"Can we go now?" Tim asked, the second the door closed behind Alan and the man.

 

"Let's give them a couple of minutes to get away,” Ellie said. "We don't want to run into him if they have to come back for some reason."

 

After a few minutes, Ellie decided enough time had elapsed. “Okay, let's go,” she said to the eager children.

 

Mindful of the approaching rain, they quickly strode to the taxi stand. “Good morning, Señora,” the cabbie said in English.

 

For a second, Ellie blessed her blond hair; although her Spanish improved every day, it remained more comfortable to speak English. She showed the man the address. “Hi, we need to go next door to this address.”

 

"I can take you there," the man said, nodding.

 

"Great," she said.

 

Lex and Tim scrambled into the backseat, while Ellie took the seat next to the driver; a common practice she found.

 

“Ellie, how can we get a cake?” Tim asked.

 

“You know, I bet the hotel could arrange something. Let's talk to them when we get back,” she said, turning to face them.

 

“Great.”

 

Driving through the city, rain began to fall, the large drops splattering against the windshield. Arriving at their destination, the cab halted alongside the Federal Express office. “We need to go to the store next door,” she said pointing to the hat store. "I know you can’t park here, but could you keep the meter running and circle the block until we get back?”

 

“Sí. Señora.”

 

“Great, we'll be back out in a few minutes.”

 

The man nodded, and they climbed out of the taxi. Entering the shop, Ellie heard a bell tinkle behind her as the front door closed.

 

The clerk glanced from his paperwork to them as they approached. “Good afternoon. May I help you?" the clerk asked in Spanish.

 

Ellie smiled optimistically at the man. “Hi, do you speak English?”

 

“Sí, a little.”

 

“Thank you. We’re looking for a Fedora hat.”

 

“Señora, we have several, please follow me.” He led them to a display near the back of the store.

 

Looking over the hats, Ellie breathed out in disappointment. Although the store stocked several Fedora hats, none of them resembled an "Alan Grant" hat.

 

“Do you see the style you are looking for?” the clerk asked.

 

“No, I’m sorry I don’t,” she said. "Do you have any more Fedoras?"

 

"No, Señora."

 

"Too bad," Ellie said.

 

"Rats," Lex said

 

Ellie nodded in agreement. "Well, thank you for showing us the hats.”

 

"Of course,” the clerk said. "Have a good afternoon."

 

They plodded to the front of the store, and opened the door; Ellie noted the rain fell harder now. “Wait here until the cab comes back.” She stepped outside and using the overhang for cover, she waited for the cab to return. She shook her head ruefully, realizing they should have purchased an umbrella during their first shopping trip.

 

In a minute or so, the taxi halted in front of the store. She ran out and opened the back door, and motioned for Lex and Tim to follow.

 

“No luck?” the cabbie asked.

 

“No, we're looking for a specific style, and they didn't have it,” Ellie said.

 

“Señora, I know of another hat shop. They might have one there.”

 

Ellie wondered if they would have time to visit another store before Alan returned to their suite. She decided to chance it. “Wonderful, can you take us there?”

 

“Of course.”

 

Ellie turned around and smiled encouragingly at the two kids. “Guys, cross your fingers.”

 

They drove through the rainy streets, stopping in front of a large store. Mundo Del Sombrero, the sign said. Hat World – I hope it is...

 

“Señora, I can park here,” their driver said.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Entering the store, Lex and Tim fanned out to browse the aisles.

 

The clerk nodded to her amiably. “Good afternoon, ma’am. May I help you?” he asked in Spanish.

 

“Hi, do you speak English?” she asked.

 

“Ninguna, Señora, no.”

 

Oh, well, here we go. “I would like to buy a Fedora style hat,” Ellie said in Spanish. "Like an Indiana Jones hat." She wondered if the man knew who Indiana Jones was.

 

“Ellie, look at this one!” Tim said.

