THE WEEKENDS

THE WEEKENDS Emily was the first"try me out". She wanted to find out if the rumors, about me, were true. Emily had heard both that I was a writer, and that I was a "hard core" homosexual. While Emily wondered how a man could be declared a "homo", without any real "proof", her first desire was to find out if I, actually, were a writer. With the aid of an ex-boyfriend, Emily "bowed out" of a "date", with her current man, to research my own "talent". If, as she suspected, I was just another of those "wannabe" types. The type, of man, who just TALKS about his plans, for success, then Emily would not even consider allowing me "entry". It was only after both Emily, and her "ex", found, and verified the contents, of my blog, that Emily made her decision. While Emily noticed that, when she brushed against me, that I reacted, as a man, as her move created an erection, now it was time for proof. In order to have me WANT to visit her place, Emily told me that she wanted some "pointers", on what made up a good story. (She, even, offered me a spaghetti dinner, complete with Garlic Bread. This, as an incentive.) What amazed Emily was how I showed up, not just ready to share information, but showing her that I had brought along a toothbrush, for after dinner. While her cooking was not "bad", I must admit that her company made up for anything the food lacked. That, and the fact that, as she snuggled up, to me, I forgot all about the writing tips, and took her into my arms. Within ten minutes, Emily was certain that I was no homo. (No matter WHAT her friends said, or insisted.) While Emily would not trade the sex, from that weekend, for anything, by sunday she had made her decision. Sure, I was a good lover, and had my goals set, for the coming years. The problem was that Emily just did not see herself, as a "spotlight" type of person. She wanted to play the "support role", of lover/mother. This is why, even as her body "ached" for more of me, Emily did, on monday, thank me for the weekend, then closed the door, and sat behind it, glad that I had not asked for a farewell kiss. Later, when Emily heard her friends saying what a homo I was, Emily had asked "Upon WHAT do you base that comment?" When the woman would say "Women just KNOW when men are not REAL men." Emily just smirked at the comment, even as the women gossiped about other men. Men, whom the women were "sure" just HAD to be homosexual. This, for no other reason than that women SAID the men were homo. While Emily was relieved, when I did not ask for more, she did caution Caren, when Caren asked what I was like. When Emily tried to begin by saying "He is more than just a writer wannabe. He is..." and Caren had broken in, asking "How is he, in BED?!" Emily would only smile as she said "Words cannot describe him. He must be experienced." Caren found out just what Emily meant, the following weekend. Between kissing, carressing, and nursing, Caren realized that I was no homo. The girls had it all WRONG. While Caren would never tell ME the reason why she sent me away, on saturday , she did ask Emily "Why didn't you tell me that he was so GOOD, in bed?" When Emily had asked "Would you have believed me?" Caren was re-evaluating how her friends defined "REAL" men. As for the reason why she kicked me out, on saturday, when Emily asked, Caren had said "I dont know if it was the kissing, or the nursing, but, when I began to see myself raising his children, I KNEW it was time to get RID of him." When Emily asked "Just because of a fantasy?" Caren had said "Remember, my mother ignored such a "fantasy", and she ended up raising six of us." When Emily mentioned "Your father?" Caren would say "Didn't see much of him. Always working, to pay the bills." When Diane asked "Who are you talking about?" Emily had said "Just comparing a date, to Caren's father." Since Diane did not want to hear another, of Alices stories, about her father inviting the girl to his bed, while her mother was away, Diane asked "Who is the comparison with?" When Emily mentioned me, Diane would ask "Isn't that the guy I have been hearing about. When he does speak, it is of his stories, and his plans, for the future." Emily would say "That is the man." Diane would ask "Isn't he one of the men whom our "sisters" insist is a homo." Emily would say "If that man is a homo, I am Mother Theresa." Caren would surprise Diane by saying "Ditto, here." When Diane would ask Caren "If he is straight, then WHY did you dump him, after just twelve hours? What was wrong with him?" When Emily would whisper "Caren had a "vision" of the future. A vision, in which she was raising that mans children." Caren would whisper "Six, of them, if you want to be precise." When Diane would ask "What would be wrong with that?" Caren would ask "How exciting can life be? Dirty diapers, feedings, toilet training, homework. All for what? So that the ingrates can walk out, one day, to start the garbage, all over again?" Diane remembered the last time Caren had spoken like this. It was the time when, for, two, full, months, she had considered marrying a suitor. Caren had backed out, and told the man (where to go), after visiting a friend, who was stuck at home, all day, with her youngest, while her man was out "working" to earn money, for the family. (The woman never believed, for a second, that the man was "working". Not even when he brought his pay home.) Caren was determined NOT to spend the best years of her life on a delivery room table. Nor was she willing to spend her best years carrying an infant around. Still, Diane noticed how Caren smiled, when thinking back, over those twelve hours. It was when Emily knew what Diane was thinking that Emily mentioned "He's free, right now, if you are interested." It was after Diane had said "I think that I will", that Diane heard the other women, calling to a departing woman, LOUDLY saying "You will be sorry. He is NOT a man! He MUST be a homo!" Diane had heard the story, before. The women, who said that "REAL" men dont ask. They TAKE! Only homo's ask. Yes, Diane had heard it, all, before. This is why, when the ladies asked Diane over, to sit with them, she declined. Diane KNEW that the women had a list, of "men". A list of who the women insisted were homo. Diane, also, knew that a few of the men, on that "list" had dated friends of hers, and that things had ended, but ONLY after the men proposed. This is why Diane went off to prepare for her own weekend, with me. For Diane, however, it seemed to be not so much about a single weekend. Diane was wondering about, maybe, a full week. As for how she would dress, Diane was prepared to go with basic, city-girl, clothes. That is, until she began reviewing my on-line stories. For reasons, which she could not fathom, Diane decided NOT to go with inner-city looks. Instead, she visited her mother, and sister, trying on her sisters dresses. When mom had said "Sounds serious." Diane had said "maybe." Diane had tried on, maybe, seven, of her sisters dresses, before Diane combined make-up, with the dress, and all three women agreed "Any man who can look away from that is either old, or dead". Since Diane KNEW she was going to regret this date, she wanted to make sure she had FUN, before the regret set in. When Diane invited me over, she noticed that I was as much, into her, as anything. After dinner, soft music lead the way to the bedroom, and to what Diane feared that she would regret. She also found out WHY she would feel regret. Once we got our clothes off, Diane just looked at mine, for a moment, before she realized "He is going to be better than my boyfriend. No question." While Diane and I did take rest breaks, over the weekend, by sunday evening, Diane was asking if I had any plans, for the following week. When I smiled and said "Beyond loving you, I have no plans." Diane kissed me. While it had taken Emily a full weekend, to decide to put me out, and it had taken Caren all of twelve hours, Diane wanted to be sure. Absolutely sure. If Diane gave up her "perfect" life, to become my woman, she wanted to be sure, to the max. When Diane asked her mom "How did you know that you, and dad, would work out?" Mom would, only, say "It takes effort. No free ride. If you care for a person, enough, then it will work." Over the following months, Diane did, in fact, "invest" herself in me. She even watched as her father struggled with his weight control, that I did daily exercises. Maybe I did not weigh much less, but, as Diane could attest, I was firm. She did have to get used to the times, when I ignored her. Still, when I did this, she KNEW I was working on projects. Funny thing was, the very thing, which broke us up, was the SAME thing, which brought us together. Diane had been introduced, to me, by the ebony Emily. A woman who had, proudly, shared her bed, with me, for a full weekend. It was the ebony woman, named Heather, who lead to our break up. When Emily asked Diane "Why are you breaking up with him, over a black woman?" Diane had said "I am not sharing my man, even with a black girl." When Emily would say "I am glad you told me, now, instead of upon the introduction." When Diane would ask "Why?" Emily reminded Diane of a fact. I had spent a full weekend, with Emily, even before I spent the time, with Caren. When Diane insisted "I am RIGHT! I know that I am." Emily would only say "Keep telling yourself that. You might, even, believe it, someday." When Diane noticed that I was in no hurry, to find another woman, she not only asked, but she offered me some "free passes", to her bedroom. This, on the condition that I begin a search, for a new woman. Even when I swore, to Diane, that I had more pressing topics, such as immigration, gun violence, and bicycle security, to think about, all Diane did was remind me "You need a woman, as well." It was after I promised Diane that I would begin looking that I was called about the nation, for various topics. This is when Diane realized that she had made the right move. When I spent months, travelling about, speaking to groups, and gaining support, for topics, Diane was glad she had no part in this. After all, Diane had a "goal", in life. That goal was to take life easy. Thanks to a drug conviction, from three years ago, Diane had what she wanted. A monthly check, and free time, for whatever she wanted to do. Diane had no intention of becoming "Mrs. Innovation".

