Hazy Shades..............

I haven't staged an Event in weeks. It's not that I didn't have any opportunities. I go out every day, driving around through my corner of Middlesex County. There's always errands to run and, this being December, there was the additional search for presents to buy.

There is always someone.

I can always find someone on their own. Isolated. Alone.

But I just wasn't in the mood. Perhaps that Seasonal Affective Disorder thing really does have an impact on everyone. After all, we haven't had much sunlight lately. Just what Paul Simon called "A Hazy Shade of Winter".

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This morning started as another gray day. But it has the added impact of being New Year's Eve. I didn't have any place in particular to go, but I had to do something so I headed out. I got gas at a Hess Station on Route 9 and stopped at the Post Office in Avenel to mail something.

I had breakfast at the Dunkin' Donuts on St. George Avenue, and decided to head to Metuchen and see if the library was open.

As I drove down Route 27, I noticed that there was very little traffic around, even more so then usual. Just up ahead, I saw this guy - one of those workers who screws up traffic by putting those orange cones way too far out from their vehicles.

I slowed, looking around. I was the only car in the vicinity - except for this guy's. I lowered the passenger side window.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove into Metuchen and found the library open. I picked up a couple of novels - one by Mordecai Richler and one by Philip Roth -  for $.50 each. I've been reading mostly mysteries for the last year or so and these would be a nice change of pace. Perhaps I'd be making a change for the new year after all.

I drove up into South Plainfield, cutting through a parking lot of a local Krauser's so I could bypass a traffic light. As I entered the lot through the back, I saw this guy up ahead.

He was on the passenger side, so I lowered that window again. A quick look around. No one else.

Point, press, Flash.

I continued on.

I pulled into the strip mall where Unique is. That's the thrift store I like to stop at from time to time. I've picked up coats for $6, jeans for $4, and other stuff. Mondays they discount everything by another 25%. On an impulse, I drove around the back. I'm guessing that this guy just picked up the bike and was trying it out.

I thought about it. There was no one else around. But the pick up area for the large pieces (furniture, etc.) from Unique was here and someone could show up at any time. And anyway, the guy seemed to be having a good time.

I didn't stop. I drove home.

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Now I'm sitting on my bed, propped up against the head board. The TV is on, and my laptop is where the name suggests. I can look out the window and watch the traffic pass by on Rahway Avenue, as well as anyone going in or out of my building. The sky is still gray, but - I think - my mood has changed.

When I was younger, things were always black and white. There was a right reason for doing something, and a wrong one. Now............I'm not so sure. Now, just having a reason seems to be justification enough.

I look out the window and it's getting dark. But we've passed the winter solstice, so it's getting darker later. Maybe that's all we can hope for.

That it keeps taking longer for the darkness to come in.

Maybe hazy shades aren't so bad after all.

Two Days.........

We've had a string of dreary looking days lately. Last week, that sort of fit my mood as I had the last two tests for my yearly check-up. Wednesday, I had a left heart catheterization - which involved going in through the femoral artery in my groin and using a dye to check out the heart chambers. That went well, but you have to stay on your back for hours until they decide that the incision has closed. I was dropped off at 5 o'clock in the morning and didn't get picked up until 2:30 in the afternoon. At least I knew that everything was good.

On Thursday, I had a CT scan done, because there was a spot on a chest x-ray and they wanted a better image. That process is very quick. In at 8, and out at 8:30. But you don't get an answer right away. I was back to waiting, again.
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Yesterday, the weather changed. The sun cam out and the temperature rose. It was a day to be out and about. Feeling good, I started the morning by driving through Sewarren. In this section of Woodbridge, there aren't many sidewalks. Heading down to the bay, I saw this older man coming towards me.

I had already lowered the windows to take advantage of the warmth. I looked around as we closed the gap. There was no one else around.

Point, press, Flash.

I swung back through Woodbridge Proper and drove into the Fords section of the township. There are a few strip malls here, some of them with empty stores. I drove through a few until I saw this one guy.

Most of the stores here had failed, so there wasn't anyone around. I slowed and watched, but the guy was just standing there. I passed him.

Point, press, Flash.

I continued on through Fords, down through Edison, and around into Iselin. The speed limit here is 25, so moving slowly doesn't attract attention. There are sidewalks here, and I came across this guy after a few minutes.

Maybe he was out for some exercise, I don't know, but he was moving at a good clip. I barely had enough time to verify that we were alone.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove on through Colonia, back into Woodbridge Proper, did some food shopping, and went home.

Later that afternoon I got a phone call. The results of the CT scan were in, and everything was fine. There was nothing further that needed to be done. I'm good for another year.

Then I thought about Gordon. Here I am with several doctor's - and their support staffs - making sure that I'm good to go, and somewhere out there Gordon was on his own. At least I could check up on him.
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This morning started out gray, but the sun broke through pretty quickly. When I left my apartment, I made sure that the bedroom windows were open.

This was the signal that we'd agreed upon. I was hoping that Gordon would see it.

I had some errands to run, and I stopped at a few libraries. It was another nice day for a drive, but I wasn't inclined to stage any Events.

I got back around 11:30. The bedroom windows were closed. I went in.

Gordon was sitting on the couch. He didn't look any worse then when I'd last seen him, but he hadn't looked all that good back then.

"Denny. I'm glad you signaled. I've been meaning to get in touch with you myself." He didn't stand. He didn't offer to shake hands. But he did smile.
"Hi, Art. I was hoping you'd see it." I put down the bags I was carrying. "So, how're you doing?"
"Ah, I thought that might be what was on your mind. I've noticed that you've had some doctor's visits recently, and I was pretty sure that they were due to your transplant anniversary. I'd guess that all is well, and you started feeling...what..concern?...for my well being."
"Yeah, I guess. But I do know that your out there on your own, and it can't be easy. And it's not just your heart, but..for instance..what did you do during that hurricane? Doyle said they couldn't tell if you were active then and I didn't know where you were."

He sat for a few minutes, just looking at me, which made me a little uncomfortable. Finally, he nodded.
"Although I don't have access to medical professionals, Denny, I am not alone. I have a friend who has been helping me. I stayed with him during the storm, and he keeps tabs on some things for me. In fact, do you remember that I said I was going to send you a package?"
I nodded.
"Good. Well, I thought better of it. You don't need to have the package right now. But when the time comes, my friend will send it to you. You'll know what to do with it then."

It was my turn to look at him. I realized that he wasn't as helpless as I thought.
I told him that. He just smiled. Then he stood, slowly.

"No, I'm not as helpless as you thought. But I don't have a lot of time to do what needs to be done."
"What needs to be done, Art?"
He just grinned again.
"It's time for me to be going. It was good to see you, Denny. Hopefully, we'll be able to meet again."

He left, closing the door behind him.

A lot can happen in two days.

A Long, Strange Trip...........

