The Radiator

The truck arrived at ten in the morning, in the middle of the breakfast rush, and parked in the alley behind the Blue Plate with its hazard lights blinking.

Two men in city work vests got out. They opened the back and slid out a wooden crate about the size of a coffin, stamped with the words CITY OF EDMONTON — HERITAGE SALVAGE — FRAGILE.

"Delivery for… Gus Kostas?" said one of them, reading a clipboard. "Care of the Tuesday class?"

Gus came out wiping his hands on his apron. Marco came out behind him. Daniel came out behind Marco. Bev stayed at the door with the coffee pot, because somebody had to stay inside, but she leaned so far out that she was technically outside.

"What is it?" said Gus.

"No idea, sir. We just salvage stuff from demolitions and deliver it where we're told. There's a letter." The man handed Gus an envelope. "Sign here, please. Where do you want it?"