A Series Of Ups And Downs ......

I had an appointment with my Urologist on Wednesday, October30th which I wasn't looking forward to because I dreaded the physical exam.

Turned out he didn't think it was necessary based on my last PSA test results so he just had another blood test done and we scheduled a follow-up appointment for next February. I was feeling good and drove around for a while before heading home.

Friday, November 1st, I stopped at Walgreen's for my yearly flue shot. I.'ve been doing this every year since the transplant. They have my medical history on file and Medicare covers it. This year, it was quick and painless. Again, something I was happy about.

Tuesday the 5th was Election Day. I was up and voted early at City Hall.

I was Number 3 in my District. My candidate wound up losing but you cant complain if you don't vote.

Friday the 8th, I had an appointment with my Primary Physician. She's given me a hard time about my weight since my treatments at the end of last year so I was dreading it. Turned out that she just shrugged it off, did my physical, and told me to come back in 4 months. I left feeling good about that.

Then I got a phone call from my Urologists Office. My PSA Level shot up big time. We went back and forth a bit but I agreed to an MRI Biopsy which we scheduled for January 2nd. I thought I wasn' t gonna have to worry about this but now I am.

I woke up early on Sunday the 10th and, under the circumstances, thought I would go to Mass. I live in St. James' Parish in Woodbridge and headed up for the 7:30.

Turns out they changed their schedule and the early Mass has been rescheduled for 8. I wasn't going to sit around for another 45 minutes so I said a few prayers and left disappointed.

Things were pretty uneventful until Monday the 18th when I had a follow-up with my Radiologist. 

I wasn't expecting anything other then a quick exam, a "looks good , come back in 3 months"kind of thing. I got that but he also gave me flack about my weight. I left there annoyed.

Yesterday was quiet. I ran a few errands, checked out some prices for some family Christmas presents, and got home early. After I read the paper, I had lunch. I went to text my Daughter about something and I didn't have any service .I  tried contacting Verizon using my laptop but I couldn't get through because I couldn't remember my password. They were willing to help by surface mailing me a new one (which would take at least 3 days) or texting me (which is the problem in the first place). Thankfully, it cleared up after about an hour but I was still annoyed.

This morning I was up early. I hadn't slept well and I got up with a cramp in my neck. When I went out, my windows were fogged but the defroster took care of that. I have to admit that I was still annoyed as I was heading home on Avenel Avenue when I saw this guy just before I passed under the North Jersey train track overpass.

There was a lot of glare which worked to my advantage.

Point, press, Flash.

I dove home feeling better. Around Noon, I tried texting some family members about the Thanksgiving arrangements and found out that the Verizon system is down again. I've mentioned that I can't contact them so I emailed a few family members to see if they can check into this for me. 

10 minutes ago I got a text message from a number I don't know. I was surprised because it looks like I still don't have service.  I won't answer a phone call from a number I don't know but a text message is different. 

I opened it.

"Jones was never a field agent. D."

D? Could that be Doyle?  

I tried responding but the system is still down. What does it mean?  Did Doyle have something to do with crashing the system to send this?

That's when I got it. Jones was never a field agent so he doesn't have a tracker implant. Which means that he's not resistant to the Flasher,

The month started on an up note then turned down. Now, there may be another upturn. I'll have to think about this.

 Seems that life is a constant series of ups and downs.

Looks Like Jones Got What He Wanted And I'm OK With It ....

September ended on an up note. We drove into my sister's house in The Bronx for a family get-together. Like the old saying goes, a grand time was had by all. My October calendar showed that I had a few doctor's appointments and a Stress Test scheduled. I have to admit I was stressing over the test since I had a bad reaction last time.

The weather started to change which meant that I was wiping down my car windows almost every morning. Of course, my Squeegee broke and I was using cloths but those don't always help. I hit the usual stores - Walmart, Target, Kmart, Odd Lots - but they didn't have one.

Friday the 4th, I decided to try the local auto parts places. The Auto Zone on St. George didn't have any and I really don't like their service. I next went to Advanced Auto further up in Avenel.

They had one for about $6 and I wound up buying a new set of windshield wipers which were on sale.

Monday the 7th, I did my wash.

I like this place because it's local, works on a card system that I add money to every month, and it's right by my Shoprite. Since it usually takes about 1/2 an hour, I get my shopping done. Plus, Shoprite has a Dunkin's outlet so I can pick up breakfast.

Wednesday the 9th was my Stress Test. It was scheduled for 8:30 AM and I had to be there by 8. A friend volunteered to drive me down then come back when it was over. The whole process takes close to 4 hours and a lot of that is spent sitting around waiting for the isotope to infuse then waiting for it to clear. I spent that time in a prep room.