I'm in the middle of my annual testing cycle. And it's different this year. Mainly because there's a different guy in charge of the Heart Transplant team down in New Brunswick so I've had to schedule some tests myself.

 It's kinda strange.

Plus, Jersey is still getting back to normal, at least where I live. It's gonna take some time for the Shore to come back.

I took the bus down to New Brunswick Tuesday to have some blood work done and get a chest x-ray. It was a dreary, rainy day. And the bus, of course, was late. Both ways.

Everything was there, but everything felt gray.

Today.....however......was different.

For one thing..the sun was out. There's a lot to be said for that. For walking outside and just feeling good.

I had some errands to run. I did the wash. I did some food shopping.

I stopped at a Dunkin' Donuts for some coffee. I had parked in the back lot  and when I got back to my car, I waited a bit, letting the coffee cool. A woman pull in. She got out and lit a cigarette.

We were the only ones around.

I started the car, lowered the driver's side window, pulled out of my spot, and then..

Point, press, Flash.

I made a left turn, then two rights, and drove on towards Edison.

I stopped at the library in Metuchen. I sat in the car for a few minutes, and decided not to go in. I drove away.

I had no real direction to follow, but I didn't want to go home just yet. There are a lot of business complexes in the area and I drove through a few. That's where I saw this guy.

It didn't take long to close the distance between us. I lowered the passenger side window.

Point, press, Flash.

I left that lot and headed for the next.

That's when my phone rang.

It was Doyle.

He wanted to meet. And said he'd be at the parking lot in Merrill Park in about 15 minutes.

 I drove straight there.

He was there first, leaning against the side of his SUV.

"Hey, Denny. How's it goin'?
We shook hands.
"I'm good, Doyle...So..What's this about?"

He stood up and stretched.

"I gotta apologize, Denny. We've had the election, then the hurricane, and then the threats to deal with but I didn't want you to think that I forgot.".
"Forgot what?"
"Your transplant. It' coming up on 4 years now, right?"
I had to smile. "Yeah. 4 years. I've had some tests done, and some more scheduled. In fact, I was just at the hospital Tuesday."
"I know. I wanted to stop by then but I just couldn't get away. We're stretched a little thin right now."

 We both just stood there for a moment or two, lost in our own thoughts. Finally, I asked, "So..what's happening with Gordon?"
"We don't know. There's been no activity that we can attribute to him. But the storms have caused us a lot of problems."
"How so?"
"Well, the power outages here in New Jersey have hit us as well. Our tracking system has gone off-line a few times so we can't be certain that he hasn't been out there. We've even lost your signal a couple of times, but we still had your backup in place."
"That's good to know, I guess."
"Yeah. Still. Things are back up and normal again. Let's hope we don't get hit like that again."

 He paused..took his car keys out of hip pockets -then looked at me.
"You know, Denny, things haven't turned out the way we thought they would when we first approached you. But, all in all, I think we've come through things well. What do you think?"
I thought about it for a minute or two.

"What's that line, Doyle, from the Grateful Dead? "What a long, strange trip it's been"? That pretty much sums it up, I think."

He laughed, slapped me on the back, and left.

I drove home.

A Matter of Degrees...........

So much has happened in the last few days that it's hard to take it all in. Most of it has affected a great deal of people, and the rest has been personal. I've been keeping to myself but yesterday I decided to go outside to face things.

Last Wednesday, I had a Prostate Biopsy.

 My PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) has been high for the last two months and the potential was there that I might have prostate cancer. That potential was higher in my case due to the immuno-suppressants that I take. Instead of repeating the test, I had the biopsy done.

I know it was the right thing to do, but it was not a pleasant experience.

My daughter was to pick me up afterwards, and we'd have dinner. Instead, I had her drive me home and I went straight to bed.

It took me a few days to get over the discomfort. When I finally started to feel better it dawned on me that I'd have to wait for another week for the results.
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I grew up in The Bronx, but I've spent the important years of my life in New Jersey.

It's here that I had the American Dream - the house with a white picket fence.

It's here that I had my daughter.

OK, so I don't have that house anymore, but I am still involved with my daughter. This is my home.

Yes, this is my home, and Hurricane Sandy just hit us big time.

I've been watching the news. She decimated the Jersey Shore.

Now I have to admit that I'm not much of a beach guy, but I've been down to the Shore a couple of times and there are landmarks that I'd recognize. That is, I'd recognize if they still existed.

It's tough to accept.

But I live in Woodbridge. We're inland. And not as far south as The Shore. Sadly, we do have a waterfront - Sewaren. And we did have flooding. And we did have really heavy winds.

 We lost power about 8 o'clock Monday night but my area had it back by 5 o'clock Tuesday morning. I had my cable and internet back by about 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. My only problem was that I couldn't communicate immediately through my cell phone. Calls AND texts weren't going through.

Yesterday, I went out and drove around a bit. In my neighborhood, some trees were down, traffic lights were out, and some stores were closed. There were lines at gas stations and, surprisingly to me, Dunkin' Donuts. But I could get around.

I've been lucky.
___________________________________________________________________________________

Today, I had the follow-up with the urologist for the biopsy results. I tried not to, but I did Google the whole process and I wasn't feeling confident. My daughter, God love her, volunteered to take me even though there wasn't a need.

I was worried that they wouldn't be there..that they had no power...that I would have to wait longer for an answer.

I didn't.

Long story short, the results were negative.

NEGATIVE.

YES.

My daughter and I then spent about 45 minutes trying to find a place to have breakfast.

I'm good, but New Jersey needs help.

It's all a matter of degrees.

Some Things You Just Don't Do................

We're in a string of typical autumn weather. Usually, I enjoy days like this but not now. I've got something coming up that I'm not looking forward to and it's affecting my mood. I know it's nothing serious, but I can't help obsessing over it. This morning I was up and out early, trying to keep myself occupied - trying to not think about things.

I drove around through some of the side streets in Woodbridge. I was going to stop by the Main Library, but it wouldn't be open for another half hour. As I stopped at a light on Freeman Street I saw this woman walking towards me.

I looked around and saw that there was no one else around. The light was still red as she came up to the side of my car...and passed by.

It was Kitty.

Well, I think of her as Kitty. I think of her as Kitty because for the first year or so that I'd seen her walking to work she'd been wearing a Hello Kitty hat and carrying a similarly themed backpack.

She walks down St. George's Avenue from her apartment somewhere around the library. She walks all the way down to Main Street, then along there to Woodbridge Center Drive and ultimately to the Mall. I saw her there, once, working in one of the fast food restaurants. She was cleaning the tables, and was pleasant and friendly and seemed happy with her job.

I've never spoken to her. I don't know her. But she's familiar to me. So I put the Flasher back in my pocket.

There are some things that you just don't do.

