“Make it five gallons of gasoline and I’ll be really interested,” she countered.
Due to an unusual set of circumstances, Penny had fallen heir to two automobiles, one a second-hand contraption whose battered sides bore the signature of nearly every young person in Riverview. The other, a handsome maroon sedan, had been the gift of her father, presented in gratitude because of her excellent reporting of a case known to many as Behind the Green Door. Always hard pressed for funds, she found it all but impossible to keep two automobiles in operation, and her financial difficulties were a constant source of amusement to everyone but herself.
Soon, an electric sign proclaiming “Toni’s” in huge block letters loomed up. Penny swung into the parking area, tooting the horn for service. Immediately a white-coated waiter brought out a menu.
“Coffee and two hamburgers,” Penny ordered with a flourish. “Everything on one, and everything but, on the other.”
“No onions for the little lady?” the waiter grinned. “Okay. I’ll have ’em right out.”
While waiting, Penny noticed that another car, a gray sedan, had drawn up close to the building. Although the two men who occupied the front seat had ordered food, they were not eating it. Instead they conversed in low tones as they appeared to watch someone inside the cafe.
“Dad, notice those two men,” she whispered, touching his arm.
“What about them?” he asked, but before she could reply, the waiter came with a tray of sandwiches which he hooked over the car door.
“Not bad,” Mr. Parker praised as he bit into a giant-size hamburger. “First decent cup of coffee I’ve had in a week too.”
“Dad, watch!” Penny reminded him.