Up and Down........
It's been one of those weeks where your blood pressure goes on a roller coaster ride. For most people, that's OK, for me..I have to watch it.
It started Sunday night. I was checking my e-mails when my computer started alerting me to the fact that I now had 38 potentially dangerous viruses. 38! How that can happen that quickly, I don't know, but it did. Of course, all I'd have to do is activate my Virus Protection Program....which I never got around to getting.
Monday morning, I had to go in for blood work, so I had to let the computer problem sit until I got back. I won't bother detailing the stress I got when I took the laptop to my local P. C. Richards (where I bought it). Suffice it to say that I wound up downloading the anti-virus program and clearing up the 38 viruses (and 194 cookies as well).
Highlights from the rest of the week were better. I got a good report on the blood work and don't have to go back until July; I got to attend a Town Hall Meeting with the Governor; and Thursday was Paddy's Day. All of these good things should've reduced my stress level but my daughter is getting married a week from today so, as the Father of the Bride, I'm on high alert. (I haven't mentioned this before, as it had no bearing on these entries.)
This morning, I woke up at 6:30, feeling a little off, but decided to run some errands. You know, take a ride - it's almost Spring. I got out onto Rahway Avenue, intending to head to Wegman's and fell in behind a small, commercial truck belonging to a local exterminator. His right blinker was on. It was on all the way down Rahway to Main Street, and down Main. After about 15 minutes or so, he did turn right, into the shopping area where Wegman's was located. He finally turned off the blinker then abruptly turned left into the Wegman's lot- without a blinker. I turned right, into a different lot.
Now, one of the things that bothers me when I drive is a person who doesn't use his blinker. And another thing that bothers me is a person who doesn't turn off his blinker. Here was a guy who did both. I could feel my pressure going up.
I got out of my car and headed towards Wegman's. The small truck was in front of me, and the driver was still in it. As I got closer I could see that he was reading the paper. I took the Flasher out of my pocket. I looked around. No one around. Closer. Still no one.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Well, Whaddaya Know............
The snow is all gone, finally. The weather is still changeable, but there are enough sunny, warmish kinda days to make it all bearable. And Spring is coming in a few weeks. All in all, things are good. Today in fact turned out to be a good day for a drive. I headed down to Monmouth County.
I'm more cautious now, when I'm driving. More alert. I'm not worried, or scared necessarily. Just watchful. I'm more aware of black SUV's, for example, and any other vehicle that may be following me too closely. But I'm gonna try not to let it bother me. I've got faith in Doyle, Craig, and their team.
I had a few places I wanted to stop at, and a few things I wanted to pick up. For the most part, I was lucky. I considered it a good day as I headed back up Route 35. I had one more stop - the Middletown Library on New Monmouth Road.
I was about 20 or so feet away, with my blinker on, when some clown zooming from the opposite direction turned into the parking lot, cutting me off. I had to slam on the brakes, but I didn't think that bothered him - he was on the phone. As I turned in, I saw that he'd pulled up to the curb in front of the library, covering 3 parking spaces and scaring the crap out of a young woman and a child in a stroller. The music from the car drowned out the screams from the child.
I parked in the first spot I found, and headed toward the library. The punk got out, still on the phone, still ignoring the woman and child and left the car running and the music blaring. He went inside.
I had the Flasher in my pocket.
I walked around the front of his car, looking around, but all the people I could see - including the woman and child - where staring after the punk. I passed his car and...........
point, press, Flash..............
the music stopped. No one seemed to notice the flash of light. I was hoping everyone would chalk up the silence to a delayed timer on the car. I entered the library.
The punk was arguing with the librarian. From what I could gather, he was returning some DVD's for his girlfriend and there was some kind of late fee due. He refused to pay it, laughed at the librarian, and stormed out. I waited by the shelves that held the Sale books. It didn't take long. Everyone around the front desk could hear the shouting from outside. I went out to see what all the fuss was about.
The punk was pacing back and forth, swearing up a storm, and practically strangling the remote locking device, trying to open the car.
"What the hell? Why won't this work? This is a brand new car! What the hell?"
"Don't you have a key?" I asked, calmly.
"What?.... A key?... Of course I have a Key!.... What are you, an idiot?"
I just looked at him, and grinned. Finally, it dawned on him. He did have a key.
"Oh........ Yeah." He opened the door.
I walked back to my car. And waited. Nothing happened. He must've been trying, but nothing happened. I could just make out his voice, screaming, as I drove away.I hadn't gone too far when my phone rang. The ID was "James". I put it on speaker.
"Hello."
""Mr. O'Neill, it's Craig."
"Ah. Craig. How are you? What can I do for you?"
"Well, Scanners indicate that you've used the Flasher, and since our Trackers on you are in tight, they were in the Middletown Library lot shortly after you pulled out. You don't get a "Confirm" credit for a car, you know?"
"HAH. I hadn't thought about it, but that's OK. The punk deserved it."
"That's what the Trackers reported, having spoken to several people in the area, and witnessing the car owners behavior."
"Doyle said that this new Flasher would take out a car engine, and it worked beautifully."
"Apparently so. The local police have arrived, and they're having the car towed, and have ticketed the driver for parking illegally, among other things. You really did a number on him."
"If you're asking me if I feel bad for him, I don't. I'm sure he's pissed off, and I'm sure he won't learn anything from the experience, but I feel good and I'm pretty sure that woman with the child - and maybe even the librarian - are having one of those "karma's a bitch" moments."
He was quiet for a moment, and when he spoke again - even though he couldn't condone what I'd done - I could almost hear the smile in his voice.
"I understand, Mr' O'Neill. Have a good day." He hung up.
I thought about that and, yes, I WAS having a good day.
Whaddaya know about that.
The snow is all gone, finally. The weather is still changeable, but there are enough sunny, warmish kinda days to make it all bearable. And Spring is coming in a few weeks. All in all, things are good. Today in fact turned out to be a good day for a drive. I headed down to Monmouth County.
I'm more cautious now, when I'm driving. More alert. I'm not worried, or scared necessarily. Just watchful. I'm more aware of black SUV's, for example, and any other vehicle that may be following me too closely. But I'm gonna try not to let it bother me. I've got faith in Doyle, Craig, and their team.
I had a few places I wanted to stop at, and a few things I wanted to pick up. For the most part, I was lucky. I considered it a good day as I headed back up Route 35. I had one more stop - the Middletown Library on New Monmouth Road.
I was about 20 or so feet away, with my blinker on, when some clown zooming from the opposite direction turned into the parking lot, cutting me off. I had to slam on the brakes, but I didn't think that bothered him - he was on the phone. As I turned in, I saw that he'd pulled up to the curb in front of the library, covering 3 parking spaces and scaring the crap out of a young woman and a child in a stroller. The music from the car drowned out the screams from the child.
