REPORTER PURSUES CITY ATTORNEY

MONDAY MORNING

"Is Mr. Jones in his office?"

"No, he isn't. He won't be in today."

"When do you expect him?"

"Maybe tomorrow."

TUESDAY MORNING

"Good morning, ma'am. Is Mr. Jones available?"

"He's in a conference with the mayor."

"When will he be available?"

"Later."

"Later when? Later today? Later tomorrow? Later next year?"

"Have I been rude to you, sir?"

"Not at all ma'am."

"Then I would expect some respect. As to your question, all I can say is later."

WEDNESDAY MORNING

"Buenos dias, ma'am. Is Mr. Jones available?"

"He will not be in his office today."

"Will he be in tomorrow?"

"He will be in tomorrow, but tentatively he has a meeting with the city manager at eight, the superintendent at nine, a delegation from Matamoros at ten, the new city judge at eleven. After lunch he is meeting with a city commissioner at one, the McAllen mayor at two, the county judge at three and the bishop at four."

"So he won't be available to answer a few questions?"

"I don't think so. He is very busy."

THURSDAY MORNING

"Good morning, ma'am. How are you today?"

"I'm well. Thank-you."

"I hate the hot weather. The heat wears me out."

"What may I do for you, sir?"

"I was wondering if Mr. Jones were available?"

"I'm sorry, sir, but you just missed him."

"Will he back soon?"

"I believe he and the city manager are going to an emergency meeting regarding hurricane preparation in McAllen."

FRIDAY MORNING

"Good morning, ma'am. Is Mr. Jones available."

"I'm sorry, sir, but he will be in San Antonio for the weekend. He is attending a seminar on legal matters affecting municipalities."

"Should I call next week?"

"Most certainly, sir."

"Have a nice weekend, ma'am."

"Likewise, sir."