Chapter 12: Scenic, South Dakota; Population:12

The passengers on the front platform were sitting with their heads close to the open windows trying to get some relief from the heat. Guitar Johnny strummed and sang softly, putting in the least amount of effort possible. After a while he started taking requests and reluctantly increased both his volume and effort. He had to wipe the beads of sweat off his nose to keep his guitar dry.

British Sue reached her arm out the window and rested it against the dark green skin of the Tortoise. “Ouch!” she winced. “The bloody thing’s as hot as a tea keddy!” Her English friend took her by the hand and inspected the red mark on her forearm. “Let’s get some cream for that,” she recommended.

I took a seat next to Mountain Girl at the dinette. She was playing rummy with Big Dave using the big man ...