I parked in the first spot I found, and headed toward the library. The punk got out, still on the phone, still ignoring the woman and child and left the car running and the music blaring. He went inside.
I had the Flasher in my pocket.
I walked around the front of his car, looking around, but all the people I could see - including the woman and child - where staring after the punk. I passed his car and...........
point, press, Flash..............
the music stopped. No one seemed to notice the flash of light. I was hoping everyone would chalk up the silence to a delayed timer on the car. I entered the library.
The punk was arguing with the librarian. From what I could gather, he was returning some DVD's for his girlfriend and there was some kind of late fee due. He refused to pay it, laughed at the librarian, and stormed out. I waited by the shelves that held the Sale books. It didn't take long. Everyone around the front desk could hear the shouting from outside. I went out to see what all the fuss was about.
The punk was pacing back and forth, swearing up a storm, and practically strangling the remote locking device, trying to open the car.
"What the hell? Why won't this work? This is a brand new car! What the hell?"
"Don't you have a key?" I asked, calmly.
"What?.... A key?... Of course I have a Key!.... What are you, an idiot?"
I just looked at him, and grinned. Finally, it dawned on him. He did have a key.
"Oh........ Yeah." He opened the door.
I walked back to my car. And waited. Nothing happened. He must've been trying, but nothing happened. I could just make out his voice, screaming, as I drove away.I hadn't gone too far when my phone rang. The ID was "James". I put it on speaker.
"Hello."
""Mr. O'Neill, it's Craig."
"Ah. Craig. How are you? What can I do for you?"
"Well, Scanners indicate that you've used the Flasher, and since our Trackers on you are in tight, they were in the Middletown Library lot shortly after you pulled out. You don't get a "Confirm" credit for a car, you know?"
"HAH. I hadn't thought about it, but that's OK. The punk deserved it."
"That's what the Trackers reported, having spoken to several people in the area, and witnessing the car owners behavior."
"Doyle said that this new Flasher would take out a car engine, and it worked beautifully."
"Apparently so. The local police have arrived, and they're having the car towed, and have ticketed the driver for parking illegally, among other things. You really did a number on him."
"If you're asking me if I feel bad for him, I don't. I'm sure he's pissed off, and I'm sure he won't learn anything from the experience, but I feel good and I'm pretty sure that woman with the child - and maybe even the librarian - are having one of those "karma's a bitch" moments."
He was quiet for a moment, and when he spoke again - even though he couldn't condone what I'd done - I could almost hear the smile in his voice.
"I understand, Mr' O'Neill. Have a good day." He hung up.
I thought about that and, yes, I WAS having a good day.
Whaddaya know about that.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
I've Got Questions, He's Got............
Weather wise, the last few days have been crazy. Friday, we had 60 degrees and sunshine; Saturday and Sunday, we were more seasonal but with extremely heavy winds; and yesterday morning, we had snow on the ground from an overnight storm. Thankfully this morning was cold but windless because I had to go out............
Doyle called.
I had to pick up some meds at the WalMart on Route 9, so we agreed to meet at the nearby Dunkin' Donuts. I got a bagel with cream cheese and a medium decaf, and took a table on the left side facing the door. Doyle came in about 10 minutes later, got some coffee, and took the other chair - the one where his back was to the door.
"Isn't that against some kind of training or something....sitting with your back to the door? Some kind of Wild Bill Hitchcock thing?"
"HAH! Aces and eights? The Dead Man's Hand? You don't believe that stuff, do ya?"
"Not really...but shouldn't you be facing the door? You know...so you can see who comes in?"
"Not anymore. When I was a Rookie, maybe, but that was a long time ago. Now, I have people who watch my back. Besides, I'll react to you."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, I assume that if someone were to get by my men outside and come at me in here, you'd see them, and react. You'd get up, shout, something. I'd react to your reaction. Believe me, that's the least of my worries right now."
"OK. So..what worries you now? Why did you call? Are you coming back up here? What's happening with Delaware?"
Doyle sipped from his coffee before he spoke.
"That's a lot of questions, and I don't have answers for some - and can't answer others."
"Fine. Tell me why we're here."
"There's a lot going on, Denny, and I'm not really sure we understand it all, but I'll try to bottom-line it for you. We know the guy - the agent - who tried to run you off the road. His name doesn't matter, but he was one of us. His having one of our vehicles is explainable, since he has access. What we don't know, yet, is why he went after you. He wasn't part of your detail so he shouldn't have known about you."
"Really? Then how..."
"We don't know, but we're working on it. Only we have to go slowly. We think that it is tied into what happened with the Delaware project, and it's all tied in - we think - somehow - to the People Upstairs."
He stopped and looked at me, waiting for me to say something. I occupied myself with my breakfast while trying to come up with something. Finally, I asked....
"Can you tell me what happened in Delaware? The last thing you told me about that was that the People Upstairs wanted to expand on our original project, and find similar subjects in other states. If I remember correctly, Delaware was the first."
He looked like he expected the question.
"No, I can't tell you anything, for now. It's classified - and extremely complicated."
"How does it tie in to the People Upstairs?"
"That's all still speculative, so there's nothing I can tell you. All I can say is that we've taken steps to make sure you're protected."
"Are you taking over here?"
"Not right now. Although there's nothing I can do in Delaware, I'm still responsible. Craig is now responsible for your protection detail. He's a good man, and I trust him. He's set up round the clock coverage, and expanded beyond the use of company cars."
"What does that mean?"
"He'll be using camouflage vehicles - family cars, utility vehicles and the like. I've seen his proposal, and it good."
"What if it's not that good? What if someone gets through?"
He reached into him jacket, and put a Flasher on the table.
"This is the latest model. It's self-generating, so it doesn't need any down time. It still can't effect a field agent, but it can disrupt a car engine - or a boat or small plane for that matter. It's the best we can do, for now."
I took it and gave him back the one I had.
"That's the best you can do..." for now"? Are you hoping things will get better, or what?"
"Of course we are. But first we wanted to do what we could for you. Now, we can look into some things."
Things you can't tell me about, right?"
"Right. Craig has your back, so you're as safe as I can make you. He'll be your contact. Anything we learn, that he can tell you, he will. Other then that, try to go back to your daily routine but watch your back."
He finished his coffee, stood up, and threw the empty cup away.
"Get back out there, Denny. It's the best thing for you." At the door he turned back. "And take care of yourself."
"Take care of yourself, too." I said, as the door closed behind him.
Weather wise, the last few days have been crazy. Friday, we had 60 degrees and sunshine; Saturday and Sunday, we were more seasonal but with extremely heavy winds; and yesterday morning, we had snow on the ground from an overnight storm. Thankfully this morning was cold but windless because I had to go out............
Doyle called.
I had to pick up some meds at the WalMart on Route 9, so we agreed to meet at the nearby Dunkin' Donuts. I got a bagel with cream cheese and a medium decaf, and took a table on the left side facing the door. Doyle came in about 10 minutes later, got some coffee, and took the other chair - the one where his back was to the door.
