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Show pase 7 look up when Luke got up and put a dime in the jukebox. He d i d n ' t like the tune e i t h e r . Johnny Mack's music whispered of western p r a i r i e s and had undertones of far-off train x17histles soothing the land. 'One of the g i r l s yelped. Johnny Mack looked around. Luke Ruflin said, "Mind yourself, Mackaboo. Don't look at us like t h a t Greek does." Pat said, "You boys come up at seven; go on now, come up at seven." Johnny Mack reached for a large poker near the stove. He moved swiftly to the counter and grabbed the front of Luke's s h i r t . "I'm t i r e d of i t , " he said without emotion. "Tired of i t -- you coming in here talking about everybody. Get out or I ' l l let you have i t . " And he held the heavy poker for the blow to Luke's head. They looked at one another in silence, then Luke looked again at his brother. Johnny Mack held firm, the poker heavy and poised. Pat said, "You boys go on nox-7 and be sure to come up at seven." Lute mumbled, "Yeah, yeah," and they both left without payings The g i r l s s l i d t h e i r hands over t h e i r dresses, smoothing wrinkles. Pat adjusted her stockings. She smiled at Johnny Mack. "You come l i t t l e after six, honey, and don't t e l l Nick we're gonna get him a candy machine," " I ' l l bring the magazines when I come," Johnny Mack said, but the g i r l s were on the sidewalk out of hearing distance. He carefully placed the heavy poker back on i t s hook and cleared |