About an hour later I was driving along Route 27, heading in the direction of the Edison/Metuchen border. This is just a one lane road, but at certain cross streets there's a left turn lane. This is true for Parsonage Road. I was stopped at the light when a silver sedan pulled into the left-turn lane. When we got the green I started forward and the sedan - instead of turning left - sped forward and cut me off.

There are some things you just don't do.

I followed behind him for a while and he turned into the Metuchen Municipal building parking lot. He stopped along the driveway. I drove around the corner, parked, and approached the lot from the back. I had no specific plan in mind. Maybe just to Flash the car so it wouldn't start.

Through the bushes surrounding the lot, I could see the sedan and the driver was standing next to it.

He appeared to be checking his messages, or texting. Either way, he was alone.

Point, press, Flash.

I turned around, and strolled back to my car. It was pretty quiet here, and bright enough that I was pretty sure that the Flash hadn't attracted any attention.

I drove on towards the Edison Main Library.

When I came out, Doyle was standing by my car.

"Hey, Doyle, fancy meeting you here?"
"Hiya, Denny, how're ya doin'?" We shook hands.
"Ah, you know, same old. What brings you out today? something to do with Gordon?"
"No..ah..actually it's not business." He looked a little embarrassed. "I was..wondering..how you're doing..what with that biopsy tomorrow and all."

Now I was embarrassed.

"I'm OK, Doyle. It's..you know..something I gotta take care of."
"Sure, sure, Denny..I know..it's just..did you consider anything else?"
"Doyle, it's not a big deal. He does it in his office."
"Yeah, but...couldn't you have waited a little longer?"
"Probably. But my PSA was high 2 months in a row. I could put it off another month but, with the immunosuppressants I'm on, I don't think the risk is worth it."

He didn't say anything.

"Doyle, look, I appreciate you're asking, you know? I'm really not worried about the outcome. If it's..you know..not so good, well, it's early on and can be treated. It's just..the biopsy itself, the process, that I'm not too thrilled about."

Neither of us said anything, for a minute or two. And we didn't look at each other either. Just 2 guys trying to talk about something that both of us were uncomfortable with.

"OK, well, I gotta go Denny. I just wanted to..um..wish you good luck."
He stuck out his hand. We shook. He walked away.

Guys don't talk about stuff like this.

It's something they just don't do.

Pet Peeves...................

I've been in a bad mood for the last couple of days.

Monday, I had the follow-up meeting with the urologist and found out that my PSA level is still high. Rather then wait for another month to retest, I opted to go for the biopsy. I did some research about it online, and I'm not looking forward to it. I was hoping to get it done quickly but, of course, it can't be done until next Wednesday and the results won't be back for about 10 days after that. I'll still have to wait for the results. I hate the waiting.

Tuesday I met with the cardiologist who will do the Left Heart Catherization. I've had this done before and I'm not looking forward to it either. He ran a few tests, and we agreed to do the procedure at Robert Wood Johnson since that's where my regular cardiologist is. Of course, he only goes there on Wednesdays and I already have the biopsy scheduled for next Wednesday. I have to wait for this until the 31st. Waiting again. Damn, I hate to wait.

It's a pet peeve of mine. Unfortunately, it's one I can't do anything about.

I haven't slept well the last few nights. I can't stop thinking about the 2 procedures. And last night around 1:30, some clown leaving the bar across the street decided to rev his motorcycle for about 10 minutes before he left. That added to my aggravation. I hate motorcycles.

This morning, the sun was out and the day felt warmer. I had nothing to do and nowhere to go. I felt good. I went out early just to drive around and see what would happen. I stopped for breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts and drove down through Colonia. It was peaceful there.

Fairly quickly, I came up behind this guy out jogging. He was in the middle of the street. He must've heard me behind him because he waved me around him.

I hate that. He should be on the side of the road, not in the middle. I slowed, and stayed behind him until he moved over.

I did not pass him right away. I made sure there was no one else around first.

Point, press, Flash.

I passed him, and drove into South Plainfield. From there, I turned down towards Metuchen. Ahead of me, on one of the back streets, I saw a bike rider tear out of a side street into the middle of the road.

I hate that. These people act like they own the road.

I slowed and stayed behind him. After a few minutes, he pulled to the side.

There are no sidewalks here, and very little traffic. I passed him, slowly.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove through Metuchen and up into Edison. I drove up Main Street and turned left onto Woodbridge Avenue. I wound up behind some guy on a motorcycle.

I had an idea.

I followed along behind him. He turned into Raritan Center. So did I. He pulled into one of the lots surrounding several small business. I slowed even more, and watched as he stopped behind one of the buildings. I parked off to the side and waited. He was emptying the storage area under his seat.

I got out and approached him from behind. There were no other cars parked back here. No one else was around.

He never even looked up.

Point, press, Flash.

I walked slowly back to my car. I know I had taken a real chance but it was something I had to do.

I hate motorcycles.

There are some pet peeved that you can deal with.

Days Like This.............

I've noticed that things seem to happen in streaks, at least for me. After I was diagnosed with a carpal tunnel problem, it took me some time to get back to staging Events. Late last month, I managed to pull off two but, since then, I haven't found an opportunity. What has happened is a string of what I can only say are days that have had something....strange....happen.
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This past Saturday morning, I went to a funeral. I knew the woman slightly - she was someone my daughter knew from a volunteer group that they both belonged to - but I knew she'd been fighting some illness for a long time and I'd admired how she'd handled it.

It was moving, as funerals usually are, but what stood out was the eulogy. There were pews full of family and friends, but the guy who gave the eulogy admitted that he didn't really know her - that he was really a friend of her brother. He seemed to feel that he was competent to perform this function because he'd spoken to people at the wake about the deceased and recorded their comments. He seemed proud to be able to read them back to us from an electronic notebook (loosing his place several times). I don't know. It just seemed strange to me. If people have things to say about me when I go - good or bad - let them get up there and say them. I think I'd appreciate the personal touch.
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Sunday, after mass and breakfast, I drove around the back streets in Avenel and Colonia. I was killing time. There's a thrift shop in South Plainfield that was having a sale but they weren't going to be open until 11. Turning down one of the side streets, I could see a guy up ahead changing a tire.

There was no one else around, so I pulled to the curb. Watching him, I removed the splint and lowered my window. He never turned around, just concentrated on the tire. I started up again, slowly and drove past.

Point, press, Flash.

I moved on and got to the thrift store just before they opened. I got a couple of shirts and some decorative stuff for the apartment for about $14. One thing was really strange.

I'm not sure what it is, but the label on the foot says it's a Ganz. It's probably supposed to hold something but, for now, it'll be a bookend.

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Monday was a holiday so the libraries were closed. I did some food shopping but nothing else presented itself so I got home early. That afternoon, I got a call from my cardiologist's office. My 4th anniversary is coming up and they want me to have a test called a Left Heart Cathorization, which I've been through before. However, the new guy there doesn't do this procedure so I'd have to pick another cardiologist. Seemed strange to me.

