…when you meet some people twicet that’s oncet too often…
Monroe D. Underwood
At the Shakespeare police station Kellis J. Ammson was holding his head with both hands.
He was talking to the grizzled old desk sergeant.
He said officer society must deal sternly with this man.
He said he goes around braining people with flaming three-cell flashlights.
He said he is undoubtedly the greatest flaming menace since Attila the Hun.
He said and I am not so flaming sure about Attila the Hun.
I shrugged.
I said I didn’t know Jones had hired you guys.
Ambercrombie said that’s right officer.
He said even I didn’t know.
He said while I was hiring this guy Jones was hiring these guys.
Gino Scarletti said oh Jeeza Christ I think I onna wronga side.
I said I wrecked my brand-new three-cell flashlight.
The grizzled old desk sergeant leaned back in his chair.
His faded eyes gleamed strangely.
He clawed at the gray stubble on his chin.
He said well they told me vaudeville was coming back.
He said I was a fool.
He said I wouldn’t believe.
He said but here it is by God.
He said you fellas got one hell of an act.
He said but I ain’t much on encores.
He said get out of my goddam police station.