For Sal, it was better than watching the clowns at the circus. He was howling and clutching his stomach. “Ant, stop it! I’m gonna pee my pants!” 

“Now it’s your turn,” Antone yelled. “But wait . . . wait for it . .” 

They watched Joe run across the two lawns, heading for the woods. When he looked over his shoulder at the black car, Antone yelled with excitement, “Now, Sal!” 

Sal swung his door open and Joe’s feet went flying into the air. The grass was so wet, he slid ten feet across the lawn on his back. 

Sal was now in complete hysterics. “Ant! You can’t pay for this kind of entertainment! It’s unbelievable!” He wiped the tears from his eyes and cleared his throat. “But really, Ant, should we go after them now?” 

“Nah, nah, nah, Sally. Let ’em go. They’re headed right for Yogi’s yard. We’ll come around the other way and surprise them in the lot.” 

Waiting at the edge of the woods for Joe to catch up, Chief had watched the entire “escape” unfold. Joe arrived, doubled over. He was grasping for air and had grass stains on the back of his white dress shirt. “I lost ’em like a bad habit, Chief.” 

Chief looked at Joe and shook his head. He was stuck on a time travel mission with the most optimistic, vulnerable person he had ever met.

“Come on, Joe. We have to find somewhere to hide.”

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