“It is only Wednesday but drink up little one. Friday will be here soon.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we realized that Evon and Janice were fearful of the fact that Cortez might extract retribution if Janice talked too much about, he and his company. We also learned that contrary to the signed engineering analysis, the machine Cortez bought from Sandusky worked perfectly. I think Larry has a few more questions so let’s get back to the Rafferty’s to see if we can learn more.
“I understand your fear, Evon. Let me assure you Andrew, and I are not in any way connected with Cortez.”
“I’m sorry detective I just can’t take the chance.”
“Okay, then. Let me ask another question.”
“If it doesn’t involve accusing Cortez of anything illegal go ahead.”
“Janice.”
“Yes, detective?”
“Would you say your husband was an honest man?”
“Of course, Detective. To a fault.”
“How is it then that you have this lovely and I might add expensive home.”
“My husband earned a lot of money. He was an exceptional engineer. He had a number of clients and was working on a lot of projects.”
“I see. So, he was not an employee of Cortez?”
“In a manner of speaking, no. He was a contractor to Cortez. The relationship between he and Cortez was spelled out in a contract.”
“Do you have a copy of the contract?”
“I do, but let me ask Evon if that is something I can share?”
“I don’t think it is a problem, Janice. Let me read the contract first, and then I will be able to ascertain if there are any provisions that would prohibit its view by a third-party.”
“Excuse me, Evon.”
“Yes, detective?”
“Since Mr. Rafferty is no longer..uh…with us doesn’t that render the contract null and void?”
“Not necessarily, detective. There are survival clauses in most contracts that detail certain provisions should the contract no longer be valid for whatever reasons. Let me give you an answer about being able to see the contract after I have reviewed it.”
“Fair enough, counselor. I have another unrelated question.”
“Go ahead.”
“Janice. Did your husband leave a will?”
“Yes. Yes, he did.”
“A public document I’m sure.”
“Excuse me, Janice. It has been to probate if that is what you mean detective.”
“Well, I just want to know who is listed as the primary beneficiary?”
“If you are implying that Janice has anything to do with her husband’s death, I’m afraid we will need to terminate this interview.”
“I’m not implying anything, Evon. It is just a point of information.”
“I am the primary beneficiary.”
“Thank you, Janice.”
“Did your husband have insurance?”
“Detective I don’t like where these questions are going.”
“Relax Evon. I could look all this stuff up but am just trying to get my file up to date.”
“My husband had a substantial insurance policy, detective.”
“How large, Janice?”
“Five million dollars.”
“My that is substantial. Did you and your husband get along?”
“Okay detective that about wraps up our interview. We thank you for your time, and I hope you have the information for which you came.”
“Yes, this has been a very interesting visit. We thank you.”
“Let me show you out, detective.”
“One more thing, detective.”
“Yes, Mrs. Rafferty?”
“Cortez had a similar policy on my husband. It was a key resource policy, and he paid for it.”
“My goodness Mrs. Rafferty. Looks like a lot of folks had money on that horse.”
This way detective.”
“Thank you, Evon. Andrew and I can see ourselves out. It has been a pleasure.”
“I would love to be able to say the same detective.”
“I’m sure, Evon. Don’t forget the contract or will I need a court order?”
“We will be in touch, detective. Mind that door now.”
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 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.”
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. This is the first Views of the Neighborhood from our new home. Today we are going a couple of blocks away to visit a park that celebrates service. This is not a place of loss but of recognition. It is here that the men and women from Lakeway who served in the military are honored.
The central arch lets visitors know what to expect inside.
The story of the Spirit of Freedom Monument
The spirit of Freedom Monument was originally erected to honor World War II veterans.
The Koran War was added.
The Vietnam War
Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, and El Salvador
Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Panama
Another view of the whole setting.
On the other side of the arch is a statement of truth.
The well from the original ranch house established on this spot. Lakeway was once a ranch.
One view of the original ranch house. The house is made out of stone.
The entrance to the ranch house
The Heritage Center filled with information about Lakeway
The Heritage Park sign. The monument is in the background
A reminder that no matter how cute, deer are better off not being fed. Lucy and Twiggy better obey the little sign as well. I hope you enjoyed the first outing in Lakeway.
It is Stream of Conscious Saturday time again. This weeks prompt is “soul/sole.” To quote Linda Hill. “Use one, use both, use ’em any way you like. Enjoy!” If you would like to participate, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to get carried away and enjoy. Here is a link. https://lindaghill.com/2019/03/15/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-16-19/
Another Friday and a very busy week. After several days of concerted activity, all the boxes have been unpacked and homes found for the contents. Maybe the homes won’t be permanent but at least the stuff is stashed somewhere. I am very happy to have both cars in the garage. Now, don’t ask me where to find something?
