Dark Night of the Soul (Jerod's Third Tale - Finale)

When I got home, Tania demanded to be filled in. I told her what Marta told me and we split to separate rooms to call friends. I was avoiding anyone I knew had an association with the Company. I called several people and asked about life, the universe and if anything odd happened out their way.  I listened patiently to everything but there wasn’t anything that sounded particularly dangerous or out of the ordinary.

“Shrimp? Any luck?”

“Not really Sweetheart. I didn’t hear anything that sounded promising. You?”

“I heard some great gossip. But nothing that sounds like it will help us find Ted.”

It wasn’t long before Marta waltzed over. Watching her move is sheerly hypnotic, it’s no wonder she’s one of the best pickpocket around. A man can lose track of everything until she’s well out of view.

“Did you have any luck?”

“Well,” said Marta in her soothing southern drawl. “There sure was one interesting thing. Jade Greenwood has a place way on the other side of town, not far from the stadium. She thinks there’s something at Guppy Gills Pond. She’s seen a few flashes of light at night and can hear a car or two a day.” I opened my mouth to ask a question and stopped when Marta held up her hand. “Shrimp, I asked and she says that a car a month is normal. She’s heard a car two or three times a day in the last few days.”

Standing Stones (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 8)

It took me a few moments to spot Tania sitting quietly on a bench nearby. I casually ambled over in her direction, gawking at the buildings as a good tourist should. Tania was reading a book and ignoring the chaos. When I was close, she shrugged, closed the book and started walking down the street. We were well away from the action before we started to talk.

“Remind me next time. We have to have an agreed place to meet after.” I grinned at Tania. “You handled yourself like you’ve been doing this for years.”

“It’s over? Really over?”

“Lambert is so discredited in this town that even if he isn’t convicted, he’ll never trouble a soul again. That Yves Bernard can testify he was falsely accused and that will give an out to all of them. It’s done.”

All Souls Night (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 7)

The next morning, I busied myself making breakfast while I thought about what else we needed to cover before the drop. There were the local cops to inform. Maybe get a few of the shopkeepers there. Was there anything else I could do to maximise the impact of this?

“Shrimp? Ted didn’t email last night.”

Deep in my own thoughts, I wasn’t really paying attention to Tania. “That’s nice, honey.”

“Jerod!” The tone of her voice made my brain go to instant replay of the last thing Tania said. “You weren’t listening, were you?”

The Highwayman (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 6)

I watched Tania struggle with her thoughts. I wanted to tell her that everything would be fine. That she didn't have to blacken her soul for my sake. That I will love her always, no matter what her decision today is.

Yet I said nothing. Because I know she needs to work out what to do on her own. It’s a serious thing, she’s not born for this kind of life. I was and hatching an evil plot to achieve something gives me a rush. Coming up with the base plan, checking the details, putting the finishing touches on it. It’s exhilarating. And the sweet feeling of success when it’s all over and done with is a high of its own.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my family and a quiet life at home too. But scheming has always been a special thrill.

Still, that’s what I get out of it. I can’t make any promises to Tania that she’ll feel the same. She may not, the core of her soul is still as white as an infant’s soul. I’ve laid as much truth as she needs on the line. The rest is up to my lovely wife.

The Mummer's Dance (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 5)

Well away from the Beaumont household, we started to discuss what Jean Luc had told us. “So, Shrimp, where would we get information about this Lambert guy?”

“Well, I may ask a shopkeeper or two a few questions. You should head for base and send email to Ted. See what his computer wizardry can conjure up for us.”

“Mister, do you think I’m letting you wander town on your own?”

“Tania, this is my game and my rules.” I gave her a serious look. “Base camp is two minutes walking distance from the shops. It’s as safe for both of us as any place can be. And I have a way of getting information out of people. Someone may talk to one person but they may not with two.”

“Jerod!”

Dante's Prayer (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 4)

I rang the supplier and arranged a meeting for the next afternoon. He sounded slightly surprised when I said I was bringing someone to the meeting, but not put off by the idea.

Being free from obligations for the rest of the day, Tania and I spent it just wandering around.We drove past several vineyards and villas. We walked through the centre of town.

Exploring even a small town is more tiring than you might expect. Tania and I headed to the hostel around the time that dusk fell.

