Chapter 15

“Every store that sells scratchoffs gets a shirt for winners,” she said.

“Printed?”

“Well ... Weigel’s has a bunch of stores so they had the store name added ... at their own expense.”

“Oh.”

“I need to go to Metropolis.”

“I know.”

“You know ... oh ... the powers that be.”

I nodded.

“We have an escort.”

“Escort?”

Then she noticed the patrol car. A few braincells clicked.

“They followed us?”

“Yup.”

“Why?”

“Transporting a minor child across state lines for immoral purposes.”

“They were giong to ARREST you?!?”

She bounced over to the patrol car and rapped on the window. A few words were said. She offered her ID. More words. She steamed all the way back to my car.

I started the towncar and headed out of the Weigel’s. This one ia the first possible turn after exiting and first return to the freeway.

She started ranting.

“That bastard who dumped me off circled back and was watching when you picked me up. The cops were supposed to take me back to him. I am his underage sister runaway ... or so he said.

“The cop said, they’d take me to Social Services ... unless I had documentary proof of age. I presented my DL and college ID.

“They called it in with his plate number. Sergeant said they’d do it but ... they were escorting a major winner to the state headquarters of Monster Millions ... ME!

“I hope they catch him ... false report.” Ooo ... vindictive.

My phone rang. I handed it to her.

“Hello?”

“He’s driving.”

“Violet Podstuka.”

“Yes ... his waif.”

She pressed END and said, “Miss Johnson said they’d bill you.”

She said, “Violet Podstuka.” And extended her hand.

“David Haskins,” I said, and shook hers.

We both struggled with it ... but “Nice to meet you,” was just too funny for words.