“I called about the room to rent.”

“Yes, yes.” Edith’s frail hand pushed open the screen door and headed towards the apartment over the garage. “I suppose you want to see the room first, but to let you know, I’m going to need the first month’s rent up front. Is that ok?”

“No problem, ma’am. I was plannin’ on paying first and last.”

“Splendid. It’s good to have a responsible youngin’ around.” Edith unlocked the apartment door at the top of the stairs. “It’s got a mini-fridge, a hotplate, and a good sized walk-in closet, except its missing a handle. Out that window you got a great view of the park. St. Lucille High School’s girls lacrosse team practices there, and makes a lot of racket in the afternoons. Hope that won’t bother you.”

A large coarse hand pushed back the curtain to reveal the park below. “No problem at all, ma’am, as long as I gots a place to hang my belt.” He smiled back at Edith’s reflection in the window. “And don’t worry about that closet lock, ‘cause I’m good with fixing locks."