Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

June 26, 2019June 25, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

Twiggy — “I just can’t get up.”
“It’s okay. Friday will be here shortly.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week Larry gave his boss a call to let him know they are in some trouble. Although the boss was angry, he gave Larry assurances that the department lawyer would be helping him. Larry was warned to lay low, and as we all can imagine, the warning fell on deaf ears. Let’s get back to Larry and Andrew who while we were away had actually gone to the police station in South Lake Tahoe. Larry and Andrew approach a desk where a young officer is working on a computer.

“Excuse me, Officer. My name is Larry Dunfee of the Boston Police Department, and I wonder if Captain Swartz is in? Here’s my card.”

“Wow. Boston Police and a detective. This is a nice card. Our cards are embarrassing.”

“Uh, Captain Swartz?”

“Oh yeah. Excuse me. Let me call him and see if he can see you know. Can I offer you, gentlemen, a cup of coffee?”

“Thank you, but we have had ours.”

“Hold on. Yes, Marsha could you check with the chief to see if he can see a detective Dunfee from Boston.”

“And Andrew Cummings.”

“Hold on, Marsha. Sorry I didn’t understand you.”

“I was just letting you know Andrew Cummings is with me.”

“Oh, yes, sir. Hey Marsha, I’m back. There is a Mr. Cummings as well. Okay, that would be great. Bye. Marsha is going to ask the chief if he has the time.”

“Okay. When will she know?”

“She’ll call right back. You sure you don’t want some coffee?”

“I’m sure.”

“you know boss, I could use a cup.”

“Okay, Officer uh.”

“Phillis sir. Officer Phillips.”

Okay, Officer Phillips. We’ll take you up on that coffee.”

“Yes, sir. Just go through those doors on the right, and the break room is to the left. I’ll come to get you as soon as Marsha calls.”

“Thank you. Come on, Andrew.”

“Right behind you, Larry.”

“Now that we are out of earshot of Phillips, do you mind telling me about your sudden coffee craving.”

“I wanted to get you alone. I get the creepy feeling that this Captain Swartz has been expecting us.”

“How’s that?”

“Just the way that Officer Phillips dialed the phone without even consulting the office calendar. You know everyone in a police station is listed on an in or out calendar. I would think he would look to see if the chief was in.”

“Maybe he already knew if he was in or out.”

“Just gave me a funny feeling like he had instructions to call whoever Marsha is if and when we showed up.”

“Okay, Andrew. I will note your concern. I don’t share it, but okay.”

“Here we are in the coffee room, and I’m surprised.”

“By what?”

“They have a Keurig. Means the coffee hasn’t been sitting here for five hours. I think I will have a cup.”

“Gentlemen. Let me introduce myself. I’m Captain Swartz. Call me, Dan.”

“Nice meeting you, Dan. I’m Larry, and this is Andrew.”

“Grab a cup, and we can go back to my office.”

“Thank you. Been here in South Tahoe long?”

“I ‘ve lived here for about four years now. I moved from LA.”

“You on the force there?”

“Yeah. Gave it 30 years.”

“This must be a lot different.”

“You can say that again. I see you have your coffee. Just follow me.”

“Psst, Larry.”

“What, Andrew?”

“Be careful.”

“You guys coming?”

“Right with you, Captain.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #223 by Keith Channing

June 25, 2019June 24, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

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.”

The photo.

“So when do you think she’ll be here?”

“I thought she would have been here by now.”

“Could it be we missed her?”

“How is that possible? All these people have been waiting, and they would have seen her.”

“Did you ask anyone.”

“Heavens no. I’m embarrassed enough as it is without making a scene. Besides. Look at them. They are all looking down the driveway.”

“Maybe there is another arrival they are looking to see.”

“Please. This is the only thing going on here today.”

“Well, I think it couldn’t hurt to ask.”

“Enough. Do I need any more humiliation?”

“Suit yourself. One last question.”

“Please get whatever it is off your chest. Ask away.”

“Do you recognize any of these folks?”

“Now that I look I can say I don’t.”

“Don’t you think that a bit odd?”

“Put that way, I guess I do.”

“Do you have the invitation?”

“Yes, it is right here.”

“What is the name and address of the church?”

“This is silly. I know where the church is. We had a rehearsal here last week.”

“Humor me.”

“All Saints Church. 39 Pastoral Way.”

“Do you see the name on that sign?”

“Yes. All Saints Chape—Yikes. This is the wrong church. What. . . I put the address in the GPS system.”

“Does the invitation give a time of the service.”