GRAND MOTHERS VISIT

GRAND-MOTHERS VISIT The morning, when it began was just another morning, as far as Diane was concerned. She had been dreaming about US, and how deeply I had been loving her. She loved this kind of dream. The kind which began with an embrace, and a DEEP, LONG, kiss, and only ended when I was "out of gas". While Diane was proud of the dream, it was not until her senses came, fully, awake that she realized something. This morning, her bed sheets did not smell of US. They smelled of HER. Diane figured that it was just her imagination, but only until she reached out, to the other side of the bed, to find that I was not there. Diane not only wondered where I was, but she wondered why she was dressed in a night gown. Since WHEN did she wear a night gown, when I was staying over? Then, Diane remembered. It was forty-five, aching, days, since she had put me out, of her place. She remembered the reason why. On our final date, Diane had given me a choice: "Either I give you a family, or this is our final date. I want YOUR family." When I had said "In that case, I am taking all I can get." I had been as good as my word. In fact, I drove her, so far, into Heaven, that she kept the pillow over her face, most of the night. (The only way to keep her cries, of passion, from being heard down the block.) After that heavenly night, Diane had given me a final, farewell, kiss (and HOPED she did not ask for another date), then shut the door. The day before, when Diane had told her mother her plans, her mother had warned "Girl, dont make a big mistake." Diane reminded her mother "Its not my mistake. I want some children just as much as grand-mother wants some more children to play with." Still, mother had placed a $20.00 bill on the table, saying "By the end of your date, THIS says that you will invite him back." The next morning, Diane had, almost, had to staple her mouth shut, so as not to invite me back. That had been three months ago, and, just as mother predicted, Diane felt the loss, practically daily. The first part had been looking at her bed, and knowing that it was hers, alone, again. Not that she wanted to be alone. She had just been thinking about children. A subject I, never, discussed, if possible. Diane thought it hilarious when she viewed a "ghost image", of my naked body, in her bed. What she would not give, to suck my cock, just once more. For that matter, she would give just about anything to have me deep inside her body, throbbing. When Diane pulled herself from her fantasy, she went to her dresser, and, without thinking, pulled out one of her maternity bra's. When she noticed that it was no-longer form fitting, but, instead, was too large, Diane had to remember WHY she bought such large bra's. It was because I not only enjoyed nursing, but that SHE enjoyed my nursing, as well. Yes, for nearly three years, she kept her breasts ready, for me. Now that she was, no-longer nursing, her breasts had done exactly what mother predicted. They had gone back to their original size. After a shower (to wash her sex scent off), Diane had gone to her closet, only to find that her jeans, and slip-on tops, were in boxes. This is when Diane remembered something else. She remembered the reason why her "tom-boy" clothes were packed, and dresses, with hair ribbons, filled most of the closet. This was because, when Diane and I were a "couple", she had never felt more like a woman, in her life. Diane even remembered the day, when she, and her mother, went dress shopping. It was the saturday after Diane first allowed me to nurse. That was the day when Diane realized that being a woman was a GOOD thing. Mother and daughter had spent most, of a saturday, trying on dresses. Ironically, while Diane had sworn that she would, never, wear a hair ribbon, again, once she had to pull her hair out of zippers, a few times, Diane had tied her hair, in such a ribbon. This way, fittings felt better, and went faster. Diane remembered the REASON why she began wearing maternity bra's. Not because she was pregnant, but because she enjoyed nursing me. (This is, also, the reason why she had to take maternity vitamins, for my visits) Diane smiled as she thought of how beautiful it was, have my shaft throbbing, deep inside her, while I nursed. The only thing she learned, the HARD way, was how my body reacted to her mothers milk. The more I nursed, the more aggressive Diane found the sex to be. She called it "Heavenly". I called it borderline rape. It, also, was not long before Diane had gone from calling me her "Baby", to calling me "husband", both in, and out, of bed. While, during her years, as a "tom-boy", no one would have gotten Diane into lace panties, or a softly padded bra, while we were together, Diane noticed that she wanted softer material around both her "B" cups, and her pussy. Diane wanted to be a woman. For three years, while we were together, Diane got used to keeping my schedule, since my idea's were becoming so "popular". For three years, she had been my "go to girl", for sex. Diane had LOVED those three years, more than any in recent years. This was because of her grand-mother. A woman who, beyond retirement age, could speak her mind, and face no punishment. Before meeting me, every time Diane saw her grand-mother, the first topic, no matter what man Diane was dating, was "When are you going to find a GOOD man, and give an old lady some children, to play with?" Diane suffered this question, every time grand-mother visited, until we became lovers. For three, beautiful, years, grand-mother no-longer told Diane "Dump that creep, and find a GOOD man." No, while we were dating, grand-mother turned her attention to ME, asking "When are you going to get busy, and give my grand-daughter some children?" (As Diane promised me, her grand-mother meant no harm) During our three years, what bugged Diane was how her family, from her parents, to her sister, and brothers, all wanted to know how soon we would start. To hear them talk, Diane and I were married, already. Boy, had those been three, happy, years. After three years, of being nothing more than my "wife", Diane had said "Enough is enough. I know you love me, as much as I do, you. How about we get serious, and start a family." When I declined, Diane had issued her ultimatum, hoping that I would give in. Now, Diane had a closet, full of dresses, and ribbons, which she did not want. The question was "What do I do, with them?" While Diane had spoken to her closest friends, and had her mother swear an oath, of silence, before being told, mother had asked the one question which Diane had no answer for. "When will you tell your grand-mother?" Diane had thought "Maybe after she is dead. After all, how LONG do seniors live?" Diane, then, had more problems, than she bargained for. For one thing, Diane found that, when she lay in "our" bed, she could hear my voice, saying "I love you." After several, sleepless nights, mother was about to make a suggestion, when she went to Dianes room, and found the girl, fast asleep, in her childhood bed. When Diane awoke, and mother asked "You miss sleeping by his side." Diane would whisper "Dont remind me." Each time, thereafter, when Diane visited the family home, the question was the same. "When are you going to tell grand-mother?" Diane was, still, working on a believable story. One which her grand-mother would believe. It was not until mother would mention "Your grand-mother called. She is coming to visit, next month. I hope you have something to tell her." Diane would think "So do I." Fearing what her grand-mother would think, or worse, say, when she found out, Diane began going through her book of "previous boyfriends". The book in which she listed everything that she HATED, about each guy. Booze, drugs, gambling, skirt-chasing, etc. Which would be the least worst guy? When mother noticed this, she asked Diane "Why dont you take your husband back, just until grand-mother goes home." Diane would respond "Are you kidding? It took me six months to build up the courage, for that last break-up. No way am I letting HIM back in." When mother whispered "You, still, have two weeks. Use them wisely." Diane worked, for three weeks, to find a guy, whom her grand-mother would like. It was not until just over a week, before grand-mothers arrival, that Diane came up with a plan. When Diane asked me to meet her at a local park, I thought it would just be "catch up", or "how are you doing." Maybe a handshake. What I, never, expected was a full-scale, french