On Second Thought

Contemplating his latest "assignment," Ethan found himself sitting on a park bench overlooking Lake Michigan. His life choices are up for review. His late evening dinner with Vito was somewhat of a surprise, bordering on shock. How in the world did he ever reach this place in life? As a youngster, all he ever wanted to do was crack cases, solve crimes, and be a common, ordinary, everyday, gumshoe.

While reviewing this assignment, he realized he was dealing with a gun maw who owned a pit bull named Fefe. He found himself trolling the streets and bars looking for a redheaded beauty named Strawberry Shortcake. She was the only person he had ever met in his life named after a pastry.

Now, Ethan has found a different variety of thief. He has encountered a lady named Ruby. It is a most fitting label for one who steals rubies and other expensive jewels. As he contemplated this latest encounter, he concluded he was in the wrong business. If he really wanted to get rich, he should be an agent for a baseball player named "Bases." Professional baseball's best base stealers are known to earn significant income. That is a fact familiar to all sports enthusiasts. Perhaps a career as a sports agent would be more fitting and less dangerous. A smaller number are imprisoned. However, some probably are.

Ethan decided that he needs to find the exit door from the PI Bar and Grill. His nocturnal meetings make his work hunting thieves and extortionists dangerous. He also risks injuries like dog bites and gunshot wounds. As he pondered his future, he looked across the park and saw the faint glow of a Waffle House. It occurred to him that a walnut covered waffle would be good in the middle of the night. In addition to that, the employees working at the griddle are only a couple feet away from the customers. Maybe he can enjoy some career counseling while eating the waffle.

He's always been quite skilled at scrambling eggs and frying bacon. Ethan might have a future in the food service industry. It's preferable to daily interactions with crooks. Perhaps a new avocation and job satisfaction are in his future.

The next time I'm enjoying some time on the road I need to settle in for a little supper. I will go to the nearest Waffle House and ask the server," Do you have a chef named Ethan who works here?"

Perhaps he could recount some interesting stories.