Chapter 4 - Page 34 - 2000 Acres

   The smell from Fishman’s armpits almost gagged Jim. Fishman wore sloppy, dirty clothes and the stubble on his face indicated that he hadn’t shaved in several days.

   “We were just on our way to find you, Fishman,” Jim continued. He had to hold his breath as he spoke. Every now and then, he turned his head away from Fishman and breathed-inconspicuously. “Jackie’s going to show me some land, so you take the day off, with pay.”

   Fishman straightened up and backed away from the door. Jim began to breathe freely again. Jim didn’t like to be rude, but he wanted Fishman to smell better before he rode with him. “That might give you time to take a bath, Fishman,” he added.

   Fishman ignored Jim’s remark. “OK,” he replied. “So do you want me to meet you here tomorrow at the same time?”

   Jim thought about it for a second, then nodded. “Be here about eight o’clock, with clean clothes on and your face shaved.”

   Fishman turned and walked toward his jeep. “I’ll be here boss. I’ll see you in the morning.” He got back in his jeep and drove away.

   Jackie drove his car out of the hotel parking lot and onto the main road. Within seconds, he accelerated to the little car’s top speed. The car top was down, and the wind blew through Jim’s hair. The car hit every pothole in the road. Jackie had the pedal on the floor, but all the little car could do was forty-five miles an hour. Jim wondered if they would ever get to the property.

   “How long will it take to get there?” Jim asked.