The air had a dry heat to it that night, coyotes were baying as Esteban headed home from the restaurant. "What am I going to do?" he thought to himself "seven thousand is a lot, but I can't let my father down." he continued his trek. A little farther down the road he noticed a torn flyer hanging from a wall it read: "wrestling event of the century, all comers welcome, sign ups @ town square tomorrow 2pm."
He scanned the poster a little further, " Contestants will be duking it out for a shot at the eight thousand peso grand prize." Esteban was in shock, what an opportunity to just fall in his lap, he had always wanted to be a luchadore since he was a child, but his father forbid him, claiming it was too dangerous.
Now was his chance "I've got to do this, or everything I know will fall apart, there's no turning back now." " Father cannot know of this I will need a new identity.", just then a giant flash of lightning filled the sky, "That's it!" he said to himself, "I will be El rayo azul, the blue lightning!" and with his latest revelation he ran home to start on costume and the most important part of any luchadore's arsenal, the mask.
Too excited to sleep, he worked all through the night into the day, "at last, my costume is complete." Esteban said with a great feeling of confidence, "Now all I need is my mask." (to be continued)
December 9, 2010
El rayo azul: The chronicles of a champion (vol1 pt3)
Things were going smoothly in the kitchen but Esteban couldn't help but overhear the argument coming from the office, it seems that the landlord was off the wagon again and was putting the squeeze on Horatio for the rent in advance. " That's ridiculous, you know I can't afford that." Horatio rationalized, but there's no rationalizing with a drunk going through withdrawals.
"Seven thousand pesos by this weekend or your out of here, goodbye." with that the land-drunk turned and stormed out the door with a false sense of purpose. " God I hate that guy." sighed Esteban. Horatio came to the kitchen doorway with a disheartened look about him, "Esteban" he said almost in disbelief, "We have to come up with seven-thousand pesos by Domingo or we have to close the cantina, I don't know what to do."
Esteban was strong, he wrapped his arm around his father and said "This was my mother's dream, we have to keep it going, no one is gonna take this away from us, especially not an old drunk." "I will figure something out don't worry" He sat and thought for a minute, he was gonna need a real miracle to pull this one off. (to be continued)
"Seven thousand pesos by this weekend or your out of here, goodbye." with that the land-drunk turned and stormed out the door with a false sense of purpose. " God I hate that guy." sighed Esteban. Horatio came to the kitchen doorway with a disheartened look about him, "Esteban" he said almost in disbelief, "We have to come up with seven-thousand pesos by Domingo or we have to close the cantina, I don't know what to do."
Esteban was strong, he wrapped his arm around his father and said "This was my mother's dream, we have to keep it going, no one is gonna take this away from us, especially not an old drunk." "I will figure something out don't worry" He sat and thought for a minute, he was gonna need a real miracle to pull this one off. (to be continued)
El rayo azul: The chronicles of a champion (vol1 pt2)
The sizzling from the pan was a good sign, the new stove was perfect, "now surely we will be able to get some new business" exclaimed Horatio excitedly. " Of course papa, no one can resist your pork and green chiles."
Esteban told his father reassuringly "you'll see, things will be much better in no time." he had a smile on his face but he knew the truth, no matter how hard they tried to hide it from him. Just then a man walked through the door, it was the landlord , "Is your father in?" In a sarky tone Esteban replied "He's in back, what do you need?".
Glaring as if through the counter, the evil man hissed, "My business is not with his children, tell him we need to speak." Esteban walked back to the kitchen, this landlord was not a good guy, he once threatened to uproot their whole operation over the equivalent of $50, just before Horatio's wife passed from illness, he had a dark heart, with no compassion for anyone other than himself. Horatio was hard at work whistling and old tune while he manned the grill. "Dad, the landlord is here and he doesn't look happy." Suddenly he looked up wide eyed and said "Okay, you come grab this for a minute, I'll see what he wants." (to be continued)
Esteban told his father reassuringly "you'll see, things will be much better in no time." he had a smile on his face but he knew the truth, no matter how hard they tried to hide it from him. Just then a man walked through the door, it was the landlord , "Is your father in?" In a sarky tone Esteban replied "He's in back, what do you need?".
