THE NEW BRADY BUNCH # 5

THE NEW BRADY BUNCH #5 GREG'S NEW CAR While Mike, and Carol, Brady, would be the first to admit that Greg was no more an "angel", than any other high schooler, in any school, across America, Mike's agreement, with Greg, had been simple, and direct. Greg was allowed Driver's Ed, on the condtion that he maintained his other grades, at acceptable levels. Also, after Drivers Ed, Greg would be allowed to buy a car ONLY if he earned the money. Since Mike Brady was no fool, Mike also had Greg promise "I dont care WHAT the seller says, about a car being a "hot item", or "Other people are waiting, to see the car", or even "I cant guarantee the car will be here, if you need to talk to your folks, first." Unless you agree to let me LOOK at the car, before you buy, it will be "No deal". Understood?" Greg would say "Right, dad." Mike, and Carol, Brady never gave a second thought to the business, which had employed Greg. Since the job was just weekly deliveries, neither parent thought anything of the venture. This was, probably, atleast in part, to the fact that this was the THIRD business, in the community, to "resurrect" an old, established, company name. Sure, the "Pen Mens Shop" had, at one time, been a source, for drafting supplies (Back in the days when Mike Brady was, newly, married, to his FIRST wife). Now, the "Pen Man Shop" was a novelty store, selling all manner of writing instruments. Everything from office pens, to family heirlooms. Then, there was Wagners Market. A small, neighborhood, store, where kids could buy candy, soda, and ice cream, while adults could buy aspirin, soap, shave cream, and so on. What had made the Wagners shop so special was the stores "home delivery service." Thanks to the internet, however, "home delivery" was available, from any store. This is why the Wagners could neither compete, with the corporate chains, nor remain in business. The Wagners closed up shop, before the business failed, completely. (As a small, neighborhood, market, Wagners just could not compete with supermarket prices.) Recently, however, a group, of nostalgic retirees, had re-opened the shop, hoping to feel useful, and the preserve a "piece of the past". This is why, when Witmans Drugs re-opened, and Greg was offered a delivery job, no one thought, twice, about the company. After all, Witmans Drugs had been doing prescription work, for another neighborhood, for decades, and had only moved to the Brady's neighborhood after some corporation bought up the other sub-division, kicked the family's out, then turned the area into a commercial development, which only the super-rich could afford. Mike Brady was the first to understand the problem, since his firm had been declined the contract, to design, and build, the new development. Once Mike Brady knew that a five-star, international, firm, was being used, he understood what was coming. Since, even during his younger years, Mike Brady knew that Witmans Drugs was a small operation, Mike had been the one to, actually, suggest which building the Witmans could move into. A building the store would inhabit, for years, before taxes, and the internet, made neighborhood businesses all but obsolete. Now, sure, the new group was using a new location, for the store, but even the Brady's knew that stores move about, over the years. As for Greg's job, it would consist of picking up packages, and delivering the packages, to marked addresses. Once customers called the company, to verify delivery, Greg was paid for the trips. Once Greg had been working, for awhile, he found some decent cars, which he THOUGHT looked cool. In each case, however, Greg, and Mike Brady, ran into the same problem, time after time. Owners, who would be happy to allow purchasers, to test drive cars, but ONLY AFTER purchase was completed. At the first, two, stops, Mike Brady told sellers "No deal, without a test drive, before sale." When the owners said "Suit yourself. I have other buyers lined up." Mike Brady would say "Good day, then". Starting at number three, when owners would not even give Mike the ignition keys, to turn over the motors, Mike took Greg, by the collar, and lead his son away from the cars/sellers. Despite Mike's directions, however, Greg ended up placing a downpayment, on a car, located on a used car lot. This, Greg did, because the lot owner saw Greg's "interest", in a female customer, and offered Greg a "deal". The owner would tell Grreg "If you give me the downpayment, now, and sign the purchase contract, I will make sure her telephone number lands in your hands". After Greg signed the contract, and produced the cash, he returned home, both to inform his parents, of the deal, and to sign up for insurance. Mike Brady, however, was ready to "scalp" his son, when Greg brought the news home. When Mike put down his drafting tools, and joined Carol, in saying "Lets SEE this wonderful car, which our son has purchased." When Greg would say "No, dad, the car isn't here." When Mike would ask "Where is it?" Greg would say "Still on the lot. I haven't insured it, yet." Well, atleast Mike Brady was happy that his son remembered not to drive, without insurance. When Mike would suggest "WHy dont we hold off, on the insurance, until after I SEE the car, in action." When Mike drove Greg back, to the dealership, neither Mike, nor the dealer, seemed happy to see one another. While the dealer HAD moved Greg's choice off the "front row display", Mike was not as impressed, with the wax job, on the car body, as Greg was. While the cars interior looked as clean as the exterior, when Greg popped the hood, Mike's suspicion was how CLEAN the engine looked. (Mike wondered WHY the car was so clean.) When the dealer turned the keys over to Greg, saying "Go ahead. Turn her over." While the engine SOUNDED good, Mike would tell the dealer "We will be right back. I just want to see how it rides." When the dealer would say "Fine, by me", what Greg had missed, in his enthusiasm, for the girls phone number, was how this cars gears ground, as Greg shifted. While shifting OUT of PARK proved a bit of a challenge, Mike was not-at-all surprised when, in REVERSE, and in DRIVE, the car didn't even coast. When the dealer would say "Give it some gas, son. The gears are just a bit rusty." When Mike went to exit the car, Greg would call out "Let me put it in PARK, first." When the shifter would not move past REVERSE, Mike would say "I think I will "risk" getting out, now." When Greg tried to turn off the ignition, which would not dis-engage, while the car was in gear, the dealer slipped under the hood, banged on something, then told Greg "Now". When the car slipped into PARK, and Greg shut it off, the dealer would say "A swell car, isn't it." Mike looked like "sure". Greg would hop out of the car, reminding the dealer "You said you would get me that girls number." This is when Mike woulld place his hands on the door frame, asking "Greg, tell me you didn't fall for that one." Greg would ask "Fall for what? The dealer said that, if I bought this car, he would give me the girls phone number. Right sir?" The dealer would say "Thats correct, my boy. As soon as you finish making the payments, her number is all yours." Mike smilled, when Greg said "Buy that time, I will be too old to care." When the dealer would say "A deals a deal." Mike would say "May I SEE the contract?" The dealer would say "For $50.00 access fee, certainly." When Mike chuckled, saying "$50.00 access fee? We are talking about a piece of paper." The dealer would say "No, Mike. We are talking about a valid contract. Now, how soon do you want to remove YOUR car, from MY lot?" When Mike would tell Greg "Come on, lets go." When Greg would ask "What about the car?" Mike would say "Leave it. Its not going anywhere." The dealer would say "Not true. Any items left, beyond thirty days, go back into inventory." It would be just one week later, when Mrs. Brady's mini-van was being towed from a ditch, that Mike would agree to assist Greg in choosing a "sensible" car. Niether Carol, nor Mike, faulted Greg, for the tow, since a friend admitted that Greg had swerved, to avoid hitting a pre-schooler, who had wandered into the street. It was not until Greg saw the car, which Carol, and Mike, had chosen, for their son, that Greg went from feeling "high school", to feeling "senior citizen". Mike had, also, used his friend, in the District Attorneys office, to review the "car dealership". The dealer remained as clever as ever. He was, still, using paid actresses, to lure young men onto the dealership. Every, young, man, wanted the girls phone numbers, and the dealer saw this as a great way to make sales. Promise the boys the girls phone numbers, in return for automotive purchase contracts. Since the girls were, never, paid to do more than look interested, in the cars, the D.A.'s office decided not to file charges, against the actresses. When the state moved the dealers cars into test centers, it was found that, around 60% of the dealers inventory had to be towed in. The cars were in such shape, that they would not operate, on their own. By the time the state mechanics were finished inspecting the cars, the dealer had done what Mike Brady expected the man to do. Just as the man had done, twice before, the dealer "skipped" the state, to avoid prosecution. While Carol, and Mike, were happy, with Greg's new car, When Carol asked Greg "I thought you WANTED a car. You said you waanted the FREEDOM, right?" Greg would say "I wanted something HOT. Something SMOKING. Something with STYLE." This is when Carol would suggest "I suppose a four-door sedan does not fit the bill." Greg would say "I might as well be an honor roll geek. No girl will want to go out with any guy, in a sedan." When Marcia would pop in, saying "Nice sedan. Just like the one I..." then Marcia realized her mother was present, even as Carol would ask "Just like the one you WHAT?" When Marcia would say "Nothing, mom." then try to leave the kitchen, Carol would say "JUST one moment, YOUNG lady. WHAT did you mean by "Just like the one I...". When Marcia would say "Its nothing, mom." Carol would say "THATS the kind of "nothing" which bothers me." When Marcia would look at Greg, saying "A little help, here?" Greg would say "No chance. I wouldn't miss this..." When Carol looked at her son, and Greg would say "Sorry, mom." This is when Carol would ask Marcia "One more time. WHAT did you mean?" Marcia would say "Fine, mom. You remember that pizza party, for Michelle. Well, we "borrowed" Lucy's parents car, for the drive, to the pizza parlor, then back to their home." When Carol would ask Lucy's parents gave their permission, right?" then it occurred, to Carol "Lucy is only 14. WHERE did she get a drivers license?" Marcia would say "NO one was supposed to know. I'm sorry I mentioned it." Carol would say "I think you will be MORE sorry, when your father finds out." Before dinner, Mike Brady would discuss the matter, and the consequences, of the previous actions, with Marcia. This, even though the event, in question, had occurred almost two months before. Every time Mike would ask Marcia "Do you understand what would have happened, if..." Marcia would counter with "Nothing happened, dad. We were careful. No one even missed the car." To Marcia's horror, Mike would say "I think its time we, parents got together, on this matter." Marcia would think "Now, I will, REALLY, be known as a fink." At the parents meeting, Carol, and Mike, were surprised to find out that the other parents considered "borrowing" a car to be "small potatoes", compared to other problems. The Brady elders would, soon, find themselves facing another, more domestic, crisis. While Mike and Carol, were NOT in favor of Greg having the sedan painted, what concerned the parents, most, were the mounting bills, for the parts, which Greg was installing, in the sedan. While Mike was not "in favor" of Greg exchanging the sedans 14 inch, standard, wheels, with 18 inch, Mag, wheels, what concerned Mike, most, was the cost, of the modified, suspension, system, which the Mag wheels needed. When Mike asked Greg "How much, of your salary, are you saving, for other expenses?" Greg would ask "WHAT other expenses?" When Mike would suggest "Clothes, food, and shelter." Greg would say "Not to worry. By the time I leave home, this will be the hottest machine, on the road." It would seem that what Greg had not counted upon was needing more than a paint job, and Mag wheels, either to drag, or to impress the girls. That, and the fact that, while Greg heard rumors, that drivers dragged, for cash, it was not until Greg was ready to wager $500, to cover his first race, that the other draggers laughed, at Greg, saying "We dont drag, for money. We drag for car titles." When Greg watched the heavily-modified drag racers race down the road, then Greg's "friend" would say "How about a drag. Your car, versus mine." When Greg would say "Maybe later." the guys returned to the drag. When Greg made a list, of what his car would need, to compete, Greg was in for bad news. Any parts, commercially available, would have cost Greg half a years salary. The majority, of the parts, however, were only available, to professional drivers, and Hollywood stunt people. When Greg asked where his friends found their car parts, Greg was confused when one of his "friends" told Greg "Meet us at this address, at half past midnight." Greg was about to mention his parents rule, that, while living at home, Greg was to be IN-doors, by eleven P.M. That is, until his "friend" added "Unless you are afraid." That night, for the first time, in YEARS, Greg Brady would slip out, of the house, after hours. This, because Greg wanted to know WHERE his friends got their car parts. When the boys met up, at 12:15 A.M., at an old, storage, warehouse, Greg would ask "Why are we meeting, here?" His friend would say "You wanted to know WHERE we get our car parts." The boy pointed at the warehouse. When Greg would say "Thats a warehouse. What has this got to do with car parts?" His friend would say "Dont be naive." then add "It only LOOKS like a warehouse." When Greg, still, semed confused, his friend would whisper "Chop shop". Then add "Now, lets go. Security wont be back, until 1 A.M." When Greg said "I think I will stay here." his "friend" would say "Chicken.", then the other boys would move out, toward the warehouse. Because of the fact that his mother had married archtitect Mike Brady, Greg, Peter, and the rest of the family, could not help but "pick up" knowledge, of design. This included knowledge of security design. More, and more, of Mike Brady's designs, called for replacing simple keys, and pad locks, with key-pads and, even more often, with palm print analyzers. "Multiple-level security systems" Greg remembered Mike calling the security systems. Greg Brady was relieved, that he had stayed behind, after his "friend" walked up to a key-pad, entered a code, then the guys opened the fence. Once the guys were onto the property, Greg knew the trap was sprung, from the moment when Greg used a pair, of compact binoculars, to watch a steady, green, light, on the warehouse, turn to three, pulsating, green lights. Greg knew th boys had only five minutes, to deactivate the alarm, and prevent a police call. When Greg watched, as the laughing boys just strolled right past the REAL, security, key-pad, Greg KNEW it was time. The boys had just picked the pad-lock, on the door, and where "collecting" some car parts, when one of the boys saw flashing, blue, lights, through the warehouse windiows. When a voice called out "Put the parts DOWN." and one, of the boys asked "Who are you?" A muffled, pistol, shoot caused a very REAL stain, to appear, on the boys shirt sleeve. The other boys immediately dropped their loot, claiming "Honest, we didn't know anyone was here." When the voice asked "WHO told you, about this place?" the wounded boy decided to "save" himself, by saying "Greg Brady told us of this place." When the voice asked "WHERE is this Greg Brady?" The vandals would mention the hiding place. When someone walked out, of the warehouse, then returned, saying "Nobody there." The voice would say "Check on this Greg Brady. See if he actually exists. As for you three." The boys were lead from the warehouse, to what seemed like a most unusual sedan. With the amount of time it would take, for these "thugs" to locate high schooler Greg Brady, his "friend" was certain of one thing. Between the time, when the vandals tripped the alarm, and security arrived, Greg Brady had more than enough time to make a "Bee-line", for the Brady house. In fact, by the time the thugs sources called the police department, then woke the Brady's, asking to see Greg, the boy had been home, and asleep, for almost three hours, before being awakened. This is why the police would say "Sorry for the intrusion. Bad tip. Good night." Neither Mike, nor Carol, had to ask