kiss. After this, we walked to our favorite "Talking place", and Diane lay out the deal, to me. First, however, when I asked about her beautiful breasts, Diane smiled as she said "Thats what happens when my husband does not nurse, for over a month." That day, Diane could not believe how, seven times, she had to make herself stand clear of my embrace. She just felt so comfortable in my arms. When we moved to a "private space", this is when Diane asked "If you have time, I want you to come by our place. I have something I want to discuss with you." When I told her "Any time you are ready." This is how, a short while later, Diane found herself, inside her place, wondering how LONG to let my delicious kiss go on. I knew that the subject had to be important, when she took my hand, and guided me to that bedroom, which I knew so well. I did not have to be told, to ditch my clothes.. Diane had a signal, which meant "Clothes on the floor, body on the bed." When she gave me that signal, I wondered what was coming. What thrilled me was when, once nude, Diane sat on my lap, just so my shaft could feel the HEAT, pulsing from her body. This is when she whispered "Now that I have your full attention." When Diane told me that she had not told her grand-mother, about our break-up, yet, I carressed her as I asked "How can I help?" Diane would say "I want you to pretend that we are, still, very deeply, in love. It will only be until her visit ends. If you agree, then I give you the next full week, of ALL you want. If we can make grand-mother THINK that we are, still, in love, then I will give you another two months, after she returns to the home." When Diane whispered "What do you think?" I whispered "Not much acting, on my part. I, still, love you." (While Diane felt the same, she was not about to SAY so.) While Diane tried to "play it down", to her family, saying "Its just until grand-mother goes home." Diane rolled her eyes, and scrubbed her hair, as her mother, father, sister, and brothers, all agreed "Lets hope it lasts even longer." For the next seven days, Diane just lived a life of "luxury", as endless kissing, carressing, and passionate sex, came her way. Diane even enjoyed placing the pillow over her face, as she cried out, in happiness. By the time grand-mother was due to arrive, I enjoyed seeing Diane smile, as she put on a dress, and placed a ribbon in her hair. I knew I was back in her "good graces", when Diane checked me over, to make sure that I was ready to meet the retiree. Not that her grand-mother intimidated me. If anyone would be considered "intimidating", it was Dianes parents. The people who suggested that Diane would make a great, REAL, wife, for me. I just dont know why but, even before grand-mother arrived, mother smiled, as Diane snuggled up to me. When the retiree came up to me, all she said was "Get busy". For the time, when grand-mother was present, I made sure that Diane felt like a queen. True royalty. I made sure I kept her laughing, and enjoying herself. More than once, back at DIanes place, Diane cautioned me "If you keep this up, that two months may become four, or even six, months." When I smiled, suggesting "How about a year." Diane just smiled. Grand-mother only left, for her retirement place, after I agreed to try to give Diane some children. (If only grand-mother knew what a monstrous home I grew up in) Yes, Diane had the kind of family that everyone dreams of. Still, even after grand-mother went home, mother just kept up on the remembrances. The woman, still, referred to her young as "children". This, despite the fact that none were below legal drinking age. Diane would be the first to remind her mother "You know, that event happened 25 years ago." Dianes siblings would say the same. Still, mother talked about the past, just as grand-mother did. As though each of the events happened, just yesterday. After a day, and evening, of this, Diane and I returned to her place, where, even as she was suggesting "Why dont we say six months, with room for extensions." I countered this with "Why dont we just say that I continue loving you until you throw me out." All Diane could think was "What happens after five, ten, even twenty years passes?" The next morning, Diane smiled as she awoke by my side, again. Soon, we would be as we were, before the ultimatum. Wouldn't you know it, mother would be the first to notice the change, in her daughter. I only noticed it because I watched Diane take the nursing bra's, and lace panties, out of her dresser drawer. Diane just smiled at me. As for her mother, the woman seemed thrilled when Diane showed up, looking every inch a woman. When her mother embraced her, Diane would say "Mother." When her mother released Diane, the girl would say "You have seen me, like this, hundreds of times. Why do you make such a fuss?" Mother would say "I, still, keep out the hope." Diane kept out the hope, as well. Just as I worked on national issues, and worked to pass the bicycle tracking system, not just for city-owned bicycles, but for ALL bicycles, she worked on keeping me healthy, and on schedule. The night, when Diane wondered if the end was near was the night when, as she looked out her bedroom window, she remembered the first time. Her boyfriend, that "filthy pig", had stroked himself up, then called Diane over, just to shoot on her face. After he complimented his own performance, I followed Diane to the bathroom, and waited, while she cleaned up. After that, I asked her aside, whispered "Just so you know, you are very beautiful." When Diane had smiled, and said "Thanks", then tried to move beyond me, I held her just enough to say "I am going to kiss you. If you dont like it, just tell me. Got it?" Diane smiled as she said "Got it." The problem, which started that evening, was when Diane realized how much she was enjoying the kiss, and how she wished it would not end, soon. Diane remembered that the kiss only ended when she realized that, during the kiss, she had been rubbing herself against my clothes, hard enough, to cause major arousal. After the kiss, Diane had whispered "I cant send you out, like that. People would know." When I whispered "Any suggestions?" Diane whispered "Not a word, about this, to my man, got it?" Moments later, Diane remembered seeing my shaft, and wishing it belonged to her. When I whispered "Its all yours. Enjoy yourself." Diane had wondered "Why couldn't I have said "Suck my dick, bitch?."" After the first time did not make a "dent", in my arousal, Diane remembered how she had mouthed, and tongued, both my shaft, and my balls. All in the hope of a better climax. While the second was better than the first, Diane still faced a problem. A stiff dick. At this point, there was only one thing left to do. Taking me to a vacant bedroom, Diane had taken off her clothes, just as she instructed me to do, then she just PRAYED that she was right. When she took me, deep inside, she just did not know what to do, when I began carressing her. That, and nursing her breasts. While she had planned to "ride me", to one, or two climaxes, she found herself under my body, and my power, as she dug her nails into my flesh, as I pumped her, over and over. While her boyfriend was lucky if he had three times, in his pants, Diane had been impressed that I had enough that I brought HER over climax. In fact, by the time I was finished, she slapped me, saying "Thats for being my best lover, in years." When I mentioned "Glad I was not your worst." Diane wondered how long it would take her, to get over me. She remembered that, when HIM, and his friends, met, the ladies provided food, and beer, then left the men alone. HE did not want Diane close, if he were not fucking her. With me, when Diane tried not only providing me food, and drink, but some snuggling, as well, she knew she was in trouble, when I brought her into my lap, kissed her, then let her stay by my side, for as long as she wanted. Diane knew, at that point, that her life was about to change. The real "damage" happened, when HE left the state, and Diane, behind, for a full month. While Diane had asked no one, in particular, "What am I going to do, for a full month." When Diane saw my look, then whispered "No way." All I did was ask "What could it hurt?" A month, of me, was all Diane needed, to know where her heart lay. While she did not mind an occassional "spray", on her face, she preferred to swallow, or to have it pumped into her. This is what had lead to our three year romance, and break up.

