Balkey said, catching the monies and flitting them around
his fingers in a neat trick. “If they know what’s good for ‘em,
they’ll stay outta Coral’s this eve,” Balkey said. Everyone
knew he’d be bouncing. Sammy and Box exchanged looks.
“Word through the vine is they might be shacking up there,”
Box murmured in between bites and gulps. Balkey walked
off like he hadn’t heard the news, but this gave him troubled
thoughts. He disappeared into the sand wish shop and grabbed
bites and wine like the two cohorts outside. Outside, Balkey
snacked and drank until their feasting turned into loitering.
He stood with the vagrants for a bit, humoring the stories
by lending an ear. Later they could brag Balkey heard their tales.
Street crowds waved in the heat.