"Isn't that against some kind of training or something....sitting with your back to the door? Some kind of Wild Bill Hitchcock thing?"
"HAH! Aces and eights? The Dead Man's Hand? You don't believe that stuff, do ya?"
"Not really...but shouldn't you be facing the door? You know...so you can see who comes in?"
"Not anymore. When I was a Rookie, maybe, but that was a long time ago. Now, I have people who watch my back. Besides, I'll react to you."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, I assume that if someone were to get by my men outside and come at me in here, you'd see them, and react. You'd get up, shout, something. I'd react to your reaction. Believe me, that's the least of my worries right now."
"OK. So..what worries you now? Why did you call? Are you coming back up here? What's happening with Delaware?"
Doyle sipped from his coffee before he spoke.
"That's a lot of questions, and I don't have answers for some - and can't answer others."
"Fine. Tell me why we're here."
"There's a lot going on, Denny, and I'm not really sure we understand it all, but I'll try to bottom-line it for you. We know the guy - the agent - who tried to run you off the road. His name doesn't matter, but he was one of us. His having one of our vehicles is explainable, since he has access. What we don't know, yet, is why he went after you. He wasn't part of your detail so he shouldn't have known about you."
"Really? Then how..."
"We don't know, but we're working on it. Only we have to go slowly. We think that it is tied into what happened with the Delaware project, and it's all tied in - we think - somehow - to the People Upstairs."
He stopped and looked at me, waiting for me to say something. I occupied myself with my breakfast while trying to come up with something. Finally, I asked....
"Can you tell me what happened in Delaware? The last thing you told me about that was that the People Upstairs wanted to expand on our original project, and find similar subjects in other states. If I remember correctly, Delaware was the first."
He looked like he expected the question.
"No, I can't tell you anything, for now. It's classified - and extremely complicated."
"How does it tie in to the People Upstairs?"
"That's all still speculative, so there's nothing I can tell you. All I can say is that we've taken steps to make sure you're protected."
"Are you taking over here?"
"Not right now. Although there's nothing I can do in Delaware, I'm still responsible. Craig is now responsible for your protection detail. He's a good man, and I trust him. He's set up round the clock coverage, and expanded beyond the use of company cars."
"What does that mean?"
"He'll be using camouflage vehicles - family cars, utility vehicles and the like. I've seen his proposal, and it good."
"What if it's not that good? What if someone gets through?"
He reached into him jacket, and put a Flasher on the table.
"This is the latest model. It's self-generating, so it doesn't need any down time. It still can't effect a field agent, but it can disrupt a car engine - or a boat or small plane for that matter. It's the best we can do, for now."
I took it and gave him back the one I had.
"That's the best you can do..." for now"? Are you hoping things will get better, or what?"
"Of course we are. But first we wanted to do what we could for you. Now, we can look into some things."
Things you can't tell me about, right?"
"Right. Craig has your back, so you're as safe as I can make you. He'll be your contact. Anything we learn, that he can tell you, he will. Other then that, try to go back to your daily routine but watch your back."
He finished his coffee, stood up, and threw the empty cup away.
"Get back out there, Denny. It's the best thing for you." At the door he turned back. "And take care of yourself."
"Take care of yourself, too." I said, as the door closed behind him.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Good News, Bad News....
Nothing's happened in the past few weeks that has any effect on these entries. As I've mentioned before, I've reached the 2 year mark with the transplant. Now there are certain tests that I had to go through to make sure everything is still good. Besides the usual blood tests, that is.
They decided to put me on the brand name Progrof instead of the generic tacrolimus, and to add Celcept. These can be controlled better, and will provide more protection against rejection. Since that happened, my tac level has been consistently where they want it. At the end of January, I went through a Stress Test. I expected to be on a tread mill, but they use drugs now so I spent the time on my back while they caused my heart to race artificially. I gotta say I was pretty shaky when it was over. They called me the next week to tell me I'd passed.
At the beginning of February, I had a CT Scan, and a Bone Density Scan. The CT is standard, but the Bone Density is done every 2 years. The first one I'd had - two years ago - caused them to put me on Fosomax for Osteoporosis. I was hoping there'd be no change, but I anticipated the worst.
They called me yesterday saying, "We've got good news". The Bone Density came back better then it was 2 years ago. How about that. Of course I have to go for blood work on Monday to make sure this change hasn't decreased my Vitamin D level.
I was feeling good, and things were getting better since the weather reports show a warming trend with no storms on the horizon. After 9 pretty bad ones, we could use the break. I went out this morning, just to take a drive around in the sunshine.
I headed up Main Street with the idea of ending up in Metuchen. Just passed Amboy Avenue, a black SUV pulled up behind me. Normally, I don't pay too much attention to the car behind me, but the DHS guys use black SUV's and it caught my eye. Of course, the trackers on me wouldn't get this close. And he was close. Too close.
I passed under Route 9 with the SUV on my tail. We were in the right lane, and when the road opened up to 2 lanes I'd hoped he'd pull to the left and pass me. He didn't. Instead, he put on his lights - high beams - almost blinding me.
Trying to get away, I turned right into the strip mall where Lowe's and Wegmans is. He stayed right behind me, not giving an inch. Through the mall and out onto Woodbridge Center Drive we went, turning right.
The next light, I took a fast right into Woodbridge Center, and a another fast right around onto the Fortunoff side. I thought - as I turned - that I could see another black SUV catching up to us.
My pursuer didn't budge, just kept coming. As we rounded the first curve, he started to blast his horn. Between the bright lights and the blaring horn I was getting disoriented. Pulling out of the curve, it would be an almost straight run past J. C. Penny's towards Sears. 2 lanes on both sides, with both of us now in the left lane. I still couldn't see through the lights, but I took a chance and pulled suddenly into the right lane.
He didn't react as fast, but shot by me. As he passed, he stuck his hand out of the driver's side window and gave me the customary gesture. I raised my hand and gestured back...
Point, press, Flash.
I didn't expect anything to happen, to be honest about it. It was just a knee-jerk reaction to the situation. But something did happen.
The SUV suddenly spun to its right, into my lane. I stopped, heedless of anyone behind me. He kept spinning. Back into the left lane, then into the oncoming ones. Luck was with us, as the only car coming towards us was far enough away to turn into one of the other lots.
He didn't slow down. Just kept spinning, with no obvious attempt at correcting the skid. He hit one of the snow mounds piled up at the ends of the various parking lots. He hit at top speed, and at an angle. The momentum flipped him on his side, and the SUV just lay there, wheels spinning.
Just then, the black SUV that I thought I'd seen earlier pulled up beside me, and the DHS agent who'd saluted me at the Givings site got out.
"You OK, Mr. O'Neill?" He really did look worried.