 

Ellie walked towards his voice and found Lex and Tim peering at an olive green Fedora on the top shelf. From a distance, she could see a definite likeness to Alan’s old hat.

 

“May I see the green one, please?” she said to the clerk, who trailed behind her.

 

“Sí, Señora.” The man stopped in midstride, looked at the hat, and chuckled. “Ah… Indiana Jones.”

 

Ellie smiled and nodded; it seemed everyone knew who Indiana Jones was, after all.

 

The man retrieved the hat and passed it to Ellie. With a closer look, the hat had a wider brim, and hatband, otherwise, it closely matched the old one. She inspected the hat for a few moments, debating in her mind whether to buy it.

 

“Do you think Alan will like it?” Lex asked.

 

“You know, I think he will,” Ellie said, turning the hat over to check the size. “It’s his size, too.” She turned to the clerk and nodded. “We’ll take it,” she said, in Spanish. “Do you have a hatbox?”

 

The man spoke rapidly in Spanish before disappearing into the storeroom.

 

“What did he say?” Tim asked.

 

“Something about getting a box in the back. I’m not sure what else he said.”

 

“You're doing good with the Spanish.” Lex said.

 

“Well, I’m guessing a lot,” she said, with a laugh.

 

A short time later, the clerk came out with a large hatbox, which he set on the counter.

 

“Ah, perfecto. Gracias,” she said.

 

The clerk put the hat into the box, and afterwards placed the box into a large sack. After paying for the hat, they left the shop, feeling triumphant. The rain had let up for the moment, and they stroll leisurely to their cab.

 

"Ellie, there's enough room back here for the box," Lex said, opening the back door to the taxi.

 

"Good idea." She placed the box beside Lex, and entered the front seat as before.

 

“You were successful, yes?” their cabdriver asked.

 

“Yes, we found the perfect hat,” Ellie said. “Thank you for the suggestion. We need to find some gift wrap, too. You wouldn't by any chance know of a store where we can buy some do you?”

 

The man smiled. “Sí, Señora, I know of such a shop. My sister works there.”

 

She would gamble a third time that Alan had not returned. “Wonderful! Lead on.”

 

A few minutes later, the taxi pulled into a parking place in front of the store.

 

"We'll be back in a few minutes," Ellie said.

 

"Yes, Señora," the man said.

 

Entering the store, Ellie glanced around the shop, which resembled a five and dime from her childhood days. “Good afternoon, Señora. May I help you?” the clerk asked.

 

“Yes, we need to get some gift wrap and a bow.”

 

“You will find an extensive selection on aisle three.”

 

"Thank you," Ellie said.

 

Surprisingly, the woman did not follow them; something Ellie had become accustomed to. They walked over to the aisle, and searched for the gift wrap.

 

Lex abruptly stopped, and pointed to a bag of noisemakers. “We should get some party stuff for Alan.”

 

“Umm, maybe we should hold off on those.” Ellie said, with a laugh.

 

"Okay."

 

Finding the gift wrap, a roll of attractive blue wrap, printed with small yellow boxes caught Ellie's attention. She held out the paper to the two children. “How about this one?”

 

“I like it,” Lex said.

 

“Me, too,” Tim said.

 

"Good, we'll get it.," Ellie said. On impulse, she decided to get two rolls of wrapping paper for the large box. "Now for a bow."

 

They continued down the aisle, until they came to a selection of bows. They looked over the display, a few moments later Lex held a canary yellow bow against the paper. "I think this would match the paper."

 

"Hey, I think you're right. It will look great. Now, all we need is some tape."

 

They walked along the aisles, until they found several Scotch tape dispensers. Selecting one, they carried their items to the checkout counter. While Ellie paid for their items, the woman waved out the window.

 

 “Your brother?” Ellie said.

 

"Yes," the woman said, with a smile

 

“He's been a big help to us.”

 

“I am glad he could help you, Señora.”

