THE HAUNTING PAST MYSTERY OF THE LOOK A LIKE

MYSTERY OF THE LOOK-A-LIKE THE HAUNTING PAST: After finishing the search, for Ingval McGuffin, Tami and I would open our latest case-file. As Mr. Brown had said, when he sent us the file "I would appreciate your review, upon your return to town". According to th case-file, the contact was making the claim, that a woman, who had, supposedly, been sober, since an automobile accident had, almost killed the woman. To make matters worse, the woman had been transporting a relatives child, a young girl, at the time of the accident. It would seem that, although the woman had decided, to stop off, at a bar, on the way to delivering the child, the stop was, allegedly, for only a single Brandy, to warm her up, as well as a hot chocolate, for the child. (A file attachment stated that the cars heater was not working, on the cold night.) Although the womans later statement had maintained that she had only two Brandy's, in order to warm up, while driving the child home, both the child's, and the bartenders, statements had confirmed that the woman had MORE than two drinks. After the accident, when hospital staff had asked the woman if she had swerved, to avoid a dragon, or leprechans, the woman maintained that it was a semi. A truck with a white cab, and a trailer, of blue, red, and purple. While police would verify that atleast four, white, tractors had passed through the area, that night, three had blue trailers, and one had a red trailer. The blue trailers belonged to a county, trucking, firm, while the red was an independent trucker. Police reports maintained that "No trailers, painted blue, red, AND purple, have been through the area." When the woman went to court, stating that the police, and anyone else, who claimed NOT to see the truck, were lying, the court responded by altering the normal, mandatory, three months, of A-A meetings, into twelve months worth. When the fact that a child was in the car, as well, was added to the case (and that the child COULD have been killed, in the accident), and the court ruled that the woman was lucky to retain even restricted driving priviledges. When Tami re-examined the bartenders testimony, stating that the man was concerned, when the woman took a fifth Brandy, the man had stated "The ONLY reason why I didn't take her keys away was because she appearred to be sober. Had I known..." Tami would say "No wonder she saw a "phantom". After five Brandy's, even on a cold night, I would have been seeing "phantoms"." When I cast my partyner a questioning glance, Tami would say "Dont look at me, that way. I ADMIT that I was, never, perfect. I have had my share, of hallucinations, AND my share of hang-overs. I would not wish the first, on anyone, and I urge people to avoid the second." When I asked "Does it say how LONG she stayed "on the wagon"?" Tami would review the file, then report "According to this, she has been "dry" since that day". When I asked "Any particular reason?" Tami would say "Says, here, that it is either the fact that, when the woman realized that a child was in danger, due to her actions, and this caused her to give up drink. OR, that it COULD have been that, when the child's parents had to collect the girl, from the hospital, the family had warned the woman "One more drink, and you are dis-owned. No more contact, especially with the children". When I asked "Just curious. After the accident, how LONG until her hang-over passed, and she was sober?"" Tami would examine the reports, then say "Thats strange. The report says that the woman had booze, on her breath, yet her blood alcohol, barely, registered. Her doctors remain puzzled, over how a drunk could react, to a crash, as though sober". When I asked "No hang-over? How is that possible?" Tami would say "Thats what baffled the doctors. Instead of being hung over, and dis-oriented, upon awakening, the womans only concern was for the child. The doctors dont know HOW she avoided the hang-over". When I suggested "Pretty straight-forward. WHAT do they need us for? We are not booze therapists?" Tami would state that "According to the contact, something, bizzarre, is going on." When I asked "Like what?" Tami would say "While the woman is being seen, and identified, entering bars, and having drinks, every time she has been randomly tested, for booze, even, at times, within half an hour, of a sighting, the womans tests continue to show 0.00 alcohol content". When I asked "So, what do they want us to do? Find out who she is drinking with?" Tami would say "The contact has the family's directions. IF the woman IS drinking, the family wants the details, including HOW she passes the tests." When I would say "I see. The family wants us to tail the woman, and find out WHAT she is doing, in the bars". Tami would caution me "It seems its not that simple. The report states that the woman agreed to wear an ankle tracker, several months ago. It seems that she wanted to PROVE that she was not going to bars". When I would say "Let me guess. The trackers show her entering bars, while she claims she is elsewhere. Am I right?" Tami would say "WRONG. Acording to the tracker information, the woman is either at the family home, of the local library, when she is spotted, entering bars. And, here is the real "clincher", though. On atleast three occassions, when the woman is reported entering bars, over the past few months, her family verifies that the woman is with THEM. Family dinners, game night. That sort of thing". By the time I said "I wonder" Tami was on the internet, researching the tracker unit. According to not just the manufacturer, but parole officers, as well, the unit was the most dependable, on the market. Sure, maybe it cost triple the price, of other units, but, in its favor were the fact that the device was waterproof, and that it was tamper-proof. When Tami would ask "If it was so reliable?" I would say "That leaves open the question of WHO it is, the people are witnessing? What is the REASON?" When we reached Mr. Brown's office, the man gave us THAT smile, even as he asked "A most intriguing case. Woman being spotted, at seperate places, at the same time". When Tami would say "This is unusual, for us, especially seeing that we dont deal with the living, very often". Mr. Brown would ask "Does it help that the two of you were, especially, requested, for this case?" Tami would say "More like bizzarre. I mean, unless this woman has a twin sister, HOW can she be in two places, at once?" Mr. Brown would say "If it is of any assistance, to you, I have had Mr. Black download copies, of surveillance video. Maybe, you can find something, there." When Tami would ask "One question", and Mr. Brown would ask "Only one?" Tami would ask "On the off chance that the woman is innocent. What will happen?" Mr. Brown would say "I guess you can figure that out, when you capture the other person". It was a good idea, that Tami and I had taught ourselves NOT to bother un-loading our personals, from the plane, several cases ago. Mostly, this was due to the fact that we never seemed to be "Off the clock". There were, always, more spirits, which needed our aid. This is why, within an hour, of our meeting, with Mr. Brown, G.S.2 was cruising, for our latest assignment. When we reached town, Tami had decided that our first stop would be the parole officers office. Maybe, the P.O. could tell us HOW the woman could be seen, in one place, while her tracker pin-pointed her, in another place. Although even I noticed that the Parole Officer was a bit "aggressive", when he spoke, he did make a point of showing Tami and I just how effective the tracking software was. In fact, in the time, since the woman had agreed, to the anklet, her every move could be tracked, to within two feet. After this, the man said "Then, there is this. I checked the tracker reading, from the times when her family says the woman was with them". Sure enough, the tracker placed the woman inside the family home. "Then", the Parole Officer said "I ran some video, from a camera, next door to the bar. The one where people report seeing her enter, most". When we saw the woman, from the case-file, in the video, I was amazed when the P.O.. asked "According to the tracker, and her own family, the woman was at home, having dinner, with family, at this very time. Now, you tell ME. HOW could this woman be entering the bar, when nearly a dozen witnesses, as well as her tracker, place the woman MILES away, at her family's home?" MY first thought was either a double, a mask, or a make-up job. While MY next stop would have been with the sheriff's office, Tami decided that SHE wanted to speak to the bartender. As Tami explained: "Masks are easy to make, nowadays. It is speech, and body language, which are the things which most of us barely notice". When we entered the bar and Tami held another of her "conversational interviews", the bartender did verify that, for a few years, the woman had entered the bar, and ordered shots, of Brandy. When Tami would ask "So, she was a regular, then?" The bartender would say "Until the accident, she was a regular", then the man seemed to think, and re-considered "I'm sorry. That is not, strictly, true". When Tami would ask "What do you mean?" The bartender would say "What I should have said was "She was a regular, on cold, winter, nights". When Tami would ask "In warm weather?" The bartender would say "Not so regular. In fact, during spring, summer, and fall, she only came in, when others were picking up the tab." When Tami asked "How much did she drink, on warm nights?" The bartender would say "If I remember, correctly, she would order a gin, and let the ice melt into it". When Tami would suggest "So, it was Happy Hour, with friends". The bartender would say "An after work drink". When Tami would ask "After the accident, how did the womans habits change?" The bartender would say "That was the one thing I, truly, remember. With most drunks, once the courts order them into A-A, the drunks make two, to five, visits. You understand. A way to "drown their sorrows"." When Tami would suggest "You say MOST drunks. Why not ALL drunks?" The bartender would say "After she was convicted, the woman stopped by the bar, just once, to promise me that the accident was not my fault. She said she, also, wanted me to know that she would not be in, for booze, for awhile. I remember it because it was the first time a customer stopped by, just to say "Hello"." When Tami would ask "Did the woman usually speak to you?" The bartender would say "Before the accident, it was more like "Hi, Hows your day" Regular stuff" When Tami asked "You say BEFORE the accident. What about AFTER?" The bartender would say "Thats whats odd. After the woman stops by, to tell me that she wont be in, she, then, stopped talking, at all. Since that time, all she does is come in, order her drinks, down them, then leaves. I THOUGHT that I knew her. Now, she's like a stranger". When Tami would ask "How do you think you knew her?" The bartender would say "We went to school, together. Neither of us was the most popular kid, in school. On the plus side, though, neither of us was, ever "busted", for drugs, either". When Tami would ask "What about booze?" The bartender would say "We, never, got drunk and, to "cover our tracks", I "liberated" one of my own parents breath frresheners. We used this after the beers". When Tami sugested "So, you knew her, for MANY years?" The bartender would say "Ever since grade school. I still, wonder WHAT that accident did to her. She was, never, openly, nice, but she was never hateful, either. She did love to "shoot the breeze", in the days before the accident. Now, I just dont know". After departing the bar, Tami and I chatted, with some locals. A practice which I, now, know, draws law enforcements attention. Although the universal opinion, of the towns-people, towards the woman, was that she was no "saint", no one gave her a truly bad reference, either. In fact, by the time a deputy "collected" Tami and I, and brought us before the sheriff, Tami and I had enough information that all the sheriff had to do was verify our information. The sheriff did confirm that the woman had, never, been