PAIDRA'S SHORT STORIES

THE ENGLISHMAN

2009-05-28T22:28:00.000-07:00

"I'M EIGHTEEN YEARS OLD and should be able to make up my own mind." Margaret stood in front of her mirror speaking out loud to herself. "If I knew what I wanted I might be able to just that." The reflection gazing back at her was that of a young woman. She could accent or neutralize the Indian blood richly flowing through her veins simply by the make up she wore. Her eyes were her father's but not so much that shadow couldn't turn them mysterious appearing.

Every thing was simple for her father. "I'm Indian and proud of it. The English can go to blazes if they don't like it," he was known to say publicly. "Father is such a strong man," she said looking into the mirror. "And when you're strong, things seem to come easier. Either it's right, or it's wrong. There is very little in-between.

"Mother, on the other hand, is so very different. She is actually Scottish. But in this land, the difference seems to go unnoticed. It is interesting that when in the homelands, the English and the Scots care very little for each other. But when it is them together against the Indians, things are different.

"I truly believe the two bloods flowing through my veins are conducting their own private war. On one hand, I am proud to be Scottish. But on the other, I am not ashamed to be Indian. But life would be easier if both parents were of the same race. Love is great and all, but it's always the children who pay the price. I can say I know this from experience.

"What is so grand about attending the dance?" she asked the reflection in the mirror. "Do I really want to go? Is it worth the effort to fit in?" There were no answers forthcoming so she turned from the mirror and left the room.

"I don't really want to go to the dance, Mother," Margaret announced to her mother as she entered the parlor.

"If you're going to meet the correct people you have to attend these parties," her mother responded.

"What if they laugh at me?" The last minute jitters were clouding the young woman's thoughts.

"Why would they do that?" Vivian's nose flared slightly at the thought of someone laughing at her daughter. It had been years since she had fallen in love with and married Arnav. How could anyone remember? She knew her husband would be most displeased with his daughter attending a dance at the English club. Vivian hated to go behind his back but if Margaret was ever to," she was thinking when Margaret interrupted her thoughts.

"I've heard stories," Margaret said.

"In case you haven't noticed, you don't look one bit Indian." Vivian knew what she had just said was not completely truthful but she only meant to encourage her daughter.

"Mother! I have no desire to hide my father's nationality from anyone." Vivian flashed back in her mind to the time when she had met Arnav. She foolishly thought love would overcome the hatred held on to by the English. She had gone to India on assignment with the London Shipping Company. Almost two uneventful years past before Arnav came into her life. He owned his own ship and subcontracted with LSC.

When Vivian Moore first laid eyes on him, a spark of magic had blinded her to the problems such a union would create. He said all the correct things and knew how to make her happy. Six months later they married. One day later she lost all of her friends. It wasn't that she was still bitter. She had overcome that years ago and now only felt pity for them.

"Why do I have to mix with the English?" Margaret was whirling as if dancing.
"I hate to see you suffer as I did."

Margaret noticed the far off look on her mother's face that always came when she spoke of the past.

"If I meet someone, he'll find out soon enough."

"One problem at a time." Arnav was often out at sea for months at a time. Things could be arranged in his absence. Could I do this to him? Vivian thought. A flood of guilt swept over her like a wave at the seashore. "You don't have to go if you don't want."

"It might be fun," Margaret answered, still vacillating.

MARGARET FIRST NOTICED SPENCER ST. CLAIRE at the street market. He was new to India and appeared somewhat lost. Without thinking she had befriended him by acting as his guide. They spent the day together and were just parting when he asked her to attend the dance with him. She didn't want him collecting her at her father's house so agreed to meet at the dance. New to India and not yet infected with the snobbish hatred, he apparently didn't notice the hint of Indian in her face.

She had a love hate desire to attend at least one of the season's dances. To be safe she had not mentioned her father to Spencer. The thought of Judas passed through her mind. She eased her conscience by remembering that her father was gone most of the time and spent little time with her when he was home.

Margaret's mother did her best to remain loyal to her father's people while at the same time wanting her daughter to have the best opportunities available. She would like to visit England some day and learn for herself the hold that country had on her mother's soul.

FROM SEVERAL CITY BLOCKS AWAY Margaret could hear the music. Her mother had offered to hire a coach for her but she enjoyed walking. To ride would have shortened the time of anticipation.

The homes she walked by were clearly those owned by English residents. It seemed the English were as an island in the middle of the sea made up of Indian existence's. There, but untouched. Once in a while a wave would wash up onto land. A servant would enter the tradesmen's entrance to a home he or she would not normally be allowed in.

Spencer was at the meeting hall door waiting. He looked elegant in his white dinner jacket and black slacks. A young man of nineteen, he already cut a handsome figure. Margaret had often been told she was pretty. She hoped it were true tonight. The handsome couple walked through the door arm in arm. The evening promised to be one to remember.

Each dance was more thrilling than the previous one. In the hour since her arrival she had danced with at least five young men. Spencer was being a good sport but she knew the next several dances had best be on her card. The music started again as he took her by the hand. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed a bit of confusion starting between an older man and one who could easily be his son. They seemed to briefly argue before something the older man said ended the conversation. The older man turned his back on the son and headed straight for where she and Spencer were dancing.

He stopped directly in front of them and raised his hand. The band stopped playing. "Do you know who I am?" the man bellowed.

Spencer tried to be polite. "No, Sir."

"I am Jonathan Hysmith!" Spencer had heard the name mentioned by his own father several times since their arrival. Hysmith was nobody to be trifled with. Especially if one wished to maintain their post. "Do you realize Sir," he said with sarcasm, "that you have brought an Indian," his voice dripping with hatred, "into our presence?"

Spencer St.Clair was speechless. He had just committed one of the worst social blunders imaginable. "I didn't realize...," he said stammering.

"Get this tramp out of here. There is nothing worse than one of them trying to pass themselves off as one of us."

Margaret had already turned several shades of red before the tears started to fall. Spencer looked at her for a brief moment before turning away. Margaret could tell he wanted to come to her rescue but his English blood was clogging his thinking. She turned and ran from the room not even bothering to collect her coat.

IT WAS A WEEK before Margaret consented to come out of her room. Devastated would be a suitable word for her condition. Vivian was filled with guilt knowing it was she who was actually responsible for her daughter's state of mind. "What was I thinking of?" she confided to her one true friend.

The Indian woman thought for a moment before responding. "I know it's hard to stand by and watch it happen but she needs to learn the way things are."

"I could have just told her."

"This way she'll remember."

