On the Run

“Hello, my name’s Jenny and I’ll be your waitress.” she said with a big smile. The man lit a cigarette and puffed a cloud smoke in her face. “I’m sorry but there’s no smoking in here.” The man lifted his head slowly to look at the waitress. “I’ll have a burger. No tomatoes. No onions.” The waitress put down her pad and put her hands on her hips. “Sir, I can’t serve you until you put out that cigarette!” The man puffed out another cloud of smoke. “I’ll also have a coke. No ice. And don’t fill it all the way to the top.” Jenny sighed heavily and went to the back. The man took out a copy of NEWS DAILY and read the headline: “RUNAWAY ON THE LOOSE!” The man let out a chuckle as he continued down the page: Henry Johnson, a 42-year-old jail escapee, is believed to be in this area. He is 5’4, has jet black hair, a mustache, and a short beard. If you see him, please call the sheriff’s department immediately. He is armed and dangerous.” “I’m 53.” he thought as he ran his fingers over the small pistol in his back pocket. Just then, the waitress came storming towards the table, with a husky man trailing behind her. Henry looked around quickly, trying to remember where all the exits were. ”Excuse me sir,” the man said in an exasperated voice. “But you’re going to have to put out that cigarette.” Henry puffed out another billowing cloud off smoke. “Why?” “Because it disturbs the other customers.” Jenny cut in. “Not to mention the big NO SMOKING sign on the front door.” “And who are you to tell me what to do?” Henry said, taking a step forward. “The manager.” the man said, pointing to his badge. “Listen, you’re welcome to smoke outside, but I’m not going to put my customers in risk of second-hand smoke.” “No you listen.” Henry said, pulling out his pistol. “Why don’t you just give me my food and no one gets hurt.”

“Where’s Daddy?” Ashley asked her mother as she collapsed on the couch. “I don’t know.” she said in a tired voice. “And I have a feeling we won’t know until 10-15 years.” She picked a copy of the NEWS DAILY. “Oh no. Ashley get your coat. We’re going for a little ride.”

“H-here’s your food.” Jenny said, trembling, as she handed the food to Henry. “Good. Now get in the corner with your manager.” She quickly leapt to the corner and tucked her head between her knees. “Yes,” Henry thought. “I’m getting away.” “Okay, now nobody move!” he said as he backed out of the doors….right into the waiting arms of a policeman. “Henry Johnson, you’re under arrest for first degree murder, domestic violence, and fraud and embezzlement. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you can not afford one, one will be given to you…..” “Do I have the right to not hear my rights?” Henry snapped. “You have that right too.” the policeman said as he pushed Henry’s head into the car. He looked out the window as the car drove off. Another officer was questioning the waitress. “I need to add her to my list.” he thought.

“Mom, where are we going?” Ashley asked, yawning. “I don’t know, honey.” She looked in her rearview mirror. “I don’t know what I’m doing.” She did a U-turn and headed back to her house. “I need a drink.”

“Henry, we have just contacted your relatives, and they say they want nothing to do with you.” “That figures.” Henry thought to himself. “When’s the trial?” He took out a cigarette and lighter and held them up to the officer. “I am allowed to smoke in here, right?” He nodded. “Listen Henry, you now have attempted robbery added onto your list of charges.” “Make that just robbery.” Henry interrupted. “I stole the sandwich and ate it on the way here.”