Three Finger Cove: Matthew ~ Book Five

Chapter Fifty~Nine

When the boys finally made it down to the lobby with their bags, the next day, they were all yawning as they waited for the limo. Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne just smiled while drinking a cup of coffee.

They rode to the airport in quiet and even the plane ride to their next stop was subdued. Matthew did take advantage of a window seat and watched the countryside pass by, underneath him, as they headed to their destination.

Upon landing they immediately headed to their hotel where Mr. Ken got the key cards to their three suits. He then told Robert and Eric they were bunking in with him; the twins would bunk in with Collin, while Charles and Matthew were with Mr. Wayne that night.

On the ride over to the amusement park, the limo was just as quiet as it was yesterday. But this time it was because all the boys had gotten comfortable and had gone back to sleep. Even Collin joined his 'brothers' in a night of quiet sleep.

"Boys ... we're here," called out 'dad' Ken, as he started to wake his 'boys' up

"Where are we?" asked a still sleepy Matthew.

"We're at Discovery Kingdom, my third amusement park," said 'dad' Ken, with a flare.

The boys stretched before getting out of the limo and then stretched again, as they got out into the sun. Everyone stood around waiting for their 'dad' to say something.

"Mr. Thomas," called out a woman, as she exited the employee entrance. "And, welcome back boys," added Julia Rennartz.

"Julia," said Mr. Ken, as he hugged the woman.

"Boys, this is Julia Rennartz. She is my operating manager for Discovery Kingdom. Julia, let me introduce Wayne Mitchell. He is my Estate Master who corrals the boys. He also can speak for me when I am not available.

"This is Collin. He's a college student who I've known since he was fifteen. This, as you know is Robert. But, what you might not know is that he is now ... my son," finished a smiling dad Ken.

"Your son? Congratulations to you both. I had no idea you were even considering that when you were here last, Mr. Thomas. This is great news for you both," replied Julia, who went over and hugged the teen.

"And, you already know Eric. This next boy is Charles. Beside him is Kevin, the oldest of the twins. This is Kyle, the younger twin, and beside him is Matthew. These are all my foster sons, Julia. I brought them here as one of their Christmas presents.

"We've already visited my other two parks, Julia, and I have saved the best for last," teased the owner, Ken Thomas.

"Julia, I'll need someone to escort my little group around the park. I also want them to ride all the rides without waiting. We don't have all day and they want to experience every ride you have," directed Mr. Ken.

"I know the right person. Let me call her," replied Julia, as she pulled out her cell phone and made a call.

Five minutes later a perky, young, blonde-haired person about Collin's age came out to the group.

Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne watched Collin eye the girl up as she walked up to them and was introduced. The two men snickered to one another and Collin heard them. He looked over to them and whispered to them to get their minds out of the gutter. He told them his was already there. The three broke out laughing.

"Boys, let me introduce you to Jasmine. She knows practically everyone in the park, and the ones she might not know she'll call a supervisor over she needs help," said Julia Rennartz, with a smile.

"Jasmine, this is Mr. Thomas. He's the owner of the park ... and he's brought his sons to visit and ride as many of the rides as they can. They don't have all day, so you're to make sure they get the VIP treatment. Make sure they get ON all the rides, Jasmine. You do understand what I am saying?" finished Julia.

"Yes, Ms. Rennartz. I'll see to it they ride whatever they want, without having to wait," replied Jasmine, as she looked in Collin's direction.

The three adults saw the look and figured the two older teens would have a great day hanging around together. They smirked as the boys and Jasmine walked away with Collin right beside her. Mr. Wayne had to hurry to catch up to them.

"Julia, the three new flat rides I am purchasing for your park are to hopefully generate more attendance and thus revenue. I see you are well ahead of making the repairs that were sorely needed, that the previous owner failed to fund. That's the main reason why there is no big coaster being installed next year.

"I want you to highlight the repairs we made, the new landscaping, the updated food stands, the newly installed restrooms, and the new, brighter, more colorful, and friendlier look we are changing to. That and the three new rides need to be prominently accented in all of your ads.

"As the attendance figures show an increase over last year, and are consistent we'll announce a new roller coaster for the following year. We may even begin construction as the Spook-Tac-U-Lair gets underway, so people can see the progress. I've told Joe and Ben the same thing and the park that has the best attendance increase and of course revenue flow will get the bigger, better coaster," said Mr. Thomas, as a matter-of-fact revelation to the park's operating manager.

