Unexpected .......................

I've fallen back on some old routines lately, like going to certain places on certain days and following the same routes to get there. Eating the same things. Stuff like that. But, over the last couple of weeks, some things have happened that were ..... unexpected.

For instance, I had a Dermatologist's appointment that I thought would be just a quick follow-up. He'd removed a small spot from over my left cheek bone 3 weeks ago and I figured he'd say things looked good. Instead, he said it was definitely a squamous cell carcinoma and excised a larger area.

I was not expecting that.

And .... this past Sunday, I got a call from my Pharmacy. They noticed that I had a prescription that was due and wanted to know if I'd be refilling it.

Now that kind of service is really unexpected.

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I had some errands to run today and, since I'd gotten up early, I figured to just take my time. I drove up Rahway Avenue into Avenel and stopped at the Post Office. It's a personal quirk of mine. If I have something to mail, I prefer to drop it into the slot inside the Office and the vestibule opens at 8 to accommodate box holders. I left there and took some side streets towards Shoprite.

These are two-way streets and very narrow so, with cars parked on both sides, only one car at a time can drive through. I don't mind pulling to the side to allow an oncoming car to go first but I expect a hand wave in acknowledgement, which I rarely get. Today, the passenger in the car I let through waved and the next car pulled over to allow me through (which I acknowledged).

I was pleasantly surprised at this unexpected behavior.

Further along, a guy in a pickup truck pulled out of a side street behind me and started to crowd me. He even had the nerve to pound on his horn. I pulled over and let him pass but I fell in behind him. A block or two later, we came to a red light where there was also a left turn only lane. I pulled up next to him.

He didn't look at me but I looked at him.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove on but he didn't.

I bet he didn't expect that.

I stopped at Shoprite and, as I got out of my car, I noticed a Health Department van that had parked in such a way as to block in a particular car. The officer was standing outside looking around. As I passed, I realized that there was a dog locked inside the car and the officer was waiting for the owner. I went inside, picked up what I needed, and left. By now, a police car had joined the Health Department van and both officers were standing there.

I wondered if they had gone inside and had an announcement made. I hadn't heard anything while I was inside.

There have been a lot of stories lately about children or pets locked inside cars but I never expected to see one.

I stopped at Walmart to pick up my prescriptions and took Amboy Avenue towards Metuchen. I made a right onto Main Street and another Right onto Library Street. The Library wouldn't be open for about 15 minutes but there was this one guy in the parking lot, rummaging through whatever he had in the back of his car. I passed by and drove around the block. He was still there.

I didn't expect that, but I didn't pass up the opportunity.

Point, press, Flash.

I decided to swing by Barnes & Noble's to see if they had anything by Charles Portis. I'd just read his "True Grit" and enjoyed it (Yes, I did see the John Wayne version but I always like to read the source material when I can). I wasn't going to buy anything but I did want to read any of the blurbs to see if I might be interested. I was in the Fiction section, walking through the aisles, when I noticed this guy.

I've mentioned before that I don't like to see people sitting there, reading like this was a library. I walked down past Graphic Novels and turned into Mysteries. I came up behind him.

That's when I heard the voice behind me.

"Let him be, Denny. It's hot outside."

Gordon.

I turned but before I could say anything he blurted out .. "What the hell happened to your face?"
I explained the whole Dermatologist/Oncologist/Plastic Surgeon thing. It took a few minutes but he didn't interrupt - just nodded occasionally. When I was done he suggested that we go downstairs to the Starbucks for some coffee. I passed on the coffee but agreed to sit down with him.

We lucked into a table and, after he'd gotten his coffee, he started right in.

"So ... have you heard from your friend Doyle lately?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." I hoped I sounded sincere.
He grinned. "I know more then you think I do, Denny. I've known for a while that Doyle has been in touch with you - on and off. I appreciate your loyalty to him. I hope you've given me the same courtesy." He sipped his coffee.