Glaring as if through the counter, the evil man hissed, "My business is not with his children, tell him we need to speak." Esteban walked back to the kitchen, this landlord was not a good guy, he once threatened to uproot their whole operation over the equivalent of $50, just before Horatio's wife passed from illness, he had a dark heart, with no compassion for anyone other than himself. Horatio was hard at work whistling and old tune while he manned the grill. "Dad, the landlord is here and he doesn't look happy." Suddenly he looked up wide eyed and said "Okay, you come grab this for a minute, I'll see what he wants." (to be continued)
El rayo azul: The chronicles of a champion (vol1 )
Not too long ago, in a small central American village, there lived a man who would some day become a hero of the people, fighting injustice throughout the land, but, we're not there yet. This is merely the beginning of this tale. The day was hot the hottest we've seen in a while, sweat rolling down your back as you peer off into the distance, everything sun-baked and arid. This was to be a day of awakening for a seemingly ordinary man, not yet aware of the great impact he would have on his home in the coming days.
The chatter of commerce along the dusty streets, people selling various produce and handmade goods, one man was posted against a wall playing expertly on an old six string for all to hear, life was happening in this small corner of the world, and things were no different for our hero. Disparos en la Playa, A small cantina run by his father, was buzzing with the lunch time roar of diners and some tourists, just waiting to sample the fine homemade cuisine, the smell of freshly cut onion, cilantro and chiles wafted in the air around.
"Esteban, will you give me a hand with this?" his father cried from the kitchen, they had bought a new stove, the old one died out a few months back. It was a local hot spot, but times were tough, and they were in fear of losing the place, a secret which they had kept from Esteban for about 4 months now. (to be continued)
The chatter of commerce along the dusty streets, people selling various produce and handmade goods, one man was posted against a wall playing expertly on an old six string for all to hear, life was happening in this small corner of the world, and things were no different for our hero. Disparos en la Playa, A small cantina run by his father, was buzzing with the lunch time roar of diners and some tourists, just waiting to sample the fine homemade cuisine, the smell of freshly cut onion, cilantro and chiles wafted in the air around.
"Esteban, will you give me a hand with this?" his father cried from the kitchen, they had bought a new stove, the old one died out a few months back. It was a local hot spot, but times were tough, and they were in fear of losing the place, a secret which they had kept from Esteban for about 4 months now. (to be continued)
It was kinda windy.............
So, I'm pretty excited to go back to Chicago in the near future, I really enjoyed myself up there. Maybe I'll plan a spring fishing trip on lake Michigan, something, there's just so much to do. I wanted to move there at one point but, I don't really want to go that far, not yet at least, I still have things to take care of here.
Definitely visiting soon though, maybe for a little longer this time, like the weekend. Get some pizza from Gino's east and go to the museum, or just ride through Grant park around the Buckingham and down to the pier, it's so nice in the summer and the lake looks like a small sea on the edge of this sprawling urban jungle, I'd like to explore more next time, maybe and take a water taxi, to china town for some real Chinese food.
What I'd really like to do is, catch a reds away game at Wrigley field with a few good friends, I'd say that would be a pretty cool experience, especially if our boys won! Regardless, I plan on doing some traveling this year, I really want to go to Philadelphia or maybe go visit some family in Boston, but the windy city is definitely on the list.
Definitely visiting soon though, maybe for a little longer this time, like the weekend. Get some pizza from Gino's east and go to the museum, or just ride through Grant park around the Buckingham and down to the pier, it's so nice in the summer and the lake looks like a small sea on the edge of this sprawling urban jungle, I'd like to explore more next time, maybe and take a water taxi, to china town for some real Chinese food.
What I'd really like to do is, catch a reds away game at Wrigley field with a few good friends, I'd say that would be a pretty cool experience, especially if our boys won! Regardless, I plan on doing some traveling this year, I really want to go to Philadelphia or maybe go visit some family in Boston, but the windy city is definitely on the list.
Pickin' Sticks
Music has always been a big part of my life, My dad always listened to some pretty great stuff, some of which have stuck with me for life, and loved to sing. I'm pretty sure he actually took part in some live stuff with my uncle Brian, a great drummer. Anyway, I've always wanted to play music for as long as I can remember, I got my first guitar when I was sixteen, but, I lost it, Never lost the dream though. My long term goal is to be a great guitarist, I'm feel like I'm on my way, very excited to tighten my skills and get out there and share my music with anyone who wants to hear it and some who don't.
My current baby, a blue Washburn oe30, is one of the most amazing guitar's I've ever had the pleasure of playing, anything I play, to me at least, sounds great, quick action and a nice even tone, on my Fender squire champ, it can still sound really mean for a hollow-bodied guitar. Then again, there's always my Trusty acoustic, my first acoustic on which I've learned a lot of what I know, I don't think I could ever get rid of it. I've been writing a lot of new material recently, I'm trying to learn as much as I can about music, especially guitar.
