Immediately he said, “My hat just flew off and I can’t get to it. Can you help me?”
“It’s been there for a few days at least,” I told him as I took the stick he was flicking at the branch.
“That’s not possible,” he said, drawing close and looking me up and down. “Can you climb? My feet are not equipped for agility.” He glanced down and I noticed one of his feet was turned to the side.
“What are you doing here?” I asked. “Did you just arrive?” I wondered if he had come with the woman.
“I heard there was going to be a death. I am the Mortician. Do you want a death certificate? An obituary?” He picked up a battered briefcase and pretended to be fiddling within. “A floral arrangement? I can get you an impeccable wreath.”
“I am still alive so why would I –”
“Yes, you seem alive. I will gr
