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South-of-the-City

Dana Blake

    Rascombe Steinmetz was a wealthy man, although he didn’t ordinarily look the part. He had a modest car that never needed to be repaired, a modest suburban home in an attractive neighborhood within a forty minute commute to the city, plus a plump wife he adored. In fact, Mr. Steinmetz was so good at hiding his wealth he often appeared to be like any other working stiff South-of-the-City, but he was quite wealthy. Quite wealthy indeed, as many working class stiffs in this country commonly aspire to!
    Mr. Steinmetz was regularly in the habit of poking fun of his wealth, or lack thereof (or seemingly lack thereof...). He often called himself ‘cheap’ despite the fact that he was quite generous with both family and charity. ‘Cheap’ can be in the eye of the beholder. In fact, Rascombe Steinmentz would regularly tease his plump little wife in a loving way, saying, “I’ll cheap for you.” In so doing he would reassure his wife he firmly intended to prove himself as the man of the house.
    There came one day Rascombe Steinmetz set about on his usual rounds to collect the rent on the numerous apartments he owned in a working class section of the city, or South-of-the-City. These apartments were of the finest quality to many young and up-and-coming workers who showed both ambition and talent, and that was the way Rascombe liked it. Mr. Steinmetz believed in what he was doing firmly. The upscale condos on the other side of town just weren’t Rascombe’s style. Despite his wealth, Mr. Steinmetz was not the uptown-style business man. He enjoyed the hoe-down people he interacted with South-of-the-City. Let’s pick up the scene...
    It’s apartment 212 on the far side of a residential complex called Supreme Falls. Mr. Steinmetz had thought up the name himself. (He was actually quite creative with words!) Despite its name, there wis nothing ‘supreme’ about these apartments other than the fact that they face south, allowing the sunlight to come in during the winter. They were also close to the E-line rail system.
    Rascombe Steinmetz knocks on the apartment door with deliberation. He waits momentarily, then knocks again. A Black man then opens the door wearing a bath robe and slippers.
    “Mr. Buford,” Steinmetz says to the man with authority, “A rent of $312 was due to Mr. Steinmetz’ office at 3 pm last Wednesday. You are two days over due in your rent. Mr. Steinmetz could become angry.”
    Rascombe Steinmetz is actually wearing a tag that says “Duane Parker,” a habit he’s picked up over the years. Therefore this unsuspecting young Black man assumes he is speaking to an employee of Supreme Falls apartment complex. (He doesn’t realize he is speaking to the wealthy owner.)
    “I’m working on it,” responds the young man. “My truck needs an inspection...”
    “Yes, I understand, Mr. Buford, but your rent is due.” explains Mr. Steinmetz to his tenant.
    “I’ll try to come up with the money soon,” pleads Mr. Buford.
    “That’s what I like to hear,” says Mr. Steinmetz. “I’m sure Mr. Steinmetz will be pleased. I’ll put in a good word for you.”
    “Also...” continued Mr. Buford, “Could you mention to Mr. Buford that I need a new shower faucet? It’s drips all night long. It’s driving me crazy. Drip...drip...”
    At this comment Mr. Steinmetz shows a look a dread and contempt. “Ah... I wouldn’t mention that to Mr. Steinmetz. I know him. I think it would get him a little upset. I don’t know how to tell you this but Rascombe Steinmetz has been working hard on this complex for many years and he has become... how shall I say it... a bit loony, if you know what I mean.”
    “Oh...” responded Mr. Buford, “I didn’t realize such a thing. Nobody has ever mentioned such a thing to me before.”
    “It’s kinda sad.”
    “I see,” said Mr. Buford, the black man. “I guess a leaking shower faucet is nothing to complain about after all.”
    “I wouldn’t say a thing. Just be happy to be living in Supreme Falls.”
    “Oh, I promise I won’t...”
    After this comment Rascombe Steinmetz left his job collecting rent in this apartment complex South-of-the-City and continued traveling all the way to the bank, laughing!

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