He calls me now an' then.
We met in New Yawk after Aunty cut her molars at the Beast on the East River. Flattery an Southern charm is dern near fatal. He has both, plus, that slow-witted lawyer disguise what puts folks--'specially yankees--at deadly ease. It be easier to slit yore metaphorical throat iffin' yore victim ain't the least concerned that youse a threat. He coulda been Atticus Finch's brother.
"Aunty, I ain't heard from you in a long spell, Darlin'. Are you just trying to hurt my feelings? "
Easy Aunty. Doan fergit how this Mississippi man laid open a faction of Eurotrash fer public display back in '04. "Silas! What a surprise to heah yore voice. How's yore family?"
Silas has a passel o' five boys, an' one little baby girl---doan need to mention how spoiled she is, do I? 'Bout the onliest thang I ever seen that could rattle Silas is a worry over Baby Grace. Baby-- a girl by the grace of God-- is now 22 an' too purty fer eyes, even in Mississippi whar' purty is common.
"Fit as fiddles, everyone of them, Aunty. Baby Grace is interning this Summah down in the capital in Tate Reeves' office. That's an education in itself. They've all gone up to Mississippi's famous House Party this week--a hell of a circus, you know. Only place you'll see a belle in Mississippi mud in the morning, an silk at night. Reeves was speaking but the main draw is the candidate for the Constitution Party, and Al Gore, Jr., put up by the Democrats. Reckon they think Mississippi don't recognize that name?"
I been hearin' 'bout this hoedown --a quirky blend of family, country fair, food an' politickin'.
"Silas, I declare, yore life ain't never dull. " What does he want? I as't mahself.
"Who can live with dull? Life is meant to be a wild ride. Lissen' Darlin', I wanted to give you call, to smooth out something that's been bothering me. How is it that one of your kin comes to my neck' o the woods but you never sent me a note? "
I stammer fer a few seconds, but Silas rolls over mah words.
"Well, nevermind. Now, I know. This week in Clarksdale, Broke and Hungry hosted a thunderous jam. Some of our boys slip out theah when they get an itch for Blues. They're too old now, I can't dissuade them with the same threats I used when they were in school."
What has this got to do wif' me? "Silas, I'm lost. Whas' Broke and Hungry?"
"A record company. Blues, 'Big T' Williams...you know." ( I doan know)
"I see." ( I din't)
Silas favored me with a deep, chest rattlin' laugh.
"Nooooo, you don't Aunty. You've not made the connection. Mississippi is a small town state. If somebody new comes 'round, we know it. At Broke and Hungry's those boys got to jawing with some young fellas who'd come up theah after House Party. They mentioned a Florida newcomer who's been visiting round some. Come to find out, this newcomer is your kin!"
"Oh. Oh, I see. But, now Silas, of course I wouldn't presume to....
"That's not our way, Aunty. Not a'tall. We appreciate a note of introduction. In these parts, folks like to know who your folks are. However slim the connection, a connection is important. In times like these, it's especially important. The rules behind the rules count more than evah. I want to assure you, we'll keep an eye on his kilt."
Google Maps an' On Star have nuthin' on the Mississippi grapevine.