IN THE THREE MONTHS FOLLOWING the dance Margaret stayed close to home. Most of her time was spent reading in her bedroom. She just couldn't face the world feeling like a second class citizen. It was on a sunny afternoon when she heard the voice of her father in the parlor. She was about to come out of her room but stopped to listen to their conversation.

"How could you have let this happen?”' Her father was angry.

"I'm so sorry, Arnav."

He ranted for several minutes before stopping. Finally he spoke. "What's done is done. How is she now?"

"She stays in her room much of the time," Vivian answered.

"Then I know the perfect cure for what ails her. She'll go to sea with me. As we speak, the ship is being loaded with cargo bound for America. That will give her plenty of time to forget."

"Do you think it's wise?"

"It'll be good for her."

ARNAV'S SHIP WAS LOADED and ready to hoist anchor. The first mate came aboard and went directly to the captain's quarters. "If you wish it, Captain, I can arrange for a passenger. He is English and willing to pay whatever you ask."

"Why is he in such a hurry to leave India?"

"Normally I do not pry into the affairs of other men but this time I, by chance, have heard he was drinking and killed a man with his car."

"Why leave the country over that?"

"The dead man, who is Indian, was very rich and has many brothers. They seek his blood. Even the English government would not be able to protect him."

"So he flies the coup?"

"And willing to pay handsomely."

"Make the arrangements. He'll have to stay in one of the equipment rooms. Margaret will be occupying the passenger quarters."

"He might object to a woman having the better quarters."

"Then tell him to make other arrangements."

MARGARET WAS PLEASED she had joined her father. The few times she sailed with him had given her an appreciation for the sea. Besides indulging her feelings, she was glad to leave India behind for awhile. The Englishman sailing with them seemed strange because he never showed his face. He insisted on taking his meals in private and came on deck only in the dead of night when she was fast asleep.

Her curious nature finally got the best of her and she laid in wait for his midnight walk. She heard his footsteps at least a minute before she could make out his face in the moonlight. Standing near her was the very man who had humiliated her at the dance.

"Are you sure it was him?" her father asked after she related her story.

"I will never forget that face." she answered with tears in her eyes.

"Put this man out of your mind, my daughter. I will take care of it in the morning."

Arnav instructed his first mate to bring the Englishman on deck the next moring The mate pounded on Hysmith's door several times before the man called out, "What do you want?"

"The Captain wishes to speak with you."

"Tell him I send my apologies but I cannot come at the moment."

The Captain's reply was to instruct his mate to break in the door and haul the man on deck. Two of the larger hands were selected for the task. It would have been amusing for Margaret to witness the transformation of the lion at the dance to the sheep going to slaughter. His protests were ignored by the two Indian deckhands with steel vices for hands.

"I am the captain of this vessel," Arnav paused for a moment, "and when I wish to speak to someone aboard my ship, I am not in the habit of waiting, Mr. Hysmith."

"I had not yet..."

"What I wish to discuss," Arnav interrupted, "is the fact that you are English."

"And bloody well proud of it, I might add." Hysmith retorted, temporarily forgetting the company he was in.

"We have a rule on this vessel, Mr. Hysmith. It simply states that no English are allowed on board when we are out to sea. Especially when my daughter is aboard." Hysmith caught a glimpse of Margaret out of the corner of his eye. He didn't recognize her.

"I told your First Mate..."

"Rules are rules, Mr. Hysmith."

"Then I gather you'll have to put me off at the first available port."

"Very well put." The captain nodded his head slightly. The two hands standing next to the Englishman took him by the arms and lifted him several inches off the floor.

"What do you think you're doing?" he demanded.

"You were most correct in one thing you said to my daughter, Mr. Hysmith. Rules are rules. No Indian tramps in your precious English social club and no Englishmen on Indian vessels."

Hysmith looked wild eyed at the young woman now standing next to her father. This time he recognized her. The two seamen were strong and had no problem taking him out on deck as he kicked and screamed.

"Sharks have to eat, too, Mr. Hysmith," Arnav called after them.

The first mate cut the ropes holding the dingy to the side of the ship. It splashed when it landed in the water seconds before Hysmith was thrown overboard.

"Throw him an oar and a skin of water," Arnav called out to the first mate. "Perhaps he'll know what to do with them."

THE END
Copyright 2006 Paidra Delayno
all rights reserved

THE BARBEQUE

2008-11-06T07:04:00.000-08:00

MEETING NEW FRIENDS

"HOW LONG ARE YOU IN FOR?" the man asked the woman as he sat across the table from her in the facility dining room.

"In for?" she responded.

"How long are you stuck here? he asked, rolling his eyes slightly.

"Oh, I see," she responded. "I'm afraid I'm here for the long haul."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Doesn't any of your family want you living with them?"

"My daughter came up with the bright idea of sending Mom to an assisted living
facility. I would be happy here, she insisted. There would be people my own age who would become friends, she said. The food is good and I wouldn't have to worry about keeping up a house, she said."

"I don't recall seeing you here before," the man said, not really interested in what her daughter said. "Did you just move in?"

"Oh no. I've lived here for two years. You probably haven't seen me because I've
been living upstairs. I finally decided I needed a change of scenery so when an
apartment came available downstairs, I grabbed it."

"Do you mind if I ask your name?"

"Not at all," she laughed. "It's Ester Cargo. My friends call me Es."

"I don't recall hearing that name around here."

"That doesn't surprise me. I just haven't done very much socially since I arrived here. What's your name?"

"I'm sorry, Es. It's Joe. Colonel Joe Hardcase, US Marine Corp, retired."

"Did your family dump you here, Colonel Joe Hardcase?"

"No. My wife died three years ago. I tried living by myself for awhile but everything was such a hassle I gave up and moved in here."

"Do you have children?"

"Two. A son and a daughter."

"They didn't want you?"

"My son is also career military. The Air Force of all things. He moves around a lot. My daughter is married to a construction superintendent. He works for a company that builds malls all over the country. This place is the easiest for me."

"Hey, how ya doin', Joe," a second man said as he sat at their table in the dining
room.

"Bud," Joe Hardcase said, as if not willing to share this new found woman. "This is Ester Cargo. Es to her friends."

"Is that going to be us?" Bud Weiser asked. "We need some new blood. We're
getting old and not enjoying it much."

"That's exactly why I moved downstairs," Es Cargo told him. "So many of the people upstairs are lacking social drive. I may not be wanted with my kids but that doesn't mean I can't have a little fun."

"You two starting without me?" a third man said, sitting down at the table.

"This is Ben Dover," said Joe Hardcase, looking at Es. "And this is Ester Cargo," he said looking at Dover.