I mulled that over but decided not to answer. Instead, I said, "Why are you here? I mean ... why put yourself at risk by approaching me out in the open like this?"
"I'm not at risk here. Doyle's boys may be out in the parking lot but they're not in here. I'm pretty sure of that."
"How can you be sure?"
"I've spent the last two months running around and having some fun down in Delaware and Pennsylvania. I'm pretty sure Doyle is down there now waiting for my next appearance. My guess would be that he's only got a skeleton crew following you."
I remembered that when Doyle called last he was out of state. I don't know where Gordon was getting his information but he was on the mark.
"OK. I'll buy that", I said, " So, why are you here now? I haven't seen you in months and, besides, you usually just surprise me in my own apartment."

He'd been drinking his coffee this whole time - almost gulping it - and he finished it now. He got up, threw the cup away, then sat down again, looking me straight in the eyes.

"I've been playing a little game with Doyle. Did he tell you? A couple of months ago, I would unmask my tracker to allow his people to get a "look" at me, usually within a few feet of you. I'll bet he told you .... you can admit it."
I nodded. He nodded also, and went on, although now he seemed be twitching a bit.
"Then I went down to Delaware .... but I told you that already." He started to look around.
"Is something bothering you, Gordon?"
"No ... no ... of course not." He Laughed, but it was forced. "I came here for a reason, Denny."

He leaned across the small table and whispered, "I wanted you to know that everything will be straightened out by the end of the year. Yes .... that's it ... the end of the year."

He stood quickly, turned, and left.

I sat there for a while trying to figure out what just happened.

That was totally unexpected.

In The Mid-day Sun.................

Doyle called last night. He's out of town but he wanted me to know that he's heard about the carcinoma that has grown back again. He said he knew it would have to be cut out - again - and that a plastic surgeon would need to be there to help with the closing. He had his people check the guy out and he's one of the best so I shouldn't worry. I thanked him for that and we hung up. I won't actually meet the plastic surgeon until Monday and then he'll call the oncologist to schedule the procedure. I'll just have to sweat it out and, in this weather, that's pretty easy.
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I was out very early this morning. Partly because I had some things to do and didn't want to be out too long in this heat. Partly due to the sound of a mower coming through my open windows at 7:30. I fed the cat, dressed lightly, and took my stuff - including 3 extra bottles of water and a package of mini-muffins - to the car. As I pulled out, I saw the source of the mower sound.

My windows were open already.

Point, press, Flash.

The first thing I wanted to do was to get my wash done so I headed directly to the Laundromat, located in the Shoprite strip mall. I like this place because they use a card-operated system so I don't have to bother saving up quarters and - since I usually go mid-week and early - it's not very crowded. Plus, I can get whatever shopping I need done while the wash in on.

Half an hour later, my wash was done and I dropped it off back at my apartment. Whatever breeze we had earlier is gone now and I can feel the humidity.

Next, I headed to the Main Library in Woodbridge. On the way, I came across this woman.

I don't know why she was out walking but at least she was on the shady side.

When I got to the library I asked to use one of their computers. I'd found the website for the plastic surgeon and they had a link to a PDF file with all the forms necessary for new patients. I don't have my own printer so - whenever I need to - I use the library's. This way, I'll fill them out ahead of time rather then go through that hassle you get on a first visit.

I left there and headed up to Avenel. I wanted to pay my cable bill. I could start to really feel the heat on my left arm and tried to move it out of the way, not very successfully. I made a right onto Remsen Ave. and another right onto Lord St. There was this guy working on his front lawn.

 He was using one of those loud, gas-powered weed whackers and the noise and fumes were obnoxious.

Point, press, Flash.

I parked on Mina St., dropped my payment in the box, and drove off.

I got gas at the Wawa Station on Route 9. $3.39. Not bad.

I had one more stop to make but it was only a little after 10, although the heat and humidity have been building. I've been drinking my water and eating my muffins so I decided to take the long way through Woodbridge Center. I entered off the Drive and cut through the Sears lot. That's where I saw this guy.

Smart guy, I thought. Taking his time. Staying in the shade.