“Y-yes. Two o’clock.”

“Three minutes to go ten miles. Better reprogram the GPS and start moving. You may not live this one down.”

“There’s no one I can call.”

“And admit you went to the wrong church? You might want to hit a tree on the way over there. Maybe it’s your only out.”

“You joking?”

“Maybe a little. Let’s go.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Mansfield Dam in an Apocalypse

June 24, 2019June 30, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

Yesterday I did a feature on the Mansfield Dam which is in my neighborhood. There were several comments about how the Dam looked like a scene for an apocalypse movie. Since season three of Fear of the Walking Dead was filmed at the Gonzelez Dam in Baja Mexico, I thought it would be fun to imagine the Mansfield Dam in an apocalyptic situation. Of course, if we are there some precautions need to be taken. Pack up your water bottle and grab this list. Who knows it may come in handy.

10 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not stand on the river bank below the dam to take photos. If you do, at best no one will think to blow up the embankment. At worst some idiot will do just that, and now you’ll be faced with a wall of water rushing your way. (I think those Wal-Mart water wings aren’t going to cut it, Herne. You might try to surf the wave all the way to Iowa.)

9 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not count on Tiny the WWF champ to hold off the crowd of zombies. If you do, at best he’s not one of them. At worst, Tiny has been reanimated by the WWF in its quest for immortal wrestling heroes. (Too bad for you, Hezekiah. Tiny is now leading the pack and wants to pick your brain for a few minutes.)

8 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not put your finger in that itty bitty leak. If you do, at best you will hold back the water and then have to stay forever. At worst, you will not be successful in preventing a breach in the wall. (Looks like you and several million gallons of water are heading to a vacation on the coast, Hilal. I hope holding your breath is one of your life skills.)

7 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not think you can outrun a fast running zombie. If you do, at best someone will be slower than you. At worst, you’ll try your best, but in the end, you’ll be caught. (Nothing, like being out of breath and having a zombie getting ready for lunch, is there, Hilial?)

6 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not think that a beautiful zombie in a wedding dress really likes you. If you do, at best you won’t be her type. At worst, you will find your vows “till death do us part,” are a little more immediate that you envisioned. (Nina Forever was a movie, Hillel. A zombie is a zombie no matter how they look.)

5 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not share an apple with a zombie. If you do, at best you might catch the zombie’s cold. At worse, since you don’t know where that apple has been, you might be turned into a zombie yourself. (Nice going, Hjalmar. You managed to keep all the zombies away with your screeching, and you forget basic sanitary rules.)

4 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not believe the zombie carrying the sign, “Will work for food.” If you do, at best, you’ll figure out the motive real fast. At worst, you not know what they are up to until it is too late. (So what made you think zombies work in the first place, Hollis? Yes, she loves you for your brains. You don’t know how literal that is.”

3 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not believe the white flag means peace. If you do, at best, you’ll end up running for your life. At worst you will start a dialog only to discover the motto “To Serve Man,” is a cookbook. (So now these guys are in the last stronghold of humans, Holmes. I hope you can keep them entertained for the next fifty years.)

2 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not turn your back on the stand of trees over there. If you do, at best there are only coyotes in that forest. At worst, no matter how much the audience tells you to turn around the zombies are creeping up on you. (How you can be that dumb, Honaw is anybody’s guess. Everyone knows you don’t turn your back on an area where zombies could be lurking.)

1 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not forget to shut the gate when you start across the dam. If you do, at best, no one is following you. At worst, the zombies now have free access to the dam and all the communities on the other side. (A little precaution would have saved a number of you, Honovi. Now you are all alone with only that penknife to keep the zombies at bay. Not sure karate is going to be helpful in this situation.)

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

June 21, 2019June 28, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy — “It’s Friday Little One. You gotta move.”
“Five minutes more, Lucy.”

It is Friday again. This week has flown for some reason. Maybe it’s that I’m back to writing on what I hope to be my sixth book. For some reason, I have thoughts of the paranormal in my brain. I tried hard working on an adventure with Ned Tranes. Ned is the police chief in the three John Cannon stories. For whatever reason, Ned continued to drag his feet, and the story became like pulling teeth. Not much fun.

I did sit down and write a short story which exploded into a whole new world. Let me give you a blurb, and you’ll see (hopefully) what I mean. The names are not the final characters but just placeholders.

Samantha and James were best pals in the second grade. One day Samantha suddenly disappeared with no explanation or resolution. James prayed his heart out for her return, but all his pleadings went unanswered.

