18 Hostage to the Money System
Conrad's leaving without paying turned into a major obstacle to enjoying her reunion breakfast with John. George had left the hotel without bringing cash or her wallet. She did bring her phone, which she used to call Reggie. Reggie and Grace started down with the means to extract the two from their secular purgatory.
George moved to the other side of the table. Breakfast arrived. And while George drank her coffee and ate something. John filled her in on what happened and his impressions of the good Saint Conrad. She was feeling better as the food and coffee did their work. She got the waitress' attention for more coffee. Her phone tone sounded. She gave a few more directions - a few blocks can be a long way without an address or a map - and disconnected.
John said, "He's more like an idealistic college kid than anything. He means well."
"He kidnapped you. If for no other reason I will make an example of him…"
He put his hands up. "I'm OK George. He never threatened me. He just thought I would see the light and join his holy crusade to overthrow the entire supernatural apparatus governing life and death. That's all."
"Well, I can't say the same for me. Do you have any idea the threats, implied and expressed, I have suffered through since last night? Look, John, I had a pretty good idea what the little shit was up to and I had it confirmed talking to Taylor last night, but try telling that to my sister, your sister, and my dear mom, who thinks I'm…."
"George, I'm sorry for what you went through. Really. I know it must have been bad." He pointed to the bacon. "The bacon here is really good."
"Last night... Jesus. Your future mother-in-law blew a gasket."
"Really." He smiled. "She must care."
John raised his hand. George looked behind towards the door. Reggie and Grace caught sight of them and walked their way through a few tables several now had customers. John stood up to get his welcoming hugs from both. Through a lot of crosstalk they took seats.
George paid in cash and they left. And even though it was she who really suffered John got all the sympathy.