a "menace", and, even during her teens, had been no more trouble, than any other teen. When Tami asked "Can you explain how, if the womans family, along with her electronic tracker, ALL place the woman at her family's home, that she could be videotaped, entering a local bar". The sheriff would say "I am baffled, as well. Not by just this incident, either." When Tami would ask "What else?" The sherif would say "One night, when I was out, on patrol, and I saw the woman, under the hood of her car, outside of her place". When Tami asked "What was she doing?" The sheriff would say "Checking her oil, and other fluids, before taking a trip, the next day". When Tami asked "What happened?" The sheriff would say "I stopped, to remind her that it would be easier to check the fluids, in the daylight. She said she had work, and had to leave, at sun-rise. This is why I decided to help her check the systems, then she gave me a "mechanics cloth's", to wipe my hands with, before I shut the hood, and I sent her back inside her place, before resuming my route". When Tami asked "Why was this so memorable?" The sheriff would say "Anytime I stop, for ANY reason, I log the time. This is why I knew the TIME, when I stopped, to help her". When Tami asked "What happens, next?" The sheriff would say "You wont believe it, but, the woman was videotaped, entering a bar, at about the same time when I was helping her check her car out. Now, you tell me. HOW can a woman be checking her cars motor, and talking to me, when she is being recorded, at the same time, entering a bar, located five blocks away?" When Tami mentioned "Anything "different", about her, when you aided her?" The sheriff would say "Other that her saying that her boss was a jerk, for calling her away, at a moments notice? I cant say she was any different from what I know, of her". Between this, and what the womans family told us, it would seem that there were MORE than enough witnesses, to signal a possible hoax. Still, two problems remained. The first was the video footage. In less than a handful of times, the woman walked right past the cameras, like she did not even notice the devices. Then, Tami spotted something, which was "most suspicious", about the majority, of the video. When Tami replayed some sections, asking me "What do you see?" When I told her "I see a womans face, as clear as a photograph." Whan Tami would ask "What ELSE do you see?" When I said "I give up. WHAT am I SUPPOSED to see?" Tami would say "The pictures. The woman is looking right into the camera". When I asked "So?" Tami would say "It is as though she KNOWS the camera's are recording. She is giving a full facial". When I would ask "Why bother? Unless, ofcourse, there is a mirror, in front of the camera. A way for the woman to check hair, or make-up". When Tami said "Nope, I checked. All camera's are behind smoked glass". When I would wonder "Why would anyone do this, unless..." Tami would conclude with "...unless they are trying to FRAME the woman". Although most of the local population, remained convinced, by the "evidence", there remained those, who insisted "If you want me to believe, SHOW me PROOF" Over the next week, there was surprisingly little activity, and this contained only a single report, of the woman even being spotted, entering bars. When the sheriff had the woman brought in, for "questioning", Tami asked for, and received, the sheriff's permission, to be present, at both interviews, and to review testimony. It was when the sheriff was ready to file charges, against our client, when Tami asked the questions, which no one wanted to address. "For one thing", as Tami pointed out "Just how CLOSE was the witness, when they viewed the couples actions?" When a deputy would say "They report seeing the action, from the corner of the building." When Tami asked "How FAR away, is that, from where the couple was?" The deputy would say "Maybe fifty feet. Give or take a foot". When Tami would ask "The clothes the woman was reported wearing. From the big city, or the internet?" The deputy would say "Maam, with all due respect, we ain't no hillbillies, round here. Maybe we aint got no high speed internet, but the locals stores selling plenty..." Then the deputy would suggest "You are not suggesting?" Tami said "Let me investigate, BEFORE you, officially, arrest her". Tami then brought me to the local clothing stores, where atleast one business manager would accuse us of trying to "Aid and abet, a criminal". Then, after Tami would ask the stores operator "So, you have sold no clothing, like these, before?" (Showing the manager descriptions of the clothing the woman had, supposedly worn) the store manager would say "Maam, we sell clothes, like that, ALL the time. People do need clothes, even in these parts". By the time Tami and I returned, to the sheriff's office, the "prime suspect" was out of her cell, and drinking coffee, while the sheriff informed us "Locals aint too happy with your questions. Making people doubt what they seen. I have to tell you, that couple, who saw the "action", they are good Christians. I would not be surprised if they filed a "suit"." Then, the sheriff would ask "Do you REALLY think that someone is trying to set that woman up?" Tami would say "If the couple were ten feet away, or if it was daylight, I would not have questioned their description. Problem is, it was night time, not perfect visibility, and from fifty feet away". When Tami and I retuned to G.S.2, I was ready for some food, atleast until Tami said "I will join you, in a moment. I just want to check something". Shortly thereafter, I heard her say "A-Ha!" then Tami saying "Come see this" When I joined Tami, at the computers, Tami asked me "What do you see?" When I said "Not THAT, again", Tami asked me, more softly "WHAT do you see?" When I looked at the video clips, I'm sure that I saw some street lights, at full power, in some of the video, as well as seeing stars, in the sky, in other sections. It was not until I saw the headlights, in the background, of two scenes, that I said "Thats odd. ALL of these scenes were filmed, after dark." When Tami would say "Precisely. This person in using the low-level light, to make themselves more presentable". When I would ask "But, why bother? Our client is wearing an anklet". Tami would ask "I wonder if this person knows that?" The other person then made another mistake. They entered a bar, and consumed multiple drinks, even while our client was with up to fifty other people, at a party, in another part of town. The next day, when Tami spoke to the bartender, the man told Tami "Except for ordering her drink, she, still, does not say a word, anymore". Tami just wished the person were not so randon, in their movements. If Tami had a pattern, for the persons bar-hopping, Tami could have located the person, much faster. Somehow, it must have "gotten around", that Tami was "On the hunt", since reported sightings dropped off, almost to nothing, for the next two months. Still, this did not stop gossip, rumor, and innuendo, from spreading. Nor did it prevent rocks, from smashing the family's homes windows, or spray cans, from attacking cars. From what Tami, myself, and the sheriff, came to understand, it seems that, when the Christians realized that their PERCEPTION, of events, was under scrutiny, the Christians had rallied fellow church members, into taking direct action. Actions which the church would insist were "Sanctioned, by God, himself". When rocks began smashing windows, spray-painted messages began appearring, on the home, and tires began being slashed, the sheriff decided it was time to take the matter BEYOND the local level, of the Christian-controlled courts, and file his charges with the state courts. Here, the man hoped, he could secure a "Cease and Decist" order, which would inform locals that "This is a police matter. Any further vandalism WILL result in arrest and prosecution". When a local asked "What about that drunken whore?!" The sheriff would say "If you have proof, bring it foward. I would love to see your proof". After this, the town became almost deathly silent, especially after locals decided to string two women up, just because, after sun-down, the women appearred to RESEMBLE our client. After the sheriff ordered the release, of the victims, and the women were sent to the I.C.U., at the local hospital, the sheriff had no problem, at all, identifying those responsible, for the act. Especially when those responsible came to the hospital, asking the sheriff "In God's name, WHY are you protecting those whores?" After hearing the suspects spouting scripture, during transport, to jail, the sheriff pointed a finger, at the prisoners, saying "One more word, and I WILL ask the judge for a road prison sentence, for EACH of you". After this event, even the church went silent, and Tami and I spent the next seven weeks cross-referencing information, while trying to answer the question "Why her?" With the Cease-and-Decist order in place, Tami and I found ourselves facing the same "old shoulder", from locals, as the womans family was receiving. The only GOOD news, which Tami could report, to the Brown Agency, was that, after three weeks, of care, the lynch mob victims left the hospital, and could not LEAVE town, fast enough, to feel safe. Tami could, even understand the reason why the women had refused to sign "Non-Rsponsibility" forms. After all, the women would need to wear turtle-neck collars, for months to come, just to hide the rope burns. Since the sheriff knew that the Christian judge, of the area, would, NEVER, prosecute Christians, the sheriff modified the charges, just enough to place the action into state-wide law enforcement hands. As a result, all five, church, members, who had boasted, their pride, in hanging the women, were, each, serving two years, on a state-controlled prison chain gang. The sheriff's only regret was that the charge had been limited to ATTEMPTED Murder. Ofcourse, while the sheriff was happy, that the hanging vitims had survived the ordeal, still, he wished he could have sent an even STRONGER message, to the church. After what seemed like our seven hundredth review, of the file, even Tami could not understand WHY anyone wanted to frame the woman. So, the woman had a few drinks, now and then. So, the woman had crashed a car. Even the report had emphasized the fact that the child, in the car, had not received any injuries, which needed treating. This left the question of "WHATS the point? Creating the impression that the woman was a bar-hopping whore?" Evern the bartender had stated, repeatedly, that there was something "different", about the woman, after the accident. The woman the bartender knew, to be polite, and even address him, while having her drinks, was, totally "different" from the woman, who, simply ordered drinks, consumed the items, and left the bar. Even after seven, consecutive "interviews", the mans story never changed. At this point, on-board G.S.2, Tami would say "I need some fresh air. Care to join me?" When I agreed, we strolled the general area, which was unusually quiet. We figured that this was due to the Cease-and-Decist order. As a result, Tami and I just enjoyed the evening breeze, as Tami would mention "A nice place to visit, but I would NOT want to LIVE here". When Tami and I saw shadows, in the distance, we agreed "Probably just locals, keeping tabs on our movements". I would, even, suggest "I would wager that even G.S.2 is being watched". It was not until our third, nightly, walk, that Tami and I encountered a young woman. She was about the clients same build, and race, including long, blonde, hair. Basically, the same body type. When the lady stood before us, Tami was about to ask "May we help you?", when the woman told us who WE were, then identified herself "I am Katherine. I was a victim, as well. They dont know I'm here. Your friend is in grave danger". When Tami would ask "From whom?" Katherine would say "Not from the living". When Tami would ask "What do the deceased want, with our client?" Katerine would, only, say "The thrill". After that, Katherine dissolved. After this, one by one, several, other, women appearred, to us. All white