Stepping Up Read Online Free PDF Page A

I pay your
way into the cinema last night?  You’re not taking advantage of Jimmy B’s
generosity, are you?  Many have tried, few have succeeded, but none have
prospered.”
    “The roaches repossessed it.” Damnit! I didn’t want to get
into this now, but Jimmy deserves the truth.  “No, that’s not true: I gave it
back to the landlord, it’s time for a change.” How do I tell him? “I’m shipping
out on Night Searcher .”   There’s a lot to be said for being direct, it
may be painful, but it’s effective.
    There’s a pause on the line.  I’m about to ask if he’s still
there when he speaks in strained tones.  “Captain Prowse’s boat is a good ship.
Well, in that case, I insist you buy me a few rounds of whiskey to celebrate
your well faring.”  And drown my sorrows I hear him not say.
    “Of course.  Should I meet you on your door step after
work?”
    “Of course, dear one,” he hangs up without another word. I
had my perCom switched off while I was testing.  When I turn it back on, I see
that Morrie has called me eight more times.  I’ve been looking forward to
this.  I scroll to his last call and punch the ‘return call’ icon.  He answers
on the third ring. “Sonia, where in the nine hells have you been? You better
have a good excuse. You’re already cleaning the next four ionic scuppers.”
    That’s a real shit detail.  The cleaning fluid is cold, foul
and plentiful.  Ideally, the tech wears a water “dry suit” to keep from ruining
coveralls.  The fluid is more messy than toxic.  Sadly, these cheap scoundrels
haven’t bought even one.  And the cost is prohibitively expensive for an
individual mechanic.  Here, most techs change into shorts and tee shirts with
the intent of throwing them away.  When Morrie trained me on the job, we were
in there together.  I can still remember the rolls of fat under his man-tits.
The bastard is threatening me with a wet tee shirt. A cold, wet tee shirt.
Alone.  For several hours.  And the event has to be monitored and recorded for
“safety” reasons.
    “Hi, Morrie!” I respond with sunshine dripping from my
smile, “I’m calling in well.”
    “You’re calling in well ? What does that mean? When are
you coming in?”
    “It means, Well, I’m not coming in.”
    “What do you mean? Are you sick?”
    “Yes, I have gluteal glaucoma”
    “What does that mean?”
    “It means I can’t see my butt being there. Ever again.  Good
bye, lardass.”
    I have never enjoyed a phone conversation so much.  I just
wish I’d had the forethought to record it.  His expression was priceless.
    I take Jimmy to as nice a place as one could ask without
reservations.  While packing, I kept out an outfit of mine Jimmy has always
liked. He’s happy for me, but he’s not happy I’m going.  I do everything I can
to keep either of us from dwelling on it.  We each order the Rison’s Filet with
all the trimmings.  But Jimmy is without his usual banter as we eat.  The
waitress clears the platters away to make room for dessert.  I put my hand on
his.  “I’m going to miss you, too.”
    “Enough, my girl, ere you have me weeping. I propose a
toast!” He pours wine into our glasses.  “To Sonia MacTaggert, new Engineer,
and I’m sure within a year Captain of Night Searcher .  Open skies,
m’love.” Our glasses clink together.
    “Me? Captain? I’ll be happy to be allowed to leave alive if
I don’t botch something.  Department Head is still a distant career goal. If
that’s in my future at all, I’m sure it will be years away.”
    After ice cream, or maybe sherbet (I never remember the
difference) we walk back to his place, hand-in-hand.  Pilgrim’s Park is a nice
place during the day, but at night, the “good people” really don’t want to be
there.  Jimmy steers us towards the park without a second thought. The “bad
people” aren’t much more comfortable. “It’s okay, beloved.  I am not exactly
unknown here.”  I