Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we left Ben concluding a conversation with Father Lightfoot (Raymond). Raymond promised to talk to Mrs. Worthe and let her know Ben kept his mouth shut. Raymond also told Ben he would be in touch to presumably set up a system where Ben can report the comings and goings of Mr. and Mrs. Worthe. I see Mrs. Worthe joining Ben, who is still in the emergency room area. We should go and join them some don’t miss anything.
“Well, well, well.”
“Yes, Mrs. Worthe. What is it?”
“I just talked to Father Lightloafers.”
“Okay. What’s the well, well, well about?”
“You tell me. What do you think it’s about.”
“I have no idea. How could I know what you and Father Lightfoot talked about? I wasn’t there.
“Oh, come on Ben. You must have a clue.”
“I wish I did have a clue. Sorry, I can’t hope to be able to tell you about a conversation that took place out of my earshot.”
“Alright, Ben. I’ll tell you.”
“Don’t hurt yourself okay?”
“Don’t get smart with me young man. The good father said you and he had a nice chat and that it might be right for you to attend church more.”
“Oh how nice of him.”
“He told me that you and he had a little conversation about religion.”
“I suppose me telling him I’m Jewish might have touched on religion.”
“What he didn’t talk about was explosives.”
“Why would he talk about explosives?“
“He wouldn’t unless you brought u[ the subject.”
“Well, I didn’t.”
“I guess not. Good for you.”
“Yeah, your threats caused me to hold my tongue.’
“Good boy. I knew you were a smart one.”
“What now?”
“We need to see the doctor and find out what they are going to do with you.”
“I hope I can stay a couple of days.’
“Why on earth would you want to stay?”
“For one thing, I know I can watch my thumb closer here.”
“Oh, Ben. You are such a jokester. Your thumb will be perfectly safe at my house.”
“Your house? I want to go to my place.”
“Sorry. Out of the question Ben. I need to help you get better.”
“And keep an eye on me?”
“Well, that too. “
“Boy, this just keeps on getting better and better.”
“Aw, dear Ben. You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Wednesday Story Time again. Last week we were surprised to find out that Father Lightfoot was, in fact, a FBI agent. I think Ben is in a bit of hot water since he unloaded the fact that he had planned to blow up the Student Union. I’m not sure but to the agent, this might sound like terrorism. Let’s go back to the hospital and see what is happening next.

“Yes, sir. I’m with the FBI. Now tell me a little more about this plan of Mrs. Worthe’s.”
“Gee father… er …Mr. Lightfoot. Do you think I need a lawyer?”
“You can call me Raymond, Ben. Why would you think you need a lawyer?”
“Well, I just told you I was going to blow up the Student Union. That’s a crime, and you are a FBI agent.”
“All true Ben. If you want to get a lawyer you sure can do that and we can stop talking right now.”
“You sound like there is an ‘or’ in there somewhere.”
“You are pretty perceptive Ben. There is an ‘or.”’
“What is it?”
“Well, we have had our eye on the Worthes for some time. They have been doing some strange things with offshore savings accounts. These activities seem not consistent with law-abiding behavior.”
“What do you think they’re doing?”
“We are not one-hundred percent sure. In fact, we have several agencies involved.”
“Several organizations?”
“Yes. As you know, the Worthes are authorized by the ATF to supply demolition materials for construction companies.”
“ATF?”
“Sorry. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. These are the guys responsible for policing the laws connected with these items. Explosives fall under the firearms section. The Treasury Department is interested in the money flow overseas.”
“Anyone else.”
“Yeah, Homeland Security is interested in the source of the money. The IRS is interested in taxes on the money. The CIA is wondering who is paying the money.”
“Is everyone standing in line?”
“No. The first line of the investigation rests with the FBI. We are authorized domestically and will be the liaison to the others. So here is the deal, Ben. You help us, and we will help you.”
“W-what do you want to know?”
“We want to know everything you know and then we want you to find out what is going on.”
“You expect me to spy on the Worthes?”
“Well, ‘spy’ is a harsh word. Let’s just say we would like you to report what is going on.”
“You know Mrs. Worthe doesn’t trust me. Right?”
“No, I did not know that. Hmmm, maybe we have the wrong person.’
“No, wait. I may have overstated the situation.”
“So what is it?”
“She wants to take my thumb to ensure that I don’t talk to anyone about what I know.”
“Oh, that. I’ll just tell her you didn’t say anything. She’ll believe me and then I think you will be good to go. No more talk now. We will be in touch.”
“How do you know she didn’t overhear this conversation?”
“The orderly outside works for me. I have texted him to get Mrs. Worthe now. I will have a private conversation with her. I’ll see you later.”