women. All with petite builds. All with long, blonde, hair. One, a lady, named Linda, said "The imps enjoy causing trouble. Our pain is their pleasure". Another woman, Sarah, would say "They LOVE playing on FEAR, and superstition. It is their version of "game time". When another woman, named Chloe, would inform us "They love dressing up, like us. Make people dis-trust one another". When Tami, who had been making a list, of the womans names, checked her list, against the department of Vital Records, Tami found that each of the womens deaths was listed as "Un-resolved. Reason: Unknown." When the internet was the next to "dry up", on my partner (except for fire-side tales), Tami was just preparing to contact the closest convent, for information, when Mother Superior would appear, saying "The chairman sent me. It seems that you are, again, having supernatural trouble". When Tami would say "And how. We have imps, which are posing as humans, in order to frighten locals. If the target dies, the imps feel great joy". This is when Mother Superior would interrupt, saying "Imps do not impersonate humans. They cause mischief, yes, but not shape-shifting". When Tami would ask "If not imps, then WHO is masquerading as, and killing, the women?" Mother Superior would say "By now, child, I would have hoped you understood that there is more, to life, than black-and-white". Tami would say "Swell, just how MANY shape-shifters are there, out there?" Mother Superior would say "As far as I know, there are less than a dozen species. As to their numbers, I dont think anyone has counted, recently". When Tami would ask "Why our client?" Mother Superior would respond "Why not?" When Tami asked "Is that even an answer?" Mother Superior would say "It is just as well as when you told your own mother that you want your OWN life, beyond the feminine desire, for marriage, and family". When Tami growled "Good, God! YOU, too. Why cant you understand. ANY-one can have a family. I want MORE, out of my life". Mother Superior would ask "Is that why, at Ingvals "welcome home" celebration, you were, practically, inside your partners clothes? Is that also why you have yet to remove that engagement ring? Is that why you choose to contiue to deny the urges, of your own body?" When Tami would say "ENOUGH! I asked you here, to help me with my client. NOT to lecture me, on my morals, and values". When Mother Superior would say "Touchy, arent we. Besides, I thought we WERE on topic". Tami would say "I need information, to protect my client, and to stop the masquerade". When Mother Superior would ask "Which masquerade?" Tami would say "The one which will end in our clients death". Mother Superior would say "Oh, that one" (Tami KNEW what Mother Superior was referring to, however, that "debate" could wait, for another day). Mother Superior would, then, write down a list, of ingredients, telling Tami "Once the ingredients are mixed, and sifted, enclose the result in an amulet, such as a necklace. Your client should wear this item, for six, full, months, to be certain the spell is broken". When Tami would ask "I thought that the church believed in scripture, not magic". Mother Superior would say "Faith, magic, love, grace. They are all one in the same. Belief, within the heart. THAT is what counts". When Tami would say "I get it", Mother Superior would say "I doubt it". The nun would, then, dissolve. With supplies, purchased, in the next town, Tami and I followed the nun's directions, yet neither of us was prepared for what was about to happen. It seems that our client was informed that there was to be a bon-fire, at the local park, and that the entire family was invited. It was not, however, until the woman reached the park, and found the pyres being prepared, that not only did Tami and I catch up, to her, but that everyone, present, got a good look at the impossible. There, standing before most of the town, were two, identical, women. When someone asked "Which is which?" Someone else said "Who knows?" Another person suggested "Burn them, both, to be on the safe side". This is when Tami use the "cheat sheet", of Mother Superiors spirit indicating which woman was real, that Tami aided the woman, in applying the amulet. Within moments, of the amulets presentation, the fake woman was presented, to the town, as a creature, in great pain, even as the amulet drew on the real womans life-force, and glowed, bright as a star. The creature howled, in agony, as it, slowly, disintegrated, into nothingness. (Towns-people watched the display, in open-mouthed silence.) Then came the "Grand FInale" The spirits, of the women, previously murdered, appearred, before us, with Katherine taking Tami's hand, and saying "Thank You my friend. Our journey is at an end. May your journey be equally blessed". When Tami would whisper "Goodbye, my friends", the women would, gently, dissolve, into nothing, leaving the community to wonder what had happened. When someone said "Lets go home, and forget this, ever, happened", Someone else said "Hey, we got a great bon-fire, here. Anyone up for barbecue hot dogs, and hamburgers?" Although Tami and I were invited, to join the festivities, I encouraged Tami to enjoy the fun. After all, she put in WAY more work, on this case, then I did. Besides, I would bet a months pay that, when we returned to G.S.2, Mr. Brown would have another case, waiting for us. So, as Tami would say "Enjoy the moment". The next day, when Tami filed our final report, Mr. Brown would say "Excellent work." Then came THAT smile. When Tami asked "Okay, boss, whats the next case?" Mr. Brown would say "Relax, just a "haunted house". The owners just want us to make "contact", and let the deceased know that the living have come, to stay". When Tami and I looked at one another, saying "Why not?" Mr. Brown would say "Excellent. The file is on its way. Good hunting, to you, both." Yes, life, AND death, go on...

THE HAUNTING PAST THE SEARCH FOR INGVAL

THE HAUNTING PAST: THE SEARCH FOR INGVAL In accordance with Tami's agreement, with Amma-to-Lose, Tami had begun the process, of attempting to locate a man, named Ingval McGuffin. As Tami would, later, regret, saying "How hard can it be? How many men could have been named Ingval McGuffin?" As Tami tapped into our "life-time" subscriptions, to various, ancestry, sites, Tami would be left speechless by the sheer number, of references, which she found. To make matters worse, though, only men, from the past two centuries, had photographs. When Tami switched her search, from men with photo's, to men, born centuries before Christopher Columbus had become the official, Christian, discoverer, of America, Tami found herself facing a list, of hundreds, of men. Although Tami wished she could use descriptions, such as height, weight, color of hair/eyes, and so on, for narrowing her search, Tami was startled by the fact that, because photography was only around 175 years old, that such descriptions were hard to come by. Especially when dealing with people, who had lived well over 1,000 years ago. Tami just regretted it when she found herself having to try to inform Amma-to-Lose's spirit, that there were just too many Ingval McGuffins, to narrow the search to less than 1,000 men. Each, of the numerous times, when Tami would visit the cemetary, to whisper "I am so sorry. I just did not think there would be so many Ingvals". If only Amma had provided us with things, such as a village name, the mans profession, or something else, vital, Tami would have made more progress. As it was, unless Ingval knew, to come to US, finding HIM would be more difficult than finding Earth, starting from the Andromeda Galaxy. Sure, there were plenty of STORIES, which described tall, muscular, men, however, this left the question of fact versus fantasy. Just how MANY descriptions, were made by men, who THOUGHT of themselves as this kind of man? This, versus, how MANY were by women, who were describing their fantasy men? Even artists, and sculptors, were, and are, notorious, for adding details, which did not, actually, exist. Tami would be laying her ninth, friendship, rose, on Amma's grave, when Mother Superior would appear, saying "My child, you actually feel that you have let her down?" When Tami would bow her head, whispering "Yes, I do. I just never thought that a name, like Ingval, would be so common, in the distant past". When Mother Superior would ask "So, you checked all of those computer things, and came up, empty, correct?" Tami would nod even as Mother Superrior would remind her "My child, those computers, of yours. Do you, not, remember what came before those creatures?" When Tami would mention "I checked with Vital Records as well. Nothing, going that FAR BACK.". Mother Superior would ask "And, WHERE did you find answers, to guide your quest, regarding the Egyptian boat? The Gargoyles?" Tami would admit "Church records, and family Bibles. I just dont know WHERE to search, for information, which is that OLD" When Mother Superior would offer "Permit me to discuss this information, with the local sisterhood. Perhaps the sisters might be able to guide you onto the correct path". When Tami would say "Thank You, Mother Superior", Mother Superior would say "Do not thank me, now. Your journey is just beginning. Many perils await you. The road, ahead, will not, always, be clear". Tami thought the nun meant that Tami and I were going on another ghost hunt. Tami had no idea that Mother Superior was speaking of something else. When Tami caught up with myself, and the pilots, she was both relieved, and concerned, when she found the three of us practicing, at a shooting range. When Tami asked "Male bonding?" The pilots would say "No, maam. Teaching your boy, here, how to shoot." When Tami would ask "What good are bullets, against the dead?" The pilots would laugh as they agreed "Maam, sharp-shooting is not just for killing. It has many purposes, including hand-eye coordination". When Tami would say "Big deal! So you learn how to shoot" The co-pilot would say "Maam, you dont understand. Sharp-shooting is the best way to avoid killing, by accident. After all, a well-placed, non-lethal, shot, is better, for interrogation, than a killer shot". When Tami would ask "Shoot first, ask questions, later?" The co-pilot would correct her "Wound, first, then converse, while suspect is resting". Sure, the topic, of "Shoot to wound" was controversial, to say the least. However, more often, command wanted prisoners, to interrogate. Soldiers were being taught to dis-arm, not terminate, subjects. When I would ask "Tami, did you bring us some news?" Tami would re-track her thoughts, saying "I just saw Mother Superior, at Amma's grave. I informed Mother Superior, about Ingval. Mother Superior thinks she can enlist the aid, of the local convent, with the search." When I said "YOUR department", Tami would say "Come on. Th convent does NOT think you are so bad... for a man". I would remind my partner "Remember how upset Mother Superior was, when she found me huddling with that nun? This, while the nun was showing me some old landmarks?" Tami would say "Good grief. As Mother Superior reminded the head nun, you were not seducing the nun, or having sex". I reminded Tami "The woman, still, gave me an icy glare, whenever she saw me". Tami would roll her eyes then say "Okay, I will handle the convent. IF you will agree to do the surveys". I was more-than-happy to agree to my favorite duty. For me, there was nothing better than surveying places, and trying to visualize what had been around, in the past. When the living Mother Superior agreed to allow me the assistance, of two, young, nuns, saying that the girls were "Horticulturists", I accepted the aid, while asking Mother Superior "I could use someone, with historical knowledge, as well". Mother Superior would say "Ofcourse". Just dont ask me HOW, or WHY, I ended up with four, young, nuns, and a 40-something nun, to work with. Personally, I was just grateful to be OUTSIDE of the churches walls. I, still, recall how intensely, my every move was scrutinized, the previous time I was within the convent walls. (No repeats wanted). I did think it was funny, how much time Tami began