"Great Times," Chapter 21

Copyright 2006, Terry F. Phillips Sr.
All rights reserved.

Chapter 21

When Ted returned to the rooming house, another surprise awaited him.
Mrs. Davis pulled a slip of paper from her apron pocket and handed it to him.
Ted made his way to the pay telephone in the hallway and immediately dialed the number on the paper slip.
“Ted, plans have changed,” the voice on the other end of the line said. “Beck has been hospitalized. I’m afraid the trip out west is off.”
“Off?” Ted said. “What happened to Mr. Beck? Has he been injured?”
“No, apparently he has had a heart attack,” said Mr. Howard, for that was the number Mrs. Davis had given Ted. “It doesn’t look good.”
“Well, I’m sorry, Mr. Howard,” Ted said. “Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He needed air, so instead of turning back down the hall to Mrs. Davis’ quarters, he headed for the street. A walk in the cool night air might help him think.