"Nice to meet you," Dover said. "Did you just move in?"

"I've lived upstairs for two years."

"That explains why I've never seen you before. I don't get up there much."

"Do you boys make up the three musketeers or are there more of you?" Es Cargo asked.

"We couldn't find anybody else who would put up with us," Hardcase answered.

"We don't go in much for checkers."

"At least the checker players are doing something," Bud Weiser said. "All's we do is talk about having fun. We don't seem to get around to actually doing anything about it."

"We can never seem to figure out what we want to do." Ben Dover added.

Hardcase stood up and walked over to the window. The bread truck had just backed into position to unload it's contents into the kitchen.

THE IDEA

"WHY DON'T WE BUST OUT OF THIS JOINT?" Weiser suggested.

"That would be fine," Es said, hesitating for a moment, "except we can leave anytime we want."

"We could pretend we couldn't just walk out the door," Dover said.

"I see us doing something really fun," Hardcase said, raising his voice slightly from across the room.

"You have something in mind?" asked Weiser, sounding hopeful.

"How about we knock over the bread truck?" Hardcase told more than asked.

"You mean push it over?" asked Es Cargo.

"He means steal it," answered Weiser.

"The bread truck? What are we going to do with a truck load of bread?" Ben Dover asked.

"Eat it. What do you think we'd do with a load of bread?" Hardcase said, the
momentary silence showing everybody's disappointment with his idea.

"Stealing the bread would be much more fun if you had something to do with it," Es Cargo finally said.

"What do you mean?" Ben Dover asked.

"If you boys can steal the bread truck," Cargo interrupted, "then perhaps you can
also acquire some hamburger meat in the same manner? That way, we could have a barbeque. Now that would be fun."

"That would be fun," said Dover. "I haven't had a good barbeque in years. I make a really righteous potato salad," he said sounding slightly excited.

"Have you made one lately?" asked Bud Weiser.

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Maybe you've forgotten how to make it."

"That's one thing I will never forget," Dover said just before he grew sullen. "I don't think this will work, now that I think about it. We could get into trouble with the cops."

"What are they going to do about it?" asked Hardcase, sitting back down at the table. "Besides, what else do we have to do around this joint?"

"I'm sure the Activities Director has something planned," Ben Dover commented.

"You know what your trouble is, Dover?" Hardcase asked. "You always depend on someone else to do for you."

"Are you still ragging on me about Medicaid paying my rent? Because if that's it, I'm sick and tired of hearing about it. I worked my whole life and paid taxes on every penny I earned. I worked for this and I'm going to take advantage of every program the government has. So stick that in your pipe and smoke it!"

"Don't get your shorts tied in a knot," Es Cargo said. The three men stopped their
conversation and looked at her. Their surprise was evident on their faces.

"Arguing won't get us anywhere. I've been sitting in my room for two years stewing about my situation. The only thing I've accomplished is to be good at feeling sorry for myself. Well, boys, those days are finished. I'm going to have some fun and I've decided you three are coming with me. Is that understood?"

"I'm in," the Colonel said, smiling.

"Count me in," Bud Weiser added. "I think the bread truck idea is a good one."

"We could really get into trouble..." Ben Dover started to say.

"He's in," interrupted Hardcase.

"But..."

"You're in, Dover. If you don't go along with us, we'll tell the cops it was you who
stole the truck. You might as well enjoy yourself, seein' you'll be going to jail anyway."

"Where can we have a barbeque?" asked Es Cargo.

Everybody thought for a moment. Finally Dover said, "My daughter and her family are going to be out of town for two weeks. We could use her place."

"How big of a place does she have?" asked Hardcase, wondering how Ben Dover had worked up the nerve to suggest it.

"Two acres. And they have a built in barbeque."

"When will they be away?" Hardcase asked.

"In two weeks."

"Is that enough time to plan this?" asked Es Cargo.

"We should be able to," Hardcase answered.

"Don't forget," added Dover, "they'll be gone for two weeks. We could have the
barbeque in three weeks."

"Perfect" Hardcase stated. "If we get off our rear ends, three weeks should be
enough time."

"Does anybody know Sue Sheff?" Es Cargo asked. The three men shook their heads indicating they didn't know her. "She lives on the second floor. She used to be a cook and I don't mean institutional. I'm talking about hotel quality here."

"Will she help us?" asked Hardcase.

"I think just about now she is more than ready. I doubt we will be lacking for talent on a party like this," Es Cargo stated.

"You don't think so?" asked Dover.

"The four of us want to do something, don't we?" asked Es Cargo.

"Yes," he said.

"Well, my new found friend, most of the folks who live here feel just the same way. They're sick and tired of sitting around playing carpet golf or bowling with plastic balls. They want some action and I doubt they really care about the consequences."

"All right!" exclaimed Weiser. "Let's get the show on the road."

THE MARINES HAVE LANDED

"THIS PARTY HAS TO BE PLANNED WELL," said the Colonel, as if he was coming into his element. "We need a good plan or we'll fall flat on our faces if we go about it haphazardly."

"That's what you're good at, Colonel," Weiser spoke up. "You plan the thing and we'll make sure it gets done."

"I have a friend with a five piece band," Ben Dover said.

"Who?" asked Hardcase.

"Cary Toone."

"I've heard of him," said Bud Weiser. "He and his band have been banging around this area for years. They play any kind of music you want."

"Where do you know him from?" Hardcase asked.

"We used to be neighbors. He did pretty good with his band so moved to a bigger
house but he never forgot me."

"Where is he now?"

"In a place like this across town."

"If he did so good, how come he's stuck in one of these places?" asked Hardcase, his voice slightly displaying his sarcasm.

"People aren't much interested in five old duffers who play music," answered Dover.

Everybody was silent for a moment, fully understanding what had just been said.

"We'll call this our "Coming Out" party," Weiser said. "We're coming out of
retirement for one day, at least.

"How big do we want this to get?" asked Joe Hardcase.

"Let's go for broke," Es Cargo said in a somber voice.

"No booze," said Dover. "With the medication so many of us take, it would kill us on the spot."

"Is that so bad?" Bud Weiser asked.

"That's not funny," Es Cargo commented. Weiser shrugged his shoulders.

"All right," Hardcase said. "Es, you speak with Sue Sheff. Dover, you get in touch
with this Cary Toone."

"I'll take care of it."

"Can I count on you?"

"I said I would."

"It's not as if..." Hardcase started to say.

"I said I would," Dover said, slightly irritated.

"Who else do we need?" Hardcase asked, ignoring Dover's irritation.

"We'll need to get all the food and utensils," Es Cargo said.

