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| >> Campfire Creative >> Fiction >> Action/Adventure >> ID #1779613 |   |
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| [Introduction]
Disclaimer: Please pass your cursor over this area for an important message. Reminders to prospective writers. Pass cursor over this for Guidelines Pass cursor here about Being in Character This is a story that can be many things, humorous, serious, dramatic, touching or any other aspect which is thought provoking. It isn't erotica though, but there might be suggestive or mature content in it. I'd rather keep it more realistic with a touch or more of fantasy unless of course it's the opposite. Humor is quite welcome. I will be in the background part of the time in case there are any name changes, revisions, or parts needing clarifying. I don't have a group forum for this yet, but if I create one, I'll provide a link here, and we can use it to discuss story ideas or meet up in private chat room or even instant messages. This is an ongoing creative process and just like some of you I'm still learning as I go. One more thing. If you have a preference for when your turn comes up let me know, I can switch it around a little. Minimum word count for posting: 15 Maximum: I forgot but it's plenty. At least enough for several paragraphs. If you have a problem with the word count, try to make it more concise or notify me and I might increase it.  It helps if you number your post too, just look at the previous posting and use the next one. It's best placed at the bottom of the page, so the next poster can easily see it.Thank you for taking an interest. Got any ideas? Share them. Below is merely a prompt. The idea is to have fun as we take this journey. DETOUR (aka Raptured aka Rupture) (tentative title) Prelude: San Francisco Bay Chronicle May 20, 2011. The subheading in the local newspaper was real and read, "Local man again predicts the End of Times". The news spread to countless other states, and into other countries, the topic the same. Approximately 3,000 miles away, people passed by the newstands in New York City, a few paused, picked up a newspaper, and read the headlines. "Not this again. Didn't he predict this years ago?" "What? You don't believe it will happen?" someone else said. "You've got to be kidding, besides it's not like anyone can do anything about it if and when it does." Several people walking by overheard and stopped, causing congestion on the sidewalk. Stan pointed and tapped the paper. "See that?" : Post-End of Times Pet Care: A person worried about the care of their pets after they've been taken up, can rest assured with available pet care during post rapture. On the downside, if the person/people aren't raptured, there is no refund. You're just out of luck. "What about this one?" Final Message: For those wishing to leave a final message, there is always someone offering to send an email to a selected group for a fee. Maybe it won't say, "I made it. It sucks to be you." He read it aloud. "'End of Times detector: It will warn you a half an hour ahead of time so you can be prepared and repent so that you can be among those who were pure all along, meanwhile carry on with your sinning, lying, and corruption.' Isn't that fun?" Someone behind the crush of people yelled, "Hey! What's holding everything up?" People started moving forward. and the cluster of people dissipated. |
 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind  May 15, 2012. Almost a year later. It was a typical day in the city of San Francisco. Her streets were a tangle of traffic, and the sound of workers, shoppers, and tourists rushing toward the buses and trolley cars, echoed down her alleyways.. A gust of wind blew through the buzz of activity. A piece of paper flew into the air, floated downward again and landed on the sidewalk at someone's foot--a very dainty one, and that would have been obvious if it hadn't been for the boots, which Gwenolyn Schwan had worn that day. With one hand, she flipped the tendrils of hair that blew onto her face, and looked skyward at the high rise of the buildings, and was temporarily distracted by the multitude of birds in the trees. Her gaze refocused on the cluster of people in the small patch of grass. A chicken pecked at the ground. It brought a sense of contrast and balance to the concrete city. A guy nearby watched the hen like any good parent or a companion would. Onward Gwen walked, then stopped, looking again at the address on the notepad. Luanna Kulua, her best friend had told her about this job opening, but didn't give very good directions. . She glanced at her cellphone. "Oh god. I'm going to be late." Where is this place?" She wiped her forehead.. After punching some numbers on the keypad, she put the phone to her ear. The phone rang and Luanna's message center picked up. No sense in leaving a message Gwen thought, then she dialed another number, and someone picked it up. "Express Services." The phone clicked and then went blank. Oh great! That's what I get for not remembering to charge it before I left.. She stopped a passerby. "Would you happen to know..." The person kept walking as if he was deaf. "Excuse me, but do you know where this is?" she asked another. "Sorry. I'm not from here." This is ridiculous. She moved toward another person. "Excuse me but do you know...." The woman shook her head. "No habla Englische." Gwen stood there for a few minutes. My god. Doesn't anyone know anything about where they work or live? Spotting a luncheonette type eatery, she walked across the street and entered. The room was dotted with customers at tables and several standing in line. some were at the counter. . Gwen stepped forward, leaning toward the cash register operator. "Pardon me, but would you happen to know where...." "I'm sorry, but you'll have to stand in line, ma'am." "I just want to ask a really quick question..." "That'll be eight dollars and twenty three cents, Sir," the worker said to the person in front of him. The patron handed him the money. "Thank you." He motioned to the person after him. "Next." Gwen glanced at the dining area. I might as well take a seat. She slid onto a seat along the long counter. I'll never make it on time now anyway. #1 Steve Ellen Charlie Kneechie was sitting on the seat next to Gwen. With a sidelong glance he took in her slim figure and smooth face, the loose strands of hair that fell so fetchingly across her forehead, and those ridiculous boots."Windy day," Charlie said. She looked at him as if wondering if he was speaking to her, so he added, "Might rain. That was a good idea to wear boots today." She frowned and turned back to face front. OK, fine. She didn't like being approached by strangers in public places. Charlie could understand that. He was a psychologist. He did understand how the human mind worked. Anyway, he hoped he understood because he was being paid big bucks by people who thought he did. She had a notepad in her hand. He didn't look nosey, but he recognized the address on it. Why did she wan't to go there? When the counter clerk came to wait on her, she showed him the address and asked him where it was but he didn't know. Aha, Charlie thought. I know. "Excuse me, miss," Charlie said, "but if you are looking for..." #2 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind She'd been sitting there several minutes,when she got the feeling someone was watching her. Turning her head toward the direction of the voice, she caught him looking at her boots as if they had a mouth they'd bite him. Maybe he was freaky and liked that kind of thing. After all this was San Francisco, where anything might be considered normal. Or was that distaste in his eyes? She wasn't sure. She'd inched the notepad he'd been peeking to the opposite side, away from him, much like she did when her own sister tried to steal one of her toys when they were children. She remembered how, just minutes ago, nobody would even try to help out on the street. At least he did ask. "It's a place I'm going to on Market Street. My cell phone died so I can't reach them and ask directions. Now I'm not sure I care anyway. You know--bad impression." "Can I see it?" "I guess there's no harm in that." She handed the notepad to him. "It says 37000 Market Street. Is there such an address? Is that a zero or what?" He pointed. She leaned toward him and squinted. "I don't know. I'd set it down on the kitchen counter and had my cup on top, and it left that ring." Her handwriting was sloppy. Ever since the invention of the computer, there wasn't a good reason to write longhand, and so she didn't. Maybe her shorthand wasn't what it used to be either. He flicked something off of the paper. "Eraser mark." "it's in the Denton Building." "I'm familiar with that." "Oh?" Her gaze shifted over his frame. She guessed he was maybe in his mid-thirties or younger. He wasn't stuffy enough to be a banker, too dressed down for that. Nor one of those straggly-haired doctors either. Attorney? No. She could tell that by his clothes, which wasn't shabby, but not so tailored either. Her eyes met with his, but she looked away so that he might not notice the slight heat radiating from her face. "I'm going that way too. Want me to show you where it's at?" Focusing on her cup of tea, she stirred the honey in the bottom. He looked innocent enough. She could almost hear Luanna's voice. Are you nuts, Gwen? Even the serial killers can look innocent. What if he mugs you?. A visual clouded her vision as she saw herself follow the stranger into an echoey alleyway, and then he stopped so suddenly, and she bumped into him. He'd turned quickly. Her hand slipped into her bag, her grip firm on the cylinder of pepper spray, just in case. "You know. I've been thinking about it and I"m late anyway. Maybe I'll just call them when I get home. Thanks anyway." She'd turned on her heel and rushed away from him. She heard his voice much closer than it should have been. "No wait. Don't go..." he said. Her hand shot out, holding the spray between them. "Don't come any closer. I mean it. I'm warning you." "Whoa! Calm down. No need for that," he replied. Something drifted by her nose How odd that his scent was a mix of waffles and eggs, rib-eye steak, and pumpkin pie. And the overwhelming scent of coffee, mixed with that of masculinity and men's cologne blended with it. Just then something furry ran across her foot. She fell backward and screamed, but the scream came out more like a buzz. A buzz? Maybe he'd done the deed already, and her body was lying helplessly in the alley waiting to be discovered one day, perhaps sometime in this millenium. The buzzer sounded again. Might as well assess the damages. Her eyes opened. When had she closed them? She was again in the luncheonette, watching the cook pushing plates of food onto the counter, and waitresses with daintily tied aprons rushing by. "Miss? Are you okay?" a voice asked. It was him--the golden-eyed, matured farm boy. "Yes." Her awareness came back to her. "Yes, I'm fine." Good thing he can't mind read. "I was trying to remember if I locked my front door before I left home is all." "Oh," he replied and stroked his chin, the edge of his lip curled slightly. "Where I live is safe. Really, but you never know. Even safe neighborhoods can be a target. maybe a more profitable one. I'm not that worried." "Okay." Again, he asked, "The offer is still on. Shall I help you to your destination? By the way, I'm Charles Kneechie. Charlie for short." His smile eased across his face, reached the corners of his eyes, and he held out his hand. She stared at it only for a moment, shook it, noticed it wasn't calloused. That ruled out him being a farm worker, or a part-time cowpoke, and obviously not from the soup kitchen on his way to his yoga session at the Wellness Center. "Gwendolyn Schwan. Often called Gwen, and hopefully not called those other names. Although, I have been known to respond to 'Hey you'" She laughed. After a few moments, she said, "I suppose I ought to drop by their office and apologize anyway for not keeping my appointment and not even calling them." "Mmm hmm." A waitress stopped in front of them. "More coffee?" Gwen put her hand over her cup, "Tea here." "Half a cup, please," Charlie said. The waitress moved away to another customer. Gwen fingered the slice of pickle left on her plate. He nibbled at his croissant, and then returned his attention to Gwen. "If you don't mind me asking," he gestured with his hand and a slightly raised brow. "What's your appointment for?" "Job interview. It's not quite my line of work, but right now I'm not too picky." "Doing what?" "Courier. Someone might need an item delivered and I'd be the one to do that." "What kind of item?" "I don't know. I mean, I never know. It might be film or documents. I drive around town and sometimes out of town and deliver it. I don't mind, except when I end up in traffic with some of the careless idiots on the road." "A bit of road rage?" "Not even." She eyed him, her eyes snapped together. "Even you might get a bit nervous if someone almost rear-ended you." "I'm sorry. What did you just say?" "My car almost got rear-ended one time. . I was traveling about 65 MPH, and in the commuter lane, and this fool cut out right in front of me, and then stalled," she added. "I see." Her head swiveled toward him. Last time she heard those words was from Col. Alfred E. Bellows, MD, Major Nelson's shrink. She'd been watching way too much tv lately. "Well, at least you didn't get hit or hurt. Did you get a suite number for this place you're suppose to be at today?" "No, unless I missed it somehow." That was a good question. "Why?" "Well, there are several different offices in that building. Each for different types of things. I just wondered if it was on the same floor I'm going to. I take it you know what type of business it is." #3 Notes: Charlie Kneechie Gwendolyn Schwan (Gwen) Chloe Schwan Denton Building Luncheonette Steve Ellen ...Add #4, At The Denton BuildingGwen didn't know what type of business it was. She just knew they needed a courier. Charlie thought she would make a pretty poor courier if she couldn't even find the office of the people who wanted her to be a courier for them. What would happen when she had a delivery to make? Charlie could imagine her spending hours looking for an address and asking strangers where it was. "How about this one?" Charlie asked. They were standing at the entrance to Greenvelt & Greenvelt, Importers of Rabbits, Chinchillas, and Rockeraries. "What's a Rockerarie?" she asked. "I have no idea," he said, "but I'll bet it has soft fur. They might easily need a courier." "Why?" "I don't know, but I like to keep a postive outlook. Let's at least ask." But no, Greenvelt & Greenvelt was not the place, nor were the next three offices they tried, but finally they hit the jackpot. The receptionist said, "Hello, Miss Scwann! Captain Beaumont is expecting you." "Captain?" Gwen said. "Is this some kind of military agency?" "Not exactly," the receptionist said. "Is your gentleman friend going to accompany you?" "Huh? Oh... him?" Charlie held out his hand. "Really nice meeting you, Gwen. I eat lunch in the diner every day. If you're going to be working here then maybe I will see you there." "Maybe," she said. "Thanks for your help." Charlie took the elevator up three floors to his office. The Denton building was filled with dozens of offices for small companies and professional people. Charlie was a psychologist specializing in testing. On his office door in gold letters it said, "Kneechee Consulting, Testing and Appraisal." He didn't have a secretary. It was just him, his phone, his computer and a high-speed internet connection. He flipped open his diary and wrote, "Met Gwen Schwann. At the diner. Pretty. Works for Captain Beaumont as a courier." Then he flipped it shut. Charlie liked to write everything down before he forgot it, as he knew he eventually would. Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Gwen flustered a bit. "I'm sorry. I was so rushed that I didn't recharge my cellphone and I tried to call but then the phone died and..." "Is something wrong?" "I just wanted to apologize for being late. You see...." "What? You're not late. In fact you're ..mmm. ten minutes early." She smiled. "Oh. Ohh yeah. I am, You're right. Sorry. I'm just a little bit nervous is all. I'll just take a seat over there." The receptionist looked at the other one. "Captain Beaumont will be with you shortly." Gwen spotted an electrical outlet. "Do you mind if I plug in my cellphone?" "Sure. There's a plug on the wall by the painting or I can plug it in right here by my desk." "Would you?" She handed it to her. It was late afternoon, and the day was partly over, dampness had already started to creep in. She could feel it on her skin. The phone rang, she answered it. "Hello , Luanna? Are you off work?" "Not yet." Someone their throat. "Ms. Schwan?" "Right here," Gwen said, and then into her phone, "Hey. I have to go now. Can we talk later?" "Uh huh." She closed her phone, and stood up. "Captain Beaumont, is it?" He nodded. "Come with me." They'd entered a wood panelled room, with thick carpeting. Several wooden chairs sat opposite the huge mahogany desk sat. He took a seat behind it, as he browsed through some papers. "There's a few things I want to ask you. Have you done this kind of work before?" "Only on a small scale." "Can you navigate your way around the city and outside it? Do youi have any questions?" "Yes. Have you had this opening long?" "One of our employees left us suddenly, and ,do we wanted to fill the position as soon as possible. Because the nature of our work, we'd like to get to know our perspective employees better, and their is protocol. Surely you understand." "Yes." he slid a piece of paper toward her. "Before we hire you, we need an agreement. You may take your time and read it and then sign." "Okay." Gwen glanced over it, and took out her pen. Nobody ever reads the fine print, and it seemed like a regular form and agreement. She penned her name. "Done." "Good. When will you be available?" "When d you need me?" "After the customary background check, you need to make an appointment for the psychological evaluation Oh?" "You seem surprised. I thought you read the agreement, Ms. Schwan." He dangled his pen and regarded her over some reading glasses. "Do you not agree to this?" "Yes, of course. She slapped her forehead. "That appointment. I'll get right on it, Captain Beaumount." "The receptionist will give you ia refferral and instructions." He stood up, came around the desk, and shook her hand. "It's been a pleasure to meet you. For the sake of clarity, I'll call you Gwen. It that okay?" "That's fine." "Thank you." Gwen returned to the front desk. "I need to get an appointment for a psych evaluation. Is that normal?" "Its part of the routine, Ms. Schwan." The receptionist handed her a piece of paper. " It's three floors up." "Should I wait to hear from you or just go ahead with the appointment?" "Unless you have a shady background, I wouldn't worry about the background check. You can make your appointment as soon as possible. We only have a few couriers right now." "Okay." Several minutes later she was taking the elevator up. Captain Beaumont...I wonder why he's called Captain. and his first name is. She shrugged. What did it matter? The elevator dinged and she got off, found the office and entered. "I need to make an appointment." "We're booked up for a few weeks." "That's too long. Oh. I have this paper for you." She dug into her bag. The receptionist took it. "A referral. Why didn't you say so? That makes a difference." She handed her some forms. "Fill these out and return them." After she was done and handed it back, she asked, "Is this an up to date phone number where you can be reached?" "Yes." "What day is good for you?" "Uh...er as soon as possible." "Morning or evening?" "Evening." "Okay. Our doctors usually make their own appointments. One of them will be calling you." The elevator was rather slow that day, and Gwen thought about how nice it would be to get back to that room she'd rented, so she could get out of the boots. Okay, so $1800 a month for rent might be considered steep for just a bedroom in a three bedroom apartment anywhere else , but this was San Francisco. At least it would be close to work. It was late afternoon, and the day was partly over, dampness had already started to creep in. She could feel it on her skin. The phone rang, she answered it. "Hello , Chloe?" At least one of them was able to travel and make arrangements for Aunt Hilda's care. "Are you done?" "Not yet. How's things going?" "Okay. I just met Captain Beaumont." "Ahh. How'd that go?" "Fine." "Why do I get an odd feeling about this?" "I have no idea. Everything is fine. Why didn't you tell me your boss is called Captain?" "I didn't think it was important. Sorry, I have to go now. I'll call you later this week" "Okay. Bye." # 5 Steve Ellen -- # 6 -- Charlie Calls Gwen"Hello?" Gwen said into her phone. "Hello, Gwen? This is Charlie Kneechie. Remember me? We met at the diner? I had on a blue shirt?" "Oh, sure. The man who helped me in the Denton Building. Uh... how did you get my phone number?" "Haha! This is going to strike you funny, Gwen. Do you mind if I call you Gwen? But I am a psychologist and you have been referred to me for a psych evaluation for your new job." "That IS funny. Funny strange. But that's good we already know each other. You can just tell them I am mentally sound and save me a trip to your office." "Not so fast, Gwen. Haha! The testing and paperwork must still be done. Is it convenient for you to come in tonight?" "You do appointments at night?" "It doesn't have to be, but my days are booked until next week. I thought you might be in a hurry." After giving it some thought, she realised it would be good to get to work as soon as possible. She needed the money. "Alright, tonight then. What time?" "Make it early and I will take you to dinner first. Sound good?" "Is that standard procedure, doctor?" Charlie laughed. "Don't call me doctor. I'm still Charlie. No, it's not standard. I just thought since I know you and we both need to eat, why not ask? Come at 5 P.M.if you want dinner and 7 P.M. if you don't. When can you be here?" "Five o'clock," she said. Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Gwen closed her cellphone. That was a rather odd coincidence. What was the chances of her meeting up with him? A doctor doesn't usually socialize with his patients. It's unethical. Ah well, I'm not his patient yet and it's just a test, and we do kind of know each other. Still, knowing he'd be paying attention to everything she might say or do made her a tad nervous. At least he was a professional, and not like some of those guys she'd heard about finding out your weaknesses and then exploiting them. Then again he did have a wicked laugh. Sifting through her wardrobe, she pondered what to wear. Her sister Chloe's cat had entered the room and sat licking his paws, passing them over his ears, and doing a general cleaning ritual. "Which of these do you prefer?" Gwen asked him over her shoulder as she lifted a few items. "A dress? No. What about these?" She held an asymetrical top and light pair of pants against her. "Aries, are you paying attention?" The cat meowed. She'd dressed, put her arm through the sleeve of a cardigan and then moved on toward the bathroom mirror. Passing a brush through her hair, she pulled it up, leaving a few tendrils hanging. A brush of color on her lips and she was done.. No sense in fussing. Just before shutting the front door to the apartment, she removed her slippers and put on the light brown suede leather loafers. 4:15 P.M. She dialed the phone number Charlie had called from. It went straight to the answer service so she left a message. "Hi. It's Gwen. I'm standing outside the elevator near the Embarcadero BART station. Where are you? Are we meeting at the office or somewhere else?" Gwen looked across the street where Pinky, the lady on the street, sat in her same position on the sidewalk, asking for spare change. Gwen had met her several days ago and found out her story. "We don't get enough money on our social security checks," she'd said. How sad that is, Gwen thought. She also wondered if she'd ever end up that way. A car honked in the distance. Dropping her phone into her bag, she searched through it for a trail mix bar, and she stepped off the curb about to cross the street. . A bicycle built for two pulled up in front of her. "Are you ready?" Charlie said. Gwen gave him a strange look. "Of course. Where'd you get that?" "A friend." "You're really full of surprises, aren't you?" No problem. Maybe it would work off some tension. Good thing she didn't wear a dress or heels. How unique would that be? "It's the best way to get around. The bus is coming. Better get on before it does," he' said. She complied. Who knows what crazy ideas go through a psychologist's mind or why they do certain things. He was entitled to be a little eccentric. After they had pedaled part of the way down Market, she asked, "Where are we going?" "Don't worry. It's not far from here." Ten or fifteen minutes went by, she spoke again. "I thought you said not far? I think we've been pedaling from one end of San Francisco to the other. I'm tired and if I don't eat soon, I might faint." Okay, maybe that was an exaggeration, "We're done." He waved his hand and a silver limo pulled to the curb. He opened the door and smiled. "After you." "I'm not sure why I'm doing this." She got in. "What about the bike?" "You worry too much." The car pulled away from the curb and started going north. "Do you mind telling me what that was all about? I'm hungry, I have a headache, and I"m shaky. I thought we were having dinner?" "We are. I'm sorry. I couldn't tell you, it but it was part of the test." She hadn't thought of that. "What? A test for what? You should rethink your unorthodox way of doing things. You might have considered the fact that I might be hypoglycemic. If I died by way of overexertion while bicycle riding, how would you explain that? I'll give you one chance to explain and it better be good, Charlie, or I'm out of here." Charlie had an injured look to him, and she almost felt guilty. Almost. # 7 Steve Ellen -- Add #8 -- Charlie ExplainsCharlie laughed. He seemed to do that a lot. "Captain Beaumont asked me to make sure you were good with a bicycle." "A bicycle!" Gwen said. "Am I supposed to be a bicycle courier? That wasn't the impression I got." "No, not always on a bicycle. Maybe never. But he's curious how you handle unexpected changes, that kind of thing." "Wait a minute. Is this dinner part of the test? Did Captain Beaumont tell you to take me to dinner?" "Hah! No. I wanted to take you to dinner so we could talk some more. Don't get all paranoid on me or I'll have to put that on your psych evaluation." He seemed to be joking about that but she wondered if he was. Psychologists were hard to figure out. Oh well, why try to figure him out? It was a courier job, for goodness sake. How sane did you have to be to be a courier? He noticed her silence and said, "You know I was just joking about being paranoid, right?" "How could I know? Now you have me thinking everything is a test. It makes it difficult to have a normal conversation, doesn't it?" "Maybe. Or maybe it makes it easier." "I think it makes it more difficult." "You like to argue, don't you?" She didn't say anything. She needed this job and wasn't about to ruin it. Geez! At least he wasn't writing his observations down in a little notebook. Or did he have an audio recorder hidden under his shirt? "I'm sorry," Charlie said. "I keep saying things that stop the conversation, don't I? Oops, here we are." The limo pulled over at a restaurant she had never been in before - The Bamboo Thicket. "Chinese food?" she said. "I should have asked. Okay with you?" She shrugged. After dinner, the limo whisked them to the Denton Building and Charlie sat her at a little desk in his office with a 4-page booklet and a number 2 pencil. "What a tiny desk," she said. "I feel like I am back in school taking an exam." Charlie smiled. "I was kind of aiming for that effect. Those questions are mostly just multiple choice. Take your time. Tell me when you are done." "Can we talk while I do this?" "Are you good at doing two things at once?" "Not particularly." "Then finish the test first." She flipped open the book to the first question. If you saw a hundred dollar bill lying on the floor of someone's office and nobody was around, what would you do? A. Pick it up and try to find out who dropped it. B. Pick it up and keep it. C. Ignore it. She looked at Charlie. "Tough test!" He smiled. "Yes. Some of the questions call for a bit of thought." Dreamin1-Fog&Wind "Fine." She stared at the lime green walls the at the questions, and then squinted at the test questions, and put a check mark next to A Find out who it belonged to.Then erased it. B. Pick it up and keep it. Then erased it and rechecked A. # 2 Do friends consider you patient or impatient? A. Patient B. Impatient C. Skip this question. D. Other (explain further in the box provided) Semi-impatient. It depends on the situation and who it is and what is making me feel that way, especially irritating psychologists. *grin # 3 If you get stopped by a police officer while delivering a package, and he wants to search it, what would you do? A. Call the office B. Explain that the documents are confidential . And then allow him to C. Other (explain in box below) Even an idiot knows better than not comply. Confidential means just that. I'd call the office first. "Do I have to answer all of these?" "It's taking longer because you're writing your response. It's suppose to be quick and easy." "Oh. Is it possible to get an oral exam?" "You want me to give it to you orally?" he asked, his face deadpanned. "Sure. Why not? It would save time, and make things much easier." "I hadn't thought of that." He opened a drawer and pushed a button--more than likely a recorder. # 9 (if you add the number first, then add some lines before that to write in, it will be at the bottom and the next poster will see which number should be next.) Steve Ellen -- Add #10 -- Psych Test"Next question," Charlie said. "If you are asked to deliver a package to a specific person and a person other than that person wants to accept delivery, what should you do?" Gwen thought. "Tell him that I can't do it, that I will bring the package again the next day." "That's good," Charlie said. "I see you have a knack for this work." "Doc, I mean, Charlie, I don't want to sound insulting, but this is just a courier job. It's like a glorified delivery boy, right/ why is such a big deal being made about it?" "Big deal? This isn't a big deal. It's just a routine test. Stick with it now. We're almost done. You are delivering a package and it is stolen from you. Who do you report that to first?" #10 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind "The office, of course. And then the police. Isn't it the logical thing to do?" Charlie straightened in his chair, and ran his hand through his hair, then stretched. "Well you'd be surprised what some people say during these tests." "By the way, thanks for dinner. I'm probably going to be sore from all that bicycle riding. Thanks again." She rolled her eyes. "What do you know about Mr. I mean Captain Beaumont? Why does everyone call him that? I don't get it. It's not like he's on a ship or something." "Next question. Have you or do you have any freinds or relatives who are in prison or getting out of one?" A. Yes (explain) B. No C. How would I know? "No. Not that I know of." And then she frowned. Prison. Guards "Something wrong?" "No. Not at all." She folded her hands together. "I have to go before too long." Sure. She could go home, soak in a hot bath, then relax, and cuddle with Aries. # 11 Steve Ellen -- Captain BeaumontAfter Gwen left, Charlie graded her psych evaluation based on what Captain Beaumont's requirements were. She seemed perfect, was loyal and a hard-worker, but most of all not inclined to run to the police with any problem. Why Captain Beaumont stressed that Charlie did not know, but he felt sure Gwen qualified. The next day, Captain Walter Beaumont sat at his grey metal desk looking over Gwen's psych test. He was a short man with a big mustache and dark, flashing eyes. His eyes glittered now as he said, "Yes! She's the one." He punched the intercom. "Miss Kwoat? Notify Gwen Schwan she has the job and can start work immediately." Captain B connected with his contact at the CIA. "Brian? This is Walt. We have a courier. Huh? No, Charlie Kneechie knows nothing. That's why I use him for the evaluations. He's competent but unimaginative. What's the latest on Project Rupture? Uh huh... Any day now, eh? So the Top is convinced this thing is really going to happen? What about all these so-called prophets that are popping up on street corners and getting on the TV news? Any indication they are being controlled? No? You think it's random? Damn odd if you ask me. Alright, talk to you later." After Captain Beaumont hung up, he leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head. The next thing to do was expand his bugging efforts. He had three agents working for him installing and maintaining listening devices all across town. They all fed into a central computer programmed to listen for the word "rupture". It was unavoidable that they would hear the word used normally in most of the conversations they overheard, but in this business it was always like finding a needle in a haystack. This time was no different. Once they heard "rupture" in the right context... then Phase II of Project Rupture could begin. Gwen woke up to the ringing of her phone and Ms. Kwoate's cheery voice informing her that she "had the job" and could start right away. "You mean like right now?" Gwen asked. "OK! I'll get dressed and be there in an hour!" She searched through her closet for the right clothes. Not too dressy, but not too blue jeansy either. "I hope I don't have to ride a bicycle!" she muttered. #12 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Gwen stared at the name plate she'd not noticed before. ~Kimberly Kwoat--AA~ What an odd name for a front office worker. "I'm suppose to read this to you," Ms. Kwoat said. "Our clients have chosen Express Services because of our specialization and individualization services. They rely on us for speed, security, and committed delivery time. We track our deliveries to ensure prompt and reliable service. "Do you promise to do your best and represent our company in the best light?" "Yes, Ms. Kwoat." "Good." She separated the copies of forms and handed Gwen one. "You might be required to deliver items which are highly confidential, On rare occasion we get odd requests such as a delivery of a meal from the local sandwich shops, a frappuccino, or one to deliver a pooch or a feline to the Pet Parlour. If that one, then we provide the portable kennel and muzzles, if needed. "Oh. I had no idea you did all that." "Here's your first assignments. Only one is out of the area--San Mateo. You can take your lunch break after you do these two,." she pointed, "and finish up these others after that" She handed her a phone. " This has a direct connection. Contact us if you have any problems." She highlighted the delivery points on a printout and handed it to her. "After this last one you don't have to come back into the office, but maybe use the direct connect to let us know you're done. We'll see you tomorrow at 9 A.M.." "Got it." Twenty minutes later she dropped off her first package, and was working on her second. She clasped the sealed manila envelope under her arm, found the front door of the business and opened it. "May I help you?" the clerk asked. "I'm here form Express Services." Gwen handed her the package., had the clerk sign, and then left. The second package was just as easy to deliver. Gwen's stomach growled. Her watch said it was almost noon. She'd entered Dinah's, which wasn't really a diner..since diners are only back east. Unfortunately, the place was packed. All the tables were busy and several people stood in line. "Oh great!" she groaned. # 13 Notes: Gwen, San Mateo, Ms. Kimberly Kwoat, Express Services, Dinah's Steve Ellen -- Charlie Kneechie Again"Gwen! Over here!" She turned to the sound of Charlie's voice and made her way to his table. "Thank goodness!" she said. "I'm starved and the place is packed." "How is your first day of work going?" "Piece of cake," she said. "It might not look that way but I DO know my way around the Bay Area." "Good. Tell me something. What exactly does Express Services do? I mean, besides deliver packages? Is that the whole deal with them?" "As far as I know. If there is more than that they didn't tell me. And I don't care, really, as long as I get a paycheck every week." Charlie laughed. "Funny thing, I saw someone who looked just like you today in the Denton Building. I thought it WAS you but when I called to her she looked at me like I waas crazy. And now I see you aren't wearing what she was wearing." "Ohmigod!" Gwen said. "I'll bet that was Chloe! She's my twin and due back in town. I didn't know she meant today! Maybe she just wanted to make sure my first day went okay. I wonder why she dind't let me know? Gee, I wish I could have seen her." "Twins, eh? That's pretty cool. I wish I had a twin." "Yes, it's cool, but we don't get to see each other as much as we would like. Our parents always made us dress different and take different studies in school. I don't know why they didn't want us to be completely identical. Anyway it kind of worked since we did end up leading different lives." #14 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Gwens lunch order came.. Charlie moved things around on his plate, then forked an item. "I always thought parents did the opposite." "Not ours, which is fine with me." Gwen poured out some salad dressing.. "I wonder why she didn't tell me she was in town?" She glanced up. "There's one of the other couriers now. I think. You probably remember him. I can't remember his name. Starts with an N or something." Charlie looked in that direction. And Gwen looked at the newspaper next to her. .#15 Steve Ellen -- Add #16 -- Meeting Nico Mazuuti"Now why would I know him?" Charlie asked. But it didn't matter if either Gwen or Charlie knew him because Nico recognized Gwen as being the new courier at Express Services and came over to their table and stuck his hand out. "You're Gwen, aren't you?" he said. Gwen looked up from the newspaper, then down at Nico's hand, and then she shook it and said, "Yes, and you are...?" "Nico! Nico Mazuuti! I've only been working at it a week myself. How do you like it?" "It's OK, I guess. No problems so far." "Yeah," Nico said. "It's a good job, I think. I needed a job. Living in San Fran is expensive! You notice that?" "Uh huh. Oh, this is my friend Charlie Kneechie." Charlie and Nico shook hands. "Anything interesting in the paper?" Nico asked. Gwen pointed at the article she had been reading. "That end-of-the-world guy, Swami Smack, or whatever his name is, is holding a big rally in Golden Gate Park tomorrow. Can you believe how many people are falling for that crap? This is like the 10th time in the last 5 years that somebody has predicted the end times are here and it never happens." "Yeah," Nico said, "but this guy seems for real." Charlie chuckled. "Don't tell me you believe that doomsday talk?" #16 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind "Behind," a waitress said, and Nico moved out of the way"I don't know why I bother reading things like that. Lets not talk about it while we're eating." Gwen scooted over slightly to allow Nico room. He sat at the edge and then moved in more. "I heard one guy wanted to kill off all their pets beforehand," Gwen said. "I thought you said, lets not talk about it?" Charlie said. "I did, but it doesn't make sensh. *oops. sorry* Besides you guys brought the subject up. " She swallowed a bite. "But wouldn't most people expect that pets be even more worthy?" Nico visualized a runaway train. "Is that Pepsi she's drinking?" Gwen took another sip and continued, "Afterwards, when nothing happens, maybe they'd say, 'oops. my mistake." Charlie nodded. "Maybe we should hide it." "Hey, are you guys paying attention?" "Yes. Every word. You're right." "Am I talking too much? I am! Oh god. I should have just had water." Charlie pulled out his pad and wrote something down. Gwen turned to Nico. "So, have you seen Chloe today?" "Chloe who?" Gwen wrinkled her brow. "Huh?" #17 Steve Ellen -- Add #18 -- Nico Seems Strange"Who is Chloe?" Nico said. "My sister," Gwen replied, rubbing her forehead. "Now why did I think you knew her? You're sure you don't?" "Well, maybe I do but I don't know her name." "She looks just like me," Gwen said. "She's my twin." "Oh... Hmmm... Then how do I know I haven't seen her and thought she was you?" Gwen laughed. "I know! Being twins is so confusing! I mean, not for me and Chloe. We can tell each other apart. But everybody else has a problem!" Nico and Charlie laughed at Gwen's zaniness. Charlie was thinking to himself that if Nico was a courier, then it was strange that he wasn't sent to Charlie's office for a psych evealuation. Didn't Captain Beaumont say Charlie was the only psychologist doing evaluations for him? After Nico left, Gwen said she had to get back to work and Charlie was by himself. He always took a long time to eat. he liked it in the diner, or luncheonette as the San Franciscans called it. He liked to hear the hum of talk and the muffled laughter. Sometimes he would laugh with them even though he had no idea what somebody at a distant table was laughing about. He picked up the newspaper that Gwen left behind. An article caught his eye. Madrid, Monday -- Professor Alberto Gomez del Esparto, lead astronomer at the Madrid Observatory, predicts the end of the world will occur this fall based on his observations of increased solar activity. "There is practically a 100% chance that a solar flare will scorch the surface of the earth before the end of the year," said Professor Esparto. "Anyone with a practical bent of mind should be making plans." What rubbish, Charlie thought. The end of the world! Hahahahahaha! #18 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Highway 101--San MateoShe was almost done with her deliveries, had dropped by her apartment, found the note someone had left, dropped it into her handbag, and hiked back to her car. The suns' heat literally hovered over the blacktop. Unfortunately, her 68 Cougar was still parked down the street. Parking was ridiculous, but you had to expect that if you're sharing a place with other people. Once she was behind the wheel, she tossed her bag to the passenger seat, then took a quick glance at her cell phone clock. It was still somewhat early and traffic shouldn't be too bad, she reasoned.. The chill provided by the air conditioner made the heatwave more tolerable. She maneuvered her car onto the entrance ramp and was headed south on Highway 101. "Oh darn it," she muttered. The freeway was already filling up with cars. And so her car crawled along, just like everyone else's, and she was left alone with her own thoughts. She didn't have time and chose not to dwell on those thoughts about the world's upcoming demise. It wasn't like she was ignorant to the fact that humans had been ruining the planet for years, nor did she forget or ignore those things she learned in church about the Maker, God, Essence, when she had gone. Being paranoid and paralyzed by fear just wasn't on her agenda. Being realistic was. So why was she wasting energy thinking about it? Gwen twisted a dial on the radio. The cars moved a bit faster now. and was better than she at first thought. Driving in traffic at 10-20 MPH wasn't that bad, especially with the radio cranked up. Gwen sang along to "Do you know the way to San Jose..." Even the car seemed to vibrate to the beat, but when the announcer came on and the beat was still on, she turned the volumen down and listened. What was that bubbling sound? And then she looked at the gauge. Hot? Gwen groaned. The engine gurgled and shifted into slow gear all by itself, and then slower gear. Reluctantly, she pulled over on the shoulder and shut the car off. She looked at the manila envelope. "Ohh! This is a fine time to quit on me." After exiting her car, opening the hood, and staring into it. she got back into the car, and pushed the buttons on the company phone. Focusing on the open hood, she said, "Gwen here. I was on my way to the last delivery and my car stopped working and..." Something moved on her left side, her eyes shot to that direction, her body stiffened, eyes wide. Her phone slipped out of her hand, the other, as if automated, moved the door handle, and rolled down her window. A familiar face looked back at her. "Where did you come from? How did you know? What are you doing...." # 19 Steve Ellen -- Add #20 -- Luanna!The face belonged to Luanna, the friend who had recommended the job at Express Services. "I knew it had to be you!!" Luanna said, and glanced over at the packages marked Express Services. "Are you on your way to a delivery now?" "I was." "I hate to tell you this, but you're not going anywhere with this car right now. Want me to give you a lift?" Gina said. "I'm not doing anything important." "Sounds like a plan." Gwen collected her bag and the packages."How did you know it was me?" "Are you kidding?" Luanna said. "How many 1968 Cougars with a turquoise-and-black vinyl top do you think there are in San Francisco?" "You're right. It is a classic." "At first I wondered what kind of fool would dare steal my friend's car?" Luanna cracked her knuckles. "I'd be giving them a piece of me!" Gwen tried not to laugh. Luanna drove Gwen to her delivery address, and stopped by the gas station and got a container of cold water. By