 

After they paid, they returned to their waiting cab.

 

“I think we’re done now,” Ellie said.

 

"Are you staying at the hotel?”

 

"Yes, we are."

 

"I'll return you there."

 

"Thanks."

 

“Ellie, how are we going to get the hat into our room without Alan seeing it?” Lex asked.

 

“Well, I’m not sure yet. If Alan's not back yet, we'll take it in and hide it in our closet. If he is back, well, we'll have to think of something else.”

 

Arriving at the hotel, Ellie paid their driver, and gave him a generous tip for his help and advice. Walking by the front desk, she found McTeer, the hotel’s general manager, behind the counter.

 

“Good afternoon, Dr. Sattler,” McTeer said.

 

“Hi. Alan left a little while ago. Do you know if he’s returned?”

 

“No, ma’am, I haven't seen him, but I've only been here a few minutes.”

 

“I see. Can you do me a favor? We bought him a birthday gift and I don’t want him to see it. Can you hide it here until we find out if he’s back?"you?”

 

“Sure, I'd be glad to. If he’s there, you can leave it here, until you can come and get it.”

 

“Oh, good, thanks.” Ellie handed him the sacks, which he placed under the counter. “We’d also like to get him a cake. Any suggestions?”

 

“Sure, I can have the restaurant bake one for you. When do you need it?”

 

“The day after tomorrow, about nine in the morning.” With today's change in time, she could no longer count on a set time for Alan's meetings. "I'll let you know if the time changes."

 

"What size do you need?” he asked, writing the date and time on a pad.

 

“I think a regular nine inch cake will be fine.”

 

“Okay... What flavor would you like?

 

“That's an easy one. Chocolate — it's his favorite.”

 

“Yum…” Tim said.

 

McTeer smiled at Tim. “His first name is Alan, right?”

 

“Yes, one L.”

 

“Got it. Now for the important question. How many candles should the cake have?”

 

“Well, he’ll be thirty-seven. I know, put three candles on it – one for each decade.”

 

McTeer laughed. “Good idea. We’ll take care of everything.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

Ellie found the suite empty, so she decided to send the kids to fetch the packages. “Guys, the coast is clear. Go get everything, and I’ll hold the door for you.”

 

Lex and Tim trotted to the front desk and peered out the front window to ensure they did not meet Alan if he happened to return.

 

"Alan's not back," Tim said to McTeer. "We can take the hat now."

 

"Here you go." McTeer handed them their packages.

 

"Thanks," Lex said. They carried the packages into Ellie's bedroom, and she placed the box and wrapping paper on the top shelf, sliding the closet door closed. “We'll wrap it after Alan goes to bed,” Ellie said.

 

“Can we go play video games until Alan gets back?" Tim asked.

 

"Sure, go ahead. Don't be gone too long, he should be back soon."

 

"I'll go, too," Lex said.

 

Ellie gave Lex her room key, then settled on the couch and began to read, hoping Alan would soon return. She jumped slightly at the sudden ring of the telephone. "Hello?"

 

"Hi, there," Joe said.

 

"Hi, Joe."

 

"I heard they took Alan again."

 

"Yup," she said, shortly. "They did — again."

 

"I'm sorry, Ellie. Pauley's not happy, either. There's no reason for them to keep doing it."

 

"I agree. Now if we could get the Costa Rican's to agree, too."

 

"I wish we could. I do have some good news. Lex and Tim can go home when Lynda can get here."

 

"Oh, good." It was best for the children to return home. "Have you told her?"

 

"That's my next phone call. I know things are lousy right now, but don't give up."

 

"I'm trying not to, Joe, but I don't like how this is affecting Alan." Her worry about Alan, never far way, arose from deep inside her.

 

"He told me he wasn't sleeping well."

 

"He isn't." Ellie sighed. There seemed to be no way out of their predicament; except there journals of course. She was convinced it was the only way they would regain their freedom. She wondered what the tipping point would be for Alan; how far would he be pushed before he acted.

