Friday, October 15, 2004 6:38:15 AM

An unknown public address system popped. He looked away from a sea bird who had been chasing the surf line up and back. Joined by the small waitress, he peered at the speaker that had been mounted in the plaster ceiling. It was a human reaction to orient oneself to the sound of a speaker – an ingrained politeness to present that you were a listener. There was a brief pause while the speaker confirmed that the system was working. He gathered that the inefficiency of the speaker and the concerned look of the waitress that the system was not often used.
“Jeffery Talbot, Your party is waiting for you at the front of the building. Jeffery Talbot, please join your party at the front of the building.”
Even though there was no one to witness, as no other guests had yet shown up in the dining room, he still felt embarrassment at hearing his name announced over the P.A. system. Even more so because he was only called Jeffery on formal occasions.
Finishing his cup of coffee and taking the napkin from his lap he left them at the table and headed for the front of the building.
He had made no plans and had no ‘party’ that could have been waiting for him. Some mistake had been made or maybe there was another Jeffery Talbot.
The cool morning air rushed by him on its way out to sea as he stepped from of the building. A jeep was idling on the otherwise empty front drive.
The passenger door was open and on the seat were a camera, a bundle of film and the light jacket he used when he was shooting.
“Hurry up she said, we’re late.” She said as she ran past him and jumped into the driver’s seat.
“Hold on.” She popped the clutch and raced out into the street.