then, the Cougar had cooled down so they had no trouble adding the water. The engine started up and ran smoothly. "That's a relief," Gwen said. "It must have a leak. Iif a year went by that I didn't have to spend some money on it I would worry. Maybe I should get it checked." "Why don't you just buy a new car?" Luanna asked. "Think I should? I dont know.It is a collectable. I might be able to if this job works out. Hey, you know that place by my work, Dinah's Diner? I eat there often. Stop by and I'll introduce you to Nico and Charlie." "You've already got two boyfriends and you just started work there? You move fast." Gwen laughed. "Uh huh. That's why I need your help. Take one of them off my hands. Either one. Your choice." "I don't think so. Tom wouldn't like that." "Who cares what your boyfreind thinks?" Gwen quipped. "Tom isn't my boyfriend. He was a date, but he still might care." "Whatever. If the world is ending what difference does it make?" The girls looked at each other and laughed. "Yeah. Have you been reading about that? I've never seen so much talk about the end of times." "You haven't lived on the West Coast very long. There is always talk about the end of the world. Don't forget to stop by the diner." "I won't. See ya!" # 20 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Aries was waitng for her when she got home and was meowing melodically. She fed him and then found her way into her room. Whew! Long day. She'd settled onto the top of her bed, and stretched out, staring at the ceiling looking at nothing, just enjoying the peace and quiet. Almost too quiet. Nobody else is home unless they're asleep, making out, or dead. .All this talk about end of the world coming was nauseating. Hadn't she heard this same thing for years? She was betting that even before she was born people had been talking about it. And it hadn't happened yet. Couldn't be, not how things are on the planet. Unless...maybe she was doomed and left behind too, along with all the rest of the losers. Nah! Amy, Tim's girlfriend, often stayed overnight in the room right next to Gwen's. She wondered how long it would be before anyone would notice if they had died in there. Maybe I better check on them. Her slippers made slushing sounds as she padded stepped toward their bedroom door. She knocked. "Tim? Amy? Hello? Anyone here?" Nobody answered. She knocked again. "Hello? Hey, I hate to bother you guys, but I just wondered how you were...." Just then the door popped open. "What the....?" Everything was gone! The room was empty. No bed. No bookcase. No hanging plants. Why? Why wouldn't they have at least told her they were moving out? It was then that she remembered the note. Back in her room, she grabbed her handbag, and pulled out the piece of paper out and read it. ~'Dear Gwen, Something came up. I'm sorry to let you know like this, but we found another place. I would have given you a notice in advance, but this couldn't wait. The rent and utilities are paid for the rest the month.. After that, you're on your own. Good luck, Tim:~ She tossed the note aside. Aries had crept up on the bed and was staring at her. "Now what are we going to do?" Soon sleep helped her forget these things. }# 21 Steve Ellen -- Add #22 -- Problems for GwenWhen she woke up next morning the first thing Gwen thought of was the need to get a new roommate. She couldn't possibly pay for the whole apartment herself. All the way to work the problem nagged at her. She hated financial problems. Why was there never enough money and then when there seemd to be enough something always went wrong? Captain Beaumont himself was standing in the front office when she entered. "Good morning, Gwen! I'm glad to see you're here so early." She checked her watch. Geez! How had she managed that? Almost an hour early. "Good morning, sir. Beautiful day today, isn't it?" "Yes, and I have a beautiful job for you. Very important. Take this immediately." He handed her a white package. "And be sure you only deliver it to Quentin Wilson. Do you know that address?" Gwen looked at the address label and recognized it as being only about 20 blocks away. "Yes, I'll get on this right away." To save time, she bicycled the short distance, then took the elevator to the 15th floor of the not-so-new office building where Quentin Wilson was located. At his office they said he hadn't come in yet. "I'll sign for it," the receptionist said, "and I'll be sure he gets it." "Thank you!" Gwen said. She had noticed a bulletin board downstairs in the lobby and there was a "rentals wanted' area on it. She hurried back down to the lobby and spent a few minutes jotting down a couple of names and numbers. On the way back to Express Services she called both numbers. One was no longer interested and she left a voica mail at the other. Again Captain Beaumont was waiting for her. "I thought I told you to deliver that package to Quentin Wilson." "I did," Gwen said. "No, you didn't, because he just called me to say he hasn't received it yet." #22 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Gwen arrived at Quentin Wilson's office and the receptionist looked up as she entered. "Who are you? You're not the one that was here earlier today.""I don't know what you're talking about. How may I help you?" "I need to talk to Mr. Wilson." "He's in a conference right now. What is your name? I can have him call you." "No. This can't wait." "Can you come back tomorrow?" "No. Look I delivered a package here and gave it to you...I mean whoever was at this desk earlier today..." "Nobody but me has been here all day, and the only time I'm not here is when I collect the mail downstairs in the afternoon." "Please. I really need to talk to Mr. Wilson ASAP!" Gwen ran toward the double doors leading to his office. "You can't go in there! Stop!" The receptionist said and then lifted the phone. "Security. Quentin Wilson's office now!" Unfortunately, the doors were locked. Gwen banged on the doors. "There she is," said the receptionist, pointing. And Gwen was being chased down the hall and then it seemed as if a kazillion volts of electricity hit her and down she went. ##23 Steve Ellen -- Add #24 -- Who Is Quentin Wilson?Gwen woke up lying flat on her back on a table. She tried to sit up but hands gently guided her down. "Easy," a male voice said. "You've had quite a shock." She turned her head to see the owner of the voice. He was a round man in a blue suit. It seemed a size too small for him. Maybe he had gained his extra pounds only recently. His face was pink and well-scrubbed. His hair was blond and combed. His eyes were blue. He looked like a harmless cherub. "I'm Mr. Wilson," he said. "I understand you are the courier from Express Services that was supposed to deliver my package?" "I DID deliver it!" Gwen protested. "I was here earlier and gave it to the receptionist, who was sitting at the front desk. But now nobody seems to know who she is." "Can you describe her?" Gwen thought. "I remember thinking her glasses were too big. She looked like a librarian -- brown hair done up in a bun and these insanely huge eyeglasses with black rims." "No," Wilson said. "That doesn't sound like anyone who works here. Well, what's done is done, I suppose. Can you move your arms and legs?" "Yes. They tingle but they seem okay." He smiled. "Maybe that will teach you not to go running around where you shouldn't be. I don't think this screw up is entirely your fault, Miss Schwann. I'll recommend to Captain Beaumont that he not fire you." "Thank you." That was exactly what she had been worried about. This was no time to lose her only source of income. Quentin Wilson escorted Gwen Schwann down the hall and out through his front office and to the elevator and waited until she got on it. His friendly smile turned to a thoughtful frown after the elevator doors closed on her. He walked back to his office and dialed a number. "Beaumont? This is Wilson. Schwann just left. Yeah, I don't see any problem. She triggered one of the electro-barriers, but I don't think she has any idea what it was. Just thinks she ran into a wall. Uh huh. But what about the package? This woman with the huge glasses might have been Evelyn. Who else would know you sent it to me or what it might be?" Captain Beaumont hung up the phone. Wilson was a type he didn't care for -- pudgy, mild-mannered, and weal -- but he had been assured by the Project Rupture boss that Wilson had a backbone and could be counted on to stand firm when the pressure was on. The important thing was that Gwen Schwann seemed clean and innocent. Beaumont always had the fear he might be taking in a double agent or a corrupted citizen and giving them access. That would be a disaster if Project Rupture was compromised before it could get solidly established. On her way back to Express Services, Gwen got a return call from the message she had left about a roommate. It was a woman and she was interested in sharing rent with someone. Gwen gave her the address and they agreed to meet there after work. Gwen hung up feeling happy. Not only had she saved her job but now maybe her rent problem would be solved as well. #24 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind The prospective tenant showed up on time wearing sunglasses and a hat. Gwen didn't want to appear anxious, so she had to be careful what she said. "Hi. You must be...." "...Evelyn." "I'm Gwen. Let me give you a mini-tour." They'd viewed the kitchen and was going toward the hall. "How many bedrooms are in here?" "Three, but that one," she pointed, "is used as a storage room, and this is the other one." She opened a door. "Oh nice." Evelyn walked toward the window, ran her hand along its edge, looked out. "Cheerful too." "And there's the bathroom." "How soon can I have it? It's perfect for me." "I have to look over your application first." "Application for just a single room?" "Yes." "Look. I'll give you a security deposit, plus the first and last months rent if you let me have it now." "I'm sorry," Gwen said as she lead her toward the front door. She was close enough to detect the scent of her perfume, a semi-popular one--Taboo. Oh god. Hope I don't have to smell that all every day. Maybe she won't be home much. Her hair...had to be a wig. Ah well, maybe she was bald for health reasons. I was too soon to ask why."I'll let you know soon." "Okay." She shut the door, fixed herself a pastrami sandwich, returned to her own room, and took a bite. When the phone rang, she picked it up. "Hello?" "Gwen. What are you up to?" Luanna asked. "Not much I guess. Horrible day." "Why? What happened?" Gwen filled her in about the lost parcel, electrical system at Quentin Wilson's office, and then the roomies moving out. "Wow. You poor thing. I'm sorry you're getting slammed with all of that at once. What are you going to do?" "Get a renter, hopefully." "How much will the renter have to pay?" "Nine hundred, plus a deposit." "Okay. Who is on the lease right now?" "My ex-renters. They rented to me as a favor." "You'd think they'd have settled it all and let you know way before this." "Mmm hmm. It's okay. I'll just have the new ones pay me. And I'll figure out how to trick the owners into not noticing they are gone." She waved her hand. "Urghh. That scent is nauseating." "What scent?" "Someone was here looking at the room. She reeked of it. Anyway, I'm not sure Tim is allowed to sublet these rooms, and I'd have to come up with deposits and all if we sign a new contract." "Well, hang in there. Things are bound to get better soon. Maybe I'll see you tomorrow, and we can work out a plan." That next morning... #25 Steve Ellen -- Add #26 -- Luanna's NervesLuanna woke up early. It was going to be a busy day. She had several homes to show plus she wanted to get together with Gwen and also stop by her bank about a few things. As she was sleepily making her coffee she had the odd feeling that someone had been in the kitchen during the night. It was nothing she could put her finger on, just a feeling. It spooked her a little. She sat sipping her coffee and shivered. Could someone have been in her house while she was sleeping? She hated having thoughts like that because it made it more difficult to get to sleep at night. "I need an alarm system," she muttered. "Something with a motion detector." She wrote that on her to-do list along with everything else. She thought about Gwen sharing her home with one stranger after another. She could never do that. Sooner or later Gwen was bound to get a serial killer for a roommate. When she saw Gwen today she had to be sure to point that out and encourage Gwen to be more careful. Geez! Didn't the girl watch the news? Almost every day some single woman somewhere was getting raped or murdered or both! #26 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Luanna took a couple sips of her glass of ice cold pink lemonade, grabbed her bag, and headed for the ladies room. On the way back to her seat, she noticed the attractive man in the booth next to hers, someone she didn't see before because she'd been facing in the opposite direction. His phone was open and she heard snippets of his conversation. "Yes. She does talk about her sister, Chloe. Imagine that--having a twin." Luanna slid onto her seat, discreetly tuned into his voice. "No. I haven't seen her." he said. A waitress appeared, filling his coffee cup, then left. His eyes pivoted to Luanna. He nodded hello. She smiled sheepishly and waited. He had to be talking about the Gwen she knew. Her job was across the street, if she still had one. To the waitress, she said, "I'm fine." The stranger must have sensed she had something on her mind, because then he spoke into the phone. "Let me call you back later." He hung up, and laid it on the table. They seemed to be playing a game of smile tag. This is ridiculous. I better say something, she thought. "HI. How are you doing?" "Good, thanks for asking. Do I know you?" "Not that I know of. I"d remember that." That brought a sunny smile to his face. "I hope in a good way." "You're probably wondering why I'm looking at you." "Yes and no. I'm delighted that I"m worth looking at, unless...." He looked down at his shirt as if he spilled something on it. Luanna waved her hand. "You're okay. Don't worry. No offense, but that's not what I meant." "I'm not worried, but I always wonder why anyone looks at me." "I'll be honest with you. I don't mean to be nosy, but I overheard you mention the name Chloe and twin sister in one sentence, and I just wondered if you know my friend..." "Gwen Schwan?" he finished for her. She nodded. "And your name is...?" "Luanna Kalua" "Pretty name. It makes me think of Kahlua, the drink. Sounds almost exotic." He held out his hand. "By the way, I'm Charlie." She gave his hand a quick shake. "Nice to meet you. I was born in Hawaii. How do you know Gwen?" "Met her here one day," Charlie said. "Lovely girl." After a few seconds, he added, "Are you with anyone? Would you like to join me?" "Sure. Why not?" After she settled onto her seat, she said, "Gwen has been having a rough time lately, as you might already know." "No. Something happen?" "Well her roommate took off on her." "That her boyfriend?" "Tim? Heck no. I'm not sure how she'll manage after the end of this month.." "Having someone move out can be upsetting by itself, and if they happen to share expenses, it's enough to make anyone worry. Did she find another roommate?" "Sort of. I was hoping I didn't miss her." "Far as I know, she's not been in today." "Good. She can't be just letting some stranger move in with her. It wasn't that long ago we heard about somebody left behind in some ditch like a can of Spam-- stuffed into a suitcase, trashcan, or a freezer." She looked down at his plate. "Is that....?" "Liver and onions." He paused. "I am so sorry. I wasn't thinking. Maybe I should let you have some privacy," she offered. "Relax. I hear all kinds of things, just usually not at meal time. It doesn't bother me. Please go on, and maybe leave out the gorey details." "Oh.Well, I'm just saying that a person can't be too careful these days." "Hmm." "Well, Tim, the ex-roomate, wer'e friends and called me the other night, and said he was feeling guilty, knowing what the poor girl has to deal with lately and all. We're working on a solution." "Uh huh." He looked past Luanna and up. It was Gwen. "Hey there! You guys know each other? Scoot over, Luanna." # 27 Steve Ellen -- Add #28 -- Gwen's New Roommate"Guess what?" Gwen said. Luanna sighed. "I think I know what, but go ahead and tell me." "I have a new roommate." "I was afraid of that." Gwen laughed. "Don't worry, it's a woman this time." Gwen turned to Charlie. "Luanna thinks every man in San Francisco is a rapist or a serial killer." "I do not!" Luanna protested. "But you never check anybody out. You just say yes when you don't know anything about them." "I trust my instincts," Gwen said. "This one's name is Evelyn. She's as big as a horse but she says she has a steady job and can pay the rent so..." "Big as a horse? You mean fat?" "No, not fat. She's just tall and broad-shouldered and kind of muscular." "Oh my God!" Luanna said. "She's a man! You've rented your spare room to a man in drag." "No, she's not a man, silly. I shouldn't have said she's big as a horse. That wasn't very nice. She really seems like a good person, very down-to-earth." Luanna cast a sly glance at Charlie. "She has to be down-to-earth to munch on the grass." Charlie chuckled. Gwen waved her hand. "Stop it, you two. I like Evelyn and she is going to be a good roommate." #28 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind "So did you give her the keys to the apartment already?" Luanna asked."Not yet." Gwen picked up her spoon, stirred her coffee. "She said she'd have the deposits and all ready and drop by again after work." ".I have something to tell you that might change your mind. I talked to Tim recently." "Oh? And what did he have to say for himself?" "He was feeling bad. He remembered that it's against his lease to sublet, but he has, of course, and doesn't want trouble. You're going to have to give Evelyn the bad news. She can't rent your room." "Are you saying that you went behind my back and plotted against me, and the he found someone already and without my consent?" "No. I'm telling you that he broke the lease and the owner found out." "And?" "The bad news is that at the end of the month, a new lease has to be signed by all occupants. That means paying for deposits and everything, and if not the place has to be vacated." "Oh great! That's just what I needed to hear!" Gwen stared into her soup, now turning cold. "I really should go now. I can't stand much more of this." "Hold on a minute, hon. Don't you want to hear the good news?" Luanna asked. "Good news? I don't see how there could be any." She hesitated and slid back onto her seat. "Fine. Give it your best shot." A half an hour away, the stranger came around the corner of the building and up the path, then looked toward the complex parking lot. Good. Just as I hoped it would be. Hardly anyone at home. Most of them would be at work, and the rest napping or busy, stuck inside, caring for their children. The stranger moved toward a certain door, and then ducked behind the bushes under the window. Steve Ellen The stranger reached up and ascertained that the window was unlocked. Then the stranger looked around one last time, quickly opened the window, and slipped inside the apartment.At Dinah's Diner, Gwen was laughing at Luanna's good news, not so much with joy as with disbelief at how ridiculous it sounded. "You're engaged! I don't believe it! How could you be? You don't even have a boyfriend!" Luanna's face was beaming. "I just met him two nights ago and he called me this morning at 3 A.M. and proposed!" Gwen's face fell. "Luanna! You can't be serious. You wouldn't marry a guy you just met, would you?" Luanna laughed and tapped Gwen's arm. "I didn't say we were married, I said we were engaged, sort of. Get your facts straight." "But... but why? What do you even know about him?" "He's wealthy." Luanna had a smirk on her face. "You little gold digger," Gwen said. "Is he good-looking?" Luanna shrugged. "Well, he's not dogmeat. He's taller than me. I like that. He has nice eyes, and I like the way he looks at me." "How is that different than when other guys look at you? What's his name?" #30 Steve Ellen -- Add #31 -- Luanna's Wealthy Fiancee"His name is Alexander Rockford Knitebridge the Third," Luanna said. "But I calls him Rocky." Gwen clapped her hands. "Even his name sounds wealthy. But what happened to Tom?" "That guy I had a couple of dates with? I told you I wasn't serious about him." "No you didn't tell me that!" "Well, I thought it." Both women laughed. Then Gwen's face became sorrowful again. "I'm happy for you, Luanna, but what a mess I am in with this rent thing." Luanna was still laughing. "No! No mess! Rocky will loan you whatever you need." "Luanna! I couldn't ask him for any money!" "Honey, he is rich and he loves me and he will certainly loan a few hundred dollars to my friend. Case closed." Gwen sighed. "Well... okay then. And I will pay him back very soon. And I will talk to my landlord about a new lease. I better let Evelyn know that everything is on for her to move in." Meanwhile, Evelyn was rummaging around in Gwen's apartment, looking in closets, checking behind drawers, tapping on the walls. She stroked her long horsy chin with strong fingers. "Looks clean in here to me. Maybe she is just an innocent pawn in Captain Walter Beaumont's game. But if I can become here roommate I will have an inside contact to Project Rupture. Little Miss Gwen probably has no idea of it's existence. But listening to her office gossip may give me just the clues I need." The mysterious stranger, aka Evelyn the Horse-faced Agent, slipped back out of Gwen's apartment window, dropped quietly to the ground, and quickly walked away. #31 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind "Wait a minute. We're not talking 100's of dollars. We're talking thousands, several thousands. How am I going to pay that back?""You won't owe him. 'll take care of it." They'd piled into Luanna's car-- a sporty looking, fast driving, it talks to you kind. They rolled down the street and parked the car only a half a block away this time. They were walking through Gwen's front door. "Whoa! Sombody used too much deodorant or something." "That's not deodorant." Gwen walked from room to room. "Somebody's been here." "Look. You''ve just got the jitters." "I mean it." "Nobody has been here, sweetie. Next you'll be saying-- somebodys been sleeping in my bed. I better stay here tonight." # 32 Steve Ellen -- Add #33 -- Luanna Spends The Night With Gwen -- Part One"Would you do that for me?" Gwen asked. "What about Rocky?" "Rocky is in New York. That's why he called me on the phone to propose. Otherwise, I am sure he would have done it in person." Gwen was sniffing in her closet. "But why didn't he just wait until he saw you again?" "You can't ask Rocky to wait! When he wants something he goes after it. And he wants me!" Luanna twirled around to show how desirable she was. 