“Excuse me, Dad, but isn’t one of your books on special beginning today?
“Yes, The Contract Kindle version is on sale today through the 15th.”
“UH HELLO. Don’t you think you ought to tell someone about it?”
“Geez, Twiggy. I’ll get to it.”
“You’ll get to it? When? It’s only three days. After the sale is done?”
“No. I have some tweets out there.”
“Tweets? How about you let your readers know about it here?”
“Always a good idea. Okay here is the link to Amazon. How about we go outside now.”
“Well, did you get through? After all dog food isn’t getting cheaper.”
“Hard to tell Bailey. He is such a nerd when it comes to promotion.”
“You got to him, Twiggy. Look he even put a cover, blurb, and the awards down there. Way to go Boss.”
Click cover for Amazon
The earth is under the threat of a catastrophic political event which could result in international warfare and destroy all life on the planet. In heaven, a divine council decides that extraordinary measures are essential. They call for an intervention that involves two souls returning to earth. The chosen two sign a contract that they will work to avert the disaster.
Brad Channing, a Navy SEAL, and Sarah O’Brien, a teacher, become heaven’s representatives on earth. The story follows them as they individually and then together face overwhelming obstacles and eventually end up on a strategic Air Force base in California. It is there that they discover a conspiracy to assassinate the President of the United States. The terrorists have a plan for global dominance, and they are determined to complete their mission. Although military leadership appears to have the President’s best interests at heart, it is not clear who can be trusted and who should be feared. The action is rough and tumble as Brad and Sarah try to figure out the culprits of the plot that will turn into a worldwide conflagration unless stopped.
If you enjoy thrillers, this is an award-winning one with enough twists and adventure to keep you riveted and guessing. If you like your thriller along with a good romance, Brad and Sarah’s initial attraction and eventual love will sustain you as they live out their heavenly and earthly desires.
“I’m just going to rest my eyes. Don’t let me miss Friday.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week Larry and Andrew decided they needed to talk to Ned Dixon the banker. The reason is Gloria (Larry’s deceased wife) advised Larry in a séance to follow the money. Ned is the only one involved who is near money. Larry wants a face to face meeting hoping he can get Ned to divulge details he might not do over the phone. I see that Larry has an appointment with Ned and is going into Ned’s office now.
“Good Morning Detective Dunfee. Please have a seat.”
“Thank you, Mr. Dixon.”
“You can call me Ned.”
“I am here on official business, Mr. Dixon. Let’s just keep it formal, shall we?”
“Official business? What does that mean?”
“I’m investigating the death of Igor Sandusky and since you have had some dealings with him I need to ask you a few questions.”
“Dealings? I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Weren’t you his banker?”
“This bank did give Mr. Sandusky a loan if that’s what you mean.”
“Who arranged for the loan?”
“Well, I did. That was over ten years ago.”
“Yes, it was. I understand that the loan was in default.”
“Yes. The payments were made routinely up until about six months ago.”
“Wait a minute. Mr. Sandusky was deceased. Who was making those payments?”
“They came from Mr. Sandusky’s trust.”
“Trust? He had a trust?”
“Yes, he did. I also set that up for him.”
“When did you do that?”
“I would guess about two years before he died.”
“Who’s the beneficiary?”
“That is the strange part. At the time he didn’t want to name a beneficiary, so he left that part of the trust open for a person or persons to be named later. Unfortunately, he never named anyone and stipulated that if this were the case the trust would remain in perpetuity until claimed by an heir.”
“Does he have an heir?”
“We have not been contacted. Mr. Sandusky also spelled out a specific identification protocol that the person claiming to be an heir would have to satisfy”
“This protocol is not well-known I take it?”
“No one knows. It is in an envelope put in a safe deposit box by Sandusky himself. It takes two keys to open. One is here at the bank and one was with Sandusky.”
“I’m guessing that whoever is an heir will show up with a key.”
“That is the assumption. But the person needs to satisfy the protocol.”
“Who is the trustee?”
“That would be me in the name of the bank.”
“So, let me get this straight. The bank was the trustee and made payments on the loan.”
“That is correct.”
“Why were the payments stopped?”
“I felt the business opportunities were nil, so I saw no reason to continue the loan.”
“You put Sandusky’s building on the block for the defaulted loan.”
“Yes.”