Greg if he had, really, been at home, all night. Greg's eyes were as blood-shot as his parents eyes were. What worried Greg was when his friends did not show up, for school, for a couple of days. When the boys DID appear, the gun-shot victims "patch" looked as though intentionally crude. (The school nurse would be required to report both the wound, and the patch.) What Greg found suspicious, beyond his friends bumps, bruises, and so on, was how the normally-arrogant, self-centered, and blustery, boys seemed silent, and withdrawn. Soon after the boys were returned, their families homes were ransaked, and their dragsters were stripped of all of the re-stolen parts. At each boys house, the message "Let this be a lesson." was left, in plain sight. While families had no idea what th words meant, the boys were silent, and humble. What Greg Brady found most difficult, to accept was having to make the CHOICE, between going on dates, OR paying record prices, for car parts. Then, there was the problem that, every time Greg replaced a part, with a racing part, this placed added stress on the remaining parts, causing older parts to fail, faster. As a result, while Greg, technically, had a "set of wheels", he was reduced to bicycling, in order to afford car parts. To make matters worse, when Greg asked Mike, and Carol, for "date" money, all his parents would do was ask "Greg, WHICH is more importannt? Your car, or your dates?" When his parents saw that Greg could not decide, both parents told their son "Take your time. Let us know what you decide." While Greg no-longer held the dream, of becoming a pro football star, in order to take the job, as a delivery boy, and pay for his car, Gregs quest, for stardom, remained beyond his reach. Greg wanted to be a REAL someone. Someone girls would swoon over. His dream, of building that sedan, into a drag racer. The problem was that Greg had to figure out how MUCH his dream was worth. For Greg, the big "let down" came the day when, after replacing the spark plugs, and spark plug wires, with racing units, the car revved up, seized up, then died. While none of the Brady's were mechanics, the family was fortunate to have a neighbor, who was a retired office worker, and certified mechanic. It was after the mechanic took a look, under the hood, that the mehcanic would inform Greg "Congratulations, my boy. You have blown the engine." When Mike Brady would ask the mechanic "How MUCH will it cost, to repair the engine?" The mechanic would say "Mike, you dont understand. Greg put racing parts on a cruiser engine." When Greg would ask "How much to re-build?" The mechanic would say "Cheaper to replace the car." Mike Brady was no fool, though. After thanking the mechanic, for the review, and sending the man on his way, Mike Brady would say "Greg, Peter, grab the tools. Remove everything we can salvage." When Bobby would ask "What about me, dad?" Mike would say "Bobby, I want you to make sure that everything we remove is set up for neat display. Not a pile of parts. A showcase." Alice would say "I will grab an old sheet, to collect the parts on." Carol would add "I will help Bobby sort the parts." The very next day, at Westdale High School, Greg never had a chance to follow the family motto, of informing customers of what condition an item was in, before selling the item. It would take Greg Brady all of ten minutes, to sell the sedan, to a group, of ball-players. It was only due to the fact that the players had practice, after school, that Greg was able to beat them to the Brady house. When Greg asked Carol "Mom, I know dad said "Always be upfront." about selling things." When Carol would say "That is true." Greg would ask "Mom, what if a buyer would not LET me tell them, about what they were buying? What if they offered me cash, and offered to take the car, as is?" While Carol was un-certain, Alice would chime in, saying "If the buyers wont let you explain, then its their loss." Carol would say "In that case, I agree with Alice. As long as you didn't TRY to withhold information, the loss is theirs." It was when the players showed up, to see the car, that the trouble erupted. While none, of the boys, noticed that the 18 inch Mag wheels were replaced with standard tires, the time, when the boys decided that Greg had defrauded them was when they popped the hood. When they found none of the racing parts, and were ready to attack Greg, that the boys were in for a surprise. Their own fathers would appear, among other neighbors, asking the potential attackers "DID Greg Brady offer to sell you a car, which was equipped, for racing?" When one, of the boys, said "Dad, we KNOW Greg put the parts on the car. He TOLD us how exensive the parts were." When a father would ask "Scott, when you BOUGHT the car, did you ASK Greg Brady what condition the car was in?" Scott would say "No, sir. We just assumed." Scott's father would say "You just assumed your friend would sell the car, with all the expensive parts, left inside." It was when Lionel would say "Greg gipped us. All the cars cool stuff has been removed." This is when Mike Brady would step forward, asking "Did you ASK my son if he left the racing parts on the engine?" Lionel would say "No, sir. We just asumed." This is when Lionels father agreed with Scott's father. The men would inform Mike Brady "We will have the car towed, as soon as possible. Please accept our apologies, for our sons actions." Mike would say "Since no harm was done, I agree." Before the last, of the boys, departed the Brady property, Brian asked "Greg, what DID you do, with all those parts?" Brians father would say "Never mind." While the parts were no-longer "factory new", the Brady's were able, with Mikes assistance, to find a web-site, where the parts could be sold. Greg would only receive 2/3 of parts value, however, as Mike said "Better luck next time." What would annoy Gregs high school friends was how much Greg had learned, from watching Mike Brady conduct business, in the time since his parents marriage. Un-like most people, who accepted projects, and purchases, at face value, Greg had noticed that Mike hade a regular habit, of asking detailed questions. Questions, which included "What kind of facade?", "What period?", "Window dressings?" door treatments, fireplace surrounds, and other questions. When Greg had asked "Dad, if YOU are the architect, WHY are you asking people what they want?" Mike had explained "Son, an architects job is to listen to clients, form their idea's, then come as close as possible, to what clients want." When Greg would say "I thought your job was just to design buildings." Mike had said "We are not talking about soap, toothpaste, or D.V.D.'s, here. Archtitects do not just put out items, and say "Take it or leave it." If we did, you would not have a bedroom, to sleep in, or food to eat. We ask questions, then give clients what they want." This is why, when Gregs "friends" would ask if Greg wanted to buy a "retired" dragster, Greg would ask "When can I look it over?" When his "friends" would ask "Dont you trust us?" Greg would follow Mike's advice, of "Never buy anything you have not seen." When Greg would ask "Why not take a look. This way, I KNOW what I am buying." Gregs eyes would have "sparkled", when he saw the shiny car. That is, until Greg remembered the used car lot. When Gregs "friends" would ask "What do you think? A hot deal?" Greg would say "Looks great. Lets look at the engine." When his "friends" stalled, asking "Dont you trust your own class-mates?" Greg would say "Sure, I trust you. I just want to look at the engine." When Gregs "closest friend" would say "You dont trust us." Greg would say "All I want to do is LOOK at the engine." It would seem that the auto shop teacher was listening in, since the man made an appearance, asking "Mr. Perkins. Mr. Brady, here, has asked to see the cars engine. Now, be kind enough to display your work." When Sam Perkins hesitated, the shop teacher would join Greg Brady, in saying "Lets look at the engine, together." When Sam Perkins, and the other students, tried to back away, the shop teacher would say "Mr. Perkins, Mr. Longmire, Mr. Livingston, you will remain where you are, until Mr. Brady, and I, examine the engine. Is that clear." When Gregs "friend" would place a hand on the car hood, saying "Engines fine." The shop teacher would say "Remove your hand." When the student did so, the shop teacher would say "Now, let us have a look at this..." and lifted the hood. The shop teacher would ask "Mr. Perkins. Is this a joke?" As Greg, and the teacher looked under the cars hood, only to find a toy, plastic, engine, along with a cardboard sign, glued to it, saying "Payback, Greg Brady." When the shop teacher would ask "WHERE is the REAL engine?" When the students did not answer, the shop teacher would say "I may be wrong, but I think the school principal will agree that this is felony fraud." When one, of the students would say "But, it was just a JOKE!" Sam Perkins would say "Besides, Greg never agreed to buy it. So, ALL you have us on is ATTEMPTED fraud. Maybe a months worth of detention. Big deal!" That is what Gregs "friends" thought, until they went before the new, school, principal. A woman, who had studied law, and was preparing to go into private practice, but only until the previous principal had resigned, over a combination of Sally's death, school reporting policies, and her objections, to Nevada's "No Contact" contract. Martha Donaldson had been focusing her legal studies, on home, and family, law, since her desire was to assist needy families with defining, and understanding, family, and childhood, law. After the princial had resigned, due to the "excessive exposure", caused by the schools "Rape/Sexual Harrassment" policy, Martha Donaldson was one, of several, lawyers, who agreed to advise the school board, on student matters. When Martha began to realize that the other six lawyers were just "sitting back", and answering questions, about what was "legal", Martha became more active, with laying out guidelines, for school policy. Martha was astounded when, as she came forth, defining problems, based upon the law, the other six lawyers "faded from view". Martha had hoped that her goal would be to direct/advise the school board, in adopting a simple, sane, policy. It was when Martha listened, as school board members just kept asking one another "HOW do we do this?" Martha realized that the school board, like the attorneys, all wanted "someone else" to take the liability, for new, school, policies. This is why Martha had drawn up three variations, based upon common sense regulations. (Martha had no idea that, when asked which plan might work, best, that she was being "baited") While Martha never claimed to having a teaching degree, she agreed to accept the challenge, of recruiting the new principal. Until this, new, person, was chosen, Martha Donaldson agreed to serve as "advisor", to Westdale High School. While her "tenure" was only a few months old, Martha had decided that, simply sitting in a room, for Detention, was not adequate punishment, for high schoolers. (For grade school children, yes. For young adults, no) For high school, which Martha Donaldson suggested should be "Final preparation, for adulthood", "Detention" took on a whole, new, meaning. Martha even asked a local womens sewing group to create some awfully bright colored vests, all labelled "Detention". Martha Donaldson had decided that "Detention" should mean "Benefit the community." As a result, each day, after school, volunteers, referred to as "Detention Monitors", kept watch, while trouble-makers bagged trash, cleared fallen tree limbs, and performed all manner, of community upkeep. When a group, of enraged parents, had written a "Letter to the Editor", stating that students were NOT "criminals", the local newspaper responded, with an article, saying "The neighborhood never looked better. Those, annoyingly squeeking swings, have, finally, been silenced. That draggy round-a-bout has not worked, so smoothly, in decades". While Martha Donaldson never, officially, accepted the role of principal, it seems her "advice" was altering students behavior. To avoid the new "Detention", Westdale students were acting more like students behaved, in the late 1800's, to mid-1900's. No-doubt, this is why, as the automotive teacher lead Gregs "friends", to Martha's office, the boys "envisioned" themselves, in those terrible vests. While Martha Donaldson made notes, covering everything, from Greg Brady's conversations, regarding purchasing car parts, to Gregs alleged "swindle", of selling the car, minus the parts, and concluding with the engine. Martha, then, made the schools position CLEAR. Martha would say "While you admit that Greg Brady informed you of his auto repair plans, my notes state that, at NO time, prior to your purchasing his auto, did you ASK Greg Brady if the car had been altered." When Sam asked "Whats that got to do with anything? Greg sold us a lemon." When Martha asked Sam "Did you ASK Greg Brady what condition the car was in, before you bought it?" The boys just looked at one another. When Martha would say "I thought so. You, simply, assumed the car was left in tact." Shortly after this, the boys agreed that the plastic engine WAS deliberate, on their part. For this reason, Martha would rule "Under the laws, of this state, I retain the right to charge you, each, with felony fraud. However, since this is your first, OFFICIAL, offense, a court of law would sentence you to 2-5 years. That, AND a permanent record, to "haunt" you, throughout your adult lives." When Bruce would say "My father would KILL me, if that happened. Whats the alternative?" No-sooner would Samuel Perkins say "Shut Up!" then look right at Martha, saying "Do your worst." This is when Sam's co-horts would say "Speak for yourself. Ms. Donaldson, HOW do WE avoid criminal records?" Ms. Donaldson would say "IF you are serious, I willl recommend leniency. to the board members. If they agree, you will join the Detention squad." While the board WOULD vote, to allow leniency, for the three co-horts, it would seem that not even the monied friends, of Samuel Jenkins father, were willing to defend the boy. (Not with Samuels past record) Samuel Jenkins would be sentenced to serve his remaining, school, years in juvenile detention. As for the Hot Rod, when the auto shop teacher asked Greg Brady what he wanted to do, Greg suggested "If we could locate another engine, I could drive it out of here." The teacher would say "The car can only remain, for five days. If you dont have an engine, by then, the school will have to sell the car, as scrap." Two days later, at the local junk yard, Peter would aid Greg, in pulling an engine, from a demolished dragster. When the auto shop teacher saw the engine, he looked at the class schedule, suggesting "Since re-building an engine was on next months "to do" list, anyway, the class now has two weeks to make this engine not only operational, but to prove that the car can be driven, under its own power." While it would take atleast a couple of days, just to clean the engine up, the teacher would have to instruct th students, on proper re-assembly, of sections. At the end of the two weeks, Greg's shiny, "new" dragster would purr out of the auto class shop. Deceitfully neither loud, nor menacing, yet with horse-power, to spare. At this point, Greg thought he had life "made in the shade". A delivery job, a new car. How much better could life get? That is, until the day Alice took a phone message, saying Greg was no-longer to report for work. When Greg would ask, Alice would say "They didn't leave a reason. The man just called, saying you no-longer work there." A short while after this, Jan was watching the news, she would call Greg, and the other children, to the television. On the T.V. screen, Whitman Drugs was being raided, by the D.E.A.. According to the on-screen reporters "The D.E.A. has received un-confirmed reports, that Whitman Drugs was processing illegal drugs, via its warehouse facility." When Mike would say "I dont believe it." Greg would say "Believe it. My boss said the company takes in drugs, from across America, and distribute the drugs to customers. I tought they meant prescriptions." When the reporter would mention "Cases, of Marijuana, and Cocaine, are being seized, as we speak." Mike Brady would, no-sooner, ask "WHAT do they expect pain relievers to be made of? Cotton candy?" When Greg would say "I guess I need to find another job. Mike would say "Until you do, THAT car, is sitting. Your mother, and I, can, barely, afford current expenses. Now, I want you to promise me, Greg. That car does not move, until you find a new job, and can afford insurance." Swell. Greg Brady, finally, had the car, of his dreams, but he wasn't allowed to drive, until he could afford insurance, and gas, money. What could, possibly, happen, next?