This summer I plan on really writing some brilliant stuff with my brother from another mother, J Brown, I have a very strong feeling something great is on the horizon, I've heard some of his stuff already and it's pretty awesome. I know exactly what I could put with it, which is great because this has real potential. As long as I can play music in any form I'll be happy, I really want to improve my piano skills, I've only been playing a little over a year but, it's amazing. Maybe I'll write my next song on piano, couldn't hurt to try.
My current baby, a blue Washburn oe30, is one of the most amazing guitar's I've ever had the pleasure of playing, anything I play, to me at least, sounds great, quick action and a nice even tone, on my Fender squire champ, it can still sound really mean for a hollow-bodied guitar. Then again, there's always my Trusty acoustic, my first acoustic on which I've learned a lot of what I know, I don't think I could ever get rid of it. I've been writing a lot of new material recently, I'm trying to learn as much as I can about music, especially guitar.
This summer I plan on really writing some brilliant stuff with my brother from another mother, J Brown, I have a very strong feeling something great is on the horizon, I've heard some of his stuff already and it's pretty awesome. I know exactly what I could put with it, which is great because this has real potential. As long as I can play music in any form I'll be happy, I really want to improve my piano skills, I've only been playing a little over a year but, it's amazing. Maybe I'll write my next song on piano, couldn't hurt to try.
Skate
I still remember my first ollie, the rush I felt from popping off of the ground, the fear of bailing on my face but going with it and landing, such freedom. Zipping through the streets of Cincy, weaving through
pedestrians, hopping off curbs and going down to shapes, trying to grind the curved ledge and never quite pulling it off.
The thing I enjoyed most was just riding through the city, especially down 4th street, and, most of all at night. Skating through the city on a long summer night, all the lights and life going on, massive hills to bomb and plenty of obstacles to avoid. Cruising across the suspension bridge through crowds of reds fans, on their way back home, meanwhile making my way to Sawyer point.
If you want to skate or bike and have a great time this is the place to go, so much potential, tons of flat space perfect for practice and some decent ledges too. I bike a lot more now,Covington to Clifton or Mt Adams and back being my usual route, but, I've really been wanting to skate again lately. The feeling you get from it is on the same level as cycling , but a totally different experience, one that, I feel, more people should check out. It is something you won't forget. Maybe in the spring I'll give it a shot.
pedestrians, hopping off curbs and going down to shapes, trying to grind the curved ledge and never quite pulling it off.
The thing I enjoyed most was just riding through the city, especially down 4th street, and, most of all at night. Skating through the city on a long summer night, all the lights and life going on, massive hills to bomb and plenty of obstacles to avoid. Cruising across the suspension bridge through crowds of reds fans, on their way back home, meanwhile making my way to Sawyer point.
If you want to skate or bike and have a great time this is the place to go, so much potential, tons of flat space perfect for practice and some decent ledges too. I bike a lot more now,Covington to Clifton or Mt Adams and back being my usual route, but, I've really been wanting to skate again lately. The feeling you get from it is on the same level as cycling , but a totally different experience, one that, I feel, more people should check out. It is something you won't forget. Maybe in the spring I'll give it a shot.
Smoke and Mirrors (Finale)
I answered the phone, "Hello?" A distorted voice chuckled on the other end."Ha ha ha, hello Mr. Valentine." I was surprised "How do you know my name?" The voice barked back "That's not important, if you want to see Jimmy boy here alive, come to pier 22 at midnight, bring that tramp with you."
"Midnight Mr. Valentine, any later and Jimmy's going swimming."the voice barked. That was strange, but we have no time to worries about odd feelings, a man's life hangs on the line. "We have to go to the harbor, can you drive?" I asked fiercely, It must be an adrenaline rush. "Yes, we should go now, are you ready?" Swallowing the pain, I managed to groan, "Let's finish this, I'm ready for a drink." I chuckled to myself, Jesus, it hurts to laugh.
We made it down to the harbor in record time, you would have thought she had done this before. "pier 22" "This way" As the two of us walked through the poorly lit rows of boathouses, we were cautious of every shadow, every rat and creature stirring. Coming up the pier, I couldn't help but have a strange feeling in my gut, I shook it off. Time to get serious, I reached under my coat to make sure Ann was on deck, ready to handle the situation. Locked and loaded. "Let's go, keep your eyes peeled kid.", "It could get hairy in here." Very carefully opening the door, we crept in.
