It seemed as though they had been packing for weeks, or at least as though Edna had been packing for weeks.  If only she knew what the weather would be like in Las Vegas, in Los Angeles, and on the road to and from these glamorous places.  Actually she'd already packed twice.  She packed and unpacked, and then packed again.  And she packed for both Tim and herself.

Meanwhile, Tim was seeing to the farm.  He wanted to be sure the roof wouldn't leak while they were away, that the animals got proper care and that the machinery would be safe and secure.   It was always Dennis who looked after the farm while he was away, just as Tim always looked after Dennis' place whenever needed, but this time Tim had another idea.  It seemed like Otis would be a better choice this time.  With Bob in Hawaii and the plant closed, Otis wouldn't have a job, but if he looked after Tim's farm, he would not only have a job, he would also have a place to stay.

"Can't pay you much," Tim told Otis, "but at least you'll have a roof over your head and I'll sleep nights knowing the farm is in safe hands."

Soon it was a done deal, at least to everyone except Dennis.  When Tim and Edna were loading up the car, Dennis came over to say goodbye, and he was obviously in a huff about something.

"I suppose you don't need me to pick up the mail, either," he said just as soon as he came within earshot.

"Well, no," Tim replied, "Otis can pick it up and leave it in the kitchen for us.  No problem there, Dennis."

"Sure, I guess," Dennis said, then added, "Dammit, it looks like you don't trust me any more."

"It has nothing to do with trust. It's just a way to help Otis."

"Never knew you to be buddies with Otis.  Dammit, I'm your buddy, Tim."

"I appreciate that, Dennis."

Tim went back in the house to get the ice chest and thermos while Edna arranged the maps in the glove compartment.  Dennis stood there, looking glum.

"You're not angry, are you Dennis?," she asked.

"No," he said, "Well, -- yeah," and then, shuffling off, he added,
"_  _  _  _  _  _,   _ ' _   _  _  _."

(6 letters, 2 letters, 3 letters)
 
 

 Copyright 1998 J.J. Schnebel
All rights reserved
 

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