tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58061316700877378082024-03-12T21:07:01.400-07:00Sims 3 short storiesSims 3 short stories by Nicarra - a collection of tales of various types - some pixelated nudity and strong language usedPiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.comBlogger57120truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-88270789869766271362014-12-25T15:50:00.002-08:002014-12-25T15:50:37.384-08:00Jerod's Fifth Tale - Part 2I glanced at my watch. “Time to get the munchkins inside. I’ll grab them. Their godfather is due.”<br />
<br />
Tania nodded and settled into her favourite chair for the show. We both enjoyed watching their godfather interact with our children. <br />
<br />
I went outside and found Toby first. He was easy. He just let me pick him up. Lana was in the sandbox and not in the mood to go in.<br />
<br />
“Time to go in, Lana.”<br />
<br />
“Don’t wanna,” she sulked.<br />
<br />
“Come on, or don’t you want to see your godfather?” The sudden shrill scream of delight pierced my ears.<br />
<br />
“Teddybear, teddybear,” Lana shrieked as she toddled inside.<br />
<br />
The first time I’d heard Lana call her godfather ‘Teddybear’, I thought she was asking for a toy. It didn’t take long for me to realise that it was my daughter’s nickname for Ted.<br />
<br />
Ted Ginger neither looks nor acts like a teddybear. He’s lean, clean shaven, a red head as well as being the local crime boss. Yet, my daughter calls him Teddybear and he answers. I do sometimes wonder what Lana is going to be like as she gets older. I have a feeling that she’s going to be running this town.<br />
<br />
Ted distributed hugs and a couple of pieces of candy to each child. Then he stood up, looked at Tania then spoke to me. “Well?”<br />
<br />
“Yes, Ted, we’ll go. I was wondering, can I hire Kane for the trip?”<br />
<br />
Very few things actually surprise Ted. This one did, I could tell. “Hire Kane? What? Why?”<br />
<br />
“I think he could teach Tania a lot about what he does. If she wants to attend meetings, she has to go as muscle because…”<br />
<br />
“Because it takes a devious bastard to be the negotiator,” finished Ted.<br />
<br />
“Ted, language! My children do not need to hear that,” Tania snapped.<br />
<br />
“Sorry, Tania. I do try to keep it cleaner around the kids,” replied Ted. “At any rate, I don’t see you hiring Kane, Shrimp. Simtastic Imports is funded by The Company. No real point in you spending dough that you got from us in the first place.”<br />
<br />
“Is that a yes or no?”<br />
<br />
“I don’t have any operations running or about to run so it’s fine from my point of view. He may have plans of his own, you’ll have to ask him.” Ted pulled out his phone, tapped at the screen a few times and handed it to me.<br />
<br />
I glanced and saw that Ted had set it to dial Kane with a tap. I pushed the button. He was admirably quick to pick up. Or perhaps bored out of his skull.<br />
<br />
“Hey, boss, gotta job for me?”<br />
<br />
“It’s Shrimp, not Ginger. I do have a job if you can leave town for at least a week.”<br />
<br />
“Hey, other boss,” he replied cheerfully. “Leave town? Why?”<br />
<br />
“I’m going as part of the export business. You would be going to help teach my backup a few tricks of the trade.”<br />
<br />
There was a pause then finally an answer of sorts, “I need to pass this by Jade. But I’m sure I can. What town we going to? Or is this an interstate trip?”<br />
<br />
“International, we are going to China, but I don’t know the name of the town. We are supposed to leave in three days, so be quick. Ginger will set up the travel arrangements.”<br />
<br />
“Ring back this number?”<br />
<br />
I looked at Ted. “Yeah, ring this number. Ginger will let me know.” Ted nodded at me. “Later, dude,” I said as I hung up the phone.<br />
<br />
“He has to check with Jade but I think he’ll manage.”<br />
<br />
“I’ll set up the third ticket now. Accommodation is easy, all tourists stay in the same complex just outside of the city walls.”<br />
<br />
“City walls?”<br />
<br />
“Yes, Tania. It’s an old city, the original part has walls as protection against invasion.” Ted looked as though he was about to say something more when he was interrupted.<br />
<br />
“Teddybear, could you read me a story?” Lana held out her favourite story book.<br />
<br />
“Don’t your parents read to you?” he demanded with an accusing stare at me.<br />
<br />
Lana blinked, the very picture of innocence. “They don’t do the voices like you do.”<br />
<br />
“Your parents neglect you shamefully. Would you like to live with me?”<br />
<br />
“Would I see Mummy and Daddy again?”<br />
<br />
Ted gave Lana his best evil grin. “Oh no. Can’t have that, can we?”<br />
<br />
“Mummy!” my outraged daughter shrieked.<br />
<br />
“Lana, if you tell fibs to your godfather, he is allowed to tell fibs back.” She glared at Ted. “He would not dare take you away from me.” <br />
<br />
“No ma’am, I would not,” said Ted. I had to leave the room before I started laughing. Ted should know better than teasing my girls. They don’t respond well and Ted wouldn’t want to upset them.<br />
<br />
The next day, someone pounded at our door at 6:30 in the morning. “Try not to make too much noise when you kill him and dispose of the corpse,” muttered my wife as she rolled over.<br />
<br />
I forced myself out of bed, thought briefly about getting dressed and decided I better get the door before the noise woke the toddlers.<br />
<br />
“I thought I’d brief you on the new contact,” said Ted cheerfully. <br />
<br />
“Go away. Come back when it’s a reasonable hour. Like noon or later,” I replied with a yawn.<br />
<br />
“But I brought Kane for the briefing as well.”<br />
<br />
“I have been authorised by Tania to kill anyone who knocks on our door at this hour as long as I do it quietly. Come back later.” I started to close the door when I heard footsteps behind me.<br />
<br />
“Ted,” said Tania as she came up behind me. “Just this once, I won’t have Shrimp murder you. But don’t tempt me. Now do you want coffee or whiskey?” Somehow, she’d managed to dress and brush her hair in the time it had taken me to open the door. Magic, I swear. I was just in skivvies because who needs more to sleep in than that?<br />
<br />
“Nothing, thanks. I’ll be turning in soon so definitely no coffee.”<br />
<br />
Ted’s brief was, well, mercifully brief. “I have it all here. The name of the new contact is Chin Kai Taw. We’re looking to import generics for a few of the standard heart medications. And Tania?” he looked at my wife. “I checked, they truly are the medicine, just from a small local manufacturer.” He handed me a thumbdrive, “You’ll find the other details on this. The address, contact numbers, all that.” <br />
<br />
I sighed. Trust Ted to give me this when a piece of paper would have done just as well. He is such a computer nerd. “Right, fine, I’ll boot up the computer.”<br />
<br />
Ted glared at me for a moment, “Have you been updating it?”<br />
<br />
I shrugged, I didn’t know anything about that.<br />
<br />
“Hand it over, I’ll want to test everything before you take it overseas.” I handed him the computer.<br />
<br />
He’s the one who understands security, I just used the fucking thing.<br />
<br />
“So, I’m training your backup,” Kane stated as Ted started checking the machine.<br />
<br />
“You all right with that?”<br />
<br />
He shrugged, “Sure, boss. I get a trip to China and money. Nothing wrong with that.”<br />
<br />
We had to hustle our preparations but mostly it was to do with the kids. The sitter we had last time wasn’t available so we had to find someone willing to stay and watch the kids for a few days. I wanted to leave them with Ted but Tania wouldn’t hear of it. Ted was still living with Marta and her pregnancy was getting noticeable. She didn’t need the stress of more toddlers in the house. She had one of her own.PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-68694966304831535092014-12-23T21:57:00.002-08:002014-12-23T22:54:31.721-08:00Jerod's Fifth Tale - Part 1<br />
“Shrimp, I need your fucking answer. Are you going to China?” the red head snarled at me. He hit the table hard enough to rattle the now empty glasses. The bartender heard it, and glanced in our direction.<br />
<br />
“Ted, you fucking bastard, I just don’t know,” I shouted at him. It’s only been a couple of days since my family had been under threat. Before you get the wrong idea, Ted is actually a good friend and the godfather of my children. But he is a pushy son of a bitch, and I’m under enough pressure. I took a deep breath. “Look, I’ll talk to Tania. But she’s only just found out so many things about my history. I don’t want to push her.”<br />
<br />
“Why the fucking hell did you have to marry an angel?” Ted growled.<br />
<br />
I snarled back. “Don’t give me that, Ginger. I remember when you were sniffing around her. I won her, fair and square.” Ted is the local boss of the thugs and villains around town. I had that position before he did but stepped down from it when I got serious about Tania. The idea that I won Tania’s heart fairly is unusual to say the least, but it’s one of those things. My love does have a thing for bad boys, so Ted and I both had a shot.<br />
<br />
He rubbed his temple, his eyes squeezed shut. “Look, I have to know by tomorrow. If you can’t go, do you think your employee would?”<br />
<br />
I shook my head in vehement denial. “Howie is still under the impression that Simtastic Imports is completely legit. I couldn’t possibly tell him tomorrow that it’s not and expect him to cope with whatever might happen on an overseas trip. Not if he only has two days to prepare.” Howie was very smart, but in a nerdy kind of a way. Running a legit business, he does perfectly. But so far, my overseas trips are never routine and I don’t think Howie has the right stuff. That could prove fatal.<br />
<br />
Ted grimaced. “Shrimp, seriously, if I had anyone else I could send, I would. The problem is that my crew is muscle, I need to send someone with brains.”<br />
<br />
I nodded. The local talent was very short on brains. Great bunch if they have exact instructions but not good to go solo without. “Why don’t you go, Ted?”<br />
<br />
He frowned in thought. “I did consider that idea but I don’t trust the crew without me.” <br />
<br />
I was about to ask why until I glanced at his cane. A couple of his more ambitious thugs tried to take over and shattered his leg as part of the deal. Going away would give someone in the crew a chance to set up something. Ted is paranoid but he has reasons.<br />
<br />
“All I can promise is that I will talk to Tania,” I stated flatly. “I am not going to force her. She has the final word on this trip.” <br />
<br />
I was still feeling guilty. It was because of a murder I had committed a few years ago that Tania ended up tied to a chair as bait to trap me. The tactic worked, I went in. But I owed Tania a lot. Everything else in this world can rot to hell, my family is everything. <br />
<br />
“I’ll be by tonight before work. Try and have an answer by then,” said Ted.<br />
<br />
I nodded and left the pub. I walked fast, I didn’t want to talk to anyone else. As I walked home, I tried to calm myself and relax. It didn’t do any good. I’d been dreading this question since I gave Tania a choice. I didn’t know what her answer would be, or even if she were ready to answer yet.<br />
<br />
“Hi, honey, I’m back,” I shouted as I entered. I didn’t see Tania but Lana toddled her way over to greet me. <br />
<br />
“Daddy! Daddy! Hug?” She held out her arms to be picked up.<br />
<br />
“All right, you little munchkin. But you better not get much bigger or I won’t be able to do this,” I said as lifted her up for a big hug. Then tickled her tummy. “Now where’s your mummy or I’ll do that again.” <br />
<br />
I could see the cogs turning in my daughter’s head. She nearly decided in favour of not telling just for another tickle. I tapped her nose. “Come on, munchkin. Tell me.”<br />
<br />
“Mummy wif Toby.” Lana pointed out toward the back garden. I nodded. That explained why Tania hadn’t answered when I shouted. She might not have heard. I hope that’s why she hadn’t answered.<br />
<br />
To be honest, ever since there had been that issue with my past, Tania and I haven’t spoken much. I’ve been trying not to push her, to give her the time and space she needs to think. But I’ve run out of time, now that Ted is demanding an answer. <br />
<br />
I slide open the door. “Tania, sweetheart?” I put Lana down and she ran for her new sandbox. <br />
<br />
My heart stopped when she smiled at me. I could die happy in that smile. “Yes, Shrimp?” I hadn’t realised that I was still just admiring her until she asked, “What is it?”<br />
<br />
“Tania, if it were entirely my choice, I’d wait a lot longer. But it’s no longer my choice.” I took a deep breath and looked deep into the eyes of the love of my life. “I asked you before, do we stay here and live life as we have been? Or do we change our names and disappear from view?”<br />
<br />
“Jerod, are you really giving me this decision?” She eyed me suspiciously.<br />
<br />
“Yes, sweetheart. The future of this family is entirely in your hands.” I knelt in front of her, lightly holding both her delicate hands in mine. “If I wasn’t willing to listen to your decision, I never would have asked you to start with. Can you make that decision now?”<br />
<br />
“Why now?” Tania had stopped smiling.<br />
<br />
“Ted needs to know if I will be going to China in three days. If I can’t, he needs to make other arrangements.”<br />
<br />
Tania tugged her right hand from my left. Her hand gently combed through my hair. “You promised me that if we move, you’d be good. That you would give up schemes and plots.” I nodded. I had promised and I couldn’t expect my sweet angel of a wife to put up with my plots forever.<br />
Her fingers moved to under my chin and gently lifted it. She leaned over and kissed me. “When I married you, I knew you were a bad boy. If I had given it any thought, I should have known that trouble would stay near you.” She kissed me again with a passion that we hadn’t shared since Toby was born. “I can’t ask you to sacrifice the things you love most, Shrimp. I can’t ask you to suddenly stop plotting. It’s a part of who you are. It’s the man I fell in love with.”<br />
<br />
“I would try if that’s what you want.”<br />
<br />
“That’s what I’m trying to tell you, you goof.” Tania motioned for me to stand. “I want you. Some goody-goody man who happens to look like my husband but acts entirely differently isn’t you.”<br />
<br />
“So, we stay?”<br />
<br />
She nodded. “We stay. You keep yourself busy and doing just enough mischief to keep your soul happy. But Shrimp?”<br />
<br />
“Yes, Sweetheart?”<br />
<br />
“Don’t murder anyone, please?”<br />
<br />
I shook my head. “I’ll try. Truly. But if I had to murder someone to save you or the kids or myself, I will. Make no mistake about it, I will.”<br />
<br />
She nodded. “I guess that I couldn’t expect less. You did try to warn me back when you proposed that I should look for someone more like me. Shrimp,” she paused again to touch my face, “there has never been anyone else. I was shocked to hear you had once killed someone but you did have reasons.”<br />
<br />
“Does this mean I’m going to China in a couple of days?” I asked quietly.<br />
<br />
Tania shook her head, her blond curls bouncing as she did so. “No, it means we are going to China in a couple of days. I told you that you don’t travel without me.”<br />
<br />
I nodded. “I just wanted to give you the option. I don’t..”<br />
<br />
“You don’t believe that I want to be there, do you?”<br />
<br />
I reluctantly replied, “Well, I’ve wondered if it’s really your line. Helping when I’m basically am one of the bad guys.” Our trip to France included blackmail and deceit. Since she was pretending to be my muscle, she had to act like she could hurt anyone who threatened me. She also helped shepherd a target and bring in the local media.<br />
<br />
“I can understand why you enjoy it. Once it was all done and over with, I realised what a buzz it was.” I pulled her into a hug.<br />
<br />
A sudden brainstorm hit me. “Sweetheart, would you mind if we travelled with one more? I have an idea.”<br />
<br />
“If that idea even vaguely includes me not staying with you while you work,” she started her eyes narrowing dangerously.<br />
<br />
“Actually no. You’ve made that sufficiently clear. You remember the dude who was with me when I rescued you from the Pesces?”<br />
<br />
She closed her eyes for a moment. “I was mainly focussed on you. But that was a big guy, black hair with dreads?”<br />
<br />
“That’s him. I think it might be good for you to spend some time with him. He’s properly trained as backup.”<br />
<br />
“Does that mean you were improperly trained?”<br />
<br />
I laughed. “That means I did a brief stint but being muscle wasn’t really my forte. Kane specialises in being the muscle. I could ask Ted if we can take him with us. He can teach you some of the tricks of the trade.”<br />
<br />
“You won’t take him to a business meeting without me?” Tania asked with suspicion in her voice.<br />
<br />
“I will not. Either you both go or there is no meeting. What do you think?”<br />
<br />
“Well, it might be reassuring for me to know more. Did he impress you that much?”<br />
<br />
I nodded. “He was doing everything that was needed when he was my bodyguard. I did have a bad moment when I had to sleep and remembered that he’d once tried to kill me. But he needed work and guarding me was the first job Ginger offered.”<br />
<br />
“All right, Jerod. I’ll trust you, even if I don’t know why.”<br />
<br />
“It’s because I’m the best husband you have,” I smirked.<br />
<br />
“Not like I have a lot of others to compare you to,” she smiled.PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-28996645398337324002013-05-03T23:37:00.000-07:002013-05-03T23:37:10.774-07:00Absolute Beginners (Jerod's Fourth Tale - Part 10 - Finale)“I’ve done the research, and found no trace of Sophie after a trip to Egypt in *his* company,” Ethan pointed at Kane glaring. “I also found that the last time she was seen, you were carrying her.” He glared at me. “It’s suspicious that you’re keeping company.” <br />
<br />
“Let Tania go and I’ll tell you everything,” I said. <br />
<br />
“I’m not getting near that hellcat,” he replied. He pointed at a set of scratches on his face, “She’s dangerous. She stays exactly where she is until we’re done.” <br />
<br />
“Tania?” I said softly. <br />
<br />
“It’s fine, Shrimp. I won’t leave without you.” I tried to think of a way to warn her that might not be an option. <br />
<br />
“What do you know about your sister’s profession?” I asked. <br />
<br />
Ethan puffed with pride. “She’d worked her way up to international sales rep, she’d been all over the world. She usually sends us a postcard from each place. The one from Egypt was her last.” <br />
<br />
“When you met Mr Kane here, does he look like a sales rep?” <br />
<br />
Ivy looked up at Kane, “Sophie told us the company usually sent along a bodyguard because some places could be rough for a woman. He’s obviously a failure.” <br />
<br />
I sighed. I was going tell them truth but would they believe? “Sophie lied to you from first to last. She worked for a criminal organisation called The Family. She worked as an enforcer, an assassin.” <br />
<br />
“Liar!” <br />
<br />
“I worked for a rival group, The Company. Sophie’s nickname there was “The Eliminator” as she was suspected of killing a number of members.” <br />
<br />
Kane cleared his throat. “She told me your death would make it an even dozen.” Ivy’s eyes grew wide as she processed that. <br />
<br />
“I’d been sent to Egypt to sort out a problem for The Company. I contacted a few people and went back to camp. Accepted a drink made by Sophie and woke up trapped in the Great Pyramid. I was meant to die there. I managed to escape, and found out more about who set me up.” <br />
<br />
“So, you and that traitor over there killed Sophie?” <br />
<br />
“God no, Kane was Sophie’s muscle. I removed him before I went after Sophie.” <br />
<br />
“Why is he alive?” <br />
<br />
“I got him sent to prison. He wasn’t dangerous to me. When he got out, he’d have a new assignment. Sophie was the dangerous one. If she found out I survived her first attempt, she’d try again. As long as Sophie lived, I was in danger.” I paused to see if Ethan had anything to say. <br />
<br />
“What was Sophie like to work with?” he asked Kane. <br />
<br />
“Do you want an honest answer?” Kane replied. <br />
<br />
“Of course,” said Ivy. I’d nearly forgotten she was there. <br />
<br />
“Frankly, Sophie was a bitch. She was verbally abusive to all of her partners and no one worked with her twice. I hadn’t worked with her and that’s why I was sent to Egypt. I’d already told my superior that I was never working with her again. Getting called shit-for-brains all the time gets old. The prison was vile but it was almost worth it to be away from her.” <br />
<br />
“Sophie had drugged a drink and given it to me. Once Kane was gone, I drugged her lunch before giving it to her. I took her back to the river near camp, put her on a wood raft and pushed it out into the water.” <br />
<br />
“She might be alive in wilderness?” asked Ivy. <br />
<br />
“The river is infested with large crocodiles and one of them flipped over the raft. She’s dead.” I stopped and looked directly at Ethan then at Ivy. “I am responsible for what happened. My wife only found out a few days ago and Kane was on his way to prison. Let them leave and you can do what you like to me.” <br />
<br />
“Our sister killed 11 people?” asked Ivy. Kane nodded. <br />
<br />
“How many have you killed, Mr Shrimpton?” asked Ethan. <br />
<br />
I held up a single finger. “Just Sophie and only after she’d tried to kill me.” <br />
<br />
“Ivy?” Ethan asked his sister. <br />
<br />
“I’m still puzzled. Why is Mr Kane with you if he works for a different organisation?” <br />
<br />
Kane replied. “I was kicked out of The Family after Sophie disappeared. I moved here, asked the local boss for a job. He told me to guard Mr Shrimpton.” <br />
<br />
“The boss has a current manpower shortage and a terrible sense of humour. He’d think it was funny to give me a bodyguard who had once helped try kill me,” I said. <br />
<br />
“You know,” said Kane to me, “I’m not going to leave. If I fail, I’ll never get another job. I’d be better off dead.” <br />
<br />
“I won’t leave either. We leave here together Shrimp, or not at all,” declared Tania. It wasn’t what I expected but I could tell that Tania was determined. <br />
<br />
I looked at Ethan. “So, here we are. You’ve heard my side of the story, you’ve also heard that my wife and my bodyguard aren’t leaving. This ends today. What’s it to be?” <br />
<br />
“You’re not what we expected,” started Ivy. “You’re not pure evil.” <br />
<br />
“Oh, I am evil. I’d happily cheat, steal or blackmail to get what I want or need. Murder is a last resort, though obviously…” <br />
<br />
Ethan nodded at Tania, “You do inspire love.” He looked at Kane, “And loyalty, would you stayed for Sophie?” <br />
<br />
“I can’t imagine Sophie rescuing anyone but Sophie. She’d never give the option like he has.” He looked toward me, “I’d work as his muscle again, if asked.” <br />
<br />
“So, what was the point of all of this?” I asked. <br />
<br />
“We wanted to know what happened to Sophie,” said Ethan slowly. <br />
<br />
Ivy said, “We wanted to know why something happened to Sophie.” <br />