I realized that I was shaking, but otherwise unhurt. I rolled down the window, turned off my car, and leaned back in the seat.
"Yeah....yeah....I'm OK. Looks like the cavalry showed up a little too late this time."
"What? I'm afraid I don't understand. Are you sure you're OK?"
"Never mind. Bad joke. I'm OK. Just shaken up is all. This is, like, the 3rd time we've met and I still don't know your name."
"Craig, sir."
"First name or last?"
"Yes, sir." He said, smiling.
An ambulance had arrived, probably part of the tracking team and notified by Craig. The EMT's and Craig's driver were at the overturned SUV.
"Please wait here, Mr. O'Neill. I'll just be a minute." He walked over and spoke to the other guys. Then he made a phone call.
When he came back, he looked very, very serious.
"Mr. O'Neill, I have some bad news."
"What? Is there a problem?"
"No. Well, not here, but overall, we think so. That driver and vehicle are ours. They're DHS."
"Jeez!..Are you kidding me? DHS? I thought you guys were on my side!"
"We are, Mr. O'Neall, but we now have reason to believe that there are some people who weren't too happy about what happened to Givings after all."
"Givings? Are you serious? I thought we were good with that."
"Apparently not. This is something that's just now coming to light. We don't know how wide spread it is and we're trying to get a handle on the situation."
"What about the guy in that car?" I said, pointing to the wreck.
"He's dead, so the best we can do is find out who he is and, if we're lucky, why he did it. But we're trained in hiding things, so it won't be easy."
"How could my using the Flasher have caused this?"
"It's possible that you hit his mirror and blinded him, or maybe you caused some kind of electrical short. We just don't know, right now. As I said, we're trying to get a handle on the situation"
"Oh great...Trying to get a handle on it, are you? What about me? What am I supposed to do?"
He was quiet for a minute or two. Running through the options in his head, I supposed.
"We don't think this is widespread, but we are going to double up on your security. We'll go round the clock, and move the tracker units in closer. Possibly close enough for you to see. I'm not sure yet. I have to talk to my superiors."
"The People Upstairs?"
"Oh, no, Mr. O'Neill. I'm not that high up. Probably someone on Agent Doyle's level. I'll find out when I get back. Reports have already been filed, and I'm sure actions are being taken. You'll just have to be a little more aware of your surroundings."
"Great. Just great. I guess I have no choice, right? Since Doyle isn't around, who should I contact if I have a question, or a problem."
He took a card out of his inside pocket.
"This has my cell number. Call me, for now. It may be that they'll pull Agent Doyle back, since that other operation seems to have gone south."
"What? Now I don't understand."
"Sorry. I can't say anything else. If you're feeling better, I would suggest that you leave the area. We've got it closed off for now, but we're going to have to let the local cops in soon. Apparently, someone called in the accident."
The other car I saw earlier.
"OK. I'm going. Do me a favor and keep a real close eye on things, OK?"
He smiled, nodded, and walked back to the wreck.
I drove home. Not feeling like a drive on a sunny day anymore.
Nothing's happened in the past few weeks that has any effect on these entries. As I've mentioned before, I've reached the 2 year mark with the transplant. Now there are certain tests that I had to go through to make sure everything is still good. Besides the usual blood tests, that is.
They decided to put me on the brand name Progrof instead of the generic tacrolimus, and to add Celcept. These can be controlled better, and will provide more protection against rejection. Since that happened, my tac level has been consistently where they want it. At the end of January, I went through a Stress Test. I expected to be on a tread mill, but they use drugs now so I spent the time on my back while they caused my heart to race artificially. I gotta say I was pretty shaky when it was over. They called me the next week to tell me I'd passed.
At the beginning of February, I had a CT Scan, and a Bone Density Scan. The CT is standard, but the Bone Density is done every 2 years. The first one I'd had - two years ago - caused them to put me on Fosomax for Osteoporosis. I was hoping there'd be no change, but I anticipated the worst.
They called me yesterday saying, "We've got good news". The Bone Density came back better then it was 2 years ago. How about that. Of course I have to go for blood work on Monday to make sure this change hasn't decreased my Vitamin D level.
I was feeling good, and things were getting better since the weather reports show a warming trend with no storms on the horizon. After 9 pretty bad ones, we could use the break. I went out this morning, just to take a drive around in the sunshine.
I headed up Main Street with the idea of ending up in Metuchen. Just passed Amboy Avenue, a black SUV pulled up behind me. Normally, I don't pay too much attention to the car behind me, but the DHS guys use black SUV's and it caught my eye. Of course, the trackers on me wouldn't get this close. And he was close. Too close.
I passed under Route 9 with the SUV on my tail. We were in the right lane, and when the road opened up to 2 lanes I'd hoped he'd pull to the left and pass me. He didn't. Instead, he put on his lights - high beams - almost blinding me.
Trying to get away, I turned right into the strip mall where Lowe's and Wegmans is. He stayed right behind me, not giving an inch. Through the mall and out onto Woodbridge Center Drive we went, turning right.
The next light, I took a fast right into Woodbridge Center, and a another fast right around onto the Fortunoff side. I thought - as I turned - that I could see another black SUV catching up to us.
My pursuer didn't budge, just kept coming. As we rounded the first curve, he started to blast his horn. Between the bright lights and the blaring horn I was getting disoriented. Pulling out of the curve, it would be an almost straight run past J. C. Penny's towards Sears. 2 lanes on both sides, with both of us now in the left lane. I still couldn't see through the lights, but I took a chance and pulled suddenly into the right lane.
He didn't react as fast, but shot by me. As he passed, he stuck his hand out of the driver's side window and gave me the customary gesture. I raised my hand and gestured back...
Point, press, Flash.
I didn't expect anything to happen, to be honest about it. It was just a knee-jerk reaction to the situation. But something did happen.
The SUV suddenly spun to its right, into my lane. I stopped, heedless of anyone behind me. He kept spinning. Back into the left lane, then into the oncoming ones. Luck was with us, as the only car coming towards us was far enough away to turn into one of the other lots.
He didn't slow down. Just kept spinning, with no obvious attempt at correcting the skid. He hit one of the snow mounds piled up at the ends of the various parking lots. He hit at top speed, and at an angle. The momentum flipped him on his side, and the SUV just lay there, wheels spinning.
Just then, the black SUV that I thought I'd seen earlier pulled up beside me, and the DHS agent who'd saluted me at the Givings site got out.
"You OK, Mr. O'Neill?" He really did look worried.
I realized that I was shaking, but otherwise unhurt. I rolled down the window, turned off my car, and leaned back in the seat.
"Yeah....yeah....I'm OK. Looks like the cavalry showed up a little too late this time."
"What? I'm afraid I don't understand. Are you sure you're OK?"
"Never mind. Bad joke. I'm OK. Just shaken up is all. This is, like, the 3rd time we've met and I still don't know your name."
