Chapter 26: The Job

Chapter 26: The Job begins with Fatty and Big Soap engaging in a light-hearted conversation while working together on a car, the Great Chadwick Six. As they toil away, Fatty points out that the vehicle is not the genuine article, noting that it has Ford parts installed, which should not be the case for a Chadwick. Despite the car’s lack of authenticity, they continue their task, and the mood is casual, with Fatty proposing a job to Big Soap during their downtime. Big Soap, however, seems more intrigued by the idea of traveling the world, spreading love and joy, rather than pursuing a conventional means of earning money. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that, ultimately, he does need to make a living.

Fatty’s job proposal centers around connecting a water pipe on the Hill, a task that Fatty insists is not illegal but is rather a job that must be completed during the night. He reassures Big Soap that this is not something that should raise alarms; however, Big Soap is naturally curious about why they can’t just let the city take care of it. Fatty, with his extensive knowledge of the Hill’s layout and his insights into the inefficiencies of local government services, convinces Big Soap that this task will need to be handled privately, and not by any official sources. As their conversation continues, Fatty does his best to sell the idea, emphasizing the potential for quick earnings and mentioning that Rusty will be joining them as backup for the job.

Big Soap’s initial hesitation starts to fade as he hears the prospect of earning thirty-five dollars. Despite this, he voices his concerns about the outdated equipment they would have to use, questioning the quality of the job they could actually complete with such tools. The pair discusses the necessary logistics for the job, such as obtaining a cement mixer and preparing for the potential risk of being caught if a watchman happens to be on duty during their late-night work. Fatty, ever confident, dismisses these worries, assuring Big Soap that there won’t be any significant issues during the holiday weekend, when the job is scheduled to take place.

Just as their conversation seems to be wrapping up, the mood shifts when Paper interrupts, reminding Fatty that he has prior commitments. She insists that he prioritize helping Nate move equipment for the Memorial Day parade, a responsibility Fatty cannot ignore. This creates an immediate tension, as Fatty now faces a dilemma: should he pursue the profitable plumbing job or honor his obligations to his friend? Ultimately, Fatty reluctantly agrees to help Nate, torn between his desire to make money and his sense of loyalty to those around him. In this moment, Fatty begins to reflect on the challenges of managing both his personal ambitions and his responsibilities to others.

This chapter touches deeply on themes of friendship, responsibility, and the lure of financial opportunity. Fatty’s inner conflict becomes central to the narrative as he tries to navigate the competing demands of his personal desires and his commitment to his friends and community. The balance between self-interest and loyalty is not easily achieved, and Fatty finds himself at a crossroads, where the need for quick money contrasts sharply with the weight of his obligations. His journey underscores the complexity of relationships and how personal goals can sometimes clash with the expectations of those we care about, adding depth to the portrayal of the challenges of maintaining a sense of agency while remaining loyal to others. The chapter emphasizes that these tensions often lead to difficult decisions, forcing individuals to evaluate their priorities carefully.