Bernie the plumber (8)

(this started on April 8)

Bernie rose, cocking his arm back to swing at the man in the suit

“Bernie, let’s go,” said his wife, her voice almost a whisper.

Tonight, of all nights – tonight he wasn’t going to be stopped.

“Bernie. Please.”

A lifetime passed as his muscle flooded with blood. Then the dealer began shutting down the table, the other players drifted off, and Bernie stood alone with his wife.

On the long drive home, neither spoke. Mary wondered why she felt so terrible for doing the right thing. Bernie didn’t feel anything at all.