<br />
“Our monster hunt led to you. You threaten us after we had threaten your family. You offer yourself to save others.” <br />
<br />
Ivy points at Kane, “You tell us that Sophie was horrible to work with and killed eleven people. She really was a monster.” <br />
<br />
“So what’s the next part of the plan?” I asked. <br />
<br />
Ethan just shook his head. <br />
<br />
“Amateurs,” said Kane. <br />
<br />
Ethan looked a little annoyed by that. “I’m a professional accountant.” <br />
<br />
“He has a point. You’re not a professional in our terms. They would have come, done the business and left,” I said. <br />
<br />
“The business?” <br />
<br />
“Assassination, Ethan. Our organisations don’t fuck around. Are you prepared to kill me?” I spread my arms and stood still. “Then make it quick.” <br />
<br />
Ethan picked up a large knife and started toward me. Kane also moved, ready to block him. “Travis, no,” I said softly. “Trust me.” Kane’s eyes narrowed for a moment, then he nodded and stepped back. <br />
<br />
I stood very still and waited. When the blade was nearly touching my throat, I said, “My daughter’s name is Lana. She is four and a half. She looks just like her mother. If I die today, she may have some vague memories of her daddy when she’s older. Toby is my son and he’s only two. He thinks anything his big sister can do, he can do. He can’t but he tries. He’s too young, he’ll never remember me. There are pictures and stories but he won’t remember his daddy.” I stared straight at Ethan. “If you do kill me, then you have to choose if you will kill both my wife and Kane. If you don’t, they are witnesses to your crime. If you do, you have the blood of three people on your hands. It’s difficult, which will you do?” <br />
<br />
It took a very long minute before Ethan looked at Ivy and they both shook their heads. Ethan backed away, knife still in hand. “I thought I could for Sophie’s sake. But I can’t. You deserve it, he may deserve it but I just can’t.” He put the knife down. <br />
<br />
“Not many people can,” I said. <br />
<br />
“Will you kill us?” asked Ivy. <br />
<br />
I picked up the knife and walked over to cut the ropes off my lovely wife still tied in a chair. “Tania, you have the biggest grievance. Should they die?” <br />
<br />
Tania shook her head as she stood up. “They’ve done no real damage and I don’t approve of murder. Let them go.” <br />
<br />
“You heard her. Go home, don’t come back. The next time our paths cross, you might not be this lucky.” They nodded and began packing their gear. <br />
<br />
“Let’s go talk to Ted. I owe him a long explanation. And by now, he’ll need to be rescued from Lana,” I said. <br />
<br />
“Rescued? From a four year old?” asked Kane as he started the car. <br />
<br />
“Ginger adores Lana and she takes advantage of it,” I explained. Tania happily nestled against me. “Sweetheart, are you really all right?” <br />
<br />
“Yes, just fine. Thank you for letting them go.” <br />
<br />
I kissed her. “You said to.” <br />
<br />
We arrived home and went next door. Tania collected the kids while I had a long chat with Ted. <br />
<br />
“What the fucking hell was that shit?” he complained. “Dumping your children off and bolting without any explanation.” <br />
<br />
“Our amateurs were Pesce’s siblings. They had Tania and had arranged a meet. They wanted revenge for Sophie but we convinced them to just leave town.” <br />
<br />
“Too soft, Shrimp, you should have killed them.” <br />
<br />
“Tania said not to. I’m sure they won’t try again.” I pointed at Kane standing to one side. “I was right about him after all.” <br />
<br />
“You’d recommend him?” <br />
<br />
I nodded. “Definitely. If I need muscle, I’d work with him again.” <br />
<br />
Ginger walked up to Kane. “Good job on the first assignment. You can go home, tomorrow you’ll get your pay. You’ll be up for the next job, though I don’t know when that will be.” They shook hands and Kane left. <br />
<br />
“I better go. Thanks for looking after the kids.” <br />
<br />
“You know I’ll look after my godchildren when you ask,” replied Ted. <br />
<br />
I nodded and headed for home. Where my family was safe and sound, at least for now. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
— <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“Tania,” I said. “There is no way I can promise this will never happen again unless…” <br />
<br />
“Unless, Shrimp?” Tania stroked my cheek. <br />
<br />
“If we move away, change our family name, never contact anyone in Twinbrook again. We would have to start over.” <br />
<br />
“Do you think that would really work?” <br />
<br />
“It should, if we live quietly. Be like everyone else,” I replied. “If we stay here, this might happen again.” <br />
<br />
“We’d have to leave behind everything?” Tania asked. I nodded. “You’d be good for the rest of your days? No schemes, no plots?” <br />
<br />
“I’d have to, for you, for the kids.” <br />
<br />
“Where would we go?” <br />
<br />
“I dunno. Open a map and point? If we end up in Sunset Valley, you could met my family, become part of the family clan. Remember though, no contacts with anyone from here.” <br />
<br />
“I have to think…”PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-55675867559870304422013-05-01T04:19:00.001-07:002013-05-01T04:19:32.653-07:00Thursday's Child (Jerod's Fourth Tale Part 9)I threw some cash on the table, and headed outside with my phone. I walked a bit away from the building while waiting for the reply.<br />
<br />
“Shrimp?” I expected Tania to be near tears, but her inner bitch was in control. She sounded angry. “Don’t forget that you promised toys for the children.” So the kids were hiding, I wondered when someone could go and get them. It would have to be soon, Toby might wander anywhere.<br />
<br />
“Sweetheart, are you all right?” I asked. <br />
<br />
“Yes, dear, I’m fine. Just a bit tied up at the moment. Don’t worry about me.” <br />
<br />
I nearly laughed at that. Of course I was worried about her. They were after me, not Tania and I’d rather die than have her hurt. While that is usually a figure of speech, it seemed likely to be literal all too soon. <br />
<br />
The unknown male voice was back. “Right, Mr Shrimpton. TV shows suggest that this is when I tell you not to involve the police but I doubt you would.” <br />
<br />
“Damn straight, I won’t tell the cops,” I replied. “My associates, on the other hand, already know that there is something up.” <br />
<br />
“Dang and drat.” Dang? Who the fuck says dang? “Still, come unarmed and alone to 15 Bayfront Road.” There was a pause. “Actually bring your goon. Just be warned, if I get nervous, your wife gets it.” <br />
<br />
“Now?” <br />
<br />
“In about half an hour, at 3 o’clock. Ivy should be back from looking for your kids by then.” <br />
<br />
Fuck no. No fucking way. “You had better ring Ivy and tell her to stop hunting my children. Because I’m on my way there and if she is there, I will be hunting her. And I won’t be gentle if I find her,” I growled into my phone. “Whatever it is you want, I’ll be more cooperative if my children are left alone. Understood?” They had Tania but Lana and Toby were off limits. <br />
<br />
“We have your wife. You hurt Ivy and you may not have a wife.” <br />
<br />
“Are you listening to me at all? I said I’d hunt Ivy if she continued to hunt my children. If she stops, I’ll walk unarmed where ever you like. Hurt Tania or my children, you are a dead man. I will kill you myself, even if I have to come back from the grave to do it. You and Ivy.” I took a deep breath then exhaled. “You have 5 minutes. If I find her when I get there, she will get hurt.” <br />
<br />
“Your wife counts for nothing?” he asked. <br />
<br />
“Tell her what you’ve told me and she’d agree. The children are a priority. Do you understand?” I was still virtually growling. “Last warning, call Ivy off. I’ll be Bayfront at 3.” I savagely hit the hangup button. <br />
<br />
I looked around for Kane. He was standing a few feet back, maybe for my privacy or to be out of my way if I lost it. “We are hitting the road. Now. Hollowlog Springs is the first stop.” <br />
<br />
He nodded and started the car. I got in and we were off. <br />
<br />
“Is this where your family was hiding?” he asked. <br />
<br />
“Yes, and you would have gathered that they have my wife and are threatening to grab the kids. Do *anything* you have to if there is a child being taken out of this park. Clear?” <br />
<br />
“Absolutely. You were very intense on the phone.” <br />
<br />
I nodded, “This situation is going very bad. You want to bail?” <br />
<br />
“I’m still in, I don’t quit when things get tough. What was that about Bayfront?” <br />
<br />
“Before he mentioned the kids, he set up a meet at 15 Bayfront. He said I should bring my goon, so you are supposed to be there. No weapons, you do any martial arts?” <br />
<br />
“A little but I’m more a boxer. I throw a mean punch.” He slowed the car as we pulled into the small turnoff for the park. I was pleased that there were no cars. <br />
<br />
I got out and looked around. No sign of the kids but Lana was a genius at hide and seek. “Chook, chook, come home to roost,” I shouted. No response and I had a panic moment. I walked much further in while Kane stayed near the car. “Chook, chook, come home to roost!” I shouted again. <br />
<br />
This time I heard rustling in the vegetation and Lana popped into view. “Daddy, daddy!” she shrieked as she ran toward me. <br />
<br />
I picked her up and hugged her. A few moments later then Toby appeared. He still preferred crawling so it took him a little longer to get anywhere. I grabbed him and hurried back to the car. “Let’s roll. Marta’s house, I hope either she or Ted happens to be home.” <br />
<br />
We arrived 10 minutes later. I knocked on the door. Fortunately, Ted was home and answered the door. <br />
<br />
“Take care of your godchildren. I’ll either be back in a couple of hours to explain or never return.” He raised an eyebrow but I didn’t give him a chance to ask a question. I handed Toby to him, made sure that Lana was out of the car and left. <br />
<br />
“Dude, under normal circumstances, I’d be telling you to chill. But,” he glanced over at me then back at the road, “I guess not until this is done.” <br />
<br />
“You got that right. I think that dude watches too much TV and too many movies. He sounds like he’s straight from some cheesy detective show.” I still hadn’t a clue what he wanted, fuck I hated going in blind. My phone chirped at me, I saw it was Ted and diverted the call to voice mail. It wasn’t a nice thing to do to a friend but when I did have a chance to catch up, he’d understand. “If you see an opportunity to get my wife out, do it. Doesn’t matter what’s happening to me, just get her safe.” <br />
<br />
“Boss, I don’t like it. I’m your bodyguard, not hers.” <br />
<br />
I sighed. “I don’t like it either but Tania doesn’t deserve this. Her survival is more important than mine. You call me boss, those are your orders.” <br />
<br />
The address did turn out to be in the swampy section of town. Well, I would have looked here eventually. Especially since the shack was on Ted’s list. We arrived, I checked my watch and found it was 3. We stepped up to the rickety ancient building and I cautiously knocked on the door. <br />
<br />
“Come in, hands up in the air,” called a light female voice. <br />
<br />
“Shrimp, no. It’s a trap,” shouted Tania. <br />
<br />
“Of course it is, sweetheart,” I replied. “That won’t stop me from walking in so you can walk out.” <br />
<br />
I walked in slowly, hands held high. As I entered, I did my best to assess the situation. Tania was tied to a chair, a quite young woman standing near her. The man I’d been talking to was waiting not too far inside. He patted me down, but frankly, if I had a small weapon, he’d never have found it. He gave Kane the same treatment, Kane looked vaguely disgusted by it. I would have recognised either of them from the sketches Kane did - was that just yesterday? <br />
<br />
“Lana and Toby?” asked Tania. <br />
<br />
“Safely with their godfather,” I replied. She nodded, relief plain on her face. “Bad luck?” <br />
<br />
She sighed. “Lana found a new toy. She got in the car and blew the horn while I was busy with Toby. I heard a car approaching and sent the kids to hide. That’s when they got me.” <br />
<br />
I turned my attention to the others and spent a few seconds deciding how to play this. They were nervous and very likely to be twitchy. Much as I wanted to vent, I decided that quiet reasoning would serve better. “You know my name already, and you’ve met my associate here, Travis Kane,” Kane nodded toward them. “I assume that is Ivy but I don’t know your name,” I said to the guy, “or why you are so interested in me. Though I do have a theory about that. Would you enlighten me?” <br />
<br />
“I’m Ethan Pesce and Ivy is my little sister. We want to know exactly what happened to my twin sister, Sophie.”PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-44143817751489290022013-04-24T22:38:00.001-07:002013-04-25T17:33:55.234-07:00Dead Man Walking (Jerod's Fourth Tale Part 8)I woke to being poked in the shoulder. “Yo, boss, your watch.”<br />
<br />
“Huh,” I blinked. After a moment, “What fucking time do you call this?”<br />
<br />
“Two am, boss.” I blinked again and Kane came into focus. “I assume you’ll want an early start so wake me at 6.”<br />
<br />
“Give me a minute, I’ll find fresh sheets,” I pulled myself reluctantly out of bed.<br />
<br />
He shook his head. “No thanks, sleeping in your bed is too weird for me. I’ll just doss on the couch. Don’t go outside, don’t do anything stupid and don’t get yourself killed in the next few hours, ‘k boss?” He headed out of the room.<br />
<br />
I pulled some clothes on, then tried to decide how to spend the next 4 hours. I finally walked out of the bedroom, picked up the laptop and went back in. Kane was already asleep and snoring.<br />
<br />
I checked email, put in a few bids in online auctions and then went to SimBook. A couple of hours past easily as I went looking through albums from my friends, checked some recommended links, and played truly mindless stupid games.<br />
<br />
It was about 5:30 when my laptop flickered as it changed from the power supply to batteries. I closed the laptop and left the room. Light was flooding in the windows, in spite of the hour. I heard Kane stir as I walked past to look out the window.<br />
<br />
The light was coming from some emergency flood lights mounted around Marta’s house. I assume Ted didn’t like being left in the dark last time and enough light angled toward my place that my front was fairly well lit.<br />
<br />
“S’up, boss?” asked Kane rubbing his eyes.<br />
<br />
“Our amateurs cut the power for the second time this week but next door has installed emergency lights. So they don’t have the cover of darkness this time.”<br />
<br />
“For fucking god’s sake, get back from that window. Suppose they start shooting?”<br />
<br />
I moved back a few paces. “I wish they would. That I can understand.”<br />
<br />
He shook his head. “I’d just as soon they didn’t. Harder to guard against.”<br />
<br />
My cell rang. “Yes, Ted, we are awake.” “No, we haven’t seen anything.” “I don’t think my body guard would appreciate it if I wandered outside to see if anything was happening. He’s already ordered me back from the windows once.” “No, I’m not going to tell him to go look either. I’m pretty sure that your lights would have ruined their plans. We’ll have a look around before we go and pick up the list you promised me.” “Around seven thirty, give or take a little.”<br />
<br />
I turned to Kane. “If you think you can sleep more, I’ll wake you around 7.”<br />
<br />
He nodded, “Worth a shot for more shut eye. I don’t think the amateurs will do anything now. Wake me if anything suspicious happens, right?”<br />
<br />
“All right.” I watched as he settled back on the couch. I went and grabbed the laptop again. I kept busy until nearly 7. At that point, I went into the kitchen area and starting making pancakes. I didn’t have to wake Kane, the aroma of the pancakes woke him.<br />
<br />
“Breakfast? You cook?”<br />
<br />
“Cook, clean, and take care of the kids.” I laughed. “I have my faults but caring my for family isn’t one of them. Pancakes, coffee and juice, take what you need to get you through the morning.” He nodded, then grabbed a plate and a cup. We ate quietly. Tania rang me at precisely 10 past 7. No news of note, for which I was thankful. News, in this case, simply couldn’t be good.<br />
<br />
“Time to go pick up the list. I’m sure Ted’s finished with it by now.”<br />
<br />
“Let me go start the car.”<br />
<br />
“No need, Ted’s just over there.” I nodded in the general direction of the house next door.<br />
<br />
“I thought you said Marta lived there?”<br />
<br />
“Marta took Ted in after his leg was broken. I don’t know if they have a relationship beyond being friends but that’s not my business. They are both friends of mine and good people as long as you aren’t their target.” I shrugged at Kane. “Probably true about a lot of people in the profession.” It seemed true about Kane, thankfully.<br />
<br />
We walked next door and Ted gave me his printout. “I’ve organised the list by their map locations.” He spread a map on the table, each location circled in red. “I’ve done a complete list but it seems unlikely they’re in one of the houses in town. The odds of a neighbour noticing something would be very high. We are very nosey around here.”<br />
<br />
I studied the map. There were more red circles on it than I would have believed given the size of town. Then again, a lot of people left when they finished school, hoping for a better life somewhere bigger. “Thanks Ted, I knew I could rely on you.”<br />
<br />
“You better be fucking careful. Your family needs you.” Ted glanced over at Kane but made no comment. We had survived the night and were still in each other’s company. That alone said a lot.<br />
<br />
I circled part of the map with my finger. “We should start with these as they are closest to the house, quick to get here. If that proves fruitless, we can search the lots over here,” I circled another area, “in the direction of the amphitheatre. If that doesn’t work out, we can search on the other side of the river. I hope to hell that’s not where they are, there is a lot of swamp and hiding would be simple. It would take a week to do a half decent search.” Kane and Ginger nodded. <br />
<br />
Kane pointed at the map, “You’ve left out this bit.”<br />
<br />
“True, but that’s our wealthy section of town. It’s hard to imagine that people could camp out there without being noticed and having the police summoned.” I looked at Kane then Ginger. “We can look but it doesn’t seem worth it.”<br />
<br />
They nodded and I gathered up the map and list. “Later, Ted.” He just waved vaguely as we left.<br />
<br />
As we walked toward my car, Kane said, “I’m not really sure about this plan. If they are following us, it won’t take long for them to work out what we are up to.”<br />
<br />
“I don’t know. It seems as though they mostly watch the house for opportunities to do something annoying. Us being out of the way may just suit them.” I looked back at our modest home. “Besides, right now, I can’t stand being there. I need to be doing something.”<br />
<br />
“Right, boss,” he said as he shrugged at me. <br />
<br />
Taking the car only turned out to be moderately useful. We parked a safe distance away from each target and walked the rest of the way each time. Which meant we did nearly as much walking as we would have without a car.<br />
<br />
At each location, we’d check for signs of recent activity. Mostly looking for if there had been a car around and if it looked anything around had been used. Three out of four places we checked had no sign anyone had been there for months. The fourth would have tyre marks or enough of a path to warrant a closer look. But none looked currently occupied.<br />
<br />
It was both a tense and tedious activity. Tense as you approached a vacant house, lot or park - not sure of what you might find. Tedious as you check the area, slowly and carefully. After finishing each one, I’d tick the location off Ted’s list. <br />
<br />
We had just looked at the eighth location for the day and were returning to the car when Kane coughed quietly. “Boss, can we have a break?” he asked.<br />
<br />
I was about to say no when I glanced at my watch. It was already 1:45 and we’d not stopped for even a short break yet today. My feet hurt and I was hungry. “Yeah, we’ll have lunch and give our feet a rest. I hadn’t realised it was this late already. You hungry?”<br />
<br />
“Yes, boss, but if you want to keep going I will.”<br />
<br />
I shook my head. “Why the fucking hell wouldn’t Sophie cut you a break? You seem like an ideal partner. Yet I saw her rip into you several times in just a few hours. I actually thought you were going to hit her at one point.”<br />
<br />
“I wanted to tear her into pieces but that’s not what I was paid to do. It was tempting though.”<br />
<br />
We drove over to the local diner. Kane ordered their largest steak. I had grilled chicken. The food at the diner wasn’t the best but it would do.<br />
<br />
We were nearly finished when my phone rang. I glanced at the display as I opened it up. “Tania? Something wrong?”<br />
<br />
“So, the hellcat does have a name,” replied a male voice. “I assume you want your wife back, Mr Shrimpton, in one piece and not several. If you do, you will listen very carefully to what I tell you to do.”<br />
<br />
My heart started racing. They had Tania. He hadn’t mentioned the toddlers but I wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad sign. “If you hurt her, you are a dead man.” Kane’s focus snapped to me, his eyes wide. “Let me talk to her.” Fucking shit, this was not part of my plan.<br />
<br />PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-3123069782916055202013-04-10T03:43:00.000-07:002013-04-10T03:43:14.817-07:00Ashes to Ashes (Jerod's Fourth Tale Part 7)We walked along a little used path that went behind the homes on my street. “Not bad,” said Kane. “I’ll have to remember this.”<br />
<br />
“Twinbrook has a lot of small paths away from the roads. It’s useful to explore, wander around the back ways. But don’t wear good shoes.” <br />
<br />
“Why not?”<br />
<br />
“There are a lot of small boggy patches around, and some of the paths just go through them. I was walking along fast one afternoon and went into a bog. One foot got wet, and the next step, I tripped over a tree root. Face first into the muck.”<br />
<br />
“Dude, seriously?”<br />
<br />
“Yep, and getting wet wasn’t the worst of it. The water stank. I swear it took three days and god knows how many showers before I knew I didn’t smell like swamp.” I laughed and Kane joined in. It wasn’t funny at all at the time but it’s hilarious now.<br />
<br />
“Anything you care to tell about the locals in The Company?” <br />
<br />
“I’m not really up to date with the crew. Marta Tomasi leads the thieves. Ted Ginger organises the other operations. They both run the important stuff in other towns, so the cops don’t see much crime here. Just enough petty crimes that it’s not entirely quiet but nothing big. You’ll be part of Ginger’s crew. Don’t screw him over, he is a bastard. Follow orders and you’ll get a fair share. He’s a demon on the computer, if it’s anywhere online, he can get it.”<br />
<br />
“That’s it?”<br />
<br />
