By rumor, he came to clear his head and dwell on great matters of local government in the silence and restorative heat. No doubt he spared a few thoughts, too, for women he’d like to harass. As Nick took a seat on the bench beside the man, his fists fairly itched with the urge to meet Pilcher’s face. “Fine situation you’ve got here,” he said. Pilcher frowned and shifted away, evidently displeased by the interruption of his peace. “Do you know me, sir?” Man had a well-fed look to him. Wasn’t just the hairy roll of gut hanging over his towel. Certain folks, generally those who had been born into comfort but had persuaded themselves that they’d earned it, carried this gloating, well-satisfied air, as though the entire world existed to give them opportunities to sneer. Pilcher was sneering now. “Oh,” Nick said, “I should imagine everybody knows Mr.
