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Later that evening, Ellen was sitting on her front porch with Tony. The young couple sat under the porch light as the drizzling rain continued. Few people were on the street at this hour.
“I ‘m glad I asked Ma if I could see you. She called your mother, and they had a long chat about us. That’s why your mother sent you over.” Ellen knew her father was in the front room listening and watching. Ellen understood that this is a test.
“How were things at work?” she asked. She doesn’t know to make small talk.
“Good, good," replied Tony. He’s nervous, knowing this was a breakthrough for them. Her parents would never have allowed Tony to be with her in the past. “How was school?”
“Good, good.” They exchange glances, grateful to have the time together.
“Oh, look, that’s Michael coming,” said Tony, tipping his chin toward the street. “Wonder why he’s not working tonight?”
“Hey, you two, did the earth stop spinning or something? I take it Ma and Da know you’re out here.” Michael came up onto the porch, out of the rain, and leaned against the railing.
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“Yes, they know. I asked, and they said it’s alright.” Ellen signals with a glance at the front room window as if to say, Da is watching. Michael got the hint.
“I guess they think it’s better here, where they can watch, than off somewhere doing God knows what,” Michael whispers. “You know they care about you, both of you, and your reputations. They’re only strict because they love you, Ellen.”
“Nothing would happen, Michael. We like each other; that’s all.” Tony winked at Ellen.
Ellen heard her father’s chair creak and quickly asked, “Why are you home so early?”
Michael perched on the porch railing, “They closed the carnival, but the police still won’t let them leave for a few days. That Lieutenant Gillespie thinks someone from the carnival is responsible for Johnny Russo’s death.”
“I knew Johnny, and he had a temper. His mouth would engage before his brain had time to think,” Tony said. “He worked at the carnival every year. I imagine he was furious when you took his spot.”
“He was. He told me to watch my back, and he blamed me for losing his job. I saw him another night. He didn’t say anything to me then, but he was obviously mad about something.”
The front door opened, and Donal stood in the doorway. “Mind if I join the party?”
“Sure, Da,” Michael said. Tony got up and held the screen door open while Michael helped the older man down the single step to the porch and guided him to a chair.
“I heard you talking about that Russo kid and the carnival. An old man gets hungry for news when he’s stuck inside all the time.” He leaned back in the chair getting comfortable. “So, they think it was someone from the carnival?”
“I was talking with a girl there named Dania.” Michael told them.
“You talked to Dania? Finally,” Tony exclaimed.
“Tony,” Michael cautioned, and turned to his father. “She’s the owner’s daughter. She told me the police found a tent peg by the lake with Johnny’s blood on it. That’s how they are connecting it to the carnival.”
“Do you think he might have had a run in with someone from the carnival, maybe over losing his job?” Donal asked.
“It is possible,” said Michael.
“Well, it’s getting late. Ellen has school, and you two have work tomorrow,” said Donal, looking at Tony. “Best we all should be on our way. “
“Would it be all right if I walk Tony to the corner, Da?” Ellen asked. “Yes, but then come straight back. No lollygagging. We don’t want to get the neighbors talking.” Donal warns them.
Tony and Ellen bounced out of their chairs, danced down the stairs, and down the path to the road. They lock
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hands and stroll to the corner of the road, taking as much time as they can.
“There’ll be a wedding here someday,” Donal laughs.
“That wouldn’t be so bad. Would it, Da?” Michael was not thinking of Tony and Ellen.