“Hi yourself, whoever you are.”

“Cady Jordan,” she said, climbing into the Mountaineer. “See you around.” She fastened her seat belt, gunned the engine, and tore off down the street.

“I don’t know if I blew that or not, Atlas. Time will tell.”

8

“What are we waiting for, Mandy?” Lola demanded irritably.

“We’re waiting, Lola, for you to make up your mind,” Mandy said just as irritably. “Anthony wants to know which car you want to have your outing in. When you decide, that’s when we can leave. Anthony is partial to the Bentley. He said the Rolls is too ostentatious, the Mercedes is too ordinary, and the Jaguar is tacky since Ford took it over. He also said if we’re going undercover, he can call and rent a station wagon.”

“The Bentley will do just fine. Tell me again why we’re dressed like this?” Lola said, pointing to her bib overalls and fishing cap.

“So we blend in with the citizenry, that’s why. This is no time to look like a movie star. Herself says we should take the Bentley, Anthony!” Mandy bellowed into the intercom.

“Where’s our gear?”

“I gave it to Anthony. This is not a safari, Lola.”

“Let’s pretend it is. I know what to do on safari. Remember, my fourth husband was a big-game hunter. What was his name? Oh well, it doesn’t matter, he’s dead.”

Anthony was acting as chauffeur, even though it was supposed to be his day off, just the way he acted as butler and anything else Lola could pin on him. He gave the whistle Lola made him keep in his pocket a sharp blast. “Time to go! This is exciting, isn’t it, Mandy?” she said, squealing like a schoolgirl.

“You aren’t going to think it’s so exciting if our respective asses land in the clink. Cady said the place is posted. She said there are eleven signs.”

“Oh, Mandy, when are you going to learn to think ahead. That’s the very reason we’re bringing Anthony. He’s going to take the signs down and hide them. If there aren’t any signs, we can’t possibly be arrested. That’s why we brought the gear. We have to be prepared for any and all possibilities. I learned that from what’s his name. Why can’t I think of his name? He’s the one who liked garter belts. Actually, he loved garter belts,” Lola dithered. “He let me shoot the elephant gun many times. I told you, I know what to do. Did you bring the food?”

Mandy twisted sideways in her seat. Her eyes flashed dangerously. “What food, Lola?”

“You always take food when you go on safari. Stuff you eat with your fingers. What’s-his-name always made sure we had crackers and caviar. Anthony, we’re going to have to turn around and go back home for some food.”

“Why don’t we stop at the Super Dog Haven and get something in a bag?” Anthony called over his shoulder.

“That’s a splendid idea. Yes, let’s do that. We’ll save time that way. See how easy that was, Mandy? Are your knees bothering you again, dear? You always get cranky when your knees bother you.”