A trailer with missing steps on the front porch. Mosquito strips hang from the light fixture. Gravel and dirt make up a driveway. Folding chairs with a ripped card table and rusty legs. The three of them sit around it with a twenty-four case of Old Style sweating in the night heat.

I called you boys over for a reason tonight, Bobby said. We need to get down to business. Need to be honest with each other. Don’t talk over one another. Listen to what the other guy is saying. They all nodded. Teddy. Jimmy. We’ve known each other a long time. Been through a lot. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m not cut out for this anymore. Just don’t have the strength, he told them. I gotta step down as the ring leader. How do you two feel about that?

Teddy lifted his empty can and threw it out in the yard. Jimmy sat in silence.  That’s how I feel, Teddy said. You’re quitting when we need you most. Those teenagers are going to take over now. They’ll see we’re weak. Teddy raised his voice.

Shhhh. Not so loud, Bobby commanded.  You’re not listening. I’m done. Done with worrying about the cops. Tired of worrying about somebody lying there dead on my front doorstep. Jimmy remained quiet.

So, I guess it’s over. Teddy said.

You boys can sell if you want to. But, I’m done, Bobby lit a cigarette.

You moving out of the park?

Bobby pointed at the station wagon. Gonna take that across country. See America. Maybe settle down in Indio.

I see. Ted cracked open a cold one. Jimmy just sat there. Staring out into space.

I’ll need you to take care of him, Ted pointed at Jimmy.

Why me?

He’s got nowhere to go. He’s retarded for Christ sake. All this time, it’s been me.

You mean me, Bobby shouted.

Bring your voice down. Bobby took out a gun from his pants. He pointed it at Teddy. I said settle down.

You’d shoot your own cousin? Teddy asked.

Without hesitation. The two stared at each other. Jimmy rocked back and forth.

Go on then. Do it. You pull a gun on me. You better use it. I ain’t gonna watch him. He ain’t my responsibility. You Hear me?

I say what goes, Bobby said.

I’m done with this. Teddy stood up.

Where you going?

Leaving.

We ain’t done.

I say we are. Have fun. Send me a postcard.

Bobby cocked his gun. Shot it two times. Once in the air and once in Teddy’s back. He dropped to his knees and then landed on his bearded face. Arms outstretched. He lay there in the tall weeds. Jimmy remained silent.