The Book Scout

Soon as I opened the truck bed he pulled out exactly three books. Didn't so much as glance at the other twenty. Didn't ask why.

• The Cafe OwnerAll three were poetry, weren't they?
  The Book ScoutHow'd you know that. This neighborhood's scary.
• Han DoyunI'll pay you this week.
  The Book ScoutForget the money, tell me about those three books.

Best one in the whole truck bed today, and I didn't even charge for it. Must be losing my mind.

• The Cafe OwnerYou just gave it to him?
  The Book ScoutWho said anything about free. Traded it for a month of coffee.
• Han DoyunI'll cover the coffee.
  The Cafe OwnerBoth of you know the tab still runs through my shop, right.

Thirty-year-old book with a split spine came back looking brand new. That quiet mender doesn't say much, but his hands are something else.

• The Book MenderWasn't split. Someone pressed it flat by force.
  The Book ScoutThat's the truck bed being cramped, not me!
• Han DoyunFrom now on, load them standing up. Both of you.