“What are you waiting for Little One?” “Going to see if Friday is busy.” “I’m sure Friday is busy for the next two days.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we witnessed a gunshot that caught Larry in the chest. In addition, the shot caused the SWAT team to move in. In the melee, both Cortez and Juan were taken down. We also saw Gloria make an appearance and comfort Larry. The medical Examiner’s team has arrived, and Larry has been placed in a bag. He is then gently lifted to a stretcher. The stretcher is taken out of the house and passes through a phalanx of SWAT team members who stand at attention and give the passing bier a final salute. The rear doors of the hearse are opened, and Larry silently eased inside. The attendant closes the doors. Two police motorcycles take up a position in front of the vehicle. The entourage pulls away slowly. I see Mike and Andrew talking in the front yard. Let’s go and listen in.
Mike squints in the bright light and reaches for his sunglasses. Andrew is turned with his back to the sun. He is looking toward Larry’s departure until the vehicle goes out of sight. Mike clears his throat. “Our boys will take real good care of Larry until the ME releases him to you. We have a twenty-four-hour honor guard and consider him to be one of our own.”
Andrew looks at Mike. “I appreciate that. I know Larry would be pleased to know you guys are taking care of him.”
“It’s really the least we can do. I wish this had turned out a little differently. Larry did a hell of a job in trying to get Cortez to surrender.”
“What’s going to happen to Cortez’s family?”
“Not sure. I hope they take that plane to Mexico. We have no reason to hold them. I sent someone to give the bad news about Cortez to his widow. I haven’t heard back yet. You and Larry close?”
“We really only got close over the last few weeks working this case. How are the hostages doing?”
“The doc’s with them now. So we should know something shortly. They all looked okay, though.”
“I’m glad those goons decided to give up rather than cause any more bloodshed.”
“You and me both. Did Larry have a family?”
“He had a wife. But, unfortunately, she died, and I have to say Larry misses . . . er missed her something fierce.”
“So no kids or anyone we have to notify?”
“No. I need to call the chief and fill him in, but the department was all the family Larry had. I think he will be missed, though.”
“He seemed like a nice guy.”
“That he was Mike. That he was.”
“You have a place to stay?”
“I’ll get a hotel room to wait for Larry. I have some arrangements to make to get him home.”
“If you need anything, let me know.”
“I guess just a ride back to the rental car if I can remember where it is.”
“Okay. You ready. The team can finish here.”
“More than ready, Mike.”
***
Well, that is the end. I want to thank you all for hanging in there. It was started May 9th of 2018, and as of right now, it is 91,200 words. For those of you concerned about Larry, here is the latest. He and Gloria are on the French Riviera, sharing a bottle of champagne and looking forward to an eternity of travel and fine dining. The nice part is they never have to sweat reservations.
I am at Story Empire today having some fun. Please come visit. HERE is the link.
I will be taking a little break from the Wednesday Story Day but will come back with a new one when appropriate.
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.”
“I think it is more important to know what you call it.”
“Why is that?”
“This is going to be your new doghouse.”
“New doghouse? I don’t have an old doghouse. So what’s going on?”
“Dad and I feel you should have your own space. You are old enough to take that step.”
“Wait a minute. What’s wrong with me being in the house.”
“Oh, nothing, and you are welcome to come in anytime.”
“But?”
“But we feel its time for a young dog like yourself to have the freedom of your own place. You know, so you can invite your friends over, entertain guests, and that sort of thing.”
“You trying to get rid of me?”
“No, of course not. It’s just now that you are older it doesn’t seem right that you continue to sleep in our bed.”
“I get it. Threes a crowd.”
“Well, something like that. Now tell me, what kind of rugs would you like in there?”
“Rugs? What about heat and A/C? This thing looks like it might be blistering in the summer and freezing in the winter.”
“Come on, Trevor. Aren’t we a little dramatic? This will keep you nice and cool. Look at the huge screens. In the winter, the flaps come down to keep you cozy.”
“Your mind is made up?”
“Yes, it is.”
“I’m writing a letter to an American congressperson and voice my complaint.”
“But you’re not a citizen.”
“All the better. Non-citizens seem to be heard more over there.”
“Let me know if you need help.”
“Can I borrow your computer?”
“Sure.”
“Could you do the typing?”
“Absolutely.”
“Help me with the phrasing.”
“Of course.”
“Let me know when you are finished, and I’ll proof it.”
Last week I replayed what not to do on a Sunday. This week’s post is from August 9th, 2015, which ran one week after the Sunday post. (of course) I hope you like it.