Driving alone on a long trip to Kansas City, James picks up a hitchhiker. It has been fifteen years since Samantha went out of his life, and here she is in the front seat of the car.

Samantha explains that because of his prayers, she has been chosen to escort him to the eternal home. It is then James learns he is no longer of this world. She tells him gently that he fell asleep, and his body did not survive the car crash.

There are rules to follow for those on a journey to the eternal respite, and Samantha has been schooled in the proper procedures. Violate the regulations and a soul risks spending eternity seeking the place rather than being there.

Join James and Samantha as they travel toward the safety of his eternal place. They will be facing the challenges of abiding by the rules, different time periods, and staying clear of those who have an incentive to see that James never makes it home.

Maybe it will work. I know I’m more excited to write this story so we’ll see how it goes.

Today’s JohnKu talks about when writing becomes a chore. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Dragging to the desk,

Having to face dross again . . .

Better start over.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy the Cop.

June 20, 2019June 20, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

“Oh my gosh, Lucy. I can see that mess from here.”

“Mess what mess?”

“On the rug. See those black spots?”

“Uh. Where do you suppose they came from?”

“You know darned well. They came off your feet.”

“From that LaBria tar pit out back I’m thinking.”

“I’m going to save you by staging a ruckus.”

“What good is that going to do?”

“When mom sees the dirt, she will think we both did it.”

“You would do that for me?”

“Of course, you are my big sissie.”

“You are the greatest.”

“Darn they are still there.”

“What did you expect?”

“Okay, you two. Where did this dirt come from?”

“Hey, Mom. I was just getting Lucy to confess to bringing in the mess.”

“Okay, Lucy. I got you pinned. I’m going to give you to the count of three to spill the beans.”

“Twiggy. You might as well cut the act. Mom’s gone.”

“Gee. Where’d she go.”

“Probably to get the vacuum.”

“I see the sissie stuff lasted a long time.”

“Well, I have my cop reputation to uphold.”

“More like rat fink reputation.”

“Twiggy. Do you want to be a police person?”

“How did you know, Mom.”

“Just a guess. Here let me put your collar on so you’re official.”

“Here is the ever alert police fur person. Standing guard night and day. No rain, no sleet, no dead of night shall deter me in my duty.”

“Uh, Little one.”

“Yes, Lucy.”

“I think you are getting confused with the postal department.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Social.”

June 15, 2019June 14, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This weeks prompt is “social.” Linda Hill says we should have fun with it, so I guess that’s what I will do. If you would like to have fun with it too just go to Linda’s blog and read how easy. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 15/19

“Oh look an ice cream social.”

“What the heck is that?”

“You go there and eat ice cream and be social with the folks who are there.”

“Social? What does “be social” mean?”

“I forgot you were raised in the city. Probably in a dumpster.”

“Now, now country boy. Let’s not let our jealousy show.”

“To be social is to interact with the gathered folks. Let them see what an exceptional being you are. ”

“Do I have to like them?”

“No, but you have to be cordial.”

“Another strange word.”

“You have to be nice.”

“I’m not sure I know how to be nice.”

“Well, for instance. You don’t cut in front of someone waiting for ice cream.”

“Ice cream is food, right?”

“Yes. Delicious food.”

“And there is a lot of it by appearances.”

“That is true.”

“So why cut in front of someone?”

“See you are beginning to understand being nice.”

“What I mean is. Why not just buzz around and then when the time is right just land on the side of the dish. You know the side opposite those two big eyes.”

“Well, that would be nice and kind.”

“Kind? How so.”

“You know how humans react to us when we land on their food?”

“Yeah, you would think there was something wrong with walking around in cow dung all day.”

So your method would get you the ice cream, you’d be kind, and social all in one movement.”

“And avoid that fast-moving swatter too.”

“A bonus. You have learned well cricket.”

“Excuse me the last I looked I’m a fly.”

“Matter of speech. You never see Kung Fu?”

“Every time I get near a TV that swatter thingy follows me so no thanks.”

“Okay you lead, and I’ll follow.”

“This should be fun.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy’s Day Off

June 13, 2019June 12, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

“Hey, Twiggy. What’s up?

“It is Lucy’s day off, and she won’t play with me.”

“Maybe I can talk to her.”

“Oh, Dad, that would be swell.”

“So, Lucy. I know it’s your day off but how about a game with Twiggy?”

“Well, you see Boss. A day off means not playing with Twiggy.”

“Maybe a quick toss with cow?”

“Nope. Will only lead to a chase scene.”