'He's a lucky guy, " Gwen said. Luanna looped her arm through Gwen's as they walked to the kitchen. "Do you really think so?" "Sure! what do you want to drink?" #33 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind "Maybe a glass of ice cold low-fat milk or orange juice?""I've never heard of low-fat orange juice." Gwen laughed."How about some Mojitos? I never tried them before and was waiting for someone to share it with." "Alcohol? Sorry, girl. I swore off drinking since that last time I got blitzed. Besides, do you have the stuff to make it?" "Well, I don't know but we could improvise. If you're really adamant about not drinking, that's fine." "Just one isn't going to kill me." "I read that women are less inhibited after drinking." "I know you can't handle it. I'm going to have to watch that you don't get clocked out, rip your clothes off and go on a night hike or something." "People do that you know, even when they aren't drunk. Just stop me before I end up with Beer goggles." "Yeah. That would be bad. Everybody looks good after a dozen drinks or so." "Okay. I do have some Amaretto, Irish Cream, and coffee. Want to do that?" "So we'll not only be toasted but have insomnia. This could be very bad if we get hammered and eventually start tossing up." Gwen prepared the coffee, tossed in a jigger of liquor, and handed Luanna hers. "Careful. It's kind of hot." "How come you're not sharing with one of those boyfriends of yours?" "I lied. They aren't my boyfriends. They don't look at me that way. To them I'm just a messenger--maybe just an amoeba in their fish tank." "They must be a bit frilly then. Who wouldn't notice? Why look at that hair." Luanna lifted the ends of Gwen's wavy auburn hair, then dropped it. "Maybe I'm not curvy enough. Who'd want these?" Gwen looked down at her B, almost C, cups. Aren't buying bras a biotch? I kind of miss being a 32 A." "Yeah. I remember that. I bet you couldn't wait to get into training bras in high school." They both laughed and sipped their coffees, and stared at the bottles of booze on the table. "I'm not sure I put enough in. I think mine needs a little more." "Do you think guys have to go through those stages during adolescence?" Gwen said. "Probably different kinds--like keeping track of how many hands it takes to hold their package." "If they even have one, and then celebrating when they do find it." "Yeah. That would be sad." # 34 Steve Ellen -- Add #35 -- Luanna Spends the Night With Gwen -- continuedAs the evening inched toward midnight, the laughter of the two women became louder, their faces became redder, and then eventually they passed on beyond that peak of interactivity and became quiet again. "Look at the time," Luanna said. Gwen could hardly keep her eyes open. "Yeah, if I'm going to make it to work tomorrow then we better get some sleep." Luanna retired to the spare room and Gwen sprawled across her own bed, thinking she really ought to change out of her clothes before she fell asleep. So that's how she happened to be still dressed when a loud knocking on the door woke her up an hour later. She stumbled into the living room and looked through the peephole. "What do you want?" she yelled through the door. "Is Luanna here?" Holy smoke, Gwen thought, it must be Rocky. She made her way to Luanna's room and dragged her awake. "Come on and look and see if that's Rocky at the door." "Huh?" Luanna mumbled, but the sound of Rocky's name being spoken woke her up. "Rocky? How did he know I was here?" "I don't even know if it's him," Gwen said, "but there is somebody out there asking if you are here. Just look through the peephole and see." Luanna put her eye to the peephole. #35 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Gwen had stumbled her way back to the door, and opened it with her friend in tow. Suddenly, Luanna disappeared behind her, which left Gwen alone to stare at the man on her doorstep. He was a mature man, with some graying at the temples, not quite old enough to be her grandfather, but he was dressed nicely. Everything shined on him, even his head, except for his shoes--real leather loafers. A car across the street was idling behind him, and had a driver in it. She stared at him a few minutes, trying to focus."Are you Gwen?" the man asked. "Am I at the right place?" "Do you have ANY idea of whut time we are in?" "I'm sorry?" He looked at her odd. "What time we are in? Pacific time, I believe. Why do you ask? I'd just like to know if Luanna is here or not." He eyed her. "You look kind of wobbly. Are you okay?" The door creaked opened more, and Luanna appeared, then took his arm.. "She's fine, just a little inebriated. I thought you had business to take care of in New York?" He kissed her cheek. "Were you sleeping? Why is your face so red? Have I caught you at a bad time?" "You're fine. Gwen this is Rocky. Rocky-Gwen." "I sho soory." She stuck out her tongue as if trying to untangle it. "Would you eshcuse..." Gwen moved slowly toward the hallway her hands on either side of the walls. "I hafta led down so the room sthops shpinning..." her voice trailed off into the other room. "You gonna be alright, sweetie?" Luanna yelled after her. "I thought I was your sweetie?" Rocky asked. "Oh, but you are." She gave him a little kiss, his arm came around her. "Here. Let me get you out of that jacket. She laid it over a chair, and they migrated to the spare room. It was quiet.Maybe Rocky and Luanna was in serious make out mode. Gwen laid on her bed staring at nothing in particular. She imagined she was the universe. In her galaxy, her stars (the shiny pieces in the popcorn-textured ceiling) glittered and winked. The quiet spoke of peace, but everything seemed so far away. The planets were somewhere out there somewhere, but even the Earth seemed distant. But soon something drew closer and got bigger. Maybe it was missile and was about to land on...what? Where was she now? A noise interupted her thoughts, her hand felt the bedspread beneath her. She turned her head. "Luanna? Rocky? Are you there?" Maybe they'd left. Gwen chided herself. She could have been more social, and shouldn't have drank so much. What a lightweight she was. It was almost laughable. She'd exaggerated just a tad when Rocky showed up, but still the alcohol made her legs feel like she was Gumby. Moving toward the kitchen, she grabbed some chips. Maybe a little something on her stomach besides booze would help. Then came some animal sounds like growling, panting, an occasional "Mmmph. Mmmph!", and sounds resembling out of control ping pong balls hitting the wall ever so often. Maybe they hadn't left. They must have found those board games she'd kept around for years. Unless those were wild monkey sex sounds. Jeeze, the things some people do when they're playing. Nah! Luanna had more class than that. I better have that carpet cleaned tomorrow. Gwen sat eating her chips and sipping on some 7-Up. # 36 Steve Ellen -- Add #37 -- Hungover at WorkGwen's ride to work the next morning was an ordeal. She had to squint against the rising sun and every loud sound made her head ring. She forced herself to smile when she asked Janine, the receptionist, if she had any deliveries for her. "Just those," Janine said and indicated a stack of parcels higher than Gwen's head. "What the hell?" Gwen said. "What happened? Did Santa Claus decide to send out the presents early?" "I don't know," Janine said. "I've never seen so many in one day. It's lucky you don't have to do it by yourself." "I don't?" Gwen said. "Yeah. Have you already forgotten Nico works here?" "Oh, right. So I guess I get half the pile and he gets the other half?" "No, divide it up by area. Go through it and see where they are going. You take downtown and leave any suburban deliveries for Nico." Gwen ended up with two-thirds of the pile but at least they were all in a small area. Nico came in just as she was leaving. "Hey, hey!" Nico said. "We got a lot to deliver today!" "Yeah and I'm hungover. I was up half the night. If I don't come back this afternon send out a search team." "Will do!" Nico said. He winked at her but it only disgusted her. Why the hell was he so cheerful? Gwen didn't get a block from the building before horns blew as she almost ran into another car. She shook her head. Wake up, Gwen! Wake up! The day dragged on and her headache didn't get any better. #37 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Another five blocks, just another five blocks, she thought. That's when she heard the blast, flinching when the tire blew out. Not this again! Gwen grabbed the company phone pushed a button and connected. "It's Gwen, got a blow out. Can I get a lift?" Gwen rubbed her temples."Dont' worry about it. We'll send some guys over to fix it. Meanwhile get on the BART and get back here. Captain B said you could take this car." Gwen hung up. "Now we're talkin. Anything's got to be better than sitting out here in the sweltering heatwave. She hadn't seen his car but it was probably new, aircondtioned, fast and reliable. What could go wrong?" # 38 Steve Ellen -- Add #39 -- CaptainBeaumont's CarWhen Gwen returned to the office she went straight in to see captain Beaumont. He was dangling car keys in his hand. "You must be very careful with my baby. Dorothy doesn't like people with heavy feet." "Dorothy?" Gwen said. "You named your car Dorothy?" "That's right, Miss Schwan. Do you find something odd in that?" "Er... no," Gwen said, suddenly realizing her job might be in jeopardy. "I call my car Timmy. Everybody should name their car. It's good to personalize your stuff." "Are you mocking me, Miss Schwan?" "No! I said it's good to name your car. I love driving my Tommy." "I thought you said Timmy." "Timmy! Tommy! He's not particular about his name." Captain Beaumont stared at her as if she might be flakey, which in a way she was, but apparently he decided in her favor. He handed her the car keys. "Just be careful with Dorothy," Miss Schwan. "She's the blue Dodge Caravan in the parking garage." Gwen made her way to the garage, muttering under her breath, "He named a freakin minivan!" #39 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind She found the mini-van, climbed in, and before long was headed down the street. Along the way, she saw Nico, and pulled over."Hey Need a lift?""Gwen? Is that yours?" "No. I'm borrowing it. Get in." "This is probably against the rules." He climbed in. "What rules? Nico meet Dorothy." "Dorothy? He looked in the back seat. "Who's Dorothy?" "It's the car's name, silly!" "You named the car?" Boy, this chick was weird, but awfully cute with her blue eyes, auburn hair and a sprinkling of freckles across her face. Probably was of irish descent. "It's not mine and no I didn't. It's the big boss's." "Wow. He must like you. What happened to yours?" "Blow out." "Well, at least you know this one is safe." "Stop over there." He pointed. "I'll just be a minute," he said and hopped out. Seconds later he was back. "How many more you got?" "Just a few. Help me find the one for the big package." "This van ought to have a GPS in it. Yeah there it is." He turned it on. It says to turn right here.? She did. "...and turn right again." "Okay." "And then left." After she made her turn, the GPS spoke. "You have reached your destination." They both looked around at the ranch-style houses lined on both sides of the street. "I don't see it. Do you?" "Lets get out." They walked in opposite directions and then circled back. "Nope, not here. The tracking system must be off. It's got to be close." "Yeah, but not in a residential neighborhood." "Sure is quiet around here. They headed back to the van, when Gwen was distracted. "Aww. Look there's a kitty." Nico looked at his watch. "What time does this place close?" "I don't know. Maybe five." "Then we need to get going." "Aww. I hope someone's taking care of you, little guy." Gwen skissed its little head and put the kitten down. There was only the briefest sound, and then the van exploded, sending debris flaying through the air, and blowing Gwen and Nicobackward. They landed on the lawn, the bushes partly cushioning their fall. "Gwen?" NIco groaned. When she didn't answer..."Gwen? Are you okay?" Gwen checked her body parts to make sure she still had them. "I think I am. What?" "The boss isn't going to be too happy about this." # 40 Steve Ellen -- Add #41 -- Who Is Our Enemy?Gwen and Nico sat in Captain Beaumont's Office while he listened to every detail of their experience. "What made you decide to use the GPS?" he asked Nico. "No reason, really. I just saw the van had one and we were having trouble finding an address. You think the GPS--" "No," Beaumont said. "The GPS had nothing to do with it. The package was rigged to explode probably at a specific time. If Gwen hadn't been delayed by her blowout, then it would already have been delivered." Nico scrunched up his nose. "So you know which package it was?" "I should. I sent it." Nico and Gwen stared at him. "You sent a bomb to someone?" Nico asked. Captain Beaumont rolled his eyes. "Of course not. And if I did would I tell you? Someone inserted the bomb, I know there was no bomb in that package yesterday. And I know there was a bomb in it today." Gwen raised a finger. "So sometime during the night... someone broke in here and planted the bomb!" Beaumont nodded. "I don't see how else it could happen. Except they would not have to break in. They might have a key. You guys don't have keys, so what happens next will not particularly concern you. I plan to find out who did it. Maybe I will tell you and maybe I will not. Can you live with not knowing?" "Sure," Nico said. "Ignorance is bliss." "I don't know," Gwen said. "I have lots of curiosity. It's kind of hard after you almost get blown up not to wonder about who and why." Beaumont shrugged. "I don't have any answers right now. And when I get the answers I don't know if I can share them. Meanwhile, don't discuss this with anyone except the police and tell them only what's absolutely necessary. Got that?" "Yes sir." #41 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind "What do you mean by what's necessary?" Gwen asked, but it was not heard when they'd all wandered out of the office.The police outside did their usual questioning. When the elevator opened, a herd of reporters with mics, pushed and shoved to get out. Nico and Gwen managed to avoid them by running toward the back stairway, and almost made it to the second floor, when they heard voices and footsteps. They were coming upward. "This way," Nico said, grabbed her hand, and jumped out a window, landing on an awning. He slid the rest of the way down landing on his feet. "Jump!" Nico said as she sat at the edge of the landing. "I can't." She whimpered. "I'll break my legs." "No. You won't. I'll catch you. Jump!" "Promise?" When she hesitated, he reminded her. "If you don't jump now, I am leaving, and you'll be stuck here with them. It won't be long before they discover our escape." He was right and she knew it. She closed her eyes and fell off the side, bellyflopping atop him, now sprawled out on the ground. She heard him go "Hmmph!" "Are you okay? Nico? Did you break anything?" He groaned, but opened his eyes. Hazel ones with eyerbrows that arched like eagle wings. She hadn't noticed that before. "I'm good," he said to her lips, now just inches above his. "Then lets get out of here," she breathed onto him, moving to her side, grasping his hand and helping him up. He limped at first, recovered, and gave her hand a tug. "Hurry!" he said. They ran off into the alleyway, not stopping until they couldn't breathe several blocks away. "Why are we running anyway?" she asked. "It's not like we can avoid them the rest of our lives." # 42 Steve Ellen -- Add #43 -- Nico's Secret"I've already been avoiding them the rest of my life. I have to!" "What do you mean?" Gwen asked. "Why have to?" Nico waved his hand. "It's a long story and I shouldn't even have mentioned it. Forget I said that." "But Nico! Maybe you have to run for some reason but I don't have to run. Stop for a minute, will you?" They ducked into a doorway. "I think we lost them now anyway," Nico said. "You're right. I suppose you don't have to worry about talking to them. Can you leave me out of it? Can you say I wasn't there? No, don't say that. Just don't say anything about me at all. Don't mention my name." "And if somebody asks me point blank if Nico was there then I just say no?" "Right." "But Captain Beaumont knows you were there when the van exploded." "I'm not worried about him. He will keep the secret. And he will not talk to the press about anything except maybe make some comment about how he doesn't know what happened." Gwen wrung her hands. "Nico, I'm getting worried. There is too much going on that I don't understand. Do you think I should quit this job?" "Do you need the money?" "Oh yes. I need it a lot." "Then don't quit." Gwen looked into his hazel eyes and liked what she saw. That would be another disadvantage to quitting. She wouldn't be seeing Nico everyday. "Do you have a girlfriend?" she asked. Nico laughed. "What is this? High school? Do you want to go out with me?" "Or you can come to my place if don't want to be seen in public right now." He took a moment to answer. "Okay. Where is it?" She gave him the address and they agreed on a time. #43 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind After Nico and Gwen departed, she searched the aisles at a local market. She didn't know what Nico liked to eat but maybe she'd find something almost anyone would like, and she wanted to be prepared for his visit.The line at the checkouts wasn't so bad, and she'd gotten through it without a problem, but she'd have to take buses and BART to get home, unless... Grabbing her cellphone she dialed Luanna's number. "Hi. Hey. Can you pick me up?" "Where have you been! I was worried sick.Are you okay? The explosion is all over the news on tv." "I got lucky. I'm fine. I'm on Market." "What cross street?" "Just a minute let me look. Oh..Powell." "Be right there." Fifteen minutes later, Gwen was sitting in Luanna's car. "You go grocery shopping? What's in the bag?" "Dinner." "Anything special?" "I"d invite you but the truth is I'm having company." "Anyone I know?" "Kind of." "Is this a date? Why isn't he taking you out instead?" "I didn't feel like dressing up and I felt like having some company. The more I think about it, the better it sounds. Why don't you come too? Maybe you can help me get ready." "I'm don't have anything planned, so Okay." Gwen glanced at her watch. It was 5:45 P.M. They were in the kitchen. "Can you cut up the celery? I'll mash the potatoes." "What time is he suppose to be here?" Luanna asked. # 44 Steve Ellen -- Add #45 -- Preparations For Dinner With Nico "Around 7," Gwen said. "But he might come a little early." "Then we have plenty of time. Do you want to hear the latest about Rocky?" Gwen sighed. "I suppose so." "What was that sigh for?" "It's just you are always talking about Rocky, but it's okay. I do want to hear. Tell me! Really." Luanna carefully chopped up the celery. "He wants to take me on an African Safari for our honeymoon." Gwen burst out laughing. Luanna frowned. "What's so funny about that? I think it's very romantic. Moonlight on the African savannah, sipping mint juleps on the balcony of our cabin while we listen to the roar of the lion and the trumpeting of the elephant." "I'm sorry," Gwen said. "It's just that African Safari was the last thing I was expecting. Um... what about the mud and the mosquitoes and the natives stealing your luggage and the monkey that throws his dung at your head?" "Zheesh, Gwen! What Africa have you been reading about? Have you forgotten Rocky is very rich? I think we'll be riding in an air-conditioned Land Rover and staying in deluxe accommodations. Mosquitoes will not be a problem." "I hope so," Gwen said. "Why did he choose that for a honeymoon?" "He wants to show me how to shoot. We're going to bag a big game trophy together." "A stuffed head on the wall? I still think it's funny... and strange. It's like he's a throwback to the 19th century. Whatever happened to save the animals from going extinct?" Luanna shrugged. "I never was a tree-hugger type. I'll try not to kill too many endangered animals." #45 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind "Why did that car blow up?" Luanna asked. Nico and Gwen spoke at the same time. "Faulty wiring." "Gas leak." They looked at each other, and both said, "Gas leak and faulty wiring." "Oh. Is there something I don't know?" Luanna asked. "No more than we do." Wanting to change the subject, Nico said, "So, umm. Your boyfriend is taking you to Africa? That must cost a lot of money." "He owns a fleet of cars." Luanna chewed on a celery stick. "At least one of them is a Corniche. What do you think?" "Oh. Those are similar to Rolls Royce..He must have a good job then," Nico said, hoping she might say more, but Luanna was already on another topic. "Gwen, I thought that that lady was going to move in with you? What was her name again?" Gwen sipped her glass of milk. "She was. I don't know why, but I haven't heard from her since she came to see it. I hope she wasn't just leading me on." "Why would she do that?" "I don't know. What if she was scoping out the joint and wanting to rob me?" "Rob you? Let's not get paranoid." Luanna looked around. "Forgive me for saying this, but there's nothing here anyone would want to steal." Gwen set her fork down on the table, turned her head sideways. "And what is that suppose to mean?" Nobody spoke for a few seconds. "Nico, pass me the potatoes, will you?" Nico had avoided looking at either or them until it got eerily quiet. Then he looked up to see them staring at him and flashed a silly grin. "What?" "The potatoes?" "They're delicious. There's nothing like homemade mashed potatoes." Luanna glanced at the box on the counter. "Compliments of Betty Crocker. Now pass them to Gwen." "Oh. Sorry." He shoved them in her direction. Luanna returned her attention to Gwen. "I"m sorry, sweetie. I know that didn't come out right." "It is rather curious that she'd come see the apartment and then not follow through," Nico said. # 46 Steve Ellen -- Add #47 -- Where Is Evelyn?"I suppose I could call her and ask her," Gwen said. Nico said, "You have her phone number? Aren't you even curious? Maybe she's sick or something." "Jeez, Nico, why are YOU so curious about Evelyn?" "Is that her name? Evelyn? It's just that you kept talking and talking about how you needed a renter and then you were all happy that you found one and now she's disappeared and you don't even seem the least concerned about it." Gwen shook her head. "Holy Smoking Corncob, Batman! She hasn't disappeared! It's only been what? Three days? Maybe she had arrangements to make about moving her stuff? Do you want me to call her? I will call her!" Gwen got up and retrieved her cell phone from the