Recapitulation: In the aftermath of Jimmy Engles’ funeral, and Jenna’s subsequent freezing out, Barry applies Mr. Waller’s advice on Jenna. The net result is to leave him naked in the apartment hallway.
Mr. Waller, after hearing the door slam, turned with a smile, a smile that soon turned upside down. He closed his eyes and spun back around. Then, he waved his arms behind his head, as if to ward away the ghosts of flies trying to pester him.
Barry, in contrast, stood with his hands over his crotch, back against the wall, against the cold, scratchy wall. Feet planted flat against freezing, warped floorboards. A soft breeze that wasn’t there when he had his clothes on drafting through the corridor. Soft laughter behind the door, taking into account the door’s volume deadening properties, which must have been loud and proud.
Barry slid across the hall, his back to the wall adjacent to his apartment, took his right hand and started knocking while keeping his left hand cupped. “This isn’t funny, let me in.”
“Oh, this is great.”
“I’m serious, I want to work things out.”
“I wasn’t serious about letting you in, you can stay out there all night. I wouldn’t if I were you, it seems kind of cold out there.” More laughter.
“What gives you the right to ruin my life?”
“I’m your wife.”
“And I’m your husband, and you better open this door now.” He started banging again at the door. No response, besides the laughter. At least the commercials hadn’t continued.
Barry walked over to Mr. Waller. “Give me your jacket,” he hissed.
“You’re naked, I ain’t giving this to you.” Mr. Waller hunched himself down. “I will say, your wife is kinda crazy.”
“Give me your jacket, and I’ll back away from you.” Mr. Waller looked down, saw Barry’s bare foot next to his hand. Sort of wanted to turn his head, but for the fear of what might be greeting him. With utmost care not to touch anything besides himself, he removed the jacket, and, with some hesitation, handed the jacket up to Barry. Barry donned it, looking much like a wife in her husband’s shirt. The coat reached down to his knees, and thankfully managed to cover him up.
“Damn. You’re washing that before you give that back.” Mr. Waller looked up and shook his head. The fresh stains on his shirt had blossomed out in the past two minutes.
“Give me the skeleton key.” Barry held his hand out
“No, you gotta work this shit out.”
“Give me the skeleton key.” Barry continued to hold his hand out.
“I gave you advice, you know what to do.”
“Give me the skeleton key.” Barry started rotating his hips inside the jacket. “Ow, its scratchy in here.
“Alright, alright, stop that.” Mr. Waller proferred the key. Barry rubbed the key in his hands, no different than any other key. Strange how such a small sliver of metal could instill such a feeling of power in a person. Strange how it could grant him access to anywhere he wanted in this building. He walked up to the door, unlocked it, heard that satisfying click, and stepped inside.
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