THE HAUNTING PAST MYSTERY OF THE GRIM REAPER

THE HAUNTING PAST: MYSTERY OF THE GRIM REAPER In what would turn out to be our most bizzarre case, ever, Tami and I would have just finished the mystery of the Phantom Express, when Mr. Brown would be on hand to inform us "Have I got a case, for you." When Tami would ask "What is it? More ghosts? Maybe a banshee?" Mr. Brown would ask "How would you like a chance to work with the Grim Reaper?" When I would ask "The Angel of Death" type of Grim Reaper?" Mr. Brown would ask "Do you know of any others?" Tami would say "I am afraid to ask, but WHAT is the job?" Mr. Brown would say "I should allow an old friend, of yours, explain the details." When Mr. Brown gestured behind us, there stood Mother Superior. When Tami asked the nun "How may we be of service?" Mother Superior would say "The Chairman has taken quite a liking to the two of you. For this reason, YOU have been chosen for a very special task." When I would ask "What KIND of special task?" The nun would say "Why, to aid the Grim Reaper, in preventing innocent souls from being extinguished, too soon." When Tami would ask "Why does the reaper need us?" the skull, shroud, and scyth, would appear, in Mr. Browns office, emphasing "The name is Grim Reaper. Young lady". When Tami would say "Pardon. I did not think that death would be so articulate." The Grim Reaper would say "Shows how little you mortals really know. How would you like it if I called you a "baby-maker"?" When Tami would ask "Why would you call me that?" The Grim Reaper would say "After all, is that not the primary purpose, of the female body. Creating, and nurturing, your species." It would be Mr. Brown who would interrupt, saying "Point taken. Now, lets get down to business. Tell me what you want my agents to do." Mother Superior would say "We are having a problem with a mortal. Not only is he tampering with his own soul, but, SOME-how, he is garnering supporters, for his cause. This is where the two of you come in." When Tami would ask "I thought that the GRIM Reaper had access to ALL of eternity. Why not just intercept the trouble-maker, yourself?" The Grim Reaper would sigh as it said "Tell me, how much paper-work does it take, for you humans to travel, between countries, all located in THIS realm?" Tami would say "Never thought about it. The Brown Agency handles all of this, FOR us." When the Grim Reaper would look at Mr. Brown, our boss would say "The Grim Reaper is correct. Unless a person is INVITED into a nation, there is a "mountain", of paper-work, required for travel." When I would ask "How much paper-work can there be, for immortals to travel about?" Mother Superior, and the Grim Reaper, would agree "Unless by the direct intervention of the Chairman, try maybe 1,000 times the paper-work, to complete this type of mission." When Tami would ask "Wouldn't it be easier, to handle this, using immortals? Or, would there be an equal amount, of paper-work, for a human to handle this case?" Mother Superior would add "Not if you are enlisted as "children". If you travel, under the guidance, of the Grim Reaper, you should have no more trouble gaining access to the group, than an infant has, with boarding a plane, bus, or boat." Tami, Mr. Brown, and I, wondered if Heaven was aware of just how many infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers, are listed on "No Fly" lists, due to nothing more than their NAMES. The United States own Transportation Safety Authority, was, still, struggling with the problem of teaching computers to recognize the difference between children, and adults. The fool, who programmed the machines, had been told to program the machines, for NAME recognition. This, without realizing just how many NON-terrorists happen to have names, similar to trouble-makers. Atleast one airline, in America, feared losing its operating revenue simply because the computers recognized the NAMES, of pilots, and ground crews, as "terrorists". While the airline promised travelers that the crews had been with the company since long before September 11, 2001, once the T.S.A. posted a list, of POSSIBLE suspects, passengers began cancelling, left and right. As for the rest of America's travellers, body scanners, bomb detection, and who knows how many "regulations" the public had to abide by, and travel was becoming more of a nightmare, every year. Now, if, as the nun, and the Grim Reaper, had pointed out, the man, who lead this group, was trying to grab even MORE power, by recruiting more souls. When Tami would asked what protection we would have, Mother Superior would promise "As long as you are assisting the Grim Reaper, you should be fine." When Mr. Brown would ask us "What do you say?" Tami and I agreed. If the Chairman had faith, in our work, then HOW could we decline? While the nun, and the Grim Reaper, would vanish, saying "We must make the travel plans", Tami and I would begin reviewing the person, whom the Grim Reaper sought. Now, sure, there are many people, who FEAR death, for various reasons. Not all of them seek to AVOID death, by recruiting others, to go before them. According to the case file, the mortal, in question, was recruiting people, but not telling them WHAT they were being recruited for. Our contact stated that law enforcement became interested in the case, when people, who had gone "missing", weeks, or months, before, suddenly, turned up, dead. The main concern, of local law enforcement, was that this news NOT spread, to the media. Atleast, not until the situation was contained. What struck Tami and I, as "odd", about this case, was that the person, in charge, was not recruiting the homeless, as other charlatans did. This person was recruiting people, who had jobs, families, and so on. One of the suspicions, connected, with the case, was the assumption that, since the recruiter, presummably, had some illness, which would bring about their death, sooner rather than later, that they wanted to send others to stand before the almighty, ahead of them. One legend, which Tami discovered, stated that, "If a person is bound, for Hades, then their "prison" sentence would be made much more comfortable, IF they sent other souls, before them. The technicality was that the souls had to make the sacrifice, willingly. IF it was discovered that a sacrifice was forced, the soul would travel to Heaven, and the one, responsible, would have time, and torture, ADDED to their time, in Hades. The assigned task, for Tami and I, was to infiltrate the group, verify, and tag, its leader, then signal the Grim Reaper, to sweep in. When Tami read of suspicions, that the group was "feasting", on human flesh, and that children were being used for ritual, not Statutory, sex, Tami asked Mother Superior, and the Grim Reaper "HOW do you plan to protect us from such sick practices?" The immortals would say "Have faith. The records have, already, been altered to show that you, Tami, have given three, under-age boys, children. Your partners file will read that he has no less than seven children, by junior high girls." When Tami would say "Thats fine, for the alleged sex part. What about the consuming human flesh part." (I, actually, think that the Grim Reaper smiled, as it said "BY the time you are recruited, I have arranged that you will be "scented" with the smell, of a flesh eater".) When I would suggest "This is fine, for getting us in, but what about when the feasts are served." The Grim Reaper would promise "The Chairman has agreed to give the "party-goers" the illusion, that you are eating human flesh, no matter what you are, really, eating." Tami would clarify "So, even IF we are eating chicken, steak, or fish, the group will imagine us eating human flesh." Okay, so, as far as recruitment goes, we were covered. The question was "HOW do we get close to the leader?" Mother Superior would say "According to our intell, once you prove that you are worthy, the leader will seek an audience. He will do this, in order to make sure that you are willing to sacrifice your lives, for his." When Tami would say "This case seems to have a LOT of "if's"." The Grim Reaper would suggest "Aside from taxes, my coming, for ones soul, is the only thing, which you mortals are guaranteed." On the positive side, G.S. 2 would be able to monitor, and extract, us, at any time. Also, of good news, was the fact that, while the Chairman had provided the