The massive building was relatively empty with the exception myself, Mrs.Fields and a blindfolded Mr. fields in a chair. "James?" Veronica shouted out. "Honey is that you?" the blindfolded man asked. "Yes, my love are you alright?" "Who did this to you?" All of a sudden a spotlight beamed down on us. "Not one more step, I mean it, he will die." Veronica looked puzzled, "That voice." "That's Nor..." before she could finish she was knocked unconscious. The light cut out, and in front of me, a broad man appeared. "Norman Verso, put 'er there Valentine, I've been expecting you."
What? The very person that was supposedly skipping town, is right here, none of this is clear, I must have taken one too many blows to the head. "This whole thing is bigger than the two of us Jake." " You should back out before it's too late, I'll cover your fee, throw in a little extra." "What do you say?" From the shadows a shot rang out, POW! Norman fell deader than the autumn leaves. "No deal!" Veronica screamed. Then she turned the gun on me. "I should have known he'd try to back out of this." she said " What do you mean?" I asked "We had an agreement, get James out of the picture, I'd get the money and he'd get the business, I should have known not to trust him." She arrogantly admitted.
Fingers trembling, gripping the handgun she got cocky, with a smirk she told me " You've done well Mr. Valentine, perhaps a little too well, now it's time for you to clock out." I can't go out like this, think Jake think, I've got it! "Your not gonna get away with this you crazy broad, not if Ann has anything to say about it." She sneered "And just who is Ann?" I pulled out my shining beauty and steadied my aim. "She is!" BANG! A clean shot to the knee, the crooked Mrs. Fields, falls to the floor in agony. About an hour later, the cavalry arrived, the coroner wrapped up poor Norman in his final blanket, I guess it never pays to do bad business, as for Veronica Fields she spending some quality time at the big house for conspiracy and the attempted murder of her husband.
The chief of police strolled up and gave me a half - hearted pat on the back, "Good work Valentine, we'll take it from here" he assured me. Time to get back to the office and get that drink. Sitting in my favorite chair, treasuring the silence, suddenly a knock sounds out from my door. "Come in." It was James Fields. " I just wanted to come by and thank you I owe you my life." He said gratefully. "There's no need for all that my fee will be enough." I said coolly. "Of course, I've written you this check for what I think is more than fair."
I nearly hit the ceiling , I couldn't believe my eyes, that piece of paper had more zeroes than a swap meet. "I really appreciate all you've done." Fields Said, I brushed it off. " No problem, It's all in a day's work, I always get my man." We said our goodbyes and he was on his way. Leaning back in my chair, I had many thoughts, but, the most important was the chance of catching those Zs, I closed my eyes. Just then The phone rang wildly.
"Midnight Mr. Valentine, any later and Jimmy's going swimming."the voice barked. That was strange, but we have no time to worries about odd feelings, a man's life hangs on the line. "We have to go to the harbor, can you drive?" I asked fiercely, It must be an adrenaline rush. "Yes, we should go now, are you ready?" Swallowing the pain, I managed to groan, "Let's finish this, I'm ready for a drink." I chuckled to myself, Jesus, it hurts to laugh.
We made it down to the harbor in record time, you would have thought she had done this before. "pier 22" "This way" As the two of us walked through the poorly lit rows of boathouses, we were cautious of every shadow, every rat and creature stirring. Coming up the pier, I couldn't help but have a strange feeling in my gut, I shook it off. Time to get serious, I reached under my coat to make sure Ann was on deck, ready to handle the situation. Locked and loaded. "Let's go, keep your eyes peeled kid.", "It could get hairy in here." Very carefully opening the door, we crept in.
The massive building was relatively empty with the exception myself, Mrs.Fields and a blindfolded Mr. fields in a chair. "James?" Veronica shouted out. "Honey is that you?" the blindfolded man asked. "Yes, my love are you alright?" "Who did this to you?" All of a sudden a spotlight beamed down on us. "Not one more step, I mean it, he will die." Veronica looked puzzled, "That voice." "That's Nor..." before she could finish she was knocked unconscious. The light cut out, and in front of me, a broad man appeared. "Norman Verso, put 'er there Valentine, I've been expecting you."
What? The very person that was supposedly skipping town, is right here, none of this is clear, I must have taken one too many blows to the head. "This whole thing is bigger than the two of us Jake." " You should back out before it's too late, I'll cover your fee, throw in a little extra." "What do you say?" From the shadows a shot rang out, POW! Norman fell deader than the autumn leaves. "No deal!" Veronica screamed. Then she turned the gun on me. "I should have known he'd try to back out of this." she said " What do you mean?" I asked "We had an agreement, get James out of the picture, I'd get the money and he'd get the business, I should have known not to trust him." She arrogantly admitted.