 

"Well, I'd better get back to work," Joe said.

 

"Bye, Joe."

 

 

 

 

"Dr. Grant, I'd like to ask you a few questions about your relationship with John Hammond," Sanchez said.

 

Inwardly groaning, Alan clenched the armrest of his chair, his patience at an end. “Mr. Sánchez, more than once, I’ve told your government everything I know about InGen. Once again from the top, this is the story.”

 

Taking a breath, he spoke rapidly. “In the mid-80s, I agreed to write a paper about the habits of Hadrosaurs for a company I’d never heard of called InGen. Eventually, they paid me $12,000 for the information," he ground out, jaws clenched. "I had no more contact with them, but not by coincidence it turns out, around the same time, John Hammond began to fund my field research. Until he arrived at my dig site in Montana last week, I had never met Hammond face-to-face, nor was I aware of his connection to InGen. As far as I knew, he simply was a rich old guy who liked dinosaurs, and wanted to pay me for my field research. Hammond invited Dr. Sattler and I to Isla Nublar to inspect a biological preserve, as he called it. If I gave the park my approval, Hammond would continue to fund my field research for another three years. I agreed, we went to the island, and nearly got ourselves killed.”

 

Alan halted and took a deep breath. “Don't you people understand – Dr. Sattler and I had no idea what we were getting into," he exclaimed, banging his fist on the armrest. Barging to his feet, he stalked to the window, and rubbed the back of his neck, stiff with tension.

 

Sánchez joined Alan at the window. “Dr. Grant, I understand how difficult this is for you. You should not be here.” Sánchez said. Although this was his first conversation with the paleontologist, upon reading the facts, he had quickly decided the man was a pawn in the matter.

    

Alan looked at him sharply. “Then why the hell can't we leave?”

 

“Dr. Grant, if it was my decision, you would have returned home days ago, but I have no authority to release you. It is clear to me InGen deceived you, as they deceived my country.”

 

“But? There must be a but here somewhere,” Alan said, sarcastically.

 

“You are right. The disaster has sent shock waves through the highest levels of my government. With John Hammond dead, you are one of the few people who might have the answers to the disaster."

 

Alan inwardly sighed, then realized Sánchez did not mention anything about dinosaurs on the mainland. About to speak on the subject, he abruptly changed his mind. Olvera knew he was aware of the Compy; he realized it might be best to remain quiet about any other knowledge he held.

 

"Your government is diligently working to get you back," Sánchez said. "High-level discussions are taking place now. But the going is slow.”

 

“Bureaucracy,” Grant muttered with disgust.

 

“Indeed, it is the bane of us all.” Sánchez said. "I know you must think you are in the middle of a nightmare, but you must be patient.

 

Alan stared at Sánchez intently. “No, Mr. Sánchez, Jurassic Park was the nightmare.”

 

 

 

Moodily, Alan stared out the car window. Incredibly, although Sánchez had been sympathetic, he had told him they wanted to see him again tomorrow. His mind drifted to the journals; he knew in his heart once Ben received the package, he could end the whole charade with one phone call, if the Costa Ricans reacted the right way. But it would be too much of the gamble, he reasoned. He wearily rubbed his eyes, unsure of how to proceed.

 

 

 

 

Ellie heard the doorknob turn, and Alan walked in.

 

"Hi," she said, rising. She did not like his expression.

 

“Hi,” he said, without enthusiasm. He sat on the couch with a thump and sighed, running his hand through his damp hair. On top of everything else, he had gotten soaked walking to the car from the ministry building. “Well, I had fun,” he said finally.

 

“What did they want?”

 

Alan shrugged. “Asked me the same questions.”

 

“What? How ridiculous."

 

Alan shrugged. “I can't figure out what they want.” He shrugged again. “Who knows.”