charger. "That's okay," Nico said. "I didn't mean to make a big deal about it." "I'm going to call her," Gwen said and punched the number. She listened for a moment then clicked her phone shut. "What is it?" Nico asked. "That number has been disconnected." "Really... when?" "They don't tell you that." "Kind of odd, don't you think?" Nico said. "Odd, Nico? It's odd that when a person is planning to move they might have their phone disconnected? Do you really find that odd?" "So I am assuming that wasn't her cell number," Luanna said. Gwen shrugged. "I'm not going to worry about it. If I don't hear from her by Sunday night then I'll look for another roommate." #47 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind But then she realized that she'd not get an answer from what's her face. "I'm moving in," Luanna said. "What? I thought you were going on a safari with your boyfreind?" "I am, and I might not be here very much, but at least I will know everything I have is safe. What? You don't want to live together?" "That's not what I meant." Gwen thought about it. "Well, it would help me out." "I just have to figure out how to get my stuff from my place to yours. Do you know anyone who has a truck?" Luanna asked. They looked in Nico's direction, who had gone quiet for some reason. Maybe because he'd disappeared. A rapping at the door, and then it opened and revealed Nico again. # 47 Steve Ellen #48"What are you doing out there?" Gwen asked. Nico shrugged. "I can't step outside for a moment?" "I was just curious." Luanna grabbed Nico's arm. "You still got that pick up truck of yours?" "Yep." "How about helping me move my furniture to Gwen's apartment?" At Express Deliveries, Captain Beaumont was receiving a disturbing phone call. "What are you saying? The entire lab is gone? But how could that happen?" As he listened to the answer to his question his face grew older and grayer. "I see... OK, tell Briarpatch I'll meet him in one hour at the park." Briarpatch was the code name for Brian, Captain Beaumont's contact at the CIA. Beaumont and Brian sat together on a bench at the park, far away from any possible bugs or eavesdropping devices. "You heard about Alpha Lab?" Brian said. "Yes. What does it mean for Project Rupture?" "They lost Hans Richter and two other top men. There is just a big hole in the ground where the lab used to be." "Then it didn't blow up?" Beaumont said. "No, it went somewhere." "It went somewhere? Where?" Brian tugged at his chin. "I'll be damned if anybody knows. I'm pretty sure it wasn't to Heaven, if that's what you're thinking. One theory is that it went a million years into the past." "What! But why?" Brian looked at Beaumont. "You really think I would understand even if they told me? But I get the impression that's just a guess, the best guess they can make." "Poor Hans." "Yes. One of the most brilliant minds in physics thrown back to a time when there was no science at all." #48 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind The men continued their chat. "He's resourceful and if anyone could survive it would be him," Captain Beaumont said. "Thank so? Even if he doesn't, how would we know? Think there is a vortex of some kind that caused it or...they did it? But why and why now?" Brian asked. Beaumont nodded in the direction of a group of people. "It's getting too busy around here. Time to go." "Gone." Brian folded up the newspaper he'd been holding in front of his face, tucked it under his arm and walked away. Meanwhile, back at Gwen's apartment, Nico and Luanna were going over plans for her move. "We should mention this to Captain Beaumont. After all, we are a courier service. Maybe he's got a big truck?" Gwen suggested. Luanna put her hands on her hips. "Think about what you just said, girl. If they blew up your bosses car, what makes you think I want to use one of his fleet for moving? I'd like to keep the things I do have. Thank you." . "Hey. I had to mention it." Luanna grabbed her bag. I think I'll get going." "Aww. So soon?" Nico asked. "I have a few things to get done before the week is out and need a fresh start in the morning. " Luanna looked at them both, gave Gwen a hug, and Nico a shoulder squeeze, and left. "Gee. All alone now. Think we'll be safe?" Nico said. "What's there to be scared of?" If you only knew, Gwen thought. "What would you like to do now?" He grinned--a wide one, a wee bit like how a cat might after being left alone in a room with a fishbowl. Gwen might have been mistaken, but did he just blush? Nah. Couldn't be. # 50 Steve Ellen #50"Are you blushing?" Gwen asked. Nico blushed even more but managed to maintain his composure. "Yeah, it happens to me whenever I am around a woman who really turns me on." "Oh really?" Gwen said. "So Luanna turns you on?" "No, not her," Nico said. Now it was Gwen's turn to blush a little. "I see... Um, how about some more coffee?" "Is it decaff?" "I've got some decaff but it's instant." "That's good," Nico said. "How do you happen to be living in California? You sound like you might be from the Midwest." "I do?" She microwaved a cup of water and dropped a spoonful of instant decaff into it. "Sugar?" "Just a little. I'll do it." He got up and walked into the kitchen and stood next to her. Gwen could feel the warmth of his body against hers. "Were you teasing me about being turned on?" He looked into her eyes. "No, I meant it." He leaned forward and kissed her lips lightly for an instant. It was so quick she didn't have time to respond. "Is that supposed to be a little taste to get me excited?" Gwen said. Her eyes were twinkling. He kissed her again for a bit longer. "It tastes pretty good," she murmured. He put his arms around her and they settled into a deeper, longer kiss. After a few moments she pushed him back and said, "Where is this headed?" Nico nodded toward her bedroom and raised his eyebrows. "You don't speak when you are seducing a lady?" Gwen asked. "I'm shy," he said. "I don't know what to say." "Your body doesn't seem so shy." She nodded at his crotch where there was an obvious bulge. He grinned. "What about it? Shall we?" He nudged her toward her bed but Gwen dug in her heels. "Not so fast," she said. "It's late. Tomorrow is Friday. We'll move Luanna's furniture with your truck after work. You bring your overnight stuff with you, okay?" "Got it," he said and they kissed again. Eventually Nico left and Gwen shut the door behind him and yawned. "Damn, it's late!" She quickly did her night routine and collapsed into bed. #50 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Now that's not at all what I expected. Overnight? Nico thought as he drove away. Things were moving much faster than he expected. He never would have guessed that they might be sleeping together this soon. He wasn't about to argue the point though.A quick look in the rear view mirror and he passed his fingers through his hair. It wouldn't be the first time a girl couldn't wait to get her hot little hands on him. Then again, how often did she invite a guy to stay overnight?He was stopped at a traffic light. Wait a minute. Do I look that easy? The light turned green. Let's face it. I am easy, and she is one sweet looking girl. Early that next morning, Gwen was waiting for her daily client list of pick up and drop off points, hoping to get a early start. Ms. Kwoat,spoke. "Captain B is ready to see you.". "Okay." She pushed the door open. "Hello." "Have a seat," he said. She moved toward one of the chairs by his desk. "How are you doing?" Mr. B looked up from his desk. "Good. Thank you for asking. Is there something specific you wanted to talk to me about?" "Oh. Umm. yeah. I guess I"ll be hoofing it since my car is still on the blink." "Be happy. At least yours didn't get blown up." "Yeah. That might be messy. I didn't get my client list. Do you have it?" "In fact, I do. You won't be hoofing it, as you put it." He passed her a large manila envelope. "You're going out of state." Her mouth dropped open. "What? Out of state? I can't. I have someone moving in and uh..what do you mean out of state?" "It's an assignment. Everything you need is in that envelope. Plane tickets, a credit card, cruise tickets...." "Cruise tickets?" "....and more." "This is so sudden. How will I...." "Look everything over tonight so you know where to go, what to do, and who your contacts are, and be careful who you tell." "Does this have anything to do with the car that blew up?" He ignored her. "How did everything go after you left the office the other day? Did you talk to the police?" "Yes." "Of course you did. Did you speak to any reporters?" "After leaving your office, a herd of reporters spotted us, and we narrowly escaped thanks to Nico's quick thinking." "I thought so. " The phone rang. He answered it. "Yes. Give me five minutes, then send him in," he said, and then hung up. "I don't suppose you've turned on your tv in the last 24 hours." "Er...no. Why?" "You might want to. Go home now and look it everything over." She took the package. "Okay, but I don't know about this." She turned the door handle and opened it. Nico was standing there. "I need to talk to you. Come over as soon as you can," she whispered as she passed him. After she left the office, she called Luanna and left a message. "You're not going to guess what just happened. Forget about moving in. I better put my stuff in storage. I can't handle all this. Meet me at my place ASAP!." Did he say cruise tickets? Why would he send her on a cruise? . #51 Steve Ellen -- Add #52 -- Unexpected JourneyShortly after Gwen arrived at her apartment, Nico drove up. "What's cooking?" he asked. "Captain Beaumont is sending me on a journey. Did he say anything to you?" "No. What kind of journey?" "A long one," Gwen said. "Look at these tickets. And he asked me if I had watched the news lately. Have you?" "No. Let's turn it on." Nico clicked on Gwen's TV and turned to a 24-hour news channel while she packed her suitcases. "Holy Smokes!" Nico said. "People are disappearing right and left. They estimate there have been over a million new missing persons cases since yesterday morning." "How is that possible?" Gwen called from the bedroom. "Nobody knows. And get this, they say the phones are overloaded with people calling their relatives to see if they are okay. And all the social networking sites have crashed! This is big, Gwen!" Gwen joined Nico on the couch. "So why is the boss sending me to Costa Rica?" "You don't have to go. Just quit." "In this economy? Is anybody in your family missing?" "Not that I know of. Let's see... a million out of say... three billion in the developed world... That would be like one person out of every three thousand people." "It doesn't sound so bad when you put it that way." Nico put his hands up. "But that's in just one day. What if it continues? Soon everybody would be missing!" "It's too much for me to comprehend. Maybe it depends on where you are. Maybe I'll be safe in Costa Rica." Nico took her hands in his. "What about tonight?" She shrugged. "II don't like missing that but I have to catch a plane this afternoon to Miami, then take a cruise ship from there to Costa Rica." #52 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind "Costa Rica? Did he say what will you be doing there?""I don't know yet. I have a stack of papers to read through." "Did you ask him why he's sending you there?" "Well, yes, but it was all a bit obscure. Maybe he feels like he can trust me with this important mission." "Oh. Maybe, unless he knows something is about to happen." "You mean like he's psychic or something?" "Not exactly. He also said to be careful about who I told where i was going. I've never been out of the USA, except for Canada and Tijuana, but that doesn't count. How will I know my way around? And I have to be dependent on other people." Nico put his arm around her. "I'm sure you'll figure it out. Don't worry, babe." "Too bad I can't take someone with me." # 53 Steve Ellen -- Add #54 -- Nico's Bold Decision"You want me to come with you?" Nico asked. "Huh?" Gwen said. "Are you serious? You would just drop everything and fly to Costa Rica with me?" "Sure." Nico had an amiable grin on his face. Gwen laughed. "You're a slacker, aren't you? You know you would lose your job." "Not necessarily. Anyway, I may seem easy-going but this missing persons thing has me really upset. I think it might be the beginning of the Rapture." "The Rapture? What the hell is that?" "You know. The end of the world. Like in Revelations in the Bible. Christ comes back to save the saved and the sinners go to hell." Gwen laughed. "I didn't think you were so religious. You believe all that?" "No. Not until it started happening. If that's what is happening." Gwen clicked her suitcase shut. "Well, I can't stay here talking about it. I've got a plane to catch." "I'll drive us there." "You're still talking like you want to come with me." Nico kissed her cheek. "Yep. I've deciced. I'm going to Costa Rica. Do we have time to stop by my place so I can grab some clothes?" "I guess we'll have to make time. You do know you need a passport?" "I've got one! And a toothbrush." #54 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind They'd opened Gwen's front door, she looked in the direction that Nico was turned to, and noticed the motorcycle. "You came here on that? I better call a cab.""Just hold on and I'll be right back." "Okay. I still have to make sure everything is turned off in the apartment, and give Luanna the key." The phone rang. "It's her." Gwen opened the door to go in, when she spotted Luanna coming around the corner. "Wait for me, girlfriend." she said. "Oh Luanna. Seems like the excitement never ends. Guess you heard about all the people disappearing." "Yeah. Whats up with that anyway? People don't just vanish into thin air. I bet the government has decided to do something about the population explosion. Maybe we'll find out later they've been taken some place like Area 51." "Really? You think the government is snatching up people right and left?" "Well, you tell me what's going on. I bet you think the aliens from outer space did it." "No. I have no idea, but it's awfully strange. Do you think the ones taken might have something in common?" Gwen said as she searched through the pile of shoes in her closet. Anyway, I have to pack. Nico will be here soon and I have to get going." "Going where?" "Oh, I guess you don't know. Costa Rica." "Huh? Why on earth would you be going to Costa Rica? Did you win the Lotto?" "I have plane tickets to leave for Miami, and from there I will go to Costa Rica." Luanna grabbed Gwen's arm. "Sit down, baby. Maybe you better stop by and talk to that psychiatrist friend of yours--Kneetchie?. Whatever happened to him anyway?." "I'm serious about the cruise and all. . Look for yourself." She shoved the manila envelope toward her. After several moments, "Okay, so you're not crazy after all." "And to answer your question, I haven't seen Charlie in a long time. If I were you I'd leave too. I don't know what's going on, but you might be safer somewhere else." The cat meowed. "What about Aries? Who's going to care for him?" Luanna asked. "Oh. Umm. That is a good question. Would you mind doing it?" "Don't worry about it I'll take care of him. If I go anywhere he'll go with me." "Thank you." "Here's Nico now." "How's he feel about you leaving? He seemed sweet on you." "He's going with me." "Uh...okay. This is getting wierder by the minute." "I'll explain later." They hugged. "You got international calling on that phone?" "I think so. I never had a need for it before." "Hi Luanna." Nico was already loading the suitcases into the trunk of his car--a shiny black Chrysler 300. "That yours?" she asked. "Borrowed it from a family member." "Oh." Then she turned to Gwen. "Don't forget to call me." "Lets go," Nico said. "You ready?" "Yes." And Gwen climbed into the car and they were on their way to SFO--San Francisco Airport. "We could have went by the BART train." "It's okay. This is easier and nicer don't you think?" "Yes, but then you'll have to leave the car there and god knows for how long." "You worry too much." He put his hand over hers. " Relax. I 've got it covered. My uncle is dropping by to pick it up." "You take such good care of me and make me feel so special." She kissed him on the cheek. Twenty minutes later they were standing at check in. and it was their turn. "I'm sorry, these tickets are no good," the lady at the counter said. "What do you mean they are no good?" Gwen asked, looking at Nico and then back to her. "I sincerely apologize, but there's been a change. There are no more seats available." "Wait a minute. You can't do that..." Nico said. "I didn't do anything, sir, but because it is our mistake, I'm authorized to book you two seats to New York city or anywhere you like within the continental USA, for half price." "What good will that do? We're suppose to be in Miami and then go on a cruise ship." "I'm sorry sir. I don't know what else to tell you." "We are suppose to be going to Costa Rica!" "Sir, no need to yell." She pushed a button. "This is starting to feel like a 3 ring circus or one of those wild rides at Disneyland." "Don't' worry. We'll get this straightened out and soon be hiking around in the wilds of Costa Rica." Two security guards came. "Is there a problem?" The clerk discreetly told him what happened. "Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to leave the line. There are other customers waiting." The officers guided them away. "Would you mind telling us what is going on? We had reservations, well at least she did. I just had to pick up mine. Your airlines wants to exchange them." "They did what they were suppose to. The clerkt is correct. We are trying to make it up to you." "Why? I never heard of such a thing. What kind of airport is this?" "No need to get upset. Whoever bought these tickets, stipulated that there would be a change and it's all been pre-arranged. Don't' ask me why. I don't know. Now, would you like tickets to some place else or not?" Gwen pulled Nico aside, while the security officer used the phone. "Do you think maybe Captain B did this on purpose?" "Maybe. I'm not sure. I tried to call, but got no answer. Was there any currency in the package?" "Yes, there was some cash, but I"m not sure how much." "I'm tired of messing around with them. Give me a few minutes." He moved to the back wall and dialed a number on his cellphone, spoke to someone, and then came back, then took Gwen's hand. The officer came back also. "Have you decided what you want to do?" "Yes, we'll find our own way, without your help, since reservations mean nothing apparently. We won't be needing the tickets after all and we can't wait around either." "Nico, What do you mean?" Gwen asked. "We're going on a road trip." #55 Steve Ellen -- Add #56 -- Road Trip"We must be out of our minds," Gwen said. They were riding on Interstate 40 in Nico's uncle's black Chrysler 300. "We might be," Nico said. "When we get to Oklahoma City we'll drop down to Interstate 10. We should be in Miami in less than 3 days if we don't stop anywhere." "The ship leaves in 3 days. I can see us pulling up to the dock just after the boat has left." "I don't know," Nico said. "I have the funny feeling that we will make it. Things always work out for you. I've noticed that." "What in the world are you talking about, Nico? I can never keep a roommate more than 3 months. I just started a new job which I will probably lose. I was almost blown up in a vehicle explosion. How is that things working out for me?" "But don't you see? Somebody else might have gotten a roommate who was a murderer. Somebody else might have never been able to find another job. Somebody else might have died in that vehicle explosion. But not you! You always make it through." Gwen put her hand to her forehead. "Your logic is completely messed up. Sure anything can happen, but if you think like that then it's a miracle that anybody is still alive." "Well, it is a miracle, isn't it? Say, I almost forgot about all those missing people. I better turn on the news." Nico fiddled with the radio controls. "Damn! It's not working!" Gwen wondered if it was the radio that was not working or whether all the engineers and announcers were missing. #56 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind "That's wierd. Is it even on?" Gwen asked."I think so." He glanced back. "Is my antenna broken?" Gwen looked too. "It doesn't look like it." She bent down closer the door speaker. "There's a faint buzz so it must be." Nico wonder how she'd be on a long trip. Long trips tend to bring out the beast or the best in people. At least after the first twenty four hours. "I'd rather take the southern route. Do you mind?" "Why?" "Because there is a lot more to see there. I like the old west." Nico rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "That might be a good idea after all. Just in case we hit bad weather going the other way." They'd cut over and traveled down, stopping only a few times on the way for pit stops and meals. Cactus and dirt became their only companions on the highway. They passed an old gas station, with it's flying red horse on the sign. Several cars were there but nobody was at the pumps. "Can we stop at Lost Chance at the state border?" "I think you mean Last Chance. Yes, we can." She scooted over closer to him. With her thigh next to his, she could feel the muscles in his legs flex as he drove. Cow pastures flew by them, several cattle wandering around on a hillside, and a lone bull in another section. Nico pulled over at one of the rest areas. "I thought they'd closed all these." "Why would they do that? People need these who are tired and need a little break from driving." "It's a known area for all kinds of unlawfulness. Drugs, prostitution, you name it." "Lovely. I've been to some before and don't remember seeing any drugs or prostitution." "Maybe you didn't notice." "How do you know so much about that anyway? Have you been propositioned?" He laughed. "Not answering that on the grounds I might incriminate myself." "So that's what you do in your time off," Gwen teased. "What? Selling?" "That's not what I meant, but come to think of it, I bet you'd make a hot item and be in demand." He smoothed his hair. "Think so? Would you be my customer?" "Sorry. You're tempting, but It's not in my budget right now. Don't you believe in good will?" "You mean like charity? You want a donation?" "Oh shut up," she said playfully. "I think we're done with this conversation." "That's my luck. Always happens just when the fun begins." "What's that over there?" Gwen asked pointing. "Cotton." "Wow. I never saw cotton plants before. Can we stop so I can get a closer look?" Nico pulled over. "I'll make it quick, before the farmer comes out with a shotgun.." "You're just looking, not picking." "Ah, but I want to..Okay I'm done." She hopped back in the car. Several seconds later she pulled out the cottony ball. "Tell me you didn't." "Okay, I didn't." She smiled. "It was a broken branch