Chapter 17 - Page 257 - Trouble In Chicago

   As people nearby laughed, Jim snatched Shanha from behind Rhasha and picked her up. She squealed in mock horror. He kissed her, then set her back on the ground.

   Jim was having fun just being with Rhasha and Shanha, but as they walked around the zoo, he grew uncomfortable. He felt as if someone was watching them. He kept looking behind him to see if anyone was there. He saw ordinary people; no one seemed suspicious.

   Rhasha and Shanha both noticed that Jim was acting strange. Rhasha asked, "What's wrong?"

   Shanha watched Jim as he glanced behind them again and said, "Mama, I think Papa sees ghosts." They both snickered.

   Jim couldn't shake the strange feeling. "I don't know, girls. I just have a feeling something's about to happen." Jim shrugged, not wanting to alarm them, and ignored his feelings. They continued looking at the animals.

   Jim spotted a bench beside the sidewalk, nestled beside some bushes, with two tall trees towering over both bushes and bench. He realized how tired of walking he was and suggested, "Girls, let's go over to that bench and rest a while."

   Shanha and Rhasha were ready to take a break as well. As they approached the bench, Jim heard twigs snapping and branches rustling in the bushes. As Jim looked toward the sound, he saw a man emerging from his hiding place in the bushes. He clutched a gun in one hand.

   Shanha saw Jim peering at the bushes, but she didn't see the man with the gun. "Papa, are you seeing ghosts again?"

   Jim had stopped. He stared at the man, who was pointing the gun at them. "Driver," Clyde said, "this just isn't your lucky day."

   Jim pushed Shanha behind him and tried to get in front of Rhasha. "Clyde," he said, "you're taking this too far. Put that gun away and let's talk about it."

   A few people in the area saw what was going on, and fled immediately.