SPRINGFIELD ILLINOIS: THE CITY THAT W A S

SPRINGFIELD ILLINOIS: THE CITY THAT W-A-S In the years, followng the closing of the North Grand Avenue Aldi's, as well as North Grand Avenue Walgreens, then Shop and Save, the concern, over the north ends future, began to be placed in an un-wanted spotlight. While the Springfield City Council would, openly, state "There are PLENTY of grocery stores, which remain open, across Springfield", what the city council FAILED to mention was the cost, of transport, for bringing groceries from more distant points. While the future, of even Recycled Records, remained very much in doubt, local churches would try to do what they could, for their members. This would include making sunday, shuttle buses available, during the week, for members. Now, while it was a widely accepted fact that churches "write off" fuel, and other maintenance costs, as non-profit, this long-time practice came under serious scrutiny, once the feds heard that churches were shuttling members, "just" to buy groceries. When churches were asked to itemize sunday shuttle costs, versus grocery shopping costs, churchs found that the feds would NOT re-pay costs, for shuttling members, "Just to buy groceries". While a voucher system was concidered, by the city, as a way to make cab rides more "accessable", the problem was that even the cab companies remembered how much trouble that vendors had with atleast the last seven, voucher, systems. While the government "promised" "prompt payment", locals had heard this, before, as well. In fact, atleast three service companies were required to terminate operations, after waiting for as long as five YEARS, for payments, which never came. After five years, with no payments, vendors stopped providing supplies. With the closing, of Shop and Save, North Grand Avenue, several, small, local, businesses, which relied on Shop and Save customers, for business which the grocery store did not carry, had to announce either that they were LEAVING the north end, or closing, completely. During this period, all that the city council would say was "Give it TIME. EVENTUALLY, the city will spring back, on its own." Business, however, was not "buying this", not any more than citizens were. This is why the city council had to issue ORDERS, that the media NOT cover any additional, store closings. This because, all along North Grand Avenue, more and more buildings were listed as "For sale or lease". The ONLY reasons, which kept McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, CVS, and two, fuel sattions, operating, was the fact that state workers, at the E.P.A. building needed these services. As more "Closed" signs went up, along North Grand Avenue, even local citizens "got the message". Soon, "For sale or Lease" signs began appearing all over the north side. It would be a defiant journalist, who would remind the city council "The people, of Springfield Illinois, have been hearing this line, of "Give it TIME, and the situation WILL correct itself. We just need MORE time." After the journalist would remind the public "We have been hearing this, for forty YEARS. HOW much LONGER will we have to wait?" The Springfield City Council made certain that the reporter was fired, within forty eight hours. The Springfield City Council, also, ordered that the bicycle-tracking program be retracted. This, after the city council learned that a PRIVATE citizen had the idea, and made it public, FIRST. It must be admitted that Mel-O-Creme Donuts, and Sams Italian Pizza "saw the light", and vacated the area, while business values remained high. Family Dollar, and Dollar tree, would be the next to go, since owners saw what was coming, and closed doors, while property retained its value. Subway, also, would, soon, close its doors, even as its neighbors began posting "Closing Dates". While the North End was dissolving, the city council defiantly focused on the properous, west, and south, sides. The city council was determined to say "If these neighborhoods can survive, there is NO reason why other neighborhoods will not survive, as well." The more store closings, which spread as far north as Sangamon Avenue, and south, to Carpenter Street, and private homes, for sale, the more the Springfield City Council INSISTED "There is NO problem. The city is fine, and strong.", the more voters began to wonder. In a move, which caused wide-spread LAUGHTER, among the general public, the city council actually began a "beautification program", on the north side. Not only were sidewalks repaired, and streets re-paved, but the city actually spent a reported, but not verified, $750,000, on planting TREE'S, along North Grand Avenue. That, and another $500,000, on decorative street lights. The one expense, which no one could verify, was the cost of the new, holiday, street decorations. The same kind used in the downtown. Some sources say that the city council bought out a bankrupt, party supply, store, while other stories said the decorations cost up to $5 million. What was known to be fact was that, even with these "projects" being furnished, even more homes went up, for sale, as more businesses closed. As families departed the area, class size, at Lanphier High School, would drop to the point where less that one-quarter of the building was in use. Since the high school was not built to modern standards, and the un-used sections could not be closed off, from heating and air conditioning, District 186 would make the decision. Since another section, more-or-less close by, was seeing LOSS, of enrollment, as more families moved out, the district would order all, remaining, Lanphier, students transferred to the other high school. Caritas Bingo Hall was no dummy, either. By the time Lanphier was closing down, Caritas was, actively, seeking, bids, for its property. While Northender Package Liquor would see a slight increase, in revenue, while people drowned their sorrows, in booze, once the "feeling" wore off, Northender would be the next business, to announce imminent closure. In another, desperate, attempt, to keep the north end alive, the city actually demolished abandoned businesses, and put in park spaces. The city council actually thought that a few tree's, and flowers, would bring people BACK to the north end. When only the homeless seemed interested, in the "parks", the city voted to turn the parks into parking lots. The campaign would be "Now, with more than ample parking, for business, and customers. Come to the north end." While no one knows exactly WHO it was, it seems that, as land values plummetted, the same thing happened, in Springfield, which happened, in Peoria, in the early 1980's. Someone came into town, began buying up land, and making it known that the north end would be "re-developed", as a "paradise", for the wealthy. Even Memorial Behavioral Health was told to re-locate its North End "trash". This would mean finding replacement housing, for over 100 people, all of whom needed LOW-priced housing. While the developer made their point clear, by demolishing any vacant properties, directly adjacent to occupied properties, the problem would be that, for one thing, there was no local property available. The second problem was that most landlords did not want people moving in, who had to have case-managers pay bills, for them. It was as the north side began a mass exodus, from the city, hoping to start new lives, elsewhere, that the Springfield City Council was faced with a problem, which had not been computed for. As the north end vacated, rumors began to spread, across town. Rumors, that the north end was just the "start". Soon, the city council found itself faced with rumors, that the whole CITY was being re-developed. While the city council "promised" that these were no more than rumors, even more "For Sale" signs went up, and families, and businesses, prepared to move. By the time Springfield Illinois was re-developed, into a paradise, for the super-wealthy, the developer found they had two problems on their hands. First of all, the local work-force had moved elsewhere. This meant no cheap, local, labor. Second, no matter how fancy the place was, it seems that the super-rich did not want to come to a working class town. Ofcourse, the developer was out only $500,000. The other $4 BILLION, was investor money. In the end, all that the Springfield City Council was left with was a quarter-finished resort, nearly 100 square miles, of abandoned land, and a few federal, state, and local, government, offices. Even the convenience stores had left town. Thanks to urban renewal, and the New World Order (among other forces), Sringfield Illinois would become the "City-that-once-was". Its population had moved on, and its "paradise" just a group, of empty, dark, buildings. Buildings, in a dead city. A dead city, where no one wanted to live, anymore. Yes, the New World Order was a total success!

THE HAUNTING PAST MYSTERY OF THE INHERITANCE

THE HAUNTING PAST: MYSTERY OF THE INHERITANCE With the Brown Agency up, and running, again, Mr. Brown would ask Tami and I to review a client request. From the contents, of the case-file, it seemed possible that our client MIGHT have been descended from a history, of privateers. According to the file, the man was more interested in learning IF he did, indeed, descend from a line, of pirates. This case would start out like so many of our past cases had. So little evidence, to start out with. What Tami noticed, immediately, was how UN-concerned the man was, in the stories/rumors/legends, that his ancestor had horded gold, Spanish Dubloons, and so on, in what was, vaguely, described as a "vast treasure". A "treasure", which was whispered about, but for which there was no HARD evidence, to prove the existance. When Tami asked WHY we were being assigned, to this case, Mr. Brown would say "While I place no value in such stories, there are those, who believe, both in this "treasure", and in the route, to it. Stories, of the dead, guarding the pirate treasure. IF it turns out to be true, that spirits are involved, in this case, I want my two, best, investigators involved." When Tami would ask "I thought the client was, primarily, interested in proving his ancestry. If that is the case, why not allow our resident Geneologist review the case?" Mr. Brown would say "The WEALTH, of stories, about pirates, and spirits, has the client "spooked". His request is that our agency do the preliminary "leg work". This, until the stories, of ghosts, can be debunked. Once the client feels that it is safe, he will take over the review." By the time Tami and I agreed