“What for?” The wizened man shrugged. “I didn’t really care to come all the way from Reedsburg in the heat. And some of us take holidays off.” “I never take days off. It’s not good for business. Besides, with everyone tied up with the celebrations, no one will notice you coming and going. Have you got what you need?” “Of course. What’s the name?” Aaron Marks held out an official document to display the name at the bottom. “If you’ve got his name on a contract, what do you need me for?” “Only a fool would sign the one you’re going to forge and Jackson is no fool. This old contract is for the job he’s on now. But this new one will be binding nonetheless and I’ll have what I want.” “I don’t care to hear about the details. Have you got the money?” A bag of coins hit the desk. The little man looked them over, put the bag in his pocket, and went to work. The town had a great time at the fireworks display. The evening began with several children reciting poems or stories about the freedoms their nation enjoyed.
