Inside the mind of God

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Inside the mind of God. Oh God, where do I start? I am thinking that over time to try and see through the mind of God and God’s plan would be like fitting a camel through the eye of a needle. It’s pretty close to impossible. No, it’s damn impossible. We as humans can try to extrapolate thought and ideas, but can we truly know Gods mind. I find it interesting. First that I am writing about this because to be honest it scares and concerns me being raised religious. I am no longer religious (spiritual) which I feel gives me a deeper, more understanding relationship with God. It concerns me that maybe I am overstepping my bounds here with my higher power but I feel like I have been led by my higher power to write this. Given the green light so to speak, my first thoughts inside the mind of God is the creation and then devastation and then the creation and then devastation again. It begs the question that we all seem to have an answer for – “God does not make mistakes!” These clearly sound like mistakes to me of course I am human, and I am not inside the mind of God Perhaps we put too much perfection on God. It’s has been repeated. Only God is perfect, and maybe he is, but maybe the definition is wrong with us and right with God. What if it’s okay that God is not PERFECT I mean after all aren’t we created in his image.

Also, this thing with God creating the world in six days and resting on the 7th! Why does a God need to rest? I have to tell you that I laughed as I wrote that. A God needing to rest just how stupid is that. A God is all-powerful, omnipotent, the idea of God resting sounds like a fantasy to me, a fairy tale. Now those religions who worship the Sabbath day to keep it Holy for some religions that day is Sunday and for others it’s a Saturday. Did anyone ever stop to think that God had other things to do and since we mortals cannot interpret Gods time how do we know? Perhaps God was and still is creating the earth.

The idea that God destroys makes God sound like a killer a murderer. Let’s exam this according to legend – I mean the bible. God has destroyed the earth with a flood, has sent out famine, plagues, let’s not forget Sodom and Gomorrah. All these times told of devastation and death had God made a mistake in his creation. Again the question is how is that possible since God is all-powerful, all-knowing, The Creator, perfect. Maybe it begs the question that God is not our vision of who humans think or say God is. I refer to the idea that we are made in God’s image, we are not perfect and not meant to be because he is not. It is more than likely why we exist and continue to exist. Well, I’ll get into that later.

Now I’m about to throw a little twist into this. So God makes mistakes. First of all let me say that he is allowed to do so after all he created the earth and all there is, that’s got to be a lot of work. Take a look around sometime and breathe it all in. We think that because we build buildings, cars, trains, ships, and send people to the moon that these are huge task. And while they are, they are no comparison to this world, universe that we live in that God created.

What is a God? God is by our definition simply – A God but we have made God so much more and in some ways so little less that God is.

Here’s a question? Where is God now? Now I know that depending on one’s faith, the quick response is he’s “here” “all around us” living in you and me! Okay, those are all good but God presented himself a lot during biblical times. Speaking to Moses, Abraham, Issac, and David just to name a few. Now according to the Bible these were definite conversations as it were because things were being told to these men and as predicted by God occurred and happened just as God said they would. I wonder why God doesn’t do this today? There are ministers and such who claim that in the name of God things happening is God punishing certain people or a specific group of people. Others predicting things such as the world ending on a certain day, or time a lot of them being specific, and nothing happens. Others are claiming that the reason there are devastation, disasters and disease in the world is because God sent it. None of these statements or comments being facts more like ways to exert fear upon the world. Why hasn’t God sent word to us about destroying the earth – i.e. a person?

Okay, ponder these things for a moment. Please feel free to leave comments and thoughts. This topic is going to be an ongoing subject on my blog, so please stay tuned for more.

James Pearson

Joan Rivers Tribute – A laugh heard around the world!

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I arrive in heaven and who’s standing at the door God, St. Peter? – NO Johnny Carson! Yesss! I think how sweet he’s waiting for me, to greet me right?? NO he tells me he’s waiting for Jay Leno – YES!!! He’s doing late night up here in heaven. Can you believe it! He’s waiting on Jay so that he can fill in for him. He’s been needing some time off. So it’s heaven right putting the past behind me I say to him – I’ll do it until he gets here!  Johnny : Well I guess that’s alright but as soon as he arrives you’re out of here! YESSSS!! Nothing ever changes!

