The Summer Job - 22. Oswald's Answer

Philip had lunch with Mikie, Randy and Tanner. Tanner could make a dead person smile and helped Phillip recover from the funk the interview had unleashed. It didn’t take long before he was smiling again surrounded by a small crowd of happy day campers.

His phone rang and he saw it was Mr. Oswald. He excused himself and headed for a quieter spot to take the call.

Phillip answered on the fourth ring.

It was obvious Oswald was in a good mood. He wasted no time, “Little Phil: I talked to Chris Butler and it’s a done deal. We’re sending the Green boy’s fees over by messenger to the office at the Y. They are covered through the start of school.”

“Thanks Mr. Oswald. I know they’ll have a better time here than stuck in their apartment.”

“My pleasure Phil. In that package is an envelope addressed to you— it’s a pre-paid debit card for a thousand bucks. The Police Benevolent Fund has ponied up two-fifty a piece for the boys. Since you know what they’ll need, would you mind to taking them somewhere and getting them what they need?”

Phillip replied, “No problem sir. It’ll be fun.”

Oswald said, “Good. If it doesn’t take the whole two-fifty a piece, get them some jeans or something. You’ve made some friends helping us take care of James Green’s kids. I usually dread dealing with the kids of the associates but you’re good people kiddo. Call me anytime you need.”

Phillip hung up the call thinking— Wow! This made his day. Who knew a gruff old cop like Mr. Oswald would have a soft spot for kids.