Moving is up there with the big life changes that are stressful. We seem to be over the worst part. There’s still the refrigerator, Washer, dryer, living room, dining room, office, and three bedrooms to be delivered. The good news is we are no longer on an air mattress. The box springs and mattress are on the floor. The actual bed looks about six weeks off.
Still and all it feels like home. Today’s JohnKu talks about what makes a home. I hope you have a beautiful weekend
This post continues the Top Ten Things Not to Do with a historical background. Yesterday marked the anniversary of the first telephone call made by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876. He famously said, “Watson, come here. I need you” to his assistant Thomas Watson. If you happen to have a time machine and can get there, take this list and maybe you can stay out of trouble.
10 If you are at the first phone call, do not talk and laugh while Alexander is on the phone. If you do, at best you will be sushed. At worst, you will be sent to your room without dinner. (Why is it when someone gets on the phone you feel ignored, Gunner. Don’t worry the call only took two seconds.)
9 If you are at the first phone call, do not cut in the waiting line to make a call in front of Tiny the WWF champ. If you do, at best Tiny will ask you to leave. At worst, Tiny who just finished his assertive class will palm your head as if it were a basketball. (You know what will come next, Garfield. It’s that melon squeeze thing he made famous at the circus.)
8 If you are at the first phone call, do not ask Alexander if he has thought of Caller ID. If you do, at best he will give you a funny look. At worst, he will ask you to explain how it works. (Go ahead, Gifford. Tell Alexander Graham Bell exactly how Caller ID functions. Cat got your tongue?)
7 If you are at the first phone call, do not try to talk your way into an operator’s job. If you do, at best you will be ignored. At worst, Tom Watson will think you are taking his role. (Looks like old Tom has a pretty mean uppercut, Gregorie. Best not fool with him.)
6 If you are at the first phone call, do not try to call Alexander collect. If you do, at best he will think it’s a joke. At worst, he will block your number. (Now look what you’ve done Galin. Your phone number has been blocked for all eternity, and you have probably caused a rip in the time continuum.)
5 If you are at the first phone call, do not tell Alexander that he has won an all expense paid cruise. If you do, at best he will hang up. At worst, he will force you to make good on the offer. (So much for starting the first phone scam, Granger.)
4 If you are at the first phone call, do not try to phone prank, Alexander. If you do, at best he won’t bite. At worst, he knows where you live and has friends on the police force. (So much for the Prince Albert in a can joke, Gaagii. He was on to you immediately when he realized Prince Albert tobacco wasn’t available yet.) For the youthful readers, Prince Albert tobacco came in a can. The joke was to call a tobacco shop and ask, “Do you have Prince Albert in a can?” If the answer is, “Yes,” then the jokester would say, “Please let the poor fellow out.” Then the jokester and his buddies would fall about the place laughing.)
3 If you are at the first phone call, do not answer a call from Alexander on a speakerphone. If you do, at best he might disconnect. At worst, he will use his air horn to clear the line. (How is that hearing test coming along, Gabie. That horn had some decibel range huh?)
2 If you are at the first phone call, do not shout into the receiver. If you do, at best no one will be there. At worst the caller will think you are hard of hearing and You’ll end up in a shouting match. (That was a fun call, Gadi. Now go get a Ricola for that hoarse throat.)
1 If you are at the first phone call, do not think Alexander Graham Bell is a telemarketer. If you do, at best you won’t hang up. At worst, you will disconnect from a very historic call. (You could have been written into history, Gaillard. Instead, you are being cursed by Alex himself.)
I was at a book fair in Killeen Texas yesterday sponsored by Texas Authors. The Views of the Neighborhood this week will hopefully give you a taste of what went on.
Here is the entrance to the fair.
The main desk
A lot of authors are in attendance
Here is a shot of my booth.
More authors
I was happy to finally meet Jan Sykes. Here we are at her booth.
Gwen Plano was visiting Killeen and stopped by. This was the first time we met in person.
I call this “Thorn Between Two Roses.” It was so much fun seeing Jan and Gwen.
I hope you enjoyed the brief tour of the Killeen Book Fair.
Gad that headline took some figuring out. This is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this weeks prompt is “abash/a bash/bash.” Linda Hill further orders to use “abash,” or “bash” as a noun or a verb. Then she offered up bonus points if we manage all three. Her final order, “Have fun!” (Easy for her to say).
If you would like to be under the boot of the lovely Ms. Hill go to her blog and read how. Here is the link.