on the ground. Think this has seeds in it? Maybe I can save money and grow my own clothes so you won't have to buy me any after we get married.." Nico chuckled. "Uh huh." He skipped over the married part. Gwen yawned. "If you're tired you can rest for a while." "I'd rather keep you company so you don't fall asleep at the wheel and we end up in a ditch." "Don't worry about me. I drive all over the place and never crash." She settled down on the seat eventually, sometime while passing through. An hour or more later, Nico gently nudged Gwen out of her sleep. "Wake up, baby. I want you to see something." "Huh? Where are we?" "Amarillo, Texas.We're on Route 66. Look to your right." "Are those what I think they are?" "Caddilacs." They were all lined up in a row alongside the highway, the front end embedded in the ground so they were standing on end. "Why are they stuck in the ground like that?" "I don't know. maybe it's considered a piece of art?" "Hey! Wait a minute. You didn't stop at Lost Chance." "You're right. I didn't realize that the route I took would have me end up farther east. . Guess we missed our Last Chance. Sorry, sweetie. Maybe on the way back?" She nodded. "Would you hand me one of those peaches you bought?" "Sure." They'd driven even more miles. After crossing the state border, and traveling through town Nico noticed a place to eat called The Roadie. "There's a cafe. Are you hungry?" he asked. "My stomach has been growling for several minutes." Nico parked the car in the only opening in the parking lot. They got out. "I hope we don't have to wait long. It must be good look at all these cars." "If it is we can go somewhere else." They'd shuffled inside the front doors and looked around. . "What the...?" All of the booths were empty, as well as the stools near the front. "Is anybody here?" Gwen said to Nico. "Hello!! Is anyone here? Hello?" Nico moved toward the swinging doors separating the dining area from the kitchen. "There's nobody here that I can see." "This is spooky. What should we do? I'm still hungry." "I've got an idea. Lets' just go ahead and eat and wait for the owners to come back." "You are kidding me. What are we going to eat if there's nobody here to fix it for us?" "Watch." He grabbed an apron, put it on, then tossed her one. "Oh my god. I can't believe we're doing this." And so they proceeded to cook together. Occasionally the couple reached over each other's heads for something on the rack on the wall, and took turns slipping their arms around each other for a quick hug. # 58 Steve Ellen -- Add #58 -- Going To MiamiThey finished their meal and drank their coffee without anyone showing up at the truckstop. Nico left some money on the counter when they left. "It's a regular Twilight Zone in there. And there was nothing on their radio or TV. I'm afraid it's for real, Gwen. The Rapture is happening and the saved are leaving earth." "But why did we get left behind?" Nico looked at her with raised eyebrows. "Oh," Gwen said. "Funny, but I never thought of myself as being a sinner." "I knew I was," Nico said. "I wonder if there is any point in going on to Miami. Maybe there is nobody left anywhere." But not much further down the road they drove through a small town that was obviously lively with people. Nico pulled into a gas station. "Is anybody missing here?" he asked the attendant. "Hell, yeah, there's people missing. Lots of 'em. Ain't you heard about the Rapture." "Yes, but I wasn't sure," Nico said. "So it's for real? Is that why there is no radio or TV?" The attendant shrugged. "In the newspaper it says it was a solar flare that knocked out the radio and TV, but I'm like you. I think it was the Rapture." A solar flare! Nico thought. That would explain the radio and TV being out, especially if it was a really big solar flare, a humongous solar flare. Back on the road, Nico carefully tuned up and down the dial and finally found a radio station. It was far away and hard to hear. But the announcer mentioned the solar flare. So maybe that was true. "We might as well go to Miami," Nico said. "If we can't get on the ship we can turn around and go back to San Francisco. Or go somewhere else. Or just stay in Florida. I don't suppose it matters much. Although when winter comes we'd probably be glad we were in Florida." Gwen had her feet up on the car seat with her arms around her legs. "Is it the end of the world, baby?" "It looks like it. Kind of a relief actually, isn't it? No more problems." Nico laughed, but it was a bitter laugh. #58 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind "You don't sound so sure. What if everyone's being taken in stages? Almost anyone I know thinks we'd all die and some get jetted to Heaven.""And you don't? What would be the purpose? Where do you think they will go?" "Try thinking outside the box." "Educate me." "Well, if God created the heavens and earth in seven days...." "Did you hear what you just said? Created the heavens and earth in seven days. I noticed you didn't mention any beings." "Lifeforms weren't created yet." "Lifeforms?" He laughed. "Okay, so on the eighth day humans were created." "Where does it say that?" "I don't know, but it makes sense, don't it?" She shrugged. . "I guess it doesn't matter." "We got away from the topic." "Yeah. What was it?" "I thought we were talking about where everyone goes afterward." "Uh huh. Well, maybe some hang out here for a a while, and others go to BIG hell and some to Little Hell." He chuckled. "That's a novel idea. I wish I'd thought of that." "Okay, so lets presume there is such a place, where would this place be?" "How would I know? God things are so sophisticated nobody knows. Or maybe it's so simple that people complicate it." "It was your idea. You ought to at least have a logical explanation to back up your hypothesis." "Hypothesis?" "It means your proposed explanation of phenomena." "Oh." She snapped her fingers. "That's right. Thanks for reminding me.. Maybe they get sent somewhere which they'd hate to be and experience whatever it is they don't like most." "Wouldn't that be hell?" "Didn't I just say that?" "No, I meant it would really be a pain--torture even." "Maybe some of the people who did nothing, but raise hell all their life (pardon the pun), has to now be in a some place where that's all they have to deal with everywhere they turn." "That sounds like punishment." "More like naturally occurring consequences. It kind of sounds like life on earth to me." "But then it wouldn't be the Rapture, maybe it would be more like the Rupture." "How do you know? Did you get a peek into God's dossier?" "I think we've just went in a circle. Are you saying we are in hell?" "I don't know what I'm saying. We're just speculating, remember? Well, there is another possibility." "Which is?" "Other planes of existence, and each place has its own level of understanding as the person can comprehend at the time." "Where are we anyway? Is this Oklahoma or Louisiana? I thought I saw an alligator on the side of the road." "You've got quite an imagination. The only way an alligator would be here is if it got carried away by a tornado like what happened to little Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz." "Oh." Reaching behind the seat, she retrieved a bottle of orange juice and sipped it. " Want some?" He shook his head. "Why do you suppose we're still here? And where are all the people disappearing to? They haven't even found any bodies laying around." "I don't know. Maybe because we're so damn good." Just then he looked around to make sure lightning didn't strike.. "Or rotten." "That means you must be too. You think I"m rotten?" "No." She came closer. "but if you are, you're my favorite kind of rotten,," she whispered, and then nipped at his earlobe. "And you've got a body made for sin." "Want to get evil?" She let out a throaty laugh. "You haven't slept much, except for those few times along the way. You tired? Want me to drive, sweetie?" # 59 Steve Ellen -- Add #60 -- The Long RoadThey switched places and Nico immediately fell asleep while Gwen drove. She glanced at him from time to time, admiring the fine shape of his head and the way his eyebrows were just right. She liked his nose, which was thin but not too thin. She knew exactly how thin a nose could get before she thought it was too thin. Nico was well-proportioned all over, wide shoulders, narrow waist, strong hands, handsome face. When he woke up she would suggest they spend a little time romancing. He would probably say no, that they needed to keep traveling. But she would try to persuade him. She smiled as she imagined herself kissing his neck and flashing her sex eyes at him. She slammed on the brakes when her attention was drawn back to the road by an armadillo shuffling across it. Nico rolled off the seat and hit his head on the dashboard. "Ouch! What happened?" "I almost hit an armadillo. I thought those things lived out West?" Nico rubbed his forehead. "No, they've migrated eastward. They have them in Florida and Georgia and South Carolina now. How long was I asleep? Jeez! Only 30 minutes! I'm going back into my nap. Try not to make any more sudden moves, baby." "Ok. I'm sorry." She tried hard to concentrate on her driving but within minutes she was slipping off into another daydream, leaving behind just enough of her mind paying attention to the car so that it kept rolling along in the correct lane. #60 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Nico slipped deep into slumber. Gwen visualized both of them arm and arm or hand in hand trekking across the wild terrain of Costa Rica like they were explorers. Clothed in hiking boots and outdoor garb, hats and all, they resembled a couple of Indiana Jones lookalikes. She'd opted for the collared white shirt and khaki camp shorts, with matching socks. Much to his viewing pleasure it allowed for nice view of her legs, as well as the sensual curve of her derriere. He'd carried a huge backpack with their essentials. Nico's limbs glistened in the sunshine. His hair was damp from the moisture in the air, and fell recklessly across his brow, giving him a wild, animal-like and virile look. And it made her heart beat just a bit faster. Maybe she could tame him. Tonight when they camped out, she'd snare him inside the confines of the tent, or even outside in a tree. It didn't matter. She might have drooled just now thinking about it, except her own mouth seemed suddenly dry, yet she thirsted for him more than the splash of cool water her hands had scooped out of a stream nearby. "No! Don't drink that!" Nico said. "What's wrong?" "If you drink it, you could get sick and die, and then I'd not have anyone cute to snuggle with." "From what I understand, as long as the water is tumbling over the rocks it's okay to drink it." He shook his head. "Not true. Do you know the rule of threes? Maybe you remember the three basic necessities which sustain life: air, water, and food. The Rule of Threes states that a person can live for three-minutes without air, three-days without water, and three-weeks without food. Any longer and the person dies." "Oh? What of it?" "We need water, but lets be sensible. There's particles and such in the water. You've heard of Protozoa, bacteria, and viruses." "That sounds pretty nasty, and yes I remember it from high school science class. I bet you disected frogs, huh?" "Never." "The water looks fine to me." She peered into it. "It's not fine. We have to boil it." "Umm okay. What will you use to do that with?" "This my lady!" He pulled out a large tin cup, took a clump of twigs and scattered a pile of rocks on it so that it made a platform, which had openings. Kneeling down, he pulled out a match and lit up a dried out tree branch, blew on it then touched the dried twigs. They caught fire. "What will we do while that's heating up and cooling off?" He jerked his head toward the water. "Take a bath?" "I thought you said the water was bad?" She looked at the green moss around some of the edges of the water, and then into the more clear water further in. "It's probably good enough to bathe in, but not drink." "Probably?" She'd picked up a handful of green algae and tossed it at him. It landed on the side of his head. He gave her that 'you're going to be so sorry for doing that' look, then scooped up some of his own. "Oh no you don't!" she squealed and then darted away, but not fast enough as he planted it on top of her own head. The water and sopping wet plant life drizzled and snaked down into her top, dampening the material there, causing everything to cling to her body, and went further down into her shorts. She ran quickly, found another clump and tossed it "Oh yeah? Take that!" After several minutes, they collided, his arms inprisoning her. They tumbled into the water, rolling around, laughing, and rinsing the green junk off of each other. His hands carefully raking the slope of her breast, tossing the mess aside, while hers slipped inside his shirt, tugging it open, and yanking the ends out of his waistband. "We gotta get you squeaky clean," she said. smirking After peeling their clothes off of each other, with one quick movement, he'd tossed them to the water's edge. She caught sight of the tin cup. "The water is hot and ready." He shrugged,. "That's not all," he mumbled into her shoulder, then covered her mouth with his. She must have made that mewling sound she often did, as Nico began to stir on the seat next to her, his head close to her lap. "It's okay babe, sleep. Dream sweet," she whispered. A big rig semi-truck and trailer behind her hit the horn briefly before passing by. She glanced at her speedometer, and hadn't realized she'd slowed down below the speed limit. Straightening in her seat, she took at better look at her surroundings and stepped on the gas. An hour or so later, they were entering the gulf area. The beach stretched along on her right, gas stations, and a scattering of small shops were on the north side of the two lane highway. Nico sat up. "Where are we?" "Far as I can tell. Possibly Gulfport, Mississippi, and almost to Biloxi." "Feel better?" "Yes." They looked to their left. A wrought iron fence surrounded a mansion , which rose higher than the gas station signs they'd passed by. "I wonder who that belongs to?" "I don't know. Maybe somebody important." "Slow down a little," he said. "Okay." They drove a little further on. A 19th century antebellum home appeared in their view. "What's that sign say?" She pulled over, they read it. Historic landmark. Beauvoir 52 acre Retirement estate of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Built in 1852. "Isn't it gorgeous?" Gwen said. "That's a long time ago. It's in great shape for being so old." "Considering all the tornados and such that come through here, you know they had to rebuild it." "I remember hearing about how the whole sides of buildings disappeared." "Yep." # 61 Steve Ellen -- Add #62 -- Panama CityIt was late in the day when they rolled into Panama City, Florida, and they were both hungry. "I hope there are plenty of sinners left so we can get something to eat," Gwen said. Nico pointed at a blue-and-white building with nautical junk fastened to it. "How about that seafood restaurant over there, Captain Dirk's. It looks open." "I want some boiled shrimp." "Me too. And a big baked potato and hot rolls and cold iced tea and a good crisp salad and-" Gwen laughed. "Let's not get our hopes up too high. Hey, if it's empty let's just make our own meal like we did before, OK?" "Sure." They parked the car and walked into a restaurant that looked pretty normal. People were eating, waiters were waiting, cooks were cooking. "Gosh," Gwen said. "It's like the Raprture never got this far." "That's an interesting point. Maybe it's not simultaneous everywhere. Maybe it sort of rolls around the world and takes several days to do it." "Do we even know what we're talking about?" "No," Nico said and laughed. "Let's just eat and ask a few questions." The waitress informed them that yes, plenty of people were missing from Panama City but life goes on. The left behinders had to eat, didn't they? "Is that what you call them?" Nico asked. "The Left Behinders?" "That's what I call them," the waitress said. She had the look of someone who had lived long enough to have seen just about everything and be no longer impressed by any of it. "You're a Left Behinder, too, aren't you?" Nico said. "I sure am, honey. But this ain't the first time I've been left behind." All three of them laughed at that and the waitress revisited their table several times while they ate their shrimp and fish and the trimmings. The end result was they left Captain Dirk's full of good food and feeling very optimistic about the future. "My turn to drive!" Nico said. "Good!" Gwen patted her stomach. "I just want to sleep now." #62 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Gwen decided to climb over the seat and stretch out in the back. "Wake me when we get close, if I'm not awake already." Grabbing the pillow she'd brought, she stuffed it under her head. Meanwhile, Nico drove on. One hundred miles and two hours later, Nico realized the car needed refueling. He pulled the Chrysler 300 into the bay area of Flying A filling station. Glancing over the back of the seat, Gwen was out. "Might as well sleep," he said. Talking to the patron on the aisle across from the pump nearest his car, he said, "This the usual cost for gasoline in these parts?" "There all about the same," the guy answered. "I take it you're not from here." "We came in from the West Coast. " Nico tried to feed some bills into the automated machine but it kept spitting it out. "How much is gas where you're from?" the man asked. "For premium? Approximately $3.69 a gallon at an off-brand gas station." The guy whistled. "It didn't work for me either. You have to go inside." "No problem." Nico walked toward the gas station lobby, opened the door, went in, snagged some chips on the way back to the cashier. He placed the bag on the counter. "Fill up on...," he squinted at the gas pumps. "Which one is yours?" the attendant asked. "The black one on the other side of Pump 4." He passed the guy a twenty. "Ah Okay. This too?" He nodded. After retrieving his change, he returned to the pumps, gassed up. Glancing at the Gwen's blanket, he got back in the car, and pulled out of the driveway, and entered the driveway next door. He'd gone in the little market, opened the chilled compartment, and grabbed a few bottles of Vernor's Ginger Ale, paid and then returned to the car. "Babe," he said over his shoulder. "You might want to drink these while they're coo..." He stopped the car. "Hon?" When Gwen had woke up, Nico wasn't in his seat. She stretched, looked around. Ah, a gas station. I better use the toilet while I can. She tossed the blanket back onto the seat, when it clung to her legs, then scooted out and padded her way to the lady's room. Five minutes later, she was out, but the car was gone. "Now where did he go? Nico?" She looked around. Maybe he'd pulled over and out of the way. Nope. No sign of him or the car. She entered the building. "Excuse me but did you happen to see a guy that stands about this tall?" She held her hand over her head. "He has dark blond hair and hazel eyes." . "Lady, you just described at least a quarter of the human race," the attendant said. "He had to have gotten gas." "What kind of car?" "Buick I think. No." She put her fingers to her mouth. "Damn! I don't remember but it had the number 300 on it." It was eerily quiet. She looked back at the line of people behind her. "I am so sorry. I kind of lost someone." "Did you say it had a 300 on it? That's a Chrysler, Isn't it?" "Yeah that's it." She returned her attention to the cashier. "Chrysler 300." "Oh! Why didn't you say so? He left a few minutes ago, headed that way." The man pointed to his right. An old lady behind her touched her elbow. "Your man leave you, dear? Typical man. Hot heads they are. If he don't come back, I've got ten bucks. That might help get you a bus ride home. Where do you live?" The man behind her looked everywhere but at her, but the third person in line started digging in his wallet. "I got a five. Will that help?" he said. "No. Thanks. Really. We didn't bicker. He's a good guy and he's probably here somewhere." The lady turned to the man who was willing to donate to the cause. "The poor dear is in denial." She pressed a piece of paper into Gwen's hand, and closed her hand.. "Here's my number. Call me if the louse doesn't come and get you." Louse? "Thanks, but I'm sure that won't be necessary." Gwen stuck the folded up piece of paper into her pocket. She wouldn't be calling her but she could call him. So what if there were ridiculously high roaming charges. Reaching for her bag, she realised she'd left it in the car, along with her cell phone. "Oh man!" She looked out the glass window and past the line of people. "Is that a market over there?" "Yes. Is he there? Do you see his car?" Gwen frowned. "No. Thank you so much for trying to help." She peered out the doorway again searched the parking lot. Just then his car came into sight. It must have been on the other side of the market. Gwen walked toward it, got in. "Jeez Louise, you gave me a scare." "You might want to tell a person when you get out of the car." "You can't tell someone fi they' aren't there. Didn't you notice I was gone?" "No. The way the blankets were, it looked like you were still there." She looked over at it, and then laughed. "You better take another look. Even Olive Oyl wouldn't fit under that blanket the way it is. Don't...you, she emphasized each word with her fingers on his chin. "...ever do that again." # 63 Steve Ellen -- Add # 64 -- Miami SunriseNico chuckled. "I'll try to do better. Now that you're awake do you want to drive for an hour or so?" "Sure. Are you going to sleep?" "Nope. I just want to relax and watch the stars. We don't need the A/C now." Nico turned off the A/C, cranked open the sunroof, and put his seat all the way back so he could look up at the sky with his hands behind his head. "This is really nice. Plus we get to take an ocean cruise. This Rapture thing is working out well for you and me." "Yeah, and it shouldn't since we got left behind. Maybe everybody had it backwards. Maybe the goody-goodies get whisked away to some weird place and the sinners get left behind to really start enjoying life." Nico laughed. "I hope so." They drove through the night, taking turns at the wheel, and just as the Eastern sky was beginning to light up they were entering Miami. Gwen was at the wheel. "Can you find the pier?" Nico asked. "Um... just keep driving east until we hit the ocean?" "Works for me. Pull in somewhere and I'll ask directions." The sun was just beginning to feel hot when they found the pier for their cruise ship. It was sailing away as people on the pier cheered and waved. Nico stared at the departing vessel and ran his fingers through his hair. "Damn! I can't believe we missed it! And by only minutes! He stared accusingly at