Fingers trembling, gripping the handgun she got cocky, with a smirk she told me " You've done well Mr. Valentine, perhaps a little too well, now it's time for you to clock out." I can't go out like this, think Jake think, I've got it! "Your not gonna get away with this you crazy broad, not if Ann has anything to say about it." She sneered "And just who is Ann?" I pulled out my shining beauty and steadied my aim. "She is!" BANG! A clean shot to the knee, the crooked Mrs. Fields, falls to the floor in agony. About an hour later, the cavalry arrived, the coroner wrapped up poor Norman in his final blanket, I guess it never pays to do bad business, as for Veronica Fields she spending some quality time at the big house for conspiracy and the attempted murder of her husband.
The chief of police strolled up and gave me a half - hearted pat on the back, "Good work Valentine, we'll take it from here" he assured me. Time to get back to the office and get that drink. Sitting in my favorite chair, treasuring the silence, suddenly a knock sounds out from my door. "Come in." It was James Fields. " I just wanted to come by and thank you I owe you my life." He said gratefully. "There's no need for all that my fee will be enough." I said coolly. "Of course, I've written you this check for what I think is more than fair."
I nearly hit the ceiling , I couldn't believe my eyes, that piece of paper had more zeroes than a swap meet. "I really appreciate all you've done." Fields Said, I brushed it off. " No problem, It's all in a day's work, I always get my man." We said our goodbyes and he was on his way. Leaning back in my chair, I had many thoughts, but, the most important was the chance of catching those Zs, I closed my eyes. Just then The phone rang wildly.
Smoke and Mirrors (Pt. 4)
There is nothing now, I am nowhere, swallowed by a vast darkness, floating in what seems to be some sort of limbo. Am I dead? Have all the bad choices I've made finally caught up with me? If only I'd been faster I could have done something, I could have saved him. "Get a hold of yourself!" I said trying to reassure myself there was a way out. Just then an ominous voice, my voice came overhead like some sort of strange PA.
"You're not dead, now get up chump." "You've got work to do!" In a daze, almost like a hangover, I was slowly coming to, where am I?. A familiar voice commented from the right, "It's good to see your still among the living." Finally the room came into focus, I had to get my bearings. The fireplace was roaring, I felt the kiss of the fire against my back, some sort of den I guess. I strained to make out the figure to my right, my eyes must be tired, after all I hadn't been to sleep yet, but, it couldn't be. "Mr. Valentine, are you alright?" It was Veronica Fields.
"How did I get here?" I asked , there was a small pause "I found your car on the side of the route, so I stopped and you were lying there bleeding." "I had to do something, so I brought you back here and took care of your wound." she said with a nurturing tone. "You were shot." "I know, that's not something you forget, trust me." I sharply replied, just then it hit me hard. There was a great big hole in her story, The last thing I remember was being at the mine with her "missing" man. I better keep that to myself for now. "You lost a good amount of blood, are you sure your alright?" she sounded worried, genuinely worried, not the voice of a killer.
As a rose to my feet I replied, "yeah, I'll be fine, I've been through worse." "So, what were you doing so far out on the route Mrs. Fields?, if you don't mind me asking that is." There was not doubt she was at the mine, but why? The faint odor of sulfur hung in the air, and I had noticed some dirt on the rug. " I have to be honest Mr.Valentine, may I call you Jake?" " Of course" I replied "Please, go on." Starting were she had trailed off she continued "My husband's business partner, Norman Verso, had called late last night." " He sounded shaken on the phone and said he had to stop by, it was urgent" Already I didn't like where this was going. "When Norman showed up he was dirty and frantic, he said that James had gone missing up around the old Crawford place, and that he was getting out of town"
She went on, "I Thought it was strange so I decided to tail him and see what was really going on." Her story sounded convincing so far, she went on. "By the time I got to the mine, I found you bleeding out on the floor, not a soul around." "That brings us here." In a more disappointed voice she said "I must have lost him in the confusion, I just know he has something to do with this whole mess." Just then the phone rang. (to be continued)
"You're not dead, now get up chump." "You've got work to do!" In a daze, almost like a hangover, I was slowly coming to, where am I?. A familiar voice commented from the right, "It's good to see your still among the living." Finally the room came into focus, I had to get my bearings. The fireplace was roaring, I felt the kiss of the fire against my back, some sort of den I guess. I strained to make out the figure to my right, my eyes must be tired, after all I hadn't been to sleep yet, but, it couldn't be. "Mr. Valentine, are you alright?" It was Veronica Fields.
