Chapter 108

“Ma, I have to use the restroom.”

“I’ll take him,” Mopp offered.

“Thank you. Denny?”

He handed her his teddy bear. “I’ll be careful.”

“I hate this.” She looked after them. “He’s not even eight yet, and he has to be so cautious.”

“You’re doing the best you can for him, Babe.” Dix reached across the table and patted her hand.

Maybe he wasn’t such a bad guy after all.

The woman who’d greeted them—her nametag said her name was Florrie—brought them four adult menus and child’s, and placed glasses of water in front of each of them. “Can I get you started on some coffee or juice?”

Josh ordered coffee regular for him and Mopp, and Miz Babe and Dix ordered the same. She also asked for chocolate milk for her little boy.

“I’ll get right on that.” She went to the coffee maker behind the counter and began filling the white mugs.

“I’ve got an idea,” Dix said. “We’re not that far from home now. Suppose I call Charles and ask him to send someone to get us?”