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Jeff Hartnett stepped from the comfort of the library into the wintry gusts of a mid-December day. Squinting against the chill wind, he saw that the quad was unusually empty. The semester was at its end, finals were over, and many students had already left campus.
Jeff’s roommate was one of those early departures, but Jeff himself was in no particular hurry to get home. He relished a couple of lazy days alone, with college obligations concluded and before parental badgering began. Plus, he was looking forward to the end-of-term party the following night -- a chance to really unwind after the long slog of studying.
For the moment, his only plan was to get back to his room, settle in with one of the books he’d just checked out, and warm himself with the remains of the bottle of whiskey his roommate had left behind.
As he strode across the quad, Jeff was startled to see someone dashing around the corner by the field house. Odd, the guy wasn’t dressed for the gym -- white shirt, black slacks, street shoes. Maybe late for a final? No, those were all over. Rushing downtown to catch a bus home? Likely not — no coat, no bag. Couldn’t be going far.
He heard the guy shout something, but the wind whipped away his words. Jeff stopped in his tracks, and the guy bellowed again.
“Give me your coat!”
Jeff, taken aback by this demand, managed only a weak, “Huh?”
“Your coat!” The guy was suddenly upon him. He grasped Jeff's shoulders and yanked away the coat, spilling Jeff's armload of books to the ground in the process. In a swift motion, the stranger flung the coat on, all the while looking anxiously around the quad. When Jeff had gathered up the books, the guy snatched a couple of them away. "These will help too."
Then, as if satisfied by his transformation, the stranger took a deep breath and fixed his attention on Jeff. “So, where are we going?”
Still stunned, Jeff answered, “Well, I was going to my dorm, but…”
“Fine,” the stranger said, giving Jeff a shove. “Let’s go.”
As Jeff guided them in the right direction, he heard the pounding of more running feet. Two uniformed policemen entered the quad and came to a halt. One pointed toward Jeff and his new companion, but the other cop shook his head. Seeing no other likely suspects, the police turned back, walking this time, shrugging in dismay.
Jeff gave a sidelong glance, but his companion said nothing and remained silent until they reached Jeff’s dorm. Jeff thought the guy might take off once they got to the front door, but he followed Jeff all the way to his room.
Once inside, the tension seemed to drain from the young man’s body. He tossed the books on a desk near the door and slung the coat over the back of a chair. Turning to look out the window, he said — more to himself than to Jeff — “That was a close one.”
Finally getting a good look at the man, Jeff found that he liked what he saw: deep blue eyes, jet black hair and a strong, slim build. There was a rough edge to his appeal, but that just intrigued Jeff even further.
Wondering what kind of trouble might be following in the guy’s wake, Jeff ventured to ask, “Why were those cops chasing you?”
That provoked a sharp glare. “What makes you think it was me they were after?”
“I’d say that was fairly obvious," Jeff scoffed. "The quick change? The masquerade as a student?"
Johnny nodded. “OK, you're right. But the less said about it, the better off we’ll both be.”
And with that, Jeff felt a small thrill. It was as though he were suddenly part of something mysterious and new.
As much as to distract himself as to be polite, he extended his hand. “My name’s Jeff Hartnett.”
The other man considered for a moment, sizing up Jeff Hartnett. Finally, he took the proffered hand. “Johnny Eager.”
The moment seemed to slow down, as Jeff relished the strong handshake, the steady gaze. Then Johnny pulled his hand away and gestured toward the bunk beds. "So, who else is here?"
"Oh!" Jeff said, snapping out of his reverie. "No one. My roommate. He's gone home already. It's just us. Um, me."
"Good," Johnny said, relaxing even more. He pulled out a desk chair and sat down, tipping the chair on its back two legs to look up at Jeff. "So why are you sticking around? Certainly not the luxurious surroundings."
Jeff took a critical glance around his room. It was small and well-worn but not all that bad. It actually was tidier than usual, with no heap of papers, piles of laundry or unmade beds for a change. As he flopped down on the lower bunk, he proclaimed, "I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it! … That's Shakespeare."
Johnny remained unimpressed. "That's fine for Shakespeare, but what about you?"
“I’m hanging around to avoid going somewhere worse. Besides, there's a big party tomorrow night I want to go to."
"Party?" Johnny said, bringing the chair legs down. Now Jeff had his attention. "What kind of party?"