"Yes, I truly understand. Actually, I've had phone calls from both Joe and Ben and they essentially told me what you just said. I take it this is ... what ... a competition between us and the loser might get his park closed?" said Julia as a question.

"Julia, I am a businessman. I bought these parks because I saw the potential for a profit in all three. The more they make the more I can reinvest into them, so I can repeat the cycle as the three preeminent amusement theme park owners do. These three are close enough for me to keep track of, even though my 'boys' right now are my top priority.

"Julia ... if a park gets closed ... it will because the manger isn't doing his or her job in getting all the repairs, painting and updates done on time, and or under budget. I'm investing large sums of my own money, not investors' money. I have a big stake in keeping these parks open and making money. I don't PLAN to close any park, but even savvy investors will cut their losses.

"Now, Julia, I bet what Joe and Ben did not tell you was that I am also looking for a Vice-President to oversee all three parks, or two, if that becomes the case. I am also looking at two more amusement parks that are in the same sad case yours, Joe's and Ben's parks were in.

"Julia, you have just as good a chance for the new vice-president position as your two fellow managers do. So, yes, this is a competition for not only your park, but for advancement in my new business venture. Next year's attendance and revenue figures will go a long way in helping me choose the person who will lead these three parks and possibly two more.

"Now, let's get down to business. Do you have the latest attendance and revenue figures? Oh, and do you have any fresh coffee and a sandwich available?" asked Mr. Thomas, as the two adults were set to get deeply involved in Discovery Kingdom's workings.

"Collin ... how can you be Mr. Thomas' son? You're what, nineteen and he's like 26 or something?" Jasmine asked the college freshman, as they walked to their first amusement ride.

"Jas, Mr. Ken ... he's my Big Bro," replied Collin

"Oh, OK, I can understand that. But, how can he be old enough to have sons that are what 11 to 13?" asked Jasmine.

"Jas ... Mr. Ken ... he's their foster dad. All except Robert, that is. He adopted him about, what, two or three months ago now," replied Collin, as he pulled the eighteen-year-old high school senior to him in a friendly hug. Mr. Wayne just smiled at the sight.

The Covers first ride was called Round-Up. The ride had hanging gondolas, which held up to two people. It, in turn, was attached to an arm attached to a spindle. As the ride spun around the arm lifted up and the cars turned on their axis. Eventually the gondolas were spinning a full 90 degrees from their starting position. That meant the riders were going around and around up to the sky and then down to the earth.

"I'm not riding that!" loudly exclaimed Matthew.

"Matthew, you won't even know you are going around and around," spoke up Eric. "Yes, you'll feel the car moving up and the G-forces as you spin, but after that, you can't even see that much outside because of the cage on the gondolas. Come on. You owe it to yourself to ride this."

The Covers went to the exit and waited until the ride was over and the current riders exited. Jasmine told the ride operator what she was there for, and he waited until the VIP guests were in their cars before opening the gates to the guests patiently waiting in line.

The ride had twenty gondolas, so the Covers only took up four of them. Matthew reluctantly decided to ride, but only if he and Mr. Wayne rode together. Kyle began to tease his younger 'brother' that he had to ride with Mr. Wayne. That was until his twin told him he'd ride with Mr. Dan if he were there. The younger twin quickly shut up.

"That wasn't a bad ride," offered Matthew, after he got off the Round-Up.

"Matthew," began Mr. Wayne, "you can't judge a book by its cover."

"What does that mean?" asked the youngest Cover.

"It means you won't know if you don't like a ride until you try it. You've tried a number of rides, on this trip, you didn't think you'd like, and then afterward you tell us how good it was. Let's just move on and try all the rides and figure out afterward what you didn't like," suggested Mr. Wayne, with a smile.

Their next ride was the Tomahawk. This one was just like the SS Overboard at Fiesta Texas and the Galleon at Fantasy Fun Park that went back and forth and higher and higher. That time the boys who hadn't ridden the uppermost seats did so. They loved the feeling of airtime they got at the top of the ride's arc.

As the Covers walked along, Matthew spied a ride similar to the teacups he rode back at Fiesta Texas. He asked his 'brothers' to stop and ride that. The older boys balked, but Mr. Wayne reminded them their youngest 'brother' had ridden all the rides they wanted to, so it was only fair they rode that one.

