Vinnie, Part II

That early morning incident I wrote about two months ago was the last time I’d heard from the dealer with the disturbingly low voice. Until today.

Unlike last time, the sun was up when I saw the familiar Maine number show up on my phone. I was surprised to hear from him. Regardless, I tried to be friendly. I answered the call.

“Hello?” I said, perhaps a little too cheerfully.

There was a moment of silence.

“Hello?” I asked again.

He let out a loud, disappointed “ah" that sounded more like a profanity than a moan. Then he hung up.