They had a few names they could recomend and we agreed on the cardiologist who was the one on duty at JFK Medical Center in July of 2008 who first diagnosed my problem. This made the situation even stranger.
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On Tuesday, I was out earlier then usual. I had an appointment for blood work and I was using a local lab rather then the clinic lab at Robert Wood Johnson where I go for my heart work. This test was to check my PSA level. It was pretty high last month but the doctor and I agreed to do another check before going the biopsy route.

From there, I drove to Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast then decided to check out the Metuchen Library. Some of the back streets in that area end at cross streets. At one of these, I noticed a guy waiting for a bus.

I turned right. There was a professional building just ahead - lawyers, I think - and I pulled into their lot, drove around the back, took off the splint and got ready. When I pulled back out, I turned left. The only other person around was the guy at the bus stop. I approached slowly. He stood there, looking down the block past me.

Point, press, Flash.

I continued on to Metuchen.

On my way there, I got another call from my cardiologist's. There's a couple of other tests that they'd like to have me take (an echocardiogram and a chest x-ray). We agreed to do them on Tuesday, November 6th. Why they didn't bring this up on Monday when we discussed the other test yesterday is beyond me. Strange.
__________________________________________________________________________________

It was raining this morning and chilly, so I took my time leaving. The day brightened up as it went on, and I stopped at some of the Woodbridge libraries. I'm reading this book that I find interesting and I thought I'd check to see if I could find something else by the author. No such luck. I drove home.

As I parked on my side street I looked across at my living room windows. It's a habit I've gotten into over the years. I look to see if my cat is there. She wasn't, but I noticed that the windows were open slightly.

I knew I hadn't left them that way. It had been too cold last night, and damp this morning.

Someone had been in there...Or still was.

I went into the building, using my key on the vestibule door, and tested the door knob to my apartment. The door was locked. I used my key, took a couple of deep breaths, and went in. The door opens into a hallway that leads to the living room (with the kitchen halfway down and to the left). I went down the hall.

There was Gordon sitting on the love seat in front of the windows.

"I was going to wave from the window, but I didn't want to attract any one else." He didn't get up.
"You scared the crap out of me...........what are you doing here?"

I sat down in my chair, trying to calm down.

"I'm sorry, Denny." He pushed himself forward a little, but still didn't rise. "I've gotten some strange readings on your whereabouts lately, and - frankly - I was worried."
"What?....Strange readings?....What are you talking about?"
"You know that I follow you in the same way that the DHS does, right? Well, I've placed you lately in some locations that I didn't recognize. I checked them out and found them to be medical facilities. You can, I trust, excuse me if I was concerned."

I hadn't thought about that.

"OK. Look. I had a problem with my wrist so I went to my primary. From there, it kinda escalated." I filled him in on what had been happening. He sat there listening, then nodded.

"I seem to have jumped to some unfounded conclusions." He grinned, but there was something underneath it. He moved forward again. "I'm glad to see that you're doing well, Denny."
"How are you doing, Gordon?" I had to ask.
He grinned again, and finally stood up. He shook his head.
"What's the expression?.......Don't let the bastards get you down?.....I'm trying, Denny, I'm trying."
"Look..I don't mean to be crass but you have to need the same meds that I do....you have to know that they're watching those. Are you getting them? ...."

He looked at me but didn't answer. He looked tired. He looked - literally - blue.
"I have to be going now." He turned towards the door. "Look out for yourself, Denny."
"Gordon........is there anything I can get you..anything I can do?"
"Thank you. Not for now. But you may be recieving a package within the next couple of weeks. I hope that you make the right decision with the contents."

He closed the door behind him.

I closed the windows, and stared out them for a long time. It crossed my mind that yesterday would have been John Lennon's 72nd birthday. And I realized that his last song fit this situation.

"Nobody told me there'd be days like this."

Where There's a Will...........

it rained this morning but I went out anyway. The day may be starting a bit dreary but I wasn't. My wrist was feeling better, though I was still wearing the splint. My blood work from Tuesday turned out to be on target so there was no need to alter any dosages. Best of all, I have no doctor's appointments for about a week and a half. I was feeling good, so I headed up towards the main library.

I don't have a printer at home (which I may have mentioned before) so I went to the library to print out my monthly checking account statement. I know I don't really need to do this since I can balance my account online, but I'm old-school that way (or anal retentive, whichever). I also picked up a couple of books from the sales table. I was headed up to the Pathmark in Avenel when my phone went off.

I pulled over to answer it, but it was only a prerecorded message from my pharmacy letting me know that a couple of prescriptions of mine were ready. As I sat there in my car I saw this guy walking up the block towards me.

I had the time.

I took off the splint and lowered the passenger side window. There was no one else around. He kept coming. I didn't think he even noticed me.

Point, press, Flash.

I put the splint back on, started the car, and continued on towards Pathmark.

The rain was letting up, but the parking lot seemed unusually empty. I drove around a bit first. I was buzzing from what just happened and I think, subconsciously, I was looking to stage another Event. It didn't take long.

this guy was out in the lot, emptying the garbage barrels.

I drove around behind him and stopped. I took off the splint again.This time, I lowered the driver's side window. I started up and came up so he'd be on my side, and slowed. He was wearing headphones so he never heard me coming.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove to the other side of the lot and parked. I put the splint back on and went into Pathmark. I had some stuff I needed to get.

On the way home I thought about what had happened. I'd told Doyle the other day that I wasn't sure I could do this. Looks like I was wrong.

Where there's a will, there's a way.

Ordinary Time..................

Today is Sunday. I've mentioned before that I go to church on Sundays. Well, as often as I can. I find the rituals comforting... familiar. By following along, I can forget about what's really on my mind, at least for that short amount of time. Of course, it all comes back when I walk out through the doors but, sometimes, I get a new perspective on things. Not today.

Doyle was waiting by my car.

"Denny, how's it going?" He stuck out his hand and I shook it.
"Hey, Doyle. What brings you here today? Something new with Gordon?"
"Well, yeah, but that's not the whole reason. He's been staging Events almost every other day for about the last week and a half or so. Pretty much since you stopped, actually. But I'm really here to check up on you."
"Come on, Doyle..you're tracking me all the time. You know what's going on."
"We know where you've been and who you've seen. We even know what the doctors have said and what they've prescribed. What we don't know is how you're doing. you know, mentally. How're you handling all this?"
I looked at him for a bit, then down on the Carpal Tunnel Splint on my left wrist.

"It's still bothering me, but not as bad as before. I've got a prescription for steroids to reduce the inflammation, but I haven't taken any yet. I got some anti-biotics for a throat problem at the same time so the doc said to hold off on the steroids. I went back Thursday, and since it's better we'll hold off for 2 more weeks. One week, wearing the splint all day, the second with it on only in the afternoon. After that, I'll call her with my status and we'll go from there."