"Well, just a party. An end-of-term wingding, you know?" Jeff shrugged.
Johnny pressed. "No, I don't know. What goes on?"
"Well," Jeff said, trying to picture the scene, "there'll be a band and plenty of bathtub gin. Probably some card games." Jeff thought some more. "Girls."
Johnny considered this explanation, scooted the chair closer to the bunk. "Tell me about the card games."
By the time Jeff finished describing the poker tables and the guys he knew who liked to play and all about the hall where the party would be, Johnny had moved onto the bunk. Their heads were bent over a deck of cards that Johnny shuffled and dealt, shuffled and dealt.
Jeff was feeling mellow -- even without the benefit of any booze yet. The rhythm of the cards and the growing warmth of the room cast a hypnotic spell.
But then ... Johnny abruptly sprang to his feet and declared, "I better get going."
Perplexed at the sudden change, Jeff watched in astonishment as Johnny started to put his -- Jeff's -- coat back on. "I'm going to need this tonight," he said, buttoning up.
"Oh, OK." Jeff said, not bothering to wonder how he'd ever get it back. "It's fine. I have another."
Johnny nodded, gave a hearty squeeze to Jeff's upper arm and then slipped out.
Jeff watched him stride down the hall, then slowly closed the door. His room seemed suddenly empty and dull, except for one thing he noticed -- a scent that lingered in the air. It came to him stealthily, filling his senses with something primal, heady and inescapable.
Deciding that it was definitely time for some of that bootleg whiskey, Jeff poured himself a generous amount and laid back down on the bed. Settling against the pillow, he drew in a few deep breaths and thought of Johnny Eager.
-*-*-*-*-
The next night, Jeff made his chilly way across campus, full of whiskey and high hopes. He found the party in full swing and warmed up quickly in the press of the crowd.
Trying to edge through the mob, he was greeted every few feet by a well-lubricated well-wisher. A classmate pressed a glass full of some clear, unnamed liquor into his hand. "Drink up, Jeff! Here's to another semester down and just one more to go!"
Another chimed in, "Then, freedom!"
Jeff drank to that, even though he wasn't so sure about the freedom part. He was destined for the family business after graduation. But the family business wasn't doing so well … and neither was the family. Besides, he'd had a taste of that life -- a sour one -- as he took off a semester here and there to save up money for another round of college. He'd avoided the torment of his father's business for more than a year now, mainly earning his keep by writing papers for other students even lazier than himself.
The back-slapping and drink-pouring kept up as he continued to thread his way through the partygoers. His tweed jacket seemed to be sopping up as much alcohol as he managed to pour into himself.
At last he reached the back rooms, where the card games were happening. And there he was. Johnny. Jeff’s heart skipped a beat.
As if sensing Jeff's presence, Johnny looked up mid-shuffle and gave him a sly smile. Jeff took a chair, pulled out his wallet.
“Deal me in.”
Jeff had never been much good at poker, even at the best of times. And he was certainly off his game — too many drinks, too great a distraction across the table. He lost more than he could afford, but it was impossible to walk away.
When the other players had finally had enough, the game broke up. A couple of them muttered to each other as they walked away, “Who is this guy? Does he go here? ... Doesn’t look like a student… Maybe he's phys ed.... “
Johnny Eager didn’t hear them — or didn’t care — because a pretty coed had moved in. She’d been hovering around the table and finally saw her opening. She chatted and flirted with Johnny as he gathered up the cards and pocketed his winnings.
"Good night, sweet prince," Jeff thought as he drifted off, pushing his way back out of the hall and into the night.
The bitter wind outside felt like a slap in the face, and his eyes watered. He managed to negotiate the front steps and started to wend his way back across campus when he dimly heard someone call out.
"Hey Jeff! Wait!” And for the second time in two days, Jeff Hartnett felt Johnny Eager’s strong hands on his shoulders, making him stop. “What’s your hurry?”
Jeff turned, face-to-face with Johnny, the fog of their breath mingling in the cold air.
“It looked like you were otherwise occupied,” he offered, weakly.
“What? Oh, the dame! Nix.”
This brought Jeff a little relief. “Well, I just wanted to get away. I lost so big.”
“Not as big as those other chumps,” Johnny assured him. “Whether you know it or not, you helped to distract them from what I was doing.”
Jeff wasn't sure this made him feel any better. “Doing? What were you doing?" Jeff teetered a little bit, then righted himself, poked a finger into Johnny's chest. "Were you cheating?”