"Shrimp, where's the new laptop?"

I pulled it out of my bag and handed it to Tania. "What do you want it for?"

She quickly set it up on the tabletop. "I'm going to send an email to Ted. Let him know we're here and the meeting is tomorrow."

Lullaby (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 3)

The day Ted arrived while I was eating lunch. “Right, here are the tickets. Business class all the way.” Ted waved around a small envelope.

“And here is a laptop for you to use.” He laid a small computer down on the desk, placed the envelope with the tickets next to the laptop and sat down to demonstrate it.

“Ted, we could buy a computer.”

“Not like this baby," Ted explained with a grin. "I started with the best laptop on the market. I have everything set up, best security systems I could get. I’ve preconfigured email and the SimBrowser to automatically use secure encrypted connections.”

She moved through the fair (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 2)

It was a short drive to the building Ted told me about, but we are talking about Twinbrook where everything is a short drive. I found the place easily enough, just a modest little building with two sets of doors, just a few steps away from the stadium. Just being this close to the stadium brought back pleasant memories of my first and only heist job for the Company.

It was pretty obvious which was going to be the office door and which would be the store area.

I wandered in the office door and found an earnest looking young guy sitting at a small desk. There was a second much larger desk in the room. He looked up when he noticed me.

“May I help you?”

“I presume you are Howie Kernan?”

Full Circle (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 1)

 

It was a typical evening in the house. I was busy doing the daddy thing. Checking on Toby, making sure the baby was sound asleep, dry and with a nicely full tummy. Lana, our little toddler was busy with her toys, but she wasn't going to stay that way for long. It was nearly 6 pm and time for Lana's favourite visitor to stop in.

Sure enough, there were three soft taps on the door followed by a louder one. Lana ran to the door, shrieking her delight. Her godfather, Ted Ginger, was stopping by for his evening visit.

Wakey wakey...

Excuse me.

I said Excuse me.

Hey, Jerod, what's up?

We want to get on with our lives here.

It's only been a couple of months.

A couple of months? Poor Tania is still holding the baby. She hasn't had a chance to put him down yet!

I mean, look at that poor woman, stuck holding the baby for months on end. It's amazing her arm hasn't fallen off yet.

Well, you don't even have a crib for him.

And whose fault is that?

Hey, I got distracted.

Excuses, excuses. I want some time here. I have people to see, drums to play, a new story to tell.

True enough, dear Shrimp. You'll be back on board very soon.

Really?

Really. You'll be back in another couple of weeks. Promise.

Why not now?

I have a few things to finish with your great granddad.

That is not my great grand. It's a copy.

True enough but his tale is almost done. Then you will get your time.

All right. I expect to be back soon.

Woman with Soul (Jerod's Second Tale - Finale)

(Optional background music)

After giving the crocodiles a good afternoon snack, I did a few fun things.

Drinks, making them and drinking them.

Exploring the deserts, but I avoided tombs. I'm not ready for tomb raiding again.

Meeting some more of the locals.

Naked Flame (Jerod's Second Tale - Part 6)

(Optional background music)


I decided it was time to go back to the markets. It should be safer, without Kane, Pesce won't find it so easy to remove me from the scene. If she identifies me at all that is.

"So tell me about the local specialties. I'm interested in trying some new food."

"We have shawarma and falafel. They are quite popular with the tourists from base camp. Shawarma is our version of a meat sandwich. Falafel are ground chickpeas, cooked and served with local ingredients."

"Well, I think I might like to try some falafel. It sounds good."

Better get a lawyer son (Jerod's Second Tale - Part 5)

Music track for this episode

I know that Brains and Brawn still aren't getting along. You don't have to be even close to hear them shouting.

She keeps using him as a verbal punching bag. I'm a bit surprised that he hasn't made her into a physical one, yet. That gives him points for professional discipline.

As for me, I'm visiting the Hawas family. Nepthy is someone I know with a teenage daughter.

"Nepthy, might I borrow your lovely girl for a few hours?"

Too Late To Turn Back (Jerod's Second Tale - Part 4)

Right, first up stage one - information gathering. I want to know who I'm dealing with, and everything that is known about them.

So I bought a more typical local outfit from Amin and headed to the market.