spending, practicing her best "Sunday School, and Chruch", behavior, during our time, working with the nuns. Tami and I even continued our research, after Mr. Brown contacted us, saying "The next few cases, which were lined up, seem to have gone quiet. At this time, contacts say to "Let sleeping dogs rest". Mr. Brown would continue "I do have something, which might be coming your way. Some European spirit. Something about a drunk, who gets rowdy. Tell me, do you think that spirits can get drunk?" Even Tami and I had no answer, for that. After all, how often does one get the chance to have a real conversation, with a spirit?" It would seem that, not log after my group began analyzing a landscape, while Tami's group, "dived" back into the records section, that our divergent searches came together. Although we found MANY "Ingval McGuffins", throughout history, it would seem that we had to look much father BACK, in time, than just the past 1,000 years, to find Amma's uncle. In fact, when the living Mother Superior suggested we attempt to track Ingval, via Amma-to-Lose's own life, we ended up having to dust off records, which would have made Columbus's logs seem, almost, "State of the art", by comparison. In fact, we ended up having to "route" a request, via the Vatican, to find out in what LAND Amma-to-lose had been born, as well as at what POINT, in history. The Vatican would "route" our request through the churches of Ireland, Sweden, and Scotland, before our search came anywhere NEAR Amma's time. I mean, we were talking "major league" B.C.E., here. It was no wonder that later Vikings had found only a skeleton, to bury, while, still later, in history, the European Christians found even less "markers". As near as the international faiths could learn, Amma-to-Lose had been born somewhere around 5,000 B.C.E., and she had died somewhere near 4,900 B.C.E. This would mean that Ingval should have been born sometime around 5,050, and 5,100 B.C.E. I would have wondered WHY the church had bothered to keep such old records, then I remembered that some churches had been tracking Christ's own family, since the time of Mary, and Joseph's, own grand-parents. For some reason, some groups insisted that the "royal blood line", of Jesus Christ, had meant that the man possessed gold, or jewels. As a result, some fortune hunters had spent the past 2,000 years, searching for treasure chests, which they believed a "royal blood line" meant. IF people could be this fanatical, about a 2,000 year old MIS-interpretation, of information, why could these people also not have protected other records, as well? By the time Tami, myself, and the nuns, found the record, of Amma-to-Lose birth, we came to understand the reason why her father had been killed, by her mothers husband. It was the classic tale, which had been repeated, so very MANY times, over the centuries. Young girl falls in love, with local boy, and the two get engaged. Then comes some king, or chief, or someone else, important. IF history is anywhere near accurate, Amma's mothers family had some years, of bad crops, and illnesses. As a result, the family was so deep, in debt, it was doubtful that generations could pay the debts off. In comes king (etc), who sets "eyes" on the girl, and makes the family a deal. IF the girls parents will "bust up" the young romance, and present their daughter, in marriage, to the king, then the king promises to pay off ALL of the family's debts, AND provide enough money to last the family as long as ten years. Although the family accepts the offer, the young woman refuses to live without her "true love". That is, atleast until the mans head is placed on the block, and the executioner is ready to perform their duty. After the "wedding", the husband "leaves town", for three years, on some kind of un-specified trip. When the husband returns, he finds that his wife is seven months pregnant. At this point, it seems that Amma's mother made a deal, with her irate husband. A deal which, she believes means "Once the child is born, the father may see the child, before being sent away". This, as it turns out, is why the man was kneeling, beside the bed, when the woman gives birth. After Amma is born, however, things happen. According to accounts, of the day, Amma's uncle, Ingval, was a master, of the trades and, when sober, his services were, highly, prized. It was claimed, however that, every time he finished projects, he would spend all of his money, on drink. For un-specified reasons, Ingval hated to be sober, between jobs. As a result, at the time, when Amma was born, the man was so drunk, that it would take over two months, just to sober him up, enough, so that he could understand hearing of the death. Then, by the time Ingval was able to work off his passage, to the klan's village, something, referred to as "Demons of the night", had "beat him, to the punch", taking the husbands life, and denying Ingval the chance to kill the man, himself. Still, his brothers woman, and her child, needed to be cared for. This, at a time, when even European women were forbidden to accumulate large amounts, of resources, Amma's mother had been forced to ask Ingval's assistance, with removing both mother, and child, from village lands. While Ingval was furious, over his brothers death, just as Ingval was furious, that he, himself, had been denied the right to deal the husband the killing blow, which would have allowed Ingval to vent his rage, Ingval, also, knew that the new mother was right. Due to the circumstances, of Amma's birth, no Viking would have the woman, for a mate. Ingval would have considered taking the woman, and child, to the Christians, however, he knew, from experience, how the Christians would act, if he turned mother and child, over to their "care". Ingval KNEW what would happen due to the fact that, while on a boat-repair project, he had SEEN Christian "charity", with his own eyes. Ingval had seen this in a village, where mothers, and children, were "paraded" before the "faithful", while priests would say "These "whores" have blasphemed the one, true, God. Having committed the sacriledge, of conception, and child-birth, OUTSIDE of the bonds, of Holy Matrimony, these "whores" now face judgement, for their actions". Ingval would have missed all of the action, since his team was busy, repairing a war-ship. That is, except for the fact that a priest stopped by the docks, and commanded that all workers should cease duties, and watch the proceedings. When the dock supervisor would remind the priest "Holiness, I have been commanded to make this ship battle-worthy, within 24 hours. She puts to sea, tomorrow. We have no time, for rest". It was only when the priest said "Only the un-righteous turn away from Gods Justice." The supervisor would inform the workers to "Take a break", while listing "Religious Interruption", in the log book. This would be the primary reason why the ship would neither be repaired, on time, nor launch, on the next tide. Ingval watched, along with the others, as the torch pots, which, normally, lit village streets, after dark, were lighted, and fuelled, into raging infernos. After this, cattle-branding irons were brought forth, and set into the blazing fires, until just short of "white hot". While the irons were heating, priests had given some sort of "mass", during which the "whores" were given the chance to repent (being human?). There is little doubt as to why the women never repented. Especially when, during the sermon, Each woman was chained, to a "Public Discipline" post, and flogged. At such times, the women understood that nothing they might say would prevent what was about to happen. It was just after the priest would say "Spawn of Satan, since you refuse to repent, and embrace the light, and the love, of the Lord, our God, you will be punished, in His name". With a hand-signal, from the priest, workers removed the red hot irons, from the fires, and used the smoldering metal to scorch flesh, right down to bone. When the women cried out, in agony, the priest only reply would be to SHOUT, in the womens faces "CONFESS your sins, WHORE! CONFESS!" When Ingval noticed many villagers turning away, from the brutality, the priest would call out, to the assembly "Only the Un-Righteous turn away from Gods Divine Justice", even as the chained women cried out, in agony, as skin was burned away from their bodies. After maybe a half dozen burns, the irons would be replaced with carriage whips. When the women passed out, from the agony, workers would slap, or punch, the women, back to consciousness, even as the whips continued to tear remaining flesh from bones, leaving visible large sections, of bones. Just before some of the women died, Ingval noticed that the women let out low laughs (Which Ingval took to mean that the women were welcoming Deaths embrace). Only two, of the women, cursed the priests, then each cried out "KILL me! Be done with it!" Only when the corpses no-longer responded, to torture, were villagers allowed to return to daily lives. Due to the fact that the crews had been ordered to stop work, to watch the torture, the ship would have to wait another 48 hours, for the tide. This, even as rumors came to town, that the children, of the "whores" had been taken out, to a cave, where a man-eating creature was said to live. Weeks later, when Ingvals job was done, he put off getting drunk, to go scouting, for himself, and to learn if the rumors were true. Ingval would learn that, in a way, the rumors were, partially, true. It was just NOT true that the bodies were consumed by some beast. What Ingval discovered was that the "whores" children had been staked out, fully exposed, to the weather, and left to die, of starvation, and exposure. This is the reason why, when Amma's mother came to ask Ingval for aid, the Christians were as FAR OFF of his list, as other, Viking, villages. Instead, Ingval used money, supplied by Amma's mother, and booked passage, for both mother and child, on an out-bound ship. Ingval just hoped that, in the "Lands, across the ocean", the two would be safe. According to the story, when Ingval petitioned for Restitution, and the court denied this, Ingval was imprisoned, after he was heard considering burning some of the property, of the dead husbands relatives. When Ingval was released, from prison, his lust, for vengeance, was so great that the village elders told him to leave. In fact, it is reported that this vengeance was what, eventually, killed the man. It was only when Tami would ask "Are we sure we have the correct Ingval?" This is when the spirit, of Mother Superior, would appear, to us, saying "Yes, my child. You have made a wise, and accurate, choice". When Tami would suggest "You know. You COULD have saved us A-LOT of time, and effort" to which Mother Superior would ask "One of your modern short-cuts? What would you have learned, from that?" When Tami would suggest "We COULD have spent more time tracking the man down". Mother Superior would say "How ironic. Almost the exact same words, which the Hunters use. Your generation. You want everything, right now. Tell me, how many innocent people have you saved, due to your campaigns, to halt several cases of "Rush to Justice"?" Tami would give in, saying "Yes, we have cleared people, falsely accused of crimes" When Mother Superior would ask "By?" Tami would say "BY researching, and cross-referencing, information. Taking the TIME to ensure conclusions are correct". When Mother Superior would ask "HOW is this time any different?" Tami had no answer. Thanks to the convent, the Vatican, and the ancient records, of European churches, Tami and I were, now, as sure as we could be. Twenty-five centuries AFTER the fact, we were certain that we had the correct Ingval McGuffin. This is why, when Mr. Brown contacted us, saying "How would the two of you like a trip, to Northern Europe?" When Tami asked "Whats the case?" Mr. Brown would say "Coming through, now. I am told there will be a hefty bonus, for results. It seems that a village, which is dependent on tourism, for its survival, is being "haunted", by a Viking, whom, it appears, is driving tourists away from the area". By the time the case file was