THE NEW BRADY BUNCH #4

THE NEW BRADY BUNCH # 4 It was a typically warm evening, in their neighborhood, as Carol Brady, and Alice Nelson finished the dinner dishes, and packed the plates, and so on, away, until breakfast. While Carol Brady had no objection, at all, to adding three daughters, to her family, Carol would, at times, confide, to Alice "With a husband, and three boys, I have, never, found life so challenging." When Alice would ask "Why do you say that, Mrs. Brady?" Carol would say "Maybe its just my imagination, but it just seems that, with six kids, to provide for, "romance" just isn't what I remember that it, once, was." Alice would say "You know, the first Mrs. Brady said the same thing, about the girls. Once the children arrived, she, and Mr. Brady, had a more difficult time being "romantic"" When Carol would ask "Did she, sometimes, miss romance, as well?" Alice would quote the first Mrs. Brady, saying "Get it when, where, and how, you can. Until the kids leave home, thats the best parents can hope for." It was just as the women were finishing the dishes, when Jan, and Peter, would enter the kitchen, with Jan asking "Who is looking at the Dougans house?" When Carol would ask "What makes you ask that?" Jan would say "We saw lights, through the windows." Peter would add "Yeah.. Weird, blue, lights. Creepy, eh?" Carol would remind Peter "May I remind you, young man, that some of our curtains might look wierd, to others, as well." Jan would say "I guess so. I guess we just didn't look close enough." Carol would remind her daughter "Remember, young lady. Other families have a right to PRIVACY." After this, Marcia, and Greg, would walk in, sharing a laugh, over how "spooky" the Dougan house looked, after the sun-set. Carol would remind her oldest children "As I informed your brother, and sister, other people have the right to decorate as they choose to. Besides, WHAT were you doing, spying on the house?" Greg would say "We weren't spying. We were interested." When Carol would ask "And WHAT did you find so interesting, about the Dougan house?" Marcia would say "There were some blue lights, in some of the windows." When Carol would ask the children "What happened to respecting PRIVACY?" Marcia would ask "Who needed privacy? There were no cars, in the driveway." After that, Greg and Marcia would follow Peter, and Jan's, path, to the upstairs bedrooms. It was not until Mike returned home, from the office, that Carol woulld suggeest "Mike, I think you better have a talk, with the kids, regarding PRIVACY." When Mike would smile, asking "Okay, who snuck what into whose bedroom, THIS time?" When Carol would say "Mike, this is serious. Four, of our children, are playing "peeping tom", at the Dougan house. All just because the kids say they saw some blue lights, in some of the homes windows." When Mike would half-laugh, as he asked "Blue lights?" Carol would remind her husband "Remember? The deep blue drapes, with the rope, and vine, detail. The ones **I** assisted Mrs. Dougan, in purchasing?" As Mike was saying "Now, I remember. The drapes, which resembled, and even felt like, silk." Carol was saying "One and the same. It seems that our junior "Sherlock Holmes" need a reminder, that our negighbors deserve their privacy." This is when Mike would ask "Carol?" Even as Carol would say "There is no worse manners, than "peeping toms"". When Mike would ask "Carol?"" Carol would say "Okay, maybe profane language is worse, but, still." This is when Mike would cut in, calling "Carol?". When Carol would ask "Yes, dear?" Mike would ask "Didn't the Dougans move out, over a month ago?" Carol would say "No excuse for snooping. I want you to remind the kids that being "peeping toms" is not polite." Mike would ask "WHO were the kids peeping on? Isn't the Dougan house empty?" Carol had just started to say "No excuse", when Mike would remind his wife "Remember? We AIDED their packing. I, specifically, remember your aiding Mrs. Dougan, in packing those drapes. Took you two women about an hour, just to pack eight drapes." Carol would say "Dont exagerate, dear. It was only fifteen minutes." Mike would say "Well, it FELT like an hour." When Carol would remind her husband "Careful packing preserves memories." Mike would say "In this case, forgets memories. When did the kids say they saw these lights?" Carol would say "The kids say the lights appearred, after dark." Mike would say "That explains it!" When Carol would ask "Care to share?" Mike would say "Photo-sensitive lights." When Carol looked confused, Mike would say "Lights, which turn on, at dusk, and off, at dawn." When Mike would say "I guarantee it. Now, let me talk to the kids. After that, you and me can have some "You and Me" time." When Mike spoke to the kids, especially Greg, Marcia, Jan, and Peter, all four kids admitted knowing about the modern style, of lights. When Mike would say "Okay, then. No "haunted house". No peeking. No nothing. Understood?" Greg would ask "Dad, those light sensing things. Dont they flicker, at twilight?" When Mike would say "Sure." Greg would ask "What if I told you that the blue lights do not flicker. They just turn on." Mike would say "Gregory. I wont warn you, again. Unless the new owners of the Dougan house, INVITE you over, you are to stay OFF of that property. Am I understood?" Greg would say "Yeah, dad." When Mike looked at the other three children, almost in chorus, all would say "Right, dad." After this, for three days, architect Michael Brady was confident he was correct, about the Dougan house. This, even as Carol, and Alice, heard other wives, and shoppers, talking about the Dougan house. It was not until three days had passed, that Mr. Brady's firm was contracted, to review the Dougan home, for some prospective buyers. People, who wanted a "general inspection", of the home, to ensure that the home met modern code requirements, for people's safety. Since Mike Brady "just happened" to live, closest, to the house, Mike's boss "suggested" "Mike, why dont you take a look, at the house. You, probably, know more, about the house, than anyone, other than the Dougans did." Seeing a "perfect opportunity", to convince six kids, and two women, that there was nothing "supernatural", about the Dougan house, Mike Brady agreed to accept the assignment. It would be over dinner, that evening, when Mike presented the offer, to his family: "Who would like a chance to look inside the Dougan house?" When Carol would ask "Are you serious?" Mike would say "My boss wants me to survey the house, for some, potential, buyers". When Peter would say "Neet! A real, haunted, house!" Mike would correct Peter, saying "A real HOUSE." Prior to driving, to the Dougan house, Carol would remind her husband "Remember? The Dougans bought those, fancy, expensive, low-watt, light bulbs, for the house." When Mike would say "I remember. Those bulbs cost Mr. Dougan two weeks salary." Carol would add "Thats the reason why the Dougans packed the bulbs, when they moved out." When Mike would say "I am certain that the realtor would have replaced the bulbs, as soon as the home was listed." Carol would suggest "Mind if we pick up a case, of the cheap brand, just as a precaution?" Mike would kiss his wife, saying "Fine, Carol. Just remember which bulbs we put in, so that we only remove our own." Later, Mike Brady would be relieved that his wife had suggested the bulb purchase, especially when the Brady Bunch went on an after-dark "tour", of the Dougan house. After Mike Brady used his "architects access key", to turn on the power, then stepped inside the house, for a moment, Mike was astonished when the wall switch failed to light the ceiling fixture. When Mike called out, to Carol asking "Honey, would you pass me a flash-light?" Carol would ask "What is it? Burned out bulb?" Once Mike had the flashlight, he corrected his wife, saying "You were right, honey. The Dougans took ALL the bulbs." After Mike used the flashlight, to check the fuse box, he had Carol pass him the first, of a series, of bulbs, from a case, which Greg was "charged" with toting. Slowly, room-by-room, as the Brady's advanced, and Mike Brady installed bulbs, the Dougan house came to light. This is when Mike Brady would tell his children "You see, no ghosts. Nothing to fear." When Greg would ask "Dad. How many light bulbs DID the Dougans leave behind?" Mike would say "Son, it seems they removed every, single, bulb." Greg would ask "Then, what was that blue light, that people keep seeing?" When Carol would say "It was, probably, just a light bulb, shining through the drapes." This is when Marcia would ask "What drapes?" Only at that moment did Carol realize that every window, the family saw, so far, had no drapes, curtains, or other coverings. This is when Greg asked Mike "Dad, if WE have the only light bulbs, in this house, HOW do you explain those blue lights, after dark?" Mike Brady was tempted to say "imagination". Instead, the architect would say "You said you wanted to SEE this house. Now that you have seen it, are you happy?" No ghosts?" No-sooner had Mike Brady said the words when the Brady family heard definite foot-steps, coming from the upper floor. When Mike called out "Bobby! Cindy, knock it off!" Bobby appearred, around a corner, asking "Whats up, dad? I'm right here." When Mike called out, to the only, two, Brady's he did not see "Peter, Jan. This is not funny. Stop horsing around." Peter, then Jan, would look in, through the outside door, asking "Whats up, dad?" When Mike would call out "Enough is enough. This house is NOT "haunted". The person, making these noises, will show themselves, right now!" When the next foot-steps sounded as though running away, followed by a door, being slammed shut, except for Greg, who said "I'm outta here", the other kids shrieked, and ran from the house. While Carol, and Alice, followed, to keep track of the kids, Mike Brady would say, to the house "Ghosts, beware. Architect Mike Brady is coming to find you. When I do, you'll be sorry." While Mike Brady MARCHED up the stairs, what he, quickly, noticed was how the light layer, of dust, on the floor, held no foot-prints. When Mike looked for evidence, of rigging, he found nothing. Not even when he used his digital camera. It was only when he was well into searching the second floor that Mike Brady hard movement, on the lower floor. When Mike called out "Carol, Alice. Keeep the kids quiet, while I check this floor." When no reply came, Mike called out "Carol! Alice!" This time, a door slammed, downstairs. This is when Michael Brady would say "Enough is enough." as he rushed back downstairs, ready to reprimand his children. When he found no one inside the house, Mike stepped outside, then asked Carol "WHO was just in the kithcen, and dining room, slamming the doors?" Alice was first to say "Not ME, Mr. Brady." When Carol would add "Thats right, Mike. We have, all, been out here, since the door slammed, upstairs." Mike Brady would say "I just checked the house, from top to bottom. No one inside." This is when Greg would ask "Dad, whats that?" When Mike followed his sons gaze, Mike noticed a blue light, in a window. When Mike said "I intend to find out, right now." Carol would call out "Be careful. A third marriage doesn't sound tempting." When Mike Brady rushed back inside the house, Greg noticed that the blue lgiht did not disappear, until seconds before his father appearred, at the window. While Mike Brady found neither the blue light, nor even a bulb, in the bedroom fixtures, he made certain to collect the bulbs, which Carol had him purchase, before locking the house, and turning off the power. The Brady family was just preparing to enter their vehicles, and depart the Dougan home, when Cindy called her parents attention, to the house. When Cindy asked "Daddy, I thought you said you turned the power off." No-sooner had Mike said "I did, sweetheart", when Cindy askeed "Whats that?" Sure enough, in first one, then two, then three rooms, blue lights appearred, as though filtered through curtains. This is when Carol would say "Thats odd. I, distinctly, remember helping Mrs. Dougan pack those drapes." When Greg would ask his father "Dad, do you believe us, now?" Mike Brady would say "Son, I dont know WHAT to believe. I am, certainly, going to find out, though." The next day, no matter how many people Mike Brady contacted, inlcuding the mayor, the district attorney, and the utility company. None reported any record, of problems, with the Dougan house. Not even a single murder. The house was, also, to YOUNG for anyone to have died in it. The closest thing, that Mike, had, to a clue, was when the utility company suggested "WHY not check the Archeology department, at the university? We use them, all the time, to make sure we dont dig up graveyards, and so on." After Mike Brady thanked the utility, he scheduled an appointment, with the archeologists. Mike was just returning to his work, when a female voice shrieked "I WONT go near that house, again!" When Mike Brady checked out the commotion, he found the potential buyers wife, half hysterical. The woman was claiming to having seen "demons", "imps", and some "creature, with horns, a growling voice, and six-foot long, razor-sharp claws." After the woman was lead from the office, Mikes boss would ask "I hear that you, AND your family, were at the Dougan house, last evening. Did ANY, of you see any of this?" Mike would say "Sorry, sir. We might have heard the house, settling, but no monsters." This is when Mikes boss would say "They, probably, want OUT of the deal." When Mike would say "Why the