Gwen. "If you hadn't pulled that stunt at the gas station..." "Me? What if you hadn't insisted we stay for desert at Captain Dirk's because you liked the waitress so much?" Nico sighed. "OK, OK, no use to blame each other. Maybe we weren't meant to be on that boat. Let's take a walk on the beach and figure out our next move." They took off their shoes and Nico rolled up his slacks. Gwen was already wearing shorts. The sand felt good under their toes. "I should call Captain Beaumont," Gwen said. "There's plenty of time. Remember there is a three hour time difference between Florida and California. He hasn't even had his morning coffee yet." "He'll need it when he hears my news." Dreamin1-Fog&Wind "Express Services, Ms. Kwoat speaking. May I help you?""Yes. It's Gwen. I need to talk to Mr. I mean Captain Beaumont ASAP." "Sorry. He's not in his office at the moment. Can I take a message?" "No. When will he be back in? Should I call him later?". "I'm sorry, Ms. Schwan. That's not possible." "Oh? Why not?" "Did something happen that I don't know about?" "I have another call. Please hold on." Gwen turned to Nico. "She's not letting me talk to him for some reason." "Well he does have a lot of responsibilities. Maybe he's having breakfast." He looked at his watch. "Or even lunch." "It didn't sound as if I'd get to talk to him even if I called back later. My god. What is going on? What are we doing here? Captain Beaumont said something about contacts would be in touch, but where are they?" A seagull squawked as he flew over them. Nico looked out at sea."Hopefully not out there." "Hello? Are you still there, Miss Schwan?" "Yes. All I can say is that Captain Beaumont is out of town, and I don't know when he'll be back." "Oh, great!" "I'm sorry I have to go. The other line is ringing." "That's fine. Goodbye." Gwen closed the phone and plopped down on the sand. "Now what do you suppose we do?" she groaned, and thought about it some. Our ship is out to sea, we're stranded in a place we're not even familiar with. I don't even know why we're here now. "What are we doing here? I'm losing my direction with all these changes going on." "Just relax. Do what I do and roll with the tide. Breathe. That's it. Everything is going to be just fine. Maybe we should have fun while we're here and consider it a vacation on Captain B. After all he did send us here without too many details.It could be he felt guilty for almost getting us blown to smithereens when we were driving his car. I doubt he's that worried about what we're doing while we're here." "Hmm. It does seem to be that way. I haven't been here in so long. Maybe we can take a look at the Miami Seaquarium, or better yet visit the zoo across the street. Okay maybe not." "What about a drive to Key West? The thought of snorkeling in tropical waters sounds appealing. You never know what you might see down there. I heard there are boats that will take you out." "Right. With our luck, we'd end up in the Bermuda Triangle." "You don't really mean that. That's just an old tale someone made up. Where's your sense of adventure?" "Maybe we could check around and see of one f them guys with boats might be able to take us to the ship." "Nice try, but they couldn't, Gwen. Think about it. Those are small boats. It would have to be a much bigger one to catch up with the ship." "You're right, but doing nothing isn't helping us. We're already here and it's worth a try, isn't it?" He took her hand and helped her up. Traveling south on Highway US 1, they passed billboards advertising events. "I thought Highway 1 was in California?" "It is, but this is a different one." "Aww darn. Look. We'd be just in time for the Key West Lobsterfest. Yumm. Too bad we're not going there." # 65 Steve Ellen -- Add #66 -- Carlos NachadoAbout 30 miles south of Miami there was a loud bang and Nico pulled off the road to inspect the car. "Damn! It's a blow-out and I don't have a spare tire." Gwen got out to look at the ruined tire with him. She was wearing short shorts and a shirt tied like a halter top with no bra underneath. A big grey BMW pulled up beside them and the tinted window for the back seat passenger rolled down. A tan face with thick black eyebrows and a moustache leaned out. "Eez there trouble weeth your car? Perhaps I can help." "It's the tire," Nico said. "We've had terrible luck today. We just missed our cruise ship connection and now our car is down too. You wouldn't happen to have a spare tire for a Chrsler 300, would you?" The tan face laughed. "No, but I can give you a ride south. Which cruise ship were you supposed to be on?" "The Evening Star headed for Costa Rica. It just left Miami a couple of hours ago." "Yes, I know it well. You see, I am on my way to my boat. I can give you a ride to your ship, if you like." "A ride? What do you mean?" The man stroked his moustache and gazed at Gwen. "I have a very fast boat and can easily catch up with your ship." Nico's eyebrows went up. "You would do that? Uh... why?" Gwen punched Nico's arm. "Don't be rude. If the nice man wants to give us a ride I say thank you!" She extended her hand to the man in the BMW. "Hi! My name is Gwen and this is my, uh, driver Nico." "Driver!" Nico said. The man in the BMW opened the car door and stepped out. He was tall and wore grey slacks and a pale blue T-shirt which showed off his great physique. "My name is Carlos Nachado. Perhaps you have heard of me?" "No," Nico said. "Afraid not." Nico did not smile. Gwen said, "Thank you for your offer, Mr. Nachado We're really grateful. My boss wanted me to be on that ship and we just missed it by seconds. Can you really catch up with it?" "Yes, I think so, but we better get moving. My boat is in Key Largo. And please, call me Carlos." He flashed a smile of very white teeth at Gwen. #66 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Nico bristled slightly as Carlos' eyes slid over Gwen's figure. His moustache reminded him of a character in that dreadful old cartoon starring Dudley Do-Right. What was Dudley's nemesis? Nico shrugged it off.While Carlos instructed the driver, Gwen whispered to Nico between gritted teeth, "Play along." NIco stared at her blankly. Gwen seemed to be taken in by his rather pompous ways, unless of course she wasn't and was just being cordial. He looked in the direction that Carlos' eyes. went every time her head was turned--her breast jiggled slightly as she moved. If Gwen was a pasture he grazed there.. Nico crossed his arms. The only sign of discomfort came from slight tinge of red coloring his cheeks,and the twitch of one of his eyes. The chatter stopped, Gwen turned in her seat, away from him now, which only seemed to entice him more by revealing the sensual curve of her back. Seconds later, she reached behind her, her hand sought out his and threaded her fingers through his. He looked over at Carlos, and tried not to flash a smug smile at him. Gwen's chatter was much like a little magpie. Nico summed it up as a nervous tick, something she did when in uncertain circumstance. Regardless, Carlos seemed enchanted, basking in her attention. "Forgive me for asking, but before you asked if we knew you. Why would we? Obviously you're a man of means." And probably influential, Gwen thought. "Are you famous?" # 67 Steve Ellen -- Add #68 -- Nachado's Nachos"Nachados Nachos?" Carlos said. "You have seen the stands, no?" Gwen frowned. "Uh... Nacho stands?" "Yes, they are everywhere. Not stands, what do you call them? Huts? Shacks? Leetle places where you buy nachos." "Nachos..." Gwen said. "Actually we are from California and-" "Oh, yes, si! California! I have many stands there in Los Angeles." "We're from San Francisco." "Oh." Carlos nodded. "I see. No, I do not have so many in San Francisco. Not any at all in fact. Now I understand why you do not know me. But if you lived in Miami you would know me." "I think I would," Gwen said. "And I would be happy about it." Carlos laughed. "Oh yes, you would be very happy. And I too, beautiful Gwen, would be so happy to know you." Nico made a sound. "What's that, Nico?" Gwen asked. "Nothing," he said. His arms were tightly folded across his chest. "Just clearing my throat." He stared out the window at the passing scenery. #68 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind "Nico. Er.. Mr.....""Mazuuti," Nico said. "How long have you been driving?" Carlos asked. "All my life actually," Nico said. "I rather enjoy it. Gwen and I just traveled over 3,000 miles together. Haven't we?" "Sure did," Gwen answered. Carlos raised a brow. "Oh yes. I'm sure you were delightful company." "Have you ever thought about expanding your business to include other items?" "Like what?" "Umm. I don't know. I'm pretty fond of Nachos, but I like them with all kinds of extras on it. green sauce, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, etc. What about tostada boats? Maybe the patron could eat the boat since it's made out of crispy corn tortilla shell.Nah, tha'ts probably been done before. She continued. "Oh I know. What about a promotional? Maybe some kind of toy for the children that connects to the image of your company?" "Thank you for giving me ideas. I like how you think, but those kind of promotionals are being frowned upon." "Okay, well how about something useful then. Maybe dishware or glassware? Or a dated Christmas ornament? You do believe in Christmas don't you?" "My dear. I'm not from an uncivilized country. Yes I believe in Christmas.and much more." He patted her leg. "We will talk more about this. We are almost there," Carlos said as he looked out the car window. The car drove down a long road and pulled to a stop, the driver got out, opened the door. Before Carlos stepped out, would you join me for dinner later dear Gwen?" "Dinner? Oh no. I couldn't. We'll be on the cruise ship, won't we? Or did you mean another day?" Although, Gwen didn't know how Nico might react to a given situation, she was sure that he kept a level head and was self assured enough to not worry about the attention that this man who offered help and dinner. A man joined up with Carlos, speaking in another language. Then he returned to Nico and Gwen who stood outside the car, and retrieved the luggage out of the trunk after the driver opened it. "My assistant has informed me that the driver of my boat is ill. Mr. uh...Mazuuti, I don't suppose you have ever driven a boat? I, of course, can, but since you are a driver, perhaps you might like to. And I can compensate you for your time besides." {{//font} # 69 Steve Ellen -- Add #70 -- Carlos Plays A Joke"Drive a boat?" Nico said. "Uh... no. I've never even been on a boat before." Carlos laughed. "I suspected as much. A boat, of course, does not have a driver but a captain, a pilot, and a navigator, and I, of course, am the captain of my little boat." By then they had walked out on to the docks and Carlos gestured at a sleek yacht. "Wow!" Gwen said. "That more than just a boat, that's a ship!" Carlos flashed his white teeth. "Yes, she is very comfortable and very fast. We will catch up with your cruise ship very quickly." Gwen stood on the bridge with Captain Carlos Nachado as he captained the good ship Sueño de Nachado across the blue waves of the Atlantic Sea. The windscreens were open and the sea breeze blew through the small bridge room. Carlos gave the wheel to his assistant and took Gwen by the elbow. "Let's go out on deck and watch the beautiful ocean." Nico was sitting in a deck chair and cracked one eye open as they approached. "Nico!" Gwen said. "Doesn't the salt air smell great?" Nico sighed. "When do we catch up with the cruise ship?" Carlos pointed at the horizon. "You do not have long to wait, Nico. That is the ship." Gwen hugged Carlos. "Thank you! Your boat is even faster than I hoped!" Nico pulled Gwen away from Carlos. "We better make sure we have our bags ready." An hour later Nico and Gwen were standing on an upper deck of the Evening Star waving good-bye to the departing yacht. "I wonder why he asked me to drive his boat?" Nico mused. Gwen brushed his arm. "Silly, he was just playing a little joke on you." Nico had such a worried look on his face that Gwen made him look straight at her. "What's wrong? You look like you saw a ghost." "I did," Nico said. "My ex-wife." "Huh?" "My ex-wife is on this ship. Uh, I'm divorced. Didn't I tell you that? Her name is Helen. I think I saw her. She was staring at me. It must have been her." Gwen looked around. "Where is she?" "I don't know now. It's a big ship. Maybe we'll never run into her again." Gwen pushed out her cheek with her tongue. "I think you better tell me all about Helen." #70 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Nico wiped his face with his hand. "There's really not much to tell. We got married when we were teens, and things just didn't work out. and ...umm....one day we got a divorce.""Let me get this right. After you both took your vows to love, honor, cherish, and protect until death do you part, you then decided to just give up and go your separate ways?" "Not exactly like that." "What grounds permitted a divorce?" "Irreconcilable differences." "I see. So maybe she liked hard tacos and you like them soft, or maybe you liked Spam and liver and she didn't. or maybe..." "Stop. .I did love her. Our marriage wasn't just done on a whim. You should know me better than that " "That's the problem, Nico." She threw her sun hat down, and her hands up in the air. "Maybe I don't know you at all." Uh oh. When a woman uses your name during a disagreement, it means you're in big trouble. he thought. "Why didn't you tell me about Helen before?" "I would have, but we just never got to that point, and it was before you came along. I didn't see the sense in it. At first it didn't matter. I'm sorry that you had to find out this way." He tried to pull her close, but she moved away. "I can see that you're upset." He moved to face her, so that she was pressed against the inner wall of the boat, close enough to say into her ear. "Just remember that I'm with you and not her. Nothing has changed between you and I. Has it?" She wouldn't look at him. "I need time to process this whole thing." She could barely think clearly with the length of him pressed against her. He lifted her chin, causing her to look into his eyes. They seemed darker now, instead of smokey blue. He wondered if it was the lighting causing her eyes to dilate or whether it was his imagination playing tricks on him. "Have I ever given you any reason for you to not trust me and what I say is true?" "No. No, you haven't." She bit her lip. Her forehead fell to the curve of his shoulder, when his arm came around her. "I'm sorry. It's just that it's all new to me. I am glad that you told me." They embraced. He kissed her brow. Their lips met and slid across each others, then they strolled along the deck hand in hand "Maybe it wasn't her. And if not, how do I know that you might have some residual feelings for her and that's why you thought you saw her? I've heard of that happening to people before." "Okay. I'm just going to let you talk until you get it all out of you." Yet Nico groaned inwardly, and then he thought of something. Why wasn't Helen taken up like all the other people? At least he wouldn't have to worry about running into her anymore. It wasn't like he wished her ill. Maybe it was in an even better place. Maybe he was losing it, unless he wasn't, but if in fact Helen was on the ship, he knew that it was potentially explosive. Hoping to avoid the usual crowd, Nico had snack food sent to their room. "Why did you order this? I wanted to go to the buffet and see the other parts of the ship." "No reason. I figured you might be tired and would like to relax instead of being by a crowd of people. We could always dine a little later. Do you mind?" "Only if you promise that we go before too long." "It's a deal." And so the couple dined much later one when the amount of people dining were much less. The next day they put on their swimwear and went on the waterslide. They made out a little, showered and changed, walked around some more. "What would you like to do next?" he asked. "Want to watch a movie under the starlit sky or go to the casino and gamble a little?" "I don't know. What would you like to do?" He flashed her a grin, raised his brows. She grabbed her hairbrush. "Oh you! Is that all you ever think of?" she said as she went into the bathroom. "What else is there? And no, not all the time. Only when you're around." He didn't see her smile. "If we're going, you better hurry up and change your clothes." "I'm a "take me as I am" kind of guy. Is something wrong with what I'm wearing?" He looked down at the shirt he'd put on earlier. Gwen pulled on his belt loops. She looked at him with adoring eyes. "No sweetie. You're just perfect the way you are. I just wasn't sure of the dress code." "I doubt there is a dress code for the casino, unless you decide to go naked." He stroked his chin and laughed at the thought, and tried not to focus too much on the idea or the delicate slope of her bare shoulders... # 71 Steve Ellen -- Add #72 -- The CasinoThe casino was buzzing with gamblers. A kind of reckless spending had set in among those left behind. Who knew who would be taken next? Might as well enjoy yourself before it was too late. They seldom stopped to think that kind of person was probably the kind who would NOT be taken up. Nico and Gwen paused before a roulette wheel. "Let's play our ages!" Gwen said. "We might get lucky." Nico grinned. "The wheel doesn't go high enough for me." She stared at him. "You're over 36? You don't look it." "I know, but it's true. Not much over. Maybe I should have lied." Gwen patted his chest. "No, that's okay. I can handle the truth, grandpa." When the ball didn't land on her number Gwen tugged Nico away from Roulette. "Let's play something where you actually have to do something." "Blackjack?" Nico said. They found a table and although neither of them was an expert they managed to do what was necessary. He was peeking at his down card when a woman sat down beside him and touched his arm. "Hello, stranger," she said, in a familiar voice. Nico looked at her. She was older than he remembered, but still beautiful. Her black hair hung down straight on either side of her face with bangs across her forehead. Her eyes were still the intense green that fascinated him. He wondered if she had quit smoking. There were no stains on her fingers and she smelled great. "I thought I noticed you on the ship," Nico said, "but I wasn't sure. Why are you going to Costa Rica?" Helen glanced at Gwen before she answered, "To meet a man." #72 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Everyone at the table had been concentrating on her cards. As usual, nobody spoke. How does that go?Take a hit on 17, but stand on 19?.In the next few seconds, the very air seemed to change, even Nico seemed to stiffen, and then she heard him speak and it wasn't to her. Gwen leaned forward a little and scanned the person who Nico was talking to. Her eyes saw a woman, taller than herself, possibly in her late 40's. She wore very little make up, if any, yet there were signs of crows feet near her eyes. Gwen wasn't sure what that meant. Was she older than herself, had a hard life, or just tired? She was casually dressed in a rather plain but somewhat stylish manner, and was accesorized by earrings and a necklace, What was more noticeable was how her eyes seemed to light up when they passed over Nico's profile. She'd looked up and straight at Gwen, who managed a quick, but gratuous smile.. The others at the table gazed into their hands, each one having their own poker face. But soon those eyes turned toward Gwen, who also found the dealer looking at her expectantly. "Oh!" Gwen waved her hand, shook her head, and the turn moved to the next person. Gwen coughed and then elbowed Nico, who hadn't responded. Her arm threaded through his. "I"m sorry. Gwen, this is Helen. Helen, this is Gwen." They both said their hellos. "Are you enjoying the cruise so far?" Gwen asked. "I am now. Thank you for asking. "How do you like it?" I am now? Gwen thought and wondered if it had anything to do with meeting up with Nico. "Oh, it's like nothing I've ever seen before, but it wouldn't quite be the same without him here." She slid her hand to Nico's shoulder. Helen didn't even blink an eye. "Is this your first time?" she asked. "No. Oh, wait. I did before, if you count the time my parents went to Hawaii, when I was a baby, but I don't remember it. The dealer collected the cards, paid the winners and dealt another hand. Gwen passed when it came to her. Through the corner of her eye, she noticed the man in the business suit standing behind her. "Would you like this seat?" she asked. The man smiled. "If you don't mind." "It's yours," she said and slid off the stool. "Thank you," the man said. Gwen leaned into Nico's back. "I'm going to the powder room. I'll be back in a few minutes." As an after thought, she whispered so that only he heard her. "You going to be okay?" "Always am." *** After she'd left the table, Helen spoke. "We need to talk." "About what?" "Anything. