“Uniform suits you.”


    I sat down across from the bellhop.


    “What’s your name?”


    “Richard.”


    “Last name?”


    “Knox. You going to report me?”


    “Richard Knox?”


    “Yeah, that’s my name. Silent K.”


    “Silent K would make a hell of a nickname. You ever—?”


    “Just Richard Knox, or Rick Knox.”


    “But he doesn’t does he?”


    “I beg your pardon?”


    I leaned back in my chair. A waiter set two drinks at our table. “Rick doesn’t knock. Richard barges in.”


    “Ah what the hell. I’m buying you a drink. Do you have to badger me the whole time? If you’re mad, file a complaint. If not, then gimme a break.” He took a swig.


    “Okay, well. Look. I think it’s funny, but I’ll stop if it’s bugging you, if it upsets you. How about Richard Talks? Why don’t you say something?”


    “What do you want me to say?”


    “I don’t know, just tell me about yourself. How long have you worked here?”


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    “Just this summer. I’m an English teacher at the middle school.”


    “The middle school on this island?”


    “I thought I’d try my hand at hopping bells.”


    “Makes sense. Do you like it?”


    “There’s plenty of time to read.”


    “You read books on the job?”


    “Sure, and I’d appreciate if you don’t tattle.”


    I shrugged. “I couldn''t care less. Are you on lunch break now?”


    He nodded through his glass. “Don’t usually drink on the job, but what the hell. I walk to and from work, so—.”


    I put my elbows on the table and leaned on my hands while I watched him drain his glass.


    “Have you seen the moon lately?”


    “Why?” He didn’t look up.


    “No reason. I was just making conversation.”


    He set the drink down and eyed me over the table.


    He shrugged. “What would be the point anyway? It’s always the same moon. I have probably seen the moon a thousand times in my life. More.”


    I agreed. “But have you ever really looked at it? Looked hard, I mean?”


    He looked off. “Have you?”


    “I guess not,” I said. “Maybe once or twice.”


    “Just goes to show…” He set down the empty glass.


    “Anyway, thanks for the drinks.”


    “Is that all?”


    “Is what?”


    “You didn’t ask a lot of questions. About town. You said you were in town on business.”


    “I am.”


    “Well you didn’t ask a lot of questions.”


    “If anything comes up, I’ll find you.”


    “Ok, but I’m not buying you any more drinks.”


    “And I’m not stripping naked even to shower.”


    After he left, I sat back and sighed.


    “Ugh.”


    I picked up my glass.


    A key sat on the table, in the place where my glass had been. It had an ugly square head and streaks of rust along the shaft.