 

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry.” She rubbed his back in an attempt to soothe him. "How about a beer?"

 

"I'd love one." He started to rise, but Ellie, stopped him.

 

"I'll get it, stay here." She quickly returned with a beer for each of them. "I need to get another six pack, these are the last two."

 

“The Mini-Mart sells beer, so we'll have to get some. Oh, guess what, they said they want to see me again tomorrow.”

 

“You're kidding? Alan, you can’t let them do this to you. You have to force them to let you go!”

 

“I considered it on the way home, but I can’t do it, you know why,” he said quietly.

 

Ellie retreated into silence, outraged at his treatment.

 

Alan took her hand. “Ellie—”

 

“I worry about you, too, you know."

 

"I know you do." Although he wished she had not been on the island, he had to admit he was glad she was here. He glanced around the suite. "Say, where are the kids?"

 

 “Playing video games. They should be back soon. What do you want for dinner?”

 

 “You know, all this money's burning a hole in my pants. Let’s eat out tonight.”

 

“Oh, I see. Dr. Grant, the big spender.”

 

Alan laughed. “What’s a good place to eat here?”

 

“Are you in the mood for Chinese? The guidebook said there's a good one here.”

 

“Chinese in Costa Rica?"

 

"Apparently."

 

"Okay, let's try it out."

 

Ellie laughed; glad to see his spirits lifted. "Hey, Joe called. Lex and Tim can leave any time."

 

Alan nodded. "I'm going to miss them, but they need to get back to their regular routine. You know, Joe mentioned something the other day. Are you familiar with post-traumatic stress syndrome?"

 

"A little bit. Soldiers get it from combat, right?"

 

"They do, but Joe reminded me we were in a war of sorts on the island. With all this happening to us, maybe we're going through the same thing."

 

"Hmm… It might be. We need to do some research when we get back home."

 

"Yeah."

 

They looked towards the door, their conversation interrupted by the return of the children.

 

"Hi, Alan," Tim said.

 

"Hey, guys," Alan said. "How do you two feel about Chinese?”

 

“I love Chinese!” Lex said.

 

“I like egg rolls and sweet and sour,” Tim said.

 

“Great,” Ellie said. Behind them, the phone rang. “I’ll get it,” Ellie said, frowning. "Hello?" she cautiously said.

 

“Good afternoon, this is the front desk. Federal Express has delivered two packages for you.”

 

“Oh, thank you, we’ll get them right away.”

 

“Yes, ma’am.”

 

“Our care packages are here,” Ellie said.

 

“I’ll go," Alan said, figuring the boxes would be large. "Tim, can you get the door?”

 

"Sure," Tim said.

 

Alan strolled to the front desk and found two large boxes on the counter. “I think those might be for me.”

 

“Good afternoon, Dr. Grant. Yes, sir, those are for you,” Manuel said.

 

"Thanks." Stacking the boxes on top of each other, he toted them back to the suite, where Tim waited.

 

Alan placed the boxes on the table; everyone crowded around to discover the contents. "Let’s see what we have here." He did not recognize the writing on one address label, and guessed it was from Lynda. "I think this one belongs to you two.” He retrieved his pocketknife and split the tape on the well-sealed box. “Here you go.”

 

Eagerly, the children dived into the box. “Oh, cool, Mom sent my favorite shirt,” Tim said, holding aloft a San Francisco Forty-Niner t-shirt.

 

“We’ll call your Mom later and tell her you got the clothes,” Ellie said.

 

“Okay. Can I wear my Forty-Niner shirt to the restaurant tonight?”

 

Ellie remembered reading the restaurant had a casual dress code. “Sure, Timmy,” she said.

 

Alan cut the tape on his and Ellie's box, and found three pairs of jeans, three shirts, and a pair of shoes for each of them, in addition to Ellie's glasses.

 

“These will work fine. I'm going to put my stuff away,” Ellie said, looking over the contents of the box. “Lex, let's put my clothes in with yours and we’ll sort them in the bedroom.”