I got back on the Drive and, after a few turns, got onto New Dover Road. At the intersection with Chain-of-Hills Road, where I was going to make my left, I saw this guy up ahead. I was ready when I made my turn.

Point, press, Flash.

I could feel the sweat on my back now. I headed for my last stop.

I picked up a 12-inch Tuna sub on Italian with lettuce, tomato, onion, sweet peppers, and mayo from the Subways near Pathmark. I headed home. I figured I'd be in by 11:30 at the latest.

In this kind of weather I always remember that, according to Noel Coward, only mad dogs and Englishmen go out ..

in the mid-day sun.

A Good Mood ............................

I woke up this morning in a good mood. Early in the week it was hot and I slept fitfully but last night it cooled off. I slept well. Like I said, I woke up in a good mood.

I should've known it wouldn't last.

I had a few places to go to but no real plan for the day. The sun was out but there was a nice breeze and I figured to just drive around with the windows open and the radio on. I'd take the long way around in between stops. I drove up Rahway to Freeman and headed towards Shoprite. That's when this idiot cut across in front of me.

I was only doing about 25, but he came damn close to the front of my car. Of course, if I'd hit him it would've been my fault not his. I had the Flasher ready, but there were people out at the minivan up ahead and I didn't have the opportunity. I passed by.

My good mood was starting to slip.

After Shoprite, I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast. I sat inside enjoying a Chocolate Chip muffin and a medium Iced Tea, reading my book. I decided to head down Chain-of-Hills Road to New Dover.

As I got close to Wood Avenue, an Edison Township dump truck turned out of a side street right in front of me. The speed limit along here is posted as 25 but this guy was only doing about 10. I was stuck behind him for about 15 minutes while my mood rapidly soured. Finally, he turned into a strip mall parking lot and I followed him in. I held back until he'd parked.

I circled around until he was on my passenger side.

Point, press, Flash.

My mood improved, slightly.

I drove out of the lot and headed towards South Plainfield.

I stopped at the Thrift Store. After looking through the shirts and jeans, I decided to check out the side room where they kept the furniture, electronics, books, etc. I don't normally look through the books but something special caught my eye - "The Sea-Hawk" by Rafael Sabatini. This is a real find. I've looked for this book - on and off - for years. I also wound up picking up two other books - both being additions to different series' that I read years ago. I paid $1.50 a piece but, to me, the Sabatini is priceless.

Definitely feeling better.

Now all I wanted was to head home and start reading. I took the same route back. That's when I saw this guy rooting around in the back of his car.

Sometimes it's just that easy.

Point, press, Flash.

Smiling now.

I kept to my route, still heading home. I came to a corner where I usually make a left turn but I was singing along to the song on the radio and decided to keep going forward.

I made the left turn several blocks later and drove through a development I was unfamiliar with. I figured to go a few blocks then take another left and, hopefully, come out on the street I intended to be on earlier. That's when I saw this guy coming towards me.

A bike rider. Just like this morning. Only this time I could do something.

Point, press, Flash.

I made the left and did find the street I was looking for. I headed for home.

There had been some disruptions but, all in all, I was feeling great. I was back in ...

a good mood.

Any Day...............................

I haven't staged an Event since last month. That was the last time I'd spoken with Doyle - the time he'd told me that Gordon's signal had popped up near me several times over the last few months. Doyle figured that he was baiting the DHS and was hoping that, if I spotted Gordon, I'd try to get word out somehow. I've been watching for Gordon ever since. I'm not sure what I'd do. I'm kinda stuck in the middle here, having been in contact with both sides. I figured it would depend on what Gordon would do.

I figured that I'd see him any day. So far - nothing.

I put it on the back burner when I started a round of doctor's visits.
_________________________________________________________________________________

I was down at my cardiologist's in New Brunswick for blood work on the 21st, and then for my semi-annual visit on the 28th. (I go down to their office for the blood work because we get the results quickly.) According to the Nurse Practitioner, all my levels are good but they forgot to run a panel. I had another blood test taken and my cholesterol levels are good but my triglycerides are high so I now have to watch my carbs.

