Page 66 - The Houseguest

receive it. It was intended to purchase a “gently worn” suit, shoes and a tie. However, the best place he knew for a convicted felon to cash a check was the liquor store. How convenient for him since he could not deny the urge he’d felt for alcohol ever since his release made the likelihood of getting some possible. The program had provided an alternative location to cash the check, but the liquor store excuse fit into his plans better. He knew if he spent the money on booze, to remain in the program, he’d have to return in some clothes other than the torn gray khakis he’d been wearing and washing weekly.
Since his discharge, thoughts of his sister Laura continued to plague his thoughts, which was strange since she hadn’t visited him once during his entire incarceration. He immediately dismissed thoughts of her as they entered his mind. After all, he didn’t want to admit to himself that perhaps he had become more emotionally present after serving time. Still, he couldn’t help but wonder if she was still around Millville, if she even remembered their bond, and if she was even still alive.
He took a bus from the shelter to a downtown area with many older shops, which would surely be lacking the latest security camera technology. It wasn’t like he was planning a huge heist, he just needed one used suit to explain away the money from the stipend check he planned to spend on whiskey, cigarettes and whatever else he might be fortunate enough to come across during his first official excursion as a free man in ten years. He walked into Nate’s Consignment. He had showered and shaved, but he was wearing the same stained khakis and sneakers with holes. He felt comfortable knowing the counter help at Nate’s wasn’t exactly accustomed to serving high-class clientele
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The Houseguest by Linda Ellis www.LindaEllis.life