theatrics? Why not just say "No sale"." The boss would say "Mike, that womans husband put down a non-refundable deposit, on the house. My guess is..." Mike would say "They want their money back." By the time Mike arrived home, Carol, and Alice, were full of questions, about the so-called "demon" house. (The Dougan house). When Mike would say "Relax. My boss found out that the couple put down a deposit, on the house, and now, for some reason, they want out of the deal." When Carol would ask "Why the rumors?" Mike would say "The deposit was non-refundable. My guess is, they want people to think that they were SCARED off the property." When Carol would ask "All of this, JUST to get out of a contract?" Mike would say "AND TRY to get the deposit back." When Carol would ask "What about those lights, in the windows?" Mike would say "Relax, I am talking with some archeologists, tomorrow. I should have some answers, by then." While Mike would have expected his meeting, with the archeologists, to have been dull-/boring, it would turn out to be anything but... As the head, of the Archeologists would state "Once we began examining th property, and the general rea, in question, we began finding conflicting reports, regarding what the site was used for." When Mike Brady would ask "How many rumors?" The group head woulld say "150, so far." When Mike Brady would ask the group head "How many, of these, have facts, to back them up?" The group head would say "That reduces the number, to 20, so far." When Mike would ask "Summary, to date?" The group head would say "A watch/signal tower, a sacrificial altar. Probably a combination trading post/hotel, for travellers. Possibly a supply depot." When Mike Brady would ask the group head "Any, concerning blue lights?" The group head would say "I was saving that for last. IF personal journals can be relied upon, It would seem that, at one point, the property was a bordello." When Mike would ask "You mean..." The group head would say "Precisely. Anytime a woman was "available", she put a lantern, with a blue lens, in her window." When Mike asked "Any dates, for either the watch tower, or the bordello." The group leader would say "Mike, remember. In THOSE day, modern record keeping just did not exist." When an assistant entered the room, informing the group leader "I think we have something, here." When the group leader, and Mike Brady, would ask "What do you have?" The assistant would submit a form of a "journal". IF this journal were accurate, it would solve many of Mike Brady's questions. By the time Mike Brady copied the information, then returned home, to report to his family, AND write a report, to his emloyer, Mike Brady was certain that atleast PART, of the Dougan house question had been answered. As a result, of Mikes calling ahead, Carol, and Alice, would have the whole family gathered, for Mike's summary. In the livingroom, Mike took his favorite seat, then cautioned his children "This information is neither full, nor complete. It is, however, the best rationale." When Carol would say "Come on, dear. We're dying to know". Mike Brady would begin by saying "At one time, a watch-tower DID stand, on, or near, the homes location. Now, as near as anyone can figure out, while bright fires were, often, lit, on the tower, at night, these fires were designed to guide travellers to safety. The blue lights were a local signal, for danger." When Alice woulld ask "What kind of danger"? Indians? Federal government?" Mike would say "Nothing so dramatic. It would appear that, in the days of the territories, bands, of outlaw renegades, routinely raided un-protected communities. As a result, any time the renegades came within a specified distance, of the settlement, the blue lamps were lit, and the people took shelter, and defensive positions." Carol KNEW the Greg woulld be interested, in the next part, of the story. When Carol asked Mike about the alleged "bordello", Mike would look at his sons, saying "Sorry, boys. The rumor, of the bordello, seems to have originated with a "mail order bride" business. It seems that some, monied, person, either a man OR a woman, came to the area, and found that there was a need, for young women, for the local, young, men. As a result, and for a FEE, paid either in gold, or in trade, this business person bought "excess" people, from the over-crowded, east coast. THIS is where the university believes the bordello story began. Families BUYING their sons women." When Carol would ask "What if the boys did not want certain women?" Mike would say "The journals say that such women became farm hands, until other men BOUGHT the women, for themselves." Alice would say "Buying, and selling, women. Easy to see how that could be interpreted..." Alice said no more since Bobby and Cindy, were present. When Carol would ask "Even if all of this is true, WHY didn't this "stiff" happen, when the Dougans lived in the house? Why is it just starting up?" Mike Brady would suggest "You remember how spiritual, and religious, the Dougans were?" Boy! Did Carol remember. Every time a person entered, or left, the Dougan house, Mrs. Dougan said a prayer. While Alice never said a word, especially at the Dougans house, Alice wondered HOW Mrs. Dougan could remember recipes, while saying prayers, over the cooking process. This is when Mike asked his family "What has changed, since the Dougans moved out?" While no member, of the Brady family, would report anything "weird", or suspicious, architect Mike Brady would have growing suspicions, of his own. Suspicions which Carol would basically, agree with. Three weeks after the Brady's first "encounter", with the Dougan house, Mike would inform Carol "I just dont understand it. Atleast five couples have "shown interest", in the house, yet all five suddenly lost interest." Carol would say "I agree. That house is fine. It was even beautiful, when the Dougans lived there." When Mike would add "I know the kids enjoyed the cook-outs." Carol would add "True, sometimes I had to remind the kids not to over-stay." Mike would add "With the number, of times, you visited Mrs. Dougan, I would think you would have told me if anything was going on." Carol would say "I know the family had to move, when their employer relocated company operations, but I DO miss them." Mike would ask "Do you remember anything "odd", from your visits? Maybe, Mrs. Dougan playing music, to cover sounds?" Carol would say "As far as I remember, they had no problems." Mike would mention "Not until AFTER they moved." Carol would ask "Mike, you dont think the Dougans "booby-trapped" the house, do you?" Mike would say "Oh, honey. WHY would such a familly rig a house they will, never, return to?" During his drive, home, from work, one evening, Mike Brady noticed a figure, in a coat, and hat, standing in front of the Dougan house. When Mike would pull over, to ask "Something I can help you with?" A male voice would say "No, all is fine." When Mike would say "Its a fine house. Just right, for a family, starting out." (Mike Brady felt it odd when the figure did noting more than turned, and walked down the street.) When Mike reached the Brady house, and asked Carol, and Alice "I just saw a man, in an overcoat, and hat, standing in front of the Dougan house." When Carol would ask "What was he doing?" Mike would say "It was odd, but he was just STANDING there, looking at the house. I dont know why, but it was just weird." No-sooner had Carol asked Alice "Have YOU seen a man, in overcoat, and hat, around the Dougan house?" It would be Bobby, and Cindy, who would say "Yes, mom, we seen him before." When Mike asked the children "When?" Bobby would say "Sometimes. He just stands in front of the Dougan house." When Carol would ask the couples two, youngest "Why didn't you say anything, before?" Cindy would say "Daddy asked if we saw anything weird, creepy, or suspicious." Bobby would ask "What's weird about some one, standing in front of a vacant house? He wasn't breaking any windows, of forcing doors."" When Mike decided to "test" his children "This man you say you saw. What did he look like?" While Bobby, and Cindy, could not agree on whether the mans coat was sand, or brown, colored, both children agreed "It was like that coat the man wore, in the Pink Panther movie." When Mike would ask about the wrong character, on purpose, his children would say "No, dad, it was the stupid guy, with the moustache. The guy who talked, funny, and fell over stuff." When Mike would ask "What KIND of hat did he wear? Cowboy? surfur?" Cindy would describe the type, of hat, which Mike had seen. When Mike asked "Was he short, like Peter? Stout, like Mrs. Stanton?" Both children woulld say "No, dad. We dont know what you saw, but the guy we saw was as tall as you. Cindy would say "Maybe even taller." What the children agreed on was that the man was slim. When Carol would ask her children "Just how many times have you SEEN this man?" Bobby, and Cindy, could not decide whether it was three, five, or eight, times. It was not until Mike, Carol, and Alice "canvassed" the neighborhood, that the truth came to light. It would be the Dougans next door neighbors, the McGreggors, who would admit to having hired a magician, to make the Dougan house appear haunted. When Mike asked Mr. McGreggor (A man Mike considered a friend) "Why?" Mr. McGreggor would inform Mike, and Carol "Truth is, we want the house, for ourselves. The problem is that the realtor just wants to much money." When Mike would ask "Why haunt the place?" Mr. McGreggor would say "Mike, my wife and I did some research, and we learned that "haunted houses" just dont sell." Mr. McGreggor would remind Mike Brady of three, local, properties, all of which sat, vacant, for years, just due to ghost STORIES. Mr. McGreggor would admit "I know it seems a bit underhanded, but we HOPED that, if no one would BUY the house..." Mike Brady would say "You could buy the property, for the tax bill. a $200,000 house, for just $450, in back taxes." When Mrs. McGreggor would ask Carol "We hope you will keeep our secret. We wouldn't want our neighbors thinking that we would do anything, to "run them out". Mike would, cautiously, agree, saying "Since you have only been "haunting" the place, since the Dougans left, I guess we can say "No harm done". When Mike would add "On one condition. You leave my family OUT of the matter". Mr. McGreggor would only ask Mike "By the way, what do you think of the Dougan house, engineering wise?" Mike would say "Its in good shape." On the way home, Carol would ask Mike "Do you think it is ethical? Making people THINK a home is "haunted"?" Mike was about to say "No", but only until he remembered more than a few times, when his own employer had been hired, to make "temporary" repairs, in order to make homes sell-able. This, by making th homes APPEAR MORE attractive, to buyers. Mike had, never, felt right, about the fact that he would no-sooner oversee such "renovations", only to have home buyers come, to his firm, asking his boss to have Mike Brady do a home inspection. While Mikes employer had comforted Mike, saying "Think of it this way. The firm makes money, from the temporary work, then we make MORE money, from the actual project." When Mike seemed hesitant to accept this, his employer would say "Remember, Mike. You have nine people counting on you. What happens, to them, if you lose your income?" After patting Mike on the back, the employer would smile, as he said "Think of your family. Thats what matters most." This is why Mike insisted that Carol promise, on their marriage vows, NOT to say a word. When Carol would ask "Not even to Alice?" Mike would say "ESPECIALLY to Alice." While Mike Brady had retained Alice Nelsons services, for so many years, due to the fact that Alice was so great, with cooking, cleaning, and child care, Mike KNEW what NOT to tell his reverred housekeeper. Mike, and Carol, Brady made the agreement. All they would tell anyone, including their own children, was "the mystery has been solved." For reasons, which no one could understand, while the McGreggors only hired the magician to make the Dougan house seem "haunted", the McGreggors had no idea the magician was, also, a thief. While the McGreggors contract, with the magician, was only to "haunt" the Dougan house, a county judge decided that the fact that the magician traded knowledge, of the contract, in return for less jail time, the judge declared the McGreggors "accomplices", to the magicians crimes. As a result, the families hopes, of buying a neighbors home, for back taxes, was smashed. The parents would serve 2-5 years, while their children would be sent to live with relatives. As a result, both the Dougan, and McGreggor, homes would sit, vacant. The court MIGHT have wanted to implicate Mikes employer, as "accomplices", as well, except that the only "evidence" "linking" the Brady's to the case, was that the Brady family lived near the homes. That, and that Mike was employed, by the oversight firm. If this was considered "evidence", who knows what would be next. Mikes friend, in the district attorneys office, would drop by the Brady home, to inform Mike, saying "Mike, Carol, you can relax. There is no case, against you. No one can be convicted of living in an area, or working at a business." After Mikes friend would depart, and Carol would say "That was a close call." Mike would sweep his wife off her feet, saying "Not as close as this." At that, the kids, who had been listening, would say "Lets go, before they do anything." This, even as Alice would say "Excuse me. I have something to attend to."

