“Did you set the alarm for Friday, Lucy?” “I did, Little One.” “ZZZZZZ”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we learned from Nikola Stanković (A dominant Serbian underworld boss) that Lazar Popović (Another Serbian underworld boss) may be behind the attempts on Larry and Andrew’s life. We also found out that Lazar Popović’s sister was married to Igor Sandusky. So now that we have so many names we can’t pronounce, we should get on with the story. The gang has had their second drink of Stanković’s private vodka stock, so it looks like they are getting down to business.
“So, Mr. Dunfee, I have a proposal for you.”
“I’m all ears, Mr. Stanković.”
“Ha. ‘All ears.’ One of those American idioms, Yes?”
“Yes, sir. Means I’m listening.”
“Okay, then. You have a major enemy in Lazar Popović, yes?”
“I only have your word for that.”
“You. Can trust my word.”
“Okay, let’s just say that Lazar Popović is trying to kill Andrew and me for reasons unknown.”
“Good. Now let’s say Lazar Popović has some problem with the law, Yes?”
“Problem? What kind of problem?”
“Oh, maybe he is caught trying to distribute some illegal drugs or something like that.”
“How would we find out about illegal drugs?”
“Well, let’s assume you have a friend that has that information and can pass it to you.”
“Do you know such a friend?”
“It all depends.”
“On what?”
“On how much that friend can trust that you and your team will make a good case against Lazar Popović.”
“You know we will need probable cause to even enter a facility.”
“I’m pretty sure I will be able to supply that as you say, ‘probable cause. I know someone who is working for Lazar Popović who would be willing to exercise his good citizenship by coming forward at the right time to provide an eyewitness account of the illegal activities.”
“A solid citizen?”
“But of course.”
“What do you get out of all this?”
“An excellent question, my friend. I mentioned that an enemy of Lazar Popovic is a friend of mine, yes?”
“You did say that.”
“So, without Lazar Popović messing in my business, I stand to control all of Nevada.”
“Please don’t tell me what that means.”
“Ha. You are a knowledgeable man, Mr. Dunfee. Do we have a deal?”
“What about you, Lieutenant. You’ve been pretty quiet.”
“What did you say, Larry. I’m sorry, but I haven’t been paying attention. Sure, I’ll have another drink.”
“Okay. I get it. I guess we have nothing to lose Mr. Stanković. Let’s do it.”
“Ah, my friend. You will not be sorry. Here let me fill your glass.”
“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”
This week marks the anniversary of the production of the last Packard automobile in Detroit, Michigan in 1956. The Packard was, at one time, the hallmark of luxury production cars. The company used the slogan, “Ask a man who owns one,” for many years. Since this is the passing of an icon, it seems only right to go and watch the last machine to roll off the production line. Take your top ten list so you don’t stumble inadvertently into a situation that could cause a tear in the time continuum. So pack your bag and let’s go.
Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Production of the Last Packard Automobile in 1956.
10 If you go, do not mention the name Cadillac while in the factory. If you do, at best you may not be heard over the noise. At worst, the production crew who have just been told that Cadillac is the reason for shutting the plant will hear you. (Time to try and make them believe you didn’t say Cadillac, Latinus. How about golf? “You know my caddy lacks enough skill to be helpful.” It doesn’t look like it’s working. Hit the fire drill button.)
9 If you go, do not tell Tiny the WWF champ that he missed a spot while polishing the car. If you do, at best, he is thinking of the lunch hour and will ignore you. At worst, Tiny, who just finished being admonished for careless work, will take your comment to heart. (One thing you should know, Lauren, is that Tiny does not take criticism well. In fact, his foreman has been on long term medical leave since he told Tiny to be more careful. Yeah, he’s coming this way. Tine to try out those Nike’s)
8 If you go, do not blow the words to “See You Later Alligator” by Bill Haley and the Comets. If you do, at best the other workers will be singing so loud they won’t notice. At worst, you will be discovered not knowing the words to the number one song. (Not really a big deal, Law, but you can’t make any more mistakes. Better hope you can handle “Blue Suede Shoes” by Elvis. That one is next.)