“Ted’s more than a bit paranoid about someone trying to take over his position. His limp is from the last try. Don’t give him any reason to think you might be ambitious or hanging out with someone ambitious.”<br />
<br />
“Sounds fair.” We arrived at Red Rendezvous and stopped in the small entryway. “You wait here. If I’m not back in a minute, it’s safe for you to come in.”<br />
<br />
I shrugged. Kane was doing his job and I couldn’t fault him for that. Though even amateurs should know better than taking someone out at one of the neighbourhood bars. There would be witnesses. I waited, doing my best to look like I was waiting to meet up with someone. I let a couple of minutes go by before I wandered in. I walked to the bar, straight past Kane who was sitting at a dimly lit table facing the door. The drink in front of him looked like a soft drink.<br />
<br />
“Hey, Trey, I need a drink.” The bartender started pouring me my favourite brew then brought me the mug.<br />
<br />
“Tania was by, I tried to get her to played a few numbers. She didn’t though. We need to set up a gig, been too long since her guitar brightened up the joint.”<br />
<br />
I nodded. “I’m supposed to fly to China next week, but maybe the week after? I think we might be able to set up something then.” Assuming that all goes well. He handed me my drink and I nodded my thanks.<br />
<br />
I drank the first quickly then called for a second. Trey brought me another and this one I sipped slowly.<br />
<br />
I started with the positives. At least I had a bit more knowledge and some professional backup. But I still didn’t know enough about the enemy motives or their ultimate goal. They knew some things about me, but how much?<br />
<br />
Fucking damn it. I can’t make a proper plan with so little to go on. I finished the brew and called for another.<br />
<br />
“One more and I’m going to have to take your keys,” warned Trey.<br />
<br />
“Don’t worry, there’s someone here who can drive me home if I’ve had too much,” I replied. “He won’t mind.”<br />
<br />
As I sipped at the mug, I realised part of my problem was that I hadn’t a clue where I could find them or how I could contact them. I’ve never had that as a problem before. How to contact them was going to stay a mystery until they told me. But where to find them was something I could work on. There were several vacant properties around and a number of parks big enough to camp in.<br />
<br />
Oh my fucking god, I hadn’t thought of that before. That they might be camping, suppose they were using the same park as Tania and the kids? I reminded myself that I’d called them earlier and all was fine. They weren’t after my family, they wanted me. I just had to be sure they could find me. Better though would be if I found them.<br />
<br />
I pulled out my cell. “Hey Ted? Could you print me a list of all the vacant homes in town?” “Yeah, but if you wanted to stay in a town for a few days, would there be a better place?” “Well, yeah. That’s actually what I think Kane and I will be doing tomorrow. Checking to see if anyone is camping in either a park or a vacant house.” “So far, he’s fine. I don’t think he’s planning on murdering me in my sleep but if I don’t pick up the list tomorrow…” “Seriously, he still seems very sincere.” “Hey, I learnt to trust you, didn’t I? Eventually.” I hung up after a promise to have the list of vacant homes by early tomorrow.<br />
<br />
The only other possibility that I could see was that they were staying with someone in town. That seemed remote but why not ask a bit? “Hey Trey?”<br />
<br />
“I warned you, another drink and I need your keys.”<br />
<br />
“Nah, I’m good. Just wondered what the gossip around town was. You heard anything good?”<br />
<br />
So for the next ten minutes, I heard an earful about who is definitely cheating, who is suspected of cheating, who has been promoted recently and other local gossip. I made the appropriate noises as Trey told me the various things.<br />
<br />
“Anyone new in town?”<br />
<br />
“Actually, there’s a dude sitting over there, he’s pretty new. I hear he married one of the Greenwood girls,” Trey nodded toward Kane and I glanced that direction. <br />
<br />
“Big dude, wouldn’t want to make him angry, would you?” I commented as I turned back.<br />
<br />
“You got that right. Mind you, making people angry is bad for business so I try not to.” Someone further down the bar called for a refill and Trey went to serve them. I dropped a decent handful of coins on the counter and slowly ambled outside holding my car keys loosely in one hand. <br />
<br />
“Which car,” said Kane softly as he snagged the keys while walking past. <br />
<br />
“Blue one, just across the street.”<br />
<br />
“Wait till I’ve started it, then get in.” He moved quickly while I ambled on. The only reason he’d want to start the car without me would be…fucking hell, that’s insane. The only reason I can think of is car bomb and he’s just taking that risk.<br />
<br />
Or maybe he’s being devious? Back in the day, I would have assumed any ‘threat’ Ted found was one he had created. Well, my gut still tells me that Kane is playing it straight. He’d started the car, so I popped into the passenger seat.<br />
<br />
“Dude, what you just did. Would you classify that as brave, thorough or just plain dumb?”<br />
<br />
“If those are the only allowed options, then thorough. I’m supposed to be keeping you breathing. So I will do what I have to.” He glanced over at me as we drove up the street. “Any conclusions from the thinking?”<br />
<br />
“Tomorrow, we are going to hunt around very cautiously and see if we can find their base of operations. There are some vacant houses and several parks that have facilities for camping.”<br />
<br />
“I like the word cautiously,” he pulled the car up outside the house. He got out and went inside. He was back in a minute. “As far as I can tell, it is safe but…”<br />
<br />
I found out the ‘but’ the moment I entered. My house stank, something partly decomposed and partly burnt. It didn’t take long to find the source. There was a still smouldering pile of rotting fruit and veg just outside of the back door. I found the shovel Tania used for the garden and buried the pile at the corner of the yard. Kane stayed inside, opening all the window to let fresh air in.<br />
<br />
“See what I mean? Minor harassment. Annoying as all shit but not actually painful in any way.”<br />
<br />
“I hate fucking amateurs,” he growled. “Give me a pro any day.”<br />
<br />
“So, if we search for the culprits tomorrow, we need sleep tonight. Do you want to sleep now or later?”<br />
<br />
He looked me over. “You sleep now. I don’t like the odds of you waking me up for my turn. And you going without sleep for a day is not going to help anyone.”<br />
<br />
He was probably right about that. My mind kept going in circles and I might not wake him under the general theory that at least one of us was sleeping. “I’ll try but it’s probably not going to work.”<br />
<br />
“You mean to tell me that you don’t have some sort of sleeping pill, knockout drop or anything else around here? You shock me, boss.”<br />
<br />
I had to smile. “You know, there’s a good chance I could find something like that. Just never anticipated using it on myself.” I took a couple of pills and hit the hay. What does it say about my life that I’m going to sleep when I know damned well the only other person around was involved in an attempt to kill me? PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-58968013330944406722013-03-30T17:26:00.000-07:002013-03-30T17:26:35.844-07:00Life on Mars (Jerod's Fourth Tale - Part 6)It didn’t take long to buy the replacement cameras. I found what I needed, paid and walked toward Kane. He nodded as I past, then started walking behind and off to one side. When we were close to the car, Kane moved faster so he could open the door. He casually glanced in but since Ted had never left the car, it wasn’t much of a look. He held the door for me again, then climbed in beside Ted.<br />
<br />
“Aren’t you so posh now that you have hired help?” Ted asked laughing slightly.<br />
<br />
“None of that backtalk, just drive home, Jeeves,” I replied with my best posh accent. Ted flipped me the bird and set off for home. I leaned back against the seat. There was so little point in worrying about the future just now.<br />
<br />
A few minutes later and Ted was pulling up outside my house.<br />
<br />
“Locked it?” asked Kane.<br />
<br />
“Yep, I always do,” I replied.<br />
<br />
“Keys then. Let me check before you go in.”<br />
<br />
“Kane, these are obviously amateurs. What do you expect to find?”<br />
<br />
He gave me a strange look. “I don’t know. They are fucking amateurs. Professionals, we’d have some idea of what they might do. The two I saw, who the fucking hell knows what they might do?”<br />
<br />
He grabbed the keys and disappeared into the house. A minute later, he motioned for me to come in.<br />
<br />
“Where’s the family?” he asked as I came in.<br />
<br />
I shook my head. “Not your business. I’ve moved them out for the time being. They are hiding. They should be safe.”<br />
<br />
Kane nodded. “Fair enough. It will be hard enough for me to keep you safe. Add in more people and the job would be impossible.” He suddenly looked at the ground. “I appreciate you giving me this shot. I know it can’t be easy for you, given Egypt. I really do want to stay in this town and staying here means coming to terms with The Company.”<br />
<br />
“Assuming I survive, I’ll make sure that The Company does right by you. If I don’t, well, that’s no longer my problem.” I pointed at him. “If you fail, you will have to deal with my widow, children and their godfather who happens to be Ginger. I suspect they will be very peeved.”<br />
<br />
“Seriously dude, I will do what I can. If I’m the only bodyguard, there will be times when I’m asleep and you have no protection.”<br />
<br />
“I should be able to protect myself when I’m awake. But Ginger is right, I will need sleep. I will need to eat. And there’s no telling how long they plan to just do small stuff.”<br />
<br />
“Small stuff? What have they done so far?” Kane pulled a small pad of paper and a pencil out of a pocket. He started scribbling quickly on the pad. I told him about the note, the paint, and the broken easel. He stopped scribbling on one page and flipped to another.<br />
<br />
“Fucking amateurs, I hate them,” he growled. “Why send you a fucking note to let you know someone hates your guts? What’s the fucking point about that easel?”<br />
<br />
“The heads up was useful from my point of view. I don’t know why they want me to stew over their threats but at least I knew something was coming. But why bother with all this harassment? Painting the house might get the attention of the neighbours, I will grant you. I don’t think anyone noticed besides my poor wife and next door who happen to be Company too.”<br />
<br />
Kane stopped scribbling and flipped back to the previous page in the notebook. He then tossed it at me. “They are really rough but those are the two that asked me about Pesce.”<br />
<br />
The first picture was a male, youngish but not too young. The second was a younger looking female. “Not bad work. You have some talent in drawing.” I flipped back and forth between the pages, memorising the two faces.<br />
<br />
“No fucking talent, just a lot of fucking practice. My mother was an artist and demanded we do a certain amount of it every damned day. By the time I left home for good, I’d done one fucking hell of a lot of drawing.” He shrugged, “It does come in useful from time to time.”<br />
<br />
“I appreciate this,” I said tapping on the notebook. “Now I have a clue who to look for.”<br />
<br />
“That should actually be completely unnecessary. I have seen them after all,” he replied. “So, could you tell me how the fucking hell you got out of that pyramid? Sophie had me drag this big arse statue to block the door. I don’t see how you managed to move it.”<br />
<br />
“I didn’t go out that way. It was the Great Pyramid, damn thing is riddled with hidden doors, secret passages and traps. Oh my fucking god, does it have traps.” I shuddered at the memory. “The room you left me in had concealed door which I eventually found. It took me two damn days to find a fucking way out. I nearly died of thirst and from springing a couple of traps. So that plan had very nearly worked. I’ve been a lot more cautious when I travel since that.”<br />
<br />
“You definitely do not want to end up in prison in Egypt. That was the most disgusting fucking place I’ve ever been.”<br />
<br />
“I don’t plan on prison ever. I’m not officially a member of The Company. Around here, I’m a legit business man, specialising in importing foreign goods. When I’m overseas, my contacts may not be quite as legitimate. So I’m a bit more flexible about how to get things done. But I am always careful.”<br />
<br />
“How can you not be Company? Like, isn’t that Ginger dude the local head?”<br />
<br />
“Yes, and he took over that position when I quit. My business has ties to Company, but they’d be hard to trace. Ginger makes certain of that.”<br />
<br />
“Why the fucking hell would you quit?”<br />
<br />
“Believe it or not, to avoid shit like this. I thought once I quit The Company, I wouldn’t have to spend my life watching my back. Then Pesce makes it necessary for me to go to Egypt to straighten things out. I get back and get an offer that I couldn’t turn down.” I sighed. “Now my family is in hiding and I’m waiting to find out who exactly is responsible for this.”<br />
<br />
I looked at my watch and found it was time to ring Tania. Damn, I forgot to remind her to leave the phone on vibrate. I punched the button to speed dial her and walked into our bedroom shutting the door behind me. <br />
<br />
“Hey Sweetheart. Everything going okay?” I listen to Tania explain how hard it was to settle the kids once the tent was set up. “I wish I could help. Hell, I wish that all of you were home. I’m sure that the kids will adjust soon.” She sighed then asked me about how I was coping. “No, don’t worry about me. I’m a big boy, I can take care of myself. Ted is lending me a guy as a body guard so all should be well.” “I miss you so much. You ring me tomorrow morning 10 past 7. All right?” She agreed. “Love and kisses to you and the kids. Be careful.” Then we hung up. <br />
<br />
I came out of the bedroom to find that Kane was on the phone. From the sounds of it, he was talking to Jade. I went back into the bedroom, leaving the door slightly open. I waited until all was quiet before I came back out.<br />
<br />
“Kane, time to head to the Red Rendezvous. I need a drink.” He shot me a look. “Hey, I think best with a drink. Or walking around which would be even riskier than the pub.”<br />
<br />
He nodded. “Right, fine. How the hell do we fucking get there?”<br />
<br />
“My car should be parked outside the joint. We’ll have to walk there, unless you want to do the cab thing?”<br />
<br />
He sighed loudly, “You are fucking determined not to make this easy for me, aren’t you?”<br />
<br />
“Look, honestly, I’ll try not to make it that hard. But I need to think. My first plan didn’t include the possibility of having someone else around. And you would really hate that one.”<br />
<br />
“Why?”<br />
<br />
“The plan was approximately, ‘Neh, neh, you can’t catch me.’ Really deliberately try and draw the opposition into action. Making damn sure that they went after me and didn’t go looking for my family.”<br />
<br />
“A quiet drink at the pub does sound better,” said Kane. “But can’t you get a drink here?”<br />
<br />
“Without my family, it’s too quiet. I need some buzz to distract me. Just one other person won’t do.”<br />
<br />
He shrugged and started to head for the front door. I shook my head, “Let’s not make it that easy for them. I know a back way.” PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-75834526200094685842013-03-18T18:05:00.000-07:002013-03-18T18:05:51.498-07:00Slow Burn (Jerod's Fourth Tale - Part 5)There was a car horn. I looked out the window to see Ted in his car, he waved to me and motioned that I should get in. I cautiously opened the door, walked past the wreckage of my easel and climbed into the car.<br />
<br />
“Got a call from someone wanting to join the company. I was thinking that you might need some distraction.” He grinned at me. “And I’ve found Kane.” His eyes flickered to what was left of my easel and painting but he didn’t mention the obvious.<br />
<br />
“You’re right about needing a distraction. Fucking oath, a few days of this and they won’t have to do anything more. I’ll be stark raving mad.” I settled into the seat. “So, you found Kane already? You are a freaking wizard, how did you find him that fast?”<br />
<br />
“I have my ways.”<br />
<br />
We sat in silence until Ted pulled into a long driveway. “This is the place that Jade chick lives. She was the one who gave us the clue where to look for you.”<br />
<br />
“Jade just married. It’s her new husband that we are here to see. Jade isn’t home but he should be.” Ted told me as we climbed out of the car.<br />
<br />
Ted walked up to the door and rang the bell. I was a few paces behind when the door opened. I realised who the fucking hell it was about the time he noticed me. <br />
<br />
“You?” we both said at the same time. It was Travis “Dread” Kane standing right there. Fucking shit, how long as he been living in town?<br />
<br />
Kane looked at me then at Ted and sighed. “Look, could you do this some place other than Jade’s house. She doesn’t need to find the body when she gets home.”<br />
<br />
“Body?” Ted asked.<br />
<br />
His gaze went from Ted back to me. “I assume you are here to kill me.”<br />
<br />
“I am here to assess you as a potential employee of The Company. Jerod is here to ask you a few questions. You’d have to have some really bad answers to end up dead.” He paused until Kane nodded. “Now, why are you here looking for a job?”<br />
<br />
“Well,” he said. “I failed my last assignment. I ended up in prison and my partner disappeared. The Family bribed a few prison guards to get me out, then paid my tickets back. I was given no new work at all, they ignore me for weeks. Then finally they contacted me to tell me to leave Family territory within the next two weeks. Well, I vaguely remembered that Sophie was targeting supplies that were meant to ship here. That meant it was a Company town.”<br />
<br />
“So you moved here?” asked Ted.<br />
<br />
“Yeah, and then I met Jade. We dated a couple of times, then I asked her to marry me. So now I have a lovely wife and no income. That’s how I came to find you, this is the only job I really know. I’m usually damn good at it too.”<br />
<br />
Ted nodded and took a step back. He’d probably already looked into Kane’s records enough to know how good he was at the job. I stepped forward.<br />
<br />
“Before you say anything, dude, that stuff with the pyramid? That wasn’t my idea and it was strictly business,” Kane told me. I nodded. That would have been Pesce’s idea and Kane just did the heavy lifting.<br />
<br />
“Right, and the extra strong drink served by a 15 year old who happens to look 19 was also just business,” I replied. “Though you stepped into that trap on your own.” <br />
<br />
“You set that up?” I nodded. “Yeah, I wasn’t nearly cautious enough. I thought we were home free,” he grimaced. We stared at each other for a minute. He broke first. “You had a question?”<br />
<br />
“Has anyone asked you about Sophie Pesce recently? Someone who isn’t in the business?”<br />
<br />
He frowned in thought. “Yeah, two people did. Guy and girl came by my old place while I was packing up. Asked a bunch of questions about that trip and when I last saw Sophie.”<br />
<br />
“Did my name come up? Did you ask their names?”<br />
<br />
“Yeah I told them your name, but I didn’t tell them you were alive. Fucking hell, I didn’t even think you might be alive. I thought you’d bought it in the pyramid. Don’t know their names, they didn’t say.”<br />
<br />
So, Kane knows two people who were asking about Pesce. No names and he didn’t tell them I survived but a trip to Egypt with enough cash and they’d find out. They asked the right people in that tiny town, I was seen on the day she died taking someone back to camp. So who gave a damn about that bitch?<br />
<br />
“Is that it for your questions?” I nodded. “So Shrimp, if you were still boss of this outfit, would you give him a job?” Ted looked at me. “You have better instincts about people.”<br />
<br />
I looked at Kane and thought about that Egypt trip. How he behaved even when being provoked by Pesce. “No booze, no women when you are working, right?” I asked him. <br />
<br />
He nodded. “I learnt that one. Definitely no booze when on the job, that’s for when I’m off work. As for other women? Don’t need that now.”<br />
<br />
I had been watching his face, his body language and he was coming across as sincere. “Yeah, Ginger, I’d hire him. Good muscle can be hard to come by.”<br />
<br />
“Right, so your first assignment in The Company is to be his body guard,” Ted told Kane pointing at me.<br />
<br />
“Ginger, you have got to fucking be kidding!” I shouted. I wasn’t ready to trust him that far.<br />
<br />
“Shrimp, you are going to need someone to watch your back. Most of my crew are on a heist a few towns over. Marta would but she’s sure that Crooks knocked her up and she’s not well. I have a ton of things I have to do, including watching Marta’s little girl. And you just said you would hire him.”<br />
<br />
Ted had a point. If there were two of them, they just could wait me out. Eventually I was going to drop my guard, I couldn’t stay alert 24/7. I looked at Kane who was very calmly watching me. “You’ll back me up, whatever I ask for?”<br />
<br />
“You want a clever plan, don’t look at me. You want someone to make it happen, tell me what to do,” he said. “I know I’m the muscle, that’s what I’m good at.”<br />
<br />
I sighed. Not an ideal backup but if that’s all Ginger has to offer, then I really had no choice. “All right. He’s right, I need someone to watch my back. Don’t fail me.”<br />
<br />
“If he fails, I’ll tie him up and leave him as a present for your bitch. We’ll send the bigger pieces back to Jade for burial,” said Ted with a wicked smile.<br />
<br />
That was an interesting idea. I wonder what Tania would do if faced with that? Certainly not carve Kane into pieces, I don’t think she’d ever walk that far on the dark side. “You better leave a message for Jade. Until this is over, you’ll have to stick with me.”<br />
<br />
Kane nodded and sat down with a bit of paper. He scribbled a few words, crossed them out, wrote down more words, then scrunched up the paper. He grabbed a new piece of paper and tried again. That one suffered the fate of the first and finally on his third piece of paper, he must have found something to write that he liked. “I said I’ll call later tonight. That is okay, right?”<br />
<br />
“Sure, that will be fine.” Not like someone was after them, he could call as much as he liked. I really hate that I have to keep away from my family.<br />
<br />
“Where to now?” asked Ted. “Company headquarters, your place, somewhere else?”<br />
<br />
“Electronics store then my place. I have to replace my cameras, they’ve been destroyed. I’d really like to catch this pair on camera, see who I’m dealing with.”<br />
<br />
“I know what they look like,” Kane pointed out.<br />
<br />
True enough, he’s seen them. “Let me know if you spot them, Kane. So if we are going to be working together, what do you prefer to be called?”<br />
<br />
