It is Wednesday Story Time again. Last week we saw the sheriff one Mr. Gibson admonish Lucas not to begin painting the house until Alice Weston comes by with the Home Owner Association approval. The sheriff also let Lucas know that he lives near and will be keeping an eye on him. I guess we should get back to see what Lucas is doing while he is waiting.
“Oh hi, Lucas.”
“Mrs. Weston. How nice to see you.”
“I have your approval right here.”
“I appreciate all the effort it took to get that done Mrs. Weston.”
“Please call me Alice. Is Mrs. Murphy home?”
“No, she went to the store a little while ago. She should be back soon, though.”
“How soon do you think.”
“I’m not sure. By the way, Sheriff Gibson stopped by.”
“What did he want?”
“He told me not to begin painting until I got this authorization.”
“Just like Seth to butt his nose in where it doesn’t belong.”
“I think he thought he was helping you.”
“He would love to help me alright. Not sure I would want his kind of help, though.”
“I thought you were friends.”
“Friends Ha. That would be the day. I don’t need that kind of friend.”
“Did he arrest you or something?”
“Let’s just say a lady doesn’t talk ill of others and leave it at that. I could sure use a cold drink. It is hot today. Let’s go in and get some ice water.”
“Well, I don’t know. I’m not sure she left the house open.”
“Nobody locks doors around here. When did you say she would be back?”
“Well, she just left so I would say a couple of hours.”
“Oh, that will do nicely. Come on let’s go get some water.”
“I don’t think I’m allowed.”
“Nonsense. I’ll take responsibility. Come on in Lucas my man.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we accompanied a young man into the paint store to find out he is ordering paint for the Widow Murphy and she has not seen the color. The paint store employee was rightfully concerned, but the young man insisted on the unique color. Before leaving the store the employee asked if the color had been approved by the Property Owners Association. The young man indicated that it would be his next stop.
“Yes, can I help you?“
“I am painting the Widow Murphy’s house, and I need to get the color approved by the POA.”
“Oh most certainly. I can help you with that?”
“Here are the colors, Autumn Harvest and Phantom White. Those paint chips should give you an idea of the color.”
“Oh, my. These are beautiful colors. I’m surprised the Widow chose them. Her house is kind of musty gray. This Autumn Harvest will wake the place up nicely.”
“I agree. So we are approved?”
“Well, we need to have the homeowner fill out this form and sign it. When we get the form back, it will take about five days or so for the committee to give approval.”
“Whoa. That long? I had hoped to be able to finish the job in a week.”
“I’m sorry, but our rules are well-known to the owners. Didn’t Mrs. Murphy explain them to you?”
“No ma’am. She just told me to get the paint and to do the job.”
“It must have slipped her mind. Well here is what we can do. If you get Mrs. Murphy to fill out the form today, I think I can get the committee together tomorrow morning and get a decision by noon. I don’t believe this color will be a problem.”
“I’m not sure the widow is home, but I will do my best.”
“Oh, she never goes anywhere. I’m sure she’s there. Do you want me to call her?”
“No. I mean no thank you. I’ll just take the form and get her to fill it out. Thank you so much.”
“You are welcome, young man. Oh, I might mention there are a few houses in our neighborhood that need painting. If you do a good job for the widow, I’m sure there will be plenty more to keep you busy. Come back and see me when you’re finished and I can make some introductions for you.”
“That is very kind of you. I hope I can repay the kindness.”
“Don’t worry. A strong young man like yourself is always in demand. You take care now and stay in touch.”
“I’ll be back later with the form.”
“I’ll look forward to it. I’m sorry, but I didn’t get your name.”
“Lucas. Lucas Saveride.”
“Well, Lucas Saveride it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Alice. Alice Weston.”
“Nice meeting you too, Mrs. Weston.”
“Call me Alice, Lucas. Just call me Alice you cute thing you.”

Today is Wednesday Story Day and the start of a whole new story. For the regulars, you know that my stories are written entirely in dialog and without tags. The reason I do this is to continue to practice my dialog so that I can make it stronger. For any newcomers, I hope it won’t be too confusing and that you will enjoy the ride. So here we go.
“Hi, young man can I help you?”
“Yes, sir. I just got a job painting the widow Murphy’s house and I need some paint.”
“That is a mighty big house, son. You sure you can handle it.”
“Oh yes, sir. I have ladders and my own spray equipment. I will do a good job.”
“I’m sure you will. Now how much of what color do you want?”
“Well, I think I will need twenty gallons of this here ‘Autumn Harvest,’ and six gallons of the ‘Phantom White’ trim paint.”
“Yeah, that should do it. That is a lovely color for the widow’s house. I’m surprised she picked that one.”
“She told me to select the color and I think it will look good.”
“Wait a minute. Didn’t she pick the color? Has she seen it?”
“Nope. She said she didn’t care what color. I think this one will cover that gray just fine, though.”
“You know what son. I’ve been in the hardware business almost thirty years. If I were you, I would take a sample of this paint and show it to the widow. Otherwise, I think you might be in for a disappointment.”
“I’m pretty sure she meant what she said. No offense but I think I know what I’m doing.”
“Okay son. Just trying to help. You know there is no returns on a custom color.”
“Yes, I know that. Now please mix it up.”
“Coming right up. You want five gallon or one-gallon cans?”
“Let’s do the five-gallon buckets for the body color and one gallon for the trim.”
“You’re the boss. I’ve known the widow for a number of years and never thought of her as the kind to let someone else pick her colors.”