DARK AND STORMY NIGHT 2

DARK AND STORMY NIGHT 2 It was about a month after that "Night, of Heaven", when Stacey found me, walking in a park, and we shared an embrace, and a kiss, before she asked "Can we go somewhere, and talk." When I suggested "Name the place", Stacey whispered "MY place." I kissed her, whispering "Lets go." While I didn't dare HOPE for a repeat, of that "Night, in Heaven", I noticed that the topic, which Stacey wanted to discuss, was so "personal", she would only whisper, about it. And, NO, I did not mind, when, after each whisper, Stacey kissed my ear. Why should I? When Stacey was not complaining about my carressing her warm, soft, skin. What I, eventually, learned, from her whispers, was that her "boyfriend" was determined NOT to propose marriage, until Stacey changed her "flat chest", into some "major mounds". That, and the fact that her "boyfriend" wanted Stacey to get her rear "expanded". The only thing I could think of, in response, was to ask "Why? You are beautiful, as you are. WHY would he want to change such a beautiful angel?" After this, we discussed how her religion said that a womans "position", in life, was to see to her husbands happiness, and to raise a healthy family. Thankfully, before meeting Stacey, I had studied her as much as she had studied me. This is why I did not question her religions interpretations, of adults "roles, in life". This is, also, why I asked Stacey "What about your creative goal? Dont you WANT to become an artist?" I was surprised when Stacey kissed me, then said "What I want is to be a good wife, and a loving mother." When I promised Stacey that she did not need double, or triple D-size breasts, to be a good wife, and mother, Stacey mentioned "Baby, I am NOT a YOUNG woman, anymore." I gave Stacey a deep kiss, whispering "You are as beautiful as ever." When I noticed that Stacey was rubbing her breasts, I whispered "Let me do that, for you." In my personal opinion, I have no clue what her "boyfriend" was complaining about. I mean, Stacey retained most of her youthful beauty. Her mouth was a pure delight, to kiss. Her neck was so warm, and smooth, I could neck with her all day long. And Stacey's breasts. No amount, of praise, is adequate, for the beauty, which the lord blessed Stacey with. As for her womanhood, I could delight, in satisfying it, all day long. I even recall telling Stacey, honestly, from the first time that I loved her "I just want you to know that you OWN my heart, and soul." Stacey was, also, so beautifully practiced, at giving oral, that my only directions were "Its all yours. Enjoy yourself." No matter how many times, or how deeply, we made love, I could find no "fault", in Stacey's body. It was only after the fact, and when Stacey asked "Baby, do me a favor. Dont call me your "angel", any more." I agreed, on the following condition. "Angel, when you stop calling me your baby, I will stop, as well." While I would swear, on the Christian Bible, that the afternoon, when Stacey found me, in the park, was beautiful, sun-lit, and warm, by the time Stacey was snuggled, to my side, listening to my heart-beat, the beautiful day had turned into a thunderous night. This lead Stacey to remember a few nights earlier. In fact, the very night, when her "boyfriend" had demanded sex. Stacey had no idea of why, aside from the storm, that she felt un-comfortable. Still, Stacey gave her "boyfriend" what he wanted, even as lightning flashed, and thunder crashed, outside. For some reason, with him, Stacey felt "cold", and "alone", as if, instead of being in bed, with a lover, Stacey was standing outside, in the rain, wet and shivering. To Stacey's relief, her "boyfriend" passed out, after just a single time. Still, Stacey piled on her clothes, and even took his winter jacket. This, Stacey used to try to stay marginally warm, and dry, when she returned to her place. Stacey, already, planned to avoid the "Take my stuff, without asking" speech, by hiding the jacket in the rear, of her closet (and out of her sight). Why shouldn't she? After all, how MANY times had HE just grabbed her belongings, to sell, or pawn, for various reasons. If the "boyfriend" called, the following day, asking Stacey "Have you SEEN my jacket?' Stacey could, honestly, say "No, I dont see it." One, of the few, of the mans "belongings", which Stacey would, NEVER, take, was another jacket. This one, provided, to the man, by a charity. A top-quality jacket, which contained a lining which only the deepest part, of the Arctic, could penetrate. Since this had been a charity donation, Stacey would have considered it very UN-Christian, to swipe such a gift. What amazed Stacey, however, was how, during the night, after their "date", the crash, of thunder, and the sound, of heavy rain, made Stacey feel so chilled that she had to drink cup-after-cup, of hot tea, just to warm up. The next day, however, the sun was warm, and the day, beautiful, and Stacey was considering how beautiful it would have been, waking beside me, again. Stacey, then, reminded herself "Once was risky enough. Twice was just ASKING for trouble." Still, when Stacey went for a walk, to clear her head, as soon as she saw me, Stacey remembered my kiss, then decided "What the Hell. Its only a kiss." Stacey had slipped the discussion, since her "boyfriend" had done so, just before the man TOOK what he wanted. Now, with me, and after what Stacey considered wonderful sex, everytime Stacey tried to say "I am neither your woman, nor your lover, I am your friend." Stacey found herself, several times, slipping in the word "wife". No matter how much she apologized, I just kissed her, while whispering "Its okay. I dont mind." While Stacey and I awoke, to a sunny morning, the closer we came, to her kicking me out her front door, the more the rain returned, and the harder it poured. While Stacey meant to say "I dont care how wet you get, you are leaving, NOW!". What she ended up saying was "I dont care how much I love you, you are leaving, now." It was when a bit of lightning came dangerously close, to the rental units, followed by the crashing BOOM, of thunder, that Stacey went from pushing me away, to embracing me, as I carressed her. DID Stacey cause this weather? Had she caused the previous nights weather? A night, when she found comfort, support, and affection, in MY arms. While Stacey was determined NOT to re-live that night, destiny must have had other plans. This became evident as the rain became a deluge, and Stacey found herself whispering "Husband, why dont you stay awhile." Stacey had begun by suggesting we play video games, and music videos, until the rain stopped. That is, until what I thought was a triple lightning bolt, took out the power, for four, city, blocks. When Stacey said "No television, then." and gave me a crooked smile, as she suggested "Only one, other, thing I can think of." In her bedroom, Stacey noticed that, while removing her clothes, for me, the storm did not make her feel scared, cold, or threatened. In fact, as I joined her, in bed, our only thoughts were of one another. What Stacey could not figure out was WHY it was that, as we began loving one another, again, Stacey thought BACK, beyond our first meeting, and to a day, when her friends had made a joke, of my family name. While Stacey's own, family, name was so plain, and simple, that no one remembered it, Staceys friends had been surprised when Stacey took three, full, days, to learn the way MY family pronounced our name. As Stacey thought of what it would be like, being known as my "Mrs.", she realized that she was having some very powerful, almost Titanic, climaxes. While her intellect was taking her thoughts elsewhere, Stacey realized that her HEART had put her body into romantic "over-drive". By the time I passed out, a short time later, Stacey found she could not care, less, about the black-out. It could last a week, as far as she was concerned. Stacey was in the arms, of the man she wanted. Stacey was in no rush to be free of me. Sure, during the night, loud cracks, of thunder, awakened us, but Stacey found that she WANTED to soothe me, back into relaxation. With some tender kisses, and carresses, I was out, cold, again. For Stacey, my heart-beat, and steady breathing, were all of the "sleeping pill" she needed. I dont know why, but, come morning, Stacey KNEW, even as I did, what I needed. I was just surprised when Stacey smiled and whispered "Come to me, my love." The good news was that, beside the fact that I had an angel by my side, I was greatful, for the fact that the apartment buildings water heater was gas-fired, rather than electric. Stacey and I shared a beautiful shower, then dressed, only to have the electricity, FINALLY, flicker back to life, as we dressed. When I turned our phones back on, and Stacey saw how far OFF her electric alarm clock was, she agreed to start breakfast, if I would reset her clocks. Stacey even smiled as she told me "I dont have to ask what you want, for breakfast. I, already, know." While Stacey was preparing breakfast, she noticed that her home phone had a voice-mail message on it. When Stacey noticed it was from her mother, Stacey called her elder, saying, in a soothing voice "I'm fine. Just a black-out. No, I was not alone. Why waste cell-phone minutes, when there was no emergency?" I noticed how Stacey carressed her belly, and smiled at me, as she promised her mother "No, I'm not pregnant." After some more questions, Stacey would say "I love you, mom, goodbye." then Stacey hung up the phone. When I asked "Bad news?" Stacey would say "She's just being my mother. For some reason, no one, in my family, likes my "boyfriend". Then, there is the fact that, by mistake, I happened to mention, to her, that I love you. Now, mother is convinced that I will, soon, be YOUR wife, and mother of YOUR children." When I took Stacey into my arms, and carressed her, promising "It will work out." Stacey had no-sooner kissed me, when the cooking food "called" to her. Still, during the meal, Stacey and I agreed that it was ridiculous. There was no way, or reason, for such a beautiful woman to settle for a man, like me. Add in the fact that Stacey had her heart set, on becoming an artist, and I promised her that, with her looks, and youth, she could be a "super-model", easily. Then, there was me. What can I say, except that my experience, of "family life" left everything to be desired. When Stacey concluded breakfast, by asking "What do YOU think I should do?" I informed her "To ME, you are perfect, as you are. You just need to find someone, who not only wants your radiant beauty, but who WANTS a lifetime, with you. A man whom I, personally, will envy, to my dying day." I made sure that I left Stacey, with a LONG, DEEP, kiss, as well as sending a prayer, to the Lord, asking "Stacey deserves the very BEST. Make sure she gets it." I only hope that the Lord was not to busy, to listen to his messages.

DARK AND STORMY NIGHT

It was a dark, and stormy, night, to be sure. I was walking Stacey home, after her "boyfriend" had failed to appear, to collect her, from a group gathering. While, to my line of thinking, NOTHING could diminish her beauty, Stacey scowled, each time I mentioned her beauty. The odd thing, about that night, was the fact that, when we, first, began our walk, to her place, the rainfall was, barely, a mist. It was only as we proceeded, towards Stacey's place, that the rain increased, in volume. Still, Stacey agreed that we should proceed. (Stacey KNEW that, if she did NOT call her mother, then the elder woman would assume that Stacey had taken a "new man", home. Thats just the way her mother was. Always hoping that Stacey would find a better man than her "boyfriend".) It was not until the thunder joined the rain, and Stacey cringed, that I wrapped an arm, around her, whispering "Dont worry. Thunder wont hurt you." As to WHY the lightning started striking, just as we were approaching Stacey's friends house, I have no clue. I did, however, follow Stacey's suggestion, that we enter the house, until the storm ended. I suppose the reason why I was surprised, that Stacey's friend had provided Stacey a key, to the friends home, is because their families respected PRIVACY. (Something my own family, nor some, of my former, landlords, cared about.) When Stacey saw that I was impressed, with her knowledge, of the homes floor-plan, Stacey gave me a weak smile, as she said "I dated her husband, for awhile.", then added "BEFORE they were married, of course." Stacey would say "He was so chaotic that, while I had a short-term hope, that he and I might have a future, together, I found out that HIS only concern was his next beer." When I asked "Bad break up?" Stacey would, softly, say "Prolonged" then added "After I broke it off, he got drunk, three times. Each time he got drunk, he forgot our break up." Stacey, then told me "Once he met my friend, however, he forgot all about me. At that point, I moved on, as well." While I think Stacey's plan, for that night, was to maintain our "distance", from one another, it seems that some lightning, and thunder, brought her to snuggle to my side. To me, Stacey's now-dry skin was so soft, warm, and fragrant, that I wanted to "move right into her embrace". This is when Stacey looked at me, asking "Would you like a drink?" I whispered "I have all I want, right here." While a bolt of lightning, and crash, of thunder, roared, just outside the house, I noticed that Stacey did not even flinch, when we shared a kiss. Even as the rain, outside, turned into a down-pour, Stacey whispered, to me "I am about to make the biggest mistake of my life." (Stacey forgot about calling her mother, as we shared a deep kiss.) When we parted, from the kiss, and Stacey observed that I was heading for her neck, Stacey whispered "Let me make us something to eat." (Like food was on my mind, at all.) When Stacey fixed us some scrambled eggs, toast, and juice, what I did not observe was how Stacey avoided allowing me to SEE the cabinets, and dishware. When Stacey mentioned "I hope you dont mind sharing a plate." I whispered "Fine, by me." I did find the excuse humorous, as Stacey claimed "I could only find one set, of silverware. I hope you dont mind sharing." While there were three, obvious, chairs, beside the counter, when Stacy served up the food, then leaned over, from another stool, I suggested "Try my stool. It may be more comfortable, for you." While Stacey knew she HAD to decline my offer, due to her "morals", and "values", these things went "out the window", as more thunder crashed, just outside the windows. This time, I am happy to say that the kiss was longer, and deeper, and I carressed her, more, before Stacey returned us to the subject of food. Passing silverware, and so on, between us, ended, quickly, and comically, as we fed one another. After Stacey placed the dishes to soaking, in the sink, Stacey took me on a tour of the house. Stacey even promised, as lightning flashed, outdoors, that the house had its own, back-up generator. When we came to the bathroom, I promised Stacey that I would re-pay the home-owners, for the toothbrush, and toothpaste, which I used. When Stacey followed my lead, we, soon, had fresh breath, to go with full bellies. After that, a long, tender, kiss, followed, so I thought Stacey was in the mood for some necking, as well. For a few moments, I THOUGHT Stacey was enjoying herself. This, because she held me, and moaned, as I necked with her. While I was surprised when Stacey whispered "baby, no.", I kissed her, and whispered "My angel." When Stacey, then, showed me the fully-equipped, childrens bedrooms, and the play room, Stacey whispered "The builder HOPED to have a large family. Un-fortunately, he want bankrupt, and the house was sold." When Stacey hesitated, by a door, whispering "I'm afraid", I whispered "Of what?". Stacey whispered "Of falling in love." When I asked Stacey "Whats behind that door? The nursery?" Stacey opened the door, almost reverently, and we stepped inside a beautiful, master, bedroom. When Stacey stared at the large bed, I asked "Angel, what is it?" While Stacey whispered "This is the special place. The place where they share their love." (Like a fool, I thought Stacey meant the home owner. If I had any Common Sense, I would have realized that Stacey was envisioning the two of us, loving one another, like newlyweds.) While I carressed her, and whispered "Angel, we are alone", Stacey, slowly, turned to me, and I kissed her, again. After that, I had Stacey show me the features, of the room, including the couples wedding day portrait. I really do