So I’m walking around heaven and I see a sign overhead. The sign  says Jewish Heaven and Christian Heaven. Yeah I know separation even in heaven! So of course I walk over to where? Yes,  the Jewish heaven and who is there? Now I know the bitch is Christian but there she stands with and entire Brisket in her hand – Elizabeth Taylor! YESSSS! I couldn’t believe it. “Joan darling welcome! There is so much more food on this side of heaven and Joan please No fat jokes up here!” She says sucking down that Brisket – Are you fucking kidding me!!!  I look over see a roasted lamb shankbone on the table I pick it up and chase her out of Jewish heaven. She takes off running but not before she grabs some matzoh, and just as she’s about to cross over to Christian Heaven she snatches the Lamb shankbone out of my hand!

Yeah – So it’s like a who’s who of celebrity’s up here in heaven.  Whitney Houston, Ruby Dee, Casey Kasem, James Brown – yes can you believe  it James Brown – He’s constantly walking around here saying “say it loud ,– I’m black and I’m proud. You know that Michael Jackson has always Idolized him. So I’m standing here in heaven talking to James Brown and who moon walks over?  Hi Joan – he say’s all sweet and Michael Jackson sounding but I’m not too sure. I say hello because I don’t really recognize him. “He’s Black!”

Okay – Shut Up. I have one more – Robin Williams says to me Joan Darling look at you! You’re looking fabulous as usual!  Looks like we both bit the big one! I look at him – Is he out of his fucking mind! I died!! — Ohhh shhh! Shut Up too soon!!

A mere imitation of Joan Rivers! What is it that they say imitation is the biggest form of flattery!  Once I’m able to fine tune them maybe they’d sound more like Joan Rivers. Someone wrote on their Facebook  page that she’s up there making them laugh. Well that might be true but she was down here longer and she left more than a lifetime of laughter. I miss her something fierce. Allow me a little bragging rights for a moment. I got to meet Joan (very briefly) It was early morning in New York and I was coming out of Penn Station and there she stood in all her fabulousness with her grandson, as her chauffeur was putting their luggage into the car. I said hello Joan – like I knew her and it felt like I did. She waved and said “Hello darling.” I had died and gone to heaven.

I have been a fan of this lady since I was a child. I even wrote an article about her in my local hometown paper. It was so long ago I don’t even remember what it was about but I do remember it got published I was just feeling her. It wasn’t until I moved to NYC that my heart really went out to this woman. It was after her husband committed suicide She stood to lose everything that was Joan Rivers  and not so much because of his suicide, I think that as strong as she is, she would have gotten through that but it was the way it was played out in the media. I saw this woman cry and rage on at the people who were trying to bring her down because of his suicide. She stood to lose everything or should I say most of the public and those people in Hollywood who had power wanted to see her lose everything, but she stayed. She stayed strong, fought back, pushed her way back to the top on her own terms and I was with her all the way cheering her on from her return to Broadway in Homeward Bound – where they made her audition! She was fabulous and I know because I sat in that audience to support her. It was for me phenomenal! Then came her talk show which won an Emmy and after that she was back and on her way up! I watched all that and smiled and laughed with her all the way. She never knew me personally but I knew her and that made it special. I think all her fans felt special, she made us feel special. I didn’t care what fell out of Joan’s mouth and neither did she it was funny. Joan dared and as a comedian you have to dare. In this world we live in of political correctness and watch your tongue or you’ll have to go an apologize to the masses – Joan Rivers said she did comedy – Laugh or not! Was who she was. She didn’t care and people are the funniest things to laugh at and Joan honed right in on that.

I miss her like everyone else who loved her does but her legacy down here on earth will live beyond time and space. You know what, the woman was such an comedy Icon, when I heard that she was in the hospital, in an induced coma, and then on life support – I said to my best friend Thomas Evans! What if this is was one of Joan Rivers jokes – You know that Bitch will do anything to get a laugh and pull one over on us and what a big hoax it would have been – She would have pulled off a Houdini of a joke! I know part of that was me wanting it be a joke. Please God let it be a big Joan Rivers joke because I coulnd’t imagine a world without Joan Rivers but sadly this was not a joke the Queen of Comedy is dead!

