Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we left Ben giving instructions to Alexis. He wanted her to tell Trudy Worthe that Ben intends to tell Father Lightfoot (Raymond) about the plan to blow up the Student Union and to have him call the police. He thinks this will be a way to flush out Mrs. Worthe’s plan. I know, I know he is trusting Alexis again. We have found this to be a precarious bit of behavior in the past. Well, let’s go and see if Ben has shot himself in the foot (metaphorically speaking since we know he has done it once.). I see Mrs. Worthe heading into Ben’s room.
“Ben, you little Benedict Arnold. What the hell you think you’ll get out of telling Lightfoot?”
“Oh, I think he’ll be interested enough to call the cops.”
“And you think I’ll just let you do that act of treason.”
“Treason? you now the government?“
“You know what I mean you little bastard. I guess you don’t value your digits. You do this, and I’ll come at your with two knives. I’ll bet you can’t keep all your parts covered.”
“Whew, you make me shiver with these threats.”
“I told you before what would happen if you said a word.”
“Oh, come on Trudy. I’m not going to tell anybody anything.”
“That’s not what Alexis says.”
“You believe her?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
“Yeah why wouldn’t you? You put her up to finding out my plan right?”
“Well, I—”
“I think you can drop the facade, Trudy. I know Alexis was sent to spy. She was quite surprised to hear you telling both of us that it was over between us.”
“You know I always thought you weren’t right for her.”
“The problem is she doesn’t agree, and now you lost your daughter’s trust. I sent that story to see if she would, in fact, tell you the phony plan. She did.”
“Doesn’t prove a thing. Alexis is a pathological liar.”
“It proves she is no longer loyal to you.”
“We’ll see you little dirtbag.”
“Another thing.”
“What?”
“Come at me with all the knives you want. I may not win, but before you have your way, you’ll be one hurting bitch. You can take that to the bank.”
“My Ben. When did you grow a pair.”
“Since I realize all you Worthes are stark raving nuts.”
“What a beautiful thing to say, Ben. Would you like some lunch now?”

Wednesday Story day again. Last week we witnessed Ben and Alexis come together and discovered they are absolutely on different pages. Alexis looked like she was trying to find out what Ben was planning to do. If so, she was probably an agent of Trudy Worthe. The two did discover that Mrs. Worthe told each that the other was through with them. I sure wouldn’t trust Mrs. Worthe if I were Alexis and I certainly wouldn’t act as her agent. But, who am I? I’m just writing this stuff down, and these two need to sort it out for themselves. Let’s go back and see how they do it.
“Ben, I’ve been thinking.”
“Okay. About what?”
“I’m not too pleased with my mother for telling me you didn’t want to see me.”
“how do you think I feel about her after she told me you were through with me.?”
“I’ll bet that hurt.”
“More than you know.”
“I’m sorry. I should have come to you sooner.”
“Well, if you thought I didn’t want to see you, why would you?”
“My mother is a bitch.”
“I think there would be a lot of folks who would agree. Did she tell you to come in here and get some information from me?”
“She did. I don’t know why I followed her directions, though.”
“You are her daughter, and you can’t help yourself. We need to make up some story that you can tell her.”
“I don’t think she will believe that you don’t have a plan. She knows you are too smart for that response.”
“Why thank you, you’re making me blush. Let me see. How about going back to the old plant that I’m going to tell Father Lightfoot about the plan to blow up the Student Union and then ask him to call the police.”
“You’re not going to do that are you?”
“No of course not. She needs to believe you, though.”
“Oh, I see. I think that will work.”
“Okay then. Tell her that when you report in.”
“I feel sorry that you think I was spying on you.’
“I know your mother. Think nothing of it.”
“I love you, my dear Ben.”
“I love you, my dear Alexis. Now tell her so we can see what she is going to do.”
“Okay. See you later.”
“I hope so. Bye.”

Wednesday Story Day again and we last left Ben and Father Lightfoot discussing Ben’s situation. Ben was trying to explain the situation when Father Lightfoot interrupted him and implied that Ben was not right in the head. Let’s go back and see if there will be anything positive coming out of this discussion.

