Read Online Turning Idolater by Edward C. Patterson - Free Book Online

anything
short of grifting.”
    Thomas chuckled. “Grifting?”
    “You know, Tee. A con game.” Flo stared at Philip.
“A quick scam. A hand of Three-Card Monte.”
    Thomas was sure that Philip was not acquainted with
Three-Card Monte as it might be called something else altogether.
However, Thomas was sure that Flo’s tone would carry the insult’s
full weight.
    “Perhaps so,” Philip said. “We’re trained to slow
the customers down.”
    “I am sure it is for our greater enjoyment and
pleasure,” Thomas said.
    Philip looked to Flo, and then to Thomas. “No. It’s
to run up your credit card.”
    “Three-Card Monte,” Flo said. He pushed the parcel
under Thomas’ hand.
    Thomas frowned for the first time since this
encounter. Was that what this was about? A further extension of a One on One — a punt at ye olde credit card .
    “Highway robbery,” Thomas said. “You are bursting my
fantasy, dear boy.”
    Philip stroked Thomas’ arm. Flo trembled, obviously
judging these maneuvers in a less than tepid light.
    “Does this feel like a fantasy to you?” Philip
said.
    “I do not know,” Thomas mused. He was in less
control, a feeling he did not relish. “You can touch fantasies. For
example, when you read books, you step into another world, yet it
is just something held in the palm of your hand.”
    Thomas sensed Flo’s discomfort, but he didn’t care.
This charming young man — this captivator was sparring with him on
his own terms. Intelligence. It was there. Logical and resolute,
even if it puddled under a pool that reflected significance like
the moon borrowing its candle from the sun. Philip was suddenly
illusive, yet attainable. In the palm of your hand .
    “Our One on One,” Philip whispered, “was wonderful.
I didn’t think once to extend your time for the good of manluv . If we went into overtime, it was because I wanted to
give you more of me.”
    “You danced like Salome,” Thomas reflected.
    Philip smiled, registering the reference. “Did you
lose your head, Mr. Dye?”
    “Intelligent boy.”
    “Boy with candy,” Philip said, holding up the
turnover remnants.
    “I think I’m going to puke,” Flo said, this time
shuffling the parcel directly under Thomas’ forearm. “We have an
offer for Bright Darkness. ” He slapped his hand on the
package. “Contract’s here. I need you to look it over.”
    Philip retracted his hand. Thomas kneaded his brow.
“You have never been sharp when it came to this sort of thing, Flo.
Is it not evident that I am on a date?”
    “Is that what you call it? Looks like coffee to
me.”
    “Do you see coffee?” Philip snapped, and then
giggled.
    Flo twisted about. “I know that I’m an untimely
interruption in your business, but this contract might help
defray your cost.”
    Thomas slammed his hand down. “Enough, Flo.”
    “I mean, Tee, this is important.”
    “It can wait until tomorrow.”
    Flo stood. “I don’t know why I even bother.”
    Thomas stood. “Sometimes I question that also.”
    Flo sat down again. “So, are you guys going out
dancing? I won’t be in the way.”
    Philip’s eyes showed panic.
    “Actually, Flo,” Thomas said, “We are going for a
late dinner.”
    “Great,” Flo said. “Some Chinese food, perhaps?” He
gripped Philip’s shoulder. “Do you like Chinese?”
    “Actually,” Thomas said. “We will be discussing
Philip’s latest read — Moby Dick .”
    “That old fish tail.”
    “He isn’t a fish,” Philip said, brushing off Flo’s
grip. “He’s a mammal.”
    “He’s ancient history and required reading in High
School. Do you remember High School?”
    Thomas spit. “Excuse us a minute, Philip.” He glared
at Florian. “A word with you.” Flo reached for the parcel. “Leave
it be.”
2
    Thomas was as steamed as a New England clambake, but
he held his temper well. This didn’t mean that he hadn’t temper. In
fact, when his blowhole went, woe betides the Pequod and the entire
fleet. Still,