John kept low while awaiting news from Booth but it wasn’t easy. Restless and bored, he shuffled around the house, raiding the pantry to grab vittles, getting in his mother’s and sister’s way as they did their chores. “Make yourself useful, Johnny. Haul out the trash.” He happily obliged. It gave him something to do.
The highlight of his days was hi-tailing it to the Post Office, hoping to retrieve a letter from the leader of their pack. On the third day, he bumped into Lou in the lobby.
“John!” Lou grabbed John’s hand and pumped it with a vicelike grip. “I had no idea you were back in town!” He stepped back to get a gander at his dear friend. Fine gloves and leggings covered his hands and legs.
“Lou, ol’ top, how are you?” John pulled his hand free and flexed his fingers.
“Doing quite
