The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-03-26
CHAPTER xXVTII

THINGS have a way of happen | ing when least expected. The good and the bad, but especially the bad.
 was in a particularly good mood that day. Having disposed of my daily chores faster than usual, I decided to surprise Mickey by com ing over early. But the moment she opened the door, saw something was wrong.
 Whats the matter?" I asked.
 She didn't answer me, so I fol- lowed her into the living room Don was there, sprawled in an armchair. His face was flushed and 1t was obvious that I'd interrupted an argument. I glanced from him back to Mickey.
 For Pete's sakei' I said. Why doesn't someone talk?"
 Mickey came close to me, fight ing back tears.
 Since when," she asked, do businessmen need bodyguards?"
 Suppose we stop talking in riddles" I said.
 Mickey strode over to her brother. With & fierceness which I'd never suspected, she jerked open his coat. For @ moment he tired to resist, but she cowed him with a slap in the face, Strapped under his coat was brand-new leather shoulder holster with @ gun in 1t.
 For Mister Boggio's protec- tion," Mickey said. "Tell him about 1t, Don, in case he doesn't know"
 At first the kid was sullen and refused to talk. But prodded by Mickey he finally started. What he had to say was an earful.
 About a week ago Boggio had asked him if he was interested in doubling his salary. At first Don had thought he was kidding but Boggio soon convinced him he was on the level. If Don would learn to handle a gun he'd get him license and he could add the job of body guard to that of driver. Quite a number of people. Boggio ex- plained, employed bodyguards. The President of the United States, mil lionaireS, movie stars, and many others.
 So Don had agreed to practice nights in a shooting gallery, and finally Boggio had been satisfied with his marksmanship and given him the gun. It was all on the level; the gun was registered n Don's name, and there was nothing illegal about his carrying it. True to his promise, Boggio had given him the raise and he'd come home to tell Mickey about 1t, expecting her to be delighted. Wouldn't l explain to her that she had noth- ing to worry about?
 Such a degree of innocence bowl ed me over.
 thought for a moment, then sat down on the arm of Don'S chair.
 Look" said, I'm going to give you some good advice. Tell MT. Boggio you've thought it over and changed your mind. You don't want the job. But don't tell him you talked to me"
 He was stubborn. Why shouldn't t I want that job? I've been doing all right. And now I'm going to do even better"
 I'm not asking you," I said. I'm telling you. YouH quit that job and I'll get you another"
 But there was no ordering Don around now, I'd always considered him as an oyergrown kid, who. de- spite his size. could be made to do as he was told. Apparently the easy dough had already changed him. If there was something wrong with that Job, should tell him what. Wasn't I Boggio's attorney2 Didn't work for him, too? And if did why couldn't he7 Then he grabbed his hat and coat and walked 0u1'
 A LONG and painful silence fols h lowed. I vas the one to break it.
 I'm sorry. Mickey"
 She was standing near the Rfns dow, pretending 70 lo0k out. Her sllenee was becoming unbearable,
 T said I'm sorry. Why don't you ansger2"
 She Etill didn't look around
 "hofTyl' she repeated. Her voice wak SO tense and l0is that it didAt sound Ike Mickey. "eorry Tor Nhatf F0r having brought us lbefff FDf having HOi Don mixed