Wednesday Story Day -AKA – Hump Day

July 17, 2019July 16, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

“Twiggy? You ready for Wednesday?
“Ask me on Friday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we witnessed Larry going off on a security manager at the Heavenly Ski Resort. The manager did not take kindly to his rudeness and told him to take a walk. If he needed more information, it would require a warrant. Larry and Andrew are not local investigators so an order probably won’t happen. Let’s join them at the California bar where Andrew took Larry to cool off.

“So, what do we do now, Larry?”

“Let’s get a drink, and then think about this for a moment.”

“Yes, gentlemen, can I help you?”

“You can. I think I’ll have whatever IPA you have on draft. How about you, Andrew?”

“I have a taste for a nice Bourbon. Do you have Willet Reserve?”

“We do sir. How would you like that?”

“Just neat is fine for me.”

“Very good sir. As far as the draft is concerned, we have a couple. There’s Hoppadillo which has a wonderful hop infusion, and there is Slam Your Face which carries a 10 percent load of Alcohol.”

“I’ll take the Hoppadillo. Not sure I can handle the other.”

“Yes, gentlemen. Coming right up.”

“Thank you. So, Andrew. We need to get information, and we don’t have a portfolio to force it.”

“And we have a hot head from Boston who gets us tossed out of the places we need to be in.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. I do have an idea, though.”

“Love to hear it. Oh, here are the drinks.”

“Here, you are, gentlemen. If you would like to order food, I brought the menu.”

“Thank you so much. We have a drink and then see from there.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll keep an eye on you. Give me a wave if you need anything.”

“Thanks. So Andrew here’s to Rafferty.”

“Hear, hear.”

“Excuse me, gentlemen. Did you just say, Rafferty?”

“We did miss er..”

“Name’s Christine. Christine Bonner.”

“Pleased to meet you, Christine. My name is Larry, and this is Andrew. Does the name Rafferty mean anything to you?”

“Yeah, he used to come in here all the time. That was before his, …uh…accident. You friends of his?”

“Well, no. We are Police officers from Boston.”

“What does Rafferty have to do with Boston?”

“It sounds like you knew him pretty well.”

“You know, before I say more, I would like to know why you two are asking. I was very fond of Alexis and don’t want to denigrate his memory.”

“Oh no, we wouldn’t do that. We are investigating a murder that happened in Boston, and his name came up as someone who might know something.”

“He worked for one of the biggest cartel bosses. You know that, right?”

“Yes, we know that.”

“So, you don’t think his death was an accident?”

“Why do you ask?”

“I don’t think you would be here if you thought it was an accident. Look I’m not comfortable talking in this place. I would like to help find those who killed Alexis and see justice done, but I have to protect myself. You boys don’t know how vicious that Cortez can be.”

“We have an idea. Is there a place we can talk?”

“Yes. I have a place in South Lake Tahoe. 21 Rancho Circle. It’s near the Bijou Community Park.”

“I think we can find it.”

“I get off at six. Why don’t you meet me there at about seven? That will give me time to get some dinner.”

“We would be happy to buy you dinner.”

“You don’t get it. I can’t be seen with you. In fact, pick up that menu and pretend to be asking me something. We have been talking way too long.”

“Okay. So is the fish sandwich good?”

“Yes, it is excellent.”

“We’ll take two with fries and see you tonight.”

“Excellent choice, sir. This will be right up. Do not tell anyone about our meeting.”

“You can count on us.”

“Larry?”

“What Andrew?”

“Would rather have had the hot pastrami.”

“It’s not about the fish, Andrew.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

July 10, 2019July 9, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy — “Nope. I thought I heard Friday, but it’s only Wednesday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day, and last week we were witness to an accommodating Head of the South Tahoe police department. He gave Larry and Andrew some assurance that he would be willing to help. He also gave an opinion that the ADA might be under some pressure by the same people who tried to eliminate Larry and Andrew to bring a case against the two. I see Larry and Andrew have left the Captain, and it looks like they are going to Heavenly Ski Resort. I think we better go with them to see what they are doing.

