the man in the white suit

so it's around eleven p.m. on last night and things at the diner are just winding down.

ida, my fellow server and are are getting ready to cash out at the front computer, just across from the main entrance when we both spy an rather shifty looking 30 something white guy wearing what i think of as white surgical gear.

the world weary ida (southern african american transplant that has a major bullshit detector) stage whispers to me: "that one got out of the looney bin".

the white suited short-haired fellow is holding open the door for a departing customer, all the while looking at the two of us at the counter with a rather apologetic smile. he saunters over, and loudly asks: "do you folks know where county jail is?"

a bit flabbergasted, i try to give directions but ida tells him directly: "just keep goin' down sunset blvd east, about a coupla miles and you can't miss it, son."

he's holding the door again for another departee, saying (to all): "thanks, i thought so. i just escaped but my family's driving me back. i'm not armed or dangerous or nuthin'. just gotta finish up." and proceeds to leave the eatery himself and into the open passenger door of a brand new looking powder blue convertible with a white top parked just outside.

we stare at the blue auto as it pulls out of the parking lot , then ida lets out a "hnuh" and walks away.

i turn to the nearest customer at the counter, who was listening in and he says "welcome to LA".