They finished earlier then I thought and my ride came quickly. I was glad it went off without a hitch and was feeling good about things until I got the phone call from my Cardiologist. The Stress Test showed some spots in my lungs. I already had an appointment scheduled with my Oncologist so they agreed to send him what they had and we'd wait till then. I thought that I was doing good, still dealing with the side effects from the last round of radiation and chemo but doing good. Now I have something else to worry about.

Tuesday the 15th, I drove to the Oncologist in Edison.

I was scheduled for 8:45 AM but I got there early and he saw me early. We discussed the results he had. He didn't think it was anything serious but a CT Scan wouldn't hurt. He also suggested that I make an appointment with an ENT to check out my mouth and throat, the two areas I had treatment done over the last 4 years. I scheduled them as soon as I got home.

Wednesday the 16th I had an appointment with my eye doctor. I'd been having a slight problem with my left eye and wound up getting new glasses. I wear graduated lenses and I like them glare-coated. I got a good deal and they said 7 to 10 business days so they should be ready by the end of the month.

Monday the 21st I drove up to RWJ Rahway for the CT scan. It was scheduled for 9:30 and, as usual, I got there early. Surprisingly, they took me early and it went quickly.

Tuesday the 22nd, after spending some time with my Granddaughter, I decided to get a haircut. I go to Main St. Barbers on - of course - Main Street in Woodbridge.

There are several young guys who work there and I was taken right away. Unfortunately, I wasn't happy with the results but this is one of those situations that you have to live with.

I still had 2 doctor's appointments coming up and I wasn't looking forward to either of them. I was pretty sure the ENT was gonna shove that scope up my nose then inch it down to my throat to get a look around. Then I was pretty sure my Urologist was gonna want to physically check me out. That's a probe in another area.

This morning I got up early so I could get ready for my ENT appointment. I went out to the kitchen and found my cat stretched out on the floor, dead. She'd been sneezing a lot lately and she hadn't been eating well but she's was still running around. This was totally unexpected and something else I'll have to deal with.

I was not in a good mood on my way to the doctor's office and things got worse when this clown came zipping out from a driveway and continued riding in the middle of the road.

There was no other vehicles around. I drove up until I was beside him and slowed to keep pace with him. I waited until he looked at me then ….

Point, press, Flash.

I drove on.

As I usually do, I arrived early. They took me early and, just as I thought, he did the scope-up-my-nose things. The good news is that he didn't see any signs of cancer and that the lung spots were probably due to aspiration.

I stopped at a Subway's and picked up a Pastrami Melt with mustard and sweet peppers.

I still had the Urologist next Wednesday but we'll see how that goes. I am feeling better about things.

Looks like Jones got what he wanted and I'm OK with it.

Play It Right ……..

I was pretty freaked out about Wells' appearance on August 17th, but even more so about his greeting from Jones. I spent a few days being Paranoid about the change to their vehicles of choice and a scene like this would shake me up.

After a couple of days sort of hiding out in my apartment, I realized that I had things I had to do and I went out to do them.

Monday, August 26th, I had a follow-up with one of my Doctor's and everything was still looking good.

Wednesday, the 28th, I was down in New Brunswick for some Blood Work and a visit with the Cardiologist. Again, all was well. I enjoyed the ride home and stopped at the Dunkin's on Amboy Avenue. It's the only one I know that has their Apple Fritter. It's very good and I need the calories. As usual, I went to Shoprite to check out what was on sale. That's when I saw this.

I'm usually not a fan of people who take up more then one parking space but this guy did a really good job. I picked up a few things and went home.

I checked my calendar and I had no doctor's appointments for September. That's the first time this has happened in almost 11 years.

Monday the 2nd was Labor Day. We had a family gathering scheduled for the afternoon but I was out early and stopped by my local Dunkin's. When I pulled in I saw this truck.

This parking job really annoyed me and I was tempted, but the guys got into the truck and drove away just as I was rolling down the window. I sat in the car for a few minutes calming down then went in to get my breakfast.

Wednesday, the 10th, I was running some errands and cut through a strip mall parking lot to get to Avenel Street so I could get back to Amboy Avenue. Schools are back in session and the drivers are parking wherever and however they please.

I'd let the moving truck slide previously but this was too much.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove away, thinking about how the driver was going to explain this. I knew it meant that the kids on that route would be late but I didn't think they'd mind.

We actually had a Friday the 13th this month. Since I was parked facing down Claire Street, I had to drive around the block to head towards Main. I stopped at the light on Rahway and this guy crossed in front of me.

