Year of the Jackpot 19

"We're both out of jobs. How would you like to duck
north into the Mojave and find a dry spot?"
"I'd love it. But look, Pottyis this a proposal, or just a
proposition?"
"Don't pull that 'either-or' stuff on me. It's just a sugges-
tion for a vacation. Do you want to take a chaperone?"
XT
No.
"Then pack a bag."
"Right away. But look, Potipharpack a bag how? Are
you trying to tell me it's time to jumpP"
He faced her, then looked back at the window. "I don't
know," he said slowly, "but this rain might go on quite a
while. Don't take anything you don't have to havebut don't
leave anything behind you can't get along without."
He repossessed his clothing from Mrs. Megeath while
Meade was upstairs, She came down dressed in slacks and
carrying two large bags; under one arm was a battered and
rakish Teddy bear. "This is Winnie."
"Winnie the Pooh?"
"No, Winnie Churchill. When I feel bad he promises me
'blood, toil, tears, and sweat'; then I feel better. You said to
bring anything I couldn't do without?" She looked at him
anxiously.
"Right." He took the bags. Mrs. Megeath had seemed
satisfied with his explanation that they were going to visit
his (mythical) aunt in Bakersfield before looking for jobs;
nevertheless she embarrassed him by kissing him good-by
and telling him to "take care of my little girl."
Santa Monica Boulevard was blocked off from use. While
stalled in traffic in Beverly Hills he fiddled with the car
radio, getting squawks and crackling noises, then finally one
station nearby: "in effect," a harsh, high, staccato voice
was saying, "the Kremlin has given us till sundown to get
out of town. This is your New York Reporter, who thinks
that in days like these every American must personally keep
his powder dry. And now for a word from" Breen switched
it off and glanced at her face. "Don't worry," he said.
"They've been talking that way for years,"
"You think they are bluffing?"
"I didn't say that. I said, 'don't worry.' "
But his own packing, with her help, was clearly on a
"Survival Kit" basiscanned goods, all his warm clothing,
a sporting rifle he had not fired in over two years, a first-aid
kit and the contents of his medicine chest. He dumped the
stuff from his desk into a carton, shoved it into the back