“Sophie loved calling me shit-for-brains, though sometimes it was idiot, moron or imbecile. Even ‘oy, you’ would be a nice change. So whatever, boss.”<br />
<br />
“Right, for the moment, Kane it is. Let’s get moving.”<br />
<br />
Ted led the way to the car. I was about to get in when Kane made a stay hand gesture. I stopped. He opened the back door, double checked the inside of the car then held it open for me. When we arrived at the shop, he got out first, looked around then opened my door. He led the way to the shop, then blocked me from coming in until he’d had a chance to look.<br />
<br />
Conclusions, he was taking it seriously and he knew what he was doing. Both of those things were reassuring.PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-72845172637559101722013-03-15T02:38:00.000-07:002013-03-15T02:56:35.439-07:00Without You (Jerod's Fourth Tale - Part 4)<br />
“Tania, you are brilliant. Dump that loser and marry me,” said Ted.<br />
<br />
“Sorry, Ginger, mine all mine. Brilliant and beautiful. And Tania, if someone steals the bag, I’ll buy you lots more clothes. You deserve it.” <br />
<br />
“What happens if this takes more than a week?” asked Tania. <br />
<br />
I frowned. “I think, I talk to my brother and tell him to expect his sister-in-law, niece and nephew. Sunset Valley is far enough from here that you’ll be very safe.” <br />
<br />
When Tania left the room to start packing, Ted moved closer so he could quietly ask me, “I know that making the family safe is a priority but what did you expect to do after that?” <br />
<br />
“Track down Kane. He might still be in prison but someone may well have paid his way out,” I replied. <br />
<br />
“I told you leaving him alive would have been a mistake.” <br />
<br />
“You said that yesterday, which was a little late given that I dealt with him months ago. And that dude is fucking huge. If he wanted me dead, he could do it with his bare hands. That’s what I would expect him to do. None of this hinting around, I’d just be dead.” I paused. “But if I were looking for information about what happened to Pesce, I’d start with him. He was her last known partner. The locals all hated her, she was arrogant, self-centred, pushy bitch. They wouldn’t say anything.” <br />
<br />
Ted nodded. “I’ll see what I can dig up on him. He probably isn’t in prison in Egypt, but I’ll see.” <br />
<br />
“I’ll appreciate that. You can do more in a couple of hours on the computer than I could do in a couple of weeks.” <br />
<br />
“In the meantime, I’ll let Wyatt what we need for him to do. I take it that we are the only ones to know the final destination?” asked Marta. <br />
<br />
“Of a preference, yes. The fewer people that know I hid my family and where, the safer they’ll be.” I smiled at Marta. “You and Ted I will trust. Wyatt, Sinbad and the others, no.” Ted and Marta returned next door. <br />
<br />
I started pacing back and forth. Was there anything more I could do for my family? I honestly couldn’t think of anything to do that we could do in the time we had available. The best I could do was be the walking target, keep the enemy focused on me. That part of the plan, I was not going to tell Tania. <br />
<br />
That also meant that I wasn’t going to be able to go near my family until I knew it was over. Brief phone calls or messages, yes but visit them? I could lead the enemy straight to them. <br />
<br />
As promised, it wasn’t long before Tania came back out with her guitar case slung over a shoulder and one larger bag in hand. Using the guitar case was a nice touch, she’s quite devious when she wants to be. “Shrimp, if they find us, use the knives?” <br />
<br />
“First line of defence would be run for it. If we can leave you a car here,” I pointed on the map, “grab the kids and bolt for the car.” She nodded. <br />
<br />
“Even if you can’t run, don’t pull out the knives. Great for general intimidation, but not very lethal if you aren’t in close range. It takes a lot of practice to hurt someone when throwing a knife. If you have to stand and fight, grab a tree branch. Hit them hard on the leg and they will slow down. Hit them hard in stomach and you may wind them. Hit them hard in the head and you might knock them out. You might also kill them that way.” I looked hard at her. “Do not threaten them with your weapon. Either swing hard and do your best to hurt them or don’t pick up the branch. Threatening is a good way to lose your weapon and the fight.” <br />
<br />
“I think I understand. If I threaten, the odds that they can grab it go up.” <br />
<br />
I nodded. “That’s basically it. If you just hold it, taking it from you is a lot easier. Swing it hard and even just stopping the blow will hurt.” I hugged Tania tightly. “Be careful. Listen for any cars slowing too much or footsteps nearby. Be ready.” <br />
<br />
“You be careful too. Though I guess I needn’t bother telling you that. Careful isn’t what you do best, is it?” She smiled at me. “What are your plans?” <br />
<br />
“Once I know you’re safe, I’ll have to start worrying about that.” <br />
<br />
Tania looked into my eyes. “Liar. You do have some plans.” I was worried that she was going to start demanding the details. “But I’m probably better off not knowing them. I have a job that I have to do. I’ll have to trust you to do the one you’ve set for yourself.” <br />
<br />
“I adore you. You do know that?” I said. <br />
<br />
“You damn well should adore me,” she winked. “I’m the best wife you happen to have.” <br />
<br />
“And the sexiest, whether you are being you or channelling your inner bitch. Turn that phone on at 6 tonight. We can have a brief chat.” I pulled her close for a kiss. “But I think you have to go. Ted will have had plenty of time to get in place by now. And this is not going to get any easier.” <br />
<br />
Tania nodded and went to collect the kids. Two bags, one toddler under arm, the other following along. Given that after this, Tania was going to have to manage on her own, I didn’t offer to help with any of it. I did open the car door for her, watch while she got the kids settled. <br />
<br />
Before she got behind the wheel, I gave her a light peck on the cheek. “Have fun practising at Red Rendezvous, see you in a couple of hours.” <br />
<br />
She smiled and waved as she back the car away. Yeah, in case they happen to be close enough to hear, I want them to think Tania is just out for a few hours. <br />
<br />
Once the car was out of sight, I moved my easel to the front yard and began a painting of our little tree out the front. Usually once I grab a brush, the rest of the world fades away. This time, I had maintain an awareness of my surroundings, just in case. Standing out there, I really did feel like a target. Still, better me than the family. <br />
<br />
After a couple of hours of painting, I realised I was hungry. I wandered inside, made myself a sandwich and grabbed a cold drink from the fridge. It struck me as I sat down that the house was very quiet. I couldn’t remember the last time I was the only one at home. I was more often the one home with the kids, since I didn’t have a regular job. <br />
<br />
So I was instantly aware when I heard the sound of snapping wood outside. If it had been from behind the house, it could have been Tania’s garden or our outdoor bar. Since it was the front of the house, the sound must have been my easel, new painting or both. <br />
<br />
Caution meant I didn’t bolt from the table and rush out the door to see what happened. It would be too late to save my art from its fate and really stupid to run out the door when I know someone has it in for me. I finished my sandwich and my drink. I also thought about what the enemy was trying to accomplish. How long were they going to keep up this minor intimidation phase? <br />
<br />
I then tried to check the most recent output from my security cameras. Unfortunately, there was only a black screen. Fuck, I forgot to check the damned cameras before. They probably broke them when they had cut the power. It would have been nice to have my first look at who was involved. I did look out the window at the sad wreckage of my easel. It was never going to be useful again. <br />
<br />
So painting was out. I couldn’t practice drums, way too noisy. Listening to music was out for the same reason. I washed my plate, then started cleaning the counter and then started cleaning the rest of the house. If Tania has a fault, it’s that she doesn’t clean. If the mess bothers me, then it’s my job to do it. <br />
<br />
One thing about a small house, I did a good clean of the whole place and it took 2 hours. Only 4 in the afternoon, two long hours before I’m supposed to ring Tania. Fucking hell, all this waiting was going to kill me. I wish I had a target to go after.PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-42146634686614268832013-01-28T04:45:00.000-08:002013-01-28T04:45:02.615-08:00Heroes (Jerod's Fourth Tale - Part 3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tania gave me her best ‘are you out of your mind?’ look. “Are you suggesting that we go on a holiday now?”<br />
<br />
“Not at all. I want you and the kids out of the house. They know where I live. The next step might be to torch the house. Or ram it with a truck. Or, who knows?” I grabbed her hands. “It’s not safe here.” <br />
<br />
“We could accommodate your family at The Company headquarters. Probably more comfortable then camping,” suggested Ted. <br />
<br />
“I don’t know how much they know about me and my habits. But I’m going to have to assume that they know some. So The Red Rendezvous is out, the band plays there regularly. Simtastic Imports is out, I’m listed as the owner. The Company buildings are out, I hang out with too many of you. The safest thing I can think of would be to leave town entirely until this blows over. Tania, honey, it’s really weird to ask after all this time, but do you have family you could visit?” <br />
<br />
She shook her head. “When I was a child, we were driving somewhere and there was a horrible crash. It killed everyone but me. My parents, my brother, my twin sister all died. My foster family? Let’s just say we can’t live far enough away from them. What about you? Do you have family?”<br />
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I nodded reluctantly. “My parents died of old age a few years back. My little sister never did get her life together as far as I know. But if we really had to, maybe my little brother and his husband could look after you for awhile. I haven’t directly contacted any of them since the day I left home though, so it would be a massive shock for them.” <br />
<br />
“I’d rather not impose on someone that doesn’t know I exist,” Tania said quietly. <br />
<br />
I could see the shivers starting again. “Tania? Where’s my bitch? Remember that bad-arsed bitch that was my protection in France?” She nodded. “I need her back. I need that bad, brave protector. Remember the attitude, remember the feelings,” I let go of her hands and took a small step back. <br />
<br />
Tania closed her eyes and began to focus. Her breathing deepened for a minute. When her eyes snapped open, I knew she had found her inner bitch. She took a step toward me. “Why?” Her voice was lower and her eyes narrowed. Ted moved back a little as he felt the difference. He and Marta glanced at each other. <br />
<br />
“You, and only you, I trust with my family. I have a plan how we can get you and the kids somewhere safer. But I’m going to stay right here in plain sight. If they are only after me, you’ll be safe. If they want to get at me through my family, first they have to find you. If they do find you, I want you to be ready.” She glared at me and then nodded once. <br />
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“Know this, Jerod. You better survive this. I do not want to go through the effort of training a new spouse.” Suddenly she pulled me into a tight hug. Her lips locked on mine so hard it nearly hurt. After a minute, she let me go. “You understand me?” <br />
<br />
“I will do my absolute best. But I can’t do that until I’m sure you are as safe as possible.” I nodded toward the house. “Let’s go make some plans.” <br />
<br />
Marta and Ted followed us into the house. I found a detailed map of Twinbrook and spread the map on the table. “We can’t be sure how many are involved. It might only be one but my bet is 2 to 4 people.” <br />
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“Why?” asked Marta. <br />
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“One would have written ‘I’ not ‘we’ on the note. More than 4 strangers in this town at once? Surely someone would have noticed.” They all nodded. “So the plan is simply for Tania and the kids to go *through* a few buildings around town. Tania, you drive our car to the Red Rendezvous and go in the front. Keep on going, use the side door and come out here,” I pointed on the map. “Ted can meet you there and drive you over to the Company building. Now that place has 3 extra exits that I know of.” <br />
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“It’s 5 now and we nearly have the 6th one ready,” chimed in Ted. “We’ve been busy.” <br />
<br />
“So Ted takes you through the building and one of the other exits. There is another car there,” I paused. <br />
<br />
Ted stabbed at the map. “That would be a good exit. We can have Wyatt waiting there.” <br />
<br />
I nodded. “Wyatt drives you to City Hall. That place has a ton of entrances and exits. Go out the east exit and go here.” I pointed at the map. “Marta waits for you there and drives you to Hollowlog Springs Park. That’s where you and the kids stay.” <br />
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Tania looked at me. “So I ring you, text you?” <br />
<br />
I walked over to our little bookcase, pulled out a book and opened it. Then I dumped the small phone into my hand. “Just in case, this phone should be safer than yours. It’s never been used, turn it on, send the message and turn it off. Never leave it on for more than 5 minutes at a time. We can set times to ring each other briefly. Phones can be traced, so not long.” <br />
<br />
“You have a burner phone? What other things do you keep?” asked Marta. <br />
<br />
“That would be telling. But I do have some emergency equipment stashed around the place. Including another burner.” I turned back to Tania. “I’m hoping that we can find a way to leave a car somewhere near so you and the kids can get out if you have to. It will be an old clunker, something that will look abandoned. So unless there is a lot more people involved and they are mostly on the streets watching for you, they should lose track by the time you leave the Company building.” <br />
<br />
“I would think leaving the car outside of Red Rendezvous would probably be enough,” said Ted. “By the time they work out Tania’s left, it would be too late for them to follow.” <br />
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“I’d agree with Shrimp. Better safe than sorry. By the time she’s gone through a few buildings, there’s not a chance they’d still be following.”<br />
<br />
“Shrimp, I appreciate that this place isn’t terribly close to the road or any houses. But I’m going to have two toddlers, supposed they start crying too much?”<br />
<br />
“Hmm, bribery should do it.” I went to the kids’s room and picked Toby up. “Come on Lana, let’s go say hi to your godfather.”<br />
<br />
Lana bolted for the living room. I got there in time to hear “Sorry, honey. I don’t have a toy today.” Lana was about to go into pout mode. Maybe full toddler tantrum if we didn’t head it off in time.<br />
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“Kids, for the next couple of days, you and your mom are going to be out in a park. And while you are away from home, she might tell you to be quiet. If she does, I want you to be so quiet, even a mouse is noisy in comparison. She might also tell you to hide. If she does that, you hide and don’t come out until your mom or me or your godfather tells you to come out.” I grinned at them. “If your mom says you did well, I’m going to get you two toys each. But you have to do what she tells you. Lana, you might have to help Toby with this, like a good big sister. Okay?”<br />
<br />
“Toys? Oh, yes Daddy. We’ll be good. We’ll be so quiet, you won’t even know we are there.”<br />
<br />
“That’s my girl, Lana.” I winked at Tania and one eyebrow went up in response. Then her mouth curved upward. “How long do you think it will take to pack a bag of necessities for a week and be ready?”<br />
<br />
“A week? I can’t possibly pack one bag for all three of us for a week. We don’t have enough food for the little ones in the house,” Tania said.<br />
<br />
“Point taken. We’ll have to figure out how to get you some supplies if it goes more than a couple of days.”<br />
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“I can take them,” replied Marta. “No one will follow me. No one ever notices me at night. That’s what I do.”<br />
<br />
Marta, the master thief, delivering groceries. Damn, I have some very good friends. “Ok, so packing for just a couple of days, how long?” I asked.<br />
<br />
“I can have two bags ready in half an hour.”<br />
<br />
“Two bags? Sweetheart?” it was my turn to raise an eyebrow.<br />
<br />
She smiled at me. “Bag one holds a change of clothes for the three of us. We go in with one look and come out a different door looking different and only one bag. We leave the one behind.” She sighed. “Guess I’ll have to hope that no one steals the bag with our clothes.”PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-80239920030727064232013-01-20T18:56:00.000-08:002013-01-20T18:56:11.634-08:00As the World Falls Down (Jerod's Fourth Tale - Part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I remained standing until after they shut the door. Then I sat next to Tania, gently taking her hand in mine. “Sweetheart? Sweetheart?” I said softly.<br />
<br />
She pulled her hand away from mine. “Who are you? I don’t know you.”<br />
<br />
“I’m your Shrimp. You know I’m bad. You’ve always known it.” I was talking softly, gently. “I won’t do anything to hurt you. I’d never hurt you or the kids.” <br />
<br />
“I knew you were bad but murder? Shrimp, murder? That’s not just bad, that’s evil,” she shuddered and a trickle of tears traced its way down her cheek. <br />
<br />
“Tania, Sophie Pesce tried to kill me. She trapped me in a pyramid to die. If I left her alive, she would have tried again. She would have kept trying until I was dead.” I very gently pulled her closer. She didn’t protest but she didn’t move toward me on her own either. <br />
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“Shrimp, you have to promise me. You’ll never kill anyone again.” She looked at me with hope and the start of a smile.<br />
<br />
I closed my eyes. This could ruin our lives. “I can’t make that promise, Tania. I really can’t.” I put one finger under her chin, lifting her head so I could look her in the eyes. Tania knows I can’t lie if I’m looking her in the eyes. “Because if anyone ever threatens you or our children, I might have to kill them. I will do whatever I must to keep my family safe. Always.” I kissed her cheek very tenderly. “I’ve tried to protect you from this part of my life. To keep you from knowing the dark and ugly. Unfortunately, you had to find out. I’m so sorry about that.” <br />
<br />
She pulled away from me and stood up. “Jerod, I can’t. I just can’t.” <br />
<br />
I stood up and took a step toward her. She took two steps back. I didn’t try to close the gap this time. I just stood still and waited. As much as I wanted to try to convince her that nothing had changed, that it was fine, I knew that this wasn’t the time. <br />
<br />
“Get out of this house, Jerod. Just go away,” she finally said, voice cracking. <br />
<br />
I went and opened the door. “Know this, Tania Kennedy Shrimpton. I love you with all my heart and soul. I always have and I always will.” I walked out the door, closing it quietly. As the door shut, I could hear Tania start to cry and that nearly broke me. <br />
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I pulled out my cell. “Marta? Tania just booted me out, could you keep an eye out for her and the house?” “It was a heavy burden I put on her. She needs time.” “Thanks.” Just because Tania wanted me out, I wasn’t going to leave her without someone watching over her. <br />
<br />
I then sent a brief text to Tania. Just “love you”. <br />
<br />
Next was the question of where I’d spend the night. I probably could have crashed with Marta and Ted but didn’t want to be that close to home. I briefly thought about sleeping on a park bench but the police had been cracking down on vagrants and I didn’t need the hassle. <br />
<br />
Finally I remembered that I owned another building, Simtastic Imports, the import/export business I ran for The Company. No one would protest me sleeping there. Though it wasn’t going to be the most comfortable night in my life. I started walking. I checked my phone a couple of times but there was no reply to my message.<br />
<br />
Tania, my Tania. When I first moved to Twinbrook, I thought that having a housemate that was good would help hide the fact that I was evil. It wasn’t long before we were flirting and not long after that we were always jumping into bed for sex. Chat for a bit, have sex. Fight briefly and have sex. I thought of her as my fuck buddy instead of housemate, though I never once said that to Tania. Then something stupid happened and she left for awhile. While she was gone, I realised that Tania was the only woman for me. So I asked her to come home and marry me. I have never regretted it.<br />
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Now it wasn’t until I was nearly half to my business that I remembered I’d been threatened. Far too late to change my mind about walking. Besides, the note was obviously an opening salvo to a psychological campaign. If someone wanted me dead, they really should not put me on my guard. Whoever this sick puppy was, he or she wanted me to be worried first. Still, I found myself walking a bit faster, my heart rate went up and I was looking around more. My heart rate didn’t go back to normal until I was safely in the building.<br />
<br />
There were some crates and barrels in storage. Enough legitimate business happened here to keep my only employee, Howie, busy much of the time. I pulled out a bag I had stowed here under a few floor tiles months ago. In the bag was a sleeping bag, change of clothes and a few freeze-dried meals. One of several emergency kits I’d stashed around town because you never know when you might not be able to go home. This wasn’t a reason I had anticipated but I definitely wasn’t going home tonight. <br />
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I wasn’t particularly hungry so I unrolled the sleeping bag. Then I sent a text “Sweetheart, sleep well. I love you 4ever.” After that I settled in for the night. <br />
<br />
It was a bad night. First I’d worry about the writer of the note and what they might have planned. Then my mind would flick to thinking about Tania and what to do about our situation. I left when she asked tonight but I’m not giving up on us. No fucking way. I adore every part of that woman, from the top of her blond head to the tips of her shoes. <br />
<br />
After approximately a century, dawn broke. I was exhausted, hungry and ready to punch something. I couldn’t do much about the exhaustion until I could sleep better. Hungry could be taken care of by a quick trip to the diner. As for punching, since I didn’t have a target, a trip to the gym would have to suffice. <br />