“I guess ‘lay low’ is not on the agenda, huh, Larry?”
“No. I want to talk to the folks who picked Rafferty off the slope.”
“You think they will be here in the summer?”
“If not, at least we can get their report. Surely the head of security has it.”
“Wow, this place is big.”
“Yes, it is. Park over there by the California Bar, and we can walk from here. I see a building that looks like it might be the office.”
“Humm. Looks like parking is one hour only.”
“No sweat. We shouldn’t be more than twenty-five minutes. Come on.”
“Hold on. I have to feed the meter. Do you have any quarters?”
“Yeah, here’s a couple. I wonder what the payout percentage on a meter is in this town.”
“Huh?”
“Never mind. Stupid joke.”
“Oh, with all the slot machines around. I get it.”
“Not in time. Here we are. After you, my good man.”
“Look, Larry. You hit the nail on the head. The security office is to the left.”
“Again, After you.”
“What happened to ‘My good man?’”
“Double pronouns. Here’s the door. Follow me.”
“Good afternoon, gentlemen. How can I help you.”
“Good afternoon. My name is Larry Dunfee. That’s detective Dunfee of the Boston police department. This is my associate Andrew Cummings.”
“What can I do for you two.”
“We would like to see the report from the ski patrol the night Rafferty was killed.”
“Rafferty? I’m not familiar with that name. Was he a member of the ski patrol?”
“Do you have a boss?”
“Yes. I have a manager.”
“Could you get the manager?”
“One minute. I’ll be right back.”
“I would sweeten up, Larry. You can bogart people back in Boston but here is different.”
“Thanks, Andrew. I’ll work on it.”
“Yes, gentlemen. Lance tells me you have a question.”
“Yes, sir, we do. There was a fatality on the slopes last season, and we would like to look at the ski patrol write up.”
“Do you know the ski patrol member’s name?”
“No, but the victim was a guy named Alexis Rafferty.”
“I’m sorry, but we don’t file reports by victim’s names. Just by ski patrol member.”
“Do you remember the name?”
“Cant’s say that I do.”
“Can’t or won’t.”
“Excuse me…Sir. There is no reason to get on a high horse. If I remembered the name, I would have told you. Now, as far as I know, Boston is a long way from here. I would suggest that if you want information from our system, you march to the courthouse and get a warrant. Our conversation is over.”
“Hey, don’t walk away from me.”
“Too late Larry. You pissed him off, and he’s gone.”
“Why are people so thin-skinned anyway?”
“So thin that they can’t ward off a broadside blast from you? I’m sure I don’t know.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

July 3, 2019July 2, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week we listened as Andrew warned Larry to be careful with Captain Swartz as the good captain invited both of them into his office. I think we all thought it a bit strange that the captain came into the room to get Larry and Andrew. Well, we can’t tarry any longer. We’ve got to follow Swartz into that office.

“So y’all have a seat.”

“Thank you, captain. I must say the coffee is good.”

“Yeah, I insist on a good cup of coffee. So now that you’re comfortable, you want to tell me what you are doing in my town?”

“Yes, well. You remember Rafferty?”

“The guy killed on the slopes.”

“Yeah, the guy with over a 2.0 level of alcohol in his blood.”

“Yeah, I remember him.”

“We think there is some funny business going on between—”

“Hold on Larry. We should not bother the captain with the details. We are on a fishing expedition and have no real proof of anything. So we better not bring up names until we have something more substantive.”

“Thanks, Andrew, I think you are right.”

“Okay. I get it. You two are sniffing around for leads. Is that it?”

“Yessir. That is it.”

“You know it kinda bothers me that I’m the last to know you are in town. After all, we talked on the phone and all.”

“I understand, captain. We would have eventually come to you, but with those thugs shooting up the place that option went away.”

“The ADA is really hot to pin something on you.”

“How do you know that?”

“I know that little weasel and he called to give me a heads up.”

“Heads up about what?”

“About not getting involved in whatever you are doing. He called it ‘the appearance of aiding and abetting.”’

“That son-of-a-bitch.”

“You got him pegged.”

“So captain, what do you think?”

“I think you boys have pissed off some pretty tough characters. Whatever you are looking into it is bigger than just some guy being pumped with booze and sent screaming down a hill.”

“So, you think Rafferty was murdered?”

“Don’t quote me. I think he got up against the same rock that you two are rubbing. I also presented evidence to the ADA, and he said there wasn’t enough to bring the case to court.”

“You know who set Rafferty up for that tree?”

“I have my suspicions.”

“Can you share them?”

“If you guys get cleared of murder which the ADA is looking to charge you with, sure. Be happy to help.”

“How do we shake the ADA?”

“Those guys who tried to take you out are hired guns. Prove that, and you are home free.”

“Can you help with that?”

“Yeah, I have a whole dossier on those two. The ADA knows them as well. I’m telling you I think the ADA is being squeezed by the same person who hired the hit men. You got a lawyer?”