It was his turn to pause, nodding his head as he thought about it.

"I have to ask..is it bothering you enough to prevent you from staging any Events? I mean..the idea was for you to draw Gordon out but, like I said, once you stopped he started. It's like he wants you to be the active one....I don't know...I'm just askin'..you know?" He seemed uncomfortable.
"I know. I mean, I know what you're saying.......I tried. A couple of times. I can't control the Flasher with my left hand because of the splint.  From the car, I've been able to isolate potential Events on my right - the passenger side, you know - and can handle the Flasher with my right, but I'm having trouble controlling the car with my left. I'm just not sure, under the circumstances, that I'd be successful. And because of the splint, I feel that I'm more conspicuous on foot. So..I don't know what to tell you, Doyle. I'll try during the week, but I don't know that I'll get anywhere until I can take this off."

We both took some time to think about things. He nodded first, then grinned.

"OK. Don't worry about it, Denny. We'll wait for you to be comfortable with things again."
"Thanks, Doyle. 'I'll be back.'" I did my best Governator, and grinned back.
He laughed.
"Say, how did you make out with the other doctors?"
"well, I'm not happy with the dermatologist. He doesn't explain himself, just cuts things out and sends them for tests. I had to pester him for an answer. I don't think I'll be going back. The urologist was a nice guy..older. I had the prostate exam, which I wasn't looking forward to, and he said things were OK so we're gonna wait a couple of weeks and retake the PSA test. We'll see after that."
"You know, sometimes, I get so involved in what's going on..in the operation itself...that I forget that you're really just a civilian in all this."
"It;s OK, Doyle. Maybe I didn't know what I was getting into at first, and maybe it's spiralled way out of proportion to what it was supposed to be, but I'm in now. For better or worse."

It was my turn to grin first. He grinned back.

"OK, Denny. You take care of yourself....I mean that. I'll be in touch."

We shook hands, and he left.

I got in my car and drove off. I had breakfast again at Denny's and thought about what to do going forward. Maybe I'll signal Gordon and try to talk to him about what he's doing.

I bought some stuff to eat during the week, picked up the papers, and headed back home.

Nothing had really changed and yet I felt better about things. I felt that things were back to normal, at least as normal as they've been recently.

Back to ordinary time.

Add Another One to the List................

I've had to slow down recently, and may have to make other changes going forward. I'll explain about these later. I have staged a few Events since August 26th so let me bring things up to date.
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Tuesday, August 28th. It was early morning, as usual, and I was driving along Main Street in Woodbridge heading towards Wegman's. As I passed the Route 9 overpass, I noticed this guy walking up ahead.

I slowed, looking around. No one. The windows were already down. I caught up to him as he reached the overgrowth surrounding the stream.

Point, press, Flash.

He toppled over the low railing as I moved by.
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Thursday, August 30th. I drove around the back streets in Avenel. Two blocks in from Avenel Street, I came up behind this guy.

I followed him down the street and watched as he crossed in font of me. He never turned around. I waited until he reached the shrubbery.

Point, press, Flash.

I continued down the street, made a few turns, and stopped at Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast.
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Friday, August 31st. I had driven up to Rahway with the intention of stopping at the library. I was way too early, but I had picked up the paper and was going to read it while I waited. Then I saw this guy.

I turned right and followed him. When he got beside the trees, I closed in.

Point, press, Flash.

I skipped the library and headed back to Woodbridge.
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Wednesday, September 5th. I was driving around in the Edison/Metuchen area when I passed this guy.

It looked like he was spying on someone. I admit, curiosity got the better of me and I made a series of rights hoping he'd still be there. He was. I rolled up behind him slowly. He didn't move.

Point, press, Flash.

He fell behind the tree as I continued on my way.
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That was a week ago. As I said, I've slowed down and will probably be making some changes. You see, over the Labor Day Weekend I realized that I was experiencing pain in my left wrist (I'm left-handed). I bought a small bandage-like thing to wrap around it, hoping that would help. It didn't. I made an appointment with my primary physician.

I saw her Saturday morning. After some manipulation of the joint, she determined that the carpal tunnel was involved. She recommended a splint (which I got) and some over-the-counter meds for the inflammation (which my cardiologist said not to take). We're waiting until Friday to see if there's any improvement before changing the treatment.

Monday, I went to my dermatologist. I had a small growth on my forehead and, since I'm susceptible to certain cancers due to the immuno-suppressants I take, I wanted his opinion. He did the same thing he did the last time - cut it out and sent it for tests. He told me what it was and that it's probably benign but he cut it out anyway. I'm gonna have to cut him out.

Tuesday, I had my regularly scheduled blood work. I prefer going down to the cardiologist's office for these because I get the results back the same day. I got them around 5:30. Since I'm coming up on 4 years without a problem, they decided to lower my prograf dose slightly which is OK by me. The lower the dose the lower the risk of damaging other organs.

Then there was the bad news.

My PSA was 8. (I looked this up and it stands for Prostate Specific Antigen). They consider 4 to be normal and she called 8 "slightly elevated". I know that there is some controversy about these numbers but, even so, they said I should see a urologist. Now, due to my reduced immune system, I have to consider the possibility of prostate cancer.

I got a name and made an appointment for this coming Monday.

I was hoping to reduce the number of doctors I go to.

Now I have to add another one to the list.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place..............

It's been a slow week. Well......that's not entirely true. I've been slow about getting on with things. I have some excuses. Family matters, the weather, other things I work on. But the bottom line is that these are just excuses. The real reason is where I find myself now, in relation to Doyle and Gordon.

This past Tuesday morning, I drove up into Iselin. It's a small community that's wedged in between Woodbridge proper, Colonia, and Edison. I pass through it a lot, and I have to admit that I'm not really sure where Colonia stops off and Iselin begins. I may even have staged a few Events here before. They do have a branch library and a used book store that I drop by from time to time.

They also have a Catholic school - St. Cecelia's - which was closed after the last school year. They have a very strong sports program which the community intends to continue, but attendance has dropped off drasticall, as is the case in so many other parochial schools. Now the building sits vacant, looming over the intersection of Green Street, Route 27, and Oak Tree Road in an area known locally as Little India.

I drove around the back. That's where I came up behind this guy.

It was quiet back here. I imagine that was why he walked here. It was what I was hoping for when I came this way. There was no one else around.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove up into Edison.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This morning, I was up earlier then usual. I've mentioned before that my routine is different on Sundays, but the mass I attend wouldn't start until 8 and it was only 6:30. I took a leisurely drive through Sewaren, a section of Woodbridge that runs along the Raritan Bay. At this time of the morning, everyone who's up is out on the bay fishing. Well, almost everyone. I saw this guy just before I turned off Woodbridge Avenue. He wasn't carrying any fishing gear so I guessed he was just out for a walk.