downloaded, to G.S.2, our pilots would call out, on the comm "Flight plan logged. Ready for take-off, whenever you are". Once Tami and I had given the nuns our thanks, for their aid, Tami and I watched, from the planes port holes, as the nuns looked on, in awe, as our black jet used its vertical thrusters to lift above the local tree-line, before settling in, to normal flight mode. Since this was not our first flight, across the Atlantic Ocean, Tami and I settled in, and began reviewing the case-file. This, even as our air firce veterans provided such a smooth ride, that I forgot we were, even, in the air. On the way to Europe, Tami and I did spot SOME-thing, which seemed to be shadowing our plane. Whatever the thing was, it was keeping perfect pace, with our plane. When we checked, with our pilots, the men would inform us "Yes, ground control has the object as well.." When Tami would ask "How do you know that?" The pilot would say "By the way ground control is emplasizing their denial. It is way too FIRM". When Tami would ask "And, normally?" The pilot would say "Normally, they are very casual. Making it appear that it is no big deal". When I asked "WHAT is OUR next action?" The pilot would say "Standard procedure. Unless that thing attacks US, nothing. Understand, we take NO action, unless directly attacked. Understand?" I would say "Roger that". The "object" did not change course, away from us, until we entered the "outer identification marker" zone, of Swedish Air Space. After this, we have no idea where it went, mostly because of the sheer velocity, of its departure. This was un-like anything even I had seen, outside of science fiction. It would seem that, although air traffic control had our I.D.C. beeper, on their radar, because Ghost Ship Two was designed to AVOID radar tracking, the Swedish Air Force sent up some fighters, to escort us to our destination. To my astonishment, once the Swedish took up station, they actually sent the message: "Welcome to Sweden. This is Yorik two-seven-nine, on your left, and on the right is Bjorn three-nine-nine. We will escort you to your landing zone. We hope you enjoy your stay, in Sweden." "Roger that, Yorik two-seven-nine. Glad for the company. Glad I wont have to ask for directions, either." "Roger that, my American friends. We are happy to oblige". When Tami would ask "What was that about?" The pilot would say "Call it code. If we answered with anything, other than a polite greeting, those fighters would be ordered to lock on, and, if necessary, give us a missile-style enema." We knew we were over Viking territory since Tami and I, both, saw the marks, in the landscape. The marks of boats, and the mounds, even as we closed in, for landing. It would seem that our designated landing area had seen some severe rain, on the day, prior to our arrival, yet, as our planes sensors detected ground, too soft for G.S.2 to land on, and the Swedes suggested an alternative base, our air force pilots would, again, prove that soldiers were not just "military robots". In fact, while the Swedes "orbited" overhead, even Tami and I watched, in amazement, as our pilots switched off the jet engines external coolants, then used extra thrust, to dry the ground, below our plane. Even I found it remarkable that our plane could generate such great heat, that it could dry the grounds, so effectively. As a result, inside of ten minutes, the red hot exhaust had dried out the land, until it was as solid as a rock. Only after this, did the pilots reactivate the engine coolants, then bring the plane in, for a soft landing. Once our plane was, safely, on the ground, the Swedes bid our pilots farewell, then returned to their own base. To our surprise, though, our contact did not meet us, at the town hall. Nor was the meeting at the town hall. While the bar was, dimly, lit, and smelled slightly un-pleasant, thankfully our meeting took place on the bar's terrace. Even I realized that this was a serious matter, when I noticed that the local sheriff was present. In fact, if these men were to be believed, the most recent "incident" was less than a day "old". According to our contact "This, beefy, man comes into the bar, orders a beer, then, with his glass only half-empty, the man, typically, grabs a woman (sometimes decking the man she is with), calling the woman by some ancient name, and pulls her OUT of the bar". When Tami asked "What happens next?" The source would say "The woman breaks free, and the man just walks away" The sheriff would add "Who knows what the man MIGHT have done, had not one of my deputies responded to the disturbances". When Tami asked "Just what, exactly, did your deputy have to do?" The sheriff would say "My deputy says that the man says something, in some very old, Gaelic, language, then the man walks right up, to the deputy". When Tami would ask "And, then?" The sheriff would say "My deputies say that they drew arms, and aimed at the man, just to watch him dissolve, right in front of them". When Tami would ask "What do the women say?" The sheriff would say "Once they calm down, they, each, claim that the man was there, one moment, and gone, the next". When Tami asked "May I speak to the women?" The sheriff would say "Thats not possible. Each one packed, and departed, shortly after the incidents." When Tami would ask "What about your deputy?" The sheriff would say "So shook up, he drank himself into a coma. Doc says he wont be any good, for atleast a couple of days". When Tami asked "Descriptions, of the attacker, from bar patrons?" The sheriff would say "Everyone, in the bar, including the bartender, says the man was huge, solid, muscular. He spoke with a strong accent." Over the next several days, Tami would interview locals, while I scanned the local terrain, for positive proof, of a Viking presence. Thankfully, the Vikings had used this area, as a "home base", for centuries, even after the birth of Amma-to-Lose. It was shortly after I found a meadow, or clearing, which contained several Rune stones, and e-mailled photo's, of these, to Stockholm, that a group, of students, arrived, along with their equipment. I was not really surprised that the group already knew this place existed. As the group leader told me "We were awaiting a grant, to finance our work. Thanks to your involvement, however, this issue is, now, under law enforcement control. Now, we have police resources, and dont need to wait for a grant". While the students worked on the translations, I made notes on what I THOUGHT were either harbors, or docks. While I was "admiring the scenery", Tami was making REAL headway, especially among the local women. Tami found out the reason why, even on mild, sunny, days, that some women wore scarves, and other hair coverings, all colored everything from basic white, and metallic, to blue, purple, etc. Every color except brunette. As Tami spoke with women, she learned that brunettes were the spirits favorite targets. Add in a slim, or petite, body form, and it was like "fresh meat", to the spirit. What baffled Tami was the fact that locals seemed to believe that the spirit could not tell the difference between scarf colors, and hair colors. Tami only realized that SHE fit the spirits profile, when a woman offered Tami a scarf, of a mixture of bright red, orange, and blue. As the villager would say "It may not be fashionable, but it will protect you". Tami also learned how locals would stop the spirit from molesting many victims. It would seem that a young MAN, who had been studying Viking lifestyles, had found a section, of law, regarding "illegal handling practices". Un-ike the Christian version, of history, where VIkings just dragged women away, the modern young man had discovered a section, of the law, which stated that "Abuse of property, will result in forfeiture, of all rights, to property". As far as the young man could discover, this law had been created, after some drunks got too rowdy, entered other peoples quarters, and either stabbed, or bludgeoned, the skulls, of womens mates, then dragged the women away. To put an end to this practice, the "Abuse of Property" law was created. According to history, though, the law was little used since, un-like modern Americans, the Vikings drank, either for taste, or to wash food down. Maybe one, out of one hundred, men, ever got "plastered". The reason: The Vikings lived under eternal vigilance. The knowledge that an enemy could strike, at ANY time. This is why Vikings dedicated themselves to keeping all tools in working condition, while remaining alert enough to sense coming attacks. While my group was busy, translating, and measuring, the area, Tami's mind was side-tracked, by her mothers non-stop e-mail reminders, asking her daughters to remember that, un-like men, women have only a LIMITED time, to give birth. For some reason, the elder woman wanted her own children to begin reproducing. Tami did not have to ask her grand-mother for a reason. Tami's mother had boasted, of growing up, in a LARGE family. As Tami would say "To hear my mother talk, grand-mother was proud to raise nine children". Most of whom had gone on, to raise large families, of their own. In fact, among her own family members, Tami's mother had the "smallest" family, of all. Just two girls, and two boys. It, now, seems that Tami's mother was annoyed, that one of her boys was going into the trucking business, while the oldest boy was training, in the construction trades. With Crystal, now, working 18 hours per day, as an apprentice glass-blower, and Tami, off "Jet-setting", with me, Mother was making her position clear. HER children were not going to "get away", even if mother, herself, had to play "match-maker". When I met Tami, back at the plane, and Tami had finished "venting", about her mothers intrusions, Tami would come back on subject, suggesting what I thought was a downright dangerous plan. Tami's plan was to borrow a Viking era dress, from a local woman, put on enough make-up, to "fit in", then go "on the hunt", beginning at the bar. IF Tami were "lucky", the spirit would mistake my partner for a local girl. After Tami explained her plan, and we departed the plane, walking in the general area, for some fresh air, when, as Tami mentioned "I wish I knew where Ingval was". This, even as we, both, felt that we were being watched. It was, maybe, three days later, when the Viking had entered the bar, twice more, had his beer, then departed, when he saw no brunettes, in the bar, that Tami set herself up as the "bait". With only the most hesitant permission, of the bartender, and atleast two, local, men, agreeing to be "back up", Tami would be relieved at how quickly her disguise gained the desired results. Suspiciously, though, when the spirit approached Tami, he seemed almost gentlemanly, as the two spoke of the beauty, of the area, and its history. Tami also noticed how kindly the man asked her to walk, with him. It was when the two were a block, from the bar, when Tami decided to take her chance. When Tami would say "You know, Ingval, You are an impressive man. What is your lifes work?" Ingval would respond with "I am a..." then ask "Lass, how is it you know my name? I have not given it". When Tami would say "A woman, I know, named Amma-to-Loose, spoke, of you, to me, recently." When Ingval would ask "And, how is the child? It has been so very LONG, since I have seen either her, or her mother." Tami would risk saying "Both are doing well. In fact, they have joined the Klan McGuffin, in Asgard (Viking Heaven)". Ingval would seem sad, for a moment, then ask "Are you SURE they are in Asgard?" Tami would say "They are with your brother. Amma asked me to tell you that the klan is saddened that you have not joined them, yet".. Ingval would say "I cannot go, just yet. Asgard must wait until I have dealt with my brothers death". When Tami would ask "Just curious. If you seek your brothers killer, for what reason do you drag women away from the bar?" Ingval would say "I have been lonely, for so long. These women have been avoiding me, in recent times. I just wanted someone to talk to. Someone like you." When Tami would ask (as the two strolled) "Why do you continue to hunt the man, who killed