“That’s what it says?” Dad asked.
“I think so. We really need to get a lawyer to look at this.”
“Do you know how much a lawyer costs? I heard they charge five dollars an hour, just to explain what’s written on a piece of paper.”
“Dad,” I said, “can I ask a question?”
“What is it, son?”
“How much did we make tonight?”
He took a paper bag from the old navy p-coat he’d draped over the back of his chair. He dumped the money out on the table, then he and Mom counted it.
“Thirty-seven-fifty,” Mom said.
“How many Saturday nights would it take to make 500 dollars?”
“Hmm…” Dad said. “Anyone have a pencil and paper?”
Thirteen weeks, come on.
Vern Jr. got his Big Chief tablet and pencil, then slid it across the table to Mom.
She did the math. “About three months.”
“And,” I said, “no tric