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My phone had no new messages. I didn’t really expect a message, not yet. I was going to give my wife a few days before I tried to really push my way back into her life. “I need you, Tania,” was the text I sent before starting off toward the diner. I set off at a brisk pace to get my breakfast. I just outside of my target when my phone rang. <br />
<br />
My heart sang when I saw the caller id was Tania. “Tania?” “Calm down, I didn’t understand that.” “Sweetheart, listen. I’ll be there. I’m coming as fast as I can. I’ll be there.” My pace changed from a gentle jog to a flat out run. I still didn’t understand what had happened, I could barely make out any of the words she had said. Whatever it was, Tania was terrified. <br />
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I wasn’t that close to the house when I knew why Tania was terrified. Walking outside to discover that your house has acquired the word “Murderer” in large red letters would be enough to frighten anyone. I saw that Marta and Ted had come out and were standing within easy contact of Tania. I waved at them and ran up to Tania. <br />
<br />
“Shrimp, this is horrible. What else could they do? What if they hurt the kids?” She was shivering violently. I pulled her into a hug, holding her tight until the shivers slowed. There was a light drizzle that wasn't improving things.<br />
<br />
“Sweetheart, I promise to protect you and the kids. I’ll find out who is doing this and stop them.” I leaned close, “Does this mean I’m forgiven?” I whispered softly. <br />
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“I may never quite get over the idea that you really have killed someone. I didn’t think you were serious about that in France. But I feel much safer now that you’re here, so I guess…” she replied softly. “…I guess I trust you to protect us.” <br />
<br />
Ted had been slowly walking toward us. “Don’t worry about the paint,” he said. “I’ve arranged for a couple of guys to come and clean it up. They should be here in five minutes or so.” <br />
<br />
“Why the fucking hell didn’t my alarms go off? They should have been triggered by something.” I had stopped hugging Tania quite so tightly but I didn’t let go of her yet. <br />
<br />
Ted shook his head. “They cut the power to the street first. Unless your alarms and cameras have a backup power source, they were dead.” <br />
<br />
Fucking damn. Well, that did explain what happened. “Never thought we’d need backup power. Not here in Twinbrook.” Yeah, we do have the occasional outage but not that often. <br />
<br />
Ted motioned to his bad leg. “Sometimes they really are out to get you.” <br />
<br />
My brain kicked into overdrive. Our house wasn’t safe. They had just proven that fairly thoroughly. So first priority, get my family somewhere safer. “Sweetheart, how would you like to take the kids on a camping trip?”PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-54578466664763447662013-01-11T18:22:00.002-08:002013-01-11T20:55:24.297-08:00I Want My Baby Back (Jerod's Fourth Tale - Part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It all started one evening when I was getting the post. There were, of course, several bills. Bills are always the bane of my existence. But there was a plain envelope bearing the single word “Shrimp” on it. No stamp, no return address, not even our full address. Which meant someone must have dropped it directly in our box. <br />
<br />
My name is Jerod but almost everyone calls me Shrimp. So I wasn’t too concerned, just a note from a friend. That was why I casually just flipped it over and opened it.<br />
<br />
The contents though, they weren’t routine. Not at all. <br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #003300; font-family: 'Courier'; font-size: 12pt;"></span> <span style="color: #003300; font-family: 'Courier'; font-size: 12pt;">We know what you did.</span><br />
<span style="color: #003300; font-family: Courier; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #003300; font-family: Courier; font-size: 12pt;"> </span> <span style="color: #003300; font-family: Courier; font-size: 12pt;"> </span> <span style="color: #003300; font-family: Courier; font-size: 12pt;">And you will pay for your sins, Jerod Shrimpton.</span></div>
<br />
Now if you haven’t heard about me, I’m definitely not one of the good guys in town. I used to be a member of The Company; a bunch of thieves, cutthroats and villains. I gave that up years ago, hoping for a quiet life. It was quiet for awhile, but recently I’ve been pulled back in as a special representative and that’s made life…interesting. <br />
<br />
God, I should have been more careful about that envelope. Too fucking late now. Though, truth be told, I wouldn’t be able to do anything clever anyway. I don’t have the facilities to do fingerprinting or anything. Plain white envelope, plain white paper doesn’t give me much to work with. <br />
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“Shrimp, what’s taking you so long getting the mail?” called my lovely wife Tania. Tania is the yang to my yin, the good to my evil. I’m being literal about that last, she is and always has been good. Well, up to our last trip overseas. She insisted on being involved in my business and so she had her first walk on the dark side.<br />
<br />
“Sorry, Sweetheart, I just had a bit of a surprise. I think we are going to have to have a talk.” I paused for a moment. “Actually, do you mind if I ask Marta and Ted over? I think I might need them.” I didn’t have to look at Tania, I knew one eyebrow would be very arched at that comment. <br />
<br />
As I pulled out my phone, Tania looked as though she was going to ask what was up. Then she sort of shrugged, there wouldn’t be much of a wait, they live next door.<br />
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“Marta, could you come over for 10 maybe 20 minutes? And please drag Ted’s sorry ass with you.” Now Marta and Ted are two active members of The Company. Marta is by far the best thief around, she can make nearly anything disappear. Ted’s more of the local evil genius, though his skills are more computer based. They don’t extend to people very well. He is a devious bastard though, just the kind of guy I might need.<br />
<br />
I watched as they made their way over. It was good to see that Ted had graduated from using crutches to just a walking stick. His leg had been smashed during a failed takeover of his position by two of his people. It’s left him with a limp and quite a lot of paranoia about when the next takeover might happen.<br />
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When my children spotted Ted, they ran for their godfather. As usual, he gave each of them a brief cuddle, and then gave a toy to each child. This earned him quick hugs, “Tank kews” and then Lana and Toby went off to play with their new toys. <br />
<br />
“So, Shrimp. Why did you call?” asked Marta with her soft drawl.<br />
<br />
I passed the note to Tania first with a motion that she should pass to the others. They each read it quickly and handed it on.<br />
<br />
“And you called us because?” asked Ted.<br />
<br />
“I’m not sure which of my actions this might be referring to. I was hoping a little brainstorming might help.”<br />
<br />
Tania looked at me. “There’s more than just what happened last trip?”<br />
<br />
I sighed. I’d tried for so long to keep Tania from realising exactly what I did for The Company when we met and what I’ve done since. My lovely wife was about to get an earful. “Yes, Tania, there is more. Should I start with the oldest sins or the most recent?”<br />
<br />
“I’d say start with the oldest. We can probably rule them out.”<br />
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“We better sit down, this will take a little while,” I said. We all sat in the living area. I held up my left hand with all fingers extended. “So, first was Dennis Racket. He had plans of making me his toy boy. I rather objected to that.” Ted smirked at me. He’d heard a very different version second hand. “So on a trip to Egypt, I stole his money, the batteries to his cell and his papers. And had him transported away from town, with some provisions. It took him over a month to get home again. As far as I know, he got over it.” I folded over my pinky. <br />
<br />
“Then I quit The Company, they didn’t seem to have an objection to that.” I folded down the ring finger.<br />
<br />
Ted replied, “I’m positive that’s not it. I’m sure I would have been first to hear about that.” Given he took my place as the head of the local branch, he should know.<br />
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“Now my next trip to Egypt was far more dangerous. On my first night at camp, I was given a drugged drink. When I woke up, I was trapped in a pyramid.”<br />
<br />
Ted looked thoughtful. “Was that Kane and Pesce?”<br />
<br />
“As it turns out, yes. It took me two long days to find a passage out of that pyramid. I thought I was going to die there. Once you sent the dossiers, I managed to have Kane arrested for the local equivalent of indecent dealing with a minor.” I folded down my middle finger.<br />
<br />
Then I took a deep breath. I had to remind myself, the people sitting here were the people I trusted most. Trusted with my life and all my secrets. “Pesce, I drugged her food, put her on a raft and pushed it out to some crocodiles. There was a lot of blood and no sign that she woke before they attacked, so I’m sure she’s dead.” I folded down my index finger. Tania gasped and turned pale. <br />
<br />
“Crocodiles? Seriously?” asked Marta. <br />
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“Dude, that is an epic way to murder someone,” said Ted with admiration in his voice. “There is still a major reward from The Company on Pesce. Why not claim it?”<br />
<br />
I shook my head. “I can think of no better way to get a very high price on my head from The Family. No thanks.”<br />
<br />
“Why did you let Kane live? That’s a weak spot,” said Ted.<br />
<br />
I shrugged. “He just didn’t seem that dangerous. He was just the muscle of the operation. Finally our last trip to France, we ended up needing to set up a fake blackmail drop so we could set up the real blackmailer. That worked fine. The blackmailer ended up in jail and discredited so our supplier no longer had to pay his demands. Hard to believe that anyone would be threatening me over that.” I folded my thumb making a fist. Five things I could think of that might make me a target. <br />
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“Pesce. It’s going to be Pesce,” said Marta decisively.<br />
<br />
“I agree. It’s going to be about that. But I don’t think The Family is involved.”<br />
<br />
“Why do you think The Family isn’t involved, Ted?” I asked.<br />
<br />
“They’d just send a team of assassins. They wouldn’t give warning.” He paused. “Besides, if you die on assignment, you weren’t good enough. Pesce failed to kill Shrimp and then she died.”<br />
<br />
I was watching Tania. She was staring down at her hands, refusing to look at any of us. My poor wife was getting far too much of an education, far too fast. Marta looked at Tania, then raised an eyebrow at me. I shook my head, I wanted to talk to her after they’d gone.<br />
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Ted, oblivious to the situation continued. “Now, Shrimp, about your upcoming trip to China.” Ah shit, I forgot I had tickets to go to China next week. “The company is hoping that you can establish a new contact, one that will send shipments of drugs.” Tania gasped and started to shudder.<br />
<br />
“No drugs, Ted. No,” I said firmly.<br />
<br />
He blinked as he realised the problem. “I meant super cheap generic brand versions. Not the other kind. Not the hard stuff.”<br />
<br />
“Marta, Ted, I appreciate you coming over. Could you think about who might be threatening me? What precautions we should be taking.” I stood and they did as well. <br />
Marta leaned over to kiss a cheek and whispered to me, “Take care of Tania.” <br />
<br />
“I will try.”<br />
<br />
---<br />
The lovely Marta Tomesi is originally from Chrysame.<br />
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spare pics<br />
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<br />PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-88462331608505737142011-11-17T07:11:00.000-08:002011-11-18T05:29:32.891-08:00Dark Night of the Soul (Jerod's Third Tale - Finale)<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="40" id="gsSong1792587069" name="gsSong1792587069" width="250"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" />
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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.<br />
<br />
“Shrimp? Any luck?”<br />
<br />
“Not really Sweetheart. I didn’t hear anything that sounded promising. You?”<br />
<br />
“I heard some great gossip. But nothing that sounds like it will help us find Ted.”<br />
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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. <br />
<br />
“Did you have any luck?”<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
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“Ladies, it’s going to be full dark before we can get together a crew and check out Guppy Gills. Should we go now or wait for daylight?” <br />
<br />
“Tomorrow. I don’t like the idea of stumbling around in the dark,” said Tania.<br />
<br />
“I’d prefer we go now. I always do my best work after dark,” Marta purred. “Looks like you decide.”<br />
<br />
I’m still tired from the trip. I don’t know what we might be facing, and that’s a concern. On the other hand, even the hours between dusk and dawn may prove the difference between life and death for Ted. “We go now. Marta, is there someone that you absolutely trust you can bring along?”<br />
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“Wyatt. He may be Company but the only thing he’s worried about now is how to get into the pants of his new boyfriend Eddie.”<br />
<br />
I thought about it. My thoughts drifted to Sinbad, we were still good friends. But I don’t really know about what Bad’s been up to lately. Then I remembered my new employee Howie. Ted had said he was completely ignorant of Company business. I just hope Ted was right, it was his head on the line.<br />
<br />
“Marta, you round up Wyatt, I’ll get in touch with someone still new in town. Give me 15 to shower and wake up from this damned jet lag and we’ll be off.”<br />
<br />
“I’m coming too!”<br />
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“No, Tania, you are not.” If looks could kill, I’d be on my deathbed. “Seriously, Sweetheart, we don’t know what’s going on. I need you to be here, protecting the house and the kids. You are the only one I’d trust. And,” I paused for a deep breath, “it might already be too late for Ted, assuming we do find him. I’d rather spare you that.” Or the frustration if this wasn’t right. There are a lot of little swampy places that one red head dude could be dumped in and never found.<br />
<br />
“You said I did well!”<br />
<br />
“You did Sweetheart, but who can I trust here but you?” Tania stared at me for a moment, then finally nodded. “That’s my girl.” I then rang Howie to see if he was free to help. After I headed off for the quick shower. Marta was making her own arrangements.<br />
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Within 20 minutes, I’d had my shower and was feeling more human. Howie had arrived. Wyatt had also arrived with his boyfriend Eddie in tow. I glanced at Marta and she shrugged. Eddie is a local musician, not my first choice for a rescue. Then again, Howie wouldn’t be either, there are times when you make do.<br />
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We piled into the car and drove to Guppy Gills. I left my car well away from the car park, where it would be hard to spot. “Split up and see if we notice anything?”<br />
<br />
“Wait,” said Wyatt. “There’s a little shelter on the other side of the pond. I found it one day poking around out here.”<br />
<br />
“Lead on.”<br />
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The shelter door was blocked by a very large boulder. “That wasn’t there before,” said Wyatt quietly. Three of us pushed the boulder away from the entrance. A quick look inside revealed one red head lying in the room. <br />
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“Howie, Eddie, Wyatt, go back to the carpark and keep watch. If anyone arrives, try to nab them. Marta and I will see to Ted.” Wyatt nodded. He, Eddie and Howie went back to the carpark. The sound of my voice echoed strangely.<br />
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“No, I won’t. I told you before.” The voice was very rough, soft and only identifiable because of where it came from. Ted was alive. <br />
<br />
“Easy there. It’s the rescue squad,” said Marta quietly.<br />
<br />
Ted’s eyes snapped open. “Where’s that bastard Crooks? Did he send you to soften me up?”<br />
<br />
“What? I don’t know…Shrimp, I swear, I haven’t seen Antone in weeks.” Marta backed away from Ted and looked at me. “I’ve barely seen him since our daughter was born. He’s not much for families.”<br />
<br />
“Ginger, do you know that Lana is crying her heart out over you?” I hope the thought of Lana will help Ted focus. Closer, I could see Ted was in a bad way. His hands were red and raw. There were visible bruises on his arms and face and one leg seemed to be at an odd angle.<br />
<br />
“Shrimp, are you in this too?” Ted blinked a few times, but he still didn’t try to move. “Wait, Lana?”<br />
<br />
“We’re the rescue squad, Ted. Who left you here and why?”<br />
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“It was Antone Crooks and Lang Racket. Crooks grabbed my computer and he’s wants me to give him the password. I couldn’t do that. That computer has my entire life on it. Everything, Shrimp.” Ted knows who did it, which means they were going to kill him.<br />
<br />
“How the hell did they catch you?”<br />
<br />
“I was on my way to go to work when they jumped me. One of them knocked me out, when I woke up, it was here. Then Lang broke my leg with a lead pipe so even when I heard them coming in, there wasn’t much I could do about it.”<br />
<br />
I shook my head. “Don’t tell me, you left home at precisely the same time every day right?” Ted nodded. “For a bright guy, that was dumb. Do you remember the day I quit the Company? I said that you’d always have to watch your back.”<br />
<br />
“I remember very clearly. Been wondering if you were behind it sometimes.”<br />
<br />
“Damn it Ted, why the fuck weren’t you more careful?” <br />
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Marta stepped in, “Shrimp, this isn’t the time for this. Ted needs help.” <br />
<br />
I nodded, Marta made an excellent point. “Ted, can you stand?”<br />
<br />
“I might be able to with help. Without help, no.” I started to offer Ted a hand. At that point, we heard a car nearby and froze. We heard car doors opening and closing and then we heard the car leaving.<br />
<br />
“Damn, now they know,” Marta started. A moment later, we heard crunching footsteps. <br />
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“Get in there,” Wyatt pushed Antone into the room. Antone stumbled and fell just in front of us. “We only caught this one. Racket wasn’t really out of the car when Mr Hero tried to slug him one.” Howie hung his head. “Racket managed to jump back in the car and was gone.”<br />
<br />
Ted snarled, “Where is my computer, you bastard!” <br />
<br />
“You looking for this?” Eddie held out a laptop case. “I took it off him while Wyatt was hitting him.”<br />
<br />
Ted started to reach for the computer, put too much pressure on his broken leg and fell back with a howl. <br />
<br />
“Ted, we have to take you to the hospital. That leg needs professional attention.”<br />
<br />
“How are we going to explain this?” asked Marta with one brow raised.<br />
<br />
“When in doubt, try the truth,” I replied. “Ted was kidnapped, and was just rescued. Who and why are two questions we don’t answer.” I staggered, it had been a long day and the jet lag was back with a vengeance.<br />
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“What do you want done about him?” asked Wyatt motioning toward Antone. With Eddie and Howie there, Antone was unlikely to face an immediate death. His longer term prospects were certainly not good.<br />
<br />
“Much as I’d love to leave him here, it’s obvious that rescue is possible,” said Ted. “Wyatt, you lock him up in the Warehouse. You’re responsible for him until a decision is made.” <br />
<br />
I glanced at Marta. She was looking annoyed. Her wrench was going to come out and clip someone soon. Possibly Antone, for not doing a clean takeover. Removing your boss is a common way to get ahead in the evil emperor game. The key is not to get caught and Antone failed.<br />
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"I've had it with you, loser. You can't be bothered to be there for our little girl. You can't be bothered to send child support. Then you completely stuff this up. We are through."<br />
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She slapped him for good measure. I think her frustrations had been building for some time. <br />
<br />
The car had been packed on the way here. With the addition of Antone and Ted, there was no way to fit everyone in. “Right, I can’t see a way around two trips. The warehouse is closer, so I think Antone, Wyatt and Eddie get a lift there. Then it’s one drop at the hospital and next stop is my house.” The crew nodded. “Right then, I should be back in ten minutes. Do you need a hand getting Ted out of this building first?” <br />
<br />
Eddie didn’t wait but gently picked Ted up and carried him out. “What can I say? I like sweeping guys off their feet,” he quipped winking at Wyatt. I felt better knowing that Racket wouldn’t be able to pin them here while I was gone.<br />
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It was a quick and quiet trip. Antone didn’t make a sound, he hadn’t said a word since Wyatt pushed him in the room. As three disappeared into the Warehouse, I turned the car back for the second pickup.<br />
<br />
The second little group was chatting to keep Ted distracted from pain. I took another look at Ted’s leg and decided that Eddie had the right idea. “Come on then, the hospital for you,” I said as I lifted Ted up. Carrying Ted to the car wasn’t easy. Marta and Howie stayed on either side so they could help if I needed it. We managed to arrange Ted in the back seat and the rest of us piled in the front.<br />
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“What are we going to do about Racket?” asked Ted.<br />
<br />
“Watch his wife Lolly. If she moves out of town, I’d say he’s not coming back,” said Marta.<br />
<br />
“That’s a good idea. If Lolly stays, we watch for Lang. She goes and he’ll be someone else’s problem.”<br />
<br />
We dropped Ted off at the hospital, and Howie volunteered to take him inside. We watched Ted being wheeled in and then headed home.<br />
<br />
“I had no idea about Antone,” I told Marta as we got out of the car.<br />
<br />
“Yeah, he’s a bastard. I’d been thinking it was time to dump him.” Marta waltzed over to her place.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
