The Last Straw

a deal."

  The locals packed the Horsey, looking for the wonderful hamburger that was its specialty. Joyce and Aileen shared the shifts alternating when not in season like now. She left her phone in the break room while on the floor waiting tables. She checked several times for messages. By her last break, she got her message. She checked her voicemail. It was Nicky. He spoke to Bobby's public defender. Because Bobby pled guilty, the hearing was short. He would be going before the judge for sentencing in about one week. It was summer and most judges took their vacation then. The public defender planned to submit a brief asking for leniency counting on the fact that the killing was listed as an accident, however with Bobby's other felonies it might not work. Nicky made it clear that he would still keep her informed of any developments and made it clear that he would love to have lunch with her soon. She smiled to herself as she thought 'I still got it.'

  As promised, Jack was at the house to take her to the jail. She would like to talk to her son. There was still so much left unsaid. When they reached the jail, he could not have visitors. She asked why, but did not get an answer. The person on duty did not know, except maybe it wasn't visiting day. When she asked when she could see him, he did not know that either. Aileen was so frustrated, see walked out with Jack behind her.

  "What happened to 'if I don't know, I'll find out.'?" Aileen quipped. "Nicky was so helpful, I hate to impose any more, but all I want is a simple answer to a simple question."

  "I tell you what, you've had a rough week, let's go have a nice romantic dinner at Nuncio's and put our cares behind us for the night?"