The Death of 1977 (Book 3)

Chapter 8

"Okay, he we are." Audra pleasantly announced as she parked her blue, 1973 Monte Carlo in front of a three story apartment building.

Charles sat in the passenger's seat and looked out the window at the aged building in a subtle, if not somewhat passive glare as to say that the tenement wasn't what he expected.

Slowly climbing out of the car with his cane in hand, Charles watched as Audra, dressed in a pair of brown corduroy pants and an orange jacket, practically raced around the vehicle to open the trunk.

"Now don't you go gettin' my bags for me!" Charles limped over towards the woman. "I am perfectly capable of carrying my own stuff." The man politely smiled as he secured his two duffle bags from Audra.

Smiling right back, Audra said, "Okay, but don't you go trying to climb those stairs without me." She shut the trunk and walked beside Charles.

The sharp, morning wind scooted both individuals up five stone steps that led to the front door of the brick building. Audra pushed open the door and held it for Charles behind her.

"This door is left unlocked until 8 p.m." Audra explained. "Everyone has their own key, so if you need to get in then it shouldn't be a problem."

"I understand." Charles graciously made his way inside. "Shucks, at my age, I'm in the bed at 8 p.m." He snickered.

"Me, too," Audra laughed back.

Charles stood for a moment or two and examined the downstairs area where to his immediate right was ten mailbox slots. Straight ahead was the kitchen, as well as another door just shy of the threshold.

"As you can probably tell, this is the second floor." Audra presented. "I already put your name on your own mailbox.

"Thank you very much." Charles grinned.

"Down that way is the kitchen. Now, each apartment has its own icebox and stove, but the kitchen is primarily used for the big meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter."

"I see." Charles nodded his head.

"And that door there leads down to the basement." Audra pointed. "We have a few folks in here that keep their bikes down there. We actually had a woman that tried to hide her Doberman down there once."

"Are you serious?" Charles looked shocked.

"Oh yes, I had to kick her behind outta here."

All of the sudden, both Charles and Audra spun around at the clamoring of what sounded like feet tumbling down the stairs next to them. Charles staggered back a bit to see just what was happening.

"Oh, it's you!" Audra caught herself.

It was a young, white man with a curly, brown afro who was clothed in an all blue jogging suit and tennis shoes.

"Oh, sorry, Mrs. Watson, I was just on my way out." The man suddenly stopped short of the front door.

"Robin, I want you to meet Mr. Mercer."

"How are you, sir?" Robin gladly extended his right hand.

fella!" Charles gregariously greeted the boy

Mercer is gonna

Robin lit up. "That's

that's good to know!" Charles exclaimed

"Well, I gotta get out and get running." Robin

"Get running?" Charles questioned.

You

don't say!"

"Yes, sir, it's been a dream of mine ever since I was a kid, or at least ever since Bruce

fella on

have a good day, and it was great meeting you, sir!" Robin said as he

"I'll see ya around,

"He's a good boy." Audra began for the upstairs. "Always

boy, a good boy indeed." Charles followed

make it up

make it the best I

that all the rooms are upstairs." Audra lamented as she made it to the

stop apologizing, this place is like a castle to me. Besides, the

hallway with Charles bringing up the rear. With every door that they passed there seemed to be a different story attached. One door had The Floaters', 'Float On,' playing behind it, while another door had the smell

a complete and utter mystery. All the shut doors might as well have been

in front of apartment number six with a key ready

as she opened the door and stepped right in. Inside was a small stove, a couple of cabinets above it and an icebox, while in another room adjacent from the tiny kitchen was what appeared to be the living area, complete with one couch, a small table beside it and a television in front

as you can

whole lot bigger than my last place, I can assure you that." Charles

was here made sure to keep the place

subtlety that he carried with him out of the car moments

and pray that you enjoy yourself here." Audra handed

will, Mrs.

and I have known each other since July, and you're still calling

Blushing, Charles replied, "Well, that's just the way I

Taking Charles by the hand, Audra leaned forward and said, "You can call me

and night." He adamantly stated. "I plan on going down to that little diner on the corner and seeing if they have anything open. Add to the fact

"But what about your

hand,

Audra placed her hands on her hips and stared

need a maintenance man around here. The last one we had couldn't seem to stay off

stuff." Charles'

look for work. You pick up

his eyes, as though he could sense that the gears in her head were

out for the better." She pressed her lips

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