7 If you go, do not talk about having a McDonalds Big Mac for lunch. If you do, at best, no one will know what you are talking about. At worst, you will draw attention to the fact that you are not from around here. (The first McDonalds opened in Michigan in 1957, Leal. It opened in Lansing, which is eighty miles north. Don’t worry, the workers just think you are weird, not dangerous.)
6 If you go, do not ask if the car comes equipped with a stereo radio. If you do, at best, no one will understand you. At worst, you will be talking to an engineer who will catch the concept and wonder where you came from. (Stereo radios were not installed in cars until 1969. I think that engineer is in love with you, Leandros.)
5 If you go, do not ask for a color wheel to help decide the color of the last vehicle. If you do, at best you will be ignored. At worst, you will sound like you are mocking the final selection. (You see, Leeroy, it has been decided that the last Packard made would be a black Packard Patrician four door. I think those guys with wrenches want to see you. Yeah, I would ignore them too.)
4 If you go, do not scoff at the price tag of $4190 for the loaded Packard Patrician. If you do, at best everyone will think you are rich. At worst, the production crew will think you are saying the car is too cheap. ( You have to remember, Legolas that $4190 in 1956 would be worth $39, 495 today. So the car was far from cheap but not as expensive as some. The production crew would like to see you outside. No, I’m not going with you.)
3 If you go, do not forget some of the plots of the shows that were popular on TV. If you do, at best, the crew will think your memory is shot. At worst they’ll think you are nuts. (so let’s hope you remember I Love Lucy, Gunsmoke, Jack Benny, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Res Skelton, and You Bey Your Life cause these guys just watched a few last night. No Leighton? That’s too bad.)
2 If you go, Do not tell the workers what is in store for the company. If you do, at best they won’t believe you. At worst they will take out the bad news on you. (The company merged with Studebaker, who was in bigger financial trouble. By 1958 although an attempt was made to produce Packards in South Bend Indiana the brand was totally discontinued. Aren’t you glad you didn’t tell them this, Lemuel.)
1 If you go, do not even think about sitting in the last Packard. If you do, at best no one will be able to find the keys. At worst, you will sit with a spot of grease on your pants. (The shop steward is demanding that you pay for the car Leodegan. I think your Visa card will not be accepted. He doesn’t look like someone who you want to argue with right now. Hit the way back button.)
My GRL is being featured on Sally Cronin’s blog today. She is also Featuring Mark Bierman and Lizzy Chantree both with some pretty great books. Sally is very supportive of Indie authors and is a fine one herself. A visit to her place is a rewarding experience.
Since this is Father’s Day, I want to wish all you fathers a happy joy-filled day. For the views this week, I thought I would share where I’ll be spending some time.
One place is out in the side yard, relaxing.
The other is the back porch. I had hoped to be able to show my new matte black grill that will go on that blank wall. Unfortunately, it is still with the manufacturer. It seems Covid-19 caused some delays. It was supposed to be delivered in May and now is scheduled for July.
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and here is Linda Hill to explain this week’s prompt. “Thank you, John. I have to say that long hair gives you the appearance of a mad scientist. It’s a good look. I would keep it. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “zz.” Find a word with double-z in it and use it in your post. Enjoy!”
Yeah, thank you, Linda. If you would like to have fun too, just visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.
“Where you going Little One?” “It’s Friday. Time to enjoy a game.” “What game?” “Twenty questions.”
It is Friday once again. Hopefully, everyone is safe and well. It is becoming more difficult to stay safe and well for sure.
Today the governor approved a workaround for requiring the wearing of masks here in Texas. A county judge in San Antonio found a loophole whereby the state and local municipalities cand enforce the wearing of masks in retail establishments. It is quite simple. Retailers are now required not to let anyone in the store without a mask. As we all know, social distancing and masks are very effective in stopping the spread of Covid-19. With people jamming into bars and onto beaches the new case and hospitalizations of Covid-19 victims has skyrocketed. So far voluntary compliance has not been effective. Let’s hope the new retail requirement can make a difference. For the life of me, I don’t understand why folks take this disease so casually especially when the young are getting sick.
In other news. There has been no response from the agent community on my queries. I guess I’ll have to send follow up notes to extract a decision.
Today’s JohnKu talks about individual rights in a pandemic. I hope you have a super weekend.
“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.”