I slowed, and reached him just as he came up beside a row of hedges. He never looked my way. No one else did either.

Point, press, Flash.

I headed for Avenel. I stopped to get the papers, then headed for St. Andrew's and the morning mass.

I had breakfast at Denny's, again. I've developed a taste for their Southwestern Skillet. A bit on the spicy side, but really good.

I stopped at Wegman's, bought some things for lunch and supper, then headed home.

Now I'm sitting here trying - again - to work things out in my head.

Gordon came to me and attempted to explain himself. He's crazy, but he's smart too. And he blames Jones for the predicament he's in. I can understand his point. Jones' people tried to take me out last year (they blamed me for killing Givings when it was clearly an honest mistake). Jones and Smith came to an understanding of sorts, eventually. But I hadn't forgotten. I owed Jones for that.

And yet, Doyle has been there for me since Day 1. Sure, he recruited me (or set me up) but I believe that he's always been on my side, and has backed me up all along the line. I owe Doyle for that.

I should help Doyle get Gordon. I could do it. But Doyle had said that the Project would probably get shut down. What would happen to me? I trusted Doyle, but not Jones.

I still can't work it out. No matter how I look at it I'm stuck....

between a rock and a hard place.  

Surprises...................

Doyle called. I agreed to meet him at the Barnes & Noble store in the Menlo Park Mall at 9:00. What else could I do? Now I was worried. Did he know that Gordon had just paid me a visit? Had he waited a couple of days to see if I would notify him? Too many questions with no answers. I spent a sleepless night.

I was up early, and went to the 8:00 Mass. I usually get some comfort from there, but it didn't work today. Not only was I distracted by my upcoming meeting with Doyle, but a recent family tragedy left me questioning some things. And it didn't help that the pastor is on vacation and his substitute had an accent that was hard for me to follow. But it did go fast, and I was out in plenty of time to make the meeting.

Barnes & Noble's opens at 9:00 every day, but the mall doesn't open until 11:00 on Sundays. The parking lot was practically empty which, I assumed, would carry over into the store. As I approached the front door, I could see Doyle sitting at a window table in the cafe. He gave a little wave of acknowledgement.

Here goes nothing, I thought.

"So, Doyle, to what do I owe the pleasure?" I hoped I didn't sound different.
"Hiya, Denny. How goes it?" He held out his hand, and I took it.
"Sit" He gestured to the other chair at the table. He had a coffee in front of him.
"Sorry I didn't have anything for you, Denny. I know you've been having problems with that whole dehydration thing, so I figured caffeine was out of the question."

I don't know how he does it, but he always knows about my current physical condition.
"Thanks, Doyle. Yeah. I've been laying off lately. Does seem to be working though." I paused, glanced at the coffee counter, but changed my mind. "So, what's up? Anything new on the Gordon thing?"
"Nah. He seems to be striking during the heavy rains lately and has staged several Events around Freehold. We've got a team stationed down there now." He drank some coffee, "But that's not why I asked you here."
Nothing on Gordon? Maybe he pulled it off.

He grinned, sheepishly I thought. "I'm sorry I couldn't make it yesterday but I got tied up. Anyway, I wanted to wish you a Happy, belated, Birthday for last Tuesday and acknowledge a Third Anniversary for yesterday."
I'd forgotten that.
"Right. That's right. It's been 3 years since you got me involved in this thing. Thanks, Doyle." I hoped he'd pick up on the sarcasm.
He laughed. "No problem. And for the record, you do seem to have enjoyed yourself from time to time."
I couldn't disagree and, after a minute or two, I smiled and nodded.

"OK. So it hasn't been all bad. But you didn't have to go to the trouble of a personal meeting. You could've just sent a text."
"I know. But I don't get a chance to just hang out too often, so I chose to do this. I can't remember the last time I just sat and enjoyed a cup of coffee. I may even stay a while and leaf through some magazines."
"I gotta tell you that that's one of my pet peeves. People sitting here reading the magazines, then putting them back. I also don't like the people who come here to read a book and never pay for it. It's like stealing, you see?"
He looked at me over his coffee.
"I got ya. I promise to pay for any magazine I read." He looked at his watch. "Besides, the way things happen in this job, I probably wouldn't get the time to enjoy it."
Now it was my turn to understand, and I said nothing.

"Anyway, there's something else I wanted to tell you."
"Go ahead. I'm ready."
"there's been some scuttlebutt lately - you know..rumors..about the Project. Word is that once we bring in Gordon, Mr. Jones will be shutting it down."
Jones, huh. What about Smith? What does he think?"
"Mr. Smith is on vacation and I don't think rumors are a good reason to disturb him. He'll be back after Labor Day and I'll check in with him then."
There was a question I needed to ask.
"So...if you do catch Gordon and shut down the Project...what happens to me?"
"I knew you'd ask that. You'll have to give back the Flasher, of course, and sign a confidentiality agreement. After that, I figure you'll be left alone. Neither Mr. Jones nor the Department wants to get any more attention then necessary."
We lapsed into silence then. Each to his own thoughts. Then his phone sounded. As he answered it, I realized that I had the chance to tell Doyle about Gordon, but I knew I wouldn't. He closed his phone.
"Like I said, I won't get the time. I'm needed back at the office."
He finished his coffee and stood.
"See you around, Denny."
"Yeah. Take care, Doyle."
We shook hands, and he left, dropping his empty cup in a trash can.

I went upstairs to check out the graphic novel section. They haven't had anything that interested me in a long time, but I keep hoping. As I browsed, I noticed this guy sleeping in one of the nearby chairs.

It was only about 9:40, and the store was still empty. I moved around one of the shelving units till the window was behind me. There was no one around.

Point, press, Flash.

He didn't move at all.

I took the escalator down, and went out to my car. I stopped for a late breakfast at Denny's, then went home to read the Sunday papers.

It was a morning full of surprises.

Arc 9

Be Careful What You Wish For................

Last Thursday I took a drive down to Monmouth County. I stopped first at the Perkins in Hazlet and had breakfast. I hadn't been there in a while, but nothing has changed. It still looked just as it did when I used to take my daughter there on weekends. After breakfast, I drove to the Hazlet library. I parked in the overflow lot, just as I'd done the week before. This time, mine was the only car there. It was hot already.

There was nothing inside that caught my eye, so I went back to my car. As I got in, another car pulled into the lot. I lowered the windows and waited, pretending to check some messages on my phone. It didn't take long for him to get out.

I looked around. No one. He never looked in my direction.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove down to Middletown.
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Sometimes, things happen. This weekend, my family suffered an unexpected loss. The particulars have no bearing on these posts, but it had an impact on me. I spent the next several days mulling it over, trying to come to terms with it. Trying to find out a reason for it, an answer. Sadly, I couldn't.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This morning, I was out very early running some errands. I bought some stuff at ShopRite, took them home, then drove towards Edison. I decided to go to their main library on Plainfield Avenue. I got there about 10:15 and pulled around back. As I drove through the lot, I saw this guy coming towards me from the far side.

