LOOKING FOR AMY

“Christ Almighty, this heat will be the death of me yet,” Brian griped.

“I’m sick of your fucking bitching, Brian.  If there’s something better you’d rather be doing… “

“Maybe if you cut us some slack, we… “

“I’ll buy the whole damn town then rounds for a month but not until we find her.”

“But Nick, it’s been nearly a week and she’s… “

“I don’t want to hear another fuckin’ word out of you if you’re gonna talk this kinda shit.”

Kelly bristled.

“Just make sure those hounds of yours get a fresh whiff of Amy’s shirt.”

“Maybe if you cut her some slack, she… “

“Brian!”

“  …always runnin’ off on some damn money-making shceme.”

“Shut your fuckin’ mouth!”

“And then when you finally do come home,” Brian sighed, “you hardly even say ‘hello’ to her.”

“Christ, man, of all the people I shouldn’t have to explain myself to you.”

“Maybe you should try explaining yourself to Amy.”

“She understands.”

“Then why are we looking for her?”

Nick grabbed Brian by the shirt and twisted it.  “Go home, asshole!”

“But Nick, I didn’t mean anything by it. I just thought… “

“Dammit, go home!”

“Hey Nick; the dog’s are pulling me East,” a voice, off in the near distance, yelled.

“But there’s nothing over there,” Nick shouted back.

“Look, they’re dragging me that way,” Kelly Quigley said.  “What can I tell you?”

Nick waited and then shouted back.  Okay, go ahead, but keep us in sight.”

“I guess you want me to go with Kelly,” Brian said in a subdued voice.

Nick sighed for a moment and turned towards his friend.  “Look, I didn’t mean what I said.  I guess I just need some time by myself.  This whole thing’s got me crazy.”