One Night

"the parties" The parties were Bram's idea calculated, sophisticated, daring. For a long time they were the best-kept secret in the city. They ended one night when Al nearly killed Raphael. GABE "collecting girls" First Saturday in summer, Johnstone Public Swimming Pool now called Johnstone Park Aquatic Center to match its glitzy new image. I'm sitting here, in my sunglasses, checking the pool. Target: collecting girls. A surly waitress slaps down a cappuccino, weak as cat's piss, slopping into the saucer. I give her my devastating smile, and she stares at me, mouth hanging open. For a moment I consider coaxing her into a smile, but I can't waste time. I turn to survey the poolside. To the right the high-diving pool young boys jostling, eager to show off. Straight ahead the Olympic pool two lanes reserved for coaching. To the left the heated pool, and the little kids' pool. Then the grassy banks rolling down to the bay, and clusters of girls and guys. I dig out some coins and leave them on the table. I catch the waitress looking at me, her face wistful. I shouldn't have smiled. Of course I could invite her to the party tonight, but I don't want the bother of looking after her. Better not. I saunter down the steps, scan the main pool for chicks on their own, or with their girlfriends. At the deep end, squealing, are a couple of possibles. I may come back to them later. "so bram says" Tonight the party will be at Chris's house, as his parents are away for the weekend. He's done as Bram told him informed the neighbors he's having a small gathering, assured them the music won't be too loud, promised that everyone will leave by midnight. Even if they do complain later, there will be no evidence of a party, not even debris in the vacuum cleaner. Chris's parents will feel relieved he took such good care of the house, he'll get off with nothing worse than a mild reprimand. So Bram says. "Impeccable" Bram's planning is impeccable. His "before" photos capture a house precisely. The placement of ornaments, the slant of a rug, even the contents of the fridge are noted and photographed, so by the end of the party everything can be put back in place. He gloats that prideful householders have no idea their beloved home has been at his mercy. From the Hardcover edition.Wild, Margaret is the author of 'One Night', published 2006 under ISBN 9780553494341 and ISBN 0553494341.