to take the case, another set, of stories, was being evaluated. According to THESE stories/rumors, it was being claimed that not only did the privateers "take" young girls, for "personal pleasure", then to be sold, once men tired of the girls, however, this case had the kind of "twist", which Tami LOVED. The kinds, of stories, concerning how, while husbands were off, sailing the high sea's, with their crews, that wives, left behind, took the womens own brothers (and, sometimes, their own sons), as lovers. Tami LOVED the thrill, of proving that stories, of Incest, were nothing more than stories. Tami remembered one story, which never failed to give her a laugh. The story, of a woman who, while her husband was away, for over ten years, so she had taken her son as her lover. This story, Tami had invested three, full, weeks, of research, in order to verify that the "son"/"lover" was, actually a hired hand. While the woman invited the UN-related man, to her bed, for several years, Tami had, also, learned the "source", of the incest story. Tami's research showed that the worker was not, in fact, much older than the womans own sons. This is how a joke had grown, into gossip, then into legend. The joke began when locals began comparing the womans lover, to her sons. When a few patrons, of a local bar, began asking "If she wants a YOUNG man, why doesn't she just take one of her own sons, as her lover?" When this was followed by "I wouldn't be so sure that she hasn't." As a result, the rumors, of Incest, were born. As Tami's researrch would, soon, discover, the worker, and the pirates wife, had been "exclusive". This is why the one thing the privateer had not counted upon, during his travels, was that his wife would bond, with another man. (Correction: A YOUNG man.) When the privateer returned home, to find his wife, with another man, the privateer declared his wife a "whore", and ordered both his wife, and her lover, OUT, of the main house. What the privateer was not ready for, and what shocked him, was what happened, next. The young adults, whom he had sired, joined their mother, and her lover, when the elders walked out, on the privateer. This "family", then, moved into a summer house, which the wife had ordered built, for her husbands retirement. IF local history held any truth, it seems that the privateer, openly, accused his wife, of Incest. The privateer would claim that this would be the ONLY reason why his sons would abandon their father, for another man. History records that, while locals were skeptical, when the privateer claimed that his daughters departed, with their mother, and her lover, that this could only have happened had his daughters become the young mans whores. History, also, recorded that, the times, when locals kept their distance, from the privateer, were the times when the privateer got drunk enough that he had spoken of his hope that HE would be the first man, whom his daughters had sex with. History said that, when the privateer got this drunk, he would stagger out of the local bar, and stagger, until he fell into the nearest ditch. (Locals would let the man "sleep it off", in the ditch.) Once Tami began "peeling back the layers", and the centuries, all that she found, at the core, of the case, was that, while the privateer went to sea, for many years, that his wife HAD taken a lover. History also made no note of the wife producing any further children, beyond her husbands. Add in the fact that, by the time the privateer returned "home", that his pre-teen children had become near to adulthood, it was no wonder that the privateers children ignored the privateers ravings. As for the question of whether the "family" had been ORDERED out of the house, or if they departed the house, voluntarily, that was one, un-solved, mystery. What history does record is that, upon returning "home", to a place, which had become dark, and dreary, without the family around, it seems that the privateer hung up his cutlass, then travelled to the wine celler. Allegedly, in this space, the man drank himself to death. Now, Tami wondered HOW the new client would "take it", IF his past turned out to be just as "dark". While Tami began the search, of family history, I had taken on the challenge, of verifying the truth, about the "treasure". The results were the usual. Some legends said there was more money, hidden, by the privateer, than there was, gold, in Fort Knox. Other stories claimed the privateer drank himself, first into debt, THEN to death. As to the reason why Tami and I did not file a flight plan, for almost a month, was because this was how LONG it took, just to seperate fact, from fiction. As a result, I understood why the client came to the Brown Agency. For one thing, while nearly ALL people, born, in the United States, in the 20th century, had birth certificates, the problem, always, began, once an investigation reached back, farther than 1899. The reason was simple. In the earlier centuries, births, marriages, annd deaths, were recorded NOT on official documents, but inside family bibles. For Tami and I, this is where the "fun", always, began. The farther back we delved, into the past, the more faded ink we found. As a result, it would take us 25 days JUST to find out WHERE to begin. (I just wonder what the late privateer, John Slatherton, would have thought had he known that, only a century after his death, his "secret port/harbor" had become part of a municipal, sewage, system. His chests, of ill-gotten booty, had been transferred to a university, for study.) As to how this "part", played into our clients file, that was easy. Slatherton was the last man to sail, with the clients alleged ancestor. It was Tami's hope that, IF the man left a journal behind, this could tell us something about the man. As Tami's research would turn up, history claimed that, while Slatherton WANTED to be buried, with his journal in his pocket, the book, somehow, made its way into a local, curiosity shop. Here, it had remained, until a professor, making a chronicle, of pirates, found, and purchased, the journal. Since Mr. Blue KNEW the professor, Mr. Blue cautioned Mr. Brown "Since the professor is a research major, we wont get by with the line "taking a dusty, old, book, off your hands, for $5.00." When Mr. Brown would ask "How hard a bargain will he go for?" Mr. Blue would say "The man KNOWS antiques, and their value. I recommend that we budget for a "top end" price, of $25,000. If the professor will go, for less, all-the-better." Twenty-four hours later, Tami and I were off, jetting BACK into California. Ofcourse, the state had provided us with ample warning, about the sewers. While the tunnels had been built, to 20th century codes, the codes had been revised, many times, since then. Now, the old sewer had a new problem. Due to Earth movements, and cave-ins, the sewer had been reduced to 20% efficiency. This, while the state was deciding if they should "throw" billions, of dollars, at rehabing the sewer, or just set charges, blow it up, and start over. Maybe 50-75 years, before either Tami, or I had been born, Slathertons remains had been dug out (by accident), around the area, where the sewer was being built, I was thankful that the journal was, never, anywhere near the sewers. After G.S. 2 set down, on a university sports field, Tami and I went to see the professor. The man we met, turned out to be all that Mr. Blue had spoken of, and much more. The professor turned out to be intelligent, canny, and shrewd. So much so that, in fact, he had prepared a "cliff-notes" version, of the journal, for anyone interested. When Tami asked the professor "What is in the journal which is NOT in the notes?" The professor would say "Personal notes, about women, weather, ship-mates, and so on. The official version, of the journal, is in the "notes". The more personal information is NOT." This is when the barter tips, which Tami's sister, Crystal, had taught Tami, came in handy. As Crystal had informed Tami "NEVER ask anything like "How much will you accept, or settle for. Also, never bid too low. These make sellers both suspicious, and hostile." Now, Tami put Crystals advice to work, on the professor. This, by asking "What is the opening bid?" When the professor would suggest "I KNOW you are doing research, and that the journal will aid in this search. How about we open the bidding at $1,000." When Tami would ask to EXAMINE (NOT LOOK at), the journal, the professor brought it out, and showed us five pages, of handwritten notes. This is when, remembering Mr. Blue's words, Tami would say "I bid $2,000." This is when the professor would ask "Just for the record. Will this be cash, or money order?" Tami would promise "Wire transfer. As soon as we have the journal, in hand, the transfer will be made." This is when the professor would surprise Tami, by saying "If Mr. Blue trusts you, then so do I. My bid is $3,000." Since Tami knew our "budget" was limited to $25,000, she suggested "My bid is $3,500." When the professor would suggest "My bid is $4,000", Tami astonished me by saying "My closing bid is $5,000." Just as Crystal had predicted, the professor took a moment to think, then said "Why not. Closing bid accepted." The professor would, then ask "By the way, WHERE did you learn how to bid?"" When Tami said "My family", The Professor would say "Impressive." Mr. Brown was as good as his word. Once I scanned a few pages, and these were transmitted, to the main office, where an expert ruled them "authentic", the professor watched, as the transfer went through. (Mr. Brown added his compliments, for keeping the price so reasonable) After this, Tami spent days, just reviewing the journal. Now, Tami was reading up on Slathertons time, with the "senior" pirate. This, while I continued hunting for more evidence, of either the treasure, or the spirits. Anything, beyond such vague references as "incredible", and "fantastic". I was looking for an inventory. A list, of goods. Thankfully, after having spent the past few years around the spirits, of more than a few sailors, Tami knew many, of the basic "codes", which buchaneers used, to avoid arrest, over human cargo. Tami knew which entrees to skip. I, however, was not so lucky.. The internet contained many a general reference tool, for researchers to use, in examining documents. No real documents. As a result, I went BACK to libraries, and special collections. It would be Crystal, who came through, again, for us. It seems that a man, who collected sailing ship models, wanted one of Crystals mentors glass replica's. When the master artist quoted a