"How did I get here?" I asked , there was a small pause "I found your car on the side of the route, so I stopped and you were lying there bleeding." "I had to do something, so I brought you back here and took care of your wound." she said with a nurturing tone. "You were shot." "I know, that's not something you forget, trust me." I sharply replied, just then it hit me hard. There was a great big hole in her story, The last thing I remember was being at the mine with her "missing" man. I better keep that to myself for now. "You lost a good amount of blood, are you sure your alright?" she sounded worried, genuinely worried, not the voice of a killer.
As a rose to my feet I replied, "yeah, I'll be fine, I've been through worse." "So, what were you doing so far out on the route Mrs. Fields?, if you don't mind me asking that is." There was not doubt she was at the mine, but why? The faint odor of sulfur hung in the air, and I had noticed some dirt on the rug. " I have to be honest Mr.Valentine, may I call you Jake?" " Of course" I replied "Please, go on." Starting were she had trailed off she continued "My husband's business partner, Norman Verso, had called late last night." " He sounded shaken on the phone and said he had to stop by, it was urgent" Already I didn't like where this was going. "When Norman showed up he was dirty and frantic, he said that James had gone missing up around the old Crawford place, and that he was getting out of town"
She went on, "I Thought it was strange so I decided to tail him and see what was really going on." Her story sounded convincing so far, she went on. "By the time I got to the mine, I found you bleeding out on the floor, not a soul around." "That brings us here." In a more disappointed voice she said "I must have lost him in the confusion, I just know he has something to do with this whole mess." Just then the phone rang. (to be continued)
Smoke and Mirrors (Pt. 3)
Dusk was setting in the soft spring sky, slowly drained of all it's shine, consumed by the cold, deep blue-black of night, They were coming out of the woodwork, creeps, killers, real scum, and I was hot on their trail. The night air was brisk against my skin, cruising along the old route 11, destination the Crawford mine, if I wanted to crack this egg, I was going to have to start there.
As I pulled up to the entrance, I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, "some thing's not right here" I said to myself, I had no idea what I was about to discover. Throwing the car in park, stepping out into the darkness armed with only a trusty old flashlight and my .38 caliber 6 shot revolver with and extended barrel for a real clean shot, beautiful to look at, but she can take a man's life in a heartbeat, I call her Ann.
Flashlight in hand, I began my descent in to the unknown. After what seemed like six maybe seven-hundred feet of hoofing it I cut the lights just in time, stumbling upon and open door, peering through the crack, I could see a man tied to a chair, his muffled pleas for help radiated throughout the stone walls of the structure, the cold smack of bone against bone, I witness the stooge deliver a ruthless blow to the man's gut, for now at least, there was some silence, I had to make my move.
What to do? Ann is ace in the hole, But, she talks pretty loud and there's no need to get sloppy. Glancing around a little more looking for a plan B, It came in the form of a loose 2x4, wielding my wooden weapon, I crept to through the open door, crouched with the approach of a lion on the hunt, I seek my prey. THUD! Looks like Mr. tough guy went bird watching, he's out for the count. To my right, the man is slumped over in the chair, whimpering like a dog who's just been punished for going through the trash. "It's alright, I'm here to help." I made quick work of the ropes and helped the poor guy to his feet.
"That was one hell of a hook you took back there, are you okay?", "Can you speak?" The voice of a man who's pride had been shattered called back shakily, "ye-yesss". Good, we were starting to get somewhere. "What are you doing here?" "What's your name?" asking the usual questions to get this balloon off of the ground. "I have no idea." He said "I was sitting at home having a drink or two with my wife and I blacked out, when I came to I was in the place, tied to a chair." His testimony sounds pretty bizarre, but, my instincts say he's too shaken to be lying. "My name is James Fields."
Just then I felt my gut sink to the floor like a lead weight, this is way too easy, something smells rotten here and it's not the sulfur. "We got to get you out of here Fields, there are people looking for you." almost as if in slow motion, he tried to warn me "look out!" I turned at breakneck speed just a see a silhouette in the doorway. POP! The shot rang out across the room, suddenly it felt, as if Satan's very finger was sticking in my chest, swirls of black plagued my vision, things are getting quiet "Who are y...." I gasped as I hit the floor. (to be continued)
As I pulled up to the entrance, I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, "some thing's not right here" I said to myself, I had no idea what I was about to discover. Throwing the car in park, stepping out into the darkness armed with only a trusty old flashlight and my .38 caliber 6 shot revolver with and extended barrel for a real clean shot, beautiful to look at, but she can take a man's life in a heartbeat, I call her Ann.
