Like Grownups Do Read Online Free PDF

seat.
    “Good. That is good,” he said. “We need to have a clear understanding between us, particularly because we will no longer have the benefit of Mr. Stemple’s services.”
    “What are you talking about?” Eckhart asked.
    The three men chuckled.
    “Oh, I do forget,” Vlada said. “You two are not so close. But hey, we are all big boys here, are we not? It is cancer of the colon, I’m afraid. Not really a surprise. The man is a glutton. He visits his whores down in the…what is it, Gregor?”
    “The ‘hood’,” the man in the front passenger seat said.
    “Ah, yes,” Vlada said.
    “Stemple visits his whores in the ‘hood’ and then carries his lusts down the street to the Barbecue establishment where he engorges himself with pig flesh. Do you know what they will say now, Russell?”
    “What?”
    “They will say,” Vlada said, “the asshole was killed by his asshole.”
    The three men roared with laughter.
     
    “When did they find out?” Eckhart asked.
    “We learned of the diagnosis just this morning,” Dante Vlada said.
    “Perhaps your stepfather does not know yet, himself. He has a little time left, but we have no wish for our longtime associate to suffer. Suffering, sometimes leads to… complications—such as death bed confessions. ”
    “Knowledge is King, Mr. Eckhart. You will do well to remember who runs the Kingdom. We will be in touch.”
     
     
     
     

 
     
    Five
     
     
    B abe surveyed the crowd and wondered if there was a more awkward scene in human existence than a group of people not wanting to be the first to leave a funeral. Today, that person was his mother.
    “Joshua, honey, I simply hate that we have to go so soon, but Rick’s campaign manager is about to have a nervous breakdown over these canceled rallies. Of course we were going to be here, darling. Are you going to be okay?” Amanda Richmond asked, nodding to her own affirmative suggestion. “Really, Sweetie?”
    “It’s okay, Mom. Really. The shock was over a long time ago. I’m really glad you and Rick were here. It means a lot to me,” Babe said.
    “Okay, sweetie, we’re going to run. Our flight leaves at five thirty and we just have time to make it. Are you sure that you don’t need a ride?” Amanda asked.
    “Yeah, Mom. Dad’s going be staying a few days.” Babe said.
    Rick Richmond walked up to join his wife and scanned the crowd like a secret service agent.
     
    Checking for cameras , Babe thought.
    “Joshua, I’m so very sorry for this tragic loss. Jill was such a great girl. I’m sorry that we have to rush away. If you need anything, and I mean anything, we’re only a phone call away, Slugger,” Rick said, grasping Babe’s right hand and placing his left hand on top of them. Rick leaned in a little on the chance that Babe might initiate a hug.
    But their relationship had never been that kind.
    The professional politician from Chicago had been schooled years ago on avoiding uncomfortable public contact that might make bad photo or video footage. So, he executed from his training—three brisk right-hand-pumps, two left hand taps on the hands, followed by a two second grasp of Babe’s right shoulder. Rick and Amanda turned—an aide scurrying behind them with an umbrella. They made their way to a waiting limousine, doubtless making sure they maintained the proper facial expressions should there be reporters present.
     
    Babe’s co-workers stood together in the line of well-wishers waiting to say their goodbyes. Tom Reardon shook Babe’s hand then gave him a stout hug.
    “If you ever need to talk, Babe,” Tom said, “or just want to talk—any day, any time. I’m here, Buddy.”
    “Thank, Tom. I appreciate it,” Babe said.
    Millie Vandermeer followed Tom. She blotted her eyes and looked away for a second and then bit her upper lip. She raised her right hand to Babe’s cheek.
    “I’m so sorry, Babe,” she said quietly.
    Babe placed his hand over Millie’s.
    “Thank you,