"If she's in, have Sue Sheff make up a list of what she needs. We'll all meet back
here in two days. Now remember, not a word of this to anybody. I want a tight little group. Obviously, we'll have to tell a few people but that's all. A need to know basis only."

THE PLAN COMES TOGETHER

TWO DAYS LATER, Hardcase, Weiser, Dover, Cargo, and Sue Sheff met in the facility dining room. After introducing everybody, Hardcase spoke to Sheff.

"What do you think of our idea?" he asked her.

"I think," she said with a slight French accent, "I would truly enjoy doing this. I sit
around all day doing absolutely nothing."

"What do you believe our biggest obstacle to be?" he asked her.

"Before we can plan any sort of a menu, we need to know exactly what will be
available to us," she said very seriously.

"Then I think we need to determine exactly what we are talking about here. Should we plan the menu and then go after the groceries, or should we see what's available and then plan the menu?"

"Let's think big," said Es Cargo, "and plan the menu first. Then we'll go after the
food."

"I was able to contact Cary Toone," Ben Dover said. "He wants in. He knows
perhaps twenty people who would like to come to a barbeque."

"He have any suggestions how we are going to feed all of these people?" Bud Weiser asked.

"As a matter of fact, he did," Dover answered. "He suggested we include some
people from Three Corners Assisted Living. That would give us another kitchen to raid."

"But how are we to get the food?" Weiser asked.

"Will you have any problems involving yourself in this scheme?" Hardcase asked Sue Sheff, not sure if she was definitely in or just thinking it over.

"I want to do this," Sue Sheff said.

"Good. You place a call to the facility food supplier. I'm sure there are people
outside the kitchen who would know their name. You tell them the facility is having a special surprise party for the Kitchen Manager. You place the order and ask for a special delivery on the day closest to the party when the Manager has off. When the order comes in, you are outside the kitchen to receive it. Can you do that?" Hardcase asked, looking at Sheff.

"It's true I know how to deal with delivery drivers. But I think there is a better way to go about this. One not quite so susceptible to trouble."

"If you have a better idea, I'm all ears." Hardcase said.

"Facilities like this do the bulk of their ordering on the internet. One of the ladies in the kitchen owes me a favor. I'll get her to find the suppliers web address and
password. Then I go down to the activity room computer and place our order."

"Will that work?" Hardcase asked.

"Definitely. I specify the order is for a community barbeque involving three facilities.

I'll also tell them we will pick up the order ourselves. We can use the bread truck. I'll put out the word to the other two facilities and get their passwords. By saying it's for a community event, the supplier won't be suspicious about three similar orders."

"I think I can handle transportation of anything we won't use the bread truck for," said Weiser. "A lady I know, by the name of Iona Carr, lives at Three Corners Retirement. It ain't much but I'm sure she still has an old station wagon. One of those big ole' sleds from the 70's. I know she would be game for something like this."

"I know Iona Carr," said Sue Sheff. "Actually, I knew her husband Rusty better. We worked at the same hotel together. Poor dear. Dying was a blessing for him. Iona still has the station wagon but her driving isn't so good any more. Rusty loved that car so she can't bring herself to get rid of it.."

"And ideas?" asked Hardcase.

"Joe Driver lives in the same facility as Carr," Sue Sheff said. I know he still has his license. I only have to get the two of them together if they don't already know each other."

"Okay, assuming they'll do it, Carr and Driver can handle the transportation of any extra stuff we'll need. Do you really think you could pull off getting the food?" Hardcase asked Sheff.

"We have some, how do you say it," she thought for a moment, "detective work.
Yes, that's the word I want. Detective work has to be done ahead of time so yes, with the correct information, I believe we can make this happen."

"Cool. Really cool," Hardcase said with a huge smile on his face. "We'll show these young squirts that run this place how to throw a real party!"

"Will we still need to steal the bread truck, I mean, if we can just order everything?" asked Ben Dover.

"We steal the truck because we want to. Not because we need to," Hardcase
answered, obviously enjoying each word. "Besides, with this thing getting so big, we'll need a truck to haul all the food."

"Where do we stash the truck until the party?"

"We schedule the party around the bread delivery day. We grab the truck and head right for the food supplier. From there it's straight to the party. It's not as if any of us have to take a day off of work."

"We have a very large problem that nobody is addressing," Dover said.

"It's always something negative with you, isn't it?" asked Hardcase, obviously
irritated.

"Hey, it's not my fault you don't want to face the reality of the situation," Dover
answered.

"What is the problem?" asked Es Cargo.

"We'll need to steal some of the stuff from the kitchen. Everything there is kept in
locked areas. How are we supposed to get into these locked areas?" Dover said,
emphasizing the word locked.

"What is involved in getting a key?" Sue Sheff asked.

"The cooks have one and the maintenance man has one also."

"Then we just have to get a copy, won't we," said Hardcase. "How hard can that be?"

"I don't see..." Dover started to say when Es Cargo cut him off.

"This is kind of naughty, but," she put her hand over her mouth and laughed slightly, "I know someone who can get the key from this facility's maintenance man. Get his pants too, if you need them."

"What are you talking about?" asked Dover.

"Give her a chance to talk," commanded Hardcase.

"Does anybody know Ineda Mann? She can get any man out of his pants if she sets her mind to it." Es Cargo's face turned slightly red as she spoke.

"Then how do we get the key?" asked Sue Sheff.

"I imagine one of you will have to be under Ineda Mann's bed when she is," she
hesitated for a moment, "taking care of business. She'll make sure the pants in
question fall next to the bed. When they do, whoever is underneath will simply pluck the keys from the pants."

"That's to risky," Hardcase said, seriously pondering the problem.

"Do you even think this Ineda Mann will go along with us?" Weiser asked. "I mean, that's a lot to ask. Especially for a simple barbeque," he said laughing.

"Apparently, you don't know Ineda Mann," Es Cargo answered. "She's the kind of
lady who enjoys her work. We simply present it to her as a challenge. We don't even have to mention the obvious. She can connect the dots herself."

"Will you speak with her?" Hardcase asked. "I think it might be better coming from a woman."

"Sure. I can do that," Es Cargo answered.

"Who is going to do all the lifting," Sue Sheff asked. "I'm just to old for all this."

"We can get the guy over in room 170. I know his first name. Manual something. I
can never remember his last." said Hardcase.

"You don't mean that Mexican fella, do you?" asked Weiser.

"Yea, the guy who used to be a concrete contractor. He still looks very strong."

"His name is Manual Labor," commented Dover.

