Downtown Detour

Chapter 21

Michigan Ave Chicago

Mark Greene and Carol Parker enjoy working together for music at church. Now that Carol has learned hard truths about Stephen; they are moving past being simply good neighbors. They both have a need to visit the law firm in Chicago. 1980

I'll always want you near me

I've waited for you for so long –

Lionel B., Jr. Richie -- Lady Tuskegee (featuring Kenny Rogers)


Downtown Detour

“They said we could turn up the thermostat if we needed to; I didn’t think it was too bad.”

“You may make a farmer yet, Mark. I think I can get by and no not that cold. I also think it is warm enough, guess that is a sign I am a farmer. I know many believe I’m not a real farmer. I consider myself a farmer. I don’t have a new tractor with one of those fancy cabs like the Greene operation does.”

“Your tractors are great for the work you do, also you have all those fine horses. The Shires are very impressive. “

“Ruth has all the fine horses. She was right it brings people out to the market. They make for excellent advertising props; they appear on all the jam and jelly labels.”

“We ride in those cabs for hours in the Spring and Fall, they make us more productive and cleaner. Clean enough to pop out and come to church for practice if pressed for time. I went to the school you’ve turned into your canning operation. How is it working out?”

“We are doing alright, like all new ventures most of the revenues are paying off the loans. We have met my projections on production and sales, nothing too unexpected has come to light. Ruth is a marvel at managing the operation. We should move past the simple truck garden enterprise, if sales continue to stay strong. Anecdotally, I am told the customers become loyal and repeat choosing our brand. I don’t want to believe it simply because it sounds good.”

“Your brother called speaking of things, easy to believe. He says they should be able to get my case heard. He believes I have a strong case. I try not to worry about it. I’ve been in limbo for so long.”

“I talked with him the other day. His firm has some questions you could clear up, if you had time to come in for an appointment. “

“A major trip not like I can meet and be back to feed the cattle.”

“You’re not the only one capable of feeding the cattle for day or two. I have a plan you might like. I have to go meet with my brother at his office. I would tour you around the big city for a long weekend, it is my old haunts.”

“It would be noticed if we both left together. I think my mother would question it. I am supposed to stay out of trouble during this appeal. You are talking about setting off all the gossips.”

“I have a plan for that, as well. “

“Oh, and here we are in church, makes this plan sound extra sinful.”

“We are already viewed with suspicion. We listen to NPR, we are book readers, just the kind of people not to be trusted by proper flag wavers. Just listen, not a whisper of gossip will ensue, no more than there already is. That friend of yours, Matt, who came here when you went to Spring training or something.”

“Matt and I went to preseason camp; it was football and in the summer after the corn was laid by and hay in the barn.”

“OK the point is you have this friend Matt who lives not far from a train station. If he would agree to take you to the train depot near where he lives. We could take two separate trips but simply run into each other.”

“This seems less than serendipitous and a somewhat immodest plan to be plotted in my home church.”

“Now, Mr. Greene I have offered to give you a tour of my former big city. Have you been to the Art Institute, Sears Tower, the Lyric Opera, no? Nothing immodest or impure about it, unless you have other plans?”

“Carol you are a temptress.”

“After Christmas it would be fun to spend a few days, everything would be OK here. You ask your friend and I will start buying tickets and making reservations.”

“Thank you for plans nearly foolproof, I hope your brother is correct. He says the charges were an entire misreading of the law. He also says the jury instructions were prejudicial. Maybe being stalled has kept me from being an Iranian hostage. I really want to move forward, although I enjoy being here and doing music with you. Should we get started, they asked for ‘Silver Bells’ then two traditional carols from the hymnal. Do you think we could do, ‘Away in a Manager’ and ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’?”

“I have this book of Christmas favorites for guitar, let’s try and see how it goes on ‘Silver Bells’.”

“I will call Matt, spending time together free from our roles here would be fun. Thank you”

“Yes, the City Sidewalks will be fun. It is always good to leave behind after a visit. I will get back home and find why I love to be here. Let’s try to get that ‘Sliver Bells’ song down, you do your best Perry Como imitation.”





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