While Ted was in the hospital, Tania and I took Lana for a daily visit. The leg was very bad, the doctors said there was a good chance he’d have a permanent limp. Better a limp then being dead though. Lolly moved out of town so Lang wasn’t planning to return. I don’t know and I don’t want to know what they did about Antone. If Ted used his brains, he’d make sure that Marta had a major say in the decision. Shipments from France arrived ahead of schedule and the import business is booming. <br />
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As for us, the kids grow like weeds. Tania forgave me, eventually, for leaving her out of the hunt for Ted. But I find myself worried a lot more about the future. This was all too close to home. Granted I’m not officially part of the organisation any more. Still, I’m paying far more attention to their activities then I used to.<br />
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Bonus pics<br />
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Jerod really is quite a devoted family man. He regularly rolls wants to do with the kids and Tania. He wandered in to play with Toby on his own.<br />
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My poor Sim guys. They usually cook breakfast and they rarely get to wear more than undies while they cook. I'm sure he suffered a lot. NOT.<br />
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Boys that laugh together stay together? Wyatt Walker and Eddie Starr with sychronised laughing.<br />
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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.<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
“It’s over? Really over?”<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
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“I didn’t really have to do anything. Lambert was headed to the plaza on his own.”<br />
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“But you were ready to and that’s what counts in this business. So, what did you think?” I watched Tania closely.<br />
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“It was scary but …” her voice trailed off.<br />
<br />
“Horrifying? Disgusting? Exciting? Spine-tingling? Mind-blowing?”<br />
<br />
“Woah, Shrimp, I think I need some time.” She held out her hand, it was quivering.<br />
<br />
I gently kissed her hand. “Take your time. We are done here. You did wonderfully though.”<br />
<br />
As we moved further from the crowd, we decided that for the night, we’d use one of the smaller camping areas. While I didn’t expect that anyone had take much notice of either Tania or I today, keeping out of sight still seemed prudent. <br />
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I waited for Tania to disappear to the toilets. I’d been thinking about who best to contact in the Company; Wyatt, Marta, Sinbad, Shark. I picked Marta because she is the Master Thief and shouldn’t be worried about Ted’s desire to be an evil emperor. “Marta? Yeah, this is Shrimp, sorry about the time.” “No, we’re good but I have a question. Have you seen Ted at all over the past two days?” “No? I was afraid of that. Look, could you drop by his place and if he’s not there, keep your ears open for anything strange?” “Thanks.”<br />
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I made a second call. “Look, would it be possible to switch two seats from the day after tomorrow to tomorrow afternoon? Business class. You can? Great, just do it.” Yeah, pre-emptive strike here. Marta hasn’t seen Ted, we haven’t heard from him. He’s not the kind of guy to go on holiday and he’d never disappear without warning anyone.<br />
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“Shrimp, who were you talking to?” <br />
<br />
“The airlines. If Beaumont agrees we have removed Lambert, we could fly out early, if we want to.” I gave Tania my best innocent smile.<br />
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You’d think I’d know better by now. Tania’s eyes narrowed when she saw that smile, “And why, exactly, would we want to? It’s my first trip, it’s a beautiful place.”<br />
<br />
“And Ted hasn’t been to work for two nights now. I don’t like that. I hate to think what Lana’s like by now. But if you want to stay, we can.” Every movement Tania made screamed her indecision. “We will be back again. It’s likely we’ll be back in a couple of months. That’s one of the things the Company wanted a special foreign rep for. Regular visits to make sure things stay on track.”<br />
<br />
“What you are trying to say, my devious man, is that you really want to head home.” Tania looked directly in my eyes. I hate it when she does that, it’s much harder to put a spin on the answer.<br />
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“Yes sweetheart. It’s time to fly home. I don’t have answers and our children are there. It’s a combination that makes me twitchy.” It was the truth and she could tell. She nodded reluctantly.<br />
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It had been an exhausting day for both of us, it didn’t take long to sleep, in spite of our worries. Tomorrow would be another day and worrying about it now would get us nowhere. <br />
<br />
The next morning, my phone was beeping. I’d had a text. Marta’s message was simply, “No sign of Ted, home or work.” Damn. I’m seriously not happy to see that news. “Jerod? What’s that?”<br />
<br />
I sighed. There was no way I was going to keep it from Tania for long. “Ted’s still missing. He’s not at home and he’s not been to work.” Tania started to reach for her phone. “Remember the time difference. The sitter and the kids should be soundly asleep right now.”<br />
<br />
“That’s right.” She put away her phone. “What do we do?”<br />
<br />
“For the moment, finish the job we came to do. Make sure that Jean Luc will reduce the price of the goods back to something reasonable. Then get on a plane this afternoon and bolt for home.” Tania nodded. “On the other hand, our flight isn’t particularly early, and so we may as well enjoy town a bit more. Our business with Jean Luc should only take a few minutes.”<br />
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We journeyed into town to visit Jean Luc. “Jean Luc, how are you this fine day?”<br />
<br />
“Oh Monsieur, that beast is in jail. I am so relieved.”<br />
<br />
“So you’ll drop the prices for the next shipment as we agreed?”<br />
<br />
A greedy look came into Jean Luc’s eyes. “I do not think so. The shipments are now 600, I see no reason to drop the price.”<br />
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“What! You fucking bastard. You goddamn little whore. We had a deal and if you break it, you’ll annoy me,” I was snarling at him. “ Do you want to know what happened to the last two people who annoyed me? One was sent to prison for a very long stay and the other is dead.” I poked him in the chest. “Are you sure you want to annoy me?” He was scrambling back out of my way. “Well, you fucking little bastard, what’s it to be?”<br />
<br />
“It was 300?”<br />
<br />
“It was 280 and right now you’re lucky that I haven’t decided to make it 250 because you are a loathsome little prick. I expect a shipment to leave here by the end of the week. Fail me and you will pay.” <br />
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I stormed out of the house with Tania at my heels. “Miserable bastard. Is that the thanks we get?”<br />
<br />
We stopped outside and Tania looked at me for a moment. I thought for a moment she was going to comment on my language or abusing Jean Luc. Instead, her first words were, “You need a drink. Let’s go back to the nectary for the rest of the morning after I change clothes to tourist again.” <br />
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“Love of my life, that is an excellent plan. Let’s go.”<br />
<br />
After a few drinks, I asked Tania, "Do you think I was a bit rough on Beaumont?"<br />
<br />
"Jerod, when you are that angry, you are one scary guy. Beaumont did deserve something though, you don't break promises."<br />
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We tasted some of the wares at the nectary and I purchased a few young but promising vintages to take home. It put me in a much better mood for the long flight home.<br />
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——<br />
<br />
We were still on the sidewalk when we heard toddler tantrum in progress. Little Lana has very good lungs. Tania and I looked at each other.<br />
<br />
“I’ll pay off the sitter. They are getting a bonus,” I told Tania.<br />
<br />
“You coward. Leave me with the hard work.”<br />
<br />
“You bet. That child is going to take some work to calm down.”<br />
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Tania just nodded as we walked into the house. Lana stopped screaming the moment she spotted her mother. I paid the sitter double the usual. Then I ducked next door to chat to Marta.<br />
<br />
“Hey, gorgeous, heard anything yet?”<br />
<br />
“Shrimp, you’re back. I’ve heard nada. And haven’t noticed anything different around town.”<br />
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“Is there anyone local in the Company that might be holding a grudge?”<br />
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“I wouldn’t have thought so but now that Ted has vanished, I’m not so sure. I take it you don’t suspect me.”<br />
<br />
“Not of making Ted disappear.” I winked at Marta. “If everything in his house vanished overnight, you’d be my first suspect. We need at least two more people outside the Company that we can trust. A group of us should check around town, see if there are any signs of unusual stuff. But if someone is keeping Ted and they find out, that will be the end of him.” I was feeling indecisive, a mistake at this point might be fatal. It might not, and it might be too late already.<br />
<br />
“Well, let’s start with the basics. Talk to our friends, see if anyone has seen someone new around town or something that seems a bit different. We don’t have to ask specifically about Ted, just what they’ve noticed.”<br />
<br />
“Good start. Come over to my place around 6 ish, we can discuss our findings.”<br />
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Bonus pics<br />
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Oh look, aren't they beautiful?<br />
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The stars?<br />
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No silly, our fans.<br />
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Tania, fire roasted lettuce? That is just fail.<br />
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Jean Luc is very expressive if you need a local for a bit part.<br />
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They actually got plenty of adventure time - since they relived day 2 several times over<br />
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<br />
Came home with plenty of booty and Jerod has a level 2 visa for France (no cheating!)PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-61382414666373193152011-10-29T04:51:00.000-07:002011-10-29T05:13:10.261-07:00All Souls Night (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 7)<object height="40" width="250"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" />
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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?<br />
<br />
“Shrimp? Ted didn’t email last night.”<br />
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Deep in my own thoughts, I wasn’t really paying attention to Tania. “That’s nice, honey.”<br />
<br />
“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?”<br />
<br />
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“I wasn’t paying attention but you said that Ted didn’t email. Maybe he didn’t think it was worthwhile, he had just sent us that bit on Lambert after all.”<br />
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“He promised me.”<br />
<br />
“Sweetheart, what did I tell you about Ted yesterday? You can’t always trust his promises.”<br />
<br />
“But, he’s always so sweet with Lana and I.”<br />
<br />
“Look, it’s like 2 in the morning at home. We’ll ring the house when it’s a reasonable time and talk to the sitter. You should send an email to Ted and let him know you’re worried.” Truth be told, I am a bit concerned too. Ted is addicted to computers, it’s hard to think why he might not have sent email before starting work. I finished cooking breakfast and we sat to eat. <br />
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<br />
After breakfast, we went out into the courtyard, a better place to discuss things. By that time, Tania managed to refocus her attention. “So how is today going to work?”<br />
<br />
“I work out some reason to get the law at the scene at the right time. We help Jean Luc put the money in place. Then a glorious scene when all hell breaks loose as Lambert tries to grab his money, Bernard yells blue murder that Lambert is blackmailing him, and we make a very quiet exit.”<br />
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“What if someone works out that you weren’t who you said?”<br />
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“Lambert is dirty. Once fingers start pointing, I’m sure that they’ll be so happy to be rid of him that my part in the affair won’t be remembered.”<br />
<br />
“And if they do remember?” <br />
<br />
“Next time, we might have to come disguised or send a proxy to check on things. We’ll see when the time comes. At the moment, we have to concentrate on this job, not the potential consequences of what might happen later. So, I’d like to make sure the local cops turn up.”<br />
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“I’ve heard that there is a topless protest planned today.”<br />
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I looked at Tania. “Brilliant, that’s brilliant. If they get a tip about that, they’ll be there.” I gave Tania a big smooch. “Damn woman, where have you been all my life?”<br />
<br />
“Hiding right in front of you,” she grinned.<br />
<br />
“So, that takes care of the basics. We have cops, photographers, a ‘victim’ ready to testify against the guy. There is one thing I’m still worried about.”<br />
<br />
“What’s that?”<br />
<br />
“When Lambert is planning on arriving to this party. We can’t expect the others to hang out waiting. I’d estimate that we have 5, at most 10 minutes before everyone starts leaving. Unless you really can arrange a topless protest?” Tania shook her head. “Then we have to find a way to make sure he gets to the place at the right time so the rest will work.” <br />
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I paced. One thought kept coming to mind. I didn’t like it but it was the only idea that seemed possible. “Tania, you have any ideas?”<br />
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<br />
“No, not really.”<br />
<br />
“I think that this will have to be your show. Bernard has talked me, he’d never believe it if I happened to be coming from the same direction at the same time as Lambert. If you change outfits and hairstyle, there is a good chance you can get Lambert close enough that we can spring the trap without anyone recognising you. I’ll be shepherding Beaumont for the drop, then watching Bernard. If Lambert doesn’t seem to be leaving his place for the pickup by 5 past, you’ll have to try to get him over here. You ready for the show?”<br />
<br />
“I think so. But the idea is giving me butterflies.”<br />
<br />
“That’s natural. It’s the first time you’ve been involved in anything like this. With any luck, you won’t have to talk to him at all. Just follow along behind and make sure he’s going to the pickup. He’s been blackmailing for several years now so he’s probably not as alert as he might be.”<br />
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<br />
We set the rest of the wheels in motion. The police, the shopkeepers and some of the other tourists all found themselves wanting to travel to the place at ten past 2. By then, Beaumont should have finished the drop and gotten away. In theory, it should all work. It was as good a plan as we had time to set up. In practice, I shudder to think how many potential catastrophes we might encounter. Then again, as long as enough elements come together, we should get the result we want. Lambert lambasted. I love it when an evil plan comes together.<br />
<br />
I found an abandoned clean paper bag and some paper. I cut the paper into bank note size, stuffing them into the bag. I threw a few low denominational notes on the top, enough to hide the plain paper below. By the time that was finished, it was nearly noon. I looked over to Tania. “Sweetheart? It’s late enough to ring home if you want to.”<br />
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Tania promptly pulled out her phone and rang the sitter. “Hi, just wanted to check on things. Any problems with the children?” Even from a few paces away, I could hear a toddler tantrum in progress. “I see.” “Ok.” “Well, I hope she gets over it soon.” “Her godfather didn’t show up last night? Well, that does explain it.” “Thank you.”<br />
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“The kids are fine but Lana has been throwing tantrums all day,” started Tania.<br />
<br />
“Because her godfather didn’t visit last night. I heard.”<br />
<br />
“I don’t like it. That’s not like Ted.”<br />
<br />
“I agree, but there is absolutely nothing we can do now. Our flight doesn’t leave for two days and so we may as well see our current scheme through.” Tania was still looking distraught so I gave her a big hug. “The kids are fine and Ted is capable of taking care of himself. You have to concentrate on your target, Monsieur Lambert. At this point, we need Lambert to arrive on time and you have to do it.” Tania nodded slowly. “That’s my girl.”<br />
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I glanced at my watch. It was time for me to visit Bernard and then get Beaumont off to make the drop. “I have to go. You be careful, very very careful.”<br />
<br />
“You too, Shrimp. I don’t feel like breaking in a new husband, I’m kind of used to you.” She was trying but I could tell by her voice that she was scared. <br />
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“You’ll have to work hard to get rid of me. I’m the proverbial bad penny.” With that I was out the door.<br />
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Yves was pacing around on the street outside his house. “Are you still willing to work with us?”<br />
<br />
“Mais oui, if Monsieur Lambert is willing to blackmail me, who else might he leech from?”<br />
<br />
“If you would be so kind as to arrive at the central plaza a little past two and then wait. Remember, say nothing until I do this.” I gave a wave of one arm. “Then accuse Lambert of blackmail.” <br />
<br />
He gave me a brief nod and I went to collect Jean Luc. “Here is the parcel,” I handed him the bag of cash/paper. “I’ll be nearby but not that close. You take a seat on the bench, put the parcel down and leave.”<br />
<br />
“Monsieur, you have no idea how much leaving appeals to me.” I bowed toward the door and Jean Luc proceeded toward the drop point. I trailed along well behind, I knew where we were going.<br />
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It was only a few minutes before we arrived at the destination. I watched as Jean Luc left the bag as instructed and ran off. It was just a minute past two. I found a spot where I could keep an eye on things without being too obtrusive about it. <br />
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I watched as the first couple of photographers and one who looked suspiciously like an off-duty cop started vaguely milling around. It was a bit concerning. Too many people milling around would scare our little mark off. Bernard arrived and I motioned for him to stand back from our drop point.<br />
<br />
I was just starting to get worried when Lambert appeared on the scene. He looked uncomfortable with the number of people hanging out but after a moment, he headed for the bag. As he approached the target, a few more souls gathered. I waited until his fingers had just brushed the top of the bag and waved at Bernard.<br />
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“Stop him! He’s a blackmailer.” I loved the fact that there was a photographer just behind Lambert. We had him so nailed.<br />
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Lambert jumped as though electrified. The photographers had been looking disappointed at the lack of topless protesters but started snapping away at Lambert. Two uniforms magically appeared on the scene collaring Lambert. Bernard formally stated that he’d been the victim of blackmail, accused of a crime he never committed. The scene was all I had hoped for.PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-55806775413752876722011-10-24T06:08:00.000-07:002011-10-29T05:12:29.703-07:00The Highwayman (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 6)<object height="40" width="250"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" />
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<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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She was standing still as a statue while she thought. Finally there was a quiet, “Jerod?”<br />
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“Yes, Tania?”<br />
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“When Ted first suggested that you be a foreign rep, he didn’t mention anything like this. It just sounded like simple business trips to exotic locations.”<br />
<br />
“Honey, for one thing, Ted is a lying manipulative bastard. He’ll say what he needs to so he’ll get the results he wants.”<br />
<br />
“How can you say that about a friend?”<br />
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“Ok, he’s my friend who is a lying manipulative bastard. I should know, I can be one too. Remember that I told you at the start it wasn’t likely to be simple business trips. Ted apparently did not tell you all the risks but situations like this are always possible for the Company.” I looked Tania in the eye. “Have you decided what’s it to be?”<br />
<br />
She closed her eyes for a moment. “You’re still not getting rid of me that easily. I’m with you.”<br />
<br />
I looked at Tania. It was tempting to send her back to camp, keep her safe as I can. However, that’s not fair to her. If Tania is willing to try dipping into the evil side of the pool, far be it from me to hold her back. “If you are positive,” Tania nodded firmly at me. “Well, let’s go chat to Jean Luc again. You know the drill, I talk and you watch everything.”<br />
<br />
Once the decision was made, it was a quick walk back to Jean Luc Beaumont’s house. He didn’t exactly looked thrilled to see us back on his doorstep.<br />
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“Why are you back?”<br />
<br />
“Jean Luc, I need something from you.” <br />
<br />
“I’ve nothing left to give to you. Nothing.” He was in an even worse state then our previous visit. God, he is just pathetic. If I said ‘boo’, he’d probably run out the door. Surely we aren’t coming across as that dangerous?<br />
<br />
“I need to know about how Lambert carries out his blackmail. How does he deliver the demand? How do you get the money to him? I need every last detail that you can think of.”<br />
<br />
“Ah, oui, now I understand. I get an envelope under the door every few weeks. It always has the amount of money to deliver, the day, the time and the place.”<br />
<br />