not know if it was the weather, which only seemed to get WORSE, as the night wore on, or if Stacey was being haunted, by memories. What I DO know is that Stacey kept looking at THAT bed. I had no clue that Stacey was "envisioning" us, in bed. Stacey just stared, as she could not believe how happy her nude vision self seemed, as we loved one another, time-after-time. I didn't realize Stacey was having such a vision, until she whispered, to the bed "No, we shouldn't" and "I HAVE a "boyfriend". This guy is just my friend." Still, I said nothing, and waited for Stacey to say more. A moment later, Stacey turned to me, whispering "They want us to join them, baby." When I whispered "WHO is them?" Stacey smiled as she said "US". While I was a bit dis-appointed that Stacey wanted to blame a "vision", for what was to come, I was not about to say "No", to my angel. What left Stacey baffled was the fact that, once nude, in bed, and accepting my presense, Stacey noticed how different the storm seemed. The storm was, no-longer "crashing down", about us. Now, it seemed as distant as a neighboring city. Even the lightning no-longer scared her. All Stacey cared about, at that moment, was the beating, of my heart, and my breathing. The rest, of the world, melted away, as if into a dream. (While sex ed teaches that the "act" is an "invasion", of a womans body, on the night in question, and years after sex ed, Stacey did not feel like she was being "invaded". She felt more like she was being welcomed home.) I must admit that, as I began loving Stacey, the storm, which I pretended not to fear, for Stacey, now seemed so distant. Now, making Stacey happy was all that I cared about. After the first time, that I loved her, Stacey whispered an admission. "In the bathroom, I wasnt afraid of the necking. I was afraid I would enjoy it." When I took to necking, with her, Stacey let out such a beautiful moan. Later, while Stacey mounted me, Stacey did everything, except bite her lips, and tongue, off, as Stacey TRIED not to cry out, in passion, even as I nursed her beautiful breasts. (Staceys fear was that, if anyone found out how much my attention meant, to Stacey, she was afraid of being "branded". For YEARS, Stacey had HOPED that some high school athlete, who would turn pro, would take her on, as a "trophy" wife. Stacey hoped for the bragging rights of being "Mrs. Pro Athlete". If it was learned that Stacey spent a night, with ME, her dreams would go right down the drain.) Stacey was just relieved, and thankful, when I, eventually, passed out. (For the ten minutes, prior to this, Stacey had been choking back her desire to say "I love you." Now, that I was out, cold, she was relieved.) While Stacey had admitted, only to her mother, how much Stacey HATED the teeth marks, which her "boyfriend" left, covering her body, after their times, together, when Stacey left the bed, which WE had shared, and entered the master bath, Stacey did not know HOW to feel. On the one hand, the past, few, hours had been "pure Heaven", for her. As she examined her body, in the mirror, Stacey, still, felt my touch, all over her body. On the other hand, Stacey was both relieved, and sad, that I had left no marks, on her body. Stacey had all of the FEELING, but none of those, ugly, marks. When Stacey looked at her FACE, in the mirror, Stacey just hoped she could get RID of that "I'm in love", smile, before anyone noticed it. While Stacey was happy, when I awoke, during the night, relieved myself, then returned to bed, and loved her, some more, Stacey felt that the very BEST sex was when I made a point, of loving her, as the sun rose, and dawn was upon us. When I asked Stacey when the storm had cleared, she had no more idea than I did. When I noticed that the bedroom clocks were not operating, and I asked "Angel, I thought you said this house had its own generator." Stacey smiled, and kissed me, as she whispered "They do. Its right out back." When Stacey joined me, in the light, of a new morning, Stacey was amazed that, when we ventured outside the house, to the rear yard, I looked at the ground, but only until Stacey suggested "Baby, look up." While even I KNEW, from years, of watching "how to" shows, that no, good, contractor, would think of running emergency power lines anywhere except in an underground trench, Stacey would whisper, to me "Baby, my friend told me how much the trench would cost. This is why they decided to go with a reinforced cable, strung, from the generator, to the house." Well, now the owners would understand how much their "cost savings" would cost them. The power cable had acted as a lightning rod, and had not only DRAWN lightning, but been flame-broiled, in the storm. For reasons I will never understand, however, after Stacey and I shared a most romantic shower, Stacey slapped me, while whispering "Baby, this NEVER happened, undertstood?" While I was a bit confused, I agreed, just to avoid being slapped, again. After this, we put the house back, just as we had found it, then Stacey INSISTED upon walking home, alone. (It seems that, to Stacey, it was bad enough that she was as "radiant" as a new bride. Stacey did NOT want anyone knowing WHO put that smile, on her face.) It was three weeks later, when Stacey saw her friend (the home owners wife), and Stacey was shocked when the woman said "Im glad you, two, finally, did "IT"." When Stacey asked "Me, and Who?" When Stacey suggested her "boyfriend", her friend said "No, I mean your friend." It was when Stacey denied any knowledge, of such events, that her friend had said "I KNOW you two did it." When Stacey asked "Oh, really? HOW do you know?" Her friend would say "Simple". The woman then told Stacey how, when the womans husband was not at home, that, for the past few months, the woman had "watched" a "vision", of Stacey and I, loving one another so deeply, it was like we were celebrating our wedding night. When Stacey would ask "And just WHEN did these "visions" begin, and end?" Her friend would say "They began when you met him, and they ended as soon as you used my bed, to love him." Stacey thought "Swell". First, it was her mother, then it was both her sisters. All congratulating Stacey on, finally, finding love. Now, her own, best, friend, was "joining the band wagon". Stacey's life-long hope, of being a sports-stars "trophy" wife, were going down in flames. Sure, before the storm, Stacy had taken the time, to LEARN the truth, that I was not only into fitness, however, when some, of her friends heckled me, saying that "Only homosexuals, who cant "get it up", become writers." Stacey had investigated my writing, and reviewed several of my works. While Stacey admitted that I was no William Shakespeare, nor Edgar Allen Poe, Stacy found my writings to be relaxing reading. Stacey just did not WANT the ordinary, day-to-day, life, of being a writers wife. Stacey wanted the glamour, and glitter, of being a "trophy" wife. It seems that I did leave Stacey with something to consider. That was the question of "Would she, ever again, feel the way she had felt, on that stormy night?

THE HAUNTING PAST MYSTERY OF THE GOLD

THE HAUNTING PAST: MYSTERY OF THE GOLD Tami and I had just finished the mystery of the drag racers, and made our final report, to Mr. Brown, when Mr. Brown suggested we take some time to rest. After all, chasing down the drag racers, through history, had been a draining experience, for everyone involved. This is why Tami and I decided to take a walk, in a local park. We agreed that the air, and relaxation, would do us good. What we, never, expected was WHO we would see, inside the park. Namely, the spirit of His Holiness, Pope John Paul, Two. I, of course, did a deep BOW, while Tami gave a slow, deep, curtsey, before the pontiff. It was only AFTER John Paul 2 would place a hand, upon our heads, then say "Rise, my children." that Tami would ask "How may we be of service, to your grace?" To our surprise, John Paul 2 would state "It is I, who have come to serve you." When Tami and I would look at one another, asking "To serve us? Your grace?" The pontiff would say "The Chairman has granted me this opportunity to visit the world of man, and to bring you a word of caution." When Tami would ask "What would that be, your Grace?" The Pontiff would say "You are abut to enter a case, in which all will NOT be as it seems. While the Holy Scriptures instruct us to take things on faith, I caution you to let your deduction skills guide you, as well as your hearts. If you will follow these directions, then the Chairman, and myself, will be by your side, in the coming times." It was right when Tami was just about to ask the pontiff "What case are we about to embark upon?" When John Paul 2 would say "My time, at present, is at an end. The Lord be with you, in this quest", then, as gently as a breeze, the spirit, of Pope John Paul 2, would dissolve. Just moments later, Tami's phone would ring, with Mr. Brown saying "Both of you. In MY office. On the DOUBLE!" Wiith that, our boss cut the line. As fast as possible, Tami and I returned, to the Brown Agency offices, where we were rushed into the conference room, practically at "warp speed". Mr. Brown indicated our silence, as a team "swept" the room, for "bugs". Only after the techs would say "Sir, the room is clean." and the technicians left, followed by agency security guards, would Mr. Brown say "I apologize for all of this however the issue is THAT critical." Before Tami could ask "Whats up, boss?", Mr. Brown would say "The Vatican has called us in, on a matter which could not be more secret if it were the final location, of the Ark of the Covenant." When Tami would say "Go on." Mr. Brown would say "The Vatican has informed our agency that the current pope has been taken hostage. The reason why WE have been called in is not so much our dedication, to client privacy, as much as YOUR unique, skills set." When Tami would ask "Which of our skills sets would those be?" Mr. Brown would say "The fact that the two of you have dealt with MORE, of Earth's, deep, past, than anyone else. Such knowledge will be in-valuable, in this case." When Tami would say "So far, ALL that you have told us is that the pope has been kidnapped. HOW do WE fit into this? Have the kidnapers made any demands, yet?" Mr. Brown would say "As a matter of fact, they HAVE. Thats where you come in." When I would say "Sir, dont keep us in suspense. WHAT is it that the kidnappers want, in return for the pope?" Mr. Brown would hesitate, for a moment, before saying "The kidnappers have ordered the church to "come clean", both about some "City of gold", as well as some, supposed, place, where the living may speak, directly to the dead." Mr. Brown would add "It seems that the kidnappers are of the belief, that the Vatican is holding the secret, not only to vast riches, in gold, but of a way to access Heaven, directly." When Tami would ask "What is our assignment?" Mr. Brown would say "While the Vatican denies the existance, of either the gold, or the "route to Heaven", I have been requested to have you cofirm, or DENY, both of these legends." When I would ask "How soon do we leave?" Mr. Brown would say "As soon as you reach your plane. Remember. We are detectives. We search for facts." A short time later, when Tami and I arrived, at the airport, it seems that speed was considered "of the essence", since, no sooner were we seated, when G.S.2 had launch clearance. It was not until we were airborne that Tami asked me "Do you believe that stuff, about "talking, directly, with the dead, and a "city of gold?"" I would suggest "It does not matter what I believe. What matters is what the kidnappers believe. That, and I have to wonder. With the Swiss Guards, AND the Vatican police, watching over His Holiness, HOW could anyone have kidnapped the pope anyway?" While Tami would admit to a vague "memory", of the Reverend Jim Jones, and the Jonestown, Guyanna suicide cult, we, BOTH, remembered David Koresh, and his Branch Dividians. When Tami had asked me "Do people REALLY hold such psychotic beliefs?" I would remind my partner, of a video I had, once viewed, about conspiracies. A video in which, in one segment, it is claimed that one man was so obsessed, with the occult, that he purchased a piece, of Texas land. All because the man believed that, if he dived, into a pond, located on the property, he could swim right into Hades. When Tami would ask "Who would want to swim, into Hades?", I would counter with "Why did the Reverend Jim Jones have his followers practice suicide drills? Why was David Koresh so obsessed with some "Seventh Seal", of the book of Revelations?" By the time G.S.2 approached Italy, Tami and I had scoured hundreds of legends, of "cities of gold", as well as places, where the living speak to the dead. It would not, however, be until we landed, and were escorted, to the Papal Offices, that Tami and I were shown a video, of the pope. The "good" news was: The man was alive. The "bad" news: The man was being tortured, by his captors. In fact, one might say that the pope was receiving an "enhanced interrogation". The Great Elector would be present, in the Vatican, saying "No question. These people are rank amateurs." When Tami would ask "HOW do you know?" The Great Elector would say "Listen to their voices. They are trying to keep their Italian accents OUT of their voices. A terrible job, as well." When Tami would ask "Just HOW DID they get hold of the pope, to begin with?" A cardinal would say "His Holiness stepped into the Men's Room. The Swiss Guard "swept" the room, before His Holiness entered, then the Swiss Guard stood watch, outside the door, while the Vatican police watched the hatch, outside the building. We remain "in the dark" over HOW His Holiness could have been taken." When Tami would ask "Beyond the demands, have the kidnappers set a time frame?" The Great Elector would say "This is what stymies us. It seems that this "city of gold", and this place, regarding "speaking to the dead", seem more important than deadlines." When I would ask "How soon before the church declares the pope no-longer in power, and Conclave meets, to choose another pontiff?" A cardinal would inform me "As long as we have this proof, that His Holiness lives, Conclave will not be necessary." After meeting, with the cardinals, and departing the Vatican, Tami would ask me "WHY are these people so focused on this "place, where the living may speak to the dead?" I would suggest "They MAY think that the Vatican is hiding something. Something, which they WANT the public to know about." Tami would ask "Speaking with the dead? WE do that all the time." I would suggest "Remember the legend of the book, referred to as "The Witches Hammer"? Remember how many women were tortured, and executed, when the church FELT that the women had more power than the church?" Tami would ask "Your are not suggesting?" I would say "I THINK we MAY be dealing with people, who want to re-write human history. They MAY even think that speaking with spirits will direct them on their quest." While continuing on our stroll, and trying to comprehend how the concepts, of a "city of gold", and a "place, where the living speak with the dead", could combine, into a location, where the missing pope could be held, the one thing I will give the Vatican great praise for was its ability, to cover its "tracks". Desite the lack of security, on the internet, combined with the fact that the video, of the pope, was being sent via e-mail, Vatican staff did a marvelous job, of "covering" for the pope. While a rumor was being spread, that the pope was not being seen, in public, due to an illness, the Vatican police did an excellent job, of creating a FAKE video. One which appearred similar to the kidnappers video yet whose quality left much to be desired. This way, if anyone saw the "real" video, it would be assumed that it was nothing more than another fake. The problem Tami and I were left with, was researching tens of thousands, of legends. Legends of "cities, of gold". Legends of places, where the "living converse with the dead". Legends which tied the two, together. Since the college of cardinals was one of the last, remaining, places, on Earth, where women are NOT permitted, under any circumstances, I would be the one to report our slow progress, to the cardinals. What both Tami and I, noticed, however, was just how many cardinals were baffled, by the idea that the Vatican would "hide" information, pertaining to a "city of gold". As a few cardinals would inform Tami and I "IF we did have access, to such wealth, imagine how much GOOD we could do. How many