Chapter 9

The following morning Mr. Slinky had gone out to Mrs. Simms home as soon as he'd dressed and eaten breakfast. He was now sitting in an easy chair in her living room, and she was sitting on the sofa. He opened his brief case and took out his report.

Mrs. Simms snapped impatiently. "Never mind reading me the technical details. Just give me a brief rundown of what you've found out about the private life of Jeffrey Davenport."

"The main thing is that even young beautiful girls don't have a chance with him."

"Please explain exactly what you mean, Mister Slinky."

"Well my investigation's still incomplete; but an older man told me that his girlfriend's having a platonic relationship with Jeff. It certainly appears that he's a gay kid. But you understand, these are only my suspicions. I'll have to trace his every movement until I can bring you definite proof."

"But the boy is so good at fu-I, uh, mean, he's so masculine looking. How long will it take to trace him further?"

"At least a month. This boy's pretty cagey, and not easy to...."

"I don't need any proof. You appear to be an intelligent man. You've probably pegged him right."

"Perhaps you don't understand what a gay man is; he could be a closet Queen going out with women to cover up."

"I know exactly what you mean, sir."

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Simms. I didn't mean to insult your intelligence."

"So that's why he put up a fight at first, I mean, he...."

"Well, madam, I guess this means you won't be needing my services any longer."

"That's correct. Just mail me the bill. Bye, bye now."

Mr. Slinky handed her the report, picked up his brief case, then bowed, and walked out. He'd send the old bitty a bill all right; one she'd remember for a long time to come.

As soon as the private detective had driven off, Mrs. Simms went out to her Lincoln Continental and drove over to the Glamour Beauty Salon. She stomped into Mr. Brian's private office and parked her fannie in a chair next to his desk. Digging into her purse, she retrieved the detective's report and waved it in the air.

Mr. Brian stared at her as if she'd lost her marbles. "What is it, madam?"

"What I have to say won't take long. I gave you fair warning about discharging Mister Davenport, and you refused to heed that warning. And now I find myself duty bound to protect the women of our community!"

"Exactly what are you referring to, Mrs. Simms?"

"I mean to say that Jeffrey Davenport is a fairy-and I don't mean Cinderella's godmother!"

"Mrs. Simms, we can dispense with the humor. You're making a very serious accusation."

"And I fully intend to back it up. Here's a report that'll cost me quite a large sum of money. But it's worth every cent of it, to unmask this poor excuse for a man." She was waving the report back and forth like a crazed woman.

"Now, Mrs. Simms, I beg of you, try to contain yourself."

"I demand that you discharge him at once. Do you hear? At once! And if he refers to you for a recommendation, you're to pass this information along to the prospective employers. We must rid our society; and especially this community of these sick imitations of manhood. And to think of the time I've wasted in this place."

"Well, madam, I feel that we've performed a valuable service to you, and that your time wasn't wasted in my establishment."

"Your service was dreadful. I always had to sit and wait because your help's never on time. Now will you, or will you not, read this report?"

She leaned over his desk and waved the report in his faced. He had no other choice, so he read it as the old lady watched him with a look of satisfaction on her face. When he finished reading it, he looked over at her with an expressionless face.

"Mrs. Simms, you told me originally that Jeffrey made indecent advances to you," he said sternly, "the contents of this report hardly substantiate your case."

"Never mind trying to wriggle out of this like a worm. Are you or are you not going to discharge Mister Davenport?"

Mr. Brian looked directly at her. "I gather then, that what you originally told me was a falsehood. Now, try to be reasonable about this, Mrs. Simms; you stand to gain nothing by your actions, and I'm sure we can work this out amicably. Wouldn't it be best for all concerned, just to forget the entire matter?"

Mrs. Simms was infuriated by his attitude. "I want him fired, and I'll make sure that hell never do another day's work in this city. And I'm carrying this farther, Mister Brian. I fully intend to report this to the State Board of Cosmetology; and if you don't want the name of your salon dragged into this, then I suggest that you take the corrective steps ... Now I'll bid you good day, sir, and I trust that common sense will drive home to you the lesson that 'Fairy Operators' can cast an evil spell over your establishment, and perhaps put you out of business."

She paused and gave him a warning look. Seeing by his expression that her speech had affected him, she added as her parting statement; "I believe we understand each other clearly!"

"Yes, Mrs. Simms. I understand you very clearly. I have no choice in the matter. Mister Davenport will be discharged today."

The old lady rose from the chair, then walked quickly out of his office.

Mr. Brian picked up the phone and told the receptionist to send Jeff into his office immediately.

He was scratching his chin, and looking pensive when Jeff entered his office. "Sit down, my boy."

"Yes sir." Jeff said as he sat in a chair.

"I'm sure you realize that I consider you a top hair stylist."

"Thank you, sir. I try my best to please the patrons."

Mr. Brian gave him a pained look. "I don't want to beat around the proverbial bush, Jeff. Mrs. Simms has just left my office."

"Don't tell me that old battle-axe is still floating around!"

"I know how you feel my boy, and I'm in complete sympathy with you. However, she has accused you of being a fairy.'"

"A what?"

"Now let me finish what I have to say before you blow your top. She handed me a report from a private detective agency. I didn't want to read it, but she practically forced it on me."

"And the report accused me of that?"

"Yes, but I personally don't believe a word of the erroneous report, but this is a 'cut throat' business, Jeff, and I can't afford to be associated with any scandal whatsoever."

"Can't you see that Mrs. Simms is holding a grudge against me for insulting her? Probably she bribed the detective. If I had enough money I'd sue her for defamation of character."

"With her money she could bribe others. I'll have to ask for your resignation. My hands are tied."

Jeff jumped up. "You mean I'm fired on something like this?"

"I'm sorry, Jeff."

"Sorry! I was planning to get married and see that Donna gets through with her beauty course. Now I'll be broke."

Mr. Brian rubbed his chin as if in deep thought. "Supposing you come to my apartment tonight and we'll work something out until this blows over. I'll see that you're taken care of financially, also, speak to my lawyer."

Jeff smiled gratefully. "Gosh, thanks, Mister Brian. I'll make it up to you."

"Call me Dick," the man smiled in a fatherly fashion. "Here, I'll jot down my address."

Jeff was angry at old lady Simms, but he felt confident that his boss would work something out for him. He wasn't a bad egg, even though he had always been too business-like.

Mr. Brian handed him the slip of paper. "I'll expect you at eight. You can go home now. That old bitch might come back to see if I fired you."

"I'll be there, Mister Brian."

"Dick," the man corrected him. "And, Jeff, come alone."

Jeff smiled at him, then went out to get his things and go back to his apartment to tell Donna what had happened. She didn't have any classes during the afternoon, and should be home by noon.

Mr. Brian sat behind his desk, resting his feet on it. He pulled out a pint of scotch and took a long swig, then lit a cigar. He smiled to himself as he thought. Gay, huh? Wait until he finds out tonight that I'm also gay. The young rascal, hiding this from me. But then, I'm quite a sly rascal myself.