CRIME AND NOURISHMENT
The 24 hour I Pop really is open 24/7. When George and I go to our favorite Italian bistro for an early bird dinner, a movie, by 11:30 p.m. we're really ready for a cold soda and a choice of varied wrapped sandwiches. At first we were reluctant to give the shop a try, but once we did, we were hooked. I've had a honey cured ham sandwich on a hoagie roll that was so big and tasty, I saved ½ for lunch. George is fanatic about his cheese burgers, now avoids Mc Donald's, Wendy's, but relishes every bit at Pops. I've been with him when he orders a second one.
Maybe we are wrong, but have convinced ourselves that the kitchen is as clean as the counters, the floor and doesn't even have fingerprints on the door- at least not for long. When George and I go late in the evening, it is seldom busy. Yet there is always a truck driver or two, a policeman and a couple of teens breaking curfew.
Joey and Carla are usually on the night shift. They rakishly set little white hats bearing I Pops' red logo on their heads. I've noticed Joey go back to the office a lot, maybe every 25 minutes or so. George thinks I am imagining it, but I think Joey is putting receipts in a safe so, if trouble comes, Pops won't lose a lot. Carla doesn't seem to mind and takes care of everybody. When the franchise owner, Pops, is on the floor, I can see a club under his armpit, down his long sleeve. His jacket buttons are always open.
Thursday night George has a semi-yearning for a burger, smothered with melted cheese. I'm tired, don't want to go but finally I give in. My plan materializes quickly, a chocolate malted with a bag of Cheez-its.
Several customers are ahead of us. We strike up friendly conversations and wait patiently. George, I, Carla and Joey are alone. At 11:30 two tall men wearing gorilla hoods come in. Dark eyes are visible in the slits. The huge mouth reveals crooked teeth, a gold inlay on the bottom right. Bandit number two doesn't talk. Number one growls at Joey to open the register, 'Fast!' Joey obeys but tries to reach something under the counter before he gives him the scanty collection. Another order roars, 'Give us everything or die.' Joey tosses him 3 rolls of quarters. 'That's it!' he says quite sternly, considering the position he and we are in. Big man raises his voice, looks at Carla and asks, 'Where is the safe?' Carla answers quickly, 'We don't know. We just wait on customers.' Gangster #2 tells her to get the boss out into the store but she stays calm and tells him the truth. The Boss is off tonight.
A change of tone comes unexpectedly when the tall guy tells us that we got lucky tonight. He looks lasciviously at Carla and tells her in no uncertain terms, 'Put burgers on the grille for us with lots of cheese.,' and to his buddy, the fool says, 'Casey, you're gonna love these. They are the greatest!' Just as they take their burgers and head for the door, it opens. Pop pops in, sees the masks still on the robbers and presto his revolver is in his hand.
Several customers are ahead of us. We strike up friendly conversations and wait patiently. George, I, Carla and Joey are alone. At 11:30 two tall men wearing gorilla hoods come in. Dark eyes are visible in the slits. The huge mouth reveals crooked teeth, a gold inlay on the bottom right. Bandit number two doesn't talk. Number one growls at Joey to open the register, 'Fast!' Joey obeys but tries to reach something under the counter before he gives him the scanty collection. Another order roars, 'Give us everything or die.' Joey tosses him 3 rolls of quarters. 'That's it!' he says quite sternly, considering the position he and we are in. Big man raises his voice, looks at Carla and asks, 'Where is the safe?' Carla answers quickly, 'We don't know. We just wait on customers.' Gangster #2 tells her to get the boss out into the store but she stays calm and tells him the truth. The Boss is off tonight.
A change of tone comes unexpectedly when the tall guy tells us that we got lucky tonight. He looks lasciviously at Carla and tells her in no uncertain terms, 'Put burgers on the grille for us with lots of cheese.,' and to his buddy, the fool says, 'Casey, you're gonna love these. They are the greatest!' Just as they take their burgers and head for the door, it opens. Pop pops in, sees the masks still on the robbers and presto his revolver is in his hand.
The young men freeze while their burgers get cold.
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