~4.32~

“What the hell are you supposed to be, the Abbreviated Shakespeare Company?” the cop asked John.

“Well, you know, ‘brevity is…’, and so forth,” John said.

“Listen, the Meier Mall is a family entertainment thing,” the cop said. “People bring their kids here.”

“I’ve noticed,” John said.

“What I’m saying is, you need to be respectable if you’re going to be here,” the cop said.

He took off his cap and scratched at his scalp. The fit, tanned young man wasn’t pushing his crazy button, but he was just off enough to make him uncomfortable.

“A man should be as he seems,” John said.

“Just put your shirt on, okay?” the cop said.

“I thank you, your lordship, it is very hot,” John said.

“Are you crazy? I’m getting cold just looking at you.”

“It is indifferent cold, my lord, indeed,” John said, pulling on the dirty flannel from the bus.

“And we’ve got laws against loitering,” the cop added. “If you don’t have any business…”

“Every man has business and desire, such as it is,” John said, bowing. “For mine own poor part, look you, I’ll go pray.”

“Christ have mercy,” the cop said. “Look buddy, I like a bit of culture as much as the next guy, but this ain’t no hang-out spot. We keep it respectable. So, you need to either do some shopping, or move on. Are you hearing me?”

“I am,” John said. “I will take my leave of you, and as parting is such sweet sorrow, perhaps you could direct me to a candy store?”

“Old Forest,” the cop said, pointing. “If you’ve got eyes to see, you won’t miss it.”

“Thank you,” John said. He bowed again, then turned and headed towards the gingerbread bedecked storefront.

“And watch your ass… we cops aren’t all uncultured boobs, but nobody likes a clown,” the cop said.

“Noted!” John called, and he skipped away, singing, “In youth, when I did love, did love, methought it was very sweet…”