“Names,” she said, “just names.”

There was quiet then. After a while Jake said, “Amanda Rae, are you still there?”

“I was just thinking, Uncle Jake. You know about all the reading I’ve done. Marty brings me books from the University bookstore, too. I’ve always been half convinced that a lot of unusual things like grandma’s death, maybe your bad heart, my way of talking with you, your ability to make things slipt, all comes from the family growing up around all those chemicals out there in California. The old well you used to use before you got piped water was probably contaminated, and you’ve told me lots of times how you and grandma Catherine used to play in the dump. Just breathing the air around there probably had a lot to do with it.”

“Amanda, we don’t know that any of that’s true, and there’s no way to check on it.”

“Of course there isn’t,” she agreed. “But I’ll bet somebody was getting around to checking on it and that’s why whoever was responsible finally cleaned the place up and why they did it so fast and at night.”

“I really can’t go along with all that, Mandy. I’m sure whoever’s responsible for the dumpsite is part of some responsible outfit. People don’t let poisons just sit around like that. Sure, it didn’t smell none too good, but—”

“Uncle Jake. Dear sweet Uncle Jake. You’re too nice for your own damned good.”

Jake thought about reproving her for the cussing, but he’d done enough of it at her. He could hardly forgo her the use of an occasional damn or hell. Besides, kids these days thought no more of swearing than they did of spending ten bucks on a movie.

“Uncle Jake, I don’t think you should take up this stranger’s offer of a free medical exam. What was his name?”

“Mr. Huddy.”

“Yeah. I don’t think you should go see this Mr. Huddy, and I don’t think you should submit to his exam. And I want you to promise me that you’re not going to make anything slipt for him again, no matter how much he pleads with you or how much money he offers you.”

“Amanda, it’s just a harmless little trick.”

“I’ve tried and tried to explain to you, Uncle Jake, that you’re the only person in the world who we’re sure can do that little trick.

“Please don’t do what this Huddy guy wants. Don’t go with him and don’t take his exam and don’t show him any more tricks. If he asks you about it tell him it was a real magician’s trick. Tell him you were a semi-professional magician when you were younger. Tell him anything, but don’t tell him that you’ve always been able to make things like bottle caps slipt. This is important, Uncle Jake.”

“Alright, Mandy,” he said, trying to calm her down. “If it means that much to you, I’ll do it, but I don’t see what you’re getting so all-fired upset about.”

“That’s okay, Uncle Jake. You don’t have to see. Just promise me, okay?”

“Okay, Mandy. But I’m only doing this to please you, you know.”

“Isn’t that the best reason in the world to do anything? Now tell me, how did the Dodgers do yesterday?”

“Real well.” Pickett warmed quickly to the new subject. “They creamed the Pirates. That Mexican kid was pitching…. I never can pronounce his name aright.”

“Just think it,” Mandy told him. He did so, and she knew. He was up to his wrists in ground round the next morning when the doorbell rang. He sighed, wondering who it could be, and wiped his greasy hands on a towel. The meat loaf would have to wait.

He moved into the den and opened the door. It never occurred to him to check first to see who was on the other side, for all that he lived in one of Southern California’s more violent neighborhoods.

The neighborhood knew. So did the street and the rest of the barrio. Don’t mess with the old man who lives up on the hill. He’s good for the niños.

Jake pulled back the door. Standing there smiling at him was the nice young man he’d talked to before: Benjamin Huddy. There were two other younger men with him this time. Both were impressively large.

Jake wondered at their presence and decided that a man like this Mr. Huddy might have assistants with him sometimes. It occurred to Jake that Huddy had never explained in any detail just what it was that he did. Jake had assumed he was a personnel recruiter because that’s what he’d come to see Jake about. But Huddy had never actually said anything like that.

It wasn’t part of his nature to be impolite, however. “Come on in, Mr. Huddy. Nice to see you again.”

“You too, Jake. I can call you Jake, can’t I?”

“Don’t see why not. Come in, though I don’t know if there’s chairs enough for everybody.” He moved to his easy chair. Huddy sat down on the couch.

“That’s alright, Jake. Drew and Idanha don’t mind standing. Do you, boys?”

Neither of the large young men responded. They just took up positions next to the doorway and watched quietly. It bothered Jake a little because he didn’t know what they did. Then the answer came to him and he relaxed. Probably they were just traveling with Huddy on their way to other business and rather than sit in the car and wait they’d decided to come inside. That made sense. It was hot out.

“Well,” murmured Huddy. He had a little booklet of papers he was thumbing through. “How are you this morning, Jake?”

“Feeling real fine, Mr. Huddy, thanks.”

“Call me Benjamin, please. I’m glad to hear that. Do you remember me asking you about that medical exam? The one we’d like to give you free for considering our offer?”

“I didn’t really consider your offer, Benjamin. It don’t matter anyhow. I’ve decided against taking your exam.”

Huddy’s expression slid away for an instant, revealing something other than pleasant innocuousness before the mask was put back in place. Jake didn’t really notice the brief transformation.

“I don’t understand, Jake. You seemed so enthusiastic about taking the exam when we talked about it before. The tests are perfectly free. They won’t take very long. If it’s the long drive that’s troubling you, we’d be happy to drive you into town for the exam and bring you home.”

“Sorry, but I’ve changed my mind, Benjamin. I don’t feel like having some doctors poke me around just now. Maybe another time.”

One of the younger men who’d accompanied Huddy stepped away from the door and said politely, “If you’d like, Mr. Huddy sir, I’m sure we can convince Jake here to come along with us.” Jake didn’t miss the angry stare that Huddy threw the heavy-set assistant.

“Back off and let me handle this, Drew.”

“Sure, Mr. Huddy. Whatever you say.” The big man resumed his position, looking hurt.

Huddy smiled reassuringly at Jake. “You have to excuse my companions. They’re trainees and they’re anxious to be helpful.”

“Sure, I understand,” Jake said. If they were assistants, then what did they do for Huddy? It didn’t make sense. They just stood around and watched.

The noise of the neighborhood children playing out in the street occasionally reached the men in the house. Huddy had seen the kids on the way in. He didn’t want any trouble, not now. Such considerations were premature anyway.

“Really, Jake,” he began, trying another approach, “I don’t understand you. This exam is only for your benefit. I’ve never had anyone refuse a freebie before.”

“Well I’m real sorry, Benjamin, but I’d just rather not go into L.A. right now, and I’m getting a mite tired of arguing about it.”

“I don’t mean to upset you, Jake. I know you have to watch that because of your heart and all. Listen, will you do one thing for me? I’m going to look awfully silly when I tell them you’re not coming in for the exam. Will you at least think about taking it? I can push it back another couple of days.” He handed over a card. “If you change your mind before next Friday give me a call and I’ll have the exam rescheduled. This is my local number.”

Jake reached over and accepted the card, studied it briefly. “Consolidated Chemical and Mining?”

“Security is just one of our divisions. We’re one of those big conglomerates, Jake. We have interests all over the world, not just in L.A. and San Diego.” He stood. “Just think about it, Jake. That’s all I ask. We’ve got a couple of days and I’d really like to see you come in for the exam. I’m concerned about your health.”

“So are the boys down at the V.A.,” Jake told him. “Okay, Benjamin. I will think about it. I promise.”

“That’s little enough to ask, Jake.” Huddy glanced across to his pair of assistants and they responded by stepping out the front door. “So long, Jake.” Huddy was smiling easily. “You have a nice day.”

“You too, Benjamin.” Jake watched them go until the Cadillac had turned itself around and started down the road, trailing dust and laughing bright-eyed children in its wake.