I've seen this guy almost every morning for years. He's usually jogging but it looked like he was limping a little. I give him a lot of credit because I don't think I have the dedication for something like that.

Tuesday the 17th we lost a member of my extended family. I had committed to dog-sit for a friend for a few days so I drove up into Avenel. Cutting through another lot I stopped before making a right to make sure that things were clear, I noticed this.

There had been an older man who sat in that chair in front of that building every time I passed for as far back as I can remember. Now he wasn't there. Reminded me of the "Missing Man" formation and darkened my mood.

As I said, I was committed to dog-sit for a friend so I spent the last few days there but had to swing by my house every day to pick up my mail and feed the cat. Every day I was there, I could see this through the front window.

That white SUV has been parked the wrong way on Remsen. I think because whoever it was could keep an eye on me.

OK.

I've decided to play the game but, to paraphrase Kenny Rogers,

 I'm gonna learn to play it right.

Very Wrong ...........

I thought when I took out their vehicle in the Shoprite parking lot that it wouldn't take long for them to retaliate. Fooled me.

The next day, Tuesday July 23rd, I went on a food run. I stopped at FoodTown in Colonia and looked around before getting out of my car.

There were no white SUV's to be seen. Their Deli Department had the Ham Salad I like so I bought a half-pound.

Friday, the 26th, I headed up to RWJ Hospital to finally get this feeding tube taken out. I had to drive around the block to get to Amboy Avenue and I saw these guys at work.

My local Quik Check closed yesterday because the Landlord sold the property to the Township so they could build apartments. They were already taking the name down. I'm gonna miss this place.

The tube procedure went quickly and I was out earlier then I thought. When I got back in my car I saw this.

I was trying to figure out what to do when someone in scrubs approached the SUV, got in, and drove
away. I had to wait until my hands stopped shaking before I started the car.

August began pretty much like July ended - hazy, hot, and humid with the occasional thunder storm. When the heat broke, I would take a leisurely drive with the windows down and the radio up. Sunday the 11th was one of those days.

I was on New Dover Road heading towards Edison when I stopped at the light. That's where I saw this guy.

He was actually giving the Hand Signal for a left turn. I can't remember ever seeing anyone do that, not even a car driver. I was so distracted that I forgot to put my blinker on for my intended right turn and had to drive on straight.

I had an early follow-up appointment with my Radiologist on Tuesday the 13th and I took the main streets to get there, for a change. With the schools off I can usually get there in about 15 minutes. I was early, he saw me early, and I left early.

This morning, as usual, I stopped at Dunkin's for breakfast. I bought an Egg-and-cheese Croissant and an unsweetened Iced Tea. I'd just gotten back in my car when I saw a black SUV park across from me and someone got out.

I actually laughed out loud because I should've recognized the car and driver. We're both regulars here at this Dunkin's and know each other by sight. I waved, he acknowledged, and I left.

I stopped at Shoprite and went in to check out what they had on sale. I picked up a few things and went back to my car. I put the bags in the back, got in, and started the car. Then this black pickup truck pulled up very close to my driver's side.

The passenger side window slid down and Wells leaned out.

"Mr. Jones sends his respects."

Then he grinned, raised the window, and drove away.

I thought that I had a handle on things but I was wrong.

Very wrong.

It's Not Paranoia ....

I've been paying more attention to what's been going on in my life lately. Of course, by "lately" I mean since Jones upped the pressure last month. I'm beginning to notice patterns or co-incidences in things I would normally ignore.

Because of the Tracker, I've known for years that I'm being followed. For the first few years it was physical. There was always someone close by but they stayed out of sight. Over time things changed and they were satisfied just monitoring my signal. Then they asked me to stop but I'm pretty sure they always knew where I was. Now that they want me to start up again I'm pretty sure they'll tighten up on watching me.

Monday, July 1st, I had a 9:00 Appointment with my Cardiologist. It was raining, but I got a spot close to the Entrance. He saw me right away and said everything looked good and I was out quickly. I drove through Edison to the Target on Parsonage Avenue to check what their price was on something. When I came out, I noticed this.

The car was sitting far back in the lot but started blinking his lights when I came out. That's when I realized that they weren't going to be subtle.

The next day, Tuesday the 2nd, I went up to RWJ Rahway for a Chest X-ray. I parked in the usual lot and went in. You don't need an appointment for an X-ray but you do have to deal with the paperwork. I was there for about an hour and a half. When I got back to the lot I saw this.

It looked like the white SUV that Jones had been in. Was this going to be the new vehicle-of-choice? I looked around but didn't see anyone that appeared to be watching me. I had a bad feeling anyway.

