Ethical Eric

I was flying up the Arroyo Seco Parkway towards home one afternoon trying to beat L.A. to Pasadena commuter traffic. 

One doesn’t really fly up the oldest freeway.  It’s too winding, too tricky to maneuver with speed. 

Anyway, I had an errand to run. I was to pick up Eric’s paycheck for him since he had a track meet..

Twenty minutes later, I met the owner at the men’s clothiers in South Pasadena where Eric worked.

I thought it would be a simple in-and-out, but Mr.Owner wanted to talk to me about Eric. 

He began,"Your son is one of the most honest young men I have ever had in my employ."

Oh?, I queried.

"Many try to rip me off.  Eric kept one of his classmates from doing just that. The other student wanted to lift a tie, but your son wouldn’t let him.  Neither knew I was watching."

Thank you for telling me, I said as I left with paycheck in hand.

I was in awe of my teenage son.