"I could have called Beth," Charlie said.
"We'll get there almost as fast."
They zoomed through the underpass and turned onto the freeway. A cycle cop emerged from behind a Schlitz billboard and took after them, his siren wailing.
"Never mind the cop," George said.
The cabbie hunched forward and gripped the wheel. "Mister," he said, "I've been waiting for a chance like this."
The cop gained on them and as he came abreast George grew confused. He saw the cop's big sun glasses shining like the eyes of a wasp and his hat snapping in the wind. George had never broken the law in his life. He had a deep respect for the police, preservers of law and order.
The cop motioned the cabbie to pull over. The cab zoomed over a crest on the freeway and ripped down the slope with marked increase in speed.
George rolled down the window and flapped his arms. "My wife!" he yelled.
The cop cut the siren. His hand went down to his holster.