Excerpt: SET In STONE

Grant offered his hand, “Iain, it’s been a while.”

“It’s been more than a while Grant, it’s been a lifetime. Why are you here?”

“Is that all you can say? I’ve had a hellava time looking for you. When did you change your name? Hollywood make you do that?

Iain lit a cigarette, expertly blew the smoke out from the corner of his mouth and asked again, “What do you want Grant?”

“I’ve had a bit of a go since I saw you last Iain. Times have been hard as you know.” Grant looked around the plush lobby draped in fine imported Italian fabric and continued, “I was wanting to know how you were getting along and…and…uhh.”

Iain started to get irritated at the obvious hesitation and knew what was coming next. “Spit it out Grant.”

“I wanted to know what you did with your, with the, with your investment? Like I said, I’ve had a few bad breaks and the Depression wiped out the rest of me. And…you remember what you said back then about the clean socks? I hate to come to you like this but…but…damn it Iain, I’m broke and have no where else to turn so I thought of you…and what you said…about the clean socks and all...”

Iain grabbed Grant’s arm and pulled him into a small room off of the lobby, “Do you know where you are right now buddy? I thought this was a dead subject?”

“Well, yes, as far as the others are concerned, I’ve never discussed it with anyone Iain, never. I heard Teddy killed his self after the war got over, and Garth went on to Australia. I haven’t told no one and don’t intend to.

“This subject is not up for discussion Grant. It’s been more than twenty years since the war.

“Believe me, I know what ya mean Iain. It’s just that, I’m rather desperate here.”

“Life has been rough Grant, and from that I have learned one thing for sure, that dealing with ‘desperate’ leads to nothing but trouble. I let go of the past years ago, I’m sorry to see you have not.” Iain snapped his fingers and two men in black suits came forward. “Please show Mr. Biggins to his car…if he has one. And if he doesn’t you may escort him to the bottom of the hill alive; this time.”

Iain lit up another cigarette as Grant walked past his former army buddy with both arms held tightly behind his back by the two suits. “It’s getting crowded around here,” Iain thought as he walked towards the welcoming red light across the street.