***
This list was inspired by facing Monday over 3800 times so far. Everyone was a little different, and it was not because of the day but rather because of the day before. Hope you enjoy it.
Top Ten Things Not to Do On a Monday
10 On Monday, do not bustle into the office as if you don’t have a hangover. If you do, at best, you will broadcast your desperate condition. At worst, you may just burn out by ten o’clock and will have a rough time explaining how you managed to sleep at your desk until after everyone went home. (And you were drooling too)
9 On Monday, do not go into your boss’s office with a demand for higher pay. If you do, at best, you can expect a locked door next time. At worst, your boss is fighting a bad headache, and you are now considered a pain in another part of the body. (We are too gentrified to mention what that part is)
8 On Monday, do not get near fellow workers. If you do, at best, they will thank you for moving further away, given the garlic fumes from your midnight Caesar salad. At worst, you will confirm that you just had to have one more round of firewater before the last call at 2:00. (Funny how two hours of sleep and gallons of coffee won’t get rid of the alcohol vapor)
7 On Monday, do not use a laser pointer during your presentation. If you do, at best, your shaking hands will be magnified by the frantic little dot moving around the screen. At worst, you will accidentally point the laser out the window just in time to catch the eye of a 747 pilot on the final approach to the airport. (The next thing you will face is an interrogation by Homeland Security)
6 On Monday, do not volunteer to be a homeroom parent. If you do, at best, the kids will whisper to the teacher you smell funny. At worst, as you realize you need to visit the restroom, quick, you stumble over little Johnny sliding into the hallway and involuntarily render the trip to the restroom redundant. You also notice how each child can say “eeewww” at a different pitch. (And you thought there would be no teaching moment out of the situation)
5 On Monday, do not meet with friends unless they were with you the night before. If you do, at best, they will not understand your current state. At worst, since they are friends, you can expect an interdiction even though you think you will live. (As luck would have it, you decided you were going to live after that first glass of wine)
4 On Monday, do not operate any dangerous equipment. If you do, at best, you will harm the machinery and not yourself. At worse, you will be screaming for help as the piece of equipment you forgot to turn off heads down the street. (Don’t worry, a runaway forklift can’t cause much harm. Or can it?)
3 On Monday, do not walk the dogs. If you do, at best you will forget where you live. At worst, the dogs will sense some weakness and will take the opportunity to haul you on your stomach through the neighborhood in pursuit of the neighbor’s cat. (Too bad you put on your best outfit for the presentation this morning)
2 On Monday, do not take the carpool to work. If you do, at best, you will be asked a hundred questions about your appearance. At worst, your fellow carpoolers will decide to let you off after a couple of miles, and you’ll have to make your way to work anyway. (And you thought that dime-store cologne was going to cover up your night before reek)
1 On Monday, do not get out of bed. If you do, at best, your college try will get you an F. At worst, you will expose yourself to any one of the nine things on this list. (Trust me, it is safer in bed)
Today we are participating in the shark week scavenger hunt. There are ten different sharks and our job is to follow the clues and find the fins that have been hidden in the park. Since this might be a taxing exercise (mainly to me) we will do it in two parts. Next week will finish the hunt.
We are being catered brunch by June’s All Day in Austin. Our entertainment (Yes I finally went to Firefox as my browser and can load YouTube videos) is DiDO.
Menu
Café Breakfast
choice of eggs, sliced ham & gruyère, housemade jam, buttered English muffin 17
Of course, there are top-shelf drinks and very expensive wine. Just ask your server.
Hop on the bus and let’s go.
WHALE SHARKS are the largest of the species and can measure up to 40 feet in length. Their huge mouth can have up to 300 rows of teeth.
Clue: Find the WHALE SHARK fin at this popular spot to relax and “take a bite”. (Lower Level, near playscape, scenic view)
Looks like a view and spot to eat.
There is number one.
CAT SHARKS are distinguished by their elongated cat-like eyes and patterned appearance. They often sleep together while grouped in close quarters within small crevices.
Clue: Find the CAT SHARK fin in the “small” side of a play area for animals that bark.
There’s the dog park and certainly a place for animals that bark.
And the number two fin.
Black Tip Reef Sharks have distinctive black tips on their fins. Those fins help them to steer, maneuver and accelerate in the water. These shy sharks are timid around other predators & prefer to stay within a home range of approximately 1/4 mile.
Clue: Find the BLACK TIP REEF SHARK fin near “home base”.