I went to see my dermatologist on the 6th. He had the reports from the oncologist regarding the carcinoma that was removed several months ago, so he just looked at the results but made no comment. I showed him the new spot that had developed along my left cheek bone. He said that it was pretty small and normally he'd take a "wait and see" approach but, given my history, he took it off. I'd expected that. I also told him about some reactions I've been having. He did a quick skin test and recommended that I take Allegra for it. Apparently, it's allergies.

I don't see another doctor until the 27th. It's a follow-up with the oncologist. I'm semi-optimistic that the carcinoma hasn't come back.

I've been dealing with all of this for 5 1/2 years now. I've learned that anything can happen - any time, any day.
_________________________________________________________________________________
 
It was misty this morning, and damp. Just like it was yesterday, and the day before. Just like it will be tomorrow. They tell me that there's hope for the weekend.

I was out early, and drove up to Avenel to pay my cable bill. Comcast has a small office on Lord Street which has a drop-off box out front. A quick stop and it's done. I took Lord towards Remsen, heading towards Shoprite. Through the mist, just ahead, I saw this person walking.

It was quiet out, and the streets were empty.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove to Shoprite and parked. I had this plan for today's meals but it depended on whether they had the chopped salad I liked. They didn't. On to Plan B.

I had breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts, then headed down Route 1 towards Menlo Park. I changed my mind after a few miles, and made the turn-off on Green Street towards Route 27. This road cuts through a cemetery and that's where I got stuck behind a guy riding a mower who was crawling along on the roadway. After what felt like half an hour but was probably only 10 minutes, he shifted to the left then backed into a side road.

I was the only car on the road.

Point, press, Flash.

As I passed, I noticed the sign that said "Slow Moving Vehicles Ahead". That struck me as funny.

I made a left onto Route 27 and headed towards the library in Metuchen. A few blocks before I got there, I made a right turn -a spur-of-the-moment choice. I drove up a few blocks, then a left, then a few blocks more. It was still overcast, but the mist had cleared. I saw this guy just up ahead.

As near as I could tell, this area backed up against a small park. There were no houses nearby, and no one else.

Point, press, Flash.

I got to the library just after they opened and picked up 2 books at $.50 apiece - one by James Patterson and one by Pete Hamill. They both have good track records with me and the price is right.

I headed up to the Thrift Store that I like in South Plainfield. I rummaged around but didn't find anything.

I took Oak Tree Road to New Dover and headed back. It's a nice, winding, peaceful drive and I was feeling good. I even had the radio going. As I got to the Edison/Woodbridge border, I came up behind this guy.

He didn't seem to hear me as I came up behind him. Maybe he was wearing headphones.

Point, press, Flash.

I continued on until I reached St. George's Avenue. I made a left, and stopped at the Pathmark strip mall. This was Plan B.

I picked up a 12-inch Tuna sub on wheat with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sweet peppers, and mayonnaise.

I headed home.

I wasn't going to worry about what I'd do if Gordon showed up. After all, that could be any time  -

Any Day.

Something Interesting...................

Doyle called last night. He hasn't done that in a very long time. He wanted to meet, and we agreed to hook up at Merrill Park in Iselin at 11:00 this morning. Not knowing what this would be about, I didn't sleep well.

I was out very early this morning. It was supposed to get very warm, and it had the potential to do so, but it was foggy with a slight breeze when I left my house. I drove around aimlessly through the back streets in Woodbridge and Sewarren. I came across this guy first.

I had no idea what he was doing, but I'd already signaled a right turn so I just continued on my way.

A few more blocks. A few more turns. I came up behind this woman.

She was obviously out for her morning walk. Good for her, I thought, and drove by. I'd passed two potential Events, and - I have to admit - I was getting the itch. I kept driving and wound up in Avenel. That's where I saw this guy.

I wasn't sure what he was doing, but there was no one else around and he was pretty hidden by his car door.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove on up the block and made the first right. A few other turns and I found that I was heading towards Edison. I made a sudden left and came up behind this guy.

