“Why are we so wide awake on a Wednesday, Lucy?”
“We want everyone to know the boss is over at Story Empire today.”
“You have a link?”
“Here it is. Keep smiling Little One.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week we met Vlado who is Nikola Stanković’s bodyguard. He took our hero’s weapons and has escorted them into Stanković’s conference room. By the way, Stanković is one of the most notorious thugs that ever graduated from the Slobodan Milošević school of thugdom. Ooops here he comes. I hope he didn’t hear me.
“Gentlemen. Please have a seat.”
“Thank you, Mr. Stanković. I want to introduce a fellow police officer. This is Larry Dunfee, a detective from Boston. Also, with us is his associate Andrew Cummings.”
“Thank you for hosting, Lieutenant. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. What brings two of Boston’s finest into my humble conference room?”
“Well, sir—”
“Excuse me, Larry, but let me outline some background for Mr. Stanković.”
“Oh, sorry, Lieutenant. Go ahead.”
“Larry and Andrew have not been treated very well since they arrived in Reno. They are wondering if you might know of anyone who has a desire to see them depart this vail of tears.”
“Vlad has told me of some attempts on your life, gentlemen. He gave me this information before your arrival. I have since had the opportunity to discuss this matter with some of my associates and can confirm that my organization holds no wish to see you harmed.”
“That is comforting for them to hear.”
“Yes, very comforting.”
“Thank you, Larry. We are also wondering if you may have heard who is behind the attempts on these two men.”
“I have heard some rumors, but first, I must apologize for being rude. I did not offer you, gentlemen, some refreshments. Would you care for some tea, coffee, or perhaps some of the finest vodka from my private stock?”
“I think speaking for my associates, we would love to taste some of your private stock.”
“Ah, excellent. I think you have made the best choice. Here is Vlad with a tray. Please take a glass. Vlad will leave the bottle and some fresh Beluga caviar from the Caspian Sea. You must try it as well. A toast. To new friends.”
“To new friends.”
“Whoa, this is not your average Stoli.”
“I see you know quality, Mr. Dunfee. I like that in a man.”
“Thank you, Mr. Stanković.”
“Now, try this caviar with just a little egg, onion, and a caper.”
“Truly outstanding, sir.”
“Lieutenant. I am impressed with your associates. Another drink and we can get down to business.”
“I think I could get used to this hospitality.”
“I do have an opening on my staff, Mr. Dunfee if you are interested.”
“Thank you, but I have a fulfilling job.”
“Yes, but there are those who want you removed. If you worked for me, all that would go away.”
“So, you know who is trying to ‘remove’ me as you say?”
“Well, as I said, I have heard rumors.”
“Care to share?”
“Does the name Lazar Popović mean anything to you?”
“No. I’ve not heard that name before.”
“His sister was married to Igor Sandusky.”
“I know that name for sure.”
“I thought you would. More vodka?”
“I think I need a clear head. Why is he out to kill us?”
“Maybe you are getting close to something he doesn’t want you to get close to. By the way, any enemy of Lazar Popović is a friend of mine. Na Zdorovie.”
Fiction Favorites 
That surprised me, John – neither the vodka nor the caviar was ‘narcotically enhanced’.
Or were they?
Is Nikola Stanković really a straight actor, or are we being lulled into a false sense of security?
I guess I’ll have to tune in to next week’s episode to find the answers to these and other questions.
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I’m glad you have all these questions, Keith. There are several roads that can be taken and you have touched on a few. You might have even changed my direction. Security was going to be the word of the day and now I’m not so sure. 😁
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Oh dear, I do hope I haven’t let the cat out of the bag.
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Nope. Can’t happen. Got plenty of bags and cats.
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That was my thought about the vodka and caviar.
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Well who knows. There might be time.
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I have no doubt . . .
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Sandusky? Now we’re getting somewhere, but I’m not sure where. 😀 Have a great day, John.
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Hahahah. Tha’t the whole idea, Gwen. Being led in the dark. Thank you for the laugh. 😁
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Listening to rumors is never a good idea. Nice,John!
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See, the problem all along has been that they were drinking coffee. Switch to vodka, and everything starts to make sense. Of course, the road ahead has appeared clear before.
Congrats again on your news from yesterday. Looks like the girls are impressed, too.
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Thank you, Dan. The girls pretty much go with the flow. 😁 Yes, vodka does clear the mind.
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Sandusky – finally! Sounds like they’re getting somewhere.
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Sounds like the circle is closing. Now, how to get back to Gloria. Thanks, Teri.😀
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I’m comforted (somewhat) by their newfound friend… Better having one of these on your side though the payment is usually rather high.
We shall see what’s in store for them
Kinda happy to hear the name Sandusky again…
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Yes. I had to get back to him sooner or later. We are all not getting any younger after all. Thanks, Dale.
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This is true… And we might forget why our poor guys are going through all this trouble!
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That would be terrible. Pssst. Why are they? 😂
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It would…
Ummm… I forgot 😉
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Hahahhahaa. 😊
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😂🤣
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Shoot! I wanted to add: Just kidding!!
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😀
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“Not been treated well since they arrived in Reno” . . . That’s an understatement.
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Hahaha. Thanks, Charles. I think you are right.
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So it is either Vodka and caviar or tea and crumpets ? Or would that just be tea ? And Igor Sandusky ? Did he shorten that from Sanduskyov ? Congrats on the recognition from Story Empire John.
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Thank you, John. I do believe he did shorten his name.
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Not sure I’d have been comfortable enough to eat and drink with these strangers. So many scary things have already happened to our guys that they can ill afford getting poisoned, too.
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Hahahaha. That is true for sure. Thanks Debbie.
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Oh my! Getting in bed with the enemy can be a little uncomfortable, but hey, they had some great Vodka! 🙂
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Yes I think the vodka makes it all worthwhile, Jan. Thank you.
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I think I would be careful what I eat from these new friends. He seems so willing to offer information and that never goes well for them. Can’t wait to see what comes from this.
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Thank you, Denise. 😊 Let’s hope it works.
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Serious dogs & serious story! Great, dear John! Lucy’s glance seems to be even romantic 🙂
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You never can tell, Maria. She may have been thinking about her dinner.
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The plot really thickens. Now Sandusky ties are back in the picture. Beware of the caviar, or maybe the vodka. Excellent episode, John.
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😊
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Your smile is worrying me…
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As I always say. Worry a lot.
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Yes, you always say that. Keeps me nail biting till the next Wednesday.
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😂
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That seems like an important clue…maybe.
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Yes aat lease we have come around to a connection to the original reason Larry got us all into this mess in the first place. Thank you, Craig.
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My enemies enemy is my friend… many a strange bedfellow is made that way.. and unseemly compromises lead to disaster. It cost the Labour party our recent election so let’s hope Larry and Andy are more circumspect
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I think you advice should be heeded by our heroes. Thanks, Geoff. 😊
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John… maybe I’m having withdrawal symptoms that I didn’t realize, but I’m downright giddy about this episode. I really like the “mobster with a common enemy” element. I love the way you brought this entire episode together. Woot!
Hugs on the wing.
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I meant to add “withdrawal” because I was late.
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I understood perfectly. Thanks, Teagan.
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It feels like a downhill race now. Teagan Thanks.
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Hmmmm … I thought law enforcement officers would have been trained not to partake of any food or beverage offered by such as Mr.Stanković! I wonder if we will find them sleeping and tied up in their chairs next Wednesday? You do know how to keep us biting our fingertips!
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