“Yeah, we do.”

“Tell him to call me. I’ll give him everything I have on these guys.”

“Won’t you get in trouble?”

“Tell him to get a judge to order it. In the meantime, you guys better get humping on your investigation. I wouldn’t be surprised to see your conclusions apply to your case as well as Rafferty’s.”

“You’ve been very helpful.”

“I wish I could do more. By the way, if I’m ordered to testify about those hoods, I would be happy to do so.”

“Thank you, Captain.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

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

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.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

June 19, 2019June 18, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

“Uh, Lucy?”
“Yes, Little One.”
“You have my bone?”
“Just watching it, Little Potato.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were witness to a visit by Spenser Taggett, Assistant District Attorney for Reno. I think we all thought the conversation went pretty well but were left with the feeling that Taggett had a little more up his sleeve than he was letting on. He did tell Larry not to leave the area and to check in with an address in South Lake Tahoe and once a day after that. Doesn’t sound like someone who is convinced Larry is innocent. We also found out he is going to get the doctor’s report on the gunshot wound. Still more doubt, methinks. Well, I see Larry has been discharged from the hospital, and he and Andrew are in the car heading for South Lake Tahoe. We need to find out what they are thinking. See you in the backseat of the Prius.

“So, what do you think of Mr. Taggett, Larry?”

“He is so typical.”

“Meaning?”

“I gave him a couple of good suggestions which he will not follow up on. I think he is looking to make some news for himself.”

“News?”

“Gee Andrew did something happen to your brain. These one-word conversations have me concerned.”

“Okay, smart ass. I just want to hear what you’re thinking.”

“That’s better. I’m thinking he is going to try to make a big deal out of this. After all, I’m sure the newspapers were all over that SUV scene.”

“Not to mention the TV coverage.”

“I don’t think you explain away that kind of incident. I think he needs to talk about an investigation and getting to the bottom of the situation.”

“I feel there may be a ‘person of interest,’ mention as well. Don’t you think you ought to call the chief?”

“Yeah. Good idea. I’ll do it now while we are driving. Will give me a reason to say we got disconnected if he starts yelling too much.”

“You think he will be pissed?”

“To the nines. Hold on it’s ringing. Hey, chief. Yeah, it’s me. We haven’t talked in a while, so I thought I would check in. Yes, our flight was on time. Uh, chief we’ve run into a problem. Yeah, Andrew and I were driving to South Lake Tahoe when a couple of goons decided to take us out. No, we are okay, but I had to kill them. Yeah, you heard me right. They were hell-bent on killing us, so I had to take them out. That’s right, the ADA has already interviewed me. I told him it was self-defense. The good thing is I picked up a shoulder wound. Chief hold on. There is no reason to be upset. No, I haven’t been charged. Just told not to leave—Yes sir. No sir. I’ll wait for his call. No, I won’t. Right now we are heading for South Lake Tahoe. Yes, sir, I will. Goodbye chief. And chief. Thanks. Yes, sir.”

“Sounded like that went well. What did he say?”

“Before or after calling us some unrepeatable names?”

“After.”

“He is worried. He ordered us not to talk to the press as if we would. He said to lay low, and he is getting in touch with the city attorney. He told me to wait for his call before talking to the ADA again.”

“I could tell you were relieved.”

“Yeah. The chief is a son of a bitch, but I’m glad he is our son of a bitch.”

“So, what are we going to do in South Lake Tahoe?”

“Not lay low that’s for sure. We need to make this trip worthwhile and find out if Janice and Ned were in contact with each other before Rafferty was killed.”

“And ignore that someone wants us dead.”

“In a word, Andrew. Yes.”

“Not wanting to sound like the Greek chorus in a classic tragedy, but I don’t like the sound of this at all.”

“I don’t think you are alone in that sentiment, Andrew.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

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

Twiggy and Lucy — “Is that Friday at the door?”
“Nope, Little One. Just Wednesday. You can go back to sleep.”

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

May 29, 2019May 28, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

“Think we ought to get up and bark or something?”
“It’s Wednesday, Little One. Ask me again on Friday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week an SUV was barreling down on Larry and Andrew who just slid down a hill to the freeway access road. We were there when Larry yelled at Andrew to take cover in a ditch. He then opened the door of the car and used it to steady his aim. We left when Larry fired six rounds from his 9mm Glock 17 at the SUV. We better get back to see how effective Larry’s Last Stand was in stopping the vehicle.