He kind of caught me by surprise and I wasn't really ready. I passed him by.

It was going on 10:00, so I drove through the Menlo Park Mall and headed back towards Merrill Park. I saw this guy, up ahead, coming in my direction.

The sun had come out, the day had gotten warmer, and I smiled and kept driving. I made a few more random turns, but always with my destination in mind. I wound up on Oak Tree, and made the left onto Chain-of-Hills heading towards New Dover. That's where I came up behind this guy.

He was just standing there, around one of the turns, and there was no one else around.

Point, press, Flash.

This time, I looked in my rear-view and saw him topple over the low railing.

I made the left onto New Dover then, three blocks later, made another left into Merrill Park.

They changed the layout here, slightly, about a year ago but I knew where Doyle would be. I pulled into the parking lot closest to the gazebo and found him leaning against his car. He straightened up when I got out and approached him. We shook hands.

"Denny! How're you doin'?"
"Good, Doyle, and you?"

Like two old friends catching up.

"Great day, huh?" He said. Not really a question, just an observation.
"Turning out good, finally." I said. We both looked around at the other people walking the track, playing ball, whatever.

"So, Doyle, what's up? You haven't called for a meeting in a long time. I'm guessing something's going on."

He took something out of his jacket pocket.
"Have you ever seen this guy, Denny?" He handed me a photograph. It was a couple of years old, but it was Gordon.
I took some time staring at it. "No .... I don't think so. He doesn't look familiar. Who is he?" I looked up at Doyle, and handed him back the photo. I hoped I looked and sounded convincing.

He took it and waited a beat before replying, as if deciding what to say.
"The tech guys tell me that Gordon's tracker signal has popped up,on and off, several times over the last few weeks." He ignored my question.
"Really? So .. you can get  ... you have a way to track him." I asked.
He shook his head. "No. They've been too quick."
"Then why tell me?"
"Because ...... because in every case, they've popped up within 10 feet of where you are. According to your tracker, of course."

I paused to think this through. Was Gordon that close without contacting me? Was he baiting DHS? Was Doyle baiting me?

"Do you think I'm in any trouble, Doyle? Is he dangerous?"
"No. No .. we don't think he'd hurt you. Actually, we think he's telling us that he knows we keep track of you."
"Is that why you showed me the picture?Was that Gordon?"
"Yeah, Denny. That's why. It's a coupla years old, but I wanted you to see what he looked like. If you haven't seen him, fine. He probably doesn't want you to. But I figured that, if you knew what he looked like, and you saw him, you could contact us. Give us a better shot at him. You know?"
"Yeah. I get it. If I actually see him, you'd like me to try to keep him in my sight while texting you to come and get him, right?"

Doyle shook his head and grinned.
"I know it sounds stupid, but .. yeah, that's what we want. Sometimes, this is how we catch a break. So ... whadaya say?"
I shrugged. "What can I say? Sure, but I'm gonna need to hold onto that picture."
"No problem, Den." He gave it back to me. "Here. Let's hope this gets us closer to ending this."

He stuck out his hand, and we shook again.

"Good to see you, Den. Thanks for your help."
"No problem, Doyle. Anything I can do to help."

He drove away. I put the photo in my pocket.

This was a new situation. Something definitely interesting.

Flexibility.........................

I had a plan for today. I was going to drive down into Monmouth County, get breakfast somewhere, then hit the libraries in Hazlet and Middletown. Maybe even stop at the Goodwill Store on the way home.

That didn't happen.

The morning was overcast, and it looked like it might rain. I decided to stay local instead.

You have to be flexible.

I decided to stop at Shoprite first to check out the sales. Then I'd go to Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast. But, they were working at repaving the entry drive into the Shoprite strip mall, so I had to take a wide right to get in. When I came out, I was close to the Taco Bell, so I went there for breakfast. (I have to admit that I was disappointed. I was the only customer and the food was good but not as hot as it should be and they were out of the iced tea that I'd wanted so I settled for Mountain Dew.)