“You said I was talking crazy Father.”
“I didn’t mean that you were talking crazy my son. What I meant is your statement was the talk of a crazy person.”
“What? The idea of blowing up the Student Union.”
“Exactly Ben. You think it is okay to do something like that?”
“I believe that it is a little eccentric but certainly not the act of a crazy person.”
“Okay, maybe I was a bit too harsh. Why don’t you tell me why you wanted to blow up the Student Union.”
“Well, Alexis and I thought it would be a statement.”
“Statement? What kind of statement?”
“Well, father to be honest Alexis and I were never really happy at the university, and we thought by blowing up the Student Union we would exorcise whatever feelings we had for the place. That was before Mrs. Worthe came on the scene.”
“Okay, so Mrs. Worthe got involved. How did that change things?”
“Well, the mission went from one of a single purpose of cleansing to one of greed.”
“Greed? You want to explain what you mean?”
“Sure. Mrs. Worthe convinced us to plant the explosives and then demand from the university a ransom to keep us from blowing up the building.”
“My word. How much?”
“Ten million dollars.”
“Whew that is a lot of money. What were you going to do with all that money?”
“We were going to launder it and then send it to offshore accounts. Alexis thought it would be a way to have all the things she wanted.”
“What about you Ben. Did you want the money?”
“Well, I never gave it much thought. I guess it would have been nice to give Alexis what she wanted.”
“Come on Ben. We are talking about you. What did you want?”
“I wanted to forget the whole thing. That’s what I wanted.”
“So you shot yourself.”
“I didn’t mean to shoot myself.”
“But it sure put a stop to the plan. Didn’t it?”
“I suppose. Will you help me, Father?”
“I must confess my son. Yours is a sad case. You have allowed Mrs. Worthe and Alexis get you into a position of breaking some pretty big laws.”
“I know right? How can I get out of this mess?”
“Take a look at this Ben.”
“This is an ID of a FBI agent. OMG, you are with the FBI?”

Wednesday Story day again. Last week we left Mrs. Worthe and Ben discussing how Ben could provide some collateral to ensure he would keep his mouth shut. Mrs. Worthe had initially offered up the idea of cutting off Ben’s right thumb. It appeared that she had another thought in mind and questioned Ben on his feelings for Alexis. Ben admitted that he valued Alexis’ relationship and since that is about the only thing he has Mrs. Worthe is about to offer him a deal.

“What kind of deal Mrs. Worthe?”
“Well, let me see. You and Alexis are pretty close right?”
“Yes. I’m not sure I like where this is going.”
“Oh now, calm down, Ben. Alexis is my daughter. I don’t want anything to happen to her.”
“Why bring her name up then?”
“Look, you little wimp. I’m trying to work a deal that doesn’t include hacking off your thumb if you blab.”
“I already told you I’m not going to say anything.’
“And I should believe you why?”
“I’m serious. I just want to get out of here and go back to school and forget we ever talked about blowing up the student union.”
“I can appreciate that Ben, you dear little man. I do have to protect myself and Mr. Worthe.”
“You have my word.”
“Backed up by what? Besides your thumb that is.”
“We’ve been over that. I don’t have anything.”
“How about this? If you promise not to see Alexis again, I won’t take your thumb.”
“What? I think I would rather you take my thumb.”
“Here’s how it would work. You tell Alexis goodbye. You keep your mouth shut. You break either promise, and I not only come after your thumb but will take out an eye as well.’
“I think you are crazy and need professional help.”
“Tell me Ben darling. Do you think I’m capable of carrying out my threat?”
“I’m sure you can. That’s what is so crazy about this whole thing.’
“Well, then?”
“Okay, you win. I’ll tell Alexis goodbye and won’t say a word to anyone.”
“Now you are the kind of boy I could love.”
“Please don’t do me any favors Mrs. Worthe.”
“Excuse me, folks.”
“Yes, doctor. What is it.”
“Mrs. Worthe, the priest is here.”
“Oh by all means show him in.”

Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we left Mrs. Worthe waiting for Ben to come out of x-ray. She warned him to keep his mouth shut and delivered a subtle threat if he didn’t. So let’s go back to the hospital.
“How long will this take?”
“Not long may man. I just have to get a shot of your foot, and we’ll be done.”
“Has Mrs. Worthe given you any money?”
“Huh. What’s that you saying?”
“I just wanted to know if Mrs. Worthe gave you any money.”
“Money? Money for what?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe to tell her if I say anything about her.”
“How do I get in on this money? Who do I have to kill?”
“Yeah, that’s kind of funny. I’m serious. Did she?”
“Hell no. No one has offered me money for anything. Now hold still and don’t move that foot.”
“So she—”
“Quiet, please. No talking. I need you to take a breath and hold it. Good. Breathe.”
“So she never asked a favor of you?’
“No, she didn’t. We are done. I’ll take you back now.”
“Wait. I need to tell you something, and you need to promise you will call the police after I tell you.”
“Now wait a minute bud. I don’t want to get involved in any shit. You hear me?”
“I hear you, but all you have to do is call the police when you drop me off back at the ER.”
“I don’t need to do anything else?”
“No just call the cops. Tell them you think one of the patients is a criminal. That’s all.”
“I guess I could so that. What do you need to tell me?“
“Please promise me.”
“Okay guy, I promise.”
“I’m part of a group who is going to blow up the Student Union at the University”
“Oh is that all? I wanted to do the same thing myself.”
“You don’t understand. This is a major terrorist group and Mrs. Worthe is the leader.”
“Okay guy you rest now. I’m going to roll you back to the ER.”
“I’m serious. How do you think I got this wound?”
“I heard the doc say you shot yourself.”
“Okay but doesn’t that sound serious.”
“Sure does. Now you relax. I’m sure the nurse can give you something. I have felt like you after a hard night. Take it easy bud. I’ll be right back.”
“You have got to believe me.’
“Oh I do my man. Here give me your arm.”
“What are you doing.’
“This is for your own protection. Orderly get that other arm.’
“Wait don’t do this. Help me.”
“Strap him down good. I think he might get violent.”
“People are going to die.”
“Whew he is getting out of control. Call the doc stat.”
“Please?”

Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we left Mrs. Worthe contemplating hitting poor Ben on the head with a fireplace poker to simulate a hit on the head by the supposed muggers. The resulting effect was to be used with the hospital personnel and police to avoid being detected as liars in any possible investigation. Let’s head to the hospital and see how this pack of lies goes down with the professionals there.
“Thank you for not hitting me on the head Mrs. Worthe.”
“No problem Ben. Just remember to tell them you passed out from fright when the thugs jumped you. Remember also it was four of them and you can’t positively identify anyone. Got it?”
“Yes, I get it Mrs. Worthe. I still think it would be easier just to say I accidentally shot myself.”
“Oh sure Ben. Who will you explain the gun with no license. In fact, you don’t even know where that gun came from. It could have been involved in a murder. You would be up shit’s creek then.”
“I got the gun from Alexis.”
“You shut up now. Here comes the doctor.”
“Hello, Doctor. I’m Trudy Worthe mother of my dear Ben’s fiancee.”
“How do you do I’m doctor Wente. Now looking at the chart, it seems Ben here has a gunshot wound.”
“Yes sir—”
“Shush Ben. You rest I will Talk to the doctor. Yes, he was shot when a bunch of thieves jumped him.”
“Thieves you say?”
“Yes, doctor. Ben here was minding his own business when he was jumped.”
“You know I have to inform the authorities of this wound.”
“Oh, of course, you do. We want to report this as well. We think these people ought to be caught.”
“Let me look at the wound. Will you excuse us ah.”
“Mrs. Worthe. Trudy Worthe.”
“Ah yes, Mrs. Worthe. Could you excuse us please?”
“Can I stay. Ben looks upon me as his mother. Don’t you Ben.”
“Do I have to take my pants off doctor?”
“Yes, I need a good look at your foot as well as your leg.”
“Well, then Mother Worthe I’m afraid I will be too embarrassed to have you here. Why don’t you join Alexis and Dad in the waiting room.”
“I don’t think that is a good idea, Ben.”
“I’m sorry Mrs. Worthe, but my patient wishes come first.”
“Very well Doctor. You behave yourself, Ben. I’ll see you later.”
“Bye Mom. Later.”