“So, in essence, the bank caused a default and then is selling the building.”
“True.”
“Where do the proceeds from the sale go?”
“To the bank to satisfy the loan and then any remaining funds to the Sandusky trust.”
“This is legal?”
“Mr. Dunfee. Since we are all formal here are you trying to say I have committed a crime?”
“No, Mr. Dixion. I have to wonder about manipulating a dead man’s affairs to the banks benefit is all.”
“Benefit? Mr. Sandusky took out a loan. The bank in good faith honored its loan agreement. It is a simple matter of paying back what was owed.”
“Did the loan have a pre-payment penalty?”
“No, of course not.”
“Then making all those payments simply gave the bank more interest. Had you sold the building and paid back the loan ten years ago, the trust would have been richer by the saved interest.”
“In theory that is true.”
“Theory has nothing to do with it. Seems like fact to me.”
“Except for the fact that Mr. Chisom wanted to keep the business going.”
“Mr. Chisom? Who is Mr. Chisom?”
“You met him.”
“I don’t recall the name.”
“I think you know him as Louis.”
“I’m confused.”
“About what?”
“Why would a bank keep making payments on a loan simply because one person wanted to keep a job.”
“That was not the reason. Mr. Chisom had a signed agreement to continue the development of the non-invasive surgical technique he and Mr. Sandusky developed.”
“Did you see this agreement.”
“I did. It was the only way I would keep making the payments.”
“Do you know who signed the agreement?”
“I do.”
“Okay, I guess twenty question is the game. Who signed?”
“A person by the name of Cortez.”
“Not Joachim Cortez.”
“Yes, in fact, it was.”
“Of the Cortez cartel?”
“Not familiar with that group.”
“One of the most wanted men on the planet.”
“Oh. I didn’t know that.”
“So what happened to the business?”
“As far as I know, the contract was never paid and hence the business folded. Louis insisted he was going to collect but after so much time I had to pull the cord.”
“So, you believe Louis fulfilled his end of the contract.”
“He told me he did.”
“Follow the money.”
“What?”
“Sorry. I was just repeating what I was told about getting this case wrapped up. The money, in this case, is in a den of vipers.”
“I don’t understand.”
“That’s okay. Thank you for your time. I may have more questions later. You have been helpful. Oh, wait. If it is not against the trust rules can you tell me how much the trust is worth?”
“It is a matter of public record at the IRS. The trust now has fifteen million under management.”
In Keith’s words. “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 on 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, with links to your own blog or web site, on Monday.”
The photo.
The Mistake by John W. Howell
“So who do you have on your list?”
“Looks like an old man named Tasker.”
“Anyone else?”
“Nope. He’s the last one today.”
“Man, Thank the Creator. I’m totally worn out.”
“Me too. We have been at it for thirty days straight without a break.”
“Well, that’s how the collection business goes sometimes. Too bad those other guys got to have a vacation this week. It has made it especially tough on you and me.”
“I’ll second that. What’s say we do this one and then stop for a couple of drinks?”
“You are talking my language. Okay, we are over the guy right now.”
“You being the bombardier, just give me the word and I’ll cut loose.”
“Steady. The guy is out in a field. Another three feet. Steady. Okay, now. Hit the beam.”
“Beam’s away. The guy should be here any second.”
“I hear him in the transport receptacle. Man, he is a noisy one.”
“Let me check it out on the observation screen. Uh-oh-oh.”
“What do you mean, ‘oh-oh?”‘
“If that is the old man Tasker he sure doesn’t look his age.”
“Let me look I have the facial recognition tool. Lucifer H. Beelzebub. We collected the right guy at the wrong time.”
“What do we do now?”
“I don’t know. I never had this problem before.”
“Are we in trouble?”
“For collecting someone who according to my tablet is not due for another seventy Earth years? You tell me.”
“Crap. We need to do something quick. Can’t we dump him?”
“No once collected, always collected.”
“We’ll just have to beg forgiveness.”
“Beg who, Tasker?”
“Naw. He knows nothing. We’ll have to beg the Creator.”
“No way. The last time I was meeting with the Creator I almost pooped my robes.”
“You don’t poop.”
“That’s what I wanted to do. I said almost. Besides you were the guy responsible for aiming. How did this happen?”
“I had my tablet open to the wrong year. Ever since that last download, this stupid thing reverts to a different year when you are sure you have set it right.”