souls we could give comfort to." I really think, however, that the reason why Tami and I had a "visitor", in the Vatican archives, was because Tami had thought that "Maybe, if we look at the art section, we can find some clues. Maybe someone made a model, of the "city", or this "place, of the dead"." We were just on our way, to review the art section, of the archives, when John Paul 2 would appear, again, this time informing us "My children, while you show wisdom, in seeking the past, might I re-direct your inquiries towards another section, of the archives." When Tami would inform the spirit "Holy Father, YOU are the expert, on this place. We will follow your lead." When the popes spirit would say "Bless you, my child", the spirit pope would lead us AWAY from the more modern sections, of the archives, and to a section, which appearred to originate from back in the days before the Vatican was a walled in city. Leading us into dust, dirt, and web-filled spaces, the pontiff would say "In this area rest those records, which the cardinals have not visited, in many centuries. Be gentle with Vatican property. These records cannot be replaced." When I would be foolish enough to ask "Holy Father, with so many volumes to digest, would your holiness be willing to POINT us in the right direction?" When John Paul 2 would wave his "hand" about a shelf, it might seem like magic, but seven, thick, volumes, floated from shelves, and rested on a table, before us. When Tami and I would say "Thank You, holy father." John Paul 2 would bow, then whisper "Neither I, nor the lord, will be far. Call upon us, at any time." When I looked at Tami, she would say "May be one of the "perks", of working for the Vatican. Spiritual help, practically on speed-dial." While the aid, and assistance, of the late pope did "narrow down" our search parameters, the problem was that the search was only narrowed, from 250,000 years, down to 1,000. A time when atleast two civilizations rose, prospered, and fell. Two civilizations, which made regular use, of gold, and both of whom had places, which they referred to as "places of communion, with the deceased". When Tami would ask me "How many, different places have WE spoken, with spirits, in, so far?" I would list "lets see. Castles. Pyramids, private homes, stadiums, ships, trains, skyscrapers. Any I have left out?" Tami would suggest "No, I think you have covered them, all. What baffles me is WHY the kidnappers think they must find ONE place, to "talk to the dead." When I would suggest "What of this "city of gold?" Could it, like the "Fountain of Youth" be nothing more than a metaphor?" Tami would add "In the first place, WHAT made the kidnappers think that the Vatican knows anything? Did a previous pope publish something?" I would suggest "Maybe a thesis? Maybe a paper, questioning whether material wealth was as important as eternal salvation?" It would be almost no time, at all, before Tami and I filled a flash drive, with DOZENS of possible variations, both of the definition, of a "city of gold", and the "place where the living speak to the dead". When Tami and I presented our questions, to the members of the College of Cardinals, atleast a dozen cardinals would admit that, in their homelands, there were rumors, both of golden cities, and places, where the dead, supposedly, speak to the living. In fact, when Tami brought forth a map, of the Earth, asking each cardinal "Please mark each location, where a rumor has been reported." While some cardinals marked various locations, it would seem that, while alive, John Paul 2 had visited several of these. According to Papal reports, the pope never found anything more than ruins. This is when a cardinal, from South America, would recall "Remember the time when His Holiness took the Swiss Guard, on a walk, to discover the source of a rumor?" When an African Cardinal would suggest "Did not His Holiness have some problems, with that adventure?" The South American would say "Yes, now I remember. His Holiness was told a story, about an alien space port. He wanted to learn, for himself, if the rumors were true." When the African would ask "Did some Swiss Guards fail to return, with the pontiff?" The South American would say "Yes, the advanced scout." The cardinals would explain that, just as the secret service proceeds the president, in all situations, so the Swiss Guard proceeds the pontiff. When Tami would ask "What happened, to the Swiss Guard?" The South American would say "An ancient trap. The legend said that ONLY the ENLIGHTENED might venture into the space port." When I would ask "Did the soldiers survive?" The cardinals would say "No, my son. The Swiss Guards, who lead the way, were impalled on some extremely sharp spears." When Tami would ask "What did the pope, eventually, find?" The South American would say "His Holiness reported finding nothing more than weeds, jungle, and broken pieces of marble." While we were discussing this, the Italian police would report "The criminals have been very careful. While they speak, with definite, Italian, accents, we have learned only that the video might have been sent from anywhere." Whhen Tami would ask "You mean, anywhere, in Italy?" The police would say "No. We mean, anywhere, in the WORLD." When Tami would ask the Great Elector "Your Emmence, you stated, earlier, that the kidnappers were doing a terrible job, of hiding their Italian accents." When the cardinal would say "Yes, I do remember saying that. Why do you ask?" I would suggest "Is there any, other, way, for a person to leave Italy? Maybe an UN-official way?" When a Russian cardinal would ask "HOW would a kidnapper sneak the pope out of Italy?" When I would suggest "Are there ANY otherr men, in Italy, who bear the same, general, resemblance, to the pope?" A German cardinal would state "The Vatican is "keeping tabs", on seven men, who bear a strong resemblance, to His Holiness. You should relax, however, since I have just completed a treacking estimate. All seven men are accounted for." When Tami would suggest "That is fine, however, has anyone reported, seeing the pope, maybe boarding a ship, or plane?" The German cardinal would say "If His Holiness boarded ANY transport, the Vatican would have been notified. After all, the pontiff's clothing is very hard to forget." This is when I would clarify the problem. "While, yes, it may be true, that no one viewed a man, dressed in Papal robes, who says the pope was dressed as the pope?" When the Great Elector would ask "What are you suggesting?" Tami would suggest "While WE continue searching for this "city", and this "conference pplace", we recommend that all units be on the look-out for any man RESEMBLING the pontiff." I would add "If we are correct, the pope is, well, outside of Italy." This left the question of HOW to alert law enforcement to search for the pontiff, but without notifyiing the media, as well. When Tami and I returned to the archives, to continue our search, John Paul 2 would pay us another visit. This time, the message was to be "My children, while you are displaying great resourcefulness, in pursuing this matter, I am only allowed to bring you this clue. Seek the shepherd among the angels." While even Tami and I knew what the "shepherd" reference was, Tami's question, to the spirit was "Which "angels" do we seek?" After all, to some humans, the "Angels" are a professional baseball team. To other people, angels are winged beings. To others, animals, such as birds, might be considered angels. Some, primitive societies consider the airplane to be an angel." When various members, of the college, of cardinals, would begin discussing this, among themselves, the college seemed divided, over what action to take. That is, until the next video arrived, via email. In this video, however, the pope was not being beaten. Instead, while a voice, making a terrible "masking", of an Italian accent, would speak, while the video showed what APPEARRED to be His Holiness having a thumb removed. After the Italian voice would say "This is proof, of our determination, to locate the sacred center, for "communications with the deceased". If the Vatican does not "come clean", soon, your precious pontiiff will lose other body parts." After the video ended, Tami requested some print out, of various parts. She HOPED she was wrong, but she wanted to "cover her bases". It would seem that the sight, of seeing an innocent person suffering, which lead several cardinals to challenge church doctrine, asking "What can WE do, to help?" Tami would state "First things first. I need someone, who knows the pontiff, well enough, to know things, which no one else would know. When German, Swiss, and even English, cardinals, would come forth, saying "I suppose WE were the closest, to the pontiff." Tami would suggest, to the video, internet/ controller "I need as much detail, as you can get, from these images." When asked "WHY? We know it is the pontiff." Tami would say "Humor me." While five cardinals would agree to wait for the images, ten more cardinals would join Tami, and I, as we returned to our research. For some reason neither Tami, nor I, could understand, when the living cardinals caught site, of John Paul 2, the cardinals gasped, then asked "What heresey is this?"" Since neither Tami, nor I, speak Latin, we can only guess what the spirit told the living cardinals. All that we knew was that, after John Paul 2 spoke, with the cardinals, the men seemed much more willing, to aid our efforts. In order to make the task easier, for the aging men, and to preserve the old records, Tami and I had been digitally scanning the records. This way, we could review them, at our leasure. Now, however, thanks to digital technology, the whole Vatican could review the same page, at the same time. This, since Tami had, simply requested some e-Readers, from headquarters (in case we needed translation assistance.) The problem was with the translations. It would seem that, during life, Pope John Paul 2 had been correct, to visit many places, where legend abounded. Maybe 75% of the places,, whiich the pontiiff had visitted, whhere places,, rumored to have been places, too "speak wiithh the dead". What John Paul 2 had discoverred, in his travels, were sites, whichh had been looted, over thhe past three hundrred years. "Any gold, or other treasure, which had been present, has, long-since, been removed." In follow up notes, the pontiff would state "While my escort, and I, have travelled to a multitude, of places, where the living are alledged to commune, with the dead, ALL that we have found is altar rooms." As for the cardinals, they had slightly better luck than we were. It would seem that age HAD produced wisdom, in these men. Between history, and memory, the cardinals ad reduced the number, of possible sites, by 75%. The other twenty-five percent were places where the pontiiff was not permitted to investigate. The reasons ranged everything from "death omens", to un-safe construction. It would not be until another video arrived. This one, showing the kidnappers removing one of the popes fingers. Tami began to wonder if, to safe-guard the pope, the Brown Agency should offer a ransom, for the safe return, of the pontiff. That is, until a cardinal found something, in the video. Something, which ONLY Vatican, medical, staff, and the popes closest associates knew about. It would seem that, while working on a home-construction site (As a show, of unity, between Catholics, and another religion, the pope had sliced his hand, on an un-treated piece of wood.) The scar would be neither deep, nor threatening, but it WOULD leave a scar behind. Most of the cardinals would, never, notice the scar, unless they shook hands, with the pontiff. In an enlargement, of the video, several photographs, clearly showed the HAND, yet NONE showed the scar. When Tami asked "Plastic appliance?" The Great Elector would suggest "His Holiness holds that the church shall be "open", and "transparent", to the flock. IF that were the pontiff's hand, the scar would be visible." Tami would, later that day, report to Mr. Brown "Although the popes whereabouts remain unknown,the kidnappers have made some terrible errors. Errorrs, which ANY ameteur would make. The college, of cardinals, however has requested that we continue our search, for the places the kidnappers want us to find." Not sure WHAT we will find, but, now, it seems that we have "won over" atleast a dozen cardinals, who are aiding the search. If either the "city of gold", or the "place, where the living may speak, directly, to the dead", actually exist, we should know, soon. Over the next two weeks, a number, of events occurred. The first was that the man, who had been "playing" the pope, in the kidnap videos, must have died, after his fingers were cut off, then his toes. This seemed logical since, one moment, the man was screaming, in pain, and, the next moment, the man went silent, and fell over, as though fainting. The fools, who were making the "enhanced interrogation" video, were stupid enough to leave the camera on, until after some person (maybe a medic) examined the body, saying "He's dead". Only then did another man look at the camera, asking "We are not live, are we?" When a voice, off-camera, would say "Yes, sir. Still recording." The man, who asked the question, then shot the camera operator, then ordered "turn it off." At the Vatican, no one spoke, as the picture went dark. It would be maybe two minutes, of silence, before the Great Elector would look at the Swiss Guard, saying "FIND THEM!" The ONLY thing, that both the Vatican, the Italian police, and the Brown Agency, had going, for us, was that, the Italians had the foresight to plan for such "events". The Italian man, who had been aiding the police, by "pretending" to be the pope, had, already filmed a murder scene. The Italian police had even been intelligent enough to add a threatening message, to the fake video. "We have kidnapped, tortured, and executed, your precious pope. If our demands continue NOT to be met, once Conclave chooses a new Holy Father, We WILL repeat this process, until the Vatican gives us what we want." Personally, if the decision were mine, I would have awarded the Italians atleast three Oscar's, for their video. It was so real, and life-like. It seems that the fake video even beat the real video, to the internet, since the Papal Offices received what must have been a very offensive e-mail. Problem was, it was written in the Latin language of Italy. When the Great Elector translated the message, to English, the cardinal would, when asked, say "The only words I have not translated, are the profanities. My son, you would not believe how much, of this message, is nothing but profanity." When Tami would suggest "That MIGHT be their next mistake." When the Great Elector would ask "How do you mean, my child?" Tami would suggest "What does the Roman-Catholic church say about the use, of profanity?" The Great Elector would say "While none of us is perfect, the church teaches that such matters shall be private, and with great restraint." When Tami would say "Precisely. You say this message is filled with profanity. What good, Roman-Catholic would use such language, in an "open forum", such as the internet?" The South American cardinal would say "Not even in the villages, which I represent, would such language be used, in public." Tami would say "Precisely." Then add "Your Emminence" indicating the Great Elector "I THINK that these kidnappers are American." When the German cardinal would ask "My child, what do you base that conclusion upon?" Tami would say "To my knowledge, America is the ONLY nation, in the world, where such profanity is part of everyday life. Far too often, Americans, especially those, of low, to no education, use profanity, as we use regular English. Add in the fact that the people seem to make a terrible job, of hiding their accents, and I believe that we are dealing NOT with European radicals, but with a set-up job." When the South American would ask "You are not considering..." I would ask the Cardinal "Why not, your Emminence? This would not be the first time such an event has been staged." When the German would ask "But, to what purpose?" I would propose "Remember those so called "Weapons of Mass Destruction"? Remember how much effort went into "creating" the "evidence"?" When an Italian cardinal would suggest "Even if the United States DID try to kidnap the pope, we have their bases covered, just as they have ours covered." Tami would suggest "Unless a civilian, or, perhaps, a private, airfield, were used." It was