The ride was called the Beer Barrel. The ride barrels were shaped like an old wooden beer keg cut in half. These were big enough that four people could comfortably sit in one at a time. Collin, Robert, Eric, and Charles took one Barrel, and the others filled in a second.

When the ride started, the boys knew enough to grab the middle spindle and use it to turn the Barrel as it went through five different inner changing cogs. The older boys really had their cask spinning fast. The younger ones kept theirs spinning at a more even pace. In the end, the four older boys were dizzy and had to sit down to get their bearings, but they laughed the entire time.

Discovery Kingdom had a sky ride that the Covers wanted to experience, since the other two amusement parks didn't have one. Even Robert and Eric hadn't ridden it when they were there last August. The Covers took two of the Metal tubs, since they held no more than four people at a time. From up there, the boys got a good overview of the park and where they wanted to go next.

The boys headed over to a ride called the Rotor. The riders stood against the outer walls and as the ride began to spin it forced the person against the wall. Then the ride began to tilt upwards giving the guest the feeling they might fall to the other side. The boys loved that flat ride.

Robert and Eric were biting at the bit to ride the wooden roller coaster, the Figure Eight. They practically dragged their 'brothers' to it saying it was time they rode a coaster. Jasmine took them up to the station house through the exit and told the ride operator why they were there.

This coaster was different from the one they rode at Fantasy Fun Park. The wooden coaster went back and forth in a figure-eight pattern rather than an out and back as the Comet had. The older teens had ridden it back in August, and couldn't say enough about how much fun it was.

The coaster train rode to the top of the lift hill, went around a turn, and raced down the following hill. It then raced up the hill to another turn only to race down another hill. Some parts of the track had bunny hills that added to the fun of the ride. It did that seven times before coming back to the station house. It felt fast and had lots of airtime.

All of the Covers loved it, including Matthew, and they asked to ride it again. Mr. Wayne asked them to wait and come black, so they don't upset more people than they already had by jumping the line, as they did. The boys thought about that and agreed. They headed to another ride.

The next ride was a steel coaster called the Demon. It didn't look too bad to Matthew, so he went with his 'brothers' up the exit and waited for the train to return, which wasn't long after it was dispatched.

This coaster featured a single loop and a double corkscrew. The actual ride time was very short, as the roller coaster completed the 2,350-foot run, including the lift hill, in approximately 48 seconds. The ride only had one 28-seat train due to lack of block brakes because it was an older coaster first installed back in 1978.

The Covers took their seats, but this time Matthew rode with Collin and they rode the second car first seat. That put them, pretty much, upfront. Matthew screamed down the first hill and laughed the rest of the time. They all enjoyed the experience.

The twins wanted to ride the Ferris wheel. So, the group headed over to the one the Discovery Kingdom had. This one was only 90 feet high as it was one of the original rides erected when the park opened back in the late 1960s. The Ferris wheel gave the Covers a chance to rest and look over some more of the park.

Robert and Eric pestered their group to ride another wooden roller coaster, The Stagecoach. It was more like the Comet they rode two days ago, but this one was much higher and longer. Matthew was a bit hesitant at first, but as he watched it he decided he needed to do it to see if he didn't like it. He then smiled to himself.

When it was their turn, the Covers loaded into different seats along the train. Matthew was headed to the very backmost seats, but Mr. Wayne directed him to the middle seats telling the boy he was not ready for that experience.

As the coaster train headed up the lift hill the Covers got an entirely different view of the park. As most roller coasters are situated along the outer edges of the property line the boys saw the parking lot to their right and the rest of the park to their left.

The first hill was 125 feet high with a 78-degree slope that went down 115 feet before leveling out some and then heading up the next hill. This coaster was an out and back like the Comet but was longer and had a few more hills on it.

"Well, did you like the dinner you got on that ride," asked Mr. Wayne, of Robert and Eric, who rode the first car first seat.

"What are you talking about?" asked Eric, with a questioning face.

"Well, you know, all those bugs you ate ... as we rushed up and down all those hills," laughed the Estate Master.

Robert then picked at his teeth to make it look like he was attempting to show Mr. Wayne a bug that had gotten caught there.

"Ewwww," said Kevin.

All the Covers had heard the question and laughed, not only at Robert's attempt at a joke, but Kevin's exclamation of how gross that was.

"OK, what's next?" asked Jasmine.

"What are those over there?" asked Kevin.

