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“I’m not sure, Dooley,” I said. “They are two crooks, after all, and being crooks seems to be in their blood at this point, and it must be very hard for them to reform now, after all those years of following the criminal path.”

“I hope they can reform, because Scarlett really seems to like Johnny.”

“What makes you think so?” I asked, surprised. I’d seen firsthand how Johnny had taken a liking to Scarlett, which wasn’t so hard to imagine since most men of a certain age took a liking to her, falling frequently and fast for her allure. But it was only very rarely that Scarlett reciprocated that liking.

Dooley pointed in the direction of the corner of the street, where a cozy little patch of green had been fashioned by placing a bench underneath an old tree. On that bench Johnny and Scarlett were now sitting, and they were gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes, clearly discussing something other than the interest rate policy of the Federal Reserve.

“I think it’s sweet,” said Dooley. “It proves that there is someone out there for everyone—even Johnny.”

“Do you think there’s someone out there for Jerry?” I asked. It was hard to imagine that anyone could fall for a man with the face of a rodent.

“I’m sure there is,” said Dooley, that eternal optimist.

We’d reached Main Street, and as we passed by Fido’s hair salon, we saw to our dismay that a sign was hanging on the door that announced that the shop was closed.

“Apparently Fido’s speech didn’t provide his business with a boost,” I said.

“I hope Buster is all right,” said Dooley.

We gazed at the storefront for a few wistful moments, mentally saying goodbye to a business that had gone bust, and then moved on.

Our next stop was the General Store, where our friend Kingman holds sway, and since so much had been happening lately, I felt it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to schmooze a little with the voluminous feline who always seems to know what’s going on in town, sometimes before the people involved themselves.

“Hey there, Kingman,” I said by way of greeting. The large cat was taking up a large swath of public real estate by occupying a prime spot on the pavement, and didn’t even lift his head in greeting when we walked up to him.

“Fellas,” he said lazily. The sun was out in full force, as it often is in our corner of the world, and obviously Kingman didn’t mind working on his tan a little.

“Did you hear what happened last night?” I asked, referring, of course, to the disastrous speech Fido had given to the people of his town.

“Yeah, I heard all about it,” said Kingman. “Sorry I couldn’t be there, guys, or cat choir. I had some important business to attend to.”

“What business?” I asked. I’d wondered why Kingman would skip cat choir. Usually he’s one of its fixtures, along with Shanille, the director, and all of our other friends and acquaintances.

“Oh, this and that,” he said vaguely. “Looks like Fido has finally burnt his final bridge, huh? He closed his shop this morning, after having been open one hour, and then he took off for a destination or destinations unknown, I’m afraid.”

“Where did he go?”

Kingman smiled.“I can’t fool you, can I, Max? Okay, so Buster dropped by to say goodbye. He says they’re off to California. To a place called Mount Shasta. According to Fido it’s a very spiritual place, full of his kind of people, whatever that means.”

“Fido moved to California? That was quick.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, after last night’s disaster I suggested to Odelia she talk to Fido, and suggest a trip to Mount Shasta. It’s the Flat Earth Society’s headquarters.”

“Now why would you go and do a thing like that, Max?”

“I didn’t think he’d pick up on it so quickly. Actually Dooley gave me the idea.”

“Me?” asked Dooley, much surprised.

“Yes, you. With your idea about a rich family that swaps places with a poor family. In Hampton Cove Fido is just one guy calling in the desert, making him feel special, and having the effect of strengthening his convictions. Over there he’ll be one of many—just another cog in the machine.” I shrugged. “I just hope it’ll make him put things in perspective.”

“And I hope you know what you’re doing,” Kingman said. “Cause after the cold reception his little speech received, Fido clearly felt that he was no longer welcome here, so I doubt whether he’ll ever come back.” He sighed. “And of course he took Buster with him. I’m really going to miss that fella.”

We spared a moment for Buster, and I had to admit I felt a pang of regret. Buster had been a part of our lives for such a long time. I just hoped my gamble was successful.

“Look, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m hungry,” said Kingman, as he made a concerted effort to raise himself up from the sidewalk and move inside the store and into the cooling shade. Once there, he proceeded to gobble down a couple of nuggets from his bowl, then sat back, produced a tiny burp and said, “Dig in, fellas. I feel generous.”