“You better report that to IT. It may be the only way to save our butts.”
“Good plan. I feel better already.”
“What about Tasker? I wonder how he feels?”
“To be in heaven? I’m sure we can sell the advantages. Maybe we can tell him he was lucky we snatched him while he was in grace. Prevented a trip to the other place.”
“You well know he was in grace right up to the last minute or he would not have been on our list.”
“He doesn’t.”
“You want to lie to him?”
“You know, I think I have Post Collection Stress Disorder. I gotta ask for some time off.”
“Good luck with that. We will be lucky to see a vacation day in the next hundred Earth years.”
This post is a continuation of the Top Ten Things Not to Do with a historical background. On December 11th, 1620 the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. If you were there here is a list to help you stay out of trouble.
Top Ten Things Not to Do Landing at Plymouth Rock in 1620
10 If you land with the Pilgrims, do not suggest a beach party once reaching land. If you do, at best no one will understand you. At worst, there will be a realization on the part of the elders that you are possessed. ( You might as well confess, Gabriele. They won’t stop the water board treatment until you do. Of course, confession may lead to an old-fashioned stake burning. Tough decision.)
9 If you land with the Pilgrims, do not try to beat Tiny the WWF champ to a long-boat. If you do, at best you’ll trip and miss your chance. At worst, you’ll find yourself in the boat sitting next to Tiny, and he doesn’t look happy. (You’ll soon learn, Gadiel that Tiny promised his mom that he would be the first into the boat and first onto land. Now that he has missed his number one promise, it looks like you are about to be tossed overboard. If so, give that anchor he gave you to hold back to Tiny before you go.)
8 If you land with the Pilgrims, do not start telling everyone about planting a fish with the corn. If you do, at best you will be laughed out-of-town. At worst, since it is December and the ground is frozen solid, you might be taken for crazy. (Of course, you meant in the spring, Gair. The guys with that ball and chain could care less.)
7 If you land with the Pilgrims, do not mention anything about a turkey dinner for Thanksgiving. If you do, at best you’ll have to go hunting. At worst, the elders will quiz you closely about the reason to be thankful. It is cold, wet, and miserable. ( Now that they mention it, Galchobhar you may have tipped your hand about time travel. This can only lead to the thought that you are a devil. That thought never gets anyone anything.)
6 If you land with the Pilgrims, do not start talking about forming a football team named the Pilgrim Patriots. If you do, at best no one ever heard of football. At worst, you will immediately be accused of rule violations and will forever curse the team to public scorn. (So there is where all this New England Patriot controversy comes from, Galterieo. Might as well label it Pilgrimgate.)
5 If you land with the Pilgrims, do not wear your “I love Pope Paul V,” sweatshirt. If you do, at best no one will notice it under your black tunic. At worst, William Brewster will catch a glimpse, and reach an apocalyptic state of the highest order. (Good thing you were able to talk your way out of that one, Galvyn. Not sure anything Catholic would be welcome here.)
4 If you land with the Pilgrims, do not make jokes about the native tribe name Wampanoags. If you do, at best the native Americans will not hear you. At worst, Massasoit, their leader will take offense. ( Now we have another fine kettle of fish, Ganesh. The pilgrims need the Indian assistance, and the leader is mad at you. Guess who will be eliminated in this standoff?)
3 If you land with the Pilgrims, do not try to convince people to dig up clams for food. If you do, at best most will simply say, “No thank you.” At worst, you will be declared a food crank and banished. (You have to remember, Garbhach the idea of digging up something in the water and then eating it is not what most people think is normal.)
2 If you land with the Pilgrims, do not insist on building a split-level ranch home with a bay view. If you do, at best you’ll have to do it alone. At worst, the leadership will put you at the bottom of the priority list. (Nice move, Gared. You’ll be in this lean-to for another year at best.)
1 If you land with the Pilgrims, do not discuss your recipe for the perfect margarita with anyone. If you do, at best someone will report you. At worst, you’ll be asked to prepare a batch, and there is no tequila or limes anywhere. (How do these stocks feel, Garred? You only have thirty days to go.)
Port Aransas is looking a little bit like Christmas, so I thought I would do a quick run through town and see what evidence I could find of holiday preparations
My first stop was Winton’s candy store. They have a pet rattlesnake inside, and sure enough, there is a cartoon version on one of the front windows.
