The kid turns over a rumpled greasy five dollar bill plus two quarters at the pay-up desk. Fat Cop walks over and ceremoniously hands over the bike. The grateful smile on the kid's face is something else. The applauding erupts again. You can feel many lumps forming in many throats.
Conversations erupt all over.
It seems that everyone knows everyone. Rideau Street Branch. I feel all guilty and inferior. I thank him and leave, resisting the urge to invite this guy to come have a look at a couple of computer reports I get at work. All this leaves me in a mild state of shock.