“Anyone know what day it is?”
“Yup, Wednesday.”
“Wake me on Friday.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week Andrew got a call from a firm that had the equipment that could be used to pulverize a heart. A meeting was set up for 3:00 but Andrew had a feeling the guy on the phone didn’t know too much about the process. Andrew felt the guy was a banker who led him to the conclusion that the company was bankrupt. Larry and Andrew went off to have some lunch and then visit the company. I see they are out front of what looks like a warehouse. Larry is hauling an anchor which is the item of subterfuge to get a demonstration of the machine capabilities. We better get over there.
“Jumping gee Josaphat this thing is heavy.”
“Yeah, I wish I could help, but my back is killing me.”
“It might also be that second bowl of chowder. Which I suspect you wouldn’t have had if you were picking up the tab.”
“I explained that I forgot my wallet. I’ll get the next one.”
“Seems I hear that a lot.”
“I mean it.”
“Yeah, okay. Look at this building. Looks like something out of the forties. Did Dixon say where to meet him?”
“No. I suppose we might as well go inside. Follow me.”
“Slow down. Hold the door will ya.”
“Wow look at this place. Hello anyone here?”
“I think there must be a coat of rust on everything. I’m going to leave this anchor by the door.”
“Gentlemen. Welcome to Gault Industries.”
“Are you Mr. Dixon?”
“I sure am. You can call me Ned.”
“Okay, Ned. My name is Andrew, and this is Larry. As we outlined in our ad, we were wondering if we could take a look at your descaling operation and see if your firm might have the capability to do some work for us.”
“We would be delighted to help you in any way we can. Your ad mentioned an anchor. Are you all in the salvage business?”
“Why yes, we are. We have a deep diving business, and we will need a safe way to clean some of the items we bring up. In fact, we brought the anchor to test the equipment.”
“I have to tell you that I’m not very familiar with the equipment. I work for the bank that holds the mortgage on this building.”
“Let me guess. The owners haven’t been keeping up with their payments.’
“Correct. But we still have some qualified people who can work with you to give you what you need.”
“Is there anyone around who can do a demo today?”
“Andrew is it? Yes, there is a technician here today. I’ll call him as soon as we are ready.”
“And if we decide to use this company, how do we know the work will get done?”
“You have the assurance of the First Source Bank and Trust.”
“Okay good enough for me. Call the technician. We should get this demo done.”
“You won’t be sorry. Hold on I need to give him a call.”
“In the meantime, Larry why don’t you fetch the anchor.”
“In the meantime, Andrew, I’m sure the tech will figure out how to do that.”
“Okay, gentlemen. The tech will be here shortly.”
“How long has this guy been working here.”
“Louis has been here twelve years, Larry.”
“Twelve years? Excellent.”
Fiction Favorites 
Sounds promising, John. Good episode.
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Thanks. Hang on for another 55 episodes and maybe we’ll get somewhere.
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Hmm, seems a bit creepy. Gault Industries appears to be a place that churns nightmares, certainly mine. Great photo of the pups. 🙂
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Nightmares Are Us. (New motto) Thanks, Gwen.
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I keep imagining Dixon talking to them from a high balcony for some reason. Like he’s an evil warlord greeting his foes.
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I like that visual. means the reader’s mind is visulaizing the scene on the reader’s terms. Thanks, Charles.
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I’m wondering if someone is going to end up at the bottom of a swimming pool with that anchor around their neck. That photo cracked me up! 🙂
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Bottom of a pool is a possibility since the machine works in water. Thanks, Jill.
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Ah…. I feel like a clue just bubbled up to the surface! 😀
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good to know the pups are your most ruthless critics. Intriguing nugget of a start, John. I wonder what they want cleaned!?
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They are actully looking for a machine that has the capability to blow up a heart inside the body. Such a crime happened ten years ago. This cleaning thing is a ruse.
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Scary… I shall have my toaster vetted tomorrow.
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😀
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“Twelve years? Excellent.” I think I know what they are thinking. Then again, every time I think that, I’m wrong. I do like stories that end up on the docks – I hope this works out well.
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You mat be right this time. Thanks, Dan. 😀
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It seems like an anchor was one of those items that could lead to a Wile E. Coyote kind of adventure.
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Line unravels and anchor lands squarely on Wile’s head. Ha ha ha.
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John,
When he replied, “Twelve years,” . . I went “Chowdah!”. Which means to say “Hot Damn!”, which is my way of saying, “Game changer,”. Which . . . Oh, you get the point.
Nice turn of events, Boss!
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I do get the point. Thanks, Marc. I like the “Chowdah” yell.
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Hahaha!
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Might even be a good T-shirt. Think of how many “What does Chowdah mean? ” questions. In a bar all the better.
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Boss,
This is WHY you’re the Sheriff! 😉
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😀
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Looking forward to seeing what happens when the tech shows up. Should be interesting!
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I hope so. Thanks, Mae.
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Oh good! I can’t wait for the demo and I am really enjoying the conversation between Larry and Andrew.
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The demo ought to be something. Thanks, Denise.
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John, I was feeling like imitating Bailey’s posture, but Story Day perked me up as predicted. Now your comment about the device working underwater, combined with the “12” years has me worried about what to expect from ole Louis… He’ll either turn tail and run when he figures out who Larry is, or… oh-oh…
Terrific build-up. You’ve cast a wide net and you’re hauling in all us fishes! Hugs.
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Ha haha. I guess I love to get everyone hooked on a clue and then see where it goes. Thanks, Teagan. Hugs.
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Great sigment… And love the three lovies at the beginning! ♥♥♥
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I KNOW! I KNOW! ‘segment’ not ‘sigment’ – Just put it with all my other goofs! ♥
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Always
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I’m suspicious. I always am with these stories, but even more today.
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You have every right.
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They may be onto something! At least it’s a start. But, the two Andrews has me going. How will tell them apart?
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There is only one Andrew. I think I see where I caused you confusion. Ned Dixion said “Andrew is it? Yes, there is a technician here today. I’ll call him as soon as we are ready.”
He was referring to our Andrew. It was after Andrew asked the question “Is there anyone around who can do a demo today?” I think the ‘is it’ could be read as ‘it is.’ So I hope this clears it up. Only one Andrew. Thanks, Jan
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Odd that the banker would be lurking around — just shows how creepy this story is becoming (as if pulverizing a heart weren’t enough, ha!) Nicely done, John — more, please!
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I like the word creepy.
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Twelve years? Well isn’t that just perfect. The place is a bit creepy, though. That makes the story even better. Excellent, John!
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Very creepy. Mooooha haha
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You made me laugh! 😅
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Good.
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