Chugger

3 : 23.05.24

“ Sir, could I have a moment of your time? “ - this was how they always started. Just because of the Selfridge’s and Dior shopping bags, people assumed he had money and that he was willing to sign up for some charitable direct debit right there and then on the street, usually just to get rid of the annoyance of having to hear stories of others' woes from people whom he knew were on a commission and didn't give a damn for anything other than that.

But this guy was different. No clipboard, no bright-coloured waterproof jacket, no lanyard not even a pen.

“ What is it? “ He snapped a little irritatingly

“ Charity begins at home, I’m told, sir...”

“ Oh fuck o…” there was an instant shock - which felt like one of those Tom and Jerry cartoons where an anvil dropped on one of the character's heads - as the guy’s outstretched hand offered up the wallet he had moments before accidentally, and unseen or felt, ejected from his back pocket.

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