They’d been through two minor fires in their building since they’d been living in their loft apartment, so Ellis and Ethel decided it was time to take positive measures to protect themselves and their home from the possibility of another, bigger fire. When they looked up NYC fire alarm companies, the list was mind-boggling. Putting on their best walking shoes, they decided to take a walk down the street and stop into stores they came to.

After flipping a coin, they headed down the street. Before long they came to a sign that read "DGA Security Systems, Inc.". Ethel thought they should skip this one because it advertised business services. Ellis pointed out, however, that they lived with a commercial enterprise below them, so they went in. Some of the things the company offered made good sense. They had high-quality services and said they were able to keep any business in compliance with all the fire codes and insurance requirements. Their specialty was custom-engineered security systems.

Knowing they were in over their heads at that place, Ellis and Ethel hurriedly moved on. The next company they found was AFA Protective Systems, Inc. This company provided residential services which included smoke detection services, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems with an optional supervisory service. Ellis spent a lot of time listening to the spiel the sales rep was giving about fire alarms and claimed he really liked them. Ethel knew him too well. She realized it was the sexy blonde giving the spiel and not the alarm that was holding his attention. Grabbing his hand, she tugged him out the door.

The sun went under a cloud as the two made their way farther down the street. After awhile they found D&W Central Station Fire Alarm Company, Inc. Going inside, they began looking around. The thing that caught Ethel’s eye right away was the carbon monoxide detection systems on display. She’d always worried about CO fumes ever since they’d moved in over a body shop. D&W also had the fire alarm services they were looking for, so she jotted the name down on her arm.

Walking down the street they discussed the options they’d seen. Ethel still liked the CO detector, but Ellis preferred the blonde. Next they arrived at a store with a fun name, Burglar Busters Security and Sound. They were both impressed at seeing brands like GE, Honeywell, and Wheelock. All of these companies produced quality smoke and fire alarm systems. How could anyone choose between them?

Ellis saw a sign that read, "For about $1 a day, you can protect your family from the threat of fire, burglary, medical emergency & carbon monoxide poisoning". The sign was near a display for ADT security systems. They’d always thought they couldn’t afford something like that, but maybe they had been wrong.

They spent some time visiting with a salesperson who told them there was a special going on for $99 installation. Basic security protection would run $34.99 a month. This was sounding better all the time, so Ethel added the store’s name to her arm.

Since it was raining hard when they came out of Burglar Busters, they decided to splurge on a cab. Ellis hailed one and opened the door so that Ethel could get inside. After getting herself settled in, she turned to talk to Ellis, but he wasn’t there. Surprised, she looked out the cab’s front window and caught a glimpse of Ellis sprinting back up the street. Shaking her head, Ethel grinned. Her brother never could pass up a blonde!