"I hope we're not going to go to a lot of work and then the thing turns out to be
nothing more then some tailgate party," Ben Dover said.

"We should have nice tables and chairs," said Es Cargo.

"I'm sure Daisy Flower would get a kick out of this. I know she'll help," added Sue
Sheff.

"Isn't she the lady who always does the center pieces at all the holiday dinners?"
asked Hardcase.

"The one and the same," answered Sue Sheff.

"Who is the lady who always sings for the entertainment?" asked Weiser.

"You mean Robyn Byrd?" asked Es Cargo. "Short, red hair, always wears feathers in her hat?"

"That's her. What's her name?" asked Hardcase.

"Robyn Byrd. Beautiful voice."

"Do you think she'll sing for us?"

"Will Cary Toone get his feathers ruffled if she sings also?"

"I doubt it," answered Ben Dover.

"We have some important issues to deal with," said Hardcase. "Is the day after
tomorrow to early to meet again?"

"That should be soon enough," said Es Cargo. "As long as we all take care of our
assignments."

"You still haven't figured out where the tables and chairs are coming from,"
deadpanned Dover.

"That's easy," snapped Hardcase. "We call that rental place the facility uses and
order them."

"And do what? Stuff them all in Carr's station wagon?"

"No," he said pointedly. "We have them deliver everything right to your daughter's
house . They can set them up also. I'll make sure they have it very clear what time to deliver them."

"What company do you know of that actually does what they're supposed to do when you want it done?" asked Weiser.

"I'll deal with that. Who knows, maybe the owner was a Marine," Hardcase said.

"Don't you think, for just one moment, the facility will be slightly upset about all this?" asked Dover. "I mean, what we're doing is illegal, after all."

Everybody sitting at the table glared at Dover. "I don't think we really care," Es Cargo said for the entire group. "Besides, what are they going to do about it? Kick us all out?"

"I think we might have a problem," Ben Dover told the group when they met again.

"What is it this time?" asked Hardcase, obviously frustrated with Dover.

"Hey, don't get mad at me," he exclaimed. "I'm not the problem here."

"Then what is," Hardcase asked, settling down.

"It's Beulah Lande."

"You mean the Bible Study woman? She's not even involved in this."

"But she knows about it. I overheard her talking to Sharon Goodwill about a picnic. What other picnic could she be referring to?"

"Maybe their church is having a picnic," Es Cargo added. "They're always doing
something like that."

"I just don't know," Dover said, his voice sounding worried.

"I'll take care of Beulah Lande, and Sharon Goodwill for that matter," Hardcase said with finality. "How is everybody doing with their assignments?" he asked.

"I have some good news," Es Cargo blurted out.

"We could use some," Bud Weiser added.

"I spoke to Ineda Mann." Cargo had everybody's attention because of the importance of getting the kitchen key. "She laughed when I mentioned getting a key because it seems she already has one."

"How did she get it, or do we want to know?" Hardcase asked with a slight smile on his face.

"I think it had something to do with that last maintenance man, but I wasn't inclined to inquire any further. She said we can have the key any time we want but with the condition that she gets it back."

"If she wants in on the picnic, she can be the only one to have it. I don't really care as long as we can get into the kitchen," Hardcase said.

"I'll tell her. I'm sure she would enjoy a good barbeque."

"Robyn Byrd is in," Weiser said. "And she knows your Cary Toone," he said, looking at Dover. "She's actually sang with him before so that's taken care of."

"Daisy Flower was excited about the barbeque," Es Cargo said. "She said she'll get busy on it right away."

"Where is she going to get supplies?" asked Hardcase.

"She has a key to the Activities closet so that's no problem."

"How do these women get all these keys," Hardcase asked. "I can't even get a key to the John."

"I contacted a lady I know over at Three Corners Retirement," reported Bud Weiser.

"What's her name?" asked Sue Sheff.

"Paige Turner. She's a really neat lady."

"I don't think I know her," Sheff said.

"Anyway, she's getting a list together of people who want to come."

"How are we transporting all of these people?" asked Dover.

"Did you ever know ole Tommy Hawk?" Weiser asked.

"Sure, everybody knows Hawk."

"Hawk knows how to get the keys for the facility bus," Weiser said, smiling.

Hardcase started laughing. "This is really coming together," he said, waving his arms in the air.

"Hawk has a buddy at Redwood Retirement," Weiser added. "Some guy named Earl Lee Riser."

"Riser?" asked Hardcase. "I know Earl Lee. He was in the Corp. We were in South America together. I didn't even think of including him. He would be good for something like this."

"A friend of yours? Now that's a surprise he'd want in," commented Dover.

"This Riser and a friend of his," Weiser continued, "named Tom Katt are getting their list together. So far, with everybody from here, Three Corners, and Redwood, we have nearly a hundred people coming."

"Are you serious?" Dover asked. "Is anybody here thinking straight?"

"I had better increase our order," Sue Sheff said matter-of-factly.

"This is starting to be a real party," Es Cargo squealed. "Will everybody keep their mouths shut though?"

"We need a co-ordinater to oversee the guest lists."

"I know just the person. Do any of you know Helen Waite?"

"Isn't she in room 53?"

"That's her. She used to be a wedding co-ordinater. She's written several books
about it. With her in charge of the list, anybody who wants information can go to Helen Waite instead of one of us."

"Good idea," said Hardcase. "Will she do it?"

"I'm sure she will."

"I spoke with a lady over at Redwood by the name of Ima Hogg. She will be able to arrange any supplies we need from there," Sue Sheff added.

"Including food?" asked Cargo.

"Anything we need. Also, she's sweet on a fellow at Three Corners named Frank
Wiener. He's agreed to head up things from that end."

"Outstanding!" declared Hardcase. "Everybody working together," he banged the
table several times, "is the key to success. This is going to be a party to remember."

"I'm sure none of the facilities will ever forget it," said Dover with a touch of sarcasm.

"Oh, great news!" Hardcase almost yelled with excitement. "Does everybody know the Chinese lady in room 33?"

"You mean Sue Yu?" asked Es Cargo.

"The very same one. She doesn't advertise it but she's an attorney. We've had
dinner a few times. Anyway, she's retired but is still a partner in some local law firm. She wants in on the party. Do you believe it?"

"Is she going to be our lawyer when the cops come for all of us?" asked Dover.

"You got it," Hardcase answered. "Our own lawyer. And she'll be there with us."

"She'll get arrested with the rest of us."

"That's true. But she'll have the paperwork already filled out."

"That's really great, Joe. Another piece of good news is I have another vehicle lined up if we need it," Weiser added.

"Who?" asked Hardcase.

