A couple of old men wearing flannel shirts, overalls and gimme caps from a popular implement company were sitting around a freshly blackened potbellied stove, taking advantage of the warmth emanating from it as they argued the pros and cons of the current political environment.The man behind the counter looked up as Jonah entered. As soon as he realized it was a stranger coming in the store, he straightened up to give him the once-over.Jonah passed the old men and went straight to the clerk. Just as he was about to introduce himself, an old gray-striped tomcat leaped up on the counter.“Well, hello, boy,” Jonah said softly, and gave the cat a scratch under the chin.The cat began to purr so loudly it made everybody smile.“I’m Paul Binger,” the man said. “That there’s Tiger. He don’t like just everyone, but it’s obvious you passed inspection.”“Acceptance is a good thing,” Jonah said, then reached across the cat and offered his hand. “I’m Jonah. Mrs. Tuesday hired me to work for her this winter.
