here.
Polly walked back to the truck a little more subdued and climbed in. "Do you want to go inside and see the place?" she asked.
"What's wrong?"
"Oh, I'm just a little shook up. See that kid there? He bought a bottle of Jack and was told it was the only one he could buy today. Henry, it's only nine fifteen in the morning."
"I know sweetie. It's a different life for some people."
"But there were even signs hanging over the liquor display and at the front counter."
"No judgment. Right?"
"I know, but it still breaks my heart."
"We're not rescuing anyone else on this trip. Got it?"
She smiled at him. "You should go inside and just see the place. I'm not going to make you spend any money there."
Henry sighed at her and got out of the truck. He was gone for several minutes and then came back with a small bag in his hand.
"What did you get?" she asked, when he was belted in the truck.
"Nothing."
"Come on."
"Nope. Not telling."
"Meanie."
"That's me. Now, where next?"
"Get back on the interstate. We're heading to Winslow."
"Is there a corner there?" he asked, laughing.
"As a matter of fact. And you're going to stand on it. Right next to the flatbed Ford."
"There's no end to what people will do to bring in tourists."
"It makes sense. We're going to be two of those tourists today."
Before the morning was out, they were parked and Polly was shooting pictures of Henry next to a flatbed Ford truck on a corner in Winslow, Arizona. They wandered in and out of several of the shops dedicated to Eagles memorabilia on their way out of town, and Polly pointed to the Southwest Indian Art Center.
"Please?" she asked.
"You have been really good on this trip so far," he said.
"I don't want to miss all of the potential shopping opportunities."
He pulled off the interstate and they were the only vehicle in the parking lot. Polly turned around and the pups were sleeping again. "I think they'll be fine for a few minutes by themselves. I promise it won't take long."
The weather was beautiful, so Henry cracked the windows and followed her inside. The owner greeted them and before she could look at the beautiful rugs on the walls or pottery on shelves, he took them through a verbal history of his family in the southwest, from Navajo chiefs and princesses to traders and finally his own life. When they broke away, Polly gave Henry a look.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "But it is really cool stuff."
He put his hand on a rug, running his fingers over the weaving. "Do you want to buy some pieces?"
"Yes, I'm spending money here. Get some nice things for everyone." She stroked a small painted bowl. "Lydia would love this."
"How about I take care of the animals. I'll give them a little freedom in the truck and let them run around. I might even clean up the tub. If you need help carrying your purchases, come get me."
Polly reached up to kiss him and he turned so that she would catch his lips. "I love you," she said. "You're awfully good to me."
"You'll pay me back. Trust me."
He slipped his fingers through hers and then trailed away as he left the shop. Before Polly knew what she'd done, the owner was packing pots and vases into boxes and she needed Henry to help her carry things out and pack them into the back of the truck. She got into the front seat and found Han sitting on the console.
"What are you doing up here?" she asked. Han licked her hand when she picked him up and held him to her chest. A small peep and she saw Padme crawl out from under Henry's seat, so Polly leaned over and picked her up, too. "Is he wearing you out for the next part of the trip?"
Henry gingerly opened his front door and said, "Have you seen the other two?"
"You were supposed to be babysitting."
He climbed in and pulled the door shut and leaned up to look in the back seat. "Uhhh, they found the dry dog food."
"They what? They're eating it?"
"Khan and Kirk are giving it their best shot. It's all over the floor behind your seat. Good heavens,
Michele Boldrin;David K. Levine