The school behind him was empty and the back of the library has no windows. I pulled forward, checking the parked cars, watching for anyone else. No one was around. I slowed, and turned so that he was on my passenger side. By now he was close enough.

Point, press, Flash.

I skipped the library and headed for Metuchen. Nothing else happened.

I got home about 11:30. I live on the first floor, just to the left of the building's front door, which is a keyed entry. Like most people, I have 2 locks on my apartment door. I entered my hallway and immediately locked up (force of habit) then looked down at the floor to make sure the cat wasn't under my feet. That's when I heard....

"Please don't be alarmed, Mr. O'Neill, but I thought this would be the best way for us to meet. No one to interrupt us, you know."

I entered the living room. There was someone sitting in my chair.

"What the..? Who the hell are you? How'd you get in? If you're from Doyle, he better have a good reason for this."
He stood, and offered his hand. I glared at him.
"No, Mr. O'Neill..Denny, may I call you Denny? I'm not from Agent Doyle. Although I'm pretty sure he'd like to get his hands on me. I'm Art Gordon."
He lowered his hand. I continued to look at him. The only way to describe him was - average. Average height, average build, average coloring. His description could fit thousands of people. Just like me, I thought. Although he was wearing a PSE&G shirt, with an ID card hanging around his neck. I put down my packages.
OK. So you're Art Gordon. What do you want with me? How did you get in here?"
"Really, Denny. I found this shirt in one of the thrift stores you like, and it gave me the idea. I came in as a meter reader. People pay no attention to meter readers. As for the locks, well, you gotta admit they're not very good if an amateur like myself can pick them."

He moved over to the couch and motioned for me to sit in the chair.
"Getting in here was easy, and I'm pretty sure I can get out without your handlers seeing me, but I don't want to push my luck so I'll be quick."
"I don't understand why you're here. I mean, I thought we'd run into each other eventually, but I thought it would be outside somewhere."
"Too much risk. I know they have a tail on you. Probably to catch me. That's the way they think."
I paused, I needed to think, I wasn't prepared.
"Look, Denny, I came here so that I could explain myself. I'm sure that Agent Doyle has given you the party line about me, how I'm a psychopath, etc., and I think you should hear my side." He looked at me.

I did want to talk to him. I did want to know about him. I shrugged and sat down. He took a deep breath.

"I grew up an only child of dull parents in a dull, small town in Delaware. Even my name is dull - Art - not Arthur - just Art. The only thing interesting about me was that I was born with a bad heart. I was doomed to a dull life until, one day, I saw a TV show. The Wild, Wild West. I was overcome." He paused again, as if remembering. I thought his face looked flushed.
He continued. "But it wasn't the James West character that fascinated me. It was his partner - Artemus Gordon. Artemus Gordon! So much better then dull Art Gordon. Imagine that. Here was someone I could aspire to be. He was smart, charming, but most of all - he was inventive. He created all sorts of machines. He was a master of disguise. He was who I wanted to be."
"But he wasn't real."
"I know that. In real life, I was Art Gordon, a dull guy. But in my private life, I could be Artemus Gordon. I could become an inventive genius, a master of disguise. I applied myself, and now I have a Masters in Mechanical Engineering, and had a dull job at a dull corporation. But in private, I learned how to create disguises, identities. During the day, I was Art Gordon, Project Manager. But at night, I would disguise myself, and Artemus Gordon would enjoy the nightlife. It was a perfect life, until......"
He trailed off, but I knew where he was headed.
"Until your heart problem worsened and you needed a transplant."
"Right. And I was all ready to leave it up to fate, but the DHS stepped in. They arranged the whole thing, but they didn't do such a great job on the background check. They never found out about my "other" life."
"So, you're saying that it's their fault that you've...you know..kinda gone a bit too far."
"Yes. That's exactly what I'm saying. If they'd found out about my dual existence, they never would've let me into the Project. And, maybe, I wouldn't have gotten a heart but I'd be OK. But now I'm on disability and that has taken my engineering job out of the equation. I've become Artemus full-time. And I like it."
He grinned at me. I didn't know what to say.
"Well, Art - is Art OK? - Art, how are you doing on your meds? You must be on the same stuff I am, and I know Doyle has people watching the distribution."
"To be honest, I'm all out. Haven't had them for almost a year. But that's OK, cause I'm almost done."
"What do you mean..almost done?"

He sighed.
"I've done enough, Denny. Too much, maybe. I'm tired of it. And, I have to admit, I miss my dull, Art Gordon life. But I know I won't get that back."

He stood.
"I'm sorry for what I've done, and I can only think of one way to atone for my acts."
"You don't mean...kill yourself?"
"No. I'm gonna die from the rejection eventually so I thought I'd atone by making sure that the guy who did this to me never gets a chance to do it to anyone else."
"You mean Doyle?"
"No, Denny. Doyle was there to walk me through things, but it was Mr. Jones who approved my transplant. He's the one who's responsible for all that I have done. He's the one who has to pay."
It was my turn to pause. To try to process this.
"Why come here now? Why tell me this, Art?"
"Because I don't know if I'll have the time. If I'll get the chance. Look, they know that I've developed a method of blocking my signal so they can't track me, but they don't know what else I've created. Stuff I haven't used."
"OK, but why tell me?"
"I've made some arrangements. If anything happens to me before I can get to Mr. Jones things will be set in motion, and you'll have to make some decisions for yourself."
I had no idea what he was talking about.
"I have to go now, Denny. You'll have a choice to make after I leave. You can tell Agent Doyle about my being here, or not. If not, and you want to speak to me, open both windows in both bedrooms, instead of just one each. I'll come back. All I ask is that you don't try to set me up. I'm trusting you."

I thought about it, and I nodded agreement. If they were going to catch him, they would. But I wouldn't be the cause.
He put out his hand and this time I shook it. I let him out, and closed the door behind him. I didn't want to know how he left.

As I sat back in my chair I thought back on how I'd wanted to meet him.

Guess it's true, you gotta be careful what you wish for.

It's Not Just The Heat....................

I have to admit that this spate of heat, coupled with the humidity, is getting to me. There doesn't appear to be a break in the pattern, and the storms we've had - pretty heavy at times - haven't really helped. Except to increase the mosquito population.

I've kept to my routine, going out early each day, running errands, visiting libraries, watching for opportunities, and getting home before noon. I can then spend the rest of the day in a cooler environment.

Wednesday morning, I stopped by the Main Library in Woodbridge. I took the back way through several side streets and driving around the back of the high school. Pulling into the back lot, I noticed that there were no other cars around. I shrugged it off as being too early. When I got to the front door, I realized I was way too early - they open at 10 AM during August. Oh well. I went back to me car. As I headed out I passed this older woman getting out of her car.

