?Maybe,? Socrates admitted. ?Maybe I felt it but feelin' don't make the difference. If all you leave wit' is a good feelin' you coulda stayed home.?
Chip frowned and turned his eyes to traffic. Then he glanced at Socrates and looked away again. After he'd done this a few times Socrates realized that the man had something to say.
?You know there's been some talk about you, brother,? Chip Lowe said.
?Oh yeah??
?Yeah. I mean I'm not the sort to get in a man's business but some people out here just ain't happy 'less they can run somebody else down.?
Socrates' window was open. There was a scent in the breeze, the odor of human waste.
?I just wanted to tell you that people been talkin',? Chip said. Then he paused giving Socrates a chance to say something.
?Okay,? the ex-con answered.
?Okay what??
?Okay I hear ya. People been talkin'. I know, people talk.?
The odor was picking up strength. Socrates tried to pierce the night darkness and see where the smell came from.
?It's just that I thought you should know about it,? Chip said. ?A man should know when he's bein' bad- mouthed.?
?And now I know.? When the odor began to lose strength Socrates gave up his surveillance.
?But you don't know what they said.?
?I ain't askin' you about gossip, Chip Lowe. If you got somethin' t'say then just get on wit' it.?
?It's the police,? Chip said in a heavy tone.
?Yeah??
?They said that they suspect you of killin' that girl, that Minnie Lee that they found four months ago near your place. They told the watch to be careful around you because you were in prison for murder and they think you still at it.?
?How long ago they tell you this?? Socrates asked.
?I don't know.?
?Yesterday??
?No.?
?Last week then??
?Well ??
?How about last month? They tell you about me last month??
?Maybe, maybe it was then.? Chip looked up to see what cross street they were at.
?But you waited till now to tell me.?
When Socrates rubbed his hand over his head Chip stiffened a little.
For the rest of the ride, only a few minutes, both men were silent. When Chip pulled up to the front gate in the back alley, Socrates waited before he opened the door.
?I don't hold it against you, Mr. Lowe. You got to wait before you can know if a man is trustworthy. But I cain't help ya either. I am who I am, you know what I mean??