necessary intell, on how to identify the person, in question, this, still, left the question, of HOW to HOLD the human, in question, while the Grim Reaper, and Mother Superior, sought permission to detain them. Tami suggested that our first problem was in figuring out HOW to make the people believe that Tami and I were one of them. This would be an even bigger test than trying to work our way past the perimeter security. Now, sure, G..S.2 could have over-flown, and landed, easily, in the compound. This, however, would have "blown our cover", immediately. No, what we needed was to make our cover as realistic as posible. According to Mother Superiors intell, it would seem that consuming human flesh, nor having sex, with children, was a requirement, for entry, to the group, what Tami and I would need to do was convince these people that WE would be willing to sacrifice OUR lives, for their leader. If we could convince them of our willingness, then we could move on, with the plan. While the plan SHOULD have been a simple "Identify target and destroy", the Grim Reaper would remind us "It is most important that, before we remove the threat, that you convince his followers NOT to sacrifice their own lives, in atonement for HIS life." Tami would say "In other words, you do NOT want another Jonestown, Guyanna, or Waco Texas." The Grim Reaper would say "It would be most rewarding if such a tragedy could be averted." I, personally, never thought I would hear the Grim Reaper say that it wanted to AVOID death. Tami suggested that the Grim Reaper meant "UN-necessary deaths". While everyone dies, eventually, the Grim Reaper did not want to take anyone BEFORE their time. As Tami, myself, and our pilots, preparred G.S.2, for flight, both the Grim Reaper, and Mother Superior, would say "We will see you when you arrive." While Mother Superior dissolved, the Grim Reaper pointed his scyth towards the sky,and took flight, like the television super-heroes, of the past. During the flight, and while we were reviewing the file, including the compounds layout, Tami rubbed her stomach, then asked "I wonder how we will fake the stretch-marks, which pregnancy brings to a womans body?" As if in silent response, and without pain, the marks appearred, on her silken stomach. My own "fall-back" plan was to buy some short-term memberships, to child-sex sites. While I was certain that Mother Superior, and the Chairman, were capable, without a doubt, if a mortal got curious, I wanted thier on-line search to contain memberships, to what the internet called "Jail-Bait" sites. To say that I was surprised, when I found that male customers could choose either young boys, or girls, since this was BUSINESS-related, I chose to stay with character. My access would be limited to under-age girls. When I asked Tami "How many girls do you think I should download, to make it look real?" Tami would say "If I were monitoring internet content, I would be suspicious, of anything less than 50, seperate, downloads." As a result, I programmed my profile, then let the computer run, on automatic, copying the contents of the files, which a REAL pedophile would copy. While the computer worked on this, Tami and I focused on the file, and, especially, the area, which was labelled "SACRIFICE". While the file contained dozens of photo's, of the general lay-out, of the compound, Tami and I asked our pilots to do a "grid-plot", with the HIGH RESOLUTION camera's. We wanted the kinds of maps which would make it look like we BELONGED to the group. While G.S.2's computers came through, with photo's, and stories, just as I had programmed it to, it seems that Mr. Brown had run an access program, and was, now, vid-linking, with us, asking "You are on-the-job. WHY are you looking at pedohile porn, on company time?" Tami would explain "We felt that, in case you are not the only one, looking into his files, that my partner should have an extensive resume, of kiddie-porn, to back up his claim, of sex, with children." Mr. Brown would say "Thats does make sense." then added "Just make sure that the WRONG people do not access this information. Child Pronograhy is a crime, in the United States." I would promise "Just trying to make it look real, boss." Mr. Brown would say "In that case, I will alert cyber security, to be watchful. After all, too many viruses are passed from computer to computer, via nudity." The good part was that G.S..2 lived up to its inventors promises, for performance. We floated just over 100 feet, over the compound, and made detailed photo runs, oof the whole place. (All without being noticed) As for me, I was relieved that I had made part of my profile "Soft Core Only". I have to hand it, to some peddlers. While everything, that was downloaded, carried the dis-claimer "All models are atleast eighteen years of age", boy, did the producers make the performers look young. In fact, in some of the footage, the girls looked the same age as the grade school girls I attended classes with. Even as G.S.2 found an isolated spot, to touch down, Tami instructed me to put a bit more time into looking at the childrens pictures. Especially any pictures, which had LARGE numbers of hits. Tami would tell me "I have little doubt that YOU, being a man, will be the first to be challenged. You will need to know more than the compounds lay-out." When I asked my partner "You dont really think that those people will, publicly, ask me about this, do you?" Tami would say "Better safe than sorry". As a result, I took about ten min utes, looking at what other people would call "primme footage". Since slim, and petite, were my preferences, these were the ones, which I spent 45 minutes studying. After forty-five minutes of looking at nude children, I was more-than-happy to join Tami, in reviewing the compounds lay-out, as well as its "doctrine". My partner, the researcher. Tami found out that, while the leader DID have a disease, it was one of those, which depends upon how one takes care of ones body. The people, who die, young, are those whose drug, and alcohol, use, are only behind their terrible diets, and lack of exercise. Basically, like anyone, who has a bad lifestyle, death comes sooner. For the other fifty percent, of those, with the disease, life goes on due to diet, and exercise. In fact, to date, Tami had found references to, maybe, 75 people, who lived to be close to 100 years old. Of course, the people, who lived, longest, are the people who dared life to come for them. Now, the question was: To which group did the leader, of this bunch, belong to? Once we knew which group the leader belonged to, we would know how to erode his base, and allow the Grim Reaper to do his job. Okay, so Tami was right, about "indoctrnation". When the men took me aside, and began discussing what the internet called "psycho", or "torture" porn (child style), I was quick to inform the men that I prefer soft core. When the men laughed at the fact that I liked to see females, spread out, on beds, on pink sheets, maybe stuffed animals, when they asked when the last time was that I had sex, with a child, I told them "I dont keep that number in my head. I have more important things to think about. If you want to know more, check out my profile." By the time these "interviews" were finished, Tami asked me "Remind me to send a message, thanking my mother, for all that I put her through, during my developing years." While, as new arrivals, Tami and I were assigned to a tent, with foldable cots, thankfully, our retired air force pilots had trained us in "enemy detection and avoidance". This is how we managed to make it back to G.S.2. What I did not realize, until I heard, and read, of her report, was that her "intake" was even worse than mine was. "Please note that, in order to be accepted, by this group, I was compelled not just to speak of having sex, with under-age boys, but I had to be creative, in saying how much pain I was in, while giving birth, to the boys children. The interview left me feeling "filthy". Will take a LONG, HOT, shower, after this. I put in my own notes, saying "I cannot express how badly I want to turn this case over, to the Grim Reaper. I have new respect for its job." As per Mother Superiors request, however, Tami and I remained with the group, for the next couple of months. Mostly just to ask people why they were in this place. It was only after we were accepted that