"Oh, that, it's one of the older rides here. They're called Flying Wings. The ride goes around and around and the vane is operated by the rider to make it go which way and that way. It is a lot of fun. If you haven't tried something like that you should," advised Jasmine.

The Covers walked in that direction. They knew Kevin wanted to try that ride. Jasmine took them to the exit. The operator saw them coming and knew these were VIPs and would ride next.

There were eight Flying Wings to the ride and there were eight Covers. That was perfect. Matthew asked Mr. Wayne to ride with him, so he could help him if he messed it up. Mr. Wayne told the youngster he needed to continue to try things by himself, to build up his confidence that he could do things on his own. Matthew relented and when the ride was ready to load, he got into his own Wing dinghy.

The ride started up and as it gained speed the older boys moved the Wing back and forth and their carriage started to twist and turn. Matthew saw what they were doing and moved his wing a little bit. The metal gondola car he was in moved a little from the input. Matthew moved the wing in the other way the car moved in the opposite direction. Matthew smiled.

Jasmine had heard Matthew, before the group got on some of the rides, asking the man to ride with him. And, she heard the man tell him that he could do it, he just had to try it himself. She now saw the happy face on the boy, so she told the operator to let the ride go longer than normal.

The operator balked at doing that and told her why. It was then she told him the park's owner was there today and they were his boys out on the ride. The ride operator got the reference and reset the timer for another two minutes.

"That was fun," exclaimed Matthew. "Thank you Mr. Wayne for making me do this for myself. Yes, it was a small ride, but it was a big step for me." Matthew then hugged the man. Jasmine smiled at the sight.

The Covers continued to walk around the park and ride more of the amusements. Being able to go through the exits let them ride many more rides than if they had to wait in line with the regular guests.

"Dad, what are you doing here?" asked Robert, upon the appearance of his dad.

"I wanted to see how my brood was doing and ask them if they were having a good time," replied the teen's dad.

"I know I am, dad," said Robert, "and I think my 'brothers' are as well. It's great not having to wait in line. Dad ... ahh, will you ... ride the Stagecoach coaster with me? In the front seat?

"We didn't ride anything at Fiesta Texas together and I missed doing that with you. You know ... I'm not getting any younger," said the teen, as he laid it on thick to his dad.

Julia Rennartz smiled at what the man's son just did to his new dad. She followed along as the now larger group headed in the direction of the wooden roller coaster, The Stagecoach.

When they arrived at the coaster they immediately walked up the exit. As soon as the riders from the now returned train got off, the Cover group started to get into the seats.

"Hey, what gives? They're cutting the line," yelled someone who was waiting in line.

"Yea, they've been doing that all over the park," spoke up another.

"This is the park owner and his family," called out Julia Rennartz.

"Operator, fill the train with the next riders, we'll wait," directed Mr. Ken, the park's owner.

After the train was dispatched and they waited for the next train to arrive, Mr. Ken stepped out to the platform and asked for the people's attention.

"Yes, I am the owner. My name is Ken Thomas and this is my extended family. We are here to look over the improvements I ordered when I purchased the park last year. And, as part of their Christmas gifts, I brought my family here to see my park and let them ride the rides. As the owner, I think I have that freedom to allow them to skip the lines," laughed the owner.

"While we await the next train, which is coming into the station as I speak," laughed Mr. Ken, "we'll let them get off and load the next group. In the meantime, how about some real-life feedback to the owner, while you wait in line?" offered Ken Thomas.

"When will we get some new rides?" asked someone.

"Well, I only bought the park at the end of the previous year. So, this is my first year of ownership. Since then, I am sure you've seen how hard we've worked to spruce up Discovery Kingdom. We've painted, made needed repairs to the rides, we even invited the state amusement inspectors to come in and tell us what they saw were potential problems down the road. We got rid of the poor landscaping and have tried to give the Kingdom a 'like new' feel. Any other questions or comments?" asked Ken Thomas.

"When are we getting some new rides? It seems the bigger parks get a new roller coaster every other year. We haven't seen anything new here in years!" lamented a guest.

"Great question. As I said, this is my first year of ownership, and I've spent $1.3 million dollars putting this park back to a level expected by you, our guests. For next year there will be three new rides. They are all flat rides, and we'll be announcing them right after the New Year.