“Now who's being obvious?” Johnny teased. “Anyway, there wasn't much cheating. It was mostly a lot of bluffing. Tricking them into feeling they were in control."
Jeff nodded. He understood the psychology of the game, especially if you had a clear head.
“Anyway, I wanted to give this back to you,” Johnny said, undoing the overcoat he wore. "You look like you need it. I thought you said you had another.”
Jeff patted himself down. "I thought I did too." He looked toward the party house. "Maybe I left it..."
"C'mon, you're shivering! Put this on!”
Jeff obeyed, but the maneuver took much longer than it should, and the result was mixed.
Johnny did his best to adjust the sleeves, button the front and smooth down the lapels. He fussed a little with Jeff’s collar and tie and combed his fingers through Jeff’s unruly curls.
“Mmm… do that again.”
“You mean this?” Johnny repeated the motion, slower this time. And then again, as Jeff began to roll his head back and forth, pressing into Johnny’s hands like a contented pet.
Johnny at last cupped his hands around Jeff’s head, his fingers laced through the soft hair, thumbs stroking the dampness from Jeff’s cheeks. For his part, Jeff simply tried to focus on the handsome face before him. He felt a warmth spread through his body that he didn't fully attribute to the extra layer of clothing. It was a warmth that carried a world of possibilities.
The possibilities were shattered as a half-dozen partygoers burst out onto the scene in a cloud of laughter and chatter. The commotion caused Jeff to step back, out of Johnny’s reach and away from the beam of light suddenly cast onto the pavement from the party house.
"I’d better get going,” he said, mumbling a quiet “thanks” and turning back toward campus.
After a moment, Johnny followed. Jeff, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other, didn't notice.
-*-*-*-*-
At the entry to the dormitory building, Jeff fumbled for his keys to unlock the front door. The cold air had numbed his fingers and the night of boozing clouded his thoughts. With the return of the coat, the fact that he was now wrapped in the scent of Johnny Eager didn't help his concentration either.
He sank his hands into the coat's deep pockets, seeking his keys. Instead, he found a wad of cash. He held it up in the light, and counted -- it was the amount he lost at poker, plus a bit more. He looked blearily at the money. A sob wracked his body.
Next thing he realized, someone was sliding a key into the door lock. He allowed himself to be guided inside. And then to bed.
-*-*-*-*-
In the morning, Jeff awoke to a blinding beam of sunlight and the creaking of bedsprings above him. Where was he, and who else was there?
He squinted at the bedside clock. That was familiar, but damn, it was late. He'd missed the first bus. He didn't really care except it would mean another lecture about responsibility once he got home.
Pushing away the covers, he saw that he still had his clothes on from the night before. That was ... good? His next step was to try sitting up. The motion of swinging his feet to the floor made him dizzy, but he managed to keep his stomach from lurching too badly.
The next challenge: staggering to the bathroom down the hall. And back.
When he returned, it was to the sight of Johnny Eager, propped up in the top bunk, grinning like the cat who ate the canary.
As if by reflex, Jeff uttered, "What light through yonder window breaks?" Then, he waved his hand dismissively. "Sorry, too early for Shakespeare."
Jeff took a moment to consider the situation. Attempting to focus between the pain of his hangover and the allure of the man stretched out before him, Jeff settled on a simple question: "How'd you get here?"
Johnny chuckled and slid from the bunk, landing inches from Jeff.
"I followed you after the party,” Johnny explained, trying in vain to smooth his own sleep-rumpled shirt and slacks. “You were having trouble getting the door open, so it sure was lucky I was there to help."
“Really.” Jeff ran his hands over his face, pondering this information. "Scattered wits take a long time picking up.”
Johnny, puzzled at the odd phrase, asked, "That your pal Shakespeare again?"
“No, that one’s from the wise Charles Dickens," Jeff declared. “Mr. Dickens also said something about the winter of despair, which seems appropriate for today."
"I'd better start packing," Jeff turned to retrieve a suitcase from the corner and proceeded to toss various clothing items, toiletries and books into the case. Johnny was surprised when Jeff snapped it shut. He gestured around the room, "What about all this other stuff? Aren't you taking that?"
"No, I’ll be coming back in a few weeks for the next semester."
"Right. Of course." Johnny nodded. "Good."