we learned that the child-porn entry questions were to keep law enforcement out. If a person was too OPPOSED to a different line of thinking, then they were considered to be law enforcement, and not allowed to enter the community. In fact, once inside the compound, there was no more talk, of porn, at all. (I had wasted HOURS, and computer stroage space), just to fit in. All of that porn access, and for NO reason. Instead, Tami and I found ourselves involved in questions such as friends, family, hopes, dreams, and how far we were willing to go, to aid others, in reaching their dreams. While not many people, in the compound, were in favor, of sacrifice, to aid anothers transition, to the next world, most of the compound hated what "our"" world had become. Computers taking jobs, un-employment being under-reported, and welfare becoming harder to attain, everyday. People seemed to be finding contentment, in this place. What we DID learn, which was disturbing, was the fact that, while human sacrifice was not a regular practice, a volunteer would be chosen, each time the leader had a seizure. The volunteer was chosen, and prepared, so that, when the leaders last breath was coming, the victim would lead the way. When Tami would ask, she was told "So far, seventeen of us have been prepared to lead the way." I would leave the question of asking "What will become, of this group, once the leader dies?" to my partner Tami was the people person. When Tami, next, reported in, to base, she would recommend "These people are not fanatical. They just dont see where they fit in, in our world. They have no plan, for after the leader dies. This is why I recommend that the Vatican send some priests in. Perhaps, if these people see hope, in the world, they will re-join society." As for the stories, of torture, and drinking of blood, the "blood", in question, was a home brew, red, wine. The only torture was when the "victim" got so drunk that, after having taken their oath, they said "See you on the other side." With that, a doctor, who had abandoned medicine, years before, would make a single, quick, wound, and the victim was dead, within seconds. Still, life went on. The problem, for the Grim Reaper, was that these people were giiving their lives up, BEFORE their time was due. According to the Grim Reaper, atleast one, male, sacrifice had been destined to become the driving force behind mankinds quest, to re-colonize the planet, Mars. When Tami had asked "Isn't Mars a dead world?" The Grim Reaper would say "At present, it is. In the past, the planet wass home to a race, advanced enough that your Earth species will not catch up, for, maybe, 1,000 years." Tami was about to ask how the Grim Reaper could know this, but held herself in check, remindinng herself "The Grim Reaper is immortal." When I asked the Grim Reaper "If the driving force,, behind Mars exploration, is dead, WHO will lead the way?" All the Grim Reaper would say was "Who, indeed." This is when Tami and I remembered what our task was. It was up to us to draw support away from the man, who was hoping to avoid Hades. When Mother Superior would ask about the mans tally-book, for Judgement Day, neither the nun, nor the Grim Reaper, woulld say a word. It was not until we were, finally, granted an audience, with the leader, that we found out the source of his fear. The man not only had a disease. One which would, eventually, kill him, but, with the fact that he wore glasses, and his hearing was not perfect, he spoke of much the same consequences as a church, which my family had, once, attended. Sure, as an adult, I am more spiritual than religious, I, still, recall the time when my mother had been asked never to return to a church, again. The reason why my mother was banished was due to a sermon, given one sunday, during adult church. It seems that the staff, of that, PARTICULAR, church, had its own variation of scripture, including its own version of who was allowed to enter Heaven. According to a senior pastor, only those people, who perished, with their bodies in perfect condition, were allowed to enter the Heavenly gates. My mothers German-American past came out, in full force, at the church, that day. When my mother challenged the priests, saying that Heaven was for the pure-of-heart, not for perfect bodies, it seems that the priests translated the Scriptures as meaning that Heaven was a rest home, for those who were perfect. (The im-perfect were Lucifers problem) It was when my mother denounced the churches position, suggesting that it was similar to the Nazi Party, of World War Two. A party, which claimed that only blonde haired, and blue eyed people, would be allowed to live, This is when the pastors asked my mother NEVER to return to the church. Now, Tami and I were conversing with a man whose church, apparently, taught the same version of "Scriptures". To say that our "luck" was not good would be an understatement. In fact, in order to make the man realize that his church had been "liberal", with its interpretation, of the Bible, Tami called on Mother Superior. To say that the compounds leader was shocked/fearful, of the nun, would be another understatement. This, even after the nun would say "Have no fear, my son. Heaven is a wonderful place." When the man asked "With my disease, and all I have done, HOW can I be allowed into Heaven without plenty of assistance?" It would be the Grim Reaper who would say "I have spoken with Gabriel." When the man asked "Tha angel of judgement?" Mother Superior would say "He's not, really, such a bad guy." When the man asked "If that is so, then WHY does he send souls to Hades?" The Grim Reaper would say "Gabriel does not act as "judge, jury, and executioner." He, merely, records the facts. He is a record keeper. He, merely, records a persons actions, on Earth. It is how a mortal LIVES their life, which informs Gabriel of which way to send your soul." When the man would ask "The souls I have ent, before mine. Wont they be weighed against my tally? Seeing as how I sent them off." The Grim Reaper would inform the man "While you will be required to answer for your actions, I have found nothing, in the tally book, that says that you forced anyone." When the man asked "Can I make this right?" Mother Superior would suggest "A good, first, step, will be to end the sacrifices. Too much talent, and potential, are being wasted." When the man asked the Grim Reaper "Since you are here, does that mean that MY time is at an end?" The Grim Reaper would correct this, by saying "My mission, here, is to re-balance human existance. Those, who perished, for your version, of Heaven, have taken a toll, on Earth's future. A tally will have to be taken, and new visionaries chosen." When the man would ask "How can I help?" The Grim Reaper would say "Make no more sacrifices, and I, and Mother Superior, will speak to Gabriel, on your behalf." When the man would ask the Grim Reaper "How much time DO I have left?" The Grim Reaper would say "Only the Chairman knows the answer to that." When the man would ask "So, you are not here to take me, now?" The Grim Reaper would say "You are not on my list, at this time." After a bit more negotiations, the man agreed to abandon his churches teachings. He just hoped that the immortals were correct, and that it was the ACTIONS, of each persons life, which are judged, not their body type. Once the Chairman made it known that life wa back-in-balance, Tami had a question, for the Grim Reaper. "Since you want people to be proper with the use of your name, may I ask why you continue to present yourself as a skeleton, in a shroud, and that scyth." The Grim Reaper would say "For the same reason why you, as a woman, do not hide your breasts, and other, body, parts. We, both, want people to recognize us, for what we are." When Tami thought about this, she realized that the Grim Reaper was correct. Everyone presented themselves so as to be recognized. By the time Tami filed our final report, on this assignment, she wondered if she, and I, were not, in fact, violating the terms of life, by not engaging in producing more children, for the world. Tami wondered about this, but only until Mr. Brown vid-linked, with us, asking "If the Grim Reaper is finished with you, I have a case, and I want your opinions." Well, just as both Mother Superior, and the Grim Reaper, had said "Work continues." On to the next case...