The next few weeks went by smoothly. I had no appointments to keep and the weather continued to be changeable. Everywhere I went I was conscious of white SUV's. Was I being paranoid? Maybe.

Saturday, I drove up to my Primary Physician for a routine follow-up. It was a beautiful morning and I was enjoying the drive. I stopped at the light on New Dover right beside this woman.

I've said before that I don't like bicyclists and I particularly don't like the ones who wear the "outfit". I find them to be arrogant. Still, I was in a good mood and rode on by. My Primary was happy with my progress so I don't have to go back for 2 months. It was hot and I headed home early. It was hotter Sunday but we got some heavy rain that night and it cooled things off a little.

I slept in a little this morning but was still out by 8:30. I stopped at Dunkin's for breakfast. I drove up to Walmart and picked up a prescription that was ready. I drove down to Route 1 and stopped at the Hobby Lobby. I'm not a hobbyist but I do have a Granddaughter who likes to make things. I was impressed with the variety of stuff they had and the prices, I thought, were reasonable. To make things better, the 2 things I bought qualified for their 40% off sale. I was feeling good as I walked back to my car when I saw this.

This car stopped in the entryway. I continued walking to my car and it didn't move. Other cars coming in honked but had to drive around him. Was it a white SUV? I couldn't tell. I got into my car and drove out of the lot eyeing my rearview more then I should have.

I would've driven straight home but I needed a few things so I got back on Route 1 and headed towards Shoprite. I didn't relax or stop checking my mirrors until I'd been parked in the lot for half an hour. Maybe I was getting a little paranoid, I thought.

I picked up what I needed and bought a piece of cake I didn't but felt I deserved. I use the self-checkout so I don't have to deal with lines. I was waiting for my card to be approved and I glanced up, more to stretch my neck then to look around. I thought I saw someone I recognized out of the corner of my eye but the system beeped and I took my card and purchases and left. I walked back to my car and noticed this.

A white SUV that wasn't there when I got here. Was it part of the crew that Jones had following me? Was it simply some other shopper? Was paranoia getting the better of me? I got in my car and started it. I put it in gear, rolled down the window and ….

Point, press, Flash.

I heard someone yelling my name as I drove away.

I know I'm gonna be in a lot of trouble but I figure if they really are hounding you ….

it's not Paranoia.

Feeling The Heat ………….

I had blood work scheduled down at RWJUH New Brunswick for 8 AM on Wednesday May 29th. I drove down early, as usual, and got a good spot in the garage next door. I signed in and was reading while I waited when the lab tech came out and told me that he didn't have any instructions for what to do and I'd have to wait for someone from the Cardio staff to come in. I didn't like that but I had no choice. After about 1/2 an hour someone showed up but she didn't know why I was there either - even though she was the one who set up the appointment. I was so pissed off that I stormed out and headed home.

I had the radio on and had calmed down by the time I'd turned on to Amboy Avenue. I was almost up to the turn off for Route 1 when this other driver cut me off. I reacted quickly and, thank God, correctly and avoided getting hit but now there was a rattling noise coming from the back. I was angry again. If there'd been an opportunity I just might have done what Jones and Doyle wanted - start staging Events again. Fortunately, there was no one and I calmed down again as I continued my homeward trip.

It was some time that afternoon that the Nurse Practitioner from the Cardiologist's called. She apologized and set me up to go back in the next morning.

I drove back down on Thursday the 30th and the blood work went smoothly. I was actually on my way back by 8:15. Just passed the spot where I'd almost had that accident I saw this guy.

The conditions were ideal. If I'd seen him yesterday I probably would've used the Flasher. As it was, I just continued on.

We've had more rain then sun in June - some of it very heavy - but there were still places to go and things to do so I had to be out and about. Most of my days would start with a stop at my local Dunkin's for a decaf coffee. Lately that's been an iced, decaf coffee. Tuesday, June 4th, it was raining again.  I'd picked up my drink and was sitting quietly in my car when I noticed this woman.

I watched her as she ran across the lot probably going to catch a bus or train to work. I gave a quick toast that I was retired and had a car.

Wednesday the 12th, the weather still hadn't cleared but I decided to make a library run anyway. Since the Metuchen one doesn't open until 10, I headed down to the main one in Edison which is just off Route 27. I browsed around for a while and found something that looked interesting. It's a non-fiction book about how the history of the world was affected by what we drink. It was only $.50 so I bought it. On the way out, I noticed this.

I don't remember ever having seen a Bookmobile before and it made me smile. I got to Metuchen around 10:15 and picked up 4 more books at $.50 apiece.

Saturday the 15th, I had a 9:30 appointment with my primary. She was dealing with an emergency involving a hospitalized patient so my exam was a bit perfunctory but everything looked good to her and I agreed to follow-up in a month.