"A fella named Rick Shaw over at Redwood. He has a small car but is willing to help us any way he can.”

"I'm getting really excited," chimed in Es Cargo. "This is going to be so much fun. Do you think we can have dancing? They never have it here. I really miss dancing with somebody other than my shadow."

"I miss dancing also," added Bud Weiser.

PARTY MINUS FOUR

"ALL RIGHT, EVERYBODY," SAID JOE HARDCASE. "This is our last meeting before the big day. I want reports on how everything is going. We can't afford any slip-ups."

"We have four days left, which is still to soon to order anything," said Sue Sheff. "I will call in the orders the day before the picnic just in case they show up on some computer read out."

"That's a good idea," Hardcase said. "Do you have all the passwords you need?"

"Yes. Hogg and Wiener came through with them."

"Excellent. And the bread orders? Will they be delivered on time?"

"Yes. I will spread the order around all three facilities. Hogg and Wiener have help lined up to relieve the drivers of their loads. Carr and Driver and Rick Shaw will be standing by."

"What's the plan?"

"Some of the ladies will corral the delivery men and ply them with coffee and treats. The men will clean out the trucks and load everything into our vehicles before the drivers know what happened. The buns will be long gone before the drivers even know they're missing."

"Very good, Sue," Hardcase said, his voice displaying his enthusiasm. "We couldn't have done this without your help." Sue Sheff's face turned slightly red.

"Terry Achey was a little disappointed we hadn't included him in planning the party," Es Cargo said.

"We should have thought of him," Bud Weiser. "He's always ready for a good party. Is he coming anyway?"

"He's in. He did offer to help with any loading we'll need."

"Good," added Hardcase. "Terry Achey is always good to have around. We just
can't think of everybody, I guess. At least he's coming."

"Barb Dwyer stopped me in the hall asking about the party," said Ben Dover. "She's always so prickly that I was vague about it."

"Rusty Irons stopped me and asked about it," said Es Cargo.

"Irons is always laying around doing nothing," said Hardcase. "I'm really surprised he'd want in. That jerk Lou Zar stopped me. I just told him I would let him know if I heard anything."

"Who would want Lou Zar at a party?" asked Bud Weiser. "He'd just spoil it for
everyone with his negative attitude."

"Candy Barr offered to help," Bud Weiser said.

"She's so sweet," Sue Sheff added. "I've always liked her."

"All right people," Hardcase broke in. "Rumors will be flying until the party. As it is, if the building management doesn't find out about the party, they must be pretty dense."

"If you don't hear a rumor by ten o'clock, make one up," deadpanned Bud Weiser.

"Exactly," Hardcase said. "If anybody wants information, they can just go to Helen Waite. That way, interested people will all get the same story."

PARTY TIME

JOE HARDCASE KNOCKED ON SUE SHEFF'S DOOR promptly at six in the morning.

"I hope I'm not to early," he said, almost apologizing, when she opened the door.
"Come in, come in," she answered. "I've been up for two hours. Who could sleep on a day like this?"

"I can't think of anything we've forgotten," he said, taking a chair in the sitting portion of the studio apartment.

"Oh, I know. I've gone over my list at least a hundred times," Sue added in
agreement with him.

"Es Cargo should be here any minute," Hardcase said just before there was a knock on the door.

"I hope I'm not late," Es Cargo said, coming into the room.

"Not at all," Hardcase answered. "I just got here myself."

"Ben Dover stopped by a few minutes ago," Cargo told them. "Cary Toone had
called to say he was on his way over. The two of them will go over to Dover's
daughter's place to start getting ready."

"A little early for that, isn't it?" Hardcase asked.

"All of us will go nuts is we don't come up with something to do," Sheff said.

"Which is one reason I wanted this meeting. I would really enjoy taking you ladies out to breakfast. Sort of a celebration breakfast. Bud Weiser will be joining us."

"Celebration? Isn't it a little early to celebrate?" Sheff asked.

"As far as I'm concerned, we have already succeeded. To get this many people to pitch in and plan this thing is simply incredible. I am so pleased with the work
everybody put forth."

"Where would be go to eat?" Cargo asked.

"The taxi cab will be here at six thirty. I thought we'd go to that new place over on
Second Street. It's only ten minutes away."

"It's to bad Ben can't join us," Cargo said.

"He's happy doing what he's doing. Fussing over his daughter's place."

If Sheff were younger she would have jumped out of her chair. Now, she had to face facts and ease herself into an upwardly mobile position.

"I'm not one to pass up an invite. I'll be ready in a flash," Sheff said going into the
bathroom. "Well, I'll be ready as fast as I can these days," she added.

They were almost finished eating breakfast. Hardcase wasn't saying anything.
Finally he started to smile and then laughed out loud.

"What is so funny?" Es Cargo asked him.

"I have to confess something. I know I'm a big talker and I appreciate all of you
supporting me thought all the preparations of this party. Perhaps it will be thought of as our last great adventure. Who can read the future.

"To make a long story short, I suspect I have been a tad more concerned about all of this then I let on. I have taken out, so to speak, an insurance policy for all of us."

"What type of insurance?" Bud Weiser asked, obviously surprised.

"The former chief of police here in town is a friend of mine. We were kids together."

"Isn't his son the chief now?" Weiser asked.

"That's a fact. John Law junior is currently the Chief. And," Hardcase paused for a moment, relishing what he was saying, "senior is coming to the picnic."

"Does he know what we're doing?" exclaimed Es Cargo.

"I told him everything."

"Was that a good idea?" Bud Weiser asked. "I mean, what if he didn't like how we
were going about this?"

"As I said, John Law and I have been friends a long time. If he didn't agree with me, he wouldn't say a word to anybody. Not even to his son. He would just let things take their natural course."

"All the way to the slammer? Is that what you're saying?"

"My years in the military taught me a lot about people, Ben. Most of the young
people today I can read like cheap dime store novels. Men and women in our age bracket have a fiber running through them rarely seen anymore. These are people we can count on in a pinch. Not necessarily friends, but when the chips are down, they'll be there standing right next to us.

"This picnic means a lot to the people attending it. It's far more then just something to do. Right this very moment there are at least one hundred men and women preparing for war." Hardcase looked at the other three. Each was intent on what he was saying.

"The men are looking at themselves in the mirror," he said with emotion in his voice, "seeing the young men they once were. The ladies are going through their war chests picking out their best dresses. This is not just a party. This is perhaps their last bid for freedom.

"These people are saying 'up yours' to families who stuck them in these assisted
living places, to society in general who sideline seniors, to the younger people behind all the store counters we have to suffer rudeness from, to all the ungrateful citizens who know nothing about what our veterans have suffered at the hands of enemies intent on taking our freedoms away from us.

