Well, the rest period didn’t take so long, after all. I reckon that the dinner last week took the place of the post-assignment nature walk. It appears that Jules Rivera is wasting no time in getting Mark back in the saddle. While I don’t mind putting myself out on a limb, I wouldn’t be surprised if this phone call had nothing to do with Bill Ellis, but was from somebody in his family. Better yet, it would be a hoot if it was a robocall or solicitation. I don’t know if Rivera has the guts or curiosity to devote a few panels to the idea, but who knows? It could be used to spur a new investigative adventure for Mark.

Well, I’ve also wondered what Mark would say if Bill Ellis called him in the middle of one of his personal adventures and pitched an assignment:  “Sounds like a good one, Bill, but at the moment, I’m competing in a Woodsman Olympics in Las Vegas—yes, Bill. Las Vegas—and also investigating a land dispute involving Tad Crass…Say what? You’re going to give the assignment to Kelly Welly if I don’t take it? No way, Jose! Sign me up, Bill. Cherry and Rusty can fly home later with Cliff!”