 

“Okay,” Lex said.

 

"Good idea," Alan said. “Tim and I can do the same.”

 

Lex removed her clothes from the box, Alan added his clothes, then carried the box into his bedroom. Once there, he and Tim began to put away their clothes.

 

“Honey," Ellie said, entering the bedroom. "Since we have some extra clothes now, I'll do laundry tomorrow.” She could now clean the clothes they purchased on arrival; she knew the hotel's facilities included a coin laundry.

 

“The hotel has a laundry service, why don’t we send everything out?”

 

"Sure, whatever you want to do.” Ellie smiled, turned, and left the room.

 

Alan pulled a mesh bag from the closet and he and Tim began to fill it with the clothes to be cleaned.

 

 

Once filled with her and Lex’s laundry, Ellie propped the laundry bag against the door on her way out of the bedroom, to be put outside in the morning.

 

Walking by the television, on a whim, Ellie switched on the appliance. With the stations only broadcasting in Spanish, there had been little reason to turn it on. Every day they read the Tico Times, chiefly looking for any mention of Jurassic Park. The continuing news blackout impressed Ellie.

 

“You know it’s weird, I don’t miss TV at all,” Lex said.

 

“I guess you’re having too much fun to watch TV,” Ellie said with a smile.

 

Lex smiled. “Yeah, I guess I am."

 

"Ellie, I'm going to take a shower and get some dry clothes on," Alan said, peering into the living room.

 

"Good idea, I think I'll do the same," Ellie said. She decided to wear a pair of tan slacks and a sleeveless jade colored blouse purchased on their arrival.

 

 

 

After dressing, Ellie entered the living room, and spotted Alan in the kitchen; dressed in a pair of khakis and the light blue Oxford shirt she had bought; his sleeves already rolled to his elbows.

 

"What do you think?" Alan asked.

 

Ellie winked at Lex. "Lex, Alan cleans up pretty good, don’t you think?"

 

Lex blushed, and laughed. "I'm going to get ready."

 

 

 

After Lex left the room, Alan pulled her into his arms. "You clean up pretty good, yourself, you know that?"

 

"Why, thank you, sir." Holding him close, she breathed in the smell of soap. He did not wear aftershave; the clean smell of him as good an aphrodisiac as any aftershave.

 

"Ellie," he said drawing back from her. "I know you want me to tell John, but I..." he trailed off, shaking his head."I don't know what to do."

 

"Shh... You don't have to explain. I understand. I don’t like it, but I do understand."

 

Tim emerged from the bedroom dressed in his San Francisco t-shirt and cargo shorts.

 

“Happy now?” Ellie said.

 

“Yeah.” Tim said with a grin. "I like the clothes you got me, but this is my favorite shirt."

 

"I understand kiddo.” Ellie snapped her fingers. “Hey, before we go, I need to get the address of the restaurant.” She looked in the guidebook and turned to the restaurant section. “Here it is. The name is Tin Jo and the address is Calle 11, Between Avenidas 6 and 8.” She wrote the address on the notepad, folded the piece of paper in half, and placed it in her pocket. She settled alongside Alan on the couch to wait for Lex.

 

 

 

After a taxi ride across town, they arrived at the restaurant. Exiting their cab, they strolled into the restaurant and approached the host.

 

“Good evening, Señor. Party of four?” the woman asked.

 

"Right," Alan said.

 

"Please follow me.”

 

The woman led them to a table, setting four menus on the table in front of each of them. “Will this table be acceptable?”

 

“This will be fine, thank you,” Alan said, looking around the restaurant. Still early, the restaurant was nearly empty. Alan had discovered the Costa Rican's (removed comma) ate dinner late.

 

“Your waiter will be here in a moment,” the woman said.

 

“Thanks,” Ellie said.

