Jake did look for Tom and Stu. He started back at the store but they weren't there. Jake knew a few other places to look and he did track down Tom eventually.
"Tom do you know where Stu is?"
"Yea."
"I ran into Mike earlier today and he was worried. He said the two of you suddenly disappeared."
"Is that so? I've been looking for Mike. I thought he disappeared. So you've seen him?"
"Earlier today. I haven't seen him in a while. Why are you carrying a tomato with you?"
"I had a tomato and a banana. I got them today and was taking them home for later but I think Mike ran off with the banana. If you see him, tell him I want the banana back."
"I will. Hey do you still think that your chances of getting a football scholarship are unlikely?"
"There is a chance."
"Yea but there are four of us in the running, you, me, Mike and Stu. What are the odds of all four of us getting scholarships. It would be nice if we could get Mike and Stu temporarily out of the way. Nothing harmful or permanent. Just put somewhere for a while."
"I have Stu taken care of. I tried to get all three of you but when I came looking for you, all I found was Stu."
"I know that's a threat but that's fine. Whatever you did to Stu you don't have the opportunity to do here and I'm no dummy. I sell wetsuits all the time. I can tell when there is something odd about a wetsuit, whether it be a catsup stain or a spot of hot sauce. Doesn't matter how red the wetsuit is, I can spot the difference. I also know how to make a wetsuit stain proof. Now you're not planning on eating that tomato are you?"
"No, of course not. And you can rest assured that I have no intention of hurting Stu or permanently getting him out of the way."
"Glad to hear that. I like tomatoes too. Do you mind if I have that one?"
"No, I don't mind. Did you see a banana in your store?"
"As a matter of fact I did, around the same time I last saw Mike."
"Can I assume I won't see that banana again?"
"I already ate it. I can't restore it."
Tom's face was priceless. Jake wished he had a camera. Tom asked, "You wouldn't wish harm on Mike or Stu either, would you?"
"No, I wouldn't. Mike is fine and if I could restore that banana, I would. All I want you to know is that if you intend harm to Mike, Stu or myself, I will harm you."
Jake left with the tomato.