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather spend some time with, and catch up on things." "That's nice of you to say, but as you can see I'm with someone." Helen frowned. "Does that mean that we can't even speak to each other? We were friends before we were ever anything else." The dealer dealt another round, then Nico spoke. "Okay. You're right. When and where would you like to chat and what for? Don't you want to meet a man?" "Don't be mean. I haven't seen you or heard your voice in so long. I can't help it if I happen to miss you. Am I that easy to forget?" "Let's not go there." Helen scribbled something down and passed a slip of paper to him. "Just in case you change your mind, here's my room number." "I shouldn't have to tell you this, but if we talk at all, it won't be in your room, and more than likely be while she's with me." "What are you afraid of?" "Afraid? I"m not afraid of anything.. I happen to care for her. What is it that you want?" "Be nice. Why do you always assume I'm up to something? Can't I just enjoy your company?" When he didn't respond, she continued. "I take it you've known her for a while and not just met on here. Are you in love?" "That's personal and I'm not discussing it." He glanced at the cashier cage across the room, which was around the corner from the restrooms. She held out the piece of paper. He obliged her. by stuffing the piece of paper into his pocket. To do otherwise would offend her. Maybe once he got out on deck he'd toss it over the edge of the boat. Gwen found the powder room, used one of the stalls, came out, and washed her hands in the sink, then stared into the mirror for several seconds. Okay, so I might not win a beauty contest, but I'm good. She ran her fingers through her hair, powdered her nose, put on some lipstick, and posed to look at her derriere. No sagging yet. Her hands rested on either side of the sink. She looked closer. No crow's feet or wrinkles either.. She thought about the woman sitting next to Nico--Helen. She obviously entranced Nico once, but she wasn't too sure about now. Something about her was unsettling, yet elusive. It wasn't how her eyes studied her, but she got the feeling as if anything she'd said or did would be filed away into the filing cabinet of her mind, and maybe be used against her later. Maybe she was just checking out the competition. "What is wrong with you?" she said out loud. A silver haired woman drying her hands looked her way and then around the restroom, and seeing nobody else, turned red and said, "Excuse me?" "I'm so sorry. Not you. I was talking to myself." The woman arched her brow, then left. Helen hadn't said or did anything wrong really, except for those few words--to meet a man. Still, the chances of the three of them meeting up was phenomenal. Gwen wondered if this was this some trick played on them by the gods above or more than just a coincidence. Again, Gwen reminded herself that nothing horrible happened. She'd left him alone with Helen so they might talk. It was the polite thing to do, but still she wondered what they might be saying. Not to worry. She sensed that Nico could hold his own. Too bad Luanna wasn't with her. It would be good to have someone to talk to about now--someone not involved in the situation. Maybe she could call from the ship's phone, or even once they'd landed at their destination. Closing her eyes, she tensed then relaxed, and took several deep breaths, and then lpushed the door open and walked toward the gaming tables, but her heart nearly stopped dead when she saw Helen and Nico embrace. # 73 Steve Ellen -- Add #74 -- Misunderstanding Number One"What did you do that for?" Nico said, pushing Helen away. They had been just about to part when Helen had suddenly turned back and embraced him. She patted his arm. "Relax. A little hug won't hurt you." That's when Nico noticed Gwen standing in the entranceway with a surprised look on her face, but now Helen was already walking away. Nico walked quickly over to Gwen. "Ready for some more gambling?" "No," she said. "I think I'm tired of taking chances." He wondered if he should read something into that. "I had no idea Helen would be on this ship. How could I? I haven't seen her in years. Isn't it strange that she is?" "Yes," Gwen said. "She seems very happy to see you." "Well. I don't know why she should be so happy. We broke up years ago. We hardly even talk to each other. I haven't talked to her since... I don't know when." "That embrace didn't look like you were strangers." "A hug! Just a quick hug! She hugged me. I didn't hug her. No, we're not strangers. Maybe she had too many drinks. You know... feeling a little overly friendly? I'm sure if she was sober she wouldn't dream of hugging me like that." "Oh stop it, Nico. That wasn't a friendly hug. That was an embrace between two people who used to sleep with each other on a regular basis." "Zheesh! What a way you have of putting things! Sure, say it like that and it sounds ten times worse than it is. She hadn't seen me for a long time and gave me a little hug. That's all. Please don't make a big deal out of it." #74 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Gwen stomped her foot. "Don't make a big deal out of it?""She's not anything to be jealous of, even if she does want me. I know how to say yes and no." "I think you liked it." "What makes you think that?" "You leaned toward her after she sat down. I bet you were smelling her perfume. Did it bring back memories?" "Don't you think that's being a little unfair?" He looked up above his head. "I don't see the bright light over my head. Have you ever thought about being an interrogator?" She leaned away from him. Maybe he did have a point, and she was overreacting, then again...."Umm, if I recall you didn't seem too happy when Carlos was paying attention to me." "I wasn't worried about that." "No?" Her head swiveled toward him. "It didn't bother you at all when he put his hand on my leg? I could swear I saw your eye twitch. I've noticed it a few times when you're under stress." "I can't control that. It happens sporadically. I figured you knew what you were doing, and if things got out of hand, then I'd step in and turn that...Nacho king into a pile of doggy quesadillas, besides it looked to me like you were enjoying yourself. Answer me this. Was it a test to see how I might react? Do you have a twisted side to you that enjoys having two men fuss over you?" "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard you say." His mouth gaped open in mock surprise. "See! You didn't really answer, which means..." She looked up at him. "I'd never intentionally or unintentionally do that. Why would I?" "If a person does something unintentional it means they aren't even aware that they are doing it, so how would you even know?" "You're like a puppy with a new bone and won't let go. I was being cordial and sociable. You have heard of those terms before, haven't you? Besides I"d never met him before in my life and we didn't have a past like you and her did." "You started this." Gwen sighed and slumped a little. "What did you expect? Maybe I don't like any other female laying their hands on you, much less being intimate with you." She picked an imaginary piece of lint off his arm. "Aww." His eyes sparkled, while his arms encircled her, pulling her closer. They kissed and then again. A few seconds later, they were walking down a corridor out the casino, when she suddenly stopped. "What is it? Did you forget something?" he asked. She shook her head. "You know what would be hilarious about all this?" "No, but I think you're going to tell me." She faced him. "Okay, lets say the hug was innocent. Maybe I am totally wrong.. What if you only think she wants you, but she doesn't?" A rumbling laugh came out of him from deep within his chest. "Why wouldn't she?" He tapped his fingers to make each point. "Number 1--I'm a good catch. I have a secure job and money, Number 2-- I'm smart and I'm a nice person and fun." He decided to pour it on thick."And Number 3--There's the added bonus that I'm a dynamo in the bedroom." He pointed to himself and stuck out his chest. "Admit it. I'm the total package." She lightly wacked him in the stomach. "Get over yourself." # 75 Steve Ellen -- Add #76 -- Doctor Paxton's ChoiceDoctor Paxton finished typing his report about finding Hans just where they had expected, a million years in the past, and then the details of the unusual progression of events that included Hans coming back to the future with a dying cavewoman named Wog and then his return to the past with her to save her life. He even included the embarrassing detail about caveman Mogo's brief accidental trip to the future and back caused by Paxton's clumsiness. An hour later he received an angry email from Captain Beaumont: See me immediately! Captain Beaumont was pacing back and forth in his underground office of the Costa Rica facility, nervously twirling his mustache, when Paxton arrived. "What a mess you have made!" Beaumont exclaimed. "Me?" Paxton put a hand to his chest and blinked his eyes. "I'm not the boss of this place. Anyway, I was against any preliminary testing of Project Rupture. I knew we weren't ready yet." Beaumont ran his hand through his hair. "Gee ma ninny, Paxton! When are you going to figure out that the Rapture has already begun? Millions of people are missing! We can't wait around and exercise caution. We have to take action now! What good is Project Rupture if the Rapture happens without it? We're going to an accelerated schedule. Will there be more disasters like losing the Manchester facility? I don't know! We'll have to take the risk. Are you with us or not?" Doctor Paxton had a bleak stare. "Yes, I'm with you. What choice do I have? Either I take The Detour or I drop into The Abyss. I guess I want to live." #76 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Captain Beaumont flashed a wide smile. "I knew that I could depend on you."I hope he's right. Doctor Paxton had no real reason to doubt Captain Beaumont, yet every now and then he'd spring something new on him. Because of Doctor Paxton's highly critical mind, he anticipated how something might go wrong. To be safe, he had his own emergency route prepared should he have to initiate it. He shoved the idea to the back of his mind and concentrated on the project at hand. "Captain Beaumont. I have a question. What happens to the rest of the planet once we retrieve all those Left Behinders?" Captain Beaumont scratched his chin. "I'm really glad you asked that, and you've made me realize that several of you might be asking that same question. I'd like you to prepare a report which includes questions and responses from the Project Rupture workers. After it's been reviewed, and depending on how it turns out, we'll then present the Recollection program." Doctor Paxton scratched his head. "Recollection program?" "Don't worry about it now. It'll all be crystal clear to you when it's explained better later." "Okay," Doctor Paxton said, while he was thinking how the man is a genius. Every time he turned around he had something else for him to consider and ponder on.. XXX "Are you saying that while I'm having mind-blowing, pulse quickening, saliva-producing, toe-curling, spasm inducing, sexual escapades, that my passengers have missed the journey entirely, and are still left hitchhiking on the side of the road?" Nico asked. They walked further down the corridor. Gwen tried not to grin. "It makes you wonder, huh?" "I don't believe you. There are some things that you just can't fake." She didn't say anything. "Or were you?" They'd stopped in front of the cabin door, he unlocked it. She went ahead of him. His hands went to her shoulders. She moved toward the recliner chair. The room had one queen-sized bed in it,. Lucky for NIco, he'd slept in it the first night on board.. . There'd been no choice but for them to share a room. After undoing the ankle strap on her shoe, she removed both of them. Nico had stepped into the bathroom. Quickly, she slid out of her dress, and donned her bathrobe. He passed her on the way out, as she found aA warm moistened washcloth which wiped her feet. A plastic tub sat inside the tub, which she'd inquired about when they'd first gotten on board. The staff had already brought it while they were away from the room. She filled it with warm water, added a little scented soap. "Nico." He appeared in the doorway. "I'll get that," she said and carried it to the side of the bed. "Thanks," she said, and moved over to the edge of the bed. An "Ahhh," followed when she submerged her feet into it. He'd loosened his shirt, and flipped on the tv, setting it on low. "Feet hurt?" he asked. "Mmm hmm. What else is new? It's already starting to feel better." He'd put a dvd in. "What is it?" "I don't know. Want me to help?" When she didn't answer, he knelt in front of her, massaging her ankles, occasionally slipping his hands under the heel. "That feels good," she said. Her gaze returned to the tv screen, while his hands moved within the water. On screen, two characters hiked up a perilously dangerous mountain. Her eyes were on the screen, but her mind wandered elsewhere, as his hands moved along her ankle, . up her shin a little, then back down. "The water is turning cold," he said, and grabbed a towel from the bathroom, tossing it to her.. "Scoot back some if you want." She moved to the back of the bed, and then he did a glorious thing--warmed some lotion in his hands and applied it to her feet. He massaged first one pad, then another and then with gentle movement glided along the top of it. then back down under. After a while, he moved to the other foot. No longer interested in the mountain climbers on tv, she leaned back onto the pillows, letting her eyes close. Seeing her reaction, Nico continued and migrated upwards along her knee, only partway up her thighs. "Turn over," he said. She did, and now she could see his reflection in the mirrored wall, his handsome face, the way his hair fell across his brow. Gwen couldn't stop watching, fascinated by the play of muscles in his shoulders and arms flexed, rippled, and then relaxed. Her lips parted Fingers traced her form, a hand on her thigh. Exploring, but non-invasive.warmed hands slid over her back, concentrating on any knots there, Next he was at her shoulders. She could see his face, feel the warmth of his breath against her ear. Her mouth parted slightly. His hands moved onward toward her belly, and further, and returned. Sinking her back into his front, she felt his his heat and his arousal. She wondered how much longer she'd suffer this sweet torture. .She didn't have to wait too long because during his maneuvers, she somehow shifted position, so that they lined up, and his movements became her movements. She turned more for better access to him, his face, his mouth. She could breathe in his scent and was immersed in it. With his face in her hands, she stared into his golden gaze. Her lips stopped here and there, grazing his chin with kisses, before they found each other's mouths and explored. Her fingers slid along the smoothness of his shoulders, down his arms, across the plains of his chest, through the desert of his belly, and over the raw wild terrain. Thoughts crept up, What are you doing? a voice said. Maybe she should stop it before it gets out of hand. He touched those places on her that would send her in another direction, and it did. She groaned. His head popped up. "Something wrong?" "No. Everything is right. It scares me." "I can stop. Is that what you want?" He kissed her shoulder. She jumped out of bed, leaned against the counter and stared at him, unable to answer. It felt way too good. "I'm sorry." "For what? Nothing happened." Although he was aroused and so was she, he'd let it go. he took her hand and guided her back to him. "Let's just cuddle," he said, then wrapped his arms around her. his hands resting just below her breasts. You can't have it both ways. a voice inside her said. Her own body betrayed her. Get him. Get him now. it said. Somewhere in the middle of night, their bodies met and danced. By morning's light, they almost sinned 27 times and in a dozen ways. "Sleep well?" he asked. . # 77 Steve Ellen -- Add #78 -- BreakfastThe next morning they were both hungry and decided to take in the lavish bufffet breakfast that the cruise ship offered. As Nico was heaping his plate high with hash browns, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, Gwen squeezed his arm. "Isn't that Evelyn?" "Where?" he said and looked around until he spotted the familiar horsey face of the big woman. "What's she doing on the ship?" "I don't know," Gwen said, "but it's freaking me out. It's like we're meeting everyone we ever knew on this boat. What's next? All our old schoolteachers and childhood friends?" "Twilight Zone time. Uh... why don't we just ask her how she happens to be on board?" "That's a plan," Gwen said. "Hold my plate. I'll go ask her right now." "Hey!" Nico protested as he was left standing with a plate of food in each hand. Evelyn had changed her hair astyle. Now it was light brown and pulled back in a ponytail. Also her glasses were different. "Evelyn?" Gwen asked. "Yes, it's me," Evelyn said. "I thought you might be on the ship, too, since you work for the Rupture boss. "Huh? Rupture boss? What are you talking about?" Evelyn snorted. "Oh, so they tell you nothing, eh? You are just a pawn in the game." "What game? I don't know what the hell you are talking about, Evelyn. And I didn't appreciate the way you ran off without telling me what was up about the apartment. And then when I tried to call you your phone was disconnected." "Things happen in this business. Oh, that's right, I forgot. You don't know what business you are in.. because you are just a pawn." Gwen shook her head. "You are something else, big girl. I have to go eat breakfast now." Back with Nico, Gwen told him about her mysterious conversation with Evelyn. Nico talked over a mouthful of eggs. "Maybe Beaumont is weirder than we think." #78 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind She almost said, "Don't talk with your mouth full", but didn't. "I don't know what is going on, but as soon as we get there I aim to find out," he said over the brim of his coffee cup. "This is getting kind of scary. " She sipped her own cup of tea.. She set it down. "I get the feeling we've been set up, or at least I have. Tell me the truth. We're you also part of the plan? Do you know anything about Project Rupture?" "There you go again. I thought you trusted me." Gwen put her hand to her head. "I don't know what to think. There's way too many coincidences. Why are all the people we know in the same place on the same day?" She put her hand to her throat. "Oh my god. Are we being peopleknapped?" "That's not even a word," he said. # 79 Steve Ellen -- Add # 80 -- Hurricane!After breakfast Nico and Gwen went out to sit on the deck and catch some sun but there was no sun to be caught. The sky was grey and getting greyer. "What's going on?" Gwen said. A passenger standing nearby said, "It's a storm out there, a hurricane." "A hurricane!" Gwen said. "How can there be a hurricane?" "They happen in the Caribbean all the time," Nico said. "Well, not all the time, but this IS hurricane season." "Are we going to sail right into it? That would be stupid, wouldn't it?" "This is a pretty big ship. I'm sure the captain knows what he's doing." Gwen's eyes popped open. "Well, I'm not!" Fortunately, another passenger overheard the discussion and volunteered his information: The captain was sailing around the hurricane, which was only passing near their route. No one should worry. Gwen shrugged. "I wasn't worried. I wonder what the name of the hurricane is." "Evelyn," said the passenger. Nico and Gwen looked at each other. "Now isn't that strange," Gwen said. #80 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Their was a buzz of activity on the ship, people gathering and discussing the change of weather, winds picked up every passing moment."We should be fine. I have heard that it's very calm in the eye of the hurricane," one man said. "Calm, yes, but even worse," said an older gentleman, "because the outer edges are dangerous but sooner or later the eye moves and you're in the twister part of it." A young woman butted in. "What can we do and where do they keep the boats and life preservers?" People were looking from one end up the ship to the other. "The captain spoke to his 2nd hand man.. "We have to control this panic that is spreading aboard ship. Time to put Plan B into operation. Hand me the microphone." # 81 Steve Ellen -- Add #82 -- Captain DingyThis is Captain Dingy speaking! came the voice over the loudspeaker and Gwen looked at Nico with raised brow and mouthed "Dingy?" whereupon they both snickered. There is no cause for alarm. Hurricane Evelyn is only a category one and not too large in size. Our ship will easily sail around it. The pool will remain open and the shuffleboards are ready for action. And don't forget our fabulous all-day buffet! Nico patted his stomach. "How could I forget? Getting hungry again yet?" "We just had breakfast!" Gwen said. "Uh oh, look who's coming over." Evelyn's long stride brought her quickly to their side. She ran her hand through her thick hair and winked at Nico. "My storm is out there. Pretty cool they named it after me, eh?" Nico made no comment, just lifted his shoulders. Gwen said, "It's not much of a storm. Wouldn't you have preferred something bigger like a category 2 or 3?" "Sure," Evelyn said. "If I had my way it would be the biggest hurricane the world has ever seen, but..." "You don't have your way." Nico finished her sentence for her when the pause grew too long. She turned her big brown eyes on him and smiled. "No, I don't always get my way. Do you?" Nico wondered what it would be like to be in bed with such a large woman, but he hoped she wasn't coming on to him. "No, I don't always get my way either. Sometimes I don't even know what my way is!" Gwen laughed. "That's funny, honey!" She possessed his arm with both her hands. He grinned at her. Evelyn frowned. "Well, I am off to the buffet tables. See you guys around." "Goodbye, Evelyn," Gwen said. She kissed Nico on the cheek just to see Evelyn frown again. #82 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Evelyn was on the way to the buffet table when she bumped into some guy with a mustache. When she walked away, something told her to look back at the man jiggling the doorknob, but noticed that he was looking toward her too...plus he smiled like a school boy.Her steps were slow. "Hi. I'm Evelyn. Are you locked out?" she said. "No. This isn't my room." # 83 Steve Ellen "Then why are you trying to get into it?" Evelyn asked. "I'm a jewel thief," the man answered. "I want to steal the world's biggest diamond." "And it's in that room?" "So I've heard." He twirled the end of his mustache and made his eyebrows hop up and down. #84 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Evelyn pulled out a sleek little handgun. "Hold it right there!""Oh god. Not this again. Are you the police?" the moustache twirler asked. #86 Steve Ellen -- Add #87 -- The Wisecracker"I'm the wisecrack police," Evelyn said. "You're not a jewel thief and you're not trying to steal the world's biggest diamond." "Jeez, lady! Is it a crime to make a little joke?" the man asked. "My name is Napoleon Bonaparte and this is the back door to my palace." Evelyn cocked the pistol and touched the man's forehead with the end of the barrel. Her face was deadly serious as she said, "No more wisecracks." Beads of sweat popped out on the man's forehead. He gritted his teeth to keep from talking but suddenly he exploded with, "I'm the Grim Reaper and this is the entrance to my Dungeon of Death!" He cringed waiting for the blast from the pistol to blow him away. #87 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind Evelyn managed to unlock the door, kicked it open. She motioned with her gun. "In." After he made it inside, she kicked the door shut, and threw the gun on the desk. His eyes all but fell out of his head when she unfastened her blouse and took it off. Laughter rippled from her throat as she threw the blouse over the chair back. Relief flooded his face as he realized she had another top on underneath the discarded one, but she noticed his arched brow. Figuring he'd call her bluff, he said, "So that's how you play..." He reached behind him, pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside. She laughed again. " From pennacle of death by Baretta, to an assumed offer of excitement and sensuality. How's that for mind games, doc? Guess what's next?" © Copyright 2011 Dreamin1-Fog&Wind, Steve Ellen, (known as GROUP). All rights reserved. GROUP has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work. |
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