17. Hunger in America

"Merilee?"

"Who?"

"You didn't go to work, did you?"

"Of course."

"Lay here all day zonked, didn't you?"

"I'm going as soon as I find my name."

"Your name is Merilee."

"Doubtful. Will you point me toward the Alpha Beta, mister?"

"And what are you going to use for money?"

When this fellow cried, Girl got up-set. So Merilee split suddenly, took the TR keys and let Girl drive to the circus. Alfred sat up in back and graciously acknowledged the cheers of the crowd lining the Coast Highway to watch him pass.

At the Alpha and Omega her friend the checkout boy was waiting for her. Honey-skinned brave named Stefan. Around his neck a flea collar. "You haven't gone yet," she said.

"No. In a half hour, sister."

"The Tribe has split," she whispered, "for Mexico."

"Yes, lovely one, I know. It really brings me down."

"Me too," Merilee said. "Hey, I need free access."

"OK, I can swing that. Just get back here to my counter in thirty."

Then something happened. Though she flew along the aisles and filled her cart with one of everything, somewhere in Gourmet Goodies, hidden from all eyes, Merilee got hung up. There were these two truffles scrunched together in a single glass jar, and it just didn't seem right. When she finally reached the checkout counter, the Stefan brother had disappeared. Praying for his return and for miracles, Merilee let the nice Ada looking person who had replaced him ring up her things and put them in four big shopping bags.

The Ada lady then got very upset and called the manager. Merilee ate a peach