Like I said, it was way too early.

Point, press, Flash.

I went for breakfast.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday morning, I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts for a bagel to go, and headed for Edison. I used to work at Middlesex County College, and thought I'd drive around through the apartment complexes near there. It didn't take long before I saw this guy.

He was wearing a slouch hat, with a towel around his neck, and was listening to music through head phones. He had no idea that any else was around.

There was no one else.... but me.

Point, press, Flash.

He slumped into the nearby yard as I passed.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't usually look to stage Events on the weekend. There's just too many people around. But sometimes something presents itself. I was on my way to Wegman's, which is set off to the left of a small shopping area. It's all by itself and, from Main Street, is blocked by bushes. Bushes that need trimming. Trimming that, apparently, is done on a Saturday morning. One of the crew was on this side, all by himself.

I had enough time to check out the surrounding area. None of the other stores were open this early.

Point, press, Flash.

I stopped at Wegman's and bought a 12 pack of ginger ale.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The rest of the weekend was quiet, and I headed out early on Monday. I drove through Metuchen and took back streets up to St. Joseph's. I've been wanted to check out the grounds so I drove through. As I rounded one of the buildings, I came on this guy trimming the shrubbery.

There was no one with him. No one walking around. No other cars.

Point, press, Flash.

I headed back into Metuchen proper.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This morning, I was out even earlier. I had a plumber coming at 9 AM to unclog my kitchen sink and I was afraid it might turn into an all day process, based on the kind of people my landlord usually hires. I had a couple of errands to run and I knew the supermarket and the post office lobby were open. Driving through the back streets of Avenel, I saw this guy mowing his lawn. I didn't have a lot of time but I stopped across from him.

It looked like he was struggling with it.

Point, press, Flash.

I dropped off my bills at the post office and was home before the plumber showed up.
Surprisingly, he was a professional, and was done in about 1/2 an hour.

I stayed inside the rest of the day. Like I said, this weather's been getting to me.

And it's not just the heat, it's the humidity.

Sooner or Later..............

It's been a week since I'd staged a large number of Events here in Middlesex and down in Monmouth. I realized afterwards that I need to be more careful. The more Events I stage, the greater the chance that someone in law enforcement - outside of the DHS, of course - might get suspicious.

I decided to keep it down to one Event on any given day, maybe skip every other day or so, and to head out in different directions each morning.

Last Wednesday, I started out by heading towards Avenel. I was just going to drive around in the back streets for a while and see what came up. After about 1/2 an hour I was getting hungry, so I took a quick turn towards Dunkin' Donuts. That's when I saw this guy. He was just walking down the middle of the street.

In my mind, there's no reason to walk down the middle of the street. This isn't the Old West. Besides, he obviously had an attitude. I looked around quickly but it was only us. High Noon.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove on, and had a nice breakfast.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, I was out early but it started to rain and I went home early.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, I headed down to Sewarren. I haven't been down this way in a while and I drove around the side streets close to the park and the marina. That's where I saw this guy.

As he came closer, I slowed. I checked my mirrors. There was no traffic along here this early, and no one about.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove on.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, when I went out, I drove though the back streets of Avenel into Rahway. There's a lot of automotive junk yards back here, with a few related business buildings scattered around. There he was, just ahead.

The junk yards do most of their business later in the day and the businesses in the building would probably be closed on the weekend, I hoped. I slowed and looked around.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove on and, since I was in Rahway anyway. went to the library.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday is the seventh day. I rested.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today, I drove out towards Iselin. I took side roads, and passed several parks. I pulled into a parking lot at Merrill Park and got out to walk around. There was no one who drew my attention. I got back in my car and headed towards Edison, and then I saw this old man sitting on a bench on the side street outside of the park. I pulled to the curb and looked around.

He was out of the way. There were no houses visible, and very little traffic. I walked back towards him. He didn't acknowledge me. In fact, he didn't move at all.

Point, press, Flash.

I turned, walked back to me car, and headed towards Edison. I thought to spend some time in the air-conditioned mall.

If Gordon is watching me and he intends to contact me - as Doyle and his people seem to believe - then I hope this draws him out.

Sooner or later.

Common Sense..............

I drove down to Monmouth County this morning. I haven't been down this way in a couple of weeks and was hoping to come across something interesting at a library or the Good Will. I was also hoping to continue my string of Events.

I want to draw Gordon out. I want him to contact me. Not just for Doyle, but for me. I know they want to stop him, but I want to talk to him - to understand him. After all, we have a lot in common.

I got down there around 8:30. None of the places I wanted to visit would be open until 9 so I started out by driving around the streets in Union Beach, which is where I first lived when I moved to New Jersey. It hasn't changed much.

I rode up one street and down another, slowly working my way towards Hazlet, my first stop. On Haig Street, I came up behind this guy walking in the street.

The one thing I've always loved about Union Beach is how quiet it is. There was no one else around. I passed him with my windows open.

Point, press, Flash.

I turned the corner, took Anderson to Stone, up Stone to Poole, and on to the library.

The Hazlet library is open every afternoon, but the only mornings they open are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. That's why I only go down to Monmouth on those days. However, the Municipal Court is also open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and it shares a common parking lot with the library. I didn't bother looking. I headed for the overflow lot behind the library.

There was nothing on the sale table that I was interested in. When I got back to the lot, I saw this guy rooting around in his trunk.

This is an isolated location away from traffic, and we were alone. Sometimes it's too easy.

Point, press, Flash.

I got in my car and headed down to Middletown.

It was starting to get hot, and I could feel the change when I came out of the Middletown library. There was nothing there of interest so I headed back up Route 35 towards Good Will, then home. I saw the Barnes & Noble's on my left and, at the last minute, decided to stop there. I had passed the jug handle (for you non-Jersey drivers, that's a traffic configuration that allows for a u-turn) so I had to drive up to the Toys 'R Us and cut through their lot in order to come south again. As I drove around the back of the building I couldn't help but notice this old guy inspecting his front fender.

  We were in the back lot with nothing on my left but an untended field. I slowed as I approached. I stopped and watched him for a minute or two, still keeping an eye out for anyone else. I decided that I had no idea what he was actually doing and started the car.

Point, press, Flash.

I left the lot and went to Barnes & Noble's. Nothing interesting.

I headed back north, stopping at Good Will. I've been looking for some bookcases but they had none.

On my way back, my daughter texted me, and I wound up meeting her for lunch at the deli in Raritan Center that I'd met Doyle in on Sunday.

I didn't get anything on the trip but I did have a nice lunch. And I did continue with my part of the plan.

I'd be back in Middlesex tomorrow, but I'd staged four Events here yesterday so I'd have to be a little more careful. I can't be crowding the Events too closely. I need to spread them out.

I need to use some common sense.