“Do you happen to have one of the letters?” It would be useful to have one to base my little scheme on. The devil in any plan like this is to match as much detail as you can. <br />
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Jean Luc pointed a shaky finger at a small piece of paper on a table. “It arrived an hour ago.” I found myself almost feeling sorry for the dude now. No wonder he’s been jumpy as hell. Us turning up a second time on the day another blackmail demand arrived must have really put him on edge.<br />
<br />
I picked up the paper and glanced at it. The drop was tomorrow at 2 pm. That’s good and bad news. Good news, we have both the time and place to set our trap. It’s a public drop, he’s planning on picking it up quickly. The bad news was it wasn’t a lot of time to set everything up. Then I read the demand more carefully. The amount being demanded was far more then I expected.<br />
<br />
“I do not know how I will make the payment this time. I do not want to sell the family heirlooms, but I have sold almost everything else worth money.”<br />
<br />
“Jean Luc, I’ll bring the parcel for the drop, you just do it as usual and leave. Understand?”<br />
<br />
“Oui, monsieur but if you fail, I do not like to think of the consequences.” Damn, I really want to know what the hell Lambert has on this guy. Whatever it is, Beaumont wants to keep it very hidden from the rest of the world. <br />
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“We should return tomorrow with news for you.” With that, Tania and I quietly exited.<br />
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<br />
We walked over to the local bookshop, which also served as a tiny library for the town. I spotted an ancient computer and printer in the corner. The paper in the printer matched that of our blackmail note. “Tania?”<br />
<br />
“Yes, Shrimp?”<br />
<br />
“Your job is to ring the local newspaper and convince them to send photographers to central fountain tomorrow at 2:15.”<br />
<br />
“What should I tell them?”<br />
<br />
“I’ll leave that up to you. I’m thinking about how to phrase the blackmail letter.” I sat at the computer to prepare my first blackmail letter to Yves Bernard. It had to be just pushy enough to be believable without sending the recipient into tail spin. Yves has enough influence in town to be a believable target and someone everyone will listen to. After thinking things through for some minutes, I booted the computer to start typing. While the computer was booting, I listened to Tania making her first phone call.<br />
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<br />
“Oui, monsieur. The female tourists have decided to protest the lack of separate facilities in the guest house. At 2:15 tomorrow, they will be staging a sit down protest outside the shops.” <br />
<br />
“That is not news? In that case, we will have to stage our protest topless. Surely that will be news.” Well, that bait should bring a few photographers around. <br />
<br />
Once the computer was up, it didn’t take me long to finish my note. I sent the result to the printer and as the antique machine started making a racket, I deleted my file. Then emptied the computer recycle bin, and shut it down again. While the computer was shutting down, I picked up the blackmail letter. Tania was finishing a second phone call.<br />
<br />
“Topless protests? Am I invited?”<br />
<br />
“Certainly not. No ogling the half naked girls for you.” <br />
<br />
“Me? Ogle?” I gave Tania a hurt innocent expression. “Well, can’t I ogle at least one topless girl?” I waggled an eyebrow at Tania. “I take it that the photographers will definitely be coming?”<br />
<br />
“They certainly will be.”<br />
<br />
“Now, to have this letter delivered.” I looked around and spotted a boy of about 11. “Hey, I’ll give you this if you put this letter in front of that door, knock on the door and run away as fast as you can.” I showed the boy a handful of coins. He nodded and I dumped the coins and the note in his hand. We watched my delivery boy as he performed the task. By the time the door opened, the boy was out of sight. The man at the door looked around then noticed the letter. He picked it up and went back inside, closing the door behind him.<br />
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I waited until the door had been shut for about two minutes. Then I walked over to knock on the door, Tania trailing behind. A man slowly and cautiously opened the door. “Monsieur, I am Jerod Templar of the International Crime Squad. I have been tracking a man guilty of fraud and blackmail across Europe. I have reason to believe that he may have recently decided to target you.” I held my breath. If he demanded identification, my scheme was screwed. I motioned toward the inside of the house. “Perhaps we should discuss this in a more private place?”<br />
<br />
He nodded and let us in. “Monsieur Templar, I had just received such a demand. You might have even seen the fiend delivering it.”<br />
<br />
“Sadly, no. The streets were clear when we found your house. But I assume that it was for a goodly sum of money to be delivered to a public spot. That’s his usual method of operation.”<br />
<br />
“Mai oui Monsieur. Who is making such demands? What am I meant to do?”<br />
<br />
“The guilty party is Monsieur Lambert. You may know him?” Bernard nodded. “You are innocent of the things in the letter?”<br />
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“Naturellement, Monsieur. I would never do such an act.”<br />
<br />
“I’ll set up so there is a parcel in place. You go to the drop point and wait until I give you a nod, then shout about the blackmail. Unfortunately, I have no authority to arrest him here but the local police will be able to move in and arrest Lambert. We will put him away once and for all.”<br />
<br />
“I would be so happy to cooperate.”<br />
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“I shall stop by tomorrow to confirm the details.” With that, I led the way out of the house. Tania and I went back to base camp for a well earned rest.<br />
<br />
“The local police?”<br />
<br />
“We’ll have to fix that small detail tomorrow, my love. You were magnificent today. You deserve a special bonus.” I held Tania’s hand as we walked up the stairs to the bedrooms.PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-32599489071733914342011-10-17T04:03:00.000-07:002011-10-17T04:03:52.929-07:00The Mummer's Dance (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 5)<object height="40" width="250"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" />
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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?”<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
“Mister, do you think I’m letting you wander town on your own?”<br />
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“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.”<br />
<br />
“Jerod!”<br />
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“No. I’m serious. While there is a small chance that something might happen, there is also a small chance it might happen to you too.” I took a deep breath. “It was being careless at base camp in Egypt that nearly cost me my life on the last trip. Be careful and be alert, always. I’ll stop by the relic store and maybe the general store, then return to camp in two hours tops.”<br />
<br />
“Well, I don’t like it. But I guess I'll do it.”<br />
<br />
“That’s my girl. Go ahead and tell Ted everything you remember about the meeting. When he gets the message, he should have everything we need to know in a few hours.”<br />
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So my first stop was the relic shop. Truth be told, I wouldn’t trust a single thing to be a genuine relic if bought from here. It had all the markings of a tourist trap. <br />
<br />
Not that I could blame the proprietor at all. Genuine relics are expensive to handle, a town this size simply doesn't attract enough people.<br />
<br />
“May I be of some assistance, Monsieur? Perhaps a gift?”<br />
<br />
“I was wondering if you could tell me a little about town. My wife and I are thinking a little holiday place might be nice. Is Champs a good place to live?”<br />
<br />
“But of course. The weather is fabuleux. The town is charmant. There is a range of homes that can be bought.” She looked me over once, “Though I am not sure that any are the price range you would hope for.”<br />
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“I’m sure I could arrange the money if we decide to buy. It certainly won’t hurt us to look at the places. Would you be so kind as to give me directions?”<br />
<br />
“Mai oui, there is one very close to town centre. You just turn right going out of the shop, turn left when you reach the road and it is the second house on the left.”<br />
<br />
“Excellent, merci. I’m also a bit of an artist, how hard is it to keep a small shop in town?” <br />
<br />
She hesitated and looked away for a moment. Will she tell me something interesting or lie? “Keeping a shop, it is not easy. There are many expenses, you have to sell enough to keep yourself in business.”<br />
<br />
“Many expenses, eh?” She looked away again. Partly true but not the full story would be my guess. “I don’t suppose you would tell me more?”<br />
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“No Monsieur.” I bought a small knickknack and left the shop.<br />
<br />
I went next to the bookshop. It was a similar story. There is something going on that the shopkeepers are unhappy about and unhappy to talk about. I’m betting it’s Lambert.<br />
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I walked back to base camp to find Tania tapping away at the computer keyboard.<br />
<br />
“I’m back. Any news yet?”<br />
<br />
“Ted sent this,” Tania pushed the computer in my direction.<br />
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Shrimp and Tania, <br />
<br />
I believe I have your guy, but I’m not positive. Francois Lambert is a fairly common name in that area. Of those I found, only two of them have been in government service.<br />
<br />
I expect that your Lambert is the one that was forcibly retired from a government position as a senior manager about 3 years ago for fraud. The records I could dig up suggest that he does have a pension but for much less than would be usual. <br />
<br />
No criminal record, I think they did a deal to keep it quiet. I can’t see him posing much of a problem for you, Shrimp.<br />
<br />
Lana and Toby are still fine. All is well here.<br />
<br />
Ted</div>
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“What do you think we should do?”<br />
<br />
“Well, there are three possibilities I can think of. The first is murder him.”<br />
<br />
“Shrimp! You have to be joking.”<br />
<br />
“Not entirely joking, Tania. Sometimes it is necessary and has to be considered as an option. However, I don’t think it will be necessary in this case.”<br />
<br />
“I should hope not.”<br />
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I gave my wife a serious look. “If you insist on being involved with me and my business, sooner or later that will be <b>the </b>necessary option. You’ll need to be ready to back me up just as much for that as for anything else. Understand?”<br />
<br />
Tania nodded reluctantly. “So what are the other options if that one is out?”<br />
<br />
“Option two is blackmail him back. Can you see the problems with that one?”<br />
<br />
“Well,” Tania tapped her chin, “if we blackmail him about blackmailing someone else, what if he decides to try to blackmail us?”<br />
<br />
“Or ignores it, or reports it to the authorities. There is a lot that can go wrong with blackmail, which I’m hoping we will be proving to Mr Lambert soon enough.”<br />
<br />
“So what’s the third possibility?”<br />
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I smiled. “We frame him. Set him up in some situation that will put him in prison. It will have to be something splashy, something that will discredit him with everyone in town.”<br />
<br />
“You are sounded very pleased with yourself, Shrimp.”<br />
<br />
“Why not, my love. This is when it gets to be fun.” Nothing like a well thought out evil plan to put me into the best mood. “Shall we go for a stroll?”<br />
<br />
“I thought you were concocting an evil plan?”<br />
<br />
“I like to walk and think at the same time. It works for me.”<br />
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We took a casual stroll around the streets of Champs. We walked past the Lambert residence, discussing the town and the shops. He owns quite a large and comfortable looking place. A house of someone with means.<br />
<br />
We wandered past the little house available for sale to foreigners. It was a charming but tiny house, we discussed the possibility of buying it sometime. We meandered past the shops, Tania looking at the goods in the windows.<br />
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Eventually we found a little space over looking the river and stood there watching the water peacefully roll by.<br />
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“Any thoughts yet?”<br />
<br />
“I do believe that Fracois Lambert is about to be guilty of corrupting a government official. Or blackmailing one. Both seem very appropriate, given his history.”<br />
<br />
“Jerod, how would you set about that?”<br />
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“For the corruption? Hmm, set up an account in Lambert’s name and use that to send a bribe. Ted might be able to use his real account but that’s some major system hacking. That’s simply not possible for me. Blackmail is probably better. We can hit up Jean Luc for more details about how Lambert does the squeeze. Use those details to set up a similar deal on some official in the local government. Make sure that the press and the police are all invited to the party.”<br />
<br />
“Shrimp?”<br />
<br />
“Yes, Sweetheart?”<br />
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“Is it really necessary? I mean, framing someone.”<br />
<br />
“Can you think of another way to stop Lambert from blackmailing Beaumont? I’m open for suggestions. Besides, he’s already dirty, it’s not like I’m proposing to frame an innocent man.” Not this time, at any rate.<br />
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“But, can’t we just call the police?”<br />
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“Sweetheart, even the legit businesses haven’t called the police. Why would they pay attention to accusations from a pair of foreigners?” I took a deep breath and smiled. “So you still in or will you be staying at the base camp?” The protection act was one thing but framing someone is definitely treading well into the dark side. Would Tania be willing to dip her toes there?<br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
bonus<br />
<br />
Jerod did manage enough to do enough little things for the natives to reach level 1 visa. Next trip doesn't have to be so compressed. I think they are currently on day two of 3 - for the third time! <br />
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<br />
Sorry, this wasn't a very excited post. Maybe next time.<br />
<br />PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-5224520163849699662011-10-11T04:57:00.000-07:002011-10-16T14:32:56.440-07:00Dante's Prayer (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 4)<br />
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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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
"Shrimp, where's the new laptop?"<br />
<br />
I pulled it out of my bag and handed it to Tania. "What do you want it for?"<br />
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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."<br />
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"That sounds like a fine idea. I'll go see about some food." I left Tania tapping away at the keyboard.<br />
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The kitchen wasn't going to win any design awards but it was functional and I set about preparing some Mac n Cheese. It was nearly done before Tania came to the kitchen to check on things.<br />
<br />
"That was a long note, honey."<br />
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"Well, I started reading the history of the town. There is a lot online about the families and the buildings." As we sat down to our Mac n Cheese, Tania filled me in on the high points of the town.<br />
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After dinner we started looking at the bedrooms. We found that there was one room downstairs with several single beds but upstairs had a few rooms with just one double bed each. We managed to claim a double bed. Good thing no one tried the door cause things got a little frisky. There is something about the French air that makes love feel new again.<br />
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We had agree to explore the museum after breakfast the next day. I took one look at what Tania put on and shook my head.<br />
<br />
"Tania, those are the wrong clothes. Go change."<br />
<br />
"What do you mean by that?"<br />
<br />
"Sweetheart, put on the new outfit. And the knives."<br />
<br />
"But you said the meeting was this afternoon."<br />
<br />
"It is but I think you should wear that outfit the entire time we are out. You need some practice at being badarse enough. And if anyone flirts with you, you are not doing the attitude right."<br />
<br />
Tania looked for a moment like she was thinking about arguing and then disappeared again with a slam of the door. <br />
<br />
When she reappeared, she had on the new gear but handed me the knives in their sheaths. "I have no clue about this."<br />
<br />
I strapped one on her left arm, just far enough above the jacket sleeve to be invisible to the casual glance. The other was strapped to her leg, the handle just hidden by the top of the boot. "There, with any luck, someone might only find one of the two."<br />
<br />
"Maybe you should frisk me, just to be sure." Tania's upper lip twitched with a suppressed grin. I decided she had a point and what guy would want to pass up an opportunity to grope his spouse? The knife up the sleeve was easy to find in a quick pat down. But the boots are a heavier leather and I didn't notice that knife when frisking Tania. Twice over, just to be sure. <br />
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After breakfast, Tania logged into email. Ted had sent a note, all was well at home. It would have been a bit surprising to hear anything else but Tania liked reading that all the same. He also requested details of the meeting when we had any to share. <br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
On the way over to the museum, I gave Tania some more details about the part she would have to play. What you were supposed to look for, how you were expected to act. She didn't know that I'd had a brief stint in such positions before when I was working my way up in the Company.<br />
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The museum was, well, a museum. There was art work from around the globe, most of the exhibits were from China and Eqypt.<br />
<br />
I couldn't decide if I liked the sphinx statue or not. It's a beautiful piece of art but reminds me of being left to die in the Great Pyramid. Not one of my more pleasant memories. <br />
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Tania was truly getting into her role as my protection. I was moving from exhibit to exhibit. She was positioning herself in places that let her keep an eye on everything in the room with barely a glance at a single thing on display. When we were in an empty room, I gave her a brief nod of approval. An eyebrow arched upward and one corner of her mouth moved were my only replies.<br />
<br />
The museum didn't really take that long. It's too small a town to have much on display. I walked out with Tania still tailing along a few paces behind. We stayed silent until we finally got into our rental car to find some food.<br />
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"Well?"<br />
<br />
"Darlin', you are a professional. If I didn't know better, I would have thought you'd been doing this job for a couple of years."<br />
<br />
"Shrimp, seriously?"<br />
<br />
"Seriously. This is not the kind of thing I'd ever lie to you about because the difference between doing it right and doing it wrong could be fatal for both of us. I'm stunned by how fast you are learning."<br />
<br />
"So how do I handle lunch?"<br />
<br />
I laughed. "We just eat. Everyone has to eat. Even the most dedicated protection has to have some food."<br />
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We went back to the Bistro and ordered some food. I tried the shrimp cocktail. It was trés bon.<br />
<br />
After lunch, it was finally time for the meeting. Tania was following our directions while I drove us toward our destination. The meeting was at the guy's home, his business not being entirely on the up and up.<br />
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The directions I had worked well, we arrived for the meeting at only a few minutes before 2. Jean Luc Beaumont meet us at the door.<br />
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"Hi, I'm Jerod. Thank you for agreeing to having a little chat."<br />
<br />
"I will not say it's my pleasure but I can understand why your people are a bit concerned. Please come in." He suddenly spied Tania behind me. "Perhaps, it is my pleasure after all. You did not tell me your protection was so beautiful."<br />
<br />
"It's not wise to say that. She scuffed her boots kicking the last man who said that. She gets really cross when her boots are scuffed." I paused then smiled wickedly. "I think he got off the floor, eventually." I glanced at Tania who was calmly standing behind me. Her smile definitely left no doubt that she'd love to kick someone else too as she idly looked at one boot.<br />
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Damn I love that woman.<br />
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Jean Luc smiled hesitantly this time. "Please sit. Let us chat." Tania ignored the offer of a chair and stalked off to a corner with a clear view of the door and our host. I sat in the proffered chair. A quick look around suggested that Jean Luc's home was comfortable. However, it wasn't where the money from the recent increases was going. Bank fund? Retirement account? Gambling debt? Something else?<br />
<br />
"Do you know why I asked to meet with you?"<br />
<br />
"I think, perhaps Monsieur, that you are here to demand a reduction in price in the goods I supply."<br />
<br />
"No, no." I motioned with my hands. "Not demand. I should hope that demands are completely unnecessary. But I must insist on knowing, why are the prices of goods going up? What can I do to help?"<br />
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Jean Luc looked like he wanted to run out of the room. I relaxed back into the chair, I could afford to be patient. Tania was nearly as still as the wall behind her. The tension radiating from Jean Luc kept building. <br />
<br />
"Please, Jean Luc, talk to me. We want to keep supplies flowing. While we could look for a new source, the first priority is to see if this can work again. And my people were very clear, there can be no more increases in price. A substantial reduction is required."<br />
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Jean Luc nearly jumped to his feet. "A reduction? A cut? Oh Monsieur, if only I could but."<br />
