washette

Charlie Wagner, the owner of the washette where Vivian works, gets twenty-five bucks a storm to clear it.

Heaven’s Fury Stephen Frey 2010

Sometimes she parks in the back, because the owner, Charlie Wagner, is hung over and feeling mean and makes her park back there because he says he wants his customers to be able to use the spots on the street right in front of the washette—even though those spots are rarely all taken.

Heaven’s Fury Stephen Frey 2010

I figured the washette would be closed at least another day because of the storm but maybe not.

Heaven’s Fury Stephen Frey 2010

As I turned left at the lone stoplight in town a few minutes ago, I peered down the block at the spots in front of the washette where Vivian usually parks.

Heaven’s Fury Stephen Frey 2010

What I should have done during lunch was go back to the house, get that strongbox that has the washette ticket and the knife inside it, and bury it somewhere back in the woods.

Heaven’s Fury Stephen Frey 2010

I feel the fine, icy crystals hitting my face and see the glow of the streetlight over in front of the washette.

Heaven’s Fury Stephen Frey 2010

“The washette closes at four on Fridays in the winter, right?”

Heaven’s Fury Stephen Frey 2010

“In that vacant space between the washette and the fishing shop, right across the street from the Grizzly Saloon.”

Hell’s Gate Stephen Frey 2009

“In that vacant space between the washette and the fishing shop, right across the street from the Grizzly Saloon.”

Hell’s Gate Stephen Frey 2009

“In that vacant space between the washette and the fishing shop, right across the street from the Grizzly Saloon.”

Hell’s Gate Stephen Frey 2009