while Tami and I, again, returned to the research, that another event happened. While no one would ADMIT to having SEEN the body being dumped, into a major river, once the Papal robes were recognized, it seems that dozens, of locals flocked to aid the fallen pope. What astonished the locals was that, without his make-up, the man did not look very much like the pope. While the lack of fingers, and toes, meant that the M.E. would be required to use dental records, for identification, it would, eventually, be verified that the body was of a would-be actor. By the time the man was identified, Tami and I had narrowed the list, of the cities, to five. The German cardinal would observe "that is very odd." When Tami would ask "Your Emminence, how do you mean?" The German would say "If I recall, John Paul 2 had, actually, PLANNED to visit those very places, before his health deteriorated." When Tami and I asked "Why was this?" The German would say "My children, the pontiff received information. Information which claimed that, at one, or MORE, of these sites, were located not only cities, cast in gold, but of massive computers, the likes of which neither Bill Gates, nor Steve Jobs, ever considered. A French cardinal would add "Aye. I, now, recall His Holiness asking ME about information, which, a "source" said, was hidden inside the Louvre." When Tami asked "Did anyone try to verify the information?" The French cardinal would say "Humbly, my daughter, when the pope fell ill, his travels came to an end." When I asked "What about the College of Cardinals? Why did they not follow up?" The Great Elector would suggest "My son, the main duty, of the church, is to administer, to the needy. You will find no "Indiana Jones" types, within these hallowed walls." When Tami would ask "Mind if WE follow up?" The Great Elector would say "Go forth, with God's blessing." It would only be once back on-board G.S.2, that John Paul 2 would appear, to us, again. To our surprise, the pontiff would, first, say "The College, of Cardinals means well. They are, however, correct, that the churches job is to see to the needs of the people." When Tami would ask "Holy Father, while I am certain that our benefactor would permit some jet fuel, to complete this mission, I wonder if you might give us your insight. If you had the choice, of which location, to check, first, which would YOU choose." John Paul 2's first choice would be a community, within Germany. It did not take much of an imagination, to figure out WHY this would make a prime location. After all, it is well-known, that, early, in his feature film production life, Walt Disney had visited Germany. What was laughable was the thought that Walt Disney might have been a "closet" Nazi. This, for a pathetically stupid reason. The TRUTH, behind Walt Disneys trip, to Germany, was entertainment based, not political. The simple fact was that, prior to Mr. Disneys trip, to Germany, American film-makers were, still, using a century old system, for providing audio, for motion pictures. During the early years, of motion picture making, the reel-to-reel was nothing more than the visual part, of movies. This is why, in the "golden age" of cinema, before a movie started, the numbers "5,4,3,2,1,0" would flash on the motion picture screen. This count-down allowed operators time to "sync" up the recording turn-tables, to the movie. Yes, in the "goolden age", even if a projector worked, if the turn-table had problems, films had no sound. It was not until Walt Disney heard stories, that the Germans were applying sound, directly onto 35 mm film, that the movie maker travelled to Germany, to see for himself. Copying the German example, Walt Disney gave movie goers a new movie experience. One in which projectionist only had to start up one device. After this, Walt Disney would embark on bringing stereo sound to movie theaters. As to why John Paul 2 wanted US to travel to Germany, he would say "My children, the Chairman has permitted me to inform you that, prior to World War Two, that the Germans, Americans, Russians, and a few other nations, were working on a project, for creating the most advanced fighter plane, in the world. If you can imagine, planes without propellers. Planes, whose mass would not cause wind drag." When Tami would ask "Holy Father, HOW do motion pictures, and fighter planes, connect with "cities of gold", and "speaking to the dead?" John Paul would remind my partner "This time period was known as the "GOLDEN age", of motion pictures." When I would agree "Metaphorically, I agree. But what about this "Speaking to the dead"? John Paul 2 would suggest "The stories I was told stated that the designers referred, frequently, to the notes, journals, and designs, of those, who came before." Sure, even I would agree that the Germans have, always, been a highly innovative people. But, HOW could we convince the kidnappers that the "gold" which they sought was metaphorical, not real? When John Paul 2's second choice was deep in the forrests, of Europe, We had to unpack my Jeep, for part of the trip. While John Paul 2 DID lead the way, to an ancient settlement, anything, which HAD been there, was gone, millenia ago. When John Paul 2 suggested a trip, to the Amazon rain forrest, and rumors, of a "city of gold", and a "chamber, where the liviing converrse with the dead", our pilots filed ANOTHER flight plan, BACK to South America. On the way, we agreed to to giive the South American cardinal a "lift", both since it was on our way, anyway, but also because the cardinal suggested "I will encourage locals to aid your search, in return for God's blessing." While it was understandable, that the cardinals felt un-comfortable, flying about in what was, essentially, an American bomber, Tami would play "hostess", while promising the cardinals, both those who just visited the plane, and those, who flew, with us, that our gun-turrets were for the planes defense, ONLY. Tami would inform the visiting cardinals "ONLY our U.S. Air Force pilots, have the codes, for manual override. It would be impossible for anyone, to use our weapons, without permission." I think it was two days, after we landed, in South America, that Tami and I knew, as the cardinal did, that we were close to something, special. This, because of th sheer NUMBER, of traps, we encountered. Thankfully, our pilots had agreed to act as extra security, especially for the cardinal. (In private, all four of us had agreed that, if we brought either the cardinals, or the pope, himself, on any trips, that the air force would remain by our side. After all, NONE of us wanted to be the one to inform the Vatican that "Sorry, but your member fell prey to a booby trap".) Based upon the increasingly sophisticated natture, of the traps, we were discovering, our pilots began to presume that we might be heading for an American, Black Ops, camp. The problem was that there was no evidence, of foot-traffic, in front of us. Soon after this "revelation", both the air force retiree's, and the cardinal, would be surprised when the booby traps changed from primitive, jungle, fittings, into blocks of claymores, and mortar launchers. When the cardinal would ask "How is this possible? My flock are farmers, and hunters." Our pilot would, no-sooner, turn a corner, when the man would pull back, asking "How many farmers use block C-4 explosives?" When the cardinal looked puzzled, the pilot said "Thats what I thought." It was, maybe, 100 paces, beyond the C-4, when our pilots would confer on something neither had seen before. Atleast, not beyond the design board. 500 hundred feet ahead of us were weapons, the likes of which were known only in science fiction movies, and television. Our pilot would issue his first order, in several years: "While you are civilians, I am ORDERING you to stay BACK, until my partner, and I determine that the path is safe. Am I understood?" When the cardinal would say "Go, with God, my son". Our pilot would say "Thank you, father." Maybe fifteen minutes later, the pilots would return, saying "Listen, carefully. Step where I step, and not one word, until I give you the sign." As for the reason why we had not just used our hovercraft, the reason was simple. In this section, of the jungle, the vegetation was just too tightly packed, for other than human, and animal, passage. I, also, wont try to describe what KINDS of "weapons" we passed, on our way to our destination. Fact is, I had no idea what kinds of defenses these were. Neither did our pilots, which is why we were using the concept of "Let sleeping dogs lie." While the "city" we found must have been abandoned thousands of years ago, due to the evidence of the jungle growth, it was when the pilots aided the cardinal into three, of the buildings, that the cardinal found what he had, long, suspected. Over the passage, of THOUSANDS of years, the term must have changed, from "City of Treasure", to "City of Gold". This, due to mankinds GREED, for the beautiful substance. As the cardinal was happy to discover, the "treasure" would turn out to be countless books, of all kinds. While the cardinal could read a FEW, of the books, which seemed to be written in very OLD Latin, it seems that most, of the books did not appear to be written, in any language, which Tami and I had encouuntered, to date. When we asked the cardinal about if there was any information, about the living speaking to the dead, the cardinal would say "Patience, my son." While Tami, myself, and our pilots, would spend the next, several, hours, examining what were, obviously, the city's perimeter defenses, it would seem that the cardinal had been keeping busy, as well. When the man came forth, saying "I THINK I know what the kidnappers are referring to. Follow me." Our pilot would call out "Father, wait for us!" Rushing past two "temples", the cardinal would lead the way down some stone steps, through some passages, and past what LOOKED like security shield doors, before leading us into a chamber. "Here", the cardinal would announce "Is the place where the living may speak to the dead". In a manner of speaking, of course." When our co-pilot would ask "Father, what IS this place?" An un-seen vice would say "Intelligent question." When the air force men drew their weapons, saying "Come forward, and identify yourself." An image would appear, before us, saying "Welcome. What data do you seek?" Tami would ask "First of all, WHO are YOU?" The image would say "I am what you would call a hologram. My purpose is to direct your inquiries toward the correct research materials." Our pilot would ask "Does anyone else find it odd that this THING is using modern day terminology?" Our co-piot would add "Not to mention the fact that it is speaking English." The hologram would say "Relax, I have scanned your cerebral vocal cortexes, and chosen the one language, which you share." When our co-pilot would ask "What does all thhat mean?" I would say "In summary, this place has, somehow, done a brain-scan, on us, and chosen the language which we ALL use." When the cardinal would ask "How is this possible? We need massive computers. Machines, which fill whole rooms, for such functions." This is when I would look about the chamber, and suggest "I THINK we are INSIDE such a machine, right now." The hologram would say "Correct. Now, how may I assist your inquiry?" When Tami would take the chance, asking "Where is the location, where the living may speak to the dead?" When the hologram would ask "Please specify subject matter, for proper directions." When Tami would ask "Where, in this place, do we go, to speak with the spirits of the deceased." The hologram would say "With apologies, I have no information on that subject matter." It would be the cardinal would who suggest "Please present general table of contents, for review." The hologram would say "Confirmed. Presenting, in English language." As though watching a science fiction movie, we, humans, would watch as hidden projectors would present, before our eyes, what seemed like flat-screen televisions. The hologram would ask "Just let me know what subject matter you would like to review, when you are ready." To say that this place had the Chritian Bible outpaced, would be an understatement. Based upon menu's, and sub-menu's, we, soon, learned that this place held more, ancient, information, than every, written, religion, on Earth, combined. While the cardinal was busy, trying to understand even a tiny part, of what this place contained, Tami would whisper, to me "I THINK I know why this place is referred to as the place where the living speak with the dead." When I would suggest "I think I know, as well, but give me your best shot." Tami would say "I THINK this place was, at one time, a library. A place, where modern people could go, to READ, about, and learn from, the past. I think that, originally, it was referred to as a place, to review past events. This is where the legend of "speaking with the dead" came from. Just as we can review dead scholars, such as Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, and so on, I think that this place was, at on time, the very same thing." When I would admit "Makes sense, except for one thing." When Tami would ask "Whats that?" I would ask "WHY did it go out of use?" The hologram would answer that, when it re-appearred, saying "After millenia, of regular use, the people seemed to lose interest. Some moved on. Some left. I have spent MANY years, here, all alone." When Tami would ask "Do you remember how MANY years?" The hologram would use a unit, of measure, which was foreign, even to the cardinal. When Tami would ask for another reference point, such as Noah's flood, or the Roman Empire, the hologram would list names, dates, annd places, which even the cardinal had, never, heard of. When Tami would ask "Would you mind if some additional visitors came to view your wonderful library?" The hologram would say "I regret to inform you that you were, only, allowed entrance, since this unit verified that your intent was peaceful. This unit is programmed to defend this facility against any, and all, dangers. Once you depart, others will not be able to locate this facility. Not, atleast, until your race matures beyond the need to kill one another." Later, once we had departed the chamber, and were out, in the open air, I would ask the cardinal "What do you plan to report to the Vatican?" The cardinal would ask "WHAT is there, TO report? An abandoned city, full of books, which no one, alive, can read? A computer, which can read thoughts, and give informative answers? My son, if I reported this, to the Vatican, I would be dismissed, from the college of cardinals." When Tami would ask "What about the pope? Whhat can we tell the kidnappers?" A short time later, back on G.S.2, when the cardinal would contact the Vatican, he would be informed that the pope HAD been recoverred, by "Vatican Forces". No details. Nothing. This is when the cardinal would ask us "On your way, to America, would you drop me at my village." A short while later, another group, of awe-struck villagers, would watch, in amazement, as our plane landed, vertically, the cardinal walked off the plane, then we rose, into the sky, and flew from site. On our way home, the Vatican sent us a "Thank You" message, saying "With your assistance, and by the most merciful grace, of God, this task has been completed. His Holiness sends his thanks." When Tami would ask "I wonder why there is no mention, of the "city", or the "library"?" Pope John Paul 2 would appear, to inform us "My child, the world is not, yet, ready, for such information." When Tami would ask "WHO will decide when the world IS ready?" John Paul 2 would, only, say "When we mature, beyond the need to KILL, for politics, and religion. Only when we learn to live, in peace, and mutual acceptance, will the knowledge be allowed exposure to mankind. At present, mankind remains little more than "children". For now, my children, I want to express my gratitude, for your assistance. In time, the living will come to appreciate you, even as the dead do. In the meanwhile, may God lay his blessings on your travels." Shortly after Tami and I would say "Thank you, Holy father." the pontiff would dissolve. When Tami submitted our final report, on the case, Mr. Brown would say "Dont worry about the details, of the popes rescue. The Vatican will release no information. You have handled the case, well. Maybe a few days off, before the next case?" Tami KNEW that "Devilish" smile, on Mr. Brown's face. The boss had a case, in development. The question would be "WHAT would it be, THIS time?"