“Holy shit, Larry.”
“Not sure about the holy part. Looks like these guys won’t be coming after us for a while.”
“I didn’t see the whole thing. Did I hear right? Did that big ole SUV flip a couple of times before ending up on its side?”
“Yeah. Lucky for me too. Had it kept coming, I would be part of it now. Stay back, Andrew. Those two guys look like they have had it, but you never know.”
“How many shots did you take.”
“Not sure, Andrew. I don’t count. I know I hit both the driver and the passenger before the thing went over.”
“Did you shoot at the tires and give them a blowout?”
“Not enough time. Besides the way tires are built today, they have some blowout protection. They probably would have run me over before going flat.”
“You going to check them?”
“Yeah. Just trying to get my legs back and make sure there is no fire.”
“Looks pretty quiet except for the steam coming from the front.”
“I must have hit the radiator too. Well, here goes nothing. Stay here. You have your cell?”
“Yes.”
“Give 911 a call. Tell them it’s not an emergency, but we don’t have the local police number. Tell them we are from police from Boston and have a weapon. We believe there are two gun-shot fatalities.”
“Okay. Be careful.”
“Yeah. I’ll talk my way over there. Okay, Larry take an angle of approach that will keep the car between you and the perps. If you can’t see them, they can’t see you. That’s right. Now you are at the back of the vehicle you need to go forward to the front. The driver’s side is up. The two of them should be in a heap in the passenger’s side. Wait I see an arm out the window. Okay, be still my heart. It looks like the driver has his seatbelt on. Makes sense he would still be in the seat. The question, is he alive? Okay, weapon up and ready. Approach the danger with caution. Shit, I didn’t check the magazine. There should be enough bullets left since I don’t believe I fired that many. Well, no time to check now. Keep going. No sign of movement. Look in the driver’s window. Yikes. What a mess. Must have hit both with the first shots. A couple of automatic weapons in there too. Not going to touch anything. Gotta sit down. No, go back to Andrew and wait for the first responders. The word fatalities will bring them out in droves. Better put my weapon on the hood of the car too. No way do I want to be shot holding my piece.”
“Those guys done for?”
“Yup they both are gone.”
“You sure?”
“Go look if you don’t believe me.”
“No that’s okay, I’ll take your word. What are you doing?”
“I’m putting my gun and ID on the hood of the car.”
“Why?”
“Those guys are going to be coming in hot, and I don’t want them to think I might be worth a couple of shots.”
“Oh. The dispatcher was very nice. She said she understood the situation and would send help.”
“You told her we were cops?”
“Yeah. Told her those guys were trying to kill us.”
“Good thing those guys has some automatic rifles with them.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, normally one asks questions first and then start shooting. I started shooting first and was relieved to see those guns.”
“I never thought of that. They definitely were out to get us.”
“We know that, but let’s just say we are alive because we did not follow protocol. Since you were down in that ditch leave the description of the event to me.”
“Yeah of course. You seem worried.”
“The cop in me is asking the question, ‘What makes you think the occupants of that SUV were trying to kill you?’ That would be a logical question when trying to determine if lethal force was appropriate.”
“You saw their weapons on the road. You said so.”
“Did you see them?”
“The guys? Yes, I remember saying how ugly they were. I don’t remember weapons. No, I was too busy being scared. Besides, I was on the other side of the car.”
“So now you see why I’m glad there are weapons in that SUV. It would only have been my word. I could have imagined the whole thing and killed a couple of delivery men.”
“But you didn’t.”
“Yeah. I know. I made the right choice to save you and I. Protocol would have me wait until they fired first.”
“Sounds stupid to me.”
“in hindsight to me as well. Just let me do the talking.”
“I’ll say I saw the weapons.”
“No lies. Please. Listen, I hear sirens. You have any water? I sure could use some.”
“You better sit down, Larry. You aren’t looking so good.”
“Yeah, I feel a little dizzy.”
“Here lay down. Put your feet up on the running board. You are in shock again. The excitement is over, and your body is telling you to cool it.”
“Yes, this is better. Water?”
“Here you go, Duke.”
“Duke?”
“My hero.”
“Stop.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

May 22, 2019May 21, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Time again, and last week we were stunned to witness Larry and Andrew being attacked by unknown subjects in a black SUV. We know Larry was hit by flying bullets and he and Andrew are attempting to slide down a berm to reach the access road below the freeway. We should get back to see how they faired.

“My gosh, you did it, Larry. Not sure the tires aren’t flat, but you got us on the access road.”