"I guess there is one more thing," Jeff said, reaching into the small closet alcove and bringing out an overcoat. Handing it to Johnny, he said, "It's a spare, so keep it."
Johnny tried it on, and Jeff admired the fit. "There," he said, smoothing the shoulders. "That'll keep you nice and warm."
For a quiet moment, they stood still, close enough to kiss.
But Jeff hesitated, uncertain, and broke away with a degree of bluster he didn't really feel.
"It's a little early to leave for the station, so I'll just wait here. You don't have to hang around," Jeff said. "You probably have some better things to do, anyway. You know, cheat people at cards, steal their clothes, or do whatever else you do to get chased by the constabulary."
If Jeff had been looking -- and if he'd had a better opinion of himself in general -- he would have seen that the look Johnny gave him was one of fondness.
"OK, then," Johnny said resignedly. "I'll go back to my apartment. I need to wash up and have some coffee. You could wait there instead. My place is not far from the bus station."
Jeff blinked in surprise, having not considered that Johnny Eager actually lived somewhere. To Jeff, the man had simply materialized out of nowhere and would eventually drift back into the ether.
When Jeff didn’t reply, Johnny tried some false bluster of his own. "Well, I guess you'll be getting some good home cooking soon. You must be looking forward to that?"
But Jeff only scoffed. "My mother's not that good a cook. At least, not good enough to make up for all the other things I can't stomach back home."
He ruminated on his fate for a moment before it occurred to him to ask, "What about you? What will you be doing for Christmas? You have any family around here?"
"No," Johnny said. "No family. Not around here or anywhere." After a pause, he added. "I do have a friend down in the city I may go see. We've known each other since we were newsboys together. He wants to talk to me about some … business opportunities. Seems there are a pair of brothers who may be ripe for a take-over."
Jeff nodded, completely baffled by this information but trying not to show it. As Johnny realized Jeff wasn't going to respond again, he made his move to leave. As he opened the door, Jeff grabbed at his sleeve.
"Wait, Johnny…”
"What, don't tell me you want the coat back?"
"No, it's ... I just wanted to thank you for returning the money I lost at poker."
"Don't mention it," Johnny said, smiling. "Like I said, you were a big help to me."
"Well, maybe I can help you again sometime."
"I think maybe you will."
-*-*-*-*-
Jeff returned to campus earlier than he'd planned. He’d put in the bare minimum of time at home but still received the full dose of unwelcome advice and uncomfortable grilling.
He wished he had taken a trip like he had a couple years ago during winter break. Some of his classmates had wanted to go skiing out west, so he tagged along. He couldn’t ski, but he hiked around and tried to do some writing.
This year, some of them had gone to Florida. He had thought about joining them, but his bank account and familial pressures made that impossible.
Another thing that was impossible? Trying not to think about what might have happened if he had stayed in town and seen what kind of adventure Johnny Eager would have cooked up.
So, here he was, trudging up the steps to his room, soon to launch into the final few months of relative freedom. It was off to a decent start. No one else in the dorm seemed to be back yet, so he could just soak up the silence… and maybe the pint of bourbon he swiped from home. It was some good pre-prohibition stuff his father had put away and forgotten about.
Opening the door to his room, the first thing he noticed was that heady, earthy scent of Johnny Eager. His heart leapt, expecting to see the man lazing on the upper bunk again or perched in his desk chair.
Alas, no. The room was empty. No roommate, but no Johnny either. Good news, bad news.
But there was one thing out of place -- a book was on his bed. Upon closer examination it was his copy of "A Tale of Two Cities," and a note was wedged between its pages. A message in a jagged hand spread across the paper. It said, "I could use your help," followed by an address and a signature that said, simply, "J."
A P.S. followed. "I wanted to make sure you saw this, so I picked the biggest book you had. And you said your pal Dickens was a smart guy, so I figured it was a good sign."
A good sign indeed. Jeff looked around the room. His suitcase stood inside the door, still packed. The rest of his belongings, with the notable exception of the book he held in his hands, were worthless.
Jeff weighed his decision, checked the address.
In the end, the choice was simple: Johnny Eager wanted him around. And Jeff wanted to be around Johnny Eager.
Jeff scribbled a note for his roommate, tossed the Dickens tome and Johnny's note into his suitcase, closed and locked the door.
He made his way to the new address, where, for better or worse, he would take his place at Johnny‘s side.