BLACKMAIL

BLACKMAIL That was the name of the game, for Darcy's boyfriend. Darcy only agreed to be part of it, since this was the only way for her to secure enough money to pay both her groceries, and bills. Of course, her part was simple. All she had to do was spread her legs, and give the mark all that he wanted. After that, the rest was easy. Her boyfriend had the hardest part.. That of finding "marks", and "inviting" them to "sample" Darcy. Darcy had to admit that her boyfriend, normally, picked out the best "marks". Men, with wives, children, and beautiful homes. Men, who wanted to feel young, again, just to be near a young woman. After her boyfriend found the "marks", Darcy would play "nice woman", and let the men have what they wanted. It was only after each ""mark" was finished, and dressing, that Darcy's man would enter the room, handing the man a COPY, of a dvd, then say "Unless you want your wife, and the police, to see this, then these are my terms." Since Darcy had been careful, with her birth control, she got pregnant, only three times.. When she did, her man "upped the antee", saying that the couple wanted MORE money, to keep secret. Now, while Darcy took her "cut", and stowed it away, in a "second chance" bank account, her boyfriend was not half as smart, with the USE of money, as he was, with collecting it. So far, the duo had fourteen men paying $1,000, per month, each. Darcy's biggest expense, during this time, was in taking just about half of her monthly take, and moving out of the "rat-trap", that her case-worker had her move into. Since Darcy was paying $400, already, for the low-income place, she could not see doing any worse, by moving to the $500 place. Even with paying $500, Darcy still had $250 per month, for utilities, and so on. (And this did not even count her $800, per month, in benefits, for being "functionally illiterate"). Now, it was not that Darcy was stupid.. She, like myself, just learned at our own pace. A pace, which the schools found too slow. In her adult life, Darcy had found that she could earn some extra money, yet it was her new "boyfriend", who showed the true path, to riches. The one, good, thing to say, about the man, is that he protected Darcy from the worst customers. This included a man who, while angry at his wife, began beating on Darcy, using his wifes name, and saying "Take THAT!". While Darcy was bruised up enough that she could take on no work, for almost three weeks, the men, who worked with her "boyfriend" made an example, of the attacker. They beat him, four times worse, than Darcy had been beaten, then glued a sign to his chest, saying "This pervert assualted a working woman.. Suggest Assault charges be filled." What baffled Darcy was when her boyfriend set his sights on me. Darcy wondered what he could be after? Normally, his "marks" had money to spare. What did I have, in common, with them? When the man told Darcy "Its simple. He has potential! He will be someone, and I want a "piece" of it." When Darcy asked "A piece of WHAT? He's a writer, and a dreamer. What use are those, to us?" The man would say "Wait, and see how much we get, from him, once he gets started." While Darcy thought that the man was nuts, for planning for what might only POSSIBLY, happen, she did have to admit that she WAS curious, about me. To date, Darcy knew that, while other men talked, of this and that, Darcy had seen me take peoples idea's, and turn them into work-able designs. Designs, which other people could build, easily. One, of Darcy's friends, had even given Darcy my blog address, saying "I hope you like to read." Darcy DID like, to read, but not at the rapid-fire pace, that school demanded. By the time her "boyfriend" was suggesting that Darcy give me what I wanted, Darcy had just finished my most recent story. This would give her ANOTHER reason, to get close to me. To find out what my next story would be about. While HE had TOLD Darcy to remember to bring me to the place, which was rigged up, for recording, Darcy lead me to another location. To be specific: HER place. Darcy KNEW that I would be the biggest MISTAKE of her life. Not just from the day she was told to "Take me on, and for all that I was worth." Darcy knew me because we had shared a few moments, together. Just touching, and kissing, but it DID leave a lasting impression. Now, she was about to get the "grand tour." She wondered if it would be as "grand" as she imagined. Wht irriated Darcy was the fact that, un-like other men, who just "shoved it in", I did what she dreamed a man would do. I romanced her, and seduced her, prior to the sex. Darcy just could not remember the last time she had been french-kissed, necked, had her breasts nursed, or had her womanhood, delightfully, "eaten out". This is when Darcy began to have a "problem". While her boyfriend had said "Give him all that he wants, then report in, when he cant "get it up". Darcy felt "caught", over what his phrases meant. Most, of the time, she figured that his phrase meant "F*ck him until he is too tired to go on." This is why she let her men "get off", then reported in, while the men slept the sex off. With me, however, Darcy was not so certain. I mean, she noticed that, after each climax, I took a moment to rest, and just carress her. In this way, I prolonged the act, in a way she had only read about, in romance novels. While she did, eventually, "drain" me, when I went to relax, Darcy was thrilled when I encouraged her to snuggle to my side. Later, when she found my arousal returning, and she mounted me, Darcy just could not believe how much she enjoyed my nursing, even as she pumped me. In fact, we had sex, off and on, until the next day. By the time I left her, Darcy was "all smiles". She remained "all smiles", and with a gentle tone, to her voice, even when she met up with her "boyfriend". When the man, profanely, asked Darcy about us, she exagerated, just a bit. When he, profanely, asked her, about the sex, Darcy would tell him "You told me to give him all that he wants. Well, I am. Just not sure how much he will want." When he took her hand, and