Joey was silent. Thinking why the hell am I doing this? The agent sensed his hesitation. Joey, why do you want to do this? Because Im sick of these scumbags hurting and killing people. Then its obvious that were on the same sideHow close are you to Marcello Petricelli? What do you mean by close? Are you in the inner circle close enough to plant bugs in his office and wear a wire? I could get that close. When will you be seeing him again? Next Tuesday. Were discussing a tour. I must tell you for the record, Joey. If they find you wearing a wire the probability of them Joey shook his head. Yeah, I know. Theyll make me disappear. You can still walk out of here, Joey. We understand. You know, my grandfather had a saying. I never did it understand it until I got older. He used to say, Every Day above Ground, thats what matters.

Smart man, your grandfatherThe agent continued the next step is we need to set up a contact point and a phone code, so you can call if you get into a problem. I already have one phone code with Mac, so lets not get too complicated, Ok? Joey answered. We will sit with you and show you how to plant the bugs. Next Monday well meet here at this office at noon to get you ready for Tuesday. Ok the agent asked. Joey nodded his head.

Joey left the record store, as he walked to the parking garage across the street it started to snow. He shouted, Old man, where are you when I need to talk with you? Joey felt absolutely alone and lost. He was fighting sobs that seemed to start deep in his gut. He fumbled for his car keys and unlocked the door. As he turned the key in the ignition he had an overwhelming feeling that somebody was watching him. He carefully backed the car out and headed toward the exit gate. He paid the attendant the gate rose slowly. The front of his car pointed upward slightly as it reached the sidewalk and the headlight beams swept across the image of someone as the wipers moved the snow falling on his windshield. He blinked his eyes and looked again. Oh My God.

He jammed on his brakes, stopped the car and lowered the window. Is that you? Yes, its me. What are you doing here? You called me! Puzzled by his answer, Joey said, Never mind. Just get in the car. Joey slowly moved on the freshly-packed snow-covered streets and headed toward his townhouse. The old man leaned over, Whats wrong, Joey? Joey pulled over to the curb. I have to talk with you. Please dont disappear this time.

Could we stop for a drink? The old man pointed to a corner pub and said Id love a glass of wine. The bar was empty, except for the bartender and a waitress. They sat down at a table. I dont know where to start. First, whats your name? You call me the old man. Thats fine. Dont you have a name? Thats not important. Are you Jesus? The old man smiled. Does it matter who I am? Yes. I want to know if youre Jesus, not just my mind playing tricks. I dont know who or what are you are, and how come after all these years you dont change? You look the same now as you did many years ago at my grandmothers funeral. How many questions do you have before I get to answer? the old man asked.

The waitress stood with her mouth open, not sure what was going on. What will you have sir? Two glasses of red wine, please. She looked at him. Two? Yes, two glasses. The old man continued, Forgive my humble retreat from your questions, but you cried out for me tonight. Whats on your mind? See? Thats what I mean. I dont understand. How did you hear me calling for you? The hostess put two glasses of wine on the table and quickly moved away. The old man toasted, To our friendship.

Are you an angel? You know like in that Jimmy Stewart movie where nobody could see the angel but him. The old man ignored the question. You cried out for help and Im here. Why tonight? I needed help many nights and you didnt come. The only time you ever come is when someone dies. Am I going to die?

Is that why you are here? No. Im here to remind you why you are alive, and of the need for your music. What are you talking about? Joey was confused. Your music is communication from God to your listeners. Do you understand that? Im not sure of what I understand. All I know is that people come in and go out of your life.

Today I heard on the radio an off-duty policeman stopped at a convenient store to get ice cream for his pregnant wife. There was robbery going on they shot and killed him. Why? Why? What kind of world is this people kill each other for no reason ? Joey continued, You would think that God and his infinite wisdom wouldve come up with a better program. We go through this life afraid all kind of crap, we worry about money, kids, jobs, love you see what I mean all kind of crap. When it comes right down to it all the only difference between Joe Nobody and the President of the United States, is when they die, the President is page one headlines and Joe Nobody is on page 80 of the obits. The next day, theyre both old news.

No! No! The old man shouted out angrily. Life is a precious, it is beautiful thing. Only those who have no fear are dead. Who was it that said the only people in the world with no problems are in the cemetery? Joey looked puzzled. What about all the people out there who are the living dead? Thats what Im trying to tell you. You help many of those people come back, to life Joey. I have no idea of what youre talking about!