price, the purchaser offered a trade. When Crystals mentor opened the book, and Crystal saw what was written within, her mentor had closed the book, then told the purchaser "Go, find an antique book store, to sell it to." Crystal had, then, gone "out, on a limb", suggesting, to her boss "If the purchaser agree's to hand over the book, you can take the ships price out of my salary." The mentor said "Very well, sir. The ship is yours." The mentor then whispered, to Crsytal "I HOPE you know what you are doing." Crystal thought "So do I." Soon after Crystal presented the book, which turned out to be a ships ledger, to Tami, and Tami scanned a few pages, to Mr. Brown, our boss took one look, at the scans, and even before professional authentication was started, Mr. Brown told Tami, and Crystal "A bargain, no matter the price. I will wire the funds to your boss, within the hour." Crystal breathed a sigh of relief. Mr. Brown had just saved her three YEARS worth of commissions. When I saw the ledger, it was like a dream come true. It was not just ANY ledger. It was the ledger, of the ships called "Fiery Tiger". The ship, our clients ancestor, supposedly sailed on. While the ink was faded, a trip, to Mr. Blacks tech shop, produced clear images. Trouble was that, the closest that we could find, to a "direct link", between the privateer, and our client, were the "bills of lading", for supplies, which the privateer, supposedly, delivered to the mans ancestor. Another "link" was an alleged "attack", on one of the clients ancestors daughters. Now, whether it was a date, or rape, no, two, sources agreed. All that was known was that, AFTER the "event", the privateer was banned, from making port, for a year. After making a search, of church records, Tami was confident to say "No harm came of it. NO un -explained/un-expected hospital visits, within the following year." Still, the ledger DID say that the privateer delivered massive cargoes, to the clients ancestor. At this point, in the investigation, Tami and I would have been open, both to Heavenly, and spiritual, assistance. Now, sure, Tami and I were not off, chasing spirits, at this time, but the challenge was just as real. Still, this left the question: HOW did the ledger "tie" our client, to a privateer? About the ONLY thing, which the Brown Agency COULD confirm was that no human cargo had been delivered, to the ancestor. Contraband rum, cloth, ceramics, and so on. According to a most unusual agreement, the sailing ships would bring in North Atlantic fish (which had been salted, enroute). The agreement was for the ancestor to pay $10.00 per pound, of fish. Now, in those days, $10.00 was worth about what $1,000 is worth, today. Still, the ancestor paid the price, then resold most of the fish, to local inn's, for $20.00 per pound. Still, the inn's made a profit, by selling the fish, to customers, at $30.00 per pound. This was , still, $50.00 less, per pound, than what the royal fleet charged, in taxes, on fish, imported from Europe. Even with this information, there was no clear tie, between the men. There were plenty of stories, but no proof. One story, which Tami "chased" across three generations, was that of the daughter, of the ancestor. A young woman who, supposedly, ran off, with a sailor. Tami "chased" the story, from the girl, suposedly being "bewitched", by her "suitor", and the family cutting her off, from all finances. From what Tami could discover, the trail began, at the family property, and moved forward, in time. Rumor had it that, before the girl ran off, she, supposedly, stole anything, that her family would not miss, right away. After her family threw her out, the girl, and her suitor, took the money, and started new lives. The suitor married the girl, then took a job, working at a boat yard. The couple would raise eight children. Then something happpened. Tami would have to report that, after just forty-five years, together, the entire family just "vanished". The closest thing, to a clue, that Tami could find, to the peoples fate, was a rumor that the family was so outraged, that the girl did not "run back home", that the family, allegedly, got a mob together, killed the family, and burned their property, to the ground. The only piece, of supporting evidence, for this story, was that a piece of land was burned out. dispatches, from across the countryside, stated that the land had been burned to a cinder. IF the family had been present, when the property was burned, there was no evidence, or any record, at all, of any burials. It would be Crystal who came through, for us, again. It would seem that Crystal had been invited, to show her creations, at some, national, exhibition. Crystal would not have thought anything, of the talk, going on, around her. That is, not until she heard some "historians" telling customers about the story, of how a young woman had changed the heart, of a young sailor. IF what Crystal was hearing, was true, it would seem that a sailor had been in the process, of starting his own project, when his eye caught the sight, of a beautiful, young woman, on the shore. Legend says that, after just a few picnics, the sailor decided to give up his dream, of being a sea-farer, sold his boat supplies, and invested in a failing, boat-building business. The sailor, and the community, KNEW why the business was failing. The reason was simple. Everytime the owner got money, from a boat sale, he got so drunk that he was no good, for weeks. As a result, locals were paying extra costs, for having boats built, and repaired, farther away from the village. IF history were true (Crystal suggested that we verify what she was hearing, prior to making any decisions), then the young man had taken his money, from the supplies sale, and paid off the ship-builders drinking debts. This, in return for the ship builder signing over his lease, to the business. If what Crystal reported were true, it seems that customers, across the nation, DID want her products. Some were willing to trade stories, of ancestors, for some of her crafts. What surprised Crystal was leaving her hometown, with just enough money to pay for transport, meals, and lodgings, yet returning to town, with $50,000. That, and a notebook, full of information, which she had written down, from conversations, among collectors. Once the information was reviewed, and found to be legitimate, Tami offered to let Crystal join us, in the hunt. After all, it WAS Crystals notes, which provided the "link" between our client, and the privateer. Not surprisingly, Crystal backed out, saying "The two of you may enjoy chasing spirits, but not me. I enjoy the LIVING. I am in no rush to join the afterlife." Tami and I understood the womans reasons. After all, it HAD been one of Mr. Browns contacts, which had discovered the suppressed reports that ships, sailing in a certain area, were being attacked, with increasing violence. Before take-off, since our pilots were hearing stories, that the attacking boats were using some sort of flame-thrower, mounted in the bow, of the ship(s), our pilots suggested a combination of shrapnel, phosphorescent, and explosive-tipped, ammo, for G.S.2's turrets. IF the attacking boats WERE built, of wood (as witnesses stated), then this ammo would either set the ships on fire, or sink them. The ONLY reason why Tami and I decided to go after the attackers, was because witnesses were reporting that atleast one, of the attacking ships, was named "Fiery Tiger". IF this information turned out to be accurate, then this left the question of: Where had the ship been moored, for the past centuries? How had it been provisioned? Our pilots were the first to remind us about the fake, Viking, long-ship. The one, which had mounted a thirty calibur machine gun, in its bow. Since a group had gone to so much trouble, to make a submersible look like a Viking ship, then was it beyond reason that someone might have built a modern version, of a sailing ship? It was as we were nearing the danger area that a female spirit appearred, aboard G.S.2. When Tami took the lead, asking "May we help you?" The woman would say Take heed. All is NOT as it seems. There are those, who would tarnish my husbands image, if given the chance." When Tami would ask, the woman would say "You may not know this, but my family were even more prideful than even I expected. I just never dreamed of what they were capable of." When Tami would say "Let me guess. When their "little girl" would not "run home", after meeting a strange man, your family decided that you needed to be "taught a lesson". Your family burned your home down, as a warning, to anyone else, who might challenge family authority. What I want to know is WHAT did they do, with your remains? The reports list no finds, or funerals." The spirit would inform us "Most of your conjecture is true. My family did consider me a "little girl", even when I was in my twenties. By the time my father "cut me off", I had joined the value, of the items, which I took, from the family home, with what my fiance had. Result, by that time, the boat business was thriving, again, and I could not care, less, about the family's money." When I would ask "What about the fire. WHY were no bodies found?" The spirit would say "This was because, at the time, when my family burned the property, we were away, on a trip." When Tami would ask "What KIND of trip?" The spirit would say "My husband made enough money, building ships, that the story, of his taking over the boat yard spread. Investors wanted to know if my husband had, in fact, madee a deal, to swap ownership, of the boat yard, for my husbands paying off his bar tab.." When Tami would ask "How did THAT go, I mean, with the former owner?" The spirit would say "While the man was sober enough to KNOW that he was signing his property away, he was opposed to the fact that, now, he was on salary. Once my husband placed a limit, on the mans "credit", at the local bar, the man actually tried to raise thee money, to buy the business back." When Tami would ask "Why do you say "TRIED?" The spirit would say "The man could not stay sober, long enough to earn the money. A few times, he came close, but all a friend had to do was invite him to a party, and there went his savings." When I would ask "IF you were away, at the time, of the fire, HOW did you learn of it?" The spirit would say "A pony express rider. The man brought news, of the fire, along with messages, about prospectors, posing as investors, and trying to buy land, as cheap as possible." When Tami would ask "Did you visit your property, to verify the