This is borrowed money that our creditors expect to be repaid. This number and our government’s ability to cover these loans, is in serious question. Jimmy couldn’t believe his eyes, yet here they were. He hugged Paula. The group looked ragged and tired. Their clothes were soiled and their faces were dirty. Carl had managed to keep himself cleaner than the rest of the group. His black hair, while oily, was impeccably combed and his face looked to have been freshly scrubbed. Stanley and Mary Peterson looked on the brink of exhaustion. They looked absolutely foreign to Jimmy, who had never seen them outside of what he considered to be formal wear. “These are the Petersons, Paula’s parents,” said Jimmy, who was still in a mild state of shock, “Stan and Mary.” “I’m Carl LeBeau,” said Carl, reaching a hand out to Jon. “It’s nice to meet you.” “Yes,” said Jimmy. “And that’s Carl. How did you get here? How long have you been waiting at the wall?”
