“If you are not Friday go away.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and the last time we were present when Andrew and Larry decided to talk to Louis rather than to confront the cartel boss Cortez. The question for Louis is, did the cartel stiff him on payments for the development of the non-invasive medical procedure. Another thing Larry and Andrew will want to know is why Louis didn’t mention the fact that he was being paid by Cortez. So let’s get back to Larry’s office and eavesdrop on the conversation.
“So Louis. We are glad you could come down to the station.”
“What is this all about, detective?”
“Excuse me, Louis. I didn’t ask if you would like a coffee.”
“No thank you. I’ve had mine today. You are now making me nervous.”
“Aw come on, Louis. There is nothing to be nervous about. We are all friends here.”
“Yeah, right. You two have something on your mind, and I would appreciate knowing what it is.”
“Louis?”
“Yes, Andrew.”
“We think you have been less than forthcoming with us.”
“What do you mean ‘forthcoming?”’
“What Andrew is trying to say, Louis is we found out that you were on Joachim Cortez’ payroll.”
“Yeah, detective. I thought I was on the payroll.”
“Tell us about it, Louis. Let’s not leave anything out this time.”
“You know what, detective? Anyone who even mentions Joachim’s name is in fear for his life.”
“I can understand your fear, but now is the time to come clean.”
“I don’t suppose it matters anymore. Okay, what do you want to know?”
“Did you get paid by Cortez?”
“Hell no. The bastard never sent the money.”
“Did you do the work?”
“I sure did. I delivered the system to him, and he said he would send a check.”
“A check from the cartel boss. That almost makes me laugh.”
“Well laugh on this. Cortez has one of the biggest medical device company by the throat.”
“What are you saying?”
“He controls a medical company.”
“How is that possible?”
“I have no idea but believe me I checked it out. When I called the company to verify his involvement, I got a person who vouched for him.”
“Do you remember the person’s name?”
“I wrote it down in my journal. I can get it.”
“Okay, so you believed he would send a check.”
“Yeah.”
“When you didn’t get paid did you call him?”
“Sure did.”
“What happened.”
“I was told to back off and that the check is in the mail.”
“It never arrived.”
“Right.”
“What did you do?”
“Nothing.”
“Why not?”
“You ever hear the saying about tugging on Superman’s cape.”
“I understand.”
Fiction Favorites 
If you can’t trust a homicidal cartel boss then who can you trust?
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I know, Right?
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I’ve never heard of tugging on Superman’s cape. What a great image! Have a great day, John.
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Sounds like these guys need to find themselves a ‘Slim’
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Thanks for helping Gwen out, Dan. They need a Slim for sure.
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Too bad Tiny seems to have Wednesday’s off.
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😅😂
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Thank you! I never heard this song before. 😀
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Well there is always one. Dan Antion sent you a YouTube link.
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Part of the four things Jim Croce sung about. The others are, don’t spit into the wind, don’t take the mask off the old Lone Ranger, and don’t mess around with Jim.
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“The check is in the mail.” I’ve heard that one before!
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I think we all have.
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Gwen is obviously much younger than you and I. I know she had to have heard that the check is in the mail though, eh?!
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Or one of the other famous lies.
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Very good John.. it’s a bugger when you can’t trust a bug time gangster…
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Yes. Those guys have no code.
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John,
This is so good and it’s getting better each week.
I guess if a cartel boss’s check bounces, the recipient should probably think about bouncing as well.
First Wednesday story of 2019, and it’s a keeper!
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Thank you, Marc. Love your commentary. 😀
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Love your stories John.
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🙂
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What ever happened to honor among thieves? I have half a mind to have you write about someone going to visit Cortez – that’ll teach him.
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What a good idea! We are going to visit Cortez. Thank you for the suggestion. 😀
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Where’s my seat belt?
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Ha haha. You are sitting on it.
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Now I have that song stuck in my head.
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Me too… Haven’t heard it in a dog’s age!
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It was playing while I was writing so there you have it.
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This is the song where I “discovered” A.J. Was in a Sam the Record Man store
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Beautiful jazz, Dale. Thank you. I’m going to hit up AJ on Spotify.
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I swear, when I heard this at first, I thought it was an old black jazz singer… imagine my surprise when I found out it was a 23-year old white boy (at the time, that is).
Enjoy… I have about 5-6 of his albums…
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Kind of interesting that you taught this old dog about AJ. Thanks
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Well, I am rather glad I did and you’re welcome! Have you listened to any other tunes?
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Nope, not yet. Haven’t had a chance.
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Was just curious 😉
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Rght now I’m busier than a cat with nine tails in a room filled with rocking chairs. 😀
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Oh lordy… But I am sure the end result will be worth it 😉
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I hope so.
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Do not spit into the wind, pull on Superman’s cape, or pull the mask of the old Lone Ranger and don’t mess with Jim. It is in my ear as well.
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Wonder what it would sound like if Lizzie and the hat played it. It seems to have a workable bass line.
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I think so too. Might be fun.
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Same as Craig – I’ll be hearing that song all day.
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My design, Teri. Thanks 😀
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Love “the check’s in the mail.” Sure it is!!
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Ha haha. Thanks, Debbie.
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I miss Jim Croce…
Great work, John.
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I think we all miss jim. Thanks, Hook
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Ever hear his son, A.J.? (He was only 2 when his dad died) He’s fantastic! Here’s one of him singing his dad’s song “Name of the Game”
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Thanks, Dale.
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Most welcome!
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I like the international sharing here.
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I listemed to the song, Dale. He is very good.
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So glad you liked.
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🙂
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😊
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I don’t think I’d say anything either. Interesting the medical business involvement.
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Yes. That may be on the test. I think I’ll make a note of it.
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lol…I’ll keep my notes then:)
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Cheque in the post – how charmingly old-school. Hasn’t the mob heard of electronic payment?
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Yeah, like give me your account and routing number and I’ll make a wire transfer (either in ot out)
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It’s pretty common here in Europe – even for cash-back on products bought in shops.
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This was a great way to continue the story in the new year….
Cheque is in the mail… poor bugger. I guess he knew deep down he was not getting paid when there was no talk of cash…
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I think Louis felt lucky not to be wearing cement overshoes.
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That’s for sure!!
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Great ending. I wouldn’t be tugging either!
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Mae.
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Oh, I love the direction this plot is now taking! And, yes, NEVER, EVER tug on Superman’s cape! 🙂
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Ha ha ha, Jan.
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Tee-hee! I guess the plot just got even thicker. I love the reference at the end, John. Now I have a fun song in my head. Happy New Year hugs.
Cheers!
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Oh… I see I wasn’t the only one. Sorry…
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Loved the intent, Teagan. Hugs
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Thank you, Teagan.
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I believe Louis.
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Me too.
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Yes (with fist pump)!
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