“I get that. It will be my worry though.”

“Yes sir.”

It is Wednesday Story Day time again. This week’s episode is brought to you by an excellent blog written by Gwen Plano. Her blog is one where you can visit with the expectation of being inspired. Visit. You will be glad you did. http://www.gwenplano.com/blog-reflections.
Last week we witnessed Ralph Worthe starting to come apart at the seams. He openly stated he was using his family as a shield. We need to go back and find out where he will lead us.
“Mr. Worth I think you are unraveling.”
“Lightfoot if you say that again I may have to pop you one.”
“That would leave one less hostage.”
“So who cares I have three more.”
“Ralph Worthe. You better get a grip here.”
“Trudy. I want you to sit down and shut up.”
“Daddy. You can’t talk to mother that way.”
“Alexis you need to be quiet.”
“I will not be quiet. You are making us very upset. Ben, why are you just sitting there?”
“Uh. Cause he has the gun.”
“That’s right sonny. I have the gun. Y’all better just get used to the idea that you can’t do much about what I need to do.”
“You are going to die, Ralph. You know that don’t you?”
“I’m going to tell you one more time to shut up.”
“Is that your phone ringing.”
“I’m not going to answer it.”
“What if they have met your demands?”
“Okay. hello?”
“Mr. Worthe. This is the commander.”
“Yes. what is it?”
“We are all set. The SUV’s are here, and the jet is waiting for you..”
“Okay. I’m coming out.”

Will Ralph make it to the jet? (or even out the front door)  Tune in next week to find out. In the meantime visit Gwen Plano at http://www.gwenplano.com/blog-reflections.

It is Wednesday Story Time again and this week’s story is brought to you by John Fioravanti and his terrific blog. http://fiorabooks.com where John has an inspirational message for us all.
Last week Ralph Worthe hung up on the hostage negotiator and the negotiator fearing for those inside the house asked for permission to storm the house. We better get back there to find out it the permission was granted or who else is going on.
“You know Ralph that negotiator is going to ask for authorization to storm this place.”
“Shut-up Lightfoot. I’m running this not you.”
“I’m just saying if you value your life and that of Alexis and Trudy you should get back on the line.”
“I’m showing them who’s boss Lightfoot.”
“Well, when those troopers come through that door, they aren’t going to respect the fact that you are the boss. There will be enough lead flying around this place to take us all out.”
“They’re not going to shoot one of their own.”
“Believe me, they won’t mean to kill anyone but you. That will be a moot point once the bullets start to fly. That twenty-two of yours won’t stop anyone. Look what happened when you shot me.”
“Maybe I need you to talk to them. How about you do that while I hold this twenty-two against your head. I guarantee that it will make a nice hole in your brain.”
“Daddy you have us all scared.”
“That’s right Ralph, Alexis and I can’t stop shaking.”
“You two make me sick. You talk big but when it is time to play in the big time you turn chicken.”
“Mr. Worthe. I think you ought to surrender.”
“You know Ben. When I want your whimp advice, I’ll ask for it. How about it Lightfoot. You game to play?”
“Sure, I’ll talk to them. What are your demands?”
“I want a helicopter on the front lawn to take us to the airport and then a  jet to the Cayman’s.”
“You know they come get you in the Cayman’s.”
“Duh. Let me worry about that part. Just tell em what I want.”
“Okay. Let’s hope we can get them on the line.”
“Their phone number is in “recent calls.” They called me remember?”
“I got it. Here goes.

“Hello.”
“Hello, Commander this is agent Lightfoot.”
“My God, Lightfoot is that guy nuts or what?”
“I have you on speaker Commander.”
“Yeah Commander. I’m not nut, but getting furious.”
Wow, we will need to tune in again next week for another episode. In the meantime, visit John Fioravanti at http://fiorabooks.com

