Phantasmagoria: Crank & Boomer

“Looks like barbecue,” Boomer said as he jabbed his buddy in the ribs and grinned.

The young man walked the path, unsure where he was headed or what he’d do when he arrived at whatever destination he happened upon. He had been a clerk in a department store, pretending to know more about the store wares than he actually did. Wearing one of the stores suits that had been sold to him at a huge employee discount, he appeared to be someone worth deferring to by the customers that seemed attracted inside from the mall walkway. His chosen work clothing not only made appear wiser than he actually was, it also slimmed his expanding waistline.

When the end came, he was ringing up a sale on the register while trying to convince the customer to apply for the store credit card. Most that agreed couldn’t actually afford the exorbitant interest that would be charged on their overpriced clothing.

The customer looked up at the ceiling. “What was that?”

The salesman was still smiling, happy for this current sale. In addition to his hourly wage, he was paid an additional ten percent of all net sales he produced.

“Just sign here.” He pushed the paperwork toward the customer. He noticed that the customer was still looking up at the ceiling. What did he just…