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.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
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.
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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.
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.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, August 17, 2012
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.
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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.
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, July 30, 2012
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.
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.
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