"Craig, sir."
"First name or last?"
"Yes, sir." He said, smiling.
An ambulance had arrived, probably part of the tracking team and notified by Craig. The EMT's and Craig's driver were at the overturned SUV.
"Please wait here, Mr. O'Neill. I'll just be a minute." He walked over and spoke to the other guys. Then he made a phone call.
When he came back, he looked very, very serious.
"Mr. O'Neill, I have some bad news."
"What? Is there a problem?"
"No. Well, not here, but overall, we think so. That driver and vehicle are ours. They're DHS."
"Jeez!..Are you kidding me? DHS? I thought you guys were on my side!"
"We are, Mr. O'Neall, but we now have reason to believe that there are some people who weren't too happy about what happened to Givings after all."
"Givings? Are you serious? I thought we were good with that."
"Apparently not. This is something that's just now coming to light. We don't know how wide spread it is and we're trying to get a handle on the situation."
"What about the guy in that car?" I said, pointing to the wreck.
"He's dead, so the best we can do is find out who he is and, if we're lucky, why he did it. But we're trained in hiding things, so it won't be easy."
"How could my using the Flasher have caused this?"
"It's possible that you hit his mirror and blinded him, or maybe you caused some kind of electrical short. We just don't know, right now. As I said, we're trying to get a handle on the situation"
"Oh great...Trying to get a handle on it, are you? What about me? What am I supposed to do?"
He was quiet for a minute or two. Running through the options in his head, I supposed.
"We don't think this is widespread, but we are going to double up on your security. We'll go round the clock, and move the tracker units in closer. Possibly close enough for you to see. I'm not sure yet. I have to talk to my superiors."
"The People Upstairs?"
"Oh, no, Mr. O'Neill. I'm not that high up. Probably someone on Agent Doyle's level. I'll find out when I get back. Reports have already been filed, and I'm sure actions are being taken. You'll just have to be a little more aware of your surroundings."
"Great. Just great. I guess I have no choice, right? Since Doyle isn't around, who should I contact if I have a question, or a problem."
He took a card out of his inside pocket.
"This has my cell number. Call me, for now. It may be that they'll pull Agent Doyle back, since that other operation seems to have gone south."
"What? Now I don't understand."
"Sorry. I can't say anything else. If you're feeling better, I would suggest that you leave the area. We've got it closed off for now, but we're going to have to let the local cops in soon. Apparently, someone called in the accident."
The other car I saw earlier.
"OK. I'm going. Do me a favor and keep a real close eye on things, OK?"
He smiled, nodded, and walked back to the wreck.
I drove home. Not feeling like a drive on a sunny day anymore.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Arc 4
What Happens Next............
Doyle had called me on the night of the Givings incident. He wanted me to know that everything was good. That we'd speak soon. That "soon" was supposed to have been Tuesday, but another snow storm screwed that up. We agreed on this morning.
I had some blood work scheduled early, so we agreed to meet at the Woodbridge Mall Burger King when I got back. I always park at the Mall and take the bus to the hospital because it's just easier. We didn't set a time, but he'd know when I was on my way back. They keep a close eye on me.
Things went smoothly at the hospital, and I caught the 9:00 AM bus back, which got me in at 10:00. Doyle was standing beside my car, talking on his cell. As I got closer, he put the phone away, opened the passenger door and got in, which kinda pissed me off. I got in on the driver's side.
"What the..? How did you...?"
"Calm down, Denny. We arranged for you to get this car, remember? Anyway, I warmed her up and put gas in. You should be thanking me."
"Yeah, well.." I was calming down. Actually, I should've expected it. "I thought you wanted to meet at the Burger King?"
"Don't have the time today. Kinda on a tight leash. Besides, they don't have decaf coffee." His cell went off. He glanced at it, but didn't answer. "Things going on, and all. Just wanted to let you know that all is well with the Givings situation."
"Really? No one's the least bit put out that I did that?"
"Not really. She wasn't liked by many people. She was definitely not liked by the people who had to work with her."
"Then how did she get the job? You know, taking over for you?"
"Politics, Denny. See, there are two factions within the People Upstairs. Mr. Smith represents one. Mr., ah,.."
"Jones?"
"Yeah, Jones..Mr. Jones. He represents the other. It was to appease Mr. Jones that Givings got the job. Mr. Smith never really thought she could handle it. Apparently, he was right."
"OK. But.. how was it that I was able to use the Flasher on her? I thought..you told me once.. that it wasn't effective on DHS personnel. That you all had implants, like mine."
His phone went off again. Again, he looked but didn't answer.
"What I meant by that," he said, " was that field agents wouldn't be affected. Givings was not a field agent. She was strictly back office but got pushed forward by Mr. Jones, like I said. I never thought you'd run into anyone other then field agents."
His phone, again.
"Someone really want to get in touch with you. Maybe you should answer?"
"Nah. They know where I am and why I'm here. There's nothing I can do from here anyway."
The phone.
"Look I gotta wrap this up. Everyone is good with the Givings situation. Mr. Smith actually told me that you solved a problem for him, so that should go far."
"So what happens now? Are you coming back, or will someone else take over? What do I do now?"
"I don't know. I'm kinda out of the loop. Things are happening with my Delaware assignment that I need to take care of. For now, just keep staging Random Events until someone contacts you. Mr. Smith has plans, and I expect something soon, but I don't know what or when."
He got out of the car, and his phone went off again. A black SUV pulled up behind me.
"Gotta go now, Denny. I think Mr. Smith feels like he owes you one. We'll see. Take care of yourself."
He turned, got into the SUV, and drove off.
I sat there for a while, then drove off myself.
I was confused. The only thing I was sure about was that I was hungry.
Doyle had called me on the night of the Givings incident. He wanted me to know that everything was good. That we'd speak soon. That "soon" was supposed to have been Tuesday, but another snow storm screwed that up. We agreed on this morning.
I had some blood work scheduled early, so we agreed to meet at the Woodbridge Mall Burger King when I got back. I always park at the Mall and take the bus to the hospital because it's just easier. We didn't set a time, but he'd know when I was on my way back. They keep a close eye on me.
Things went smoothly at the hospital, and I caught the 9:00 AM bus back, which got me in at 10:00. Doyle was standing beside my car, talking on his cell. As I got closer, he put the phone away, opened the passenger door and got in, which kinda pissed me off. I got in on the driver's side.
"What the..? How did you...?"
"Calm down, Denny. We arranged for you to get this car, remember? Anyway, I warmed her up and put gas in. You should be thanking me."
"Yeah, well.." I was calming down. Actually, I should've expected it. "I thought you wanted to meet at the Burger King?"
"Don't have the time today. Kinda on a tight leash. Besides, they don't have decaf coffee." His cell went off. He glanced at it, but didn't answer. "Things going on, and all. Just wanted to let you know that all is well with the Givings situation."