“I think the car is fine. Look back there and see if those guys are following us.”

“They would be crazy to take that slide. I don’t see them. Larry, you are bleeding.”

“Yeah, let’s pull over here and take a look.”

“Good idea. Let me get my kit too.”

“Your kit? You carry medical stuff?”

“I never leave home without my medical kit. You never know when it will be needed. Like now. Am I right?”

“I would have laughed at you, but now am quite impressed.”

“Let me see. Oh yeah, you have a nasty cut on your arm. I’ll be right back. Pop the trunk.”

“Should I hold the wound.”

“No. I’ll be right there. Leave it alone.”

“I’m not feeling so good.”

“Yeah, a bit of a shock getting shot.”

“Nice poem.”

“Huh? At least you still have your sense of humor. Get out of the car and come around to the passenger side.”

“Okay boss.”

“Now lay down and put your feet up on the door jam.”

“What’s this supposed to do.”

“You are a little shocky. You look pale, and your skin is clammy. Raising your feet will get the blood back in your head.”

“It does feel good to lay down.”

“Let me see. Hmmm.”

“What’s hummm?”

“I’m going to put some gauze with triple antibiotic on the wound.”

“How does it look.”

“Not bad. In fact, you were lucky. A few stitches and you’ll be good as new. You were grazed. I don’t see a hole. Just a big assed cut.”

“How about the bleeding?”

“You have great clotting factors. It is almost stopped.”

“Ruined my pants.”

“The least of your worries. Also, I think we better get out of here. If I remember right, there is an exit a couple of miles up the highway. Those guys could take it, turn around and head this way.”

“Okay. Let me up.”

“You want me to drive?”

“Might be a good idea.”

“Get in the car. Let’s check the GPS to find the nearest hospital.”

“Alright, you do the driving. I’ll do the navigation.”

“Fair enough. Oh, oh.”

“Oh, oh, what?”

“Look, what’s coming like a freight train straight for us.”

“It’s those guys again.”

“We are not going to outrun them this time.”

“We are not running. Time for a stand.”

“What are you going to do?”

“You forget, I am a peace officer. I have a piece that I want to share with them. Now get out of the car and go lay in that ditch.”

“I’m not leaving you.”

“Damnit, Andrew. Do as I say.”

“Going.”

“Run and dive.”

“That door isn’t going to protect you much.”

“No, but it sure holds my gun steady now get down.”

“You are going to shoot at those guys?”

“I have the advantage. The driver has to keep control of the car. The other guy has to aim out of the door. Watch when they get just a little closer.”

“I can’t hear you, Larry.”

“Good Andrew. Now five seconds more. Four…three…two…How do you like these apples you sons – a – bitches?”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

May 15, 2019May 14, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

“Whatcha doing Little One.”
“Keeping an eye out for Friday.”
“Two days wait, Little Potato.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week Larry and Andrew made the decision to go to California to see if they can place Ned and Janice together at anytime prior or after Rafferty’s death. (I hope all that make sense to you.). They have to fly into Reno airport and then drive to South Lake Tahoe. Let’s join the pair as they head out of the Reno airport toward South Lake Tahoe.

“So, I’m looking at the mapping app on my phone, and we have an hour and fifteen minutes.”

“That on turn by turn Andrew?”

“Yup. Oh, look. We go through Carson City.”

“What the big deal about Carson City.”

“Aw, Larry. You have been left out of history. Gold rush, lawlessness, gambling, houses of ill repute.”

“Not my every day hobbies, Andrew.”

“Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to pull a lever or two on the way.”

“We are going to hit 580 through Carson City which will take us around. Besides, there is plenty of opportunity in South Lake Tahoe to do any of these items you mentioned.”

“I suppose you are right.”

“I think the faster we start nosing around, the faster we can get some answers.”

“Don’t forget we also have a Sandusky case to solve.”

“Don’t remind me. I’m in one case at time mode right now.”

“Funny how the Sandusky thing leads us into the Rafferty thing.”

“I still think if we solve Rafferty, we will be onto a solution to Sandusky.”

“Hey, Larry. You notice that black SUV behind us.”

“Yeah what about it?”

“It left the airport the same time we did.”

“There are a lot of people going to South Lake Tahoe. Might be a tour.”

“I only see two guys in the front seat.”

“Okay. Let’s see if they follow us onto 580. Here is the on-ramp.”

“Yup they are behind the two cars behind us.”

