Satiricus was preening with pride. He’d shown up at the protest against the parking meters in front of City Hall and as usual was holding forth with his buddies at the Back Street Bar.
“Budday!” he exclaimed expansively. “You wouldn’t believe who were at the rally against parking meters on Thursday!”
“Who?” demanded Hari laconically, as he sipped his beer. “Your leaders from the KFC?”
Satiricus looked a bit crestfallen. “Well, they didn’t actually show up, but with the strong statement, they issued in support of Don’t Can, I know they were there in spirit.”
“Sato, na worry wid Hari,” advised Bungi, who wanted his beer to continue flowing. “Tell me w’ich big wan yuh see!”
Satiricus perked up. “Well, there were the Big-Harry people who own all the banks and stuff. And dozens of other business people and big shots.”
“Really?” asked Bungi with eyes opened wide. “An’ dem bin a march wid sign and an’ t’ing?”
“Yes!” exclaimed Satiricus as he pumped his fist. “But most impressive was the Security Man who called for a subway under Georgetown before allowing parking meters.”
“Does he know subways cost about US0 million per kilometre?” demanded Hari. “Where will the money come from?”
“Na worry ‘bout da,” interrupted Bungi. “Tell me who mo’ yuh see.”
“Lemme think,” said Satiricus rubbing his chin. “Aha! There was the former Talker of the House with his placard!”
“Yeah!” said Hari sceptically, as Bungi appeared to go into shock. “I saw in the papers he had one of his servants holding an umbrella over his head!”
“It’s the thought that counts,” smirked Satiricus. “The man was there with the protest!”
“Who yuh seh bin a de meter protes’?” asked Bungi a tad brusquely.
“The former Talker?” said Satiricus.
“Me tink me bin hear wraang!” said Bungi. “Dis man was abee unian lawywe fuh ten year!”
“What does that have to do with the meter protest?” demanded Satiricus and Hari simultaneously.
“Well abee canecuttah protes’ in front a Prezzie new green affice las’ week too,” said Bungi savagely. “How come he na bin deh, when all abee lose abee wuk?”
“Well, Bungi ole friend,” said Hari quietly, “if you lose your jobs, you can’t pay the big time lawyer no mo’!!”
