The end of Spencer’s first assignment

A first assignment: Spence Cassidy's diary— Entry #6

Oct 08, 2023

This is the last entry from the episode with Spence and Johnny. For now at least.

It seems like Casey, the musician living in the sleazy motel, has led Johnny to a buyer of Drew Kowalski’s manuscripts. The old owner of the Cassidy and Sons bookshop…

I’ve always wondered why he called it Cassidy and Sons. I mean, why the “son” at the end. It was not like he ever wanted me to be a part of it anyway. Only to do the simple dirty work he never had time for. When I was a kid, I used to run errands, clean the shop, and look for new books to sell at local flea markets. But I wasn’t ever good enough, or at least not the way he wanted. So, I left, and disappeared, in art, booze, always on the run from anxiety. I never thought I talk to him again. And I wasn’t planning on starting now.

Johnny wanted to make a thing out of this assignment, keep the wheel rolling as he said. Selling the relics of Drew Kowalski would lead to him getting into video art, and that would lead to something bigger. I thought he was full of shit. I never understood why he needed me. But now, when we got this far, it was like the manuscripts were searching for my dad all along.

— Gotta help me out here Spence, Johnny said when we stood on the opposite side of the street of my dad's house.

The sun had bleached the green-painted wood for many years and the garden was overgrown.

— You’re on your own Johnny-boy.

He sighed.

— What did he do to you?

— Enough, I said and started to walk the pavement towards a bar further down the street.

I opened the door, and let my eyes get used to the gloomy light for a second before I got up to the bar and ordered a beer. Johnny came in after me and sat down. He asked for a whiskey and lit a cigarette on his way to the jukebox.

— They got “In a silent way” here he said.

— Miles Davis?

— Who else?

We were quiet for a moment.

— Spence look…

In a way, I’ve already decided.

— I know, I will.

— Why are we sitting here then?

I finished my beer.

— Fuck it, let’s go then.

When we reached the house, he sat on the porch drinking beer. He didn’t say anything when he saw me. Just looked at me as I went up the stairs.

— Hey Dad.

— Hey son.

Then there was silence. That was it. We hadn’t spoken for 15 years. Johnny explained his errand and my dad said that he was after something to invest some of the money after selling the shop. Johnny went to the car to pick the manuscripts up and my dad was left alone.

— I never knew you were into Kowalski, my dad said.

I never said I was either.

— Well, aren’t you? He asked.

— Sure, I said. But Johnny never even allowed me to read them though.

— What a prick, Dad said.

I laughed. Dad cracked as well.

— Do you want a beer?

— Sure.

I sat down. Surprisingly, It felt kind of nice in a way. Father and son, sharing a beer in the afternoon sun.

After a while, Johnny came back from the car with the manuscripts and they closed the deal.

— Well, I guess I’ll be on my way now. Are you coming, Spence?

— Sure, I said and got up from the chair.

I looked at my dad.

— Bye Dad, I said.

— Bye son.

And then I walked to the car, and my eyes were tearing up and I hated it.

— Spence! He shouted.

I stopped and turned around.

— Yeah?

He hesitated.

— Do you want another beer, and maybe read those manuscripts since you never got the chance?

I looked at Johnny.

— Go, he said. I’ll pick you up later if you need to.

I turned to Dad again.

— I’d liked that Dad, I shouted.

As the sun was slowly setting over Angelwood I strolled towards the porch, captivated by how the light made these dusty streets look like they were actually leading somewhere.

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