"Really? No one's the least bit put out that I did that?"
"Not really. She wasn't liked by many people. She was definitely not liked by the people who had to work with her."
"Then how did she get the job? You know, taking over for you?"
"Politics, Denny. See, there are two factions within the People Upstairs. Mr. Smith represents one. Mr., ah,.."
"Jones?"
"Yeah, Jones..Mr. Jones. He represents the other. It was to appease Mr. Jones that Givings got the job. Mr. Smith never really thought she could handle it. Apparently, he was right."
"OK. But.. how was it that I was able to use the Flasher on her? I thought..you told me once.. that it wasn't effective on DHS personnel. That you all had implants, like mine."
His phone went off again. Again, he looked but didn't answer.
"What I meant by that," he said, " was that field agents wouldn't be affected. Givings was not a field agent. She was strictly back office but got pushed forward by Mr. Jones, like I said. I never thought you'd run into anyone other then field agents."
His phone, again.
"Someone really want to get in touch with you. Maybe you should answer?"
"Nah. They know where I am and why I'm here. There's nothing I can do from here anyway."
The phone.
"Look I gotta wrap this up. Everyone is good with the Givings situation. Mr. Smith actually told me that you solved a problem for him, so that should go far."
"So what happens now? Are you coming back, or will someone else take over? What do I do now?"
"I don't know. I'm kinda out of the loop. Things are happening with my Delaware assignment that I need to take care of. For now, just keep staging Random Events until someone contacts you. Mr. Smith has plans, and I expect something soon, but I don't know what or when."
He got out of the car, and his phone went off again. A black SUV pulled up behind me.
"Gotta go now, Denny. I think Mr. Smith feels like he owes you one. We'll see. Take care of yourself."
He turned, got into the SUV, and drove off.
I sat there for a while, then drove off myself.
I was confused. The only thing I was sure about was that I was hungry.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Didn't See That Coming...............
I knew it would be just a matter of time before Givings called, especially after the conversation I'd had with Smith the other day. Of course, she wanted to meet at the Menlo Park Mall, in the center of the Food Court again. I got there about a half-hour early. This time, I parked around the back, in the garage area which is where I think Givings parks herself. I wanted to see if I could catch her, then gauge her mood by how she got out. I was in luck. I only had to wait about 15 minutes. I could see her from where I'd parked. She pulled in, got her briefcase and laptop from the back seat, and headed for the Mall entrance. She didn't look around at all, or she probably would have recognized my car. She just walked - quickly - straight ahead.
She was not in a good mood. I gave her a head start, then followed her in.
It think most people tend to look at themselves in store windows as they pass by - I know I do. Givings didn't. She headed straight down the hall and up to the escalator to the Second Level and the Food Court. I followed along (and I did glance at myself).
She sat there at a table in the center of the Court, in the slightly raised area, surrounded by plants and trees. There is a bit of privacy here. She had her laptop open in front of her. She didn't have a cup of coffee or a muffin. Not a good sign.
"Hey, Givings. What gives? No coffee?"
She barely glanced at me. "No, Mr. O'Neill. Not today. There won't be time for any."
"Really? So I shouldn't get anything?" Trying to lighten the mood. Didn't work.
"I'll get right to the point, Mr. O'Neill. As, I understand, you've been made aware, the Random Fire Events process has been terminated. The last one, which took place without my supervision, was poorly handled and, unfortunately, drew media attention. The People Upstairs were not happy."
She bent down to her laptop, pretending to look something up. I knew she was just trying to keep me from seeing how upset and angry she was.
"Well, we knew it was a short-term thing, didn't we?"
"Yes, Mr. O'Neill. We did. But the People Upstairs thought we could have gone for 1 or 2 more due to the severity of the winter so far. They were disappointed that this did not prove to be the case."
"Fire is unpredictable, you know. At least that's what they say on the TV programs."
She wasn't going to be calmed so easily.
"I met for several hours yesterday with the People Upstairs. Met? No...It was more of a Kangaroo Court. I was blamed for this. They see it as a failure. And coupled with the Adams Tower attempt, I am, apparently, on "Probation". They are going to give me one more chance to prove my effectiveness."
"OK. At least you get another chance. We'll come up with something."
"No, Mr. O'Neill. WE will not. This Fire Event scenario was your idea, and I still believe that the Adams Tower Event would have worked but you did something wrong in the placement of the canister. I will be doing this on my own."
I was speechless. Now I knew what dumbstruck meant.
"You're blaming me? Are you kidding? Adams Tower was your idea, and, yes, this Fire stuff was my idea, but you set them up. You set it all up." I was trying to keep from yelling, from attracting attention. She just looked at me and smirked.
"Well, you won't be setting ME up, I'll tell you that. I'm outta here." I stood up and turned towards the exit. "If you guys want to reach me, have Doyle do it."
I stormed off, back to my car, where I sat there seething. Last time we met, everything was all smiles. She met me after church, all giddy about how good things were going, and even wished me a Merry Christmas. Now, because things had gone South, she wanted to pin it all on me. Well, no way, sister.
As I sat there, I found that I was watching her car. I saw her come back, replace the briefcase and laptop in the back seat, and get in. I opened my door and walked over, taking the Flasher from my pocket.
I wanted to shake her up.
She was looking down, rummaging in her purse for something, as I tapped on her window. She looked up, startled, but saw it was me and the smirk came back. I lifted the Flasher.
Point, press, Flash.
Her head slid to the right, the smirk still there, her eyes open but empty.
That wasn't supposed to happen. Doyle had told me when we'd first met that the Flasher would not be effective on DHS employees. I just wanted to show her how mad I was.
I looked around. I didn't see anyone, so I walked back to my car. I sat there a while, trying to decide what to do. Obviously, DHS knows where I am and what just happened. They always do. Something to do with the tracking mechanisms they use.
Should I call them? What would they think? What could they do?
Moot questions. Just then, an EMS vehicle pulled into the lot area, followed by a black SUV. An EMT got out, opened Givings' car door, and looked to be feeling for a pulse. He straightened up, pulled out a cell phone, and dialed a number.
My cell went off. Confirmed.
The EMT nodded towards the black SUV. Two men got out - of course, dressed in black. One went to the EMT and one came towards me. I lowered my window.
"No reason to hang around, Mr. O'Neill." He said with a smile. "We can take it from here."
I must've looked like at idiot, staring at him, but I started the car and pulled away. As I raised the window he said...
"Have a nice day, Sir!" and snapped off a quick salute. That's when I recognized him - he was the "cop" by the fake Water Department dig outside the Adams Towers who gave me the canister.
I'm guessing someone will let me know what happens next.