“I would quit turning around, Andrew. If it is suspicious, they will know you made them. It is better knowing we are followed that to tip them off. If we are being followed, they would just have another car fill in.”

“You’re the boss.”

“I’ll keep tabs on them in the mirrors. Looks like they dropped back a couple of cars.”

“I like that idea. I’ve seen too many SUV bumps smaller car off the highway movies. Why did you get a Prius again?”

“To save money and reduce our carbon footprint.”

“Right now, I would rather have a Hummer at six miles to the gallon.”

“Andrew. You have to stop worrying. If and that’s a big if, these guys are following us, they’re not going to do anything with all these cars around. Oh, oh.”

“What do you mean by oh, oh?”

“They just moved up. In fact, it looks like they are going to come alongside us.”

“We don’t want that do we?”

“No, I don’t think so. I want you to brace yourself. I may have to make a quick stop. I hope the guy behind us is awake today.”

“Whattya mean a quick stop.”

“Well, one way to avoid those guys is to slam on the breaks when they get alongside. They go by we pull off the road.”

“Pull off? Where?”

“See that access road over to our right?”

‘Yeah.”

“I’ll pull onto the shoulder then up and over the berm there and onto that road. Should be a piece of cake.”

“That is a pretty good drop to the access road.”

“Yeah trust me. We’ll slide down. Okay, get ready. Here they come. Oh shit.”

“Shit?”

“They have weapons. They are getting ready to fire. Hold on Andrew.”

“I can see them now. Man are they ugly looking.’

“Get down.”

“Oh my God, Larry.”

“Hang on.”

“Get down or hang on? I can’t do both.”

“Uh Damn.”

“What the hell, Larry. You’ve been hit.”

“Here we go.”

“Yaaaaaaaaaaaa.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

May 8, 2019May 7, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week Andrew and Larry discovered two phone calls made from Ned’s cell to Janice. The calls were brief but did prove they contacted each other at the time of Rafferty’s death. Of course, evidence of a conspiracy to commit murder will take more than two brief phone calls. Larry believes the two met and probably out of town. So he and Andrew are going to start with the airlines to see if any bookings have been made. Let’s get back to Larry’s office to check on the status.

“Here is your latte. Find anything?”

“Oh, man. There have to be thousands of reservations.”

“You centered on the few days before Rafferty’s murder?”

“I am. The problem is Boston has about 16,000 flights leaving every month. Some domestic and some foreign. So far no hits on Ned or Janice.”

“Could they be using false names?”

“Yeah, of course. That only makes the job tougher.”

“How about phone numbers? Don’t you have to give your phone number when you make a reservation?”

“Most airlines require it.”

“Search by phone number then.”

“This could take a while. The ticket database is huge and slow as hell.”

“Give it a try.”

“Done.”

“What’s it doing?”

“That annoying pinwheel.”

“Well, it is processing. Did you put in a date range as another filter?”

“Yup. We need to be patient.”

“Not your finest virtue.”

“Yeah, I know. Where’d you get this Latte?”

“Around the corner. “

“Sammy’s place?”

“Yes.”

“I should have known. Sammy’s is a sandwich shop, not a coffee house.”

“What? It’s no good.”

“No, it is good.”

“What’s the beef?”

“Just thought you would work harder for the latte is all. Hold on the search is finished.”

“What’s it say?”

“No matches to your search.”

“Crap.”

“We have to think a little bit about this.”

“How about a private plane?”

“Yeah, we can check to see if Ned has one or at least can lease one. I’m thinking about a little lower tech.”

“Lower tech? what do you mean.”

“Like around South Lake Tahoe. Maybe canvass some of the hotels.”

“So you think they went to South Lake Tahoe? You think the chief can help?”

“I’m not sure but trying to find a match in all this data is almost impossible. I think we leave the chief out of this. He has a Barney Fife vibe.”

“So do a search on the private plane front first. Then if nothing it looks like a road trip.”

“What do you mean? All we have to do is call the hotels.”

“And broadcast to everyone in South Lake Tahoe that we are trying to get information of Ned and Janice.”

“Yeah, so what?”

“I think they had help in this and we ought to keep it on the down low.”

“Man, Andrew you are sounding paranoid.”

“Oh yeah. I have lived this long for a reason. Let me mention one name to you.”

“Okay shoot.”

“Cortez.

”Okay, I get it. Let me do the search then if nothing we’ll get some flights to South Lake Tahoe.”

“Reno.”

“Huh?”

“Gotta fly into Reno.”

“Okay then. Reno.”