"Now ... as for a new coaster. I'll be upfront and honest with you. People own amusement parks to instill happiness in people and give them a fun time, and ... and make money. That, my friends, is the bottom line. And here comes the train. We'll let them get off and let the operator load the next group.

"As these people change places, I want you to know that, making money is the kicker as to when a new coaster is installed. Attendance and revenues drive the expenditures of large amounts of money by the owners. I've told Julia, my operating manager, here, that if next year's attendance levels are above this year's and the revenues are up then a new coaster will be in this park's future. If those two items stay flat, then I will ... and I'll be honest with you ... I'll have to reevaluate my pocketbook to see if it will be worthwhile."

"Are you going to raise prices for next year in order to make more money?" asked someone. Then the person added, "And what will you do to increase revenues, so you'll install a new coaster?"

"NO! We are NOT, and I stress NOT, raising ticket prices to enter Discovery Kingdom next year. And, depending on our suppliers, we may have to raise some food prices. But, we are at the mercy of our suppliers just as you are with your grocer's suppliers. We are in the business to make money. There is no doubt about that, otherwise, I wouldn't have spent the money I did to buy the park and try to improve it.

"I am not Disney, Six Flags or Cedar Point, and, that said, I do not have the cash flow those major theme park owners have. But, I promise you this. If this park succeeds, as I hope it will, I will be expanding it and will keep making improvements, including new rides.

"By the way, how many of you like the new restrooms? That was a huge undertaking and they sure are nice to go into, aren't they? They are all new buildings. I think they smell great inside, are spacious, have lots of natural light and you now have hot water and plenty of hand soap and paper towels or air dryers. You can readily see what types of investment I am making to your Discovery Kingdom.

"There are some other improvements that will be done after we close for the season. But rest assured I am committed to making this park a place for families, extended families, and their friends.

"Now, what are we doing to try to increase revenues? We are going to implement a Fast/Faster/ Fastest Pass, or FFFP, to let our guests decide if they want to spend a little more to get better access to the rides. We may also call it the Faster to the Rides Pass, FTTR Pass. We'll see.

"The Fast portion of the FFFP will give the rider equal access to all rides as if they waited in line, but ... they won't have to stand in line. Once their pass is activated they can come back at the average wait time, or maybe a bit sooner, and get right on the ride.

"With the Faster portion of the FFFP, the rider will enjoy up to a 50% reduction in wait times allowing them to ride more rides with less waiting.

"And last, if the rider has the Fastest portion of the FFFP, they will enjoy riding the rides with only a very short wait time. That time has yet to be established, but other bigger parks give their best pass holder a 90% reduction in the wait time. Again, we'll see.

"Does anyone else have a question or comment for me?" asked Mr. Thomas.

"What will be the cost for those new passes?" asked someone.

"We thought they would go for $29.95, $39.95 and $49.95 respectively," replied Mr. Ken.

"That sounds quite steep. How about $19.95, $29.95 and $39.95," replied back the person who initially asked the question

"Hmmm, what do you think Julia? ... Could we possibly split the difference? You know, make them $24.95, $34.95 and $44.95?" replied Mr. Thomas. Some in the line laughed at the exchange.

"I have a comment. I want to thank you for adding the Spook-Tac-U-Lair and the Celebration of Christmas Wonders. It gave me and my family ... it gave us more time to spend together and do something completely different than this park had ever offered.

"The Spook-Tac-U-Lair was great with all the zombies walking around and the scary characters in the woods. And the haunted houses. Who would ever think to use some of the buildings, as haunted houses as you did? They scared the bejeebers out of us," laughed the man.

"The previous owner said it wasn't cost-effective to him to have the park opened during the fall months, but I've seen people here during those two events that never came during the regular season. I thank you for doing this for us.

"We no longer feel forgotten in this part of the country. We no longer have to drive to Georgia or Virginia to have this kind of fun. I and my family, for sure, will be a season pass holder again," spoke out a man in the middle rows.

"Ladies and gentlemen and boys and girls, I thank you for your open and honest comments and questions today. If we want this park to succeed, we need to have a good exchange of ideas whether they are good or not so good.

"Please contact Julia if you have concerns or ideas on how to make the park better, other than adding rides. That will be up to me. I can't guarantee she will answer each and every comment, but rest assured she will compile them and forward them to me and my review committee," said Ken Thomas, as he pointed to his 'boys'. The crowd laughed.

