End Game

And now... Another tale well calculated to keep you in... Suspense. In a moment, end game, written for suspense by David Carp. So long, haven't I, Tripp? Don't forget to phone! Wherever you go this summer, go first by long distance.

Room clerk speaking, a double overlooking the water. Well, let's see now. Well, yes, sir, we do. May I have your name, please? When you're traveling this summer, it makes good sense to use long distance to make your plans.

A call ahead is the quick, easy way to get the reservations you want when you want them. And a call to friends you hope to visit will make sure they're at home when you stop by.

Wherever you go this summer, go first by long distance. Rates are low. Why not call now? You ever been lost at night? Even if you are like myself, a man who isn't easily upset. There is a nightmarish quality in driving down an hour to lane country road at night in a wild pouring rainstorm.

I'd been traveling on a turnpike until an hour ago, but I left that too soon, I fear. But there at least I had the sense of reason and order of being in touch with civilization.

Civilization which engineered roads for high speed travel, which provided sensible road stops. But now, for all I knew of where I was going, I could have been traveling on the moon. My name is Charles Ross Victor, age 42.

Occupation? Teacher. Where was I going that night? I was on my way to a small Midwestern college to indulge myself in a lifelong passion. It was a sign. I slowed the car and stopped. They are now entering Allenbury, where all laws are strictly enforced.