your brother?" Ingval would say "To prevent him from killing others". When Tami would suggest "Suppose I told you that the killer is, also, dead, and that your task was completed?" Ingval would say "I will need proof, to take before Thor. The gods will not accept any persons word, without proof. It is the way of the god's". As Tami and Ingval continued to stroll, into the evening, even I noticed how gently, yet cleverly, Tami was nudging the man toward the graveyard. And, if I, a foreigner, to this land, noticed her actions, I have no doubt, at all, that my Swedish companions had known, LONG before I did. It was as twilight had cast its final, blue, glow, over the landscape, that Tami lead Ingval to what Tami THOUGHT Ingval called "The place of the souls rest". I can only guess that modern day Swede's are not so accustomed, to seeing spirits, as Tami and I were, since members, of my group, hesitated, for a moment, then crossed themselves, as though entering church. As Tami and Ingval entered the graveyard, Tami could see the delight, in Ingvals features, as his comrades stepped forward, from the head stones, and greeted Ingval. Although Ingval provided Tami the mens names, the names were as highly unusual as my own, family, name. Instead of returning Ingvals wave, Tami remembered her manners, and gave the man a curtsey. What amazed ALL of us was how tall, strong, and beefy, the Vikings were. When the modern Swede's compared their own mass, to the spirits, I had to remind the humans "These men were born to an age, BEFORE engines, or other, assistive, devices. They did everything, by hand". As Ingval, and the other spirits, walked into the graveyard, a fire, suddenly, blazed to life, with a spectral pit, beneath it. The appearred two, long, tables, complete with food, and wine, as well as more Vikings. What I noticed, which seemed to make the modern Swede's kneel, in respect, was the image, of Thor, at the end of the room, as though prsiding over the festivities. THOR, Thundering god of the peasants. Dont ask me why, but, as we viewed the obvious celebration, Tami snuggled up, to me, and we stood there, together, arm-in-arm, even as some women played instruments, while others served the warriors. Still others danced. Boy! This, practically, made Tami's own home-coming seem almost pitiful, by comparison. To see Ingval, joyous, among his breathern, was breath-taking. This is when Amma-to-Lose would step forward, saying "Thank you, again, my friends. Klan McGuffin is whole. I would invite you to join our celebration, except..." Tami would finish the sentence "...except that we are human". To this, Amma-to-Lose gave us a wonderful curtsey, then re-joined the festivities. Just how LONG Tami and I stood there, I have no idea. All that I do know is that, eventually, with raised goblets, and a toast, to Ingvals safe return, to the klan, the scene dissolved, as gracefully, into the night, as a dancer, and until all that was left was the blue of night. Funny thing was, Tami (or atleast I) did not react, at first, when the scene vanished. In fact, Tami did not even look into my eyes, until one of the Swedes would say "Get a room". Only then would we realize that we were embracing, like lovers. When I went to back away, Tami would whisper "Whats the hurry? We helped Ingval. Enjoy the moment". To call my partner warm, soft, even beautiful, was close to an insult, as far as I was concerned. (I wont even try to describe the thoughts and feelings, I was having, at that moment.) Tami and I just took our time, celebrating the moment, while the Swede's quietly, walked away, to inform the village that Ingval was, now, safely, in Asgard. He would trouble no more tourists. When Tami whispered, to me "How will we explain this, to Mr. Brown?" I would whisper back "Simple. We found Ingval, set him home, to his people. Case closed". Tami was just not quite so sure the "case" was "closed", as she felt something, which she had not felt, in quite some time. Her question, as she tried to suppress a smile, was 'Should I be enjoying this?' When Tami and I returned to the village, and were greeted, with the human version, of the warriors feast, we were surprised when Tami and I were, each, presented, with some odd rings. When we asked what the rings were for, no one would tell us, atleast not in English. It would not be until after midnight, that we found someone, who WOULD tell us what the rings were for. When I asked Tami if we should remove the rings, all she would say was "Whats the hurry? Go, with the flow". By dawn, we had returned, to G.S.2, and Mr. Blue was live, on our monitors, saying "Look what the cat dragged in". When Tami would say "Very funny. Tell Mr. Brown that I will file a report, later on". I dont know whether I should consider it funny, or odd, however, when I went to retire, I, almost, walked into Tami's private quarters, before remembering that MY bed was next door. (I was not about to risk her potential wrath, over falling asleep, in HER bed.) After 36 hours, of rest, and clean up, our co-pilot would inform us "I have filed your report. Mr. Brown suggests you contact him, when you are able." When I noticed that I was, still, wearing my ring, I looked to Tami, to see if she had removed hers. If she had, I would remove mine, in a second. However, seeing as she was, still, wearing hers, I remembered her words, from the previous night. "Whats your hurry?" Well, if Tami was in no hurry, neither was I. It was when we reported in, to Mr. Brown, that we received some GOOD news. Mr. Brown would say "Due to the fact that your research, with the churches, and the Vatican, proved useful, in aiding your investigation, to a successful conclusion, the financiers have decided that you were "ON the clock", while doing your research. Now, if you would not mind downloading your latest assignment, I would appreciate a review, by the time you reach home base. Oh, and by the way, nice engagement rings". Tami would correct Mr. Brown, saying "A GIFT, from the village. We did not choose these. They were PRESENTED, to us." Mr. Brown would say "If you say so", then switched off. Tami would bunch her fists as she would groan "First, my mother. Now, Mr. Brown. Well, I just happen to LIKE this ring, and I am not going to remove it until I FEEL like it". Oh, well. On to the next case....

THE HAUNTING PAST TAMI'S FAMILY MYSTERY

HAUNTING PAST TAMI'S FAMILY MYSTERY After concluding the highly exhausting case, of assisting a Wiccan coven, to overcome some most overzealous religious persecution, Tami was more than ready for some time off. Myself, as well. It was during the leisurely flight, back to our home base, that the call came through. It must really have been an emergency, for her family to contact Tami, especially through the agency. (Her family was NOT thrilled to have a daughter, who spent her time chasing spirits). Whatever the problem was, Tami took the call, on a private line As the call went on, I could see the relaxation draining from her body, as she became as taut as she was, when starting a new case. After the call, Tami went to the conn, asking the pilot how FAST we could reach her family home The pilot responded that we could update our flight plan, from four hours, to one hour, if it was really important. When Tami said "It IS important. We need to get there, now". With that, she cut the line, and, a moment later, the "Fasten Seat Belt" light came on. Once our belts were connected, and the pilot had a "green" board, he pushed the throttles to their stops, and the engines screamed, in protest, as the work-horse aircraft increased its speed to the max that the fuselage could take. With the engines at max rev's, Tami and I could only talk via noise-cancelling headphones. When I asked her what the problem was, all she would say was "My family is under attack". I could tell that her mind was racing over detaills, at warp speed, even as she, momentarily, un-clipped her seat belt, grabbed a laptop computer, then re-clipped the seat belt, before the pilots lights had a chance to warn that a belt was un-done. Man! I never saw her fingers move so fast. Not in the whole time I had known her. By the time we reached her home town, Tami had searched over a dozen web-sites, primarily regarding poltergiest activity. By the time our pilot had the plane on the ground, Tami was up, had her stuff packed, and was headed for her car. By the time our pilot had the "All Clear", to lower the car ramp, Tami had her car warmed up, and in gear. Oddly enough, before exiting the plane, she gave me a kiss, then said "just in case". With that, she was off, and on her way. When I went back to the conn section, and chanced a call, to her family, I was surprised that they, already, knew not only what I was like, but how well I worked, with Tami, as well. I asked them to have her call me, when she arrived, just to be sure she was okay. Her mother agreed to have Tami call. What I never expected was a call, of distress, with Tami crying "HELP!". Since she was too upset, to give directions, I used her cars GPS tracker, to locate the home, then loaded up my Jeep, and bolted, to help my friend. Sure, I bbroke some speeding laws, on my journey, but I felt Tami was worth the risk. When I arrived, on-scene, it was like I walked onto the set, of a high-tech horror movie, as I saw items, large and small, light and heavy, flying about, as Tami's family hid beneath, or behind, anything available. Well, even I, a more-or-less practicing Shaolin/Wiccan coulld feel the enormous power, at work, at this location. That, and the extreme anger, as well. Something was pissed off, royal! Taking a risk, for my friends sake, I projected a cleansing, auric, field, around the property. While projecting the field, I caught a glimpse at part of the problem, even as I forced it away from the family home. It was a demon, for sure. Like a winged lion, except with a slender tail, tipped with what looked like a dart. Ofcourse, un-like other practicioners, I did not drain my own energy, to produce the field. Instead, I tapped the "universal energy", of the universe, and used this to protect Tami's family. All that the family knew, though, was that, shortly after my arrival, the attack ended. Over the next few hours, we put the house back to rights, and her family shared deatils, of various attacks. Details such as Tami's favorite uncle being savagely attacked Whatever had done the deed, though, was not afraid of having an audience. It seems the mans leg was snapped in two, in front of eight witnesses. The man was, currently at his home, waiting for a cast to harden. Tami's sister then lifted her top, to show us some claw marks, on her back. Her brother then showed how his shoulder had been dis-located, TWICE. The first time, at a dinner. The second time, in the E.R., in front oof the doctor, who had snapped it back into place. When the shoulder was dis-located, the second time, hospital staff had thought someone was playing with the hospital intercom system, when a hellish laugh filled the E.R. Tamis brother was, then, knocked out, cold, by an un-seen hand, which left a massive bruise behind. Staff said nothing, about the incident, and just woke the man, giving him some pain medicine, then sending him home. I know I may have sounded abrupt, when I asked if anything unusual had happened, recently, but Tami covered for me, saying I was just curious. Whewn I steeped out of the house, to let the family have some time, in private, I could sense the presense, just beyond the protection barrier. What surprised me, though, was that it felt as though it was, no-longer, a single presense. I know I counted atleast five presenses, but I felt there were more. They were pressing at my barrier, as if looking for a weak spot, from which to attack Tami's family. When I wondered what the reason could be, I "felt" the word "Revenge" pound at my consciousness, as if being shouted, by a dozen voices. When I asked Tami how her family was set up, for the internet, Tami admitted that her parents were not "tech-heads". The family had basic internet, for e-mail, bbut that was about it. This is when I asked her if there was someplace, nearby, where our plane