Still, I was being flexible.

The day had brightened up and gotten warmer. I opened the windows and headed up to Rahway and their library. Again, road work created a detour for me. (I'm not complaining about the roadwork. We had such a severe winter that the roads really need to be repaired.) I knew where I was heading and just followed along. That's when I came up on this guy.

He seemed to be headed down his driveway as I came up. There was no one else around.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove on to the library, but didn't find anything I was interested in. I backtracked to St. George's Avenue and then turned right on Inman. I was enjoying the weather and figured on taking a nice, quiet drive towards Metuchen. I followed along until I got to Grove Street where I made the left. I intended to stop at the North Edison library. I got stopped at the light on New Dover right beside St. Helen's. I looked over and noticed this older man.

 

There was no one else around, but he was pretty far away. Besides, he looked pretty peaceful back there.
I changed my mind, and made the right turn towards Metuchen.

Again, flexible.

I stopped at the library and actually came out with two new books. I thought I'd take Main Street up to Woodbridge Avenue and then make my way through Raritan Center. I stopped at the light on Route 27 and a car stopped behind me. I could hear him before I saw him. His radio, or whatever, was that loud.

I don't like that.

Now, Main Street in Metuchen is a busy couple of blocks. It's one lane and you have to be aware of pedestrians crossing wherever they want. It's a slow drive and the guy behind me - who's already disturbed my peaceful mood with his loud music - was right on my back.

I changed my mind and, when I got to the light at Amboy, took the "left turn only" lane. The guy behind me pulled up beside me.

His music was blaring, and the sun was shining brightly. I got the left turn arrow first and as I turned ...

Point, press, Flash.

I had aimed at the car so I noticed that, as I continued my turn, the music had suddenly stopped. In my driver's side mirror I could see the car still sitting there.

Not what I've usually done, but I was being flexible again.

I drove through the Clara Barton section until I got to Woodbridge Avenue where I was, again, in the "left turn only" lane. I noticed that the Hess station on the far corner had regular at $3.35. That's a good price, but I had to make the left. I wound up driving around through some unfamiliar streets in Fords, trying to get back to the Hess station. That's when I saw this guy heading my way.

We were alone out here.

Point, press, Flash.

I got back to the Hess station, put in $20, and drove to Wegman's with the intention of picking up some vegetable cream cheese and a bagel for lunch. They had the bagels but not the cream cheese I wanted.

Oh well, I was sure that I had something I could come up with at home.

After all, this was a day for flexibility.

Good Friday ...................

Good Friday is one of those pseudo-holidays. A lot of schools are closed because they're either on Spring Break already or just going to start it. And, many parents are already off or are taking the day to prepare for the coming vacation. That being said, there are fewer people out and about early in the morning.

Also, it seems to me that Good Friday always starts out as cloudy, overcast. Maybe it's just me and my Catholic upbringing. Still, having looked out the window when I woke up, I decided to stay in bed a bit longer.

I left my house around 9. I had no particular place to go and all day to get there. I stopped at Shoprite for the paper and my lottery tickets (I play quick-picks for the Mega Millions and the Power Ball - Hey, you never know). I didn't do any food shopping. I do the meatless thing today, and I was going to be house-sitting for several days starting tomorrow so I didn't need anything.

I was at 1/2 a tank of gas and, as I passed my local station I noticed that he'd raised his price to $3.29. I figured that if I couldn't find a cheaper place, I'd stop on my way home.

I stopped at Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast - a toasted Blueberry Muffin with butter and a medium, decaf coffee. I decided to head up to the Fords section, then work my way through Clara Barton towards Edison. I passed the Hess station on St. George and he was at $3.29 too. I figured the one on Route 9 would be cheaper so I passed him by. I was wrong. The Route 9 station was at $3.39.

I was driving aimlessly through Fords when I spotted this guy up ahead doing some gardening work.

