This is the fourth part in a series, so if you have not already done so, you might want to read Part I, Part II, and Part III before continuing.
Figuring it would be best to steer clear of the McDonald’s until the grumpy employee had finished his shift, I went back to my spot under the bridge, where I found Old Jim.
“Well, look who decided to show his face again,” I said as I approached and sat down on my blanket.
He grinned at me, revealing gaps where teeth had fallen out. “Old Jim is always here.”
“But not always visible.”
“Just because I’m not visible doesn’t mean I’m not here.”
“I didn’t say otherwise. I merely remarked on the fact that you’re currently visible. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Don’t you know?” He spread his arms wide as he said, “I’m the Welcome Committee.”
“I suppose that’s why you were here when I first arrived.”
“That’s right.”
“But why now?”
“I like to check in on my protégés. See how they’re coming along.”
“Protégé?”
“My apprentice. The one who will carry on my practice.”
“I know what a protégé is. What makes you think I’m your protégé?”
“You’re here aren’t you?”
“Who are you talking to?”
I turned around to find the boy standing just outside the cover of the bridge. I looked back, but Old Jim was gone.
I turned back to the boy and said, “Do you know anyone named Old Jim? Looks kind of like me?” When you’re Black and homeless, people think you look like every other Black homeless person.
“There used to be someone named Old Jim who lived under this bridge. He didn’t look much like you, though.”
So, the kid was more perceptive than most. “Do you know what happened to him?”
“They found him dead a few months ago.” I felt a shiver run up my spine.
To be continued…