by Jim Huckabee

Created on: July 30, 2009

"I'm glad we have put the past week behind us. Miles and miles behind us."

Julie glanced up at John as he drove grunting in agreement.

"I don't think anything could be more horrific than the week we just spent at your mother's. Your two uncles are barbaric Neanderthals."

"Wait a minute Julie...no on second thought you are right. I have never seen them like that."

Still watching the telephone poles speeding past she exhaled her annoyance. Turning to John as she began to harp on his uncles her posture eased.

"You know as well as I do they love your dad as much as we do. Sometimes death turns people from Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde. Lets just forget it and move on with the rest of our lives."

John wriggled in his seat before he answered her. Looking through the layer of dead bugs on the windshield and to her then back again he let out a hum.

"I guess you are right. After the past week what else could possibly be as unbearable to deal with?"

"What is going on up there? There must be a hundred emergency vehicles. All I can see for miles are the flashing lights."

"Look a policeman. We can get some answers from him."

He stopped as he rolled down his window to ask the officer what was happening.

"Sorry sir you can't stop here. We are detouring all traffic onto Highway 52 over there. The chemical plant up the road has a sulfur leak. So keep your windows rolled up and keep moving."

John started to ask about the leak, "Just follow the detour signs sir and every thing will be okay."

John turned onto Highway 52 headed east. After a few miles he saw a sign which read, Palto 12 miles.

"Julie do you want to salvage what is left of this night?"

"How can we possibly salvage this night?"

He simply pointed to the sign up ahead.

As she realized what John was indicating she smiled as she turned to him.

"We haven't been to Julio's in five or six weeks. That is the one thing which would make life better right now."

He turned onto Black Sheep Road.

"Mr. and Mrs. Harrison it is good to see you again. Come with me."

Julio seated them at their favorite table.

"Now some bread and wine. I will be back with your diners but first some wine and your Bella Mr. Harrison."

As Julie lifted her glass John clinked his glass on hers saying, "To life and my Bella."

She smiled taking his hand as they drank.

"Here you are two of my special dishes." Julio yelled at a waiter "More wine for the Harrison's. Now enjoy."

"There is one thing which could make this night better."

As she rose from her chair he asked where she was going.

"I have always wanted this recipe. I am going to get it from Julio."

With that she stepped through the kitchen doors.

"Julio where are you I need the recipe; Julio."

He wasn't in sight so she walked into the back of the kitchen past the prep area. Rounding the salad bay she stopped dead in her tracks. Dropping the pen and note pad she let out a piercing scream "John".

He found her paralyzed in fear.

"What is it. What is wrong?"

She only lifted her hand pointing at the remains of a human torso on the butcher block. He grabbed her turning her to him as he realized what the secret ingredient was in Julio's special recipe which they had enjoyed all these years.

Learn more about this author, Jim Huckabee.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.