=PALO DURO=…Chapter 6…-TEETH FREEZING-

Tom crossed the highway and entered the front door of the Palo Duro Cafe.

Miss Aggie was behind the cash register and Donnie was behind the grill. Both looked up then continued on with their work. Miss Aggie rang up a customers bill and they left. Tom walked down the counter and sat at the end stool as was his custom. He adjusted his side arm and belt. Miss Aggie cracked open a Lone Star Beer and placed a glass of ice in front of him..

The Palo Duro Cafe had 10 booths along the walls. Four booths along the front window. Two booths along the back wall and 4 booths a long the wall by the counter. The leather-ette booths were a burgundy color. The tables were a 1950 linoleum pattern with chrome legs. Four booths were filled with couples and families, tourists to see the Palo Duro Canyon. The walls had a few cowboy, cactus, mountain vista paintings. Miss Aggie hustled her famous ‘Chicken and Taters’ to the tables with ice tea and cold beer. Then stopped to talk to Tom.

“You want a plate of fish? Donnie’s brother brought back some salmon from a fishing trip to Alaska. Kept it in an ice box to travel. Fresh.” She asked.

Tom turned his head towards Miss Aggie and said… “That would be very nice. Thank you.” Tom turned back to his Lone Star.

“Okay. I have seen that talk before. What’s up?” Miss Aggie was a people person.

“I don’t know. A lot of small things don’t add up.” Tom sipped his beer.