“Look, Chippie. You love Chippie.”

“On any other day, sure.”

“Lucy. Just one game of hedgehog?”

“Sorry, little one. I have a nap scheduled.”

“You can chase me with fox.”

“You can do that with the boss.”

“Let’s take ears for a spin.”

“You go right ahead.”

“You are a poop. You know that?”

“I’ve been told that, Little Potato.”

“So none of these, Lucy?”

“Gee, boss. It’s tempting, but I have to pass.”

“One last chance. How about gotcha cake?”

“It’s playing my song, but I’m late for my nap.”

“Well, Twiggy. What can I tell you? Lucy has a day off which we have to respect.”

“I have to wonder who made up a day off for a dog? Thanks for trying anyway.”

“Wany to play fetch?”

“No, thanks. I’ll think I’ll take a day off too.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

June 12, 2019June 11, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we got a little hint of Larry’s fears regarding the possible red tape that might be involved with the local police. It didn’t take long for the sergeant to ask questions regarding who shot first. So Larry is off to the hospital to have his wound attended to, and Andrew is driving to meet him there. Let’s go into the ER where Larry is waiting for an attendant. Andrew was pretty quick in getting there as well.

“you pick up my ID and gun?”

“The sergeant kept the gun. I asked him, ‘why.’ And all I got was some mumbled thing about evidence. Here’s your ID.”

“Damn, Andrew. I knew these locals were going to be pissed about shooting some of their constituents.”

“Maybe those thugs were from out of town.”

“Yeah, let’s hope so.”

“Anyone see you yet?”

“One of the nurses says the Doc will be here shortly.”

“You have stopped bleeding, which is good.”

“You better not be caught looking at my wound. They might charge you with practicing medicine without a license in this state.”

“That’s funny. Who’s this guy coming up the hall?”

“A suit? Not the doctor, I’m sure. Looks like someone from the DA’s office.”

“Excuse me, gentlemen. Would one of you be Larry Dunfee?”

“Yeah, that’s me. The one with the bullet hole in the shoulder.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Well, I have been better, Mr. uh. I don’t believe I got your name.”

“My apologies. Spenser Taggett, Assistant District Attorney for Reno. Here’s my card.”

“Nice to meet you. What can I do for you?”

“I was contacted by the Reno police and decided I would look into this case myself. You know professional courtesy.”

“I can appreciate that, thank you. By ‘case,’ I wonder what you mean?”

“Well, Mr. Dunfee. Two of Reno’s citizens have been murdered, and the police believe you are the shooter. We need to do an investigation to determine if your lethal force was justified.”

“Reno huh. These guys weren’t from out of town?”

“We have yet to determine their specific living arrangements. They both hold Nevada driver’s licenses with a Reno address.”

“Same address?”

“Yes, why?”

“I’ll bet the licenses are counterfeit.”

“Yeah worth looking in to.”

“Have you contacted the chief in Boston?”

“No, not yet. I wanted to get some information from you first.”

“Okay. What do you need?”

“Tell me why you shot those guys?”

“They were trying to kill Andrew and me.”

“How do you know?”

“This wound gave me a heads up.”

“You sure it was the same guys trying to kill you?”

“What do you mean?”

“The report says you were shot on the highway and then got down to the access road. How were you sure the guys were the same?”

“The SUV was the same and coming at us like a freight train.”

“We do know that these guys work for a construction contracting company with no priors or arrest record.”

“You check on the owner of the company?”

“Yes. The SUV is registered to Worldwide Enterprises.”

“Check into who owns the company. I’ll bet it doesn’t exist.”

“Why do you say that?”

“I believe these were guns for hire, and the construction company thing is a front.”

“Interesting. Okay, I’ll take that under advisement.”

“You gonna charge me?”

“Not at this time, Mr. Dunfee. If I get additional information that may change. For now, I’m going to ask you to stay in the neighborhood. I’m listing this as possible self-defense, but if I have reason to change it, I don’t want to try and find you.”

“How long do you think?”

“A week ought to do it. “

“Can we go to South Lake Tahoe?”

“Yes. I would appreciate a call with your temporary location and check-in once a day.”

“No problem. How about my weapon.”

“We would like to keep it for you until you are completely cleared.”

“Fair enough.”

“Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Dunfee. Your attitude goes a long way in making me want to believe your story.”

“Thank you, Mr. Taggett. I think you’ll find my story to be the truth.”

“I must admit the bullet wound does go a long way. What does the doctor say?”

“Haven’t seen him yet.”