could set down. Tami only had to think, for a moment, then, looking at the calendar, took out her celll phone, and placed a call. When the caller answered, Tami said "Mr. Miller, Tami here. Have you taken in your crops, yet?" When the answer came, Tami asked "Would you mind if my family "borrowed" your field, just for a short while?" then "How short? Probably just a few days. Not more than a week." Another break then "Thanks, Mr. Miller, Goodbye". Half an hour later, Mr. Miller who, himself, was a former soldier, stood, slack-jawed, as our plane made its vertical landing, on his field. Ironically, just two weeks previously, the field had been full of crops, ready for harvest. Now, it was a landing pad, for our cargo plane. Tami gave her family the "Deluxe" tour, including introducing our pilots, yet, no matter how she tried to impress her mother, with our planes abilities, her mother, in typical, mother, fashion, was more interested in how Tami and I were getting on. How many times Tami told her mother "He is my friend, and co-worker. Thats ALL", Tami lost track. When her mother would not let up, Tami agreed to speak to me. Only after this did her mother pay attention to our "flying castle". For reasons I never considered, Tami's father asked me why Tami and I had seperate quarters. The man actually told me, discreetly, "My daughter is a fine catch. Make a good wife, and mother". Fortunately, I had learned how to re-direct such discussions, just by agreeing to consider the topic. When her mom invited us for dinner, Tami cautioned me not to accept any sleep-over offers. She had me agree that we would sleep on the plane. Just as Tami had expected, would happen, at dinner, as her mother, and sister, prepared the meal, her mother said "It wont be any trubble, to make up the guest bedroom, if you two want to use it". Tami responded "Thanks, mom, but we have beds, already". During this same time, her father, and brothers, regalled me with stories, of Tami's youth, pranks, and so on. Before dinner was over, I think I knew as much, about my friend, as most husbands of twenty years, know about their wives. I have to give her mom an "A+", for persistence. The woman, although quite friendly about it, offered us the guest bedroom, one, final time, before Tami and I left the house. Tami responded with God NIGHT, mom", then followed me out the door. On the way back to the plane, I asked Tami about some flickering lights I saw, in the distance. Tami told me not to worry. The lights had been arund since she could remember. Back at the plane, I could tell that she was un-comfortable, as Tami sat, at her computer terminal, and began digging into her own, family, history. Something she thought she knew, by heart, already. When I looked upon her, for a moment, I could just imagine the energetic, young, girl, in a pony-tail, out-performing locall boys, in sports, gym class, and even bicycling. A "real spitfire", her father had called her. Her brothers said that, during childhood, they, often, had to remember that she was a girl. Now, Tami was an excellently developed woman, with soft, kind, features, and wavy, brunette, hair, which flowed down her back. For a moment, I wondered, then I snapped myself out of the thhought, remembering hhow easily women can get offended, and how hard a woomans tongue can be. No, better just forget it, and work the case. By the time we passed out, I was amazed at how FAR her family could trace its roots Ofcourse, for Tami, who had grown up, in the family, there were no major surprises, in thhe past seven generations. About the only time I saw her blsuh was when she realized that a friend she had dated, in high school, was, in fact, a distant relative. Tami would say that her family was "open minded", about life, but she was sure that her dad would have taken his belt, to her bottom, if he fund out she was dating a relative (No matter how DISTANT, or how many generations removed). Thanks to scanners, databases, and preservation teams, Tami learned how an ancestor, a tinker, and shop-helper, by trade, had managed to amass enough wealth to build his family a large, beautiful, house. It seems that, for quite some time, the man had taken high risk chances, and gambles, to build his fortune. Once he had enough money, the man had used a portion, of his money, to build his beloved her dream house. He had, then, offered her the house, saying he would be part of the deal, IF she would take him. Tami would remark that this was, oddly, similar to how her father had won her mothers hand, in marriage. It was a story Tami, and her sister, knew by heart. Their father had been a "tinker", by trade, constantly trying to come up with the "One, hot, idea", which would make his fortune. This was his passion, until he met his future wife. When the woman realized that he wanted her hand, in marriage, she offered him a deal. She woulld agree to be his wife, bbut with a compromise. He was to agree to take a REAL job, and make sure the bills were paid before anything else. Any money, left over, he could use for his garage workshop, where he could work on his designs. Teh results were easy to see. Thirty years of marriage, four, grown children. Tami then asked me to remind her, within the next few days, and she would show me her fathers workshop. What struck me as "odd", about her family tree, was that, over the many generations, only death had seperated couples. Not a single divorce, over the very long history. That night, dinner invaded my dreams, then morphed in a most un-expected way. For some reason, at dinner, I had taken Tami's hand, lead her through a door, which shoud have lead to the living room. In the dream, though, it lead to a dance floor, where soft music was playing, and her friends were all around us, dancing in couples. At the end of the dance, Tami and I turned towards some clapping, and Tami blushed as she saw her family, clapping, and smiling, at us. Come morning, Tami said she was going to continue searching family records, even thhough she was looking at very old, European, records. When I suggested the problem was local, she asked if we should check local deeds. I suggested construction certificates, as well. As the next few days passed, in a "blur", of investigations, and sharing information, nothing "leapt out" at us. No one had died, suddenly No serious injuries. No disabilities. No other property disturbances. Not one of the usual symptoms, which lead to such "attacks". To supplement her internet work, Tami made the rounds, of the town, renewing many old friendships, and coming back up to date, with life-long friends. Not surprisingly, townspeople knew about our plane, yet Tami promised the plane would be gone as soon as her visit was finished. Still, Tami found herself growing increasingly annoyed that peoplle wanted to know more about her "young man". Whhenever possible, Tami re-directed the conversation, to other topics. Her luck, in doing this, ran about 60% positive. Ofcourse, my own luck was not so much better. It seems that Tami's family had some REAL standing, in thhe community. A "reference", from either of her parents, opened all kinds of "doors", for me. From friends and neighbors, I learned even more, about Tami's past. I, also, met some of her ex-boyfriends. Not surprisingly, these guys gave Tami the worst back-stories. One guy, I knew I couldn't believe, claimed Tami had atleast seven, maybe nine, abortions, during her teen years. By the time I spoke to him, though, I had enough of a feeling, for this place, to know such information would be known, by the whole community, IF it were true, and Tami would have been known as a "black sheep". Someone to be avoided, at all costs. Since Tami's family was known, and respected, and Tami was well thought of, I knew this man was just a spurned suitor. This, I verified, a short time later, when told Tami had to brush him off, regularly, for over six months, before he would leave her alone. Although I couldn't blame him, for wanting such a beautiful woman, I did wonder why he spent so long trying for her hand. Well, that was another mystery. Right now, Tami's family was in trouble, and they needed our help. The following day, Tami and I walked into the family home, to witness an iron bar, floating, in mid-air, over her brother. The whole family was present, and no one moved. When my ESP began tingling, I felt the bar being "controlled", from outside the house. Closing my eyes, I tried to follow the trail. It wasn't hard to follow, since so much energy was going into its maintenance, but, just before I reached its finale, I shhot back into my body, as Tami pushed me aside, in the living room. By that time, the bar was swinging, in mid-air, as if preparing to attack. With almost all of us watching, though, the bar swung, at Tami's brother, hitting him, in the right arm, and so hard that, when the bone broke, the arm went numb. After that, the bar fell, harmlessly, to the floor. While the family gathered the young man, and rushed him to the hospital, I followed the "trail", as far as I coulld, then returned to the plane. This is where Tami, later, found me. Whhen she asked "Why are you looking at the old Cooper place?", I told her about folowing my instinct, and finding this place. Tami told me "The Coopers cant be involved. They moved away, years ago. The bank just hasn't found a buyer, yet". When I told her "Nevertheless", Tami whirled my chair, to face her, then put her face very close to mine, as she said "Now, listen here", in a strong voice, which softened as she added "The Coopers helped my family, when times were bad. We helped them, as well. They were GOOD people I would bet my life on that". This is when I decided to change tact, asking "You say they moved out, years ago? Just how LONG ago did they move?" Tami said About five years ago. I think I was a freshman when they moved" When I asked "What were they into? What did they do with their time?", Tami said "Mr. Cooper mostly worked with my dad. Doing contracting work. Mrs. Cooper was involved, in community events" When I asked if anything had happened, on their property, after the family left, Tami said "Nothing much. A bit of littering. The police had to run off some campers. A few bbon-fires, from time to time." This is when I added "So, others COULD have gained access to the property". Tami said "Well, I guess so. I mean, you have seen this town. We are small, and close to our neighbors. We dont put up fences since we respect one anothers property". I said "Sounds wonderful Does everyone share this vision?" I noticed how Tami started to say "everyone", yet hesitated at "Every...", then she appearred thoughtful, and went to the computer. She callled up a file, on some guy named Douglas. According to his record, Douglas practically LIVED in the local jail, at times. His crimes, though, were alll misdemeanors, such as Breaking-and-Entering, and taking food. Tami laughed as she said "One time, Douglas was caught at the scene of a crime He had learned that his potential victim enjoyed cable sports so Douglas made himself "at home", with a snack, grabbed a beer, and watched the game, until the police arrived, and arrested him". When I asked "Anything to do with spooks?", Tami said "Doug does not even believe in that stuff. He says its alll hockum". She then went thoughtful, for another moment, then suggested someone named "Matt". When I asked "Your brother?", Tami said "No, another Matthew. A guy who tried everything, including exposing himself, and offering himself, if I would date him". When she saw my expression, she said "Please, dont ask. Matt is a bad boy. He likes life HIS way. He throws a tantrum whenever things dont go his way". Tami then went silent, for another moment, even turning thoughtful. She then turned to the computer, entered Matt's name, saying "Matt is into magic, in a big way. Always has been. His parents even let him vacation, at Magic Camps". When I asked what happened, Tami said "He got real mad, when I turned him down. He claims he cast a fertility spell, over me, so I cannot bear any other mens children". According to his record, Matt not only looked the part, but, his colleg records indicated