"You mean I made it?" Clocker croaked unbelievingly.
"Perhaps this will prove it to you," said Mr. Calhoun.
He motioned and the door opened and Zelda came in.
"Hello, hon," she said. "I'm glad you're back. I missed you."
"Not like I missed you, baby! There wasn't anybody controlling my feelings."
Mr. Calhoun put his hands on their shoulders. "Whenever you care to, Mr. Locke, you and your wife are free to leave."
Clocker held Zelda's hands and her calmly fond gaze. "We owe these guys plenty, baby," he said to her. "We'll help make the record before we take off. Ain't that what you want?"
"Oh, it is, hon! And then I want you."
"Then let's get started," he said. "The quicker we do, the quicker we get back."