The Bird Boys. Lisa Sandlin

were good enough to sell.

      “Ever take pictures of people? Action shots?”

      “Sure. And print ’em. Got my own darkroom.”

      Phelan filed that info away while Ben enthused about his series of the Southeast Texas State Fair. Tattooed carnies, couples Frenching, kids with cotton candy stuck in their hair, teenagers freaking on the Tilt-a-Whirl. He was so wound up that Phelan had to step up to a customer and badly advise him on what camera to buy.

      “No, no, this one’s better,” Ben cut in, demonstrating features until the customer backed off and pulled out his wallet.

      Apparently soothed by getting to speak his piece to his new fellow employee, Ben turned to Phelan afterward. At length and kindly, he repeated the specs for every camera set out around the case and in it.