The Bureau of Dreams to be Continued by Edward Drobinski - HTML preview

The Bureau of Dreams to be Continued

Page 506

His blue eyes looked down upon the Nigel patrons waiting under the clock at one of the two entryways for signs of pretentious bad taste in dress. Several of the outfits were new enough and expensive enough to be properly considered offenses against taste and decency. Possession of anything new or expensive only reflected a person’s lack of theology and geometry; it could even cast doubts upon one’s soul.

When infrequently asked, Lefty one worded his non-participation in WWII simply as “medical.” Gossiping busybody people believe that his juvie criminal record of having bashed dinges on more than one occasion had rendered him unfit to bump off nationalistic Italians and Germans.

Nigel’s had no windows, just the two entryways on 25th Street which opened to stairs winding down. Un-naturally lit and heavy with coffin nail and cigar smoke, Nigel’s patrons often took breaks from their games and congregated near the doors to have a few smokes and hot dogs, while they bumped gums. The “welcoming committees” provided cordial greetings to incoming customers who always liked being recognized by the crew.