When the next train came into the station, only Mr. Ken and Robert loaded onto it and took the first car first seats. The rest of the Covers were asked by Mr. Wayne not to take the other seats, but to allow the people waiting in line to take them.

When Mr. Thomas and his son Robert came back into the station, the people applauded. The man raised his arm and waved and thanked them for their time and letting him and his son to jump the line. The crowd laughed some more.

"Mr. Thomas," began Julia when she got the man aside, "I never saw any owner talk to the guests, ever. What you did here today will get out in the community and I think you personally helped this park get its attendance and revenue figures up, even before the next season started. Thank you," finished Julia Rennartz, with a huge smile on her face.

"'Dad', what are we doing next?" asked Matthew.

"Boys, it is getting late and I think it is time to head out and get a nice dinner. I do not want fast food, as we had last night," teased 'dad' Ken.

The large group walked back to the employee building and Julia's office. They said Goodbye to Jasmine and Collin got her phone number. The boys thanked Ms. Rennartz for her hospitality and then headed to the limo. Mr. Ken and Julia talked about what happened at the coaster. Julia agreed to forward any comments to the owner. They shook hands and Mr. Ken went out to join his group.

"Boys, wouldn't you say that today was completely different from the other two parks?" asked 'dad' Ken, as he entered the limo.

The limo driver asked, "Where to next?" and Mr. Ken told him to take them to a very good steak house. The driver asked if they wanted Ponderosa or Outback. Mr. Ken took a poll and the group agreed to go to the Outback.

At the Outback, they ordered two Bloomin' Onions for their table to share. Mr. Ken had all the boys get a small salad. The boys also got sodas while the men, Mr. Ken and Mr. Wayne, both got mixed drinks saying they weren't driving and wanted something to let them relax.

The entire group got steak of one kind or another, and a loaded baked potato. They talked about the last three days and what they liked and didn't like about them. Jason was undoubtedly the main topic of their discussion. The younger boys then teased Collin and his interest in Jasmine. The college freshman took it all in stride and then gloated he got her phone number. That caused them all to laugh.

As they ate, talked, and enjoyed the conversation, 'dad' Ken told them where the two amusement parks were located that he was interested in buying. He told them he would go himself to look them over, but wasn't going to be able to do it. The boys all knew it was because of them.

"Dad, why don't you go visit them. Mr. Wayne can stay with us. That's what you hired him for didn't you?" spoke up the teenager

"Boys, I did hire Mr. Wayne, so I could travel more, but we have the New Year's Eve Parties yet and the New Year's Day Swim Party coming up with all of your friends' families. Then, on top of that, I have promised Collin ... that he and I would go looking at properties for him to consider buying near his college, and for him to live in while he attends college.

"Along with that, Matthew has been identified as the source of the information that led to the arrest of the men who tried to rob the armored truck. So, I will need to be around to deal with all of that," explained 'dad' Ken

"How'd that happen, 'dad'?" asked Kyle.

"Well, remember we asked yours and Matthew's friends not to talk to anyone until after the men were either arrested or they didn't attempt to rob the armored truck. Once the men were arrested, we called his friends and told them they could talk about it.

"Unfortunately, they talked to their families and maybe some other friends and one of those called the news media and told them the story including giving them Matthew's name. It happened and now we'll have to deal with it. I will not allow just anyone to interview Matthew and when he is Mr. Stew and I will be there," clarified 'dad' Ken.

"Will you ask Rene Vaughn?" asked Robert. "She interviewed Todd and Logan and she seems to be a good and honest reporter, dad."

Dad Ken smiled at his son and then changed the subject.

"'Dad', what are the names of the two amusement parks you want to buy?" asked Matthew.

"Good question, Matthew. Boys ... the names are Crystal Lake and Edgewood. I've gotten reports on them both, but I think their owners are asking much more than they are worth. I suspect they want me to come down to what they consider is a good price. But ... if I decide they are worth putting my money into them, then I will offer them a price they can't refuse," laughed Mr. Ken.

"'Daaaad," said the boys to their 'dads' cliché.

The Covers talked some more on their way to the hotel. Once the Covers arrived at the hotel, Mr. Ken arranged with the limo driver to pick them up at 11 a.m. The man told the boys they could sleep in, but had to be down in the lobby by 10:50 all packed and ready to fly home. It was Mr. Wayne who reminded the boys if they wanted something to eat the breakfast buffet was only open until 9 a.m.


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