
YOU ARE READING
Dead Politician Society
Mystery / ThrillerThe mayor of Toronto collapses and dies while making a speech. The newspaper receives an email -- a fake obituary that claims credit for his murder. The note is signed by a secret society at a prestigious downtown university. Clare Vengel is given h...