shoved it down his pants, grabbing himself like a vice, HE told Darcy "Get a good feel. You wont feel that, again, until I have HIM on film, humping your sorry ass." He, still, did not "get the hint", after she let go, and wiped her hand. Darcy had decided that SHE would decide when she was "finished" with me. Something which was much more easily said, than done. Darcy gave me several, "goodbye" kisses. Several times, we shared farewell sex. This, while her "boyfriend" was "recruiting" women, to take Darcy's place. Women, who understood what the man wanted. Now, whether it was dates, dumping her, or Darcy wanting my opinion, on upcoming dates, even after we were no-longer a couple, I continued to spend time with her, as well as dinners, and over-nights. While her family was, very much, in favor of adding me to the family, Darcy would have to remind them "We are just friends." Funny thing was, Darcy and I, openlly, discussed this, even while un-dressing, for bed. Even as we snuggled, and whispered "good night", I saw Darcy smiling. I, never quite, got used to having Darcy coming close, while I was chatting with other ladies. The way she, smoothly, wrapped her arm around mine. When I would whisper, gently, "Alright. Whats up?" Darcy would smile, either saying "With that one, keep a tight fist on your wallet", or "Careful, that one is looking for a daddy, for number eight." When I asked Darcy "Are you serious? Those women just want men to get them pregnant?" Darcy would say "I would bet a weeks/months worth of sex, on it." What I like, about having Darcy as an "ex" is the fact that, on things, like picnics, was the fact that Darcy still enjoyed serving me (I enjoyed having her sit next to me.) This, while, in another part of town, her "boyfriend" was "busy", making blackmail videos, for his womens latest "clients" Men, who did NOT want anyone to know that they were into the fetish, of young girls. At the family/community event: After food, and drinks, while men, and children, rested, women went about their chores. These would be the times when Darcy and I would take strolls, around the park. We made a point of making sure that we were away, from "prying eyes", before kissing. Yes, we enjoyed deep, french, kisses, as well. I will admit that, a few times, I DID lift Darcy into my arms, and kissed her. These were congratulations kisses. When we returned to her place, we would agree "brush teeth, first, then..." What made Darcy laugh was how often, after a buffet-style picnic, I passed gas while loving her. Not that she minded. She claimed it was a "sign" that I, still, loved her. Of course, Darcy was not the only one to seek advice. On several occassions, I asked Darcy about what women said, and did. Darcy even gave me "demonstrations" of the difference between "I want your love" seduction, and "I just want sex" seduction. And, yes, I did remove my clothes, when Darcy showed me the difference between methods of "twirling". Thankfully, Darcy had no problem giving oral. Like she said "Its easier to swallow, then to scrub the furniture." What I could not figure out, or understand, was the reason why, while Darcy and I agreed that we were FRIENDS, her friends decided that we were a couple, again. I mean, all we did was walk arm-in-arm, and share occassional kisses. Never once did I demand public sex, from Darcy. When Darcy asked her mother, the elder put the question into perspective. On friday nights, when Darcy, usually had no date, She would invite me to visit. Some dinner, soft music, then off to bed. On saturday mornings, it was breakfast, then my dropping Darcy off, with her friends. In the afternoons, while her friends went to see male strippers, Darcy would return home, to make our dinner. By sunday afternoon, I would be nursing her breasts, while she thought about life. When Darcy would ask "Whats wrong with that? He IS my friend." Mother would say "Just as your father is my friend" I promised Darcy that there was nothing to worry about. Either her other "ex" would come around, or she could find another man, who would love her. Still, even with money in the bank, Darcy, still, wanted a "bit more money", as a "safety net". I did not inquire, of where she got her money. Not as long as she let me spend time with her. I KNOW what, eventually, broke us up, for good. It was the fact that, as my idea's, and concepts, were being adopted, I had to cancel, more and more dates, with Darcy. For Darcy, the worst part, of all of this, was the fact that, un-like her "exes", who just went out, drinking, and skirt-chasing, Darcy KNEW that I was addressing audiences, on national issues. Still, this did not help her, on nights when she had hoped I would hump her into next month. This is why, after an excellent relationship, Darcy called it "quits". She would go HER way, in her own life, while I would be called upon, endlessly, to solve problems, for the nation. While we DID go our own ways, I did, at one point, ask to validate a rumor. The rumor was that Darcy's "ex" had blackmailed the WRONG man. The story was that, even after the man had a total of 45 victims, each paying more and more, money, he just could not stop. This is when he tried to blackmail a senator. (Something even **I** would, NEVER, consider doing.) What he did not know was that the senator was under surveillance. As soon as the "act" was completed, and the blackmailer brought forth the recording, he placed his hand, before the senator, when another hand slapped handcuff's on HIM. While only 25, of the victims would come forward, this, still, meant 26 felonies. Darcy's "ex" would not be coming home. Many years later, when Darcy attended my funeral, so many people referred to her as my "wife", that Darcy did not bother to correct them. She just looked up, at that flag, knowing that the blue field, with the stars, had increased from 50, to 105. I had been correct. Offering state-hood had worked wonders. While my other projects were just as effective, THIS one would be the one which would secure my place, in the history books. Darcy was just happy to have been a part of it.

