Page 135
By Jack Joseph Smith
Snakes with long red toungs hissing began crawling up my legs. I looked down and
whispered, quiet, this is a silent place.
In a moment my father spoke. Now look boys, we can settle this. Just a bittle
common sense. The insurance is paid up for us all. Everything is okey dokey. Martin
P. still has his job and Michael is going to be Vice President in charge of washing
the machines. We must have a clean machine. What about that Hammerigan old buddy?
Michael, say hello to your Uncle Jackie.
You think that will bring his buddy Hammerigan out of the shadows, I was saying
while Martin P. was moving across the floor.
And saying, I'll bring both of the behind-the-back motherfuckers out of the shadows.
The gamblers said, it's a cock fight.
The racketers said, bring them out in the open. It's been decided.
Let me have one too, I said. I killed the nigger, and not one dime would they of
paid if he were not.
If he were not, the gamblers questioned?
If he were not alive, I answered.
Then he isn't dead, no lawyers needed, the racketers replied to it all.
Of course not, my father said. The boy makes things up.
I didn't. I told the truth two times.
I understand, Martin P. said.
Martin P. dragged two bodies to the middle and put them under the heads of
Hammerigan and Uncle Jackie. I looked at him and then spoke to all saying:
Don't you see? The nigger is walking around with his brain hanging out of his
right ear.
Now it's time to relieve you of your brains boys, said Martin P.