25

…if you smile at Cleveland stay the hell out of Chicago…you might laugh yourself to death…

Monroe D. Underwood

It was well after three in the morning.

I was trying to get my wind back.

I said Brandy you could wipe out the whole damn Light Brigade.

Brandy said once more unto the breach dear friend?

I said not just yet kiddo.

Brandy’s laugh was soft in the darkness.

She stroked my chest.

She said Purdue who’s the best woman you’ve ever been in bed with?

I shrugged.

I said probably a girl who was training to be a missionary.

Brandy said I don’t mean that kind of best.

She said I’m talking about performance only.

I shrugged.

I said either Betsy or you.

I said you’re both incredible.

I said you’re probably a little more incredible than Betsy.

I said at least right now.

Brandy said do you miss Betsy?

I said not when I’m with you.

Brandy said do you ever miss me?

I said not when I’m with Betsy.

Brandy said the team at bat always wins?

I shrugged.

I said something like that.

Brandy said Purdue you’d make a rotten umpire.

I said why bother?

I said I’m already a rotten private detective.

After a long time Brandy said Purdue?

I said yeah?

Brandy said tell me about the girl who was training to be a missionary.

I shrugged.

I said there isn’t much to tell.

Brandy said did she become a missionary?

I said not for long.

Brandy said why?

I said she quit.

Brandy said did she like sex that well?

I said sex had nothing to do with it.

I said they sent her to Cleveland.

Brandy said oh dear God in Heaven.

I said that’s what she said.