Last week we left the Worthe’s surrounded by a SWAT team, and Ralph was on the phone with the SWAT negotiator. It appears that Father Lightfoot is now a hostage and Ralph is threatening to shoot him unless his demands are met. We have no idea what those demands are but better go back and see. This week’s Wednesday Story Time is brought to you by Texas writer Jan Sikes. She has an excellent series of books, based on a true story and you can visit her blog to learn more. Here is the link. http://www.rijanjks.wordpress.com Now let’s join the Worthe’s and all the fun they are having.
“Okay, okay Mr. Worthe. Before I hear your demands, I need to make sure Lightfoot is okay.”
“He’s okay.”
“Not that I don’t trust you MR.WORTHE but I will need to talk to Lightfoot.”
“Ain’t going to happen. Take my word; he’s okay.”
“I guess this call is over then Mr. Worthe. Please enjoy the rest of your day.”
“Wait…Okay, I’ll put him on.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Hello.”
“Lightfoot is that you.”
“Yes, commander it is.”
“Are you hurt.”
“I think Worthe cracked one of my ribs with that pea shooter of his.”
“Can you still function?”
“Yes, I was wearing a vest. Worth has his .22 pointed at my head, though.”
“What about the rest?”
‘All in the kitchen with me.”
“Okay good. Try to keep them there.”
“gotta go commander. Bye.”
“Wait. Lightfoot?”
“No, it’s Worthe now.”
“Mr. Worthe. I want to assure you that as long as no harm comes to Agent Lightfoot, you have my word that you and your family will be safe.”
“Safe? You calling living under Marshall Law safe?”
“Marshall Law? Whatda you talking about?”
“As if you didn’t know. You and your agencies have been spying on us for years.”
“Mr. Worthe. Please stay with me. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Yeah, sure you don’t. How would you like to live in fear for your whole life.”
“Uh. Mr. Worthe? You okay?”
“You’ll see all right in a minute.”
“Mr. Worthe you haven’t told me your demands.”
“Maybe it’s too late for demands. Worth out.”
“Worthe. Mr. Worthe. Hello, Mr. Worthe. Damn the line’s now busy. Hello, Central.”
“Central go ahead.”
“Worthe just hung up. I tried calling back and get a busy signal. Need the authorization to breach.”
Well, this does not look good for the folks in the house. We’ll have to wait and see if the permission to storm the house is given or maybe if Ralph comes to his senses and comes back on the line. Please visit today’s sponsor Jan Sikes and check out her new book. http://www.rijanjks.wordpress.com Till next week then.

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we left Father Lightfoot, Ben, Alexis, Trudy, and Ralph Worthe in a situation where Ralph had a gun aimed at Father Lightfoot. There were several laser dots on Ralph and Trudy Worthe from the outside. Just when we thought Father Lightfoot was going to talk Ralph into putting the gun down, Ralph pulls the trigger. I’m sure you are like me and put your fingers in your ears in order not to hear the subsequent reports from the SWAT team outside. We had better go back to see what happened. If you would rather stay behind, I will give you a full report.
I’m also pleased to open Wednesday Story Time to a sponsorship for each episode. There is no cost, but you have to be okay with being associated with the craziness of the feature. A sponsor can be a blog, book, or event. If you would like to participate send me an e-mail at johnhowell (dot) wave (at) gmail (dot) com. Now let us see what is going on.
“There is a shot in the house.”
“Hold your fire. All members hold your fire.”
“I still have a bead, sir.”
“Just hold your fire and stay with the subject. There is no authorization to take anyone down.”
“Who’s going to give the order?”
“Lightfoot is in charge. We wait for his signal.”
“What if he’s the one hit.”
“That little weapon couldn’t hurt a fly. Just hold on. We’ll give it five minutes. All copy?”
“Copy.”
“Copy here.”
“Copy that.”
“Copy sir.”
“Yes, copy. Not happy but copy.”
“Fine. Just relax everyone. Do not let anyone out of the house. We do not want deadly fire. Repeat no fatal fire. Shoot to stop not kill. Any questions? Okay, I’ll take your silence as an affirmative.”
“Excuse me, sir.”
“What is it, Bates.”
“What if the guy comes out with a weapon.”
“Hit him in the knee.”
“Yes, sir.”
“You can do that can’t you Bates?”
“Yes, sir. Knee sir.”
“Now let’s cut the chatter and keep sharp.”
“Hey you in the yard. Hey, can you hear me?”
“We can hear you. Please identify yourself.”
“I’m Ralph Worthe. Who are you?”
“Agent Matthews. What do you want.?”
“I have a hostage, and I want you people to back off.”
“Who is your hostage?”
“The guy called Lightfoot.”
“Is he okay.”
“Yes. I did shoot him, but he has a vest. My twenty-two just bruised him. I now have him tied up. I can assure you I have nothing to lose and next time I will put one between his eyes.”
“We need to hear from Lightfoot. Do you have a cell phone?”
“Yes I do, but there will be no conversations that I can’t hear.”
“Don’t you think this yelling back and forth is a bit hard on the throat. Put the damn thing on speaker.”
“Uh. Well, I guess that will be okay. Here’s the number five, five, five, six, oh, seven nine. Got it?”
“I got it. I’m calling now.”
“Hello.”
“Yeah Ralph this is Matthews.”
“I swear I will kill this man if my demands aren’t met.”
“Easy Ralph.”
“That’s Mr. Worthe to you.”