Flashlight in hand, I began my descent in to the unknown. After what seemed like six maybe seven-hundred feet of hoofing it I cut the lights just in time, stumbling upon and open door, peering through the crack, I could see a man tied to a chair, his muffled pleas for help radiated throughout the stone walls of the structure, the cold smack of bone against bone, I witness the stooge deliver a ruthless blow to the man's gut, for now at least, there was some silence, I had to make my move.
What to do? Ann is ace in the hole, But, she talks pretty loud and there's no need to get sloppy. Glancing around a little more looking for a plan B, It came in the form of a loose 2x4, wielding my wooden weapon, I crept to through the open door, crouched with the approach of a lion on the hunt, I seek my prey. THUD! Looks like Mr. tough guy went bird watching, he's out for the count. To my right, the man is slumped over in the chair, whimpering like a dog who's just been punished for going through the trash. "It's alright, I'm here to help." I made quick work of the ropes and helped the poor guy to his feet.
"That was one hell of a hook you took back there, are you okay?", "Can you speak?" The voice of a man who's pride had been shattered called back shakily, "ye-yesss". Good, we were starting to get somewhere. "What are you doing here?" "What's your name?" asking the usual questions to get this balloon off of the ground. "I have no idea." He said "I was sitting at home having a drink or two with my wife and I blacked out, when I came to I was in the place, tied to a chair." His testimony sounds pretty bizarre, but, my instincts say he's too shaken to be lying. "My name is James Fields."
Just then I felt my gut sink to the floor like a lead weight, this is way too easy, something smells rotten here and it's not the sulfur. "We got to get you out of here Fields, there are people looking for you." almost as if in slow motion, he tried to warn me "look out!" I turned at breakneck speed just a see a silhouette in the doorway. POP! The shot rang out across the room, suddenly it felt, as if Satan's very finger was sticking in my chest, swirls of black plagued my vision, things are getting quiet "Who are y...." I gasped as I hit the floor. (to be continued)
Smoke and Mirrors (Pt. 2)
As I leave my building, the night air greets me the only way it knows, a cold blast strikes my face like the first strike from an alcoholic step dad in a drunken rage, I have to get down to business before this dire weather takes me out first. The wind howls trough the trees with the eerie tone reminiscent of an manic- depressive glee club, a strange energy emanates through this bounding metropolis tonight, not a good place to be for the weak of heart, one wrong move on these streets without knowing your surroundings and you're as good as food for the jackals, luckily I've passed the crucible, navigating this labyrinth has become second nature to me.
I seek out the shady part of town, all the local dives and hangouts for scum and losers, kidnappers and rapists, the true underbelly of our so called fair city, keeping my ear out like a casted line, just waiting for a bite, anything for a lead that could shed some light on this growing enigma. " Hey J, it's been a while!" Ernie was the barkeep at the local watering hole, "La porte bleue", Good guy, makes great drinks with a strong pour, also a pretty reliable source for the goings on of the underworld, for a price.
"What do ya say Ern?"ditching the formalities, "Whiskey double, you know how I like it" I gestured toward the top shelf, "Coming right up Jake, on the house", he must have sensed that I wasn't here just to wet my whistle, "So, I'm gonna get down to brass tacks Ern, what have you heard about James Fields?" Twisting the lid back on the bottle tightly, he replied almost proudly, "Word through the vine is that there was a meeting of the minds up by the old Crawford mine the other night, a few rent-a-goons let it slip on their way through, not sure what it's all about, but it sounded like pretty big business."
It was big business alright if Mr. Fields left his home in the middle of the night for some secret rendezvous, but who were these "minds" he mentioned? This pit just seems to be more and more bottomless as I continue. I finished up my liquid inspiration, tipped Ern a Hamilton "Thanks for the tip bud, I'll see you around." Big Ern's face lit up like Times Square at Christmas, "Anytime, J, anytime." Our parting words echoed in my skull as I headed for the door. I'm starting to think whatever is at the end of this rope isn't gonna be pretty (to be continued)
I seek out the shady part of town, all the local dives and hangouts for scum and losers, kidnappers and rapists, the true underbelly of our so called fair city, keeping my ear out like a casted line, just waiting for a bite, anything for a lead that could shed some light on this growing enigma. " Hey J, it's been a while!" Ernie was the barkeep at the local watering hole, "La porte bleue", Good guy, makes great drinks with a strong pour, also a pretty reliable source for the goings on of the underworld, for a price.
