Come back when it’s Friday
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we became aware that the computer files on the Sandusky case at the medical examiner’s office had been deleted. Andrew, the former M. E., suggested that a forensic team try to recover the file. Larry, the detective, thought that was a great idea and realized he could use Andrew’s help. He asked Andrew to join his team and Andrew agreed. Let’s get back to the M.E.’s office since I think Larry is going to issue some instructions to the current M.E. (Perry)
“So, Perry. I think we need to treat the deleted file as evidence and make sure nothing happens to it. Is it on a hard drive?”
“Actually, it was stored in the cloud.”
“The cloud? Oh man, that sounds like it might be a complication.”
“Excuse me, Larry.”
“Yes, Andrew. Go ahead.”
“Is it possible that there is some kind of backup file. Maybe on a storage device?”
“It may be possible. I don’t have a lot of hope since the case is ten years old.”
“That is my point. Ten years ago it was standard procedure to back up M. E. files every night.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“No reason you should, Perry. It’s like ancient history these days. Anyway, let me check with the IT guys and see if there is some kind of redundancy that might work to our advantage.”
“Good luck with that.”
“Hey, Andrew let’s take a walk.”
“Sure, Larry. Lead the way.”
“Let me close this door and you and I need to go down the hall a bit.”
“What’s up, Larry. You look worried.’
“Okay, this is far enough. Yeah, I’m worried.”
“What about other than the missing file.”
“I have to wonder who had access to the file?”
“I would say anyone with clearance to log on to the system. The files were not in a password protected separation or anything.’
“Don’t you find it odd that the file was deleted after I asked for a copy?”
“No that would be logical. Whoever has an interest, in this case, wanted to make sure the hard copy read like a paranormal piece of fiction. I guess that file was eliminated long before you asked for it. I’ll even bet it was shortly after the autopsy.”
“By the way, I don’t trust old Perry in there.”
“Why’s that?”
“I don’t know. I would think he would come up with the forensic investigation on the deleted file. He just stood there. It was like he didn’t want to help.”
“I can see your point, but I’ve known Perry a long time and would bank on his integrity.”
“just the same I think we need to lay out some preservation of evidence rules. Also, I think we should dust the hard file to see if any strange fingerprints show up.”
“Yeah, a good idea.”
“Okay, we can go back and tell Perry the rules. I’ll also call in a forensic team and would you be so kind as to contact the IT department to see if there is any hard drive storage going back ten years.”
“Yes, sir. Man. it feels good taking orders.”
“Think I could order a coffee.”
“The machine is around that corner. While you’re there, I’ll have a cup of Columbian. Half and half and Splenda.”
Fiction Favorites 
There seems to be a lot of funny stuff going on. It’s no wonder Larry doesn’t know who to trust and who not to. I hope they can find something to help them. 🙂 — Suzanne
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I have faith they will turn up something.
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I imagine state records retention rules would specify storage much longer than ten years, although how that relates to backups is less clear. I shall be interested to see what forensics come up with.
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Yes, it is going to be interesting. The hard copy retention rules are much longer. The problem on this case is the file is intact and retained but it has been tampered. So the retention rules are being followed. I think the advent of rules for backup files are pretty loose.
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Hmmm, evidence disappearing, concerns of a cover-up, this is sounding oddly familiar. But, then there are the paranormal aspects. I’m rooting for Larry to figure this out for us. Bummer, guess I’ll have to wait until next week. 😀 .
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Yes you will. As will I. Thank you, Gwen.
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Ah-ha, the old ‘evidence-disappearing-trick’. (sorry about that, I had a flash-back with “Get Smart” episodes)
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I can understand that, GP. Get Smart is in my brain sometimes.
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I think it’s wise not to trust “old Perry” or anyone else that shows up in these stories. There’s something going on that’s beginning to make me suspicious of everyone. Then again, John’s writing this, what would I expect.
Great episode, John. I’m buckled in tight and ready for next week. I wonder what else can disappear.
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Not the bits and bites I hope. Thanks, Dan
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Very exciting and suspenseful. Love the humorous ending.
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Thank you, Charles. 😀
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Hum…now I’m wondering about “old Perry.”
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Yeah, You should wonder. 😀
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Huh, I don’t trust anyone who likes taking orders. In fact, I don’t trust anyone. I will trust a cup of Colombian coffee though.
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I can see your point. Maybe Andrew is not what he seems. 😀
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Thlot Plickens! ♥
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Ha haha. It sure does. Thanks, Billy Ray
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♥
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🙂
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I think these two are going to make a great team!
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Thank you, Jan. I do too. 😀
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♥
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Me too
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Now I’m wondering about Perry, too.
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Perry is on the spot for sure.
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I like the relationship developing between Larry and Andrew. Perry seems suspicious and I’m very curious to see where this going next…after a coffee break:)
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I haven’t begun to figure this one out, John, but I’m already hanging on for dear life! Hurry up, next Wednesday!
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Thank you so much, Debbie. Such a nice comment. 😀
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I can see this is going to be another story where I’m suspicious of multiple players.
Loved the close!
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Yes. I can see the same thing. Maybe we are clair (um) voyant
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Aha! Andrew’s still a boss. See how quickly he reversed orders on who’d be bringing coffee to whom? Hmmm!
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Yup. He’s tricky. Thanks, Linda.
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The cloud makes everything more complicated
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Especially if it is dark.
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That means rain
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Or worse.
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I agree, there is excitement in the suspense. Nice job.
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Thank you, Audrey.
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Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out this short story from John Howell in this post from his Fiction Favorites blog.
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I’m relieved that Larry doesn’t trust Perry any more than I did. (The Ode de Rat cologne was a give away.) Now we’re back in detective mode and firing on all sixes, John.
But hmmm about the backups… If it’s in the “cloud” that could be in Larry and Andrew’s favor — since they have help up in the clouds (of the heavenly variety). 😉
Thanks for a delightful break. Hugs!
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Thank you, Teagan. I appreciatr you reading and commenting in spite of how you’ve been feeling lately. Hugs.
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Feeling much better today — the weekend is waiting outside the door. 😀
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Excellent. Yes, it is Friday eve right now.
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So maybe Perry’s not a good guy? I’m liking Larry and Andrew as a team. Excellent episode, John.
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Thank you, Jennie. 🙂
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You’re welcome, John. 🙂
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Okay, I was alright with not trusting Perry (which I don’t, of course . . because I trust no one). But now I gotta really wonder about Andrew. He likes taking orders? That HAS to mean something. You wouldn’t just put it out there unless it meant something. Or . . . maybe you’re trying to throw us off.
Boss, don’t take this the wrong way? But I don’t trust you . . . 😉
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You have just given me the highest complimant. I don’t even trust me either. 😀
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Good. You shouldn’t! 😉
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