I knew it would be just a matter of time before Givings called, especially after the conversation I'd had with Smith the other day. Of course, she wanted to meet at the Menlo Park Mall, in the center of the Food Court again. I got there about a half-hour early. This time, I parked around the back, in the garage area which is where I think Givings parks herself. I wanted to see if I could catch her, then gauge her mood by how she got out. I was in luck. I only had to wait about 15 minutes. I could see her from where I'd parked. She pulled in, got her briefcase and laptop from the back seat, and headed for the Mall entrance. She didn't look around at all, or she probably would have recognized my car. She just walked - quickly - straight ahead.
She was not in a good mood. I gave her a head start, then followed her in.
It think most people tend to look at themselves in store windows as they pass by - I know I do. Givings didn't. She headed straight down the hall and up to the escalator to the Second Level and the Food Court. I followed along (and I did glance at myself).
She sat there at a table in the center of the Court, in the slightly raised area, surrounded by plants and trees. There is a bit of privacy here. She had her laptop open in front of her. She didn't have a cup of coffee or a muffin. Not a good sign.
"Hey, Givings. What gives? No coffee?"
She barely glanced at me. "No, Mr. O'Neill. Not today. There won't be time for any."
"Really? So I shouldn't get anything?" Trying to lighten the mood. Didn't work.
"I'll get right to the point, Mr. O'Neill. As, I understand, you've been made aware, the Random Fire Events process has been terminated. The last one, which took place without my supervision, was poorly handled and, unfortunately, drew media attention. The People Upstairs were not happy."
She bent down to her laptop, pretending to look something up. I knew she was just trying to keep me from seeing how upset and angry she was.
"Well, we knew it was a short-term thing, didn't we?"
"Yes, Mr. O'Neill. We did. But the People Upstairs thought we could have gone for 1 or 2 more due to the severity of the winter so far. They were disappointed that this did not prove to be the case."
"Fire is unpredictable, you know. At least that's what they say on the TV programs."
She wasn't going to be calmed so easily.
"I met for several hours yesterday with the People Upstairs. Met? No...It was more of a Kangaroo Court. I was blamed for this. They see it as a failure. And coupled with the Adams Tower attempt, I am, apparently, on "Probation". They are going to give me one more chance to prove my effectiveness."
"OK. At least you get another chance. We'll come up with something."
"No, Mr. O'Neill. WE will not. This Fire Event scenario was your idea, and I still believe that the Adams Tower Event would have worked but you did something wrong in the placement of the canister. I will be doing this on my own."
I was speechless. Now I knew what dumbstruck meant.
"You're blaming me? Are you kidding? Adams Tower was your idea, and, yes, this Fire stuff was my idea, but you set them up. You set it all up." I was trying to keep from yelling, from attracting attention. She just looked at me and smirked.
"Well, you won't be setting ME up, I'll tell you that. I'm outta here." I stood up and turned towards the exit. "If you guys want to reach me, have Doyle do it."
I stormed off, back to my car, where I sat there seething. Last time we met, everything was all smiles. She met me after church, all giddy about how good things were going, and even wished me a Merry Christmas. Now, because things had gone South, she wanted to pin it all on me. Well, no way, sister.
As I sat there, I found that I was watching her car. I saw her come back, replace the briefcase and laptop in the back seat, and get in. I opened my door and walked over, taking the Flasher from my pocket.
I wanted to shake her up.
She was looking down, rummaging in her purse for something, as I tapped on her window. She looked up, startled, but saw it was me and the smirk came back. I lifted the Flasher.
Point, press, Flash.
Her head slid to the right, the smirk still there, her eyes open but empty.
That wasn't supposed to happen. Doyle had told me when we'd first met that the Flasher would not be effective on DHS employees. I just wanted to show her how mad I was.
I looked around. I didn't see anyone, so I walked back to my car. I sat there a while, trying to decide what to do. Obviously, DHS knows where I am and what just happened. They always do. Something to do with the tracking mechanisms they use.
Should I call them? What would they think? What could they do?
Moot questions. Just then, an EMS vehicle pulled into the lot area, followed by a black SUV. An EMT got out, opened Givings' car door, and looked to be feeling for a pulse. He straightened up, pulled out a cell phone, and dialed a number.
My cell went off. Confirmed.
The EMT nodded towards the black SUV. Two men got out - of course, dressed in black. One went to the EMT and one came towards me. I lowered my window.
"No reason to hang around, Mr. O'Neill." He said with a smile. "We can take it from here."
I must've looked like at idiot, staring at him, but I started the car and pulled away. As I raised the window he said...
"Have a nice day, Sir!" and snapped off a quick salute. That's when I recognized him - he was the "cop" by the fake Water Department dig outside the Adams Towers who gave me the canister.
I'm guessing someone will let me know what happens next.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Back to Basics.............
I woke up early this morning. No particular reason, but I was feeling good. All the post-holiday obligations have been tended to, the "decorations" have been put away, and what can be returned has been. We had a little more snow over the weekend, but it didn't really add anything to what we still have left over from the Big Storm just after Christmas. There is, however, the prediction for another big storm coming in tomorrow night.
Outside of a quick trip tomorrow morning for another blood test, I have no medical tests until the end of the month.
Today is a good day to do something.
I decided that I should take this opportunity to take some of those pictures that I want to add to previous posts. I went through my usual routine, then headed for the Menlo Park Mall. Almost all of my meetings with Givings have been held there, and I figured to get some shots before the mall opened and the shoppers showed up. I drove over, parked by Barnes & Nobles, and entered the mall on that side. There were a few mall walkers here, but I had no problem taking several shots in the Food Court - we sat in several different areas over the last few months. I tried not to be too obvious, and no one seemed to be interested in what I was doing. I ended my session with a photo of the small snack area outside of Nordstrom's, on the lower level, and headed back to the exit by Barnes & Nobles. When I got there, I saw a woman, sitting by herself, on one of the benches. There was no one walking in this end of the mall, and she couldn't be seen from the main corridor, anyway. I took out the Flasher.
I walked into the hallway leading to the exit. I stopped, listening for any sounds of someone approaching. Nothing. I couldn't see if anyone was in the main corridor, but, then again, they couldn't see me. I hurried up. Closer. Closer. Almost right behind her. She hadn't appeared to move. Still bent over as if she were reading something. Point, press, Flash.
I kept walked - quickly - through the two exit doors, then turned right into Barnes & Nobles. I waited just inside the door there, but no one walked by, and no one came rushing out. I walked through the store, out into the parking lot, and got into my car. I had some prescriptions to pick up at the WalMart pharmacy on Route 9. As I drove away, my phone chimed. When I got to WalMart I checked. Confirmed.
I was hungry, so I ate a quick breakfast at the Dunkin' Donuts next to the WalMart. I was feeling good, and it was still early, so I decided to check out a couple of the Woodbridge Library satellites. I started at the one on Ford's Avenue, then went to Route 1, turned off on Green Street, and stopped at the Iselin branch.