"Everybody attending this party secretly hopes the police will call their families to
come down to the station and bail them out. Can you just imagine the fiasco it would cause? Just when the kids think they have mom or dad safely tucked away, bam, they're in some sort of trouble."

"I guess I never really thought about it," Es Cargo said. "But I'm liking it already.
We're not a bunch of thieves. We're on a mission of mercy!"

The four conspirators were back in the facility by seven forty. Hardcase went off to see Manual Labor regarding the loading of all their supplies. Labor had been the true contractor and had everybody organized into a precision operation. Hardcase was thankful for having a dependable person in that position.

"I'll drive the bread truck," Labor told him when they were inside Labor's room. "I
have five men ready to swing into action the minute the truck arrives."

"I did have in mind to drive it myself. I didn't want anybody else getting into trouble," Hardcase told him.

"Joe, I wouldn't miss this for anything. Besides, it would do my kids good to come
and fetch me from the hoosegow."

At least two dozen pair of eyes were glued onto the spot where the bread truck
usually parked. The telephone lines were humming with activity. Three sets of walkytalky's had been pressed into service. One looked very small while being held in Colonel Joe Hardcase's large hand.

"Any sign of the pigeon," Hardcase asked.
"Not yet," Manual Labor answered, watching from Terry Achey's room. Achey had offered, because of it's location, to have his room used as the command post.

"Wait one," Labor radioed back. "I think I see it coming. Yes," he said a little
excitedly, "it's here for sure."

"Show time, ladies and gentlemen," Hardcase said into his unit.

"We're on it," Labor said.

"The ladies reception committee has the truck driver cornered in the activity room. Sheff came up with some really good cookies," Es Cargo said a few minutes later.

"That should take care of him for a while."

"Our supplies are loaded," Labor said five minutes later. "I'll see you at the party."

"I'm coming with you," Hardcase said.

"Time waits on no man, Colonel," Labor said, laughing.

Labor looked outside and Hardcase was less then ten feet from the truck and moving fast. There was no seat on the passenger side of the truck but Hardcase didn't mind. His mind went back to a few of villages he had ridden into in Vietnam when they liberated the area.

"Let's roll," he barked. When he turned around he was surprised to see five men
standing in the rear of the truck. Each was dressed in his Sunday best.

"We needed a ride, Colonel," one of them called out. "This bus was going our way." Labor slid the truck into gear. In a few minutes they were out on the boulevard going past the facility.

"To late to go back now," Hardcase said over his shoulder. "We're all committed."

A cheer rang out from the rear of the truck.

"Hold it down," Labor ordered. "We don't want to get pinched before we get to the
party. Do you have the directions to the supplier?" he asked Hardcase.

"Turn right at the second stop light."

Hardcase went into the food supplier's will-call office and made the arrangements to get the food. Because they had the truck, they picked up the supplies for all three facilities. When the fork lift operator dropped the food behind the truck the five men in back climbed out to load it. Hardcase had told Manual Labor to stay in the truck while they were loading.

"There's no need to advertise you being the wheel man. They might just know the regular driver."

In less then ten minutes everything was loaded and they were back out in traffic.

"Any problems?" Labor asked Hardcase.

"They could care less who picked up the order. I'm sure we have Sue Sheff to thank for that."

In expert hands the truck weaved it's way across town.

"In a few minutes we'll be turning left on Purlin Drive," Hardcase said.

"I poured a few foundations on Purlin. Is the party on that road?"

"Three miles down. Almost exactly."

"I did one right around there. It would be funny if it was the same house.
When Labor pulled into the driveway, the rental equipment truck was backed in and three men were unloading tables and chairs.

"The old guy over there," one of the crew of younger men said to Hardcase, while
pointing at Ben Dover, "said somebody would be arriving who will sign for all this. Is that you, pops"

"Young man," Hardcase answered, his voice turning ice cold, "you don't address Mr. Dover as 'the old guy.' You sure as hell don't address me as 'pops.' I am Colonel Joe Hardcase, U.S. Marine Corp, retired. And this gentleman standing next to me is Mr. Labor.

“This is the wrong damn day for you to be disrespectful of your elders. I say this because, while my friends and I might be seasoned veterans in life, we sure as hell would be more then willing, and very able I might add, to teach you kids some manners. If you get my drift."

Hardcase, Labor, Dover, Toone and his band, and the five men from the back of the truck were all standing there. Labor started to take off his coat, his muscles bulging past his short sleeve shirt. The others followed suit.

"It's your call, sonny boy," Hardcase added.

"Don't get excited," the young man started to say.

"Be careful of the words you choose," Cary Toone suggested. "We're a little hard of hearing and might think you said something other then what you intended."

"I didn't mean to be disrespectful, Sir," the man finally said. "I just wanted to know if you were the gentleman who would be signing my work order."

"I would be the one. Has Mr. Dover told you where we want the tables?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Then we'll stay out of your way," Hardcase said as he and the others turned to start unloading the bread truck. Hardcase was more then pleased to see the gleam in each of the men's eyes.

"This is going to be a wonderful day," he said softly to himself. "It already is."

When the bread truck was unloaded, Hardcase asked Labor to move it out onto the street.

"What good will that do?" Labor asked. "They'll still know we stole it."

"We'll just deny ever seeing the truck," Hardcase answered, smiling.

"Thanks, Joe," Labor told him.

"What for?"

"That little scene with those kids. I've been wanting to do that for a long time."

"So did I. I'm just glad they didn't call me on it."

"We could have taken em'," Labor said with a large smile on his face. "I almost wish they had tried."

"I know what you mean. I might just have had one good fist fight left in me."

The tables were no sooner set up and the delivery men gone when the first group of people showed up. Sue Sheff arrived with Es Cargo in Rick Shaw's car. In just a few minutes after her arrival the barbeque fire was going and her field kitchen washumming.

As people arrived she put them to work. Tables were decorated and set. Hardcase looked around and was more then pleased how everybody had pitched in to help. He was really glad he had remembered to have the portable toilets delivered. Nobody else had thought of it.

Cary Toone and his band were set up on one end of the large deck behind the house. The rest of the area would be used for dancing.

"I invited the neighbors," Ben Dover told Hardcase. "I figured we would be making a racket so might at least invite them. That way they can't complain about it."
"Really good thinking, Ben. We don't need to look for extra trouble."

