There was a level of freedom as an outsider that he rarely dared take advantage of in his daily life. He had not expected Firm Buttocks to show any interest, and yet – there was a sign. A subtle sign, but a sign nonetheless.

“I dropped my wallet,” Zechariah said in a rush of breath, already turning as he launched his excuse.

“Then you will never-...” Christopher started, but then heaved a heavy sigh as Zechariah trotted off like a pig to trough.

“Excuse me,” Zechariah said, having elbowed through a few families to make his way back to Firm Buttocks. “Have you seen a black wallet anywhere?”

It was a loud crowd, but he was still standing awfully close. Close enough that the ocean of cologne he must have swum in almost overpowered the fish odor.