On my way out, I found I was behind an older man who was obviously going to the parking lot - just like me. I kept the distance between us and looked around. We were the only ones in sight. The parking lot is on the side of the building without windows, and set in far enough off Green Street that it's not easily visible. I took out the Flasher.
The man was parked on the far side between 2 other cars. He stopped to open his door, and I closed the distance. He never looked my way. Just got into his car, and leaned over to put his books on the passenger seat. I got closer. He sat up and reached over to pull his door closed. Point, press, Flash. I turned to my car and heard the "click" as his door shut. No one was around. I didn't see any cars drive by. I got in my car, and drove out. Green Street to Oak Tree Lane to Wood Avenue to Iselin Avenue. Confirmed at the Colonia branch.
Time to head home.
.............................................................................................................................................................
I was sitting in the living room around 5:00, trying to decide how to write this up, when my phone rang. James. I answered.
"Mr. O'Neill do you have your television on?" Surprisingly, it was the man I knew as Smith - one of the People Upstairs.
"What? I'm sorry. I don't.."
"It's very simple, Mr. O'Neill. Do you have your television on?"
"Yes."
"Good. Please turn it to Channel 7. The news is on, and there is a segment coming up in approximately 2 minutes."
I used the remote. The female commentator was doing a lead-in.
"Just in time, Mr. O'Neill. These are pictures of a large fire that took place this morning. No loss of life, but it sprerad to 3 adjoining homes causing a great deal of damage."
"And you wanted me to see this because..?"
"Because it is one of ours, Mr. O'Neill. It was set in motion by Ms. Givings on Friday. Unfortunately, there has been a death in her family and she had to go back to Indiana. This was left in the "capable" hands of her team. It is now under investigation due to the property damage."
"Is that a problem?"
"No. They won't find anything. But these Fire Events are starting to get media attention, and that can't be tolerated."
"Again, I have to ask, why are you telling me?"
"Because Ms. Givings is not here. I felt you should be made aware of the end of this particular effort. Givings is due back on Wednesday, and we will meet to discuss what should be done next. Frankly, I am not happy with her performance to date, but that is a matter for the full committee. I want you to know that this in no way reflects badly on you. We are pleased with your contributions. In fact, I see that you were out and about this morning. Please keep up the good work."
He hung up before I could say anything.
I guess I'll have to wait to hear from Givings. Or someone.
I woke up early this morning. No particular reason, but I was feeling good. All the post-holiday obligations have been tended to, the "decorations" have been put away, and what can be returned has been. We had a little more snow over the weekend, but it didn't really add anything to what we still have left over from the Big Storm just after Christmas. There is, however, the prediction for another big storm coming in tomorrow night.
Outside of a quick trip tomorrow morning for another blood test, I have no medical tests until the end of the month.
Today is a good day to do something.
I decided that I should take this opportunity to take some of those pictures that I want to add to previous posts. I went through my usual routine, then headed for the Menlo Park Mall. Almost all of my meetings with Givings have been held there, and I figured to get some shots before the mall opened and the shoppers showed up. I drove over, parked by Barnes & Nobles, and entered the mall on that side. There were a few mall walkers here, but I had no problem taking several shots in the Food Court - we sat in several different areas over the last few months. I tried not to be too obvious, and no one seemed to be interested in what I was doing. I ended my session with a photo of the small snack area outside of Nordstrom's, on the lower level, and headed back to the exit by Barnes & Nobles. When I got there, I saw a woman, sitting by herself, on one of the benches. There was no one walking in this end of the mall, and she couldn't be seen from the main corridor, anyway. I took out the Flasher.
I walked into the hallway leading to the exit. I stopped, listening for any sounds of someone approaching. Nothing. I couldn't see if anyone was in the main corridor, but, then again, they couldn't see me. I hurried up. Closer. Closer. Almost right behind her. She hadn't appeared to move. Still bent over as if she were reading something. Point, press, Flash.
I kept walked - quickly - through the two exit doors, then turned right into Barnes & Nobles. I waited just inside the door there, but no one walked by, and no one came rushing out. I walked through the store, out into the parking lot, and got into my car. I had some prescriptions to pick up at the WalMart pharmacy on Route 9. As I drove away, my phone chimed. When I got to WalMart I checked. Confirmed.
I was hungry, so I ate a quick breakfast at the Dunkin' Donuts next to the WalMart. I was feeling good, and it was still early, so I decided to check out a couple of the Woodbridge Library satellites. I started at the one on Ford's Avenue, then went to Route 1, turned off on Green Street, and stopped at the Iselin branch.
On my way out, I found I was behind an older man who was obviously going to the parking lot - just like me. I kept the distance between us and looked around. We were the only ones in sight. The parking lot is on the side of the building without windows, and set in far enough off Green Street that it's not easily visible. I took out the Flasher.
The man was parked on the far side between 2 other cars. He stopped to open his door, and I closed the distance. He never looked my way. Just got into his car, and leaned over to put his books on the passenger seat. I got closer. He sat up and reached over to pull his door closed. Point, press, Flash. I turned to my car and heard the "click" as his door shut. No one was around. I didn't see any cars drive by. I got in my car, and drove out. Green Street to Oak Tree Lane to Wood Avenue to Iselin Avenue. Confirmed at the Colonia branch.
Time to head home.
.............................................................................................................................................................
I was sitting in the living room around 5:00, trying to decide how to write this up, when my phone rang. James. I answered.
"Mr. O'Neill do you have your television on?" Surprisingly, it was the man I knew as Smith - one of the People Upstairs.
"What? I'm sorry. I don't.."
"It's very simple, Mr. O'Neill. Do you have your television on?"
"Yes."
"Good. Please turn it to Channel 7. The news is on, and there is a segment coming up in approximately 2 minutes."
I used the remote. The female commentator was doing a lead-in.
"Just in time, Mr. O'Neill. These are pictures of a large fire that took place this morning. No loss of life, but it sprerad to 3 adjoining homes causing a great deal of damage."
"And you wanted me to see this because..?"
"Because it is one of ours, Mr. O'Neill. It was set in motion by Ms. Givings on Friday. Unfortunately, there has been a death in her family and she had to go back to Indiana. This was left in the "capable" hands of her team. It is now under investigation due to the property damage."
"Is that a problem?"
"No. They won't find anything. But these Fire Events are starting to get media attention, and that can't be tolerated."
"Again, I have to ask, why are you telling me?"
"Because Ms. Givings is not here. I felt you should be made aware of the end of this particular effort. Givings is due back on Wednesday, and we will meet to discuss what should be done next. Frankly, I am not happy with her performance to date, but that is a matter for the full committee. I want you to know that this in no way reflects badly on you. We are pleased with your contributions. In fact, I see that you were out and about this morning. Please keep up the good work."
He hung up before I could say anything.
I guess I'll have to wait to hear from Givings. Or someone.
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