Cry For Me (Jerod's Second Tale - Part 3)

What the hell? Where am I? I feel like I've been hit by a freight train.

What's the last thing I remember?

I had a drink. Just one really awful tasting - oh shit. That wasn't an awful drink because it was badly made. That was awful because it was spiked with something.

So, I'm here well inside some tomb or pyramid. There is one obvious exit with footprints in the dust leading in and out. I tried it and the door won't budge. I bet whoever put me here blocked it when they left.

They didn't touch anything I was carrying. I have a few days worth of travel rations, a canteen and my cell. But the cell is useless right now. I am getting no signal with all these blocks around. So phoning for help is out of the question.

No Choice (Jerod's Second Tale - Part 2)

My two favourite girls spending some quality time together.

Our Lana isn't having the easiest time with this talking thing. She listens quite a bit but doesn't get the rest of it.

When she finally does get it, her glee is easy to see. She's so pleased and proud of herself.

"Mama? Me good girl?"

We Don't Work (Jerod's Second Tale - Part 1)

My name is Jerod, usually known as Shrimp.  For quite a while, I worked for the Company - the gang of cutthroats and thieves that work out of the Warehouse. I quit some time ago, clawing my way to the top and bashing in the heads of those who wanted to be in my spot just didn't appeal. I'm more an artist and party boy than a headbasher.

Things have moved along since then. Not my employment, I'm still happily unemployed. I paint and play the drums for cash. Tania is doing well in her career, she has risen quickly in the music industry.

We may not be rich. We do have more than what we need to get by.

There's a new girl in my life now. Her name is Lana. Our little princess is so cute.

This fatherhood thing isn't too bad but I wish babies came with instruction manuals. Lana has very healthy lungs when she wants to complain, it's not always clear why she's crying.

Desperado (Jerod's First Tale - Finale )

Finally, the night of the finals. Marta was wearing a suitably short dress to distract any real security dudes we happen across. She claims it won't work if they happen to be girls but with that skirt, I don't know about that.

She tested the level of distraction by lifting Ted's phone before we got in the car. She gave me the nod that she'd got her target.

Yeah, I asked her to do that. If there is one thing I'm certain of, it's that Ted cannot be trusted.

Sinbad and I had rented security outfits. I think the uniform suits me.

It wasn't until we were in the car and on the move that Ginger finally found out this is the real heist. He wasn't exactly happy to find out that all of his plans were useless.

Hotel California (Jerod's First Tale - Part 9)

While I left Ginger pondering how to tackle the payroll at City Hall, Sinbad and I went to scope out the real target.

Ginger did well with choice of car. This one blends in with other cars around town, but it goes fairly well when you put your foot down.

Luckily, during the week, you can take athletic classes in the stadium. Sinbad and I went ahead and brushed up our athletics then we had a chance to have a really good look around.  We had a careful look at the ticket office, the stadium itself, various store rooms.

Heartache Tonight (Jerod's First Tale - Part 8)

I arrived in time to be treated to an argument in progress.

"Brainiac can't his hands off other people's stuff."

"Well, if you didn't hide your password in the drawer, I might not have had quite such an easy time. After all, the password wasn't the obvious imsuchadumbass, was it? Though I would have got it soon enough."

"Brawn, not brains, that's what'll get ya ahead."

New Kid in Town (Jerod's First Tale - Part 7)

Sometimes, it's the simple things in life that can make you happiest. Someone brought their baby to the park and left it just sitting there.

Such a cute little tyke. All alone. Unprotected. Mine to have fun with.

You have fun your way and I'll have fun mine. Stealing candy from an unsuspecting toddler is a lot of fun. The results are one upset toddler screaming its little lungs out and I have some great candy.

"Hey, Red, got some news for you." It was Sinbad Rotter. "I've been looking for you everywhere."

"What's up, 'Bad?"

"Couple of things. The Company got tired of waiting for Dennis Racket to return so they've fired his ass. Till they decide who's running our branch, we're taking orders from the Company head office."

I nodded, that made sense. Dennis was senior most employee in town, almost everyone else has been happy drifting along like the two bit thieves they are.

"The other thing is that there's a new kid in town. The Company has decided to assign him to be your getaway man. You two have a lot in common."

"Sinbad, there is no way I'm shepherding the new kid. I am not the company babysitter."