 
I lowered the passenger side window, and looked around as I drew closer. It was just us.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove past and took the next right. I wasn't exactly sure where I was but I wanted to get off that street quickly. I took the next couple of lefts and found myself on Amboy Avenue heading away from Clara Barton. I went with this new direction and decided to take a turn through Raritan Center.

As I mentioned earlier, today being sort of an unofficial holiday, there were fewer cars on the road and fewer people around. I drove towards a diner that my daughter and I used to have lunch at periodically when she was working nearby. I hadn't been there in about 2 years and I thought I might get something to go that I could have for lunch and supper. As I neared Campus Drive, I noticed this guy walking along.

I looked around as I got closer to the corner, but there was no one else around. I made the left.

Point, press, Flash.

I drove through the lot of the deli but didn't stop. I got back onto Amboy Avenue and drove through Clara Barton.

I passed through Edison and Metuchen. I didn't stop anywhere and didn't come across any other potential Event. I passed several other gas stations but the prices were all around $3.39. Around 11:30, I headed back to the St. George Hess station and got $20 at $3.29 just in time. They were in the process of changing their price to $3.41.

 I stopped at the Subway's in the Pathmark strip mall. I picked up a 12-inch tuna on Italian bread with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sweet peppers, and mayonnaise. I had him cut it off-center. I would have the shorter side for lunch and the longer one for supper.

I drove home and got the parking spot right outside my living room windows. As I locked the car and turned towards the front of my building I noticed that my living room blinds were open. They hadn't been when I'd left. And I noticed that the windows were slightly open.

Gordon.

I found him seated on the love seat in front of the windows. He'd obviously seen me and had closed the windows and was closing the blinds as I entered. He turned and grinned at me.

"Denny! It's good to see you!" He made no move to get off the love seat but just sort of waved at me. He looked thinner then the last time I'd seen him, and his eyes seemed different. They seemed to burn.

"Hey, Gordon ... it has been a while. So .. how're you doin'?"
"Excellent. I'm excellent. And you look well, too, Denny. Well, except for that eyebrow thing from the skin cancer surgery."

That took my aback. I didn't understand how he could know that so I excused myself to put the sandwich in the refrigerator. When I got back to the living room, I found Gordon still seated, still grinning, and - it seemed - waiting for me to say something.

"So ..uh .. Gordon .. what brings you here today? What have you been up to?" I thought I'd wait to ask how he'd known about the surgery.
"Well, I have been pretty busy since the last time we met. Mostly in southern New Jersey, Pennsylvania ... some Delaware. Busy, busy, busy. Having fun and leading a merry chase." He fluttered his right hand in the air. "But I realized the other day that I'd been neglecting you, my friend, so I decided to stop by and wish you a Happy Easter."
"Really? Well, that was thoughtful of you." I wasn't sure how to handle the situation but I was sure that he was now unpredictable. I figured that the best thing I could do would be to go along with it and forget about the eyebrow thing for now. "I hope you get to enjoy the day, too."
"Thank you, Denny. I appreciate that." Then his grin faded, and he got serious. "You know, something occurred to me recently and, once I get an idea like that it won't let me go." He paused as if not sure how to go on. Finally, he looked at me and asked, "Have you ever told Agent Doyle that you and I have met - have spoken - several times?"

I looked him straight in the eye and that wasn't easy.

"No. I haven't. And I don't intend to." I felt myself getting angry. "You and I have a common bond, Gordon, and I wouldn't jeopardize that. They did this to both of us. I don't agree with what you're doing but I won't turn you in. They made their bed and now they have to lie in it."

He stood up. His eyes looked to have cooled a bit. He stuck out his hand and I shook it.
"Thank you, my friend. That makes things easier for me." He walked towards the door. "If you'll excuse me now, I have other things I have to do but things are coming to a head, Denny. Very soon, there will be a reckoning."

He unlocked the door, then turned back to me and waved again. "Happy Easter again, Denny. I left a chocolate bunny on your pillow for you."

He closed the door behind him. Did he really say he'd left a chocolate bunny on my pillow? Damn.

Until this visit, it had been a good Friday.