My car was due for inspection so, even though the rattling noise was still there, I drove up to the Inspection Station on Tuesday the 18th. They open at 8 AM and I got there about 20 to. There were a few cars ahead of me.

They opened on time and I was called very quickly. They even let me stay in the car. I could hear the rattling but the inspector didn't seem to notice and I passed. I'm good for 2 years. If the noise is still there in July, I'll go to my mechanic.

Yesterday - Friday the 21st - was the first day of Summer but you wouldn't know it by the weather that morning. It was the heaviest rain I'd seen in a while. I stopped at Shoprite, picked up a few things during a lull in the storm, and was just waiting in the car for another lull when I noticed this.

The car across from me started blinking it's lights. On/off/on/off for several minutes. If he was trying to get my attention, it worked. I wasn't sure what to do when their passenger side door opened and a medium-sized black man in a black raincoat got out and walked towards me. He had no umbrella and wasn't wearing a hat so the rain ran down his face from the top of his shaven head. When he got to me, he held a folder against my window. I was his badge and ID from DHS. I lowered the window.

"Mr. O'Neill, I am SA Dwayne Wells from the DHS and I have a message for you from Mr. Jones."
"Where's Doyle? I usually deal with Doyle?"
"SAC Doyle is on special assignment and Mr. Jones chose not to wait."
I was frustrated but what could I do. "Alright, what does Jones want?"
"He would like to speak with you personally. He was hoping to take care of this today but the weather has caused a change of plans. He will stop here in this lot tomorrow morning at 9 and would like to speak with you then."
"That's sorta odd don't you think? Meeting in a parking lot?"
"Mr. Jones has a tight schedule tomorrow so he'll be stopping here on his way from one meeting to another. I will meet you and escort you to Mr. Jones' vehicle. Can I assure him of your cooperation?" If the rain was bothering him, he didn't show it.
"OK. I'll be here." I went to shake his hand but he'd already turned away.

This morning I dressed a bit more formal then usual and was drinking my iced coffee in the parking lot when I saw Wells get out of this vehicle and head in my direction.

I was surprised that it was a white instead of a black SUV but I got out and walked back with him. The rear window was lowered just enough so that we could have a conversation but not far enough for me to get a good look at whoever was back there.

"Thank you, Mr. O'Neill, for agreeing to see me on such short notice." I recognized the voice as belonging to the man Doyle had introduced as Jones back in April.
"What's this about? Where's Doyle?"
"SAC Doyle has been temporarily reassigned to DC due to a situation involving POTUS. He will be back when things are resolved. In the meantime, I will be taking a more hand's on approach to the Gordon matter."
"What? …. You? …. How?" I was sputtering.
"I'm aware, Mr. O'Neill, that you know of my 'involvement' with Gordon so it should not surprise you that I need to get it resolved as quickly and quietly as possible. That's where you come in."
"You want me back using the Flasher, right?"
"To put it simply, yes. Gordon's tracker has been popping up a lot. In many cases where POTUS is appearing or there is a rally to support him. We've tried predicting his appearances but, even when we get it right, we can't pick him out from the crowd. It's time for a more direct approach."
"Me?"
"You. We believe that if you get back out there Gordon will be attracted to your activity. We know he has some way to know what you are doing and we believe it will attract him like a moth to a flame."
"What if I don't want to do it?"
"There is an old saying that 'you get what you pay for'. As applied to me and the medical expenses we absorbed for your transplant and subsequent treatment I'm afraid I didn't get my money's worth. When you turn the phrase around and apply it to you then it would be 'you pay for what you get'. Your decision not to continue with our agreement has changed that. I have to insist that you resume your activities."

I was confused and was beginning to get a bad feeling about things. I had to ask.
"The transplant was 10 years ago. What can you do about it now?"

He leaned back in his seat and I could see his face clearly. His green eyes were bright and his mouth was twisted into a sneer.

"You do remember that your donor was an agent of ours and, as such, had a tracker implanted? That's how we've been able to follow you all these years. But do you realize that the tracker is a mechanical device and can be tampered with? You are aware that Gordon is able to turn his signal on and off at will? Can you guess at what else can be done remotely?"

The impact of what he said was sudden and physical. I couldn't speak and staggered a bit. Wells grabbed my arm and steadied me.

"I see that I have your attention, Mr. O'Neill. I have to leave now but SA Wells will be monitoring your progress going forward and will report directly to me. Have a good day."

The window rolled up, Wells got in the front, and they drove away.

I was left standing out alone in the parking lot under the Summer sun. I was sweating and I was feeling the heat.