 

While they looked over the menus, their waiter approached. “Hi, there, can I get you something to drink?” Alan noted the young man appeared to be an American

 

“I’d like an Imperial,” Alan said.

 

“I’ll have the same,” Ellie said.

 

The young man turned to Lex and Tim. "How about you guys?"

 

“I’d like a Coke, please,” Tim said.

 

“Me, too,” Lex said.

 

“Great, I’ll get that right out to you.”

 

“They have sweet and sour pork,” Tim said.

 

“Want an egg roll?” Ellie said.

 

“Yeah, I'd like one.”

 

“I know what I want," Lex said. "Tofu and mixed vegetables, and a spring roll, since it won't have any meat in it.”

 

"Alan, the guide said the Moo Shu is good here. Want to share an order?” Ellie asked.

 

“Sure. I think I’ll have an egg roll to go with it.”

 

“I think egg drop soup sounds good,” Ellie said.

 

Their waiter soon returned with their drinks. “Here you go. If you’re ready I’ll take your order.”

 

They each gave the man their order and afterwards, the man nodded. “I'll be back in a minute with your appetizers.”

 

“Okay,” Alan said.

 

Ellie took a drink of her beer. “I wish we could get this brand back in the states.”

 

“Me, too," Alan said. "I've taken a definite liking to it. Lex, I’ve been wondering how you became interested in vegetarianism,” Alan said.

 

Lex shrugged. “It was a couple of things. I watched something on the news about how they slaughtered animals. It was horrible. Then, a friend of mine became a vegetarian, and I did a lot of research and joined this cool BBS—”

 

“BBS?” Alan asked.

 

Lex nodded. “It’s a computer discussion board. I dial in with a modem and talk to people on their computers. I got a 14.400 modem for my birthday. It’s the fastest one there is,” she said with pride.

 

“Really…” Alan said. He didn’t have a clue what the girl referred to.

 

“You don’t like computers?”

 

Alan shrugged. “I'm afraid I don’t know a thing about them.”

 

“I think they’re dumb,” Tim said.

 

“No dumber than video games,” Lex said.

 

“Whatever.”

 

Ellie laughed, then turned serious. “What are your parent’s objections? You're knowledgeable about what to eat." Though unfamiliar with the diet, Ellie considered the choices Lex made to be well rounded and nutritious.

 

Lex frowned. “Well, my Dad didn’t like me doing it at all, and my Mom thinks I’m not getting the right nutrition if I don’t eat meat.”

 

Alan glanced at Ellie, noting the use of the past tense in reference to her father.

 

“I used to think she'd be happier if I ate junk food all the time,” she said with a touch of exasperation. "She said we're going to talk about it when I get home."

 

"Good,” Ellie said.

 

Their waiter approached, and set their appetizers in front of them. “Here we go, folks.”

 

“Are you from the US?” Tim asked.

 

The man nodded. “I sure am, from Idaho.”

 

“How did you end up here in San Jose?” Alan asked.

 

“Well, I came here over spring break with some friends and I liked it so much I didn’t leave.”

 

“I see… what college were you attending?” Ellie asked.

 

"Idaho State."

 

“So why aren’t you back in the state getting ready for the fall term?" Alan asked.

 

“I had some problems with the program, and there doesn't seem to be any point in going back."

 

“I see... As a college professor it’s my duty to say this — go back and finish your degree,” Alan said.

 

The young man laughed heartily. “Where do you teach?”

 

“University of Denver — Paleontology."

 

“You must be…” he trailed off, his eyes widening. “Hey, you're Alan Grant.”

 

“See, Alan, you’re even famous in Costa Rica,” Ellie said, patting his arm.

 

Alan snorted and rolled his eyes, which brought laughter all around.

 

“I knew I’d seen you before," the man said. "I’m doing my undergrad in paleontology—well, I was a Paleo major."

 

“So what’s your name?” Alan asked.

 

“My name's Billy Brennan.”