that, in college, Matt had taken classes, on Mysticism. Plenty of that, and Wiccan classes, as welll as joining a Pagan club. Later, when Tami introduced me to him, though, he asked Tami if the spell had worked. When Tami asked "What do you mean?" Matt said "Those claases I took. I was loking for a way to remove the spell I cast, on you. It wasn't right, to make you barren, just because you didn't want me. Thats why I looked up, and used the most power counter-spell I coould find". When we left Matt, neither of us fellt that Matt was guilty of more than bad judgement, and heartbreak. Tami and I began discussing the possibility that Matt may have known another person Someone more interested in the "arts". Someone who woulld use magic for more sinister goals. Back at the family home, Tami asked if her mom, who seemed to know the community inside out, knew of any cults, curses, etc To Tami's surprise, her mom said "W have a coven of our own. Nothing "evil", like those foolish movies. Just a group, which blesses the land, and various people". When Tami asked "Why didn't I know?", her mother would say "Dear, you were never interested. The Wiccan way is onlly for those who are interested." When Tami went wide-eyed, asking "Are YOU a witch?", her mother smiled and said "Wiccan, and NO, I haven't had the time, so far. I have your father and your brothers, to take care of. I might try it, later, though". Since Tami knew the internet could only go so far, in providing information, she decided to fall back on the tried-and-true Personal conversations. Back at the plane, though, we found a message, from Mr. Brown Hwe wanted an update, on thhis investigation. Problem was, all that we knew was that Tami's familly was under attack Witchcraft MIGHT be involved, but there was nothing conclusive. This is when Mr. Brown faxed us some satellite photo's, and asked our opinion. The photo's showed an incredibly powerful, yet highly focused, beam of energy, in only one, small, area. Mr. Brown added "The color is false It was added to show the energy pattern. Tami, you are familiar with that area, I believe. Can you shed some light?" Tami saw that the zoom IN photo's showed what I had suspected. The energy eminated from the Cooper property. Tami would have sworn this was impossible. After all, when not working his fields, Mr. Cooper had been an appliance repair man, among other things. His wife had been a school teacher, and neither had ever bbeen interested in magic, or mysticiism. Why was their former property being used to harrass Tami's family? Then, it hit me. Using computer graphics, I pulled up geographical, and topographic, maps, of the area. The maps all agreed. Of all the land, adjacent to Tami's family land, only the Coopers land sat high enough to give an un-obstructed view, of the family land. When Tami and I went out, to the Coopers old land, we found the front gate locked, BUT we found several openings, in the fence, as well as cuts, which looked to hhave been welded closed. Taking our sniper scopes, and binoculars along, Tami and I found the spot, from the photo's. From that point, we had a clear vantage point, to the family home. Still, this left us with the question of WHO, and WHY. Questions which lead us to "brick walls", as far as clues went. By the end of the week, I felt compelled to erect another layer, of psychic shielding, since the attacker was adding more spiritual energy to the attack. After awhile, though, Tami said "I dont know which is worse. The spirits, who want to attack my family, or my parents, and their constant questions". This is why, for three days, Tami and I "hid out", in the plane, when we were not out, doing research. The most Tami came across was that some of her friends were considering joining their mothers, in the coven. As for me, all I found out was that some local boys were petitioning, to change their team name, for the school team. The boys wanted a more menacing name, according to word of mouth, a new "mascot" had been designed, and built. Something far more vicious than the current mascot. The problem Tami and I faced was that nothing "popped". Tami's home town was a "picture of Americana". Maintained homes, good manners, clean streets, good education. The local churches taught good, Christian, values, and there was no radical element about. In fact, the town was so devoid, of anything even remotely "evil" that it made no sense that spirits were "voluntarily", attacking the family home. When Tami and I realized that there had to be a reason, Tami kept drawing blanks. Her family had been a part of this community, for longer than she could remember. Tami had known friends since she could walk, and talk. When I asked about possiblle events, in her past, Tami reminded me that she had NO past. I did love the way she asked "How OLD do you think I am?". I suggested "Maybe, something, from your childhood. A dis-agreement, over a toy. Maybe some candy, or even a movie". It wasn't until we were sitting, back, in the plane, watching a classic horror film, shot in black and white, that Tami thought of something. In the scene we were watching, a woman spurns a mans advances, yet, instead of walkiing away, the man uses the balance of the movie to conjure spells, and evil, to make the lady "pay" for rejecting him. Tami would tell me "That reminds me of Martin." When I asked "Who was he?", Tami said "Martin asked me out, but he acted like he was so afraid of even talking to me that I turned him down. I knew that a date, with him, would be un-comfortable". Whhen I asked "What happened?", Tami said "He got so upset that he slashed the tires, on my bicycle, and my parents cars. Funny, he couldn't ask me out, yet he was able to announce, with pride, that he slashed the tires, because of me." When I asked "What was the result?", Tami said "His parents were told to replace the tires, and he got sentenced to three months, cleaning the citys park." She then added "Yu know, since then, he has never spoken to me, again. When I look at him, he seems so empty This is why I leave him alone". When I began to ponder this, for a moment, Tami snuggled up to me, and said "Martin wouldn't do this. He would be afraid of offending me." When I asked "Are you sure?", I noticed that she gave this some thought. After all, it IS known that spurned love drives some people to doo very radical things. All "In the name of love..." It is a most convenient excuse, for doing very bad things. It was not until Tami began investigating Martins actions, that a pattern began to emerge. The local libbrarian admitted that, over the past year, Martin had begun checking out books, on the occult, witchcraft, and parapsychology. When Tami checked the local herbbs store, the owner verified that, oover the past few months, Martin had been buying "bits and pieces", including incense holders, and even ordering exotic fragrances The clothing store admitted that Martin had ordered a robe, and thick, woolen, thread. Martins own family told us that Martin had moved out, some time ago, and wass not keeping in touch. As Tami and I tried to track Martin down, dark, storm, clouds, began gathering, over the area. During our drive, babck to the plane, where we hoped to access Martins current address, a spire, of flame, seemed to shoot up, into the clouds, from somewhere near her family's property. Since Tami was behind the wheel, I shouted "Hit the brakes" as, in true, female fashion, Tami took her eyes off the road, to look at the spire. When she recovered herself, Tami asked "Doesn't that look suspiciously close to our ride?" (She meant the plane, ofcourse). I agreed that it seemed very close, so I suggested we check out the plane, as soon as possible. When we returned to the plane, our pilots were watching the spire, as well, since it semed close by. As the sky grew darker, lightning bolts began bursting forth, as they do, from funnel clouds. The wind also picked up, and a steady rain began to fall. Whie the pilots secured Tami's car, Tami and I packed my Jeep, then took off, in the direction of the "spire". Even with the foul weather, it didn't take long for the durable Jeep to find its mark, and deliver us back to the place where Tami and I had viewed her parents house from, earlier. We didn;t bother videotaping whhat we found, upon our arrivall since I was sure critics would insist the footage was altered, anyway. What we found, though, was Martin, kneeling, bbefore an altar, reading from a very old book, even as the storm grew worse and egan to concentrate over the family home. The real shocker, here, was the demon, which was standing behind Martin, encircled by flames. What a nightmare sight that was. Whhen Tami tried to call out, to Martin, Martin seemed to ignore her, while the demons, deep bass, voice said "He cannot hear you. He is mine". When Tami was like "I dont understand. What did you do to him?", the demon smiled a wicked smile as it said "I did nothing to him. He came to me". When Tami said "I doubbt that, he wouldn't", the demon let out a loud laugh as it said "The fool came to me, asking me to make you his. When I named my price, he said you were worth it". What I could not believe was when Tami asked me "What do we do? I cant let him destroy my family". All I could suggest was thhat Tami try to "talk Martin down". At that point, neither Tami nor I realized just how far gone Martin was. When Martin ignored Tami's plea's, including when she asked him "If its me you want, spare my family. Take me instead". For a moment, Martin seemed to faulter, then the demon gave him a look, and Martins body went stiff, as if an electric shock had surged through his body. This is when I went to the Jeeps weapons bin, and withdrew a loaded revolver. Using laser targetting, I shot Martin, before Tami could give me away. When Martin's body slumped over, the demons fire went away, then the demon, looking a bit annoyed, dissolved into the air. Moments later, the weather began too clear, even as Tami went to Martin who, she said whispered "I'm sorry. I love you", then went limp. Despite my CPR training, our attempts, in all, brought no pulse back to Martins body. I can only think that Martin must hhave been, fatally, weakened, by the demon, for the tranquilizers darts to terminate his life signs. After it was over with, and Tami asked "Why? Why did he do it?", I suggested "Maybe, he thought you were worth it. After all, you ARE a beautiful woman". I was prepared for her to say "Oh, shut up", but the words didn't come. The following week, the community mourned the mans loss. Martin may not have been a "pillar" of the community, but he was helpful, in many ways, and to many people. Tami said that, in retrospect, she felt terrible, for her part, in his life, and death. When she began to wonder "What if?", her mother cautioned her with "What is is what is. You cannot change what is". With Tami feeling so down, over recent events, I made the report, to Mr. Brown, who agreed to give us some rest time. Our next case could wait a few days. As for me, I gave Tami her space, knowing that she needed time to think. It would be her mother who would ask "While you are feeling sorry for yourself, who is ging to take care of your man?" When Tami responded "He (me) is NOT my man. He is my friend, and co-worker. Nothing more", her mom just said "Keep telling yourself that, kid. Eventually, you might just believe it". It was her family's gentle ribbing, which brought Tami out of her despair. By the time her family was seeing us off, Tami was grateful to be away from her loving family, and their endless suggestions, about "US". During Tamis depression, I had little to do, so I took some drawing paper, pencil, and crayons, and made her a "one-of-a-kind" "feel better" card. For the life of me, I will never understand why she started crying, whhen I presented her the card. It was intended to make her feel happy, not make her run off, to her quarters, and cry. Later, when we belted in, for vertical launch, Tami said nothing, even as we converted to horizontal fight. Her family, and home town, were safe, now, and we were off, to help some other clients. All in a days work, for us private detectives, I guess.