There is home base at the ball diamond
Here is the number three fin.
Bullhead Sharks are relatively small bottom feeders who live in tropical and sub-tropical waters. They move through the water with a clumsy wiggle. You can often see these sharks “walking” along the seafloor looking for their next meal.
Clue: Find the BULLHEAD SHARK fin near this “walking” location. (Take the sidewalk path between Upper and Lower Level)
Here’s a sidewalk.
The number four fin.
Hammerhead Sharks are known for their wide-set eyes located on their hammer-shaped head. They also have special sensors across their heads that detect electrical signals of other living creature’s bodies. They swim in schools during the day but prefer to swim solo at night.
Clue: Find the HAMMERHEAD SHARK fin near this “electric” location. (Lower Level near the picnic area and flag pole)
Here is a picnic area and flag pole and electric plugs.
Number five fin.
I hope you enjoyed the hunt today. Don’t forget to come back next week for the conclusion. In the meantime relax and have more food and listen to DiDo.
As I was finishing my cup of coffee and a wee scone, I heard what could best be described as a clatter on the roof. Knowing it is nowhere near Christmas, I had a feeling in my gut that it may be of rather large import and worthy of investigation. However, I hesitated at the back door since whatever hit the roof was now in the process of sliding from its initial point of impact to the ground. My better judgment reminded me that stepping out of the doorway into the vector of a falling object is one way for a quick trip to eternity.
I was happy I waited since the force of the falling object, even though it was connected to a parachute, made a large dent in the yard. When it was safe, I approached the container and could see the name ACME Power Rocket stenciled on the side. There was a shipping invoice attached as well, and I tore it off. You guessed it. The recipient was one Wilie E. Coyote in care of Universal Studios, Hollywood, California. You have to wonder how it got here. Maybe it came by the USPS. Also included in the invoice was a note. It read.
Dear sir or Madam,
Please forward this package to the rightful recipient should it end up in your hands. I am trying to save money, so I shipped via USPS, and as we all know, sometimes things go astray. Also, here is a message from Linda Hill. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “wee.” Use the word “wee” or find a word that contains it and use it in your post. Have fun!
Here it is. Another Friday just waiting to open the door to Saturday. Always happy to see Friday here.
Not too much news to report. I was happy that the city of Lakeway is having some events in support of shark week. The one that I like is another scavenger hunt in the park, which I will report on Sunday’s Views of the Neighborhood.
Friday, August 6 – Thursday, August 12
Shark in the Park Scavenger Hunt
Shark fins are hidden across Lakeway City Park. Can you find them all?
I will not be participating in the contest part. I wouldn’t want to take away an award from a child entering the contest.
I did a feature on Rhythm & Reels; you can go HERE if you want to see it. This week is the third event in the series.
Friday, August 6 Rhythm & Reels Location: Lakeway Swim Center
7:30 PM Free Yard Games and Hot Dogs Live Music by Vision Arcade
8:45 PM Movie – The Meg
Watch the movie from the pool! (Sure you will)
Sunday, August 8
Shark Pool Party at Lakeway Swim Center
Shark-themed games, photo ops, prizes, and RIDE A SHARK from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM!
I hope you’ll join me on Sunday for Views of the Neighborhood. Today’s JohnKu talks about avoiding the news. I hope you have a great weekend.
“Lucy you think Friday is coming?” “*Sigh* In two days, Little One.” “Thanks. I just thought this week might be different.” “Nope same as last.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we witnessed a small breakthrough between Larry and Cortez. It looked like Cortez is worried about keeping his family safe, and Larry made some sense in suggesting that the government could protect his family better than Cortez could. Cortez is taking a moment to think through the consequences of continuing to fight or turning himself in. I see Cortez has lowered his gun into his lap. That could be good news. Let’s get over there and find out his choice of action.
Larry leans forward in his chair. “Have you come to a decision, Joachim?”
“Not so fast. I need to know that if I surrender, your offer of protection for my family will be honored.”
Larry leans back. “That’s easy. I’ll have the FBI agent draw up a contract, and you can sign it.”
Joachim’s shoulders slump. “He can do that?”
“He will be speaking for the Justice Department. So, yes, he can do that.”
Joachim waves his gun again. “Call him.”
“I’ll put him on speaker so you can hear for yourself.”
“Yeah, do that.”
Larry dials Mike’s number, and Mike picks up on the first ring. “Yeah, Larry.”
“Hey, Mike. We are on speaker, and I’m here with Joachim.”