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"Monsieur," I said very gently, "I repeat, what is wrong and what can I do to help?" <br />
<br />
"Help? Help? There is no help for me, Monsieur. Two years ago, a man who had many years of service in a government agency moved here. He has decided that his retirement funds were inadequate and when he found out about my little business. Well, he is, how do you say it?"<br />
<br />
"Blackmail, perhaps, Monsieur Beaumont? He demands money from you?"<br />
<br />
"Oui, exactement. This man demands money from me and he keeps expecting more."<br />
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"So, if these demands for money were eliminated, you could sell us the goods for?"<br />
<br />
"The costs involved have gone up. Perhaps 300 a crate?"<br />
<br />
Ah well, trying a bit of price bartering shouldn't hurt. "Maybe 260 a crate?"<br />
<br />
"Monsieur, surely not. I might be able to sell for 290."<br />
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"Mon ami, let us agree on 280 and say no more on the matter. And that's only if I can remove those blackmail demands. Is that agreeable to you, Monsieur Beaumont?"<br />
<br />
"Oui, that is agreeable."<br />
<br />
"I will need to know his name and any details about him you can tell me." Over the next 15 minutes, we went over the details Jean Luc could tell me. There wasn't a great deal beyond his name is Francois Lambert and he moved to town with his wife about 2 years ago and their address. <br />
<br />
"What will you do to stop him?"<br />
<br />
"There are two reasons I won't answer that, Jean Luc. The first is that you are better off not knowing. And the second is I don't actually know yet. That is my problem, not yours." I stood up, shook Jean Luc's hand and headed for the door. Tania followed, her boots tapping loudly across the wooden floor.<br />
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When we were well away, Tania asked, "Well, what's next?"<br />
<br />
"Next is know thy enemy. We find out more about dear Francois."PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-22494279545983645182011-10-04T06:36:00.000-07:002011-10-16T16:10:33.119-07:00Lullaby (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 3)<object height="40" width="250"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" />
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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.<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
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“Ted, we could buy a computer.”<br />
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“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.” <br />
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I sighed, “Translation please.” I use computers on the rare occasion that I have to use them. Ted lives and breathes computers. He always forgets the rest of the world doesn't share that passion.<br />
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“You just use it. It’s set up to be secure from the moment it comes on. And,” his voice went serious, “I expect you to use this computer and only this computer to contact me.”<br />
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Tania had entered the room in time to hear that last. “Will you be keeping an eye on things here? Can I email you about the kids?”<br />
<br />
“Tania, would I abandon my goddaughter at a time like this? Her parents will be away on holiday. You can expect daily emails.”<br />
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The first day in Champs Les Sims was a good day to get a feel for the town. Take in a few sights, try out some local food, shop a bit. Plus it would be my chance to arrange the meeting with the contact for sometime tomorrow. I've traveled enough to know that I do not want to arrange a meeting on the first day. It takes time and sleep to be at your best after a long flight.<br />
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Our first stop was the bistro at the centre of town. It wasn't a big place but it really is quite charming. I hope I can my business out of the way quickly so we have plenty of time to spend checking everything out.<br />
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Our second stop was the nectary. A lovely place with free sampling of some of the nectar. It's a good strategy, I think I will be taking home a few bottles.<br />
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"Tania, what would you like to do tomorrow? The museum, try your hand at making nectar, a lazy day in the lodge?"<br />
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Her eyes narrowed. "I was planning to spend all day every day with you. So what were your plans?"<br />
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"Well, I was thinking to start at the museum and then attend a little business meeting. That's going to be dull as anything so I expect you to do something a bit more fun."<br />
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"Oh no you don't. You are not attending meetings, or at least not without me." Damn, that was the easy option for both of us. <br />
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I smiled at her. "Let's go explore some more." I leaned forward to whisper, "Let's find somewhere better to chat."<br />
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I had noticed a small campground on our way out to the nectary. A tent, a toilet block and no other cover. I had a look in the tent and toilets before I returned to chat to Tania. I have a natural aversion to plotting if others might be listening.<br />
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"Tania, my sweet, I was afraid you'd feel that way." I closed my eyes, concentrating on phrasing the next bit. "There is really only one way that I'd take you along. You'd have to go as my protection and to do that, you are going to have to convince me that you can be a bad-arsed bastard."<br />
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One eyebrow shot sky high, "Excuse me?" Tania sounded rather ticked off.<br />
<br />
"Sorry, should have said bad-arsed bitch instead." The eyebrow reached new heights. "Seriously, sweetie, this sort of meeting only has two types of people attending. The negotiators and the people they need to feel safe. You couldn't go as the negotiator, you aren't devious or evil enough."<br />
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"A negotiator has to be devious or evil?"<br />
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"It may require shameless lying, complete misdirection, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to come out ahead. You are simply too good to be able to be effective as a negotiator for the company. Being protection, on the other hand, is very straight-forward. You just have to be able to convince people that you are one tough bitch and messing with you is asking for a world of pain."<br />
<br />
"Could you stop saying that word?"<br />
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"Bitch? In this case, no. You also have to willing and able stand the assault of god fucking damn bitching cocksucking language because that might be the way things go down." Poor Tania was wincing. "On the other hand, if you can hide your natural reactions, I think you could do it."<br />
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Tania was looking at me very sceptically. I continued, "Now this one is just a meeting with a supplier. He won't be expecting me to bring along anyone but he probably won't argue either. You <b>do not</b> say anything during the meeting, you just have to give off vibes that say if someone messes with those you protect, there will be blood on the floor before it's over. And that is a matter of attitude. If you can convince me that you have the attitude, I'll tell the supplier I'm bringing my protection. Do you still want to try?"<br />
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Tania started pacing around. "You think I can do it?" She finally turned to me to ask. "How on earth could I convince anyone?"<br />
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"I told you, it's all in the attitude. Let me demonstrate." I started slowly walking concentrating on my feelings. Disdain for people in general, hatred of those who would stop me, wanting to cause pain to those who annoy me. My walk changed to slow deliberate strides, my breathing deepened and I felt a contempt for everything else that walked the planet. I could crush someone if I wanted, I just needed to work out who.<br />
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Holding hard onto that ball of anger and contempt, I walked back to Tania without a word. When I was still two strides away, she backed up a step. I halted. "Shrimp? Woah, I can't believe it." I took another step in Tania's direction. She instinctively stepped back one step.<br />
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I stood there for another minute, glaring at a spot just beyond Tania's shoulder. Then I exhaled, allowing the feelings to dissipate with my breathe. "It's all just attitude, nothing more. If you make yourself believe you are deadly and dangerous, you'll appear that way to others."<br />
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"I don't know, Shrimp. Me feel that dangerous?"<br />
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I reached into a bag I had brought along. "When you are angry enough, you do feel dangerous to be near. But in your case, a few props might help you get in the mood." I had bought her clothes that would suit the role of an enforcer. Well, I hoped they'd suit.<br />
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"Jerod, you didn't need anything." Tania protested as she examined the clothes. "And this stuff is just so not me."<br />
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"Sweetheart, I've been able to turn on that attitude since I can remember. By the time I was in school, I could definitely intimidate the bigger kids when I wanted to or felt I needed to. I was even one of the school bullies, but that's about the time my dad stepped in. My dad didn't approve of bullying though I was targeting bigger boys and not smaller ones." And not even my dad knew that my worst and best was after my little brother started dating a guy. A couple of the school bullies started harassing them but I put a halt to that. <br />
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I gave Tania a gentle push toward the toilets. "Now you go change. When you come out, think about the day in your life that made you angriest, the most frustrated. Remember the anger and let that determine how you walk."<br />
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It seemed to take Tania an unusually long time to change. I was just getting ready to collect her when I heard the distinct sound of her new boots headed this way.<br />
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She strode toward me, those boots sounding out a rhythm of anger against the hard ground. Her eyes narrowed, "You," she growled.<br />
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I love to live dangerously. "Me?" I smirked. She took another step in my direction and it took all my self control not to step back. "Tania, think about how you've just walked up to me. The attitude, the rhythm, the movement. Once you can do that at will, you'll be set for this."<br />
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She blinked twice and my lovely Tania returned to normal. "Shrimp, that felt amazing."<br />
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"You were doing it right then. I have one more thing for you." I handed her a box.<br />
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She quickly had that box open. "Knives?"<br />
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"More specifically, throwing knives. Quiet, small and potentially deadly. You should carry some sort of lethal weapon if you are an enforcer. Guns are a more certain way to kill someone but a good knife carries its own respect." I spent the next 15 minutes teaching Tania what I'd learned from the guy who sold me the knives. It was the basics of pulling one from the sheath, holding it right, and how to throw it. One lesson wasn't enough to develop an accuracy with the knives but it was enough to get Tania used to them.<br />
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"Tania, do you really still want to come?"<br />
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My lovely wife frozen in place for a minute, facing away from me. When she turned and started to walk toward me, I already knew her answer. It wasn't as much a walk as a stalk. She stopped and held one of those new knives a couple of inches from my left eye. "You are not leaving me behind now, mister." <br />
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"Damn, you are sexy as all hell when you do that." I gently pushed the knife to one side. "You do know that I adore you."<br />
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"And?"<br />
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"Well, unless the guy has a serious problem with me bringing my favourite enforcer, you are coming."PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806131670087737808.post-44474794734818331642011-09-27T14:34:00.000-07:002011-10-16T16:12:35.051-07:00She moved through the fair (Jerod's Third Tale - Part 2)<br />
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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.<br />
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It was pretty obvious which was going to be the office door and which would be the store area.<br />
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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.<br />
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“May I help you?”<br />
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“I presume you are Howie Kernan?”<br />
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“Yes, but how did you know that?”<br />
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“I’m Jerod Shrimpton, the owner.”<br />
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“Oh, so you're the boss. I'm pleased to finally meet you. I had thought I'd meet you during the interview but you didn’t …”<br />
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“I had an agency handling the matter. They have a great deal of experience handling interviews, I'm more used to working with people after they have the job.”<br />
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“I guess that makes sense.”<br />
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“So, when did you actually start?”<br />
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“Yesterday, sir, but there isn't a lot to do. I've been familiarising myself with the forms and the procedures manual. It's all on this computer.”<br />
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The business already has forms and manuals? I had no idea. Still, best not to let Howie know that small detail so I nodded my approval. “That sounds good. Things might be a bit slow for another couple of weeks but I should be arranging our first shipment soonish.”<br />
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“I feel like I'm sitting here wasting company money,” Howie told me with a rueful smile.<br />
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“No, don't worry about it,” I told him. “Better for you to be acquainted with the place then come in after the first shipment and have to learn it all at once.” And the Company has deep pockets when it comes to long term investments. I'm not worried, he's not wasting my dough.</div>
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“You’re the boss, Mr Shrimpton.”<br />
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“Howie, this is a two man office. There's really no need for formalities. Just call me Jerod. Not sir, not boss and definitely not Mr Shrimpton. So, why the hell were you willing to move to a tiny place like Twinbrook?”<br />
<br />
“I wanted to be far far away from the place where the girl of my dreams told me 'Let's just be friends.' I tried to stick it out but every time I saw her, a hole opened up in my heart." I could see the memories flickering though his mind. It was obvious that his feelings for her had run very deep. "A new town, new people, and a new job is exactly what I was looking for.”<br />
<br />
“I’d recommend the Red Rendezvous then. It's the local drinking hole and the place where everybody meets.” I stopped to think for a moment. “Might even be some live music tonight.” It's been too long since our band had a session. I should head over and try to set one up. “Your day here is over. Go home or go to the pub.”<br />
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“Jerod, will you be in tomorrow?”<br />
<br />
“Maybe, but probably not. Have a few things to get ready before heading overseas for a deal. I might pop in to the storage area and have a look.”<br />
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"Not much to see right now. No one has been around to clear out the rubbish yet."<br />
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I popped my head into the storage area. For a small building, it wasn't a bad size but there was a lot of crap left from the last occupants. It would have to be taken to the junk yard before we had a shipment.<br />
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----<br />
<br />
I took a cab over the Red Rendezvous. The place was still quiet but I could feel that the crowd was soon going to start arriving. While I'm fond of the bar, my favourite part is the next floor up. There's an open mic area useful for band practice and a dance floor too. There's also a hot tub over in one corner, courtesy of Mr Dennis Racket. I should see who will come skinny dipping with me after practice, shouldn’t let that lovely hot tub go to waste.<br />
<br />
Who am I kidding? I share that tub with Tania or not at all.<br />
<br />
It wasn’t long before the rest of the band turned up. I drum, Tania is our lead guitar, MJ plays keyboards and Tatianna plays bass. We can lay out some good music these days and it won’t be long before the crowd downstairs wanders up here for a listen.<br />
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“Let’s do this thing. One, two, one, two three,” I started drumming - setting the rhythm for the music. In a couple of beats, the rest joined in following the pace. Tania is obviously the star of our band. I swear that woman could coax the stars from the skies with her music, if that happened to be her desire.
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We played a good solid two hours, mostly just our usual set. A few oldies, a few recent, and Tania sneaks in a song or two that she’s written. A few people appreciated the music enough to donate some money to the band. <br />
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Cassidy seemed to really be into some of those new songs. She was cheering like there was no tomorrow.
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After the sets, I had a chat to MJ. It’s been too long since I did.<br />
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“MJ, you are as gorgeous as ever. How are you?” Ok, I have to admit it. I flirt with MJ to watch her blush. She blushes so easily.<br />
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“You should be ashamed, married and kids, how can you flirt?” <br />
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“With you around, cutie, how could I resist?” I noticed Tania had noticed and was not at all happy with my actions. I gave her my best innocent shrug though I don’t think she really quite believes it.<br />
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"Tania?"<br />
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"I'm not talking to you. How could you?"<br />
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"It's page 23 paragraph 5 in the Bad Boy Manual. 'Flirt without mercy.'" I gave her my best roguish grin. "You have known since forever that I am a bad boy."<br />
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She shook her head. "What am I going to do with my bad boy?" There was a look in her eye that suggested almost all was forgiven.<br />
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"Come skinny dipping with me in the hot tub?" I asked hopefully. "You know that will teach me a lesson."<br />
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"You rascal, that's not going to teach you anything useful."<br />
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"Well, maybe not but I think we'll both have fun."<br />
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It took some more coaxing but it was worth it. Tania is a beautiful woman and there is no one I'd rather share the hot tub with.<br />
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We went home and paid the sitter. I then told Tania the details that Ted told me. Which, of course, wasn’t a lot beyond the name of the destination and that I was officially a business man with an employee.<br />
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“Shrimp, you owning a business?” she giggled. “I know, I’m being rude but,” she paused giggling harder.<br />
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“You don’t have to tell me, Sweetheart. Worse, Ted says it’s all legit, which is just so not me. Can you imagine me as a corporate suit?”<br />
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She gave me a speculative look, then grabbed my hands. “I think you'd fill a suit fine.”<br />
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"So Tania." I paused, a moment too long.<br />
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"You know my answer, Shrimp. I am going with you."<br />
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"I know, sweetie. And it's a trip to France, how could I ask the love of my life to pass up on that."<br />
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"Then what were you going to say?"<br />
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"I've forgotten. It must not have been important."<br />
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I reached into my pocket and pulled out my cell. “Ted’s probably at work. I’ll text him to come over tomorrow. He said he had something beyond the tickets to give us.” I pulled out my phone to sent the text. “Now, anything you want me to tell Ted while I'm typing the message?”<br />
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“No, not today.” I started typing the text.<br />
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I pressed send. “Well, you really should start packing. After all, you want to take the right stuff with you on your first big trip.”<br />
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I need to do a little bit of shopping tomorrow before. I have an idea about how to handle it if Tania not only wants to go overseas but also wants to accompany me while I tend to the business part of the trip. I hope just the travel will keep her happy. However, I don't think my lovely wife is going to accept that as a proposal.<br />
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<br />PiB - Nicarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17798991335165490144noreply@blogger.com14