"What do ya say Ern?"ditching the formalities, "Whiskey double, you know how I like it" I gestured toward the top shelf, "Coming right up Jake, on the house", he must have sensed that I wasn't here just to wet my whistle, "So, I'm gonna get down to brass tacks Ern, what have you heard about James Fields?" Twisting the lid back on the bottle tightly, he replied almost proudly, "Word through the vine is that there was a meeting of the minds up by the old Crawford mine the other night, a few rent-a-goons let it slip on their way through, not sure what it's all about, but it sounded like pretty big business."
It was big business alright if Mr. Fields left his home in the middle of the night for some secret rendezvous, but who were these "minds" he mentioned? This pit just seems to be more and more bottomless as I continue. I finished up my liquid inspiration, tipped Ern a Hamilton "Thanks for the tip bud, I'll see you around." Big Ern's face lit up like Times Square at Christmas, "Anytime, J, anytime." Our parting words echoed in my skull as I headed for the door. I'm starting to think whatever is at the end of this rope isn't gonna be pretty (to be continued)
Smoke and Mirrors
BOOM! Another dreary April night in the town, the roar of thunder crashes through the streets, lightning flashes temoprarily blinding, like the flash of an over zealous amatuer photographer. I live for nights like this, the city just feels so alive, pulsing with an electric air, buzzing like the bolts of Frankenstein's creature. The night, not unlike my office was cold, and dark, the sound of action was all around, the ghoulish squeal of tires on the road, police cars wailing like ancient sirens wooing mariners to a watery grave.
Leaning back in my favorite chair,I was looking to catch a few z's, that's when she burst through my door, like a lunatic at the apex of her mania, from the ghastly look on her face, I could tell she was in a real pickle. " I was told your the man to speak to when answers are needed." She said in a tired, raspy voice, almost breathless. "That's right" I quickly shot back, " And just who may I ask are you sweetheart?", Smoothly, in an almost seductive tone she explained "Sorry for bursting in here like a tornado, without a word, my name is Veronica Fields and I so desperately need help, can you help me Mr. Valentine?"
I thought for a second as I glanced at my watch, Jesus it's a quarter til twelve, what the hell, "Sure doll, what kind of beast are we hunting here?" Calmly, almost too calmly Mrs. Fields gave me the rundown. "Why, it's no beast at all, it's my husband James, he went out to help an associate of his around ten last night and I haven't heard word from him since, oh Mr. V, if I don't get my sweet James back in these arms, I'm not sure what I'll do." She wept "He's all I have on this miserable rock." James fields, I'd heard the name before, big around these parts, a real every man's man, had his hands in everything from politics to grandma's cookie jar, but how could such a public figure just vanish without even the slightest alarm?
"You've got nothing to fear Mrs. Fields, Jake Valentine always gets his man." My first case in weeks, not to mention a whopper of a job, Jesus, I hope I don't regret this. (to be continued)
Leaning back in my favorite chair,I was looking to catch a few z's, that's when she burst through my door, like a lunatic at the apex of her mania, from the ghastly look on her face, I could tell she was in a real pickle. " I was told your the man to speak to when answers are needed." She said in a tired, raspy voice, almost breathless. "That's right" I quickly shot back, " And just who may I ask are you sweetheart?", Smoothly, in an almost seductive tone she explained "Sorry for bursting in here like a tornado, without a word, my name is Veronica Fields and I so desperately need help, can you help me Mr. Valentine?"
I thought for a second as I glanced at my watch, Jesus it's a quarter til twelve, what the hell, "Sure doll, what kind of beast are we hunting here?" Calmly, almost too calmly Mrs. Fields gave me the rundown. "Why, it's no beast at all, it's my husband James, he went out to help an associate of his around ten last night and I haven't heard word from him since, oh Mr. V, if I don't get my sweet James back in these arms, I'm not sure what I'll do." She wept "He's all I have on this miserable rock." James fields, I'd heard the name before, big around these parts, a real every man's man, had his hands in everything from politics to grandma's cookie jar, but how could such a public figure just vanish without even the slightest alarm?
"You've got nothing to fear Mrs. Fields, Jake Valentine always gets his man." My first case in weeks, not to mention a whopper of a job, Jesus, I hope I don't regret this. (to be continued)
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