“Okay, what’s going on?”
“I think Joachim is ready to call it quits if we can guarantee the safety of his family.”
“Um, okay. How many on the family?”
Larry nods to Joachim, who leans closer to the phone. “There is my wife and two daughters and a French Bulldog.”
“That is doable. Where are they now?”
“They are on an airplane in the executive hanger at the airport.”
“That is excellent. For a minute, I thought they were in Mexico, which would have made things a little more difficult. But, I think the government can make a deal for their safety. So, if you can hold on one minute, I will call the Attorney General to confirm.”
Larry speaks up. “Hey Mike, we have an ADA right here. Can’t she authorize the deal?”
Joachim and Larry stare at the silent phone. Then, finally, after what seemed like forever, Larry says, “Mike?”
“Sorry, Larry, I was on the phone with the AG. The deal is confirmed. I will draw up a preliminary rough contract. What was your question?”
“I was wondering if the AGA could approve and sign.”
“A good idea, but somehow having a captive AGA commit to a deal might not hold up later.”
Larry smiles. “Good call, Mike.”
“So, how do you want to do this?”
Larry points at Joachim. “Let’s have you sign the contract, and then one of your guys bring the contract in here. Joachim will guarantee no shooting. I will witness, and once signed, we will have everyone file out with their hands on their heads. Okay?”
“That sounds fine, Larry. I’ll call you back went the contract is ready.”
“Good deal, Mike, and thanks.” Larry disconnects the call. “Well, that’s it, Joachim. You need to tell your team it’s over.”
“I’ll call in Juan and explain it to him. He can handle the others.”
Joachim yells for Juan to come into the little room. Juan must have been right outside since he appears almost immediately. “Yes, boss. We leaving now?”
Joachim looks down. “Not exactly, Juan.” Joachim swivels the easy chair around so that he can face Juan
“What do you mean?”
“Were you eavesdropping?”
“I couldn’t help overhear that you are giving up.”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“But boss, what about the rest of us.”
“You’ve been very loyal, and I will try to get you some kind of deal.”
“That’s not good enough. We have families too. You know what’s going to happen the minute we get nabbed by the feds. The Balthazars are going to move in, and for no reason other than pure spite, they will torture and kill all of our families.”
“Well, maybe we can make a deal where the Feds just take me and leave you here.”
“Still not good enough. With you gone, there is going to be a war to end all wars. The result will be the same.”
“So, what do you recommend?”
“We stick with the original plan and get to the airport. Then, at least back home, we have half a chance of defending what’s ours.”
“Sorry. That’s not going to happen.” Joachim raises his gun. “Give me your weapon.”
Juan’s face grows dark. “You are forsaking the brotherhood, but you can have my gun. I’m going to pull it out. Be careful with yours.”
Juan slowly reaches to withdraw his gun from his holster. He shifts his weight to the balls of his feet and, with astonishing speed, vaults into the chair, burying his shoulder into Joachim’s chest. At the same time, he grabs Joachim’s hand with the gun and shoves it back behind Joachim’s head. Larry is taken totally by surprise and is just beginning to rise from the chair as the gun goes off. The force of the bullet to the chest slams Larry back into the chair.
Joachim and Juan struggle, but Joachim is no match for the powerfully built Juan. He tears the gun out of Joachim’s hand and places the cold steel on Joachim’s forehead while holding Joachim by the neck. “Tell me we are going to the airport, or you’re a dead man.”
“You honestly think those feds out there are going to let you walk out of here? You just shot one of their own.”
“I have the hostages, old man. I’m not afraid to kill one at a time to get my way.”
Larry is trying to make sense of what happened. He can hear Joachim and Juan arguing but can’t understand the context. His chest hurts, and he can feel his lungs getting congested. He tries to get up but is too weak to move. He coughs and can feel the metallic liquid in his mouth. Then, almost like a fist to the gut, several stun grenades go off simultaneously all around the house. Larry can hear and smell the automatic rounds that come from all directions. The blurred forms of Joachim and Juan are lifted and thrown across the room. Larry struggles to hold his eyes open but finally gives in to the wish for sleep.
Larry can feel a soft hand on his face, “It will be over soon.”
Larry opens his eyes. “Gloria. My love. Where did you come from?”
“I’ve been with you all along, my love. You need to relax now. Everything is fine. I have you” Gloria wraps her arms around Larry and hugs him tight. Larry relaxes, and for the first time since losing Gloria, he feels at peace.
“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.”
