Read an Excerpt
"the parties"
The parties were Bram's idea–
calculated,
sophisticated,
daring.
For a long time
they were the best-kept secret
in the city.
They ended
one night
when Al nearly killed Raphael.
GABE
"collecting girls"
First Saturday in summer,
Johnstone Public Swimming Pool
now called
Johnstone Park Aquatic Center
to match its glitzy new image.
I'm sitting here, in my sunglasses,
checking the pool.
Target: collecting girls.
A surly waitress slaps down
a cappuccino, weak as cat's piss,
slopping into the saucer.
I give her my devastating smile,
and she stares at me,
mouth hanging open.
For a moment I consider coaxing
her into a smile,
but I can't waste time.
I turn to survey the poolside.
To the right the high-diving pool–
young boys jostling,
eager to show off.
Straight ahead the Olympic pool–
two lanes reserved for coaching.
To the left the heated pool,
and the little kids' pool.
Then the grassy banks
rolling down to the bay,
and clusters of girls and guys.
I dig out some coins
and leave them on the table.
I catch the waitress looking at me,
her face wistful.
I shouldn't have smiled.
Of course I could invite her
to the party tonight, but I don't want
the bother of looking after her.
Better not.
I saunter down the steps,
scan the main pool
for chicks on their own,
or with their girlfriends.
At the deep end,
squealing,
are a couple of possibles.
I may come back to them later.
"so bram says"
Tonight the party will be
at Chris's house,
as his parents are away for the weekend.
He's done as Bram told him–
informed the neighbors
he's having a small gathering,
assured them the music won't be too loud,
promised that everyone will leave by midnight.
Even if they do complain later,
there will be no evidence of a party,
not even debris in the vacuum cleaner.
Chris's parents will feel relieved
he took such good care of the house,
he'll get off with nothing worse
than a mild reprimand.
So Bram says.
"Impeccable"
Bram's planning is impeccable.
His "before" photos
capture a house precisely.
The placement of ornaments,
the slant of a rug,
even the contents of the fridge
are noted and photographed,
so by the end of the party
everything can be put back in place.
He gloats
that prideful householders
have no idea
their beloved home
has been at his mercy.