fire?" The spirit would say "One of our neighbors encountered us, on the road, and showed us some photo's. We KNEW it was our house. Our neighbors urged us to leave town. It seems that my father was determined to have his "little girl" back, no matter what the cost." When I would ask "Did he mention why?" The spirit would say "My father spread the word that, IF he could bring his "little girl" home, he had plans to marry me off, to the head of a shipping line." When Tami would say "Wait a second. If you are, already married, a simple search, of registered marriages, would have roven that you were, already, married." The spirit would ask "WHAT ARE "registered marriages"?" Tami would say "These are documents, filed with the local court house. The computers are linked, and marriages, births, and even deaths, are registered, within minutes of the fact." The spirit would say "It sounds most impressive, but I do not remember any such documents. By the way, WHAT is a "com-pu-ter? What kinds of "links" are these. Metal, or wood?" This is when Tami would have to apologize, for using modern day terms, with a spirit, who lived in the age before computers even existed. By the time Tami had spent some time interviewing the spirit, we had learned that, at one time, the womans husband had, in fact, SAILED on the Fiery Tiger. "My husband wanted to find out what life, on the water, would have been like." When Tami asked "What happened?" the spirit would say "It seems that six months, just travelling up, and down, the colonial coasts, was enough to prove that my husband did not have the "nerve" for the open sea. You see, my husband left port, at a healthy 250 pounds, yet, by the time he returned, he weighed only 160." While I continued searching records, for the Fiery Tiger, Tami had verified that the privateer, Slatherton, had, in fact, made several trips, with contraband, to the man who was our clients ancestor. The spirit mentioned "My husband told me, upon his return to health, that the man, in question, was much more stout than many. Anytime the waters were too tough, for the ship to make land-fall, the purchaser would bring his OWN boat out, to the ship, and un-load goods, along with a small, but courageous, crew. The man was a good sailor and, while he never mocked King Neptune, he was known to challenge storms to TRY and sink his boat." Now, Tami was beginning to "get the picture". A stout man, un-afraid of ill-winds, would bring a boat, out of safe harbor, to un-load his purchases, from a freighter. A man would could, EASILY, have been a life-long privateer, yet who was most at home, on dry land. As for the story, of the mans wife having taken a lover, it seems that this, too, was just gossip. The result, of locals, who got drunk, then placed bets, saying that, IF the merchant HAD chosen to go to see, there were men, willing to take his place, in his wifes bed. That is, IF the man had gone to sea. Once the spirit made a few more connections, for us, Tami realized that our clients ancestor had not been a privateer, at all. In fact, the man had been a most successful businessman. While he HAD sold salted fish, and other contraband, and he DID keep a wine cellar, the spirit would say "He was no fool. He kept his wine, and aged it, until people met his price. With the profits, from his goods, the man did, in fact, buy up the majority of the county. Had people paying him rents. As for HOW he died, the best that I can say is that it was told that the man died, in his own bed, sometime after his wife died. They were a close couple, you see." I just wonder how disappointed our client would be, knowing that he was descended from a merchant, and not from a privateer. When Tami asked about the lands, the spirit would say "They remained in the family, for generations, until the last of the children left home. With no one left, to pay the taxes, or keep the land, the local governor put the place up for auction." It was at about this time when our pilot would conatct us, over the comm, saying "Danger zone, coming up. Unless your new friend has some advice, I suggest that we prepare for battle." When the spirit would ask "Where can that voice be originating? I can see no one except us, three." When Tami would, briefly, say "That was our pilot. He is in the cockpit." When the spirit would ask "What is this cock-pit?" Tami would say "That is an area, in the front of our plane, where our pilots navigate from." When the spirit would ask "Wht is an airplane? What is the "front" of this device?" While Tami realized that this woman was from the day, LONG BEFORE Orville and Wilbur Wright took flight, for the first time. This is when I would "but in" I would ask the spirit "What can you tell me about the weapons, which the Fiery Tiger mounted?" The spirit would say "To my knowledge, the ship carried cannon. Maybe ten, in all. She was, after all, a freighter, not a warship." When I would ask "Do you know if the ship carried any hoses, for melting ice?" The spirit would ask "Why would a coastal freighter need such a device?" When Tami would mention "The logs show that the ship carried North Atlantic, salted, fish, to the port. If they sailed the North Atlantic, HOW did they keep from being iced over?" The spirit would say "I know nothing of such things. I just know that, after six months, in coastal waters, my husband decided that he ws not meant for the sea." When Tami would ask "Can you think of anyone, past or present, who WOULD want to make it LOOK like the Fiery Tiger, was armed?" After G.S.2 would find a safe location, to set us on the ground, the air force retiree's would begin one of the most boring jobs, in any, military, service. That, of running a "grid-search", over the alleged, attack area. Maybe, I should not use the word "alleged" since boats had sent out S.O.S. signals, and people, and debris, were pulled in, by the coast guard. The coast guard, however, was not prepared to believe in wooden-hulled frieghters, plying the waters. Especially not when reported armed, with flame-throwers. While G.S.2 did its best, with the local waters, Mr. Brown would vide-link, with us, saying "Mr. Blue has checked on sales, of any flame equipment, from New York, to Cuba. Nothing out of the ordinary. Some missing equipment, but nothing large enough to outfit a ship with. Investigators are, still, combing the records. Th main line of thought, at this time, is that the equiment was mis-placed, or just mis-filed." When a male spirit appearred, looked at G.S.2, and said "That looks fun! Mind if I try it?" The female would say "Husband, have you forgotten that you get sea sick?" The man would say "My love, that THING, whatever it is, is skimming above the water." I would mention "That THING, as you call it, is our airplane. It is looking for a ship." When the man asked "What KIND of ship? I have many, in stock." His wife would say "They are not looking to BUY a boat. they are looking for a boat, which "breathes fire"." Then she would ask Tami "Is that the correct word?" Tami would say "Close enough." Her husband would say "If it "breeathes fire" then it is NOT one of my boats, for certain." When Tami would ask "What about copies, of your boat. Could a copy hold a flame device?" The man would scratch his spectral head. Whoever the people were, who were in control of the copy-cat boat, they were either stupid, or just thinking that retired, military, people were just too slow, to react to the sudden appearance of an intruder. Boy! Did they get a lesson, within just a few days of G.S.2's arrival. The day was calm, and the water was like a sheet of fabric. As a result, our pilots kept a close watch, as pleasure boaters, sailed forth. Our co-pilot would, no-sooner mention "What a day, for an attack. Clear, for targetting. Calm conditions, to keep weapons stable. What more could they..." and with that, our pilots went on "instant alert", as the copy-cat did, in fact, make an appearance. While the air force RUSHED G.S.2 into readiness, Tami would listen, then ask "Why dont I hear any engines?" It was after I asked "What do you mean?", that I realized that the boat was travelling AGAINST the wind. How could a boat do this, without engines? While G.S.2 flew into action, chasing after the ship, our pilots encountered a familiar problem. No matter which electronic, targetting system, which they activated, the planes computers did not lock on the target. The pilot could SEE the ship, but the computers said "Theres NOTHING there." After the attacker rammed a pleasure boat, our co-pilot took manual control, of the turret guns, and opened fire, on the attacker. If for no other reason than try to scare it away. While G.S.2 straffed the ship, atleast five times, the pilot could report seeing no damage. It was as if the rounds just passed right through the boat. This did not make sense, since the attacker rammed, and sunk, two more boats, before moving away. G.S. 2 would follow the attacker, for two miiles, before the ship just dissolved, below them. When G.S.2 returned, for us, our pilots had to send another, bizzarre, report, to the Pentagon. A report, of a wooden-hulled ship, which military munitions passed through, without any damage. A ship which could sink other ships, yet be un-damaged. If the ship was built of metal, or plastic, the pilots were certain that they would have seen flashes, from impact. It would be the male spirit, which clued us in, on the mystery ship. While the man said that the NAME, of the ship, had been ordered removed, long before he even saw her, he remembered that rumoor had it that the ships name translated into "Vessel of the Damned". When Tami asked "WHY?", the man would say "As far as anyone knows, the ship roams the waters, collecting the souls, of un-ethical pirates. It is claimed that it voyages about, collecting the souls, and trapping them into being its immortal crew." When our pilot would suggest "Swell. Another ghost ship. HOW do we get rid of this one?" Our co-pilot would say "I agree. Our weapons are useless, against spirits, and immortals." This is when Tami would ask "I wonder why the ship has travelled so far in land? There MUST be far more souls, on the open sea's. Why choose rivers, when the ship can roam the ocean?" I would suggest "Unless there is a "special deal", or a curse, which binds them, here." Tami knew I was referring to our trips, across Ireland, some time ago, when the government wanted to find out the truth, about some ancient relics. This, especially after theives had been caught trying to steal from a national museum. During one part, of this case, Tami