Vinnie, Part II

That early morning incident two months ago was the last time I’d heard from the dealer with the disturbingly low voice. Until today.

Unlike last time, the sun was up when I saw the familiar Maine number show up on my phone. I was surprised to hear from him. Regardless, I tried to be friendly. I answered the call. “Hello?” I said, perhaps a little too cheerfully.

There was a moment of silence.

“Hello?” I asked again.

He let out a loud, disappointed “ah" that sounded more like a profanity than a moan. Then he hung up.