The other window featured snow people who are very rare here unless served with some kind of syrup.
On to the souvenir shop for a look at an entirely non-commercial holiday message.
The other window had a festive message as well.
The IGA is all decked out.
The city banners are up. Here is a message from Port Aransas to you.
The city tree is ready with gifts and decorations.
The motel with an airplane theme has Snoopy out front preparing to meet the Red Baron.
Here is a shot of one of the resorts holiday display.
My summation is not everyone is ready for the holiday. Maybe there will be more this week.
It is Stream of Consciousness time again and this week’s prompt is “musical.” Linda Hill advises that we can use it any way we want. I love this kind of empowerment. If you would like to be too big for your shoes visit Linda’s blog and read how to join this band of hyperactive keyboard abusers. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/12/07/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-8-18/
“And who’s bright idea was this?” “Looks like a Twiggy repellent device to me.”
The week has flown by. I’m not sure if it is because I don’t have my Christmas shopping started yet, or just a busy week. I always get a sense of panic when I don’t have my shopping done. This year is unusual in that I don’t even have an idea of the items to shop for as yet. Usually, I am ahead of the curve, but with all that’s been going on, I haven’t had the mental capacity to really concentrate.
Bailey takes a good deal of attention and time. She needs to go out every two hours which makes for a regulated day. On top of that, her medications and general care eat up some time as well. It isn’t the amount of time but the frequency of delivery.
We found out last week that the chemo treatments were causing some increased heart stress. So, for the second time, the cancer treatment was creating life-threatening problems. We have now stopped the chemotherapy. We know that in the end, this will shorten Bailey’s life. We also know that Bailey feels better without the treatment and so we are defaulting to quality vs. quantity. We tried everything, and now the objective is to make sure she is comfortable and loved for as long as she has.
Today’s JohnKu talks about hard decisions. I hope you all have a peaceful and fun weekend.
It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we were in Micki’s shop when Gloria gave us the news that Louis was not Sandusky’s murderer. She did advise Larry to look for a money angle. Also, Andrew missed the whole thing since he was under some kind of spell. Micki did offer to serve Andrew some tea if he would like to stay. (I think the tea was a metaphor) Well, Andrew turned her down, and he and Larry went back to police headquarters. Let’s join them there.
“So, Larry. What the heck went on back there?”
“Between you and Micki? I have no earthly idea.”
“No, you dolt. What happened during the séance?”
“Gloria made a brief appearance and declared Louis to be innocent.”
“Damn. You don’t say. This puts us back to square one.”
“Wait a minute. Do you believe in what Gloria says?”
“I have no other choice. You and I aren’t doing too well on collecting evidence.”
“That’s true but why all of a sudden are you accepting Gloria’s word with no reservations.”
“The mere fact I have no recall of the séance is enough to convince me. I wasn’t asleep, and I wasn’t awake. That was the work of spirits.”
“Well, whatever it takes. I’m glad you have come around fully.”
“It was my idea to consult Gloria this time around.”
“I thought you were just humoring me.”
“I plead guilty. Now I’m a convert. So what else did she say”?
“In so many words, chercher de l’argent.”
“Search for the money?”
“Yeah. That was it. Then she left.”
“So, you and I have to figure out what money she is talking about.”
“Which brings to mind that banker guy. What was his name.”
“Dixon, I think. Wait, I wrote his name down. Here it is, Ned Dixon.”
“Since he is a banker and banks have money, I think we should start with Ned.”
“That does make some sense, I guess. What will we ask him?”
“I think we start off with him explaining everything he knows about Sandusky and the business. Then as we get into it, we wait for him to make some mistake or another.”
“Mistake? What kind of mistake?”
“Oh, I don’t know. An inconsistency perhaps. Some facts that change. We’ll have him explain things several times to see how his story holds up.”
“What reason are you going to give for the questions.”
“I think I’ll just say we are investigating Sandusky’s death and that any information Dixon knows that might help would be appreciated.”
“You know if he has something to do with the killing, he’s going to bolt.”
“Yeah, but that will tell us something. I’m going to call him and get an appointment.”
“So, you’re doing an in-person interview?”
“Yup. The best way to be able to tell if the guy is hiding something.”
In Keith’s words now that he is back. “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 on 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, with links to your own blog or web site, on Monday.”