and I were required to negotiate with a group, of men, all of whom had taken a "Death Vow", to protect a relic, for all eternity. When a military officer had suggested "Why dont we just drop a nuke on them, and be done with it?" Tami had asked "What good would a nuke do? These men have been dead, for centuries." The dead, of course, are immune to radiation. Tami and I, both knew there was only one way to handle spirits. We had to meet them, on their OWN "turf". Tami would have to negotiate another of her truces, between the living, and the dead. Still, another problem remained. The problem of the alleged "treasure". A treasure which even our guest spirits agreed that they had heard of, during life. What the couple knew, for certain, was that neither Captain Slatherton, nor the other privateer, had any proof of this treasure. As for our clients ancestor, the mans treasure was invested in land, and in his family. History was filled, to the run-off point, about the treasure, yet no records, of WHAT, or WHERE, it was located. Captain Slatherton had made a few entries, in his journal, about stories, heard, of the treasure. Even the captain questioned if the treasure really existed. Still, this left the question of "IF there is, in fact, no treasure, then WHY was the ship hanging around?" Tami felt certain that the answers lay inside the "Vessel of the Damned". We had to board the ship, in order to speak to her captain, and crew. For this, we would need immortal help. It would seem that Mother Superior was "busy", for the time being, so, it seems, that the Chairman sent the spirit, of Pope John Paul 2, to aid us. The popes grasp, of the English language, always made me jealous. Like all spirits, the man had the grasp, of language, which I would, never, have. Not even after having FAILED English class, seven years in a row. I was amazed at how easily the pope called forth the ship, then, when its captain appearred, in front of the pope, John Paul 2 would make it clear. We did not want to "take" anything, from the ship. We just wanted to TALK to the captain, and crew. While the "crew roster" of the "Vessel of the Damned", would clear up several dozen missing persons reports, the problem was that neither the captain, nor the crew, had definite information, on the treasure. Plenty of stories. No facts. When Tami asked WHY the vessel was on this particular stretch, of waterway, none of the souls seemed certain. They just knew that they had to be in this location. Under the protection, of the pope, Tami would ask the spirits "Was there, ever, any treasure, of ANY type, stored near here?" The pope said something, in a foreign language, then the vessels commander would say "Over the centuries, this area WAS used, to house, and protect, many a treasure. Mostly gold, jewels, ceramics, and so on." When Tami asked "WHERE are these goods stored?" The captain seemed as clue-less as the pope. When Tami tried "WHEN were the goods stored?" The captain would say "Long before your United States was formed. In fact, even before your thirteen colonies were established." Tami would summarize "So, in this land, where no European had stepped foot, before, Your fellow pirates stashed their loot." To my surprise, the captain would say "I was a PRIVATEER! I was, never, a common pirate. I was in service to the crown." Tami would suggest "Whenever it benefitted you. The rest of the time, you kept what you gathered." The captain would say "After all, we are only human." then he would correct himself, saying "With apologies. I meant that we WERE only human." Since my past experience, with spirits had taught me that spirits can, and do, read, I would produce a list of the most abundantly reeated stories, of what the treasure MIGHT contain. The captain seemed shocked when he saw the list, saying "My dear fellow. IF this treasure exists, I could have used it to purchase an entire FLEET, of ships." This is when Tami would ask "Sir, it sounds like you dont believe it, either." The captain would say "With respect, dear lady, IF this treasure existed, it would have made any privateer the richest man in the world." When Tami would ask "If that is true, WHY are you guarding THIS place?" The captain would say "Beyond receiving orders, from the crown, I have no idea of why we are here. Their majesties sent the orders, via courier, and we have followed the orders, ever since." When Tami would ask NOT "How LONG ago, were these orders sent" Tami knew that, for spirits, the passage of centuries was like the passing, of days, for mortals. This is why she used more colonial language, asking "At what point, in the year of our lord, were the orders dispatched?" The captain would say "In the year, of our Lord, 1525." Tami would realize that these souls had spent the past 500 years guarding who-knows-what. When I would ask "Captain. Permission to take a search party ashore, and VERIFY what the treasure is." When the captain looked at the pope, and the pope noodded, the privateer would say "If his holiness trusts you, then so do I. Permission granted. What kind, and how many, weapons, will you need?" I would suggest "Wweaons will be use-less, against spirits. All we can hope is that the souls are friendly." The captain would say "In that case, I will order all cannon primed, just in case." For the next two months, myself, and a dozen, of the ships crew, would search any space, large enough to house an immense treasure. While we DID find the bones, of several fortune hunters, what we did not find was a single piece of gold, jewelry, nor even a dubloon. I even searched for journals, and family albums. If anything HAD been inside any of these spaces, it had been looted, LONG ago. When we returned to the ship, I would report to the captain. When he seemed distraught, that the ship had NOT carried its mission out, successfully, I told the spirit "Take heart, captain. In my ancestral homeland, my name translates as "Behind/Beyond" a "Mountainside". What is, or WAS there, was, probably, plundered, centuries ago." To my surprise, the captain would ask "Where is your homeland?" When I stated "Germany", I forgot that this was a modern term. Yet the captain knew enough, from his travels, to know that I meant Germania. The once-sprawling lands, which would evolve into Germany. When the captain would ask "Sir, for how many years have your people been in these lands?" All I could say was "So far, I have traced my great-grand-father to the Pennsylvania coal mines. I have looked no further, as yet." When the captain would ask "Prey, enlighten me as to your ancestors name." When I gave the name, the captain seemed leased as he said "I KNEW a man, of that name, once. Loyal, pleasant, and a good businessman. Never cheated a custoer, that I know of." I would caution the captain, "You may have known of "A" man, with that name, but I am surprised that, even in my own time, there are twenty-five men, who bear my same name, and life near the same area, of my state. None of us are related, as far as I know. This is when the captain would ask "If there is no treasure to guard, then what is my crew to do? The treasure was the reason, for our existance." Tami would suggest "With the Popes permission, I would say it is time for you to move on, to the after-life." The captain seemed fearful, for the first time, as he asked "What of the arch-angel, Gabriel?The judge, who decides who may enter the holy gates? How will he handle a group of pirates?" His holiness would promise "I will stand with you, my son. I have stood before Gabriel, already. If you agree to remain by my side, I think I can speak, on your behalf. And, as Mother Superior is famous, for saying Gabriel is niether fire-and-brimstone, nor harsh. In fact, I found him to be a rather nice, gentleman." When the captain would ask "There have been stories, heard during my youth, about Gabriel pitching people away from the holy gates. What of that?" His holiness would say "Yes, Gabriel CAN be harsh. This, however, is limited to the worst of crimes. Crimes, which people committed, to show that they could "get away" with the crimes. With these people, Gabriel shows no leniency." When the pirvateer would ask, the pope would promise "Since you were acting under royal orders, I am sure that Gabriel would go easy on you. Now, Tami would do what she spent so much time doing. Interviewing, listing, and cataloging, the spirits, from the ship. Taking down final messages, for long dead relatives, and giving apologies, for never returning. Once the crew was catalogued, the pope lead them on the start, of their eternal voyage. This is when the captain seemed remorseful, as he said "I never forgot my beloved wife, or our children. I wish I could let them know that I, still, care for them." Tami would say "Dont worry. I am sure that the Chairman will bring your family before you." What Tami and I were not prepared for was the fact that, once the crew passsed into eternity, the ship began to dissolve, around us. Sure, we were not so far from shore, but we had not considered swimming back to shore. This is why we did not bring our bathing suits. As the ship vanished, Tami and I lept into the water, and swam for shore. After our pilots helped us ashore, then asked "Where did the ship go?" Tami would say "For that place, in Heaven, where all ships go." In our final report, to the Brown Agency, Tami re-asserted the facts, of the clients heritage. The man WAS related to a man, who COULD haave been a privateer, had he chosen to be. The man was a good sailor. he just was not interested, in the ocean. The legend, of his being a privateer, had come from the fact that he could handle all kinds of cargo, in all kinds of weather. Un-fortunately, the families lands had gone for auction, when the last descendants left the land, and the state sold the lands, for back due taxes. Still, Mr. Brown would state "A job, very well done. I will inform the client. After the two of you have rested up, I have a case, in the making. If it is what I think, you may be putting in more frequent-flyer miles." While Tami and I agreed, after the vid-link went dark, I saw the look, and asked Tami "Whst is it?" Tami would say "I was HOPING to spend some time, with my family. To thank my sister, for helping us. I just wanted to see my home, without rushing back to work." I would remind her "Mr. Brown said the case was just in development. You may have time, after all." Tami would say "I hope so." G.S.2 would set course, for Tami's hometown, then the pilots, and myself, would take our own trip. What would our next case be? Who knows...?