THE HAUNTING PAST MYSTERY OF THE HAUNTED HOUSE

THE HAUNTING PAST: MYSTERY OF THE HAUNTED HOUSE Talk about "Happy Halloween". According to our latest case-file, people were going into, but not OUT of, a Halloween attraction. The Brown Agency was being contracted to find out how it was that SOME people entered the attraction, and emerged, at the end, while other customers went in, but failed to come out. According to the report, the police had conducted a thorough search, of the attraction, numerous times. Even security tapes had been reviewed, to see if pranksters were using the emergency exits. The problem, with this theory, was that, for safety reasons, the attractions emergency exits had alarms attached. If anyone had used one of these exits, security would have known WHO, immediately. By the time Mr. Brown showed Tami and I the file, Mr. Black, and his tech team, was scouring the video, looking for any trace of either the missing people, or any attempts at trickery. After 48 hours, of round-the-clock review, all that Mr. Black's team had to show us, was video, in which, in some frames, the customers were enjoying the Halloween thrill, while, in other views, the people had just vanished. When Mr. Black began listing the techniques, used, to document the footage, Mr. Brown would interrupt, saying "I am certain that your team did its very best. Now, lets move on." (Mr. Black would leave the room, confident that his team HAD done its best.) Now, it seems that it was our turn. Mr. Brown would say "As of today, all that we know, for certain, is that people are missing. No ransom demands, nor threats, of any kind. All that we have is a Halloween attraction, which seems to be "gobbling up people"." When Tami would ask "How long do we have, with this case, seeing as how close Halloween actually is?" Mr. Brown would suggest "If you need to, go through the entire property, including the attraction. Law enforcement wants ANSWERS, and they want them, in time for the Haunted House to be able to enjoy the holiday thrill, before the holiday arrives." When I would mention "That gives us less than two months." Mr. Brown would say "Think of it, this way. The calendar says that you will have two, full, moons, as your guide." Swell, now even our BOSS was thinking that the full moon was a source of information. At Ghost Ship 2, our pilots would have even MORE "good" news. According to our pilot: "You are not going to believe this, but those people are setting aside a landing site, for us, in the shape of a BAT! How are we supposed to remain "undercover", with that much exposure?" Tami would suggest "Are there any sites, nearby, which could be used, safely and stealthily?" Our pilot would say "I was hoping you would ask that." Sure enough, once on-board the plane, the pilots brought up an image which impressed us with its total seclusion. Sure, it was ten miles away, from the attraction, but we could avoid being detected, better. Tami was more excited than even I was as she told our pilots "Go for it!". While cruising towards our destination, Tami and I began our normal review. Past homes, owners, rumors, myths, legends, curses. While the land, on which the attraction sat had, at one time, been a home, for a Christian family, Tami and I discounted this, since these Christians were reported as being "Sunday Christians." The family was willing to help, when friends, or neighbors needed aid. What they were not was Bible-bangers. Willing to help, when wanted, or needed, but not the kind of people who used Scripture, to answer for every incident, that happened. There were, also the normal round, of ghost stories. Stories about Devil Worshippers, Human Sacrifice, and so on. After all, what good is a haunted house, without the rumors, and legends? Then we ran into the normal problem. One of the original subject house's, on this location, was built back in the days before modern record keeping practices. This would mean that Tami would be off, to look at dusty, old, ledgers, while I scouted the grounds. I know that I have mentioned it, before, but our retired Air Force pilots knew how to keep things "low-key". Since G.S.2 was covered in the black material, of a stealth bomber, our pilots made the excellent choice to land after sunset. Result, only local wild-life would be aware of our landing. The problem would be the homes location. Before landing, our pilots had given Tami and I a full, overhead, view, of the haunted house. Thanks to our planes various, vision sensors, we could make out five, maybe seven, previous, homes foundations, in the landscape. Question: Could one, of these homes, be the one, which was causing the problem? Another question would be: Why were only certain people being "taken", while others just enjoyed the show? With up to seven, previous, foundations, in the ground, I knew that Tami was right, NOT to rule out trap-doors, and cages, below ground. Still, this left the question of "Why no ransom notes?" I would have suggested our thermal imagers, except that thermal had been tried, DAYS ago, with no luck. This is why the Brown Agency had been called in. It would be our job, to find out the who, what, when, where, why, and how, of the disappearances. On top of this, we had less than two months to do what law enforcement had been un-able to do. About the only "good news", that we received, upon arrival, was that the attraction was "temporarily closed", due to "minor adjustments". I must admit, however, that the crew, who designed, and built, this place, must love Halloween, as much as I do. Were it not for the fake cob-webs, I could see myself relaxing, in this kind of place. While I was left to re-examine the grounds, with an eye towards ancient passages, Tami would be doing a combination of reviewing the oldest, available, records, and the task, at which she is best. (Taking people on trips, down memory lane) In this case, Tami would have to report, to the Brown Agency that "Upon review, of what this town calls its "hall of records", I have found that this place is about as "complete", any many "In search of..." documentaries. This is why I am abandoning the county clerks office, and focusing on the memories, of locals. Their memories cannot be any WORSE, than that records center." As for my part, of the search, while I was, originally, assigned a young, able-bodied deputy, it was not long before we went from talking facts, to talking about rumors. Since rumors, and legends, are, normally, Tami's department, I recommended that I be assigned either an older officer, or, better yet, a retiree. Since the oldest officer, on the local police force, was forty years old, I was happy when I was referred to a group home, which was run by retired officers. It would be here that I would learn about what events had occurred, over the years. The kinds of things, which do NOT look good, on an official, police, report. I was even grateful when a group, of the retiree's, agreed to join me, at the attraction. When one of the oldest men said "Stupid place to build this thing." When I asked "Why is that?" The man would say "Grounds been un-stable, since I can remember." When I pointed just a short distance away, to both the parking lot, and the four lane highway, just beyond, asking "If this land is un-safe..." The retiree would say "That land, where the parking lot, and road, are. That land was backfilled a few years ago. Ground is solid, over there." When I asked "But, not over here?" The retiree would say "Last time it was checked, there were either tunnels, or natural caverns, below this land." When I asked "Was the land surveyed?" The retiree would say "Until this were built, there was no need. Only the land, for the parking lot, and road, was surveyed. Law says surfaces MUST be SAFE, for motor vehicles up to 50 tons, I think." Another retiree would say "That sounds about right." When I asked "What about the land, where the house is built?" The retiree's would say "Who knows? Could be anything, from an old cemetary, to Pagan altar, maybe even devil worshippers." When I asked "Who would I speak to, in the modern day, to gain entry into that underground?" A retiree would say "Dont waste your time, son. The man, in charge, of that, dont let NOBODY go underground. He acts like every bit, of the underground, for miles, is his own, private, home." I would say "Thanks for the warning, but I could use a name." The retiree's would say "Digger. Thats his real name. Digger Robes." After dropping the retiree's, at their group home, I would return to G.S.2, to ask the Brown Agency to arrange an appointment. When Tami checked in, with both the plane, and the agency, she would report "While the hall of records is a "bust", I am learning even more than the file contains, both about this town, and its past." When I would ask Mr. Black "What do you make of those indentations, in the ground, from the ships camera's?" Mr. Black would say "Your recon is good quality. We have confirmed atleast eight foundations, so far. The best that I can offer, so far, is that each house was built, after the previous one was gone." Tami would add "Some of the homes were burned down. Some fell victim, to Mother Nature. Other just fell into disuse, and decay." When Mr. Brown beat me to asking Tami "You say some of the homes were BURNED down? Have you learned of a reason?" Tami would say "The most popular reason is that the church ordered the burnings. The WHY, of each burning, is dependent upon which story we choose to believe." When Mr. Brown would ask "Is this more of that "My name shall have its revenge, upon my murderers" type stuff?" Tami would say "I am afraid so. This includes women, burned, for "witchcraft", as well as men, burned after being accused of being warlocks." When Mr. Brown would ask "Any GOOD news?" I would suggest "The sooner you can gain me the right to access what is UNDER the attraction, the better handle I will have, on eliminating, possible tricks." When Tami would look at me, asking "Not more underground tunnels." I would say "While you are talking, with people, on the surface, I will be touring the city's underground." Then, to Mr. Brown, I would ask "Sir, would it be possible to allow one, or more, of the retiree's accompany me, under the ground?" Mr. Brown would say "I will see what I can do." The next day, Tami would activate her "I am being followed" alarm, once she saw the same squad car, more than four times, in the same morning. When the alert sounded, at agency H.Q., Mr. Black put up the mornings, satellite, recon, from every "bird", over the area in question. Sure enough, by lunch time, Mr. Black was able to verify, to Mr. Brown "It seems that someone is using a local cruiser, to keep tabs on Tami." When Mr. Brown would ask "Not the actual police?" Mr. Black would say "Nope. Just LOOKS like a cruiser. No transponder freq." Mr. Brown would send a flash message to Ghost Ship 2, telling the pilots "As of this moment, exercise extreme care. Tami is being surveilled, by persons, as yet unknown. Inform her partner to be cautious, as well." With a precision, honed of years, in the military, the retired pilots would launch two, stealth, drones. One to monitor Tami, and the other, for me. Now, our pilots would be our "baby-sitters". What I could not understand was why this Digger Robes delayed giving me permission, for two days. After all, people were missing. Why was this man hampering our investigation? It would seem that, once Mr. Blue was out of patience, and would inform Mr. Robes "At this point, sir, I am referring this matter to the state police. You can..." And this is when Digger Robes would agree, saying "Lets not be hasty. We dont need the state police. I will authorize your people, on this one condition: Our city holds NO liability, if anything happens, while the people are underground." Mr. Blue would say "Fair enough. You have a deal." Personally, I would not have called it a "deal". I would call it more like an "Indiana Jones" movie. While the accessable passages were barred, with gates, the retiree's had first-hand knowledge of how local kids accessed the caverns, when they did not want to be caught, using drugs. (Primarily, smoking pot). This was one thing the retiree's promised me. Even before the so-called "War on Drugs", local kids never went in, for the "hard" stuff. The only time when teens had needle marks, on arms, was either for physicals, or for health, and injury. Smoking a "joint" seemed to be the most the kids ever did. When I asked, atleast three retiree's told me "We watched them enter, then watched them leave. No harm, ever, done." That is when one retiree would say "Except for Jimmy Lester. That boy, and his vodka." When I asked "Bad?" The retiree said "The one time I had to arrest him, he was so drunk, he urinated, right in front of my criusers camera. Had to take him in, on that one." As we entered the tunnels/caverns, I am happy to report a complete absense of both rats, and spiders. Atleast nothing terrifying. With my own head gear set on record, from the moment before we stepped into the space, I will say that this place was not as bad as Digger claimed it might be. I would not call it "safe", for a childrens playground, but I would call it "safe enough" for adults, who know to be careful. Since the opening was two miles, from the attraction, I think we were, ALL, glad, that we wore fishing/hiking boots. And, yes, we DID have to move around some spaces, where the ceiling had caved in, but, to me, the sets, of the "Indiana Jones" movies, were much worse, than what we were treking. I think it took about two hours, for us to reach the area, which sat below the attraction. I just dont know WHO was more surprised, by what we saw. Myself, or the retiree's. Using a variety of lights, we discovered that iron beams had ben sunk, not just into the ground, but, from what we could see, the retiree's would tell me "Those look like coffins." This is when a voice, from behind us, would say "Very astute. You were, always, a good student." When the retiree turned, and looked behind us, he stood, slack-jawed, as he looked the man in the face. When the retiree would say "But you are..." The man would say "Yes, I know that I am dead. So what? I am here because my grave has been desecrated, as have those, of these poor souls." When the retiree's would ask "How many coffins have been pulverized?" The dead man would say "Over a dozen, in this location. That is why I was summoned." When I would ask "Pardone. Summoned, by whom?" The spirit would say "By those, who wish to rest in peace. These I-beams. I can promise you that they are NOT comfortable. Not even for the dead." When a retiree would ask "What would the spooks like us to do?" The spirit would say "FIRST of all, STOP calling us SPOOKS! We are spirits. We may be dead, but we, still, have feelings." When I would ask "May I ask what action that the spirits would recommend?" The spirit would say "Since I was, once, one of you, as in I was a police officer, I have been entrusted to inform you that, unless this disgrace is not moved, before Halloween, my fellow spirits are willing to make life most un-comfortable, for the living." When a retiree would ask "In what way?" I would counter with "A better question would be "When, where, and how, do we move the house to." The spirit would say "An intelligent question. The spirits say that, if the house is moved, to Cranberry Acres, then all will be at piece. Any other questions?" I would ask "What has become of those, who have vanished, inside the haunted house?" The spirit would say "Call it insurance. If the humans cooperate, and let the dead rest in peace, then the missing will be returned, un-harmed." When a retiree would mention "As a former police officer, I think you know that kidnapping is a felony. You could go to..." The spirit would ask "Where could I go? Human justice does not apply to the spirit world. Kidnapping may be a felony, but how do you intend to incarcerate dead people?" This is when I would add "In that case, I will begin the paper-work, as soon as possible. With any luck, the house will be moved, in time to open, for Halloween." Tha was a promise, which I had intended to keep. That is, until the problem was brought before the city council. This is where the HUMAN part, of the problem, began. The mayor, and atleast half of the city council, held firm that the haunted house would NOT be moved. If the spooks wanted trouble, then the police could begin making arrests. When a police officer would ask "Mayor, HOW do we arrest spirits? HOW do we hold them?" The mayor would growl "You have a JAIL, dont you." The officer was abut to speak, when the mayor said "Put them in jail, until they release their hostages." Outside, of city hall, the officer would ask me "Sir, HOW do I arrest, detain, and imprison, spirits?" I would mention "Officer, would you believe that, in my previous cases, I have heard peoople, who drew guns, on spirits, only to be asked, by other people "What good will that do? They are already dead." I would, then add "We need to find a way to move that house, and restore those graves. This is the only way to appease the dead." When the officer thought about it, for a moment, he, then, told me "You know. Until this moment, I never thought that the dead HAD feelings. I thought that feelings died, with the body." I told him "Dont worry. In MY line of work, I learn more, about death, everyday." When the officer would ask "What about Heaven? If the dead hang around, on Earth, is Heaven a myth?" I would promise the officer "Not all spirits remain on Earth. Only those who have business to attend to. That is where my partner and I, come in. We learn what that "business" is, then we resolve it. As for Heaven, I have it on the very BEST of authority, that Heaven is not only real, but that God/Jehovah, Ishmael, whatever name you use, is the Chairman of the place." When the officer would ask "Heaven has a chairman?" I would repeat Mother Superiors words, in asking "Do you, really, think that Heaven runs on "automatic?"" Later, during a discussion, among retired, and working, contractors, and police officers, all working on the problem, of moving the house, a contractor would ask "According to my family minister, the Arch-Angel, Gabriel is a real fire-and-brimstone type, of judge. Do you know if this is true?" I could only say "According to the spirit of Mother Superior, Gabriel has gotten a "bad wrap", on Earth. She says that Gabriel is a nice man, if you give him a chance." When a police officer would ask "I thought he was the guardian of the gates of Heaven, allowing only the righteous to enter." Soon, a female voice began laughing like she had just heard the best joke of the year. When those assembled would ask "Who, or what, is that?" I would say "I think you are about to meet Mother Superior, in the flesh, so to speak." When the nun appearred, and was asked "What is so funny?" The nun would say "You, mortals, are so hilarious. Just because one, or two, versions, of Scripture suggest fire-and-brimstone, you believe that Gabriel is some conquering dictator. I swear. If you only knew that man, as I do." When a retired contractor would say "While I praise the word of God, let US get back to HOW to move that house." Once Mother Surperior regained herself, she would state "I was sent here, not only to laugh at your joke, but to provide this information. Should you require assistance, in completing this task, the Chairman says that he will keep a "team" on stand-by. Now, what details have I missed, prior to the joke?" I would tell the nun "It seems that, in order to build a fun house, for the living, that the city council has driven I-beams into the ground. Many of these have penetrated forgotten graves. The dead are upset, at their rest being interrupted. Since the city council will not listen, to them, the spirits have begun taking hostages. The spirits only promise to return the hostages, AFTER that house is removed, from their graves, and re-located." A police retiree would add "Dont forget to tell her that the dead want their graves to be returned to the condition that they were in, before that house was built." Mother Superior would say "A tall order. Let me see what I can arrange, from Heaven, while you work the problem, from Earth." As atleast three contractors would point out, the house, itself, was not the problem. It was, actually, a "kit", purchased from a company, which builds attractions, for year round use. The house was bolted to the foundation, with standard, construction bolts. It would take a total of four days, to prepare the house, for removal. The problem was those I-beams. The ones, which penetrated the graves. The spirits wanted the metal GONE, but there was a problem. A problem, which contractors had been ordered NOT to report. When the I-beams had been driven, the contractors KNEW that they had penetrated coffins, since, when the beams met up with cast concrete pilings, pieces, of bone, had to be pulled from the steel. Worse, yet, atleast two contractors reported having to move coffins aside, to place footings. It was no wonder that the spirits were in such an uproar. Now, the question was "How to remove the I-beams, without causing more pain." It seems that causing pain, to the deceased, was something which most had never considered, in either career. While Cranberry Acres was very willing to allow the house to be moved, it was Mr. Brown, who ordered the geo-phys units, to scan the ground. The Brown Agency had no intention of laying one group, of souls, to rest, only to disturb another group. The best news, of all, was when the scanners found a solid chunk, of rock, about ten feet down, and about 70 feet wide. With just a bit of digging, the foundation could be anchored to the stone (and NO I-beams would be needed). Once the house was moved (over the city councils stern objections), the process, for the gentle removal of the I-beams, was discussed, and planned. The contractors would decide to treat this problem like one which many had previous experience with. The problem, of workers being trapped, and the delicate task, of rescue. A task, which was made, suddenly, easier, when Mother Superior returned and said "By the authority of the Chairman, I encourage the deceased to come forth, and stand aside, while the living repair your places of rest." While the living stood, slack-jawed, as no less than 23, spirits rose, from the ground, and stood beside the nun, Mother Superior would tell the living "Lets get this thing moving. After all, we do not have all eternity, to fix this problem." The local undertaker even aided in the process, by identifying the remains, of coffins, crushed by the I-beams. The only thing the undertaker was concerned with was having to ask the deceased if they wanted the same model/style, of coffin, as they, originally, had. The deceased did ask one favor, of the living. "Instead of burying us where we will be disturbed, again, why not bury our remains, in that beautiful place, out by the grove." The undertaker could noot believe that he was negotiating, with dead people, as he mentioned "That property is a PRIVATE grave-yard. People PAY for plots, in advance." When the deceased would ask "Would it hurt, to ask?" The undertaker would say "I will make the inquiry. In case the owners accept, who should the bills be sent to?" While negiotiations, for grave-sites went forward, the dead annoyed the living, by saying thing slike "That is NOT my arm-bone. This is HERS." The grave-diggers found themselves taking orders from spirits. While this was going on, Tami was working ANOTHER, of her deals. This time, the deal was for HOW the "guests" (how the spirits referred to the living, whom they had grabbed.) would be returned. Locations, memories, condition, and so on. Tami wanted every item spelled out. This way, neither the dead, NOR the LIVING, could claim "I never agreed to that." Tami and I would stand by, on location, as descendants, of family, would say farewell, again, to the departed. This, while local ministers handled services. When the city council demanded the return, of the I-beams, but declined to say WHERE to put the metal, the trucks, finally, DUMPED their loads, on the lawn, in front of city hall. Between Tami, and Mother Superior, all 23 spirits were processed, and forwarded to Gabriel. Mother Superior even agreed to take the lead, saying "Dont worry, Gabriel is, really a nice guy. As long as you did not do anything REALLY awful, such as murder, or other, major, crimes, I am sure that you will like him." Tami and I wondered what it would be like, when it was OUR turn, to meet Gabriel. Closing out the case went about per usual. The spirits were laid to rest, for a second time, and, per contract, the living were returned, with no knowledge that time had passed, at all. All were examined, and released, from hospital, in fine health. I remain suspicious, about one thing. In the final weeks, before Halloween, haunted house visitors remarked at how amazing it was to talk to people, then to watch the people dissolve, into thin air. I wondered if the dead were having some Halloween fun, of their own. After all, spirits were people too.

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!