"Rick Shaw has taken up a position down at the end of Purlin road," Terry Achey told Hardcase. "He has one of the walky-talky's and says three buses are on their way up the road. Two from Redwood and one from Three Corners. Several cars are following behind them so he figures they're coming here also. Tommy Hawk was driving the first bus."

"I doubt we are ready to eat but Toone can get things going. Go see if he's ready,
would you? Oh, and let me know when our people are coming."

It wasn't five minutes when Achey reported their facility bus followed by eight cars was headed up Purlin.

"Who's driving our bus?" Hardcase asked.

"You won't believe it. Beulah Lande is at the wheel."

Hardcase smiled. "She used to be a school bus driver. I guess she just couldn't resist the temptation to drive again."

"But, Beulah Lande? Driving a stolen bus taking a bunch of people to a party where all the supplies were stolen."

"Terry, there's just no accounting what some people will do."

"That's not all. Sharon Goodwill is sitting right behind her."

Hardcase laughed as he walked away.

Two hours into the party everybody was having a good time. Toone was playing all the old favorites and Robyn Byrd was singing her heart out. Sue Sheff was cooking up a storm. The food tables could hardly hold anything else.

Ben Dover had counted at least one hundred and sixty people. Laughter was heard everywhere. Hardcase couldn't remember hearing so many people having such a good time.

"If you don't mind," Hardcase said in a louder voice then anybody else, "we'll get
started with the food. First, I'd like Beulah Lande to ask the blessing." Not that God would be blessing this party, he thought to himself. It never hurts to ask, I guess, he figured.

Hardly anybody could hear Beulah Land speak but everybody assumed she said
something good. It never hurt to include God, most of them figured. Especially when they could be in a real pickle if the cops showed up.

The laughing didn't stop while the people ate. Hardcase and Labor held up their
hamburgers to each other, as if in a salute. Each nodded their heads, saying how they were enjoying themselves.

Then the smile left Manual Labor's face. He was looking in the direction of the road. Hardcase turned his head in time to see three police cars coming down the road with their lights on.

"Everybody," he said jumping to his feet, "our friends in blue have decided to join us. Please, continue with the party. Everything will be all right. You all please keep laughing and enjoying the food. Real food, I might add. Not the soy added type we seem to get a lot of."

Everybody laughed, even though they were concerned about the police.
Hardcase walked over to the driveway, not knowing exactly what he would say. Sue Yu was sitting at one of the front tables and joined him as he walked by. Six policemen disgorged themselves from their cars.

"Who's in charge here?" the police Sergeant asked, looking around.

"I am," Hardcase said in his most authoritative voice. "Does there seem to be a
problem?"

"And who might you be?" the sergeant asked, ignoring his question.

"Colonel Joe Hardcase, U.S. Marine Corp, retired."

"Well, Colonel. We seem to have several problems."

"I can't imagine what they would be, Sergeant."

"First of all, we have a bread truck parked out on the street."

"Is that a fact? Maybe the driver is here at our party. I can ask around if you want."

"The bread truck was reported stolen several hours ago."

"Stolen? Why would somebody dump it here? That seems odd, don't you think. I
mean, where would the thief go form here? Perhaps somebody was waiting for him. Odd place to dump the truck, just the same."

"You're saying you don't know anything about the truck being parked there?"

"Good afternoon, Sergeant," Hardcase heard somebody behind him say. He didn't have to turn around to recognize John Law's distinctive voice.

"Good afternoon, Sir," the Sergeant said, completely surprised. Hardcase turned
slightly to see John Law holding a hamburger in one hand and a soda pop in the other.

"Are you with this group?" the Sergeant asked, feeling stupid for saying the words, especially with the food in the retired chief's hands.

"A few friends and I decided to have a nice lunch out here in the country. We invited the neighbors, as you can see over there," Law said, pointing at two tables with women and their young children sitting next to them. "What seems to be the problem?" he asked, as if he didn't know.

"Well, first of all, Sir, there's a stolen bread truck sitting out on the street."

"I saw it. I even looked inside. Old habits are hard to break, I guess. The keys were in the ignition and thirty bucks clipped on the steering wheel. I would imagine for gas."

"Did anybody get a permit for such a large group?" the Sergeant asked next.

"It's llike this," explained Law, "this thing started out being just a small get together. You know, a senior citizen's day in the country. Things just kept getting bigger as the day wore on. Then this band was driving by looking for something to do. We invited them to play a few tunes for us.

"One thing led to another and all these folks showed up. You know how hard it is for seniors to find things that cater to them. You know what I mean? Good, honest, men and women who vote for police support."

The Sergeant scratched his chin and looked around. The look on his face clearly
said he didn't know what to do. Nobody had said anything to him about a bunch of seniors having a party. He was expecting kids drinking and listening to loud music. Not this bunch. Why did he always seem to get stuck with these situations? he asked himself.

"Sergeant, Sir," a very feminine voice said behind Hardcase. "Why don't you and
your men come and have lunch with us. It would be really good public relations. We have plenty of food and we'd enjoy meeting the boys in blue who do such an excellent job protecting us."

Hardcase couldn't stand it. He had to turn around and see who was talking. It was Ineda Mann and she was wearing a beautiful yellow dress. Time had done very little to relax her stunning figure. Her face lied about her age.

"Please. We would enjoy having you," she said again "I would enjoy having you.
Eat with us," she said as if a planned afterthought.

Each of the policemen was looking at the food stacked on the tables. The Sergeant appeared to be captivated with Ineda Mann.

"It would be wonderful public relations, Sergeant," John Law added. "I doubt any of these good folks would be involved in grand theft truck, don't you agree?"

Before the Sergeant could answer, a black Ford Explorer pulled in behind the police cars. A woman stepped out, taking in the whole situation. She walked over to where they were standing. She was clearly not pleased.

"Good afternoon, Sergeant," she said, looking at the stripes on his arm.

"Afternoon, Mam," he answered.

"My name is April Schauer. I'm the Administrator over at the facility where many of these folks live. Does there seem to be a problem here?"

"We were called out regarding a bread truck. I believe it was stolen from your facility, if I'm not mistaken."

"How did it get out here?" she asked innocently.

"That's exactly what I am attempting to ascertain."

"I'm sure it has nothing to do with my residents. If you don't mind, Sergeant, Colonel Hardcase and I have a few things to discuss. Are you through speaking with him?"

Colonel Joe Hardcase, U.S. Marine Corp, retired, winked at John Law, retired Chief of Police, as he walked away with April Schauer, Administrator. Each man knew their unspoken assignments, taking them back to their days growing up. This was clearly not the first scrape they were involved with together. Each smiled, hoping it wasn't their last.

THE END
copyright 2007
all rights reserved