Chapter 17 - Page 236 - Trouble In Chicago

   She had an order book and pen in her hand. Jim knew she was waiting for them to order. "I'll have two eggs, over easy, bacon, and hash browns, please," he said.

   Rhasha and Shanha said they wanted eggs, bacon, and hash browns also. Jackie, Simbatu, and Raymond made their selections and Kathy went to the kitchen to turn in their orders.

   While they waited for their food, Jim and Jackie talked about things to do and see around Dallas. Jackie and Simbatu decided they wanted to go to the Dallas zoo. Jim wanted to go to his office. Rhasha and Shanha wanted to stay with Jim. Jim told Rhasha and Shanha he would take them to the zoo later.

   "Raymond," Jim said, "why don't you take us back to the apartment and drop Rhasha, Shanha, and me off? Then you can take Jackie and Simbatu to the zoo. Rhasha, Shanha, and I will get my car out of the garage and go to my office." Jim gave Jackie a spare apartment key that he kept in his wallet. "If you and Simbatu get back to the apartment before we do, this key will let you in."

   After they ate, Raymond drove back to the apartment and let Jim, Rhasha, and Shanha out. Jim punched some numbers into the automatic garage door opener and was soon backing the car out of the small, two-car garage.

   Jim had one stop to make on the way to the office-A. Teague and Sons Accounting Service. It was a large accounting firm, but Jim's account was handled by only one person: Molly Parks. When they walked into the lobby, Molly spotted Jim from her office and rushed out to meet him with a smile.

   "Jim," she said, "you're really looking good."

   "Thank you, Molly," Jim replied, "and you're as charming as ever."

   Molly looked at Rhasha and Shanha. "And who are these lovely ladies?"