Page 40 of Force At Third

“Guard your heart, kid. Those types of women will bring a man down on one knee and might just leave you there.”

“Don’t wanna get into it, but maybe it’s time that man down on one knee stands up and takes action, yeah?”

Motherfucking schooled by a rookie.

* * *

We part ways inside. He heads to his family, and I head to the bar that runs almost the entire length of the pub, dead center.

Might as well get this over with, I think as I head toward them.

Passing through the crowd, I shake a few hands, give a nod to those empathizing with a “tough game,” and tap fists with those who don’t care I struck out but are happy we won, not just the game but the series to get to the heart of the club—the Ballbreakers. When I spot Blaze standing in front of the bar, feeling sorry for the son of a bitch, I head over.

“It took you long enough to get here, Locke,” Oscar grumbles. “We’re not camels.”

“You could have pulled out your wallets and opened them up. Once the moths clear out, you may find something resembling a dollar bill.”

“Don’t piss him off; he may take a swing at you.” Statler chuckles.

I do what I do and let the old bastards do their bit.

Waldorf pipes in, “At eighty-eight years old, I’m sure I could get away. Did you see his swing tonight? I’ve seen better swings on the playground.”

The four of them crack up.

Blaze looks at me, expecting a response.

I just shake my head. “Bennett, sometimes you gotta let the old folks have their moment. Who knows if they’ll be here tomorrow?”

“What the fuck?” Blaze’s eyes nearly pop out.

I look at Archie. “You’re up, old man.”

He doesn’t say anything.

I lean over and tell Bennett, “He can’t hear shit when his hearing aids are turned down, which he does before a game and forgets to turn it back up. One of them will elbow him, and he’ll rattle off his dig. Just wait for it.”

And that’s precisely what happens. “I’ve seen scarecrows with better plate coverage.”

We all look at the stool on which old man Stockers Jags hat sits in memorial of him and make the sign of the cross. Then I elbow Blaze and tell him, “Gotta do it with them out of respect.”

“I’m not Catholic,” he states.

“Neither am I. Just roll with it.”

He does, and yes, they all take note.

Oscars up next. “ Do you need to borrow my GPS to find the ball for your next game?”

I turn to Statler. “I’ve seen scarecrows with better plate coverage.”

Blaze glances at me, obviously catching he repeated one of the things already said. I lift a shoulder.

Then Waldorf. “You need a map to find first base?”

Back to Archie, who they again have to elbow. “You’re swinging like a rusty gate.”

Now Oscar. “The ball’s got a restraining order against you, huh?”

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