"Not your choice, chum. The Company has decided to start pairing off people quickly, it gives the noobs someone to look up to and you have incentive to teach them well."

"I do?"

"Cops ain't gonna just take your offsider in, are they? He's over at the Red Rendezvous, you should go meet him."

"Well, how am I going to recognise him?"

Sinbad laughed. "Red, you'll know him when you see him."

Well, Sinbad was right. In a tiny town like this, any new face stands out. That honker of his stands out by a mile.

But it is annoying to find that the company is so shallow, they'll assign another red-head to me just because we are 'so much alike'.

"I'm Ted. Ted Ginger," he told me. Right, his real last name is Ginger *exactly* as much as mine is Shrimpton.

"I'm Jerod, but most everyone calls me Shrimp."

"They told me I had to start as your driver. Do you think we should convince the company to invest in some super-charged V6 cars or would standard V8s do? Cars aren't normally my concern."

They aren't mine either. Do they go faster than the cop cars? That's the only point that's really going to matter. What kind of guy did they set me up with?

"Mainly, don't get something too flashy. It's not nearly a big enough town to hide a flashy car. And it needs to be able to hit top speed pretty quickly. Beyond that," I shrugged.

"Come on, you have to care. We need to make waves in the Company. Big waves. Waves that I can ride to the top."

"Waves you can ride to the top?"

"Yes, someday this town will be mine. This town and beyond," he cackled with glee.

He is more like me than I realised. He's an evil bastard bent on ruling as much of the world as he can hold.

Since I was already at the Red Rendezvous, I arranged for another band get together.

We still haven't been offered an official gig but we make damn fine music together.

During our break, I went over to get to know MJ better. She wasn't impressed when she found out that I was evil.

So MJ is yet another Ms Goody Goody chick. What is it with all the cute chicks in town being good?

Hot damn. Dennis's hot tub finally arrived. They've installed it upstairs here, along with a bit of screening.

I can forgive Dennis a lot for this. I finally can try out skinny dipping in the hot tub.

Well, I can forgive him some. I'm still glad that I managed to avoid kissing him, much less sleeping with him. And the pink tux was godawful in every sense.

Tania and Tatianna joined me. What more can a guy ask for then skinny dipping with two girls?

"Ted, what are you doing?"

"Can't let you hog all the ladies in town, can I?"

I was about to protest when Tania made room for Ted by sliding over next to me. Niiccee.

Tania started to cuddle and everything else in the room faded to insignificance. Let Ted have Tatianna. They deserve each other.

"Shrimp?"

I turned my head toward her. "Yes? What do you..." She took advantage of me and gave me a kiss I wasn't going to forget in a hurry. My Ms Goody Goody is damn fine at making out. That woman can take advantage of me any time she wants.

I told Tania we should talk when I got back from my trip. But I can't just bring myself to just ask her to move out of the house. I tried an indirect approach.

"Tania, why the hell can't you clean anything? You've cooked like once and the stove is filthy, the counter is disgusting and there are dishes everywhere."

"What on earth is your problem, Shrimp? What's a few dirty dishes? And I seriously don't know what you mean about the stove or the counter. It all looks fine to me."

"My problem is that it stinks in here. The cloud of flies doesn't give you a clue that it's getting bad?"

"Eh, if you don't like it, you can clean it. I have better things to worry about."

So far, so good. She's quite insulted.

So much for the indirect approach. One minute we are fighting and the next minute, well, let's just say that makeup sex can be everything that it's promised to be.

Insulting Tania is not going to encourage either of us to move on. It always ends with us diving into bed again.

The band isn't getting gigs as a group but as individuals, we are making some money on the side from our efforts. I was at City Hall to do a drum roll for the mayor. She was announcing a new tax for the businesses around the city.

I did my bit, the mayor did hers to much cheering and applause. She handed me 500 simoleons since the announcement went so well.

I found out that Dennis had left behind a recommendation that I get promoted. It's kind of impressive how much he was willing to do for his toy boy-to-be; trip, promotion, hot tub.

Almost enough to make me regret having him kidnapped from camp. Not quite, but nearly.

I was outside, working on my latest masterpiece.

When Tania answered the front door and found that Sinbad and Ted have dropped by for a visit. I wonder what they want.