“I’m going to need a copy of his report just so you know. He’s going to ask you to sign a waiver for that.”

“No problem.”

“Okay, then. I hope you heal fast. We’ll be in touch.”

“Want my phone number.”

“I have it from the police report.”

“Okay, then. I look forward to your final decision.”

“Goodbye, Mr. Dunfee.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

June 5, 2019June 4, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we were glad to see Larry had stopped the thugs trying to kill Andrew and him. Since he had to use lethal force, Larry was very concerned about how the local police would react to the shooting in their jurisdiction. Larry took some time to brief Andrew and to caution him to tell the truth. Larry did get hit, and Andrew gets him to lay down. We could hear the sirens in the distance. We better get back as there seem to be three patrol cars arriving on the scene.

“They are here, Andrew. Remember no lies.”

“Got it.”

“So what ‘s going on here.”

“Hi, officer. My name is Larry Dunfee, and we work for the Boston police department.”

“The police department, huh? What role do you play there?”

“I’m a detective in the homicide division, and Andrew here is my associate.”

“Got any ID?”

“Yeah, it’s under my gun on the hood over there.”

“Okay, I have it. And yours if you would be so kind, Mr. uh.”

“Cummings. Andrew Cummings. Here is mine as well.”

“Thank you, Mr. Cummings. I see you are a doctor.”

“That’s right. A forensic pathologist.”

“So, you’re a ME.”

“Used to be. I retired.”

“I see. And Mr. Dunfee. You are active duty with the Boston PD?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Mind telling me what you are doing in Reno besides shooting people I mean.”

“I didn’t get your name, Officer.”

“Oh, excuse me. Sergeant Thomas sir.”

“Well, Sergeant Thomas, Andrew and I are following a homicide case. One of the persons of interest spent some time in South Lake Tahoe, and we were headed there.”

“I can see you are going to need medical attention, Mr. Dunfee. We have called for an ambulance. Before you leave though I wonder if you could tell me the circumstances around how those two guys in the turned over SUV came to be shot.”

“The short story is while on the freeway, those guys pulled up alongside and started shooting. I got hit. We pulled off and slid down the berm to the access road.”

“That was no small feat. Go on.”

“We were here when that SUV came at us. I felt that we were in fear for our lives, so I opened up on them.”

“Yessir. I would say you are a pretty good shot. You use the Glock on the hood?”

“Yes, I did.”

“You armed Mr. Cummings?”

“No. No, I’m not.”

“Here are your ID’s gentlemen. I see the ambulance is here. I have one more question before you go.”

“Yes, but before you ask. I need to tell Andrew to follow in the car.”

“Okay, Larry. I’ll do that.”

“Also, Mr. Cummings, please do not leave the area without letting us know.”

“Why’s that officer?”

“This is an active investigation, and you are a material witness.”

“Oh, I understand.”

“You had one more question officer.”

“For right now. I’ll be talking to you again in the hospital.”

“What’s the question?”

“What makes you think the occupants of that particular SUV were trying to kill you?”

“It looked like the same one that started shooting. It was coming straight for us.”

“They didn’t shoot as they were coming?”

“No. I felt they were going to though.”

“You felt?”

“Look, officer. Those thugs for reasons unknown were trying to kill us. Did you see the semi-automatics in the vehicle?”

“Not personally, no.”

“Well go look then.”

“The other officers have the scene secured. I don’t have to see them.”

“At least talk to them. I don’t like your line of questions.”

“It’s my job, Mr. Dunfee. I cannot make assumptions. I’m just collecting information. The investigating team will draw any conclusions.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way. I would like you to verify that the weapons are there. I need to have someone as a witness to that fact.”

“Very well, Mr. Dunfee. I’ll call them. One Tango ten to twelve.”

“Twelve here. Go ahead.”

“You guys see any semi-automatic weapons in the SUV.”

“Yeah, there are two. Along with enough ammo to start a war.”

“Thanks, ten out. Okay, Mr. Dunfee. You satisfied that we all know those guys were carrying?”

“Yes, Sergeant Thomas.”

“Here are the medics. Have a good trip. One of our team will be talking to you at the hospital. Like Mr. Cummings, I would appreciate you not leaving the area without informing us. Here is my card.”

“Thank you for your concern, Sergeant.”

“

Views of the Neighborhood – The Sailmaster Waterfall

June 2, 2019June 1, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

We are glad you can join us today. We are going to return to the Hurst Creek/Hamilton Greenbelt again. We are walking to the Sailmaster Waterfall which I have never seen. Have water? Okay let’s go