“I do if I don’t want to get beat-up.”

Previously: “Ah, home again!”

“Feels good, Mac,” Collie agreed, “I missed this place—I know Cu-Cu returns us from our travels at the same moment we left—but still…”

“Agreed,” Mac replied, “I wonder if Boomer and Teresa are back as well.”

“I would guess back—and on their way up to the farm to continue their restoration.”

Episode 4—Scene 3… Outside the Codger Café in Saint Paul, Minnesota… Mac and Collie walked up and down the sidewalk—savoring the fact they were back in St. Paul. It was comforting to be home after this last adventure.

I wonder, GENTLE READER™ if this just might be another adventure?

Season 17—Adventure 9—VACATIONS—Episode 5—Scene 1… Inside the Cyber Café… “Mac, Collie!” Jay Merton exclaimed, “It’s been too long!”

“Mac, Collie!”

“It has, Jay,” Collie replied, “When did you open here?”

“Two weeks ago,” he replied, “Our café in Lakeview City went over so well, we decided to open again here in St. Paul.”

“We moved to the condos on the other side of the block two years ago,” Collie replied, “Imagine our surprise finding you here.”

“Just like old times,” Medford said, “Way back in the Active Rain days.”

“Boomer is no longer a member, right?” Jay asked.

“No, he isn’t,” Mac replied, “And Big A is a good guy now.”

“Imagine that.”

Episode 5—Scene 2… At the side of I-90… “Why are you pacing me?” Debra asked.

“Why are you pacing me?”

“Because I don’t want to appear like I’m riding alone,” She replied, “Girls alone are likely to be harassed—that’s happened to me and it isn’t fun.”

“That’s a fact,” Debra agreed, “Let’s stop at the next rest-stop where we can talk—I don’t like riding with someone I don’t know.”

“Oh yes,” She replied, “I could use some coffee.”

Episode 5—Scene 3… Inside the Blue Swallow Café… “I’m Melissa MacLeod out of Albert Lea.”

“Pleased to meet you, I’m Debra Wennen-Miller of Rochester.”

“I didn’t exactly tell you the truth back there—I’m running from my ex-husband.”

“That terrible,” Debra replied, “By that I mean you shouldn’t have to run.”

“I do if I don’t want to get beat-up.”

“I do if I don’t want to get beat-up.”

“Were the police involved?”

“They were—and they tried to be helpful, but there seems to be little they can do to ensure my safety.”

“Yeah,” Debra agreed, “That’s always the problem—they can’t guard you 24/7.”

“Are you married?”

“Happily.”

“Yet you’re riding alone.”

“I needed some me-time.”

“And he let you?”

“He encouraged me.”

“Wow.”

Our story will be Continued…