I have an old vinyl record of Joan’s from back in the day. It’s from 1987! No making fun of me here okay! I used to listen to over and over and over again. I’m going to pull it out this weekend in honor of her and give a listen again and laugh some more. Like I said she left a lot of laughter down here on earth for us and I’m going to laugh until I cry because that’s what she made me do even when I wasn’t having the best day.

Joan – Fly free, Fly fast, Fly beyond comprehension. Take your place among the mountains and the sea’s and  be delivered unto the stars of which you have always been!

James Pearson

Love is Love

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It’s been a while since I’ve blogged and that’s not always a good thing for me. I still write but I really need to keep this up because I owe it to myself first and to my readers who stop by looking for what I have to say or what I might be thinking. Perhaps we are thinking the same thing and want someone to commiserate with.Also,let’s face it, we like to be in each other’s business and sometimes I don’t mind that. There has been so much going on in this world that for me, trying to absorb it all is much too much for my sensitive nature. I tend to sense and feel everything that goes on around me and the world. With the news and media constantly pushing forward to be heard and seen, especially seen,I sometimes need to tune it out.So, I guess that’s where I’ve been trying to reinforce the positive and let go or travel away  from so much of the negative. Now I’m not saying that everything in the world is negative. I know there’s good even for those who don’t want to see, accept and feel it. I want to feel the good. To rest and revel in it.Hell sometimes wallow in it. I’m not sure if wallow is a word. I know I’ve heard it said. I’ll have to check the dictionary before I leave it in this blog. If it stays then you know that it’s a word.

I had the joy and pleasure to experience a great and very special union on June 2nd 2013. First of all, let me be honest, my first response to that date (because it was on a Sunday) was who in the hell get’s married on a Sunday in the afternoon, in upstate NY when folks who live in NYC have to get back down there and be at work the next morning? (I’m smiling as I write that.) Anyway the union of Van, my very dear, loving,fun,caring,fabulous friend to Bill my brother in-law of sorts because when you’re gay you can make your own family. Y’all know what I’m talking about. Well that’s what Bill became to me when he and Van were married on Sunday June 2nd 2013. Now here’s some more honesty. I’m not much for weddings. I can count on one and half hands the number of weddings I’ve been to. I swear they are long and dragged out “isn’t it time to throw the flowers out to the congregation so we can get the hell up out of here cause we been here all day!” Over time I’ve wondered why I’ve felt that way. It’s only now that I’ve come to realize why. It’s because I was born gay and I could not be married legally, in the eyes of the law. The world would not recognize me as a married person. Van and Bill were married in a church in upstate NY by a minister. Here’s a bit more honesty. When I arrived at the chapel with my friends Dwayne and Desmond,we were almost hit by lighting. That’s not a joke. A bolt and jolt of thunder and lighting rang out as we and others were about to walk into the church which made us duck for cover. Silly as it was, because of what the world has told me, “look, see that’s the Lord talking.” I told you! silliness, such stupidity as I sit here and write this. The church, the service, the people, the love and let’s never forget the love that filled the church was magical.When the ceremony was over, all of us,(gay, straight, young, old, black, white, male and female) walked out of that church to the fresh smell of a late spring rain that had slowly passed into sunshine. The universe had truly smiled down on this union.

The reception was held at their upstate home-getaway,(summer winter retreat) Which was within walking distance from the church. It was a reception filled with people,the couple of course, their parents, and other family members, guest and dates.You know the scene. We ate, we laughed, we made toasts, gave speeches, made more toasts, expressed our feelings and hope for a long and prosperous lasting love. Van and Bill  talked about how they met, the reason why the universe brought them together and why they decided to marry. It’s the same reason why anyone wants to get married! Because these two consenting adults love each other and want to spend what ever time they have together on this planet as one-together. So that no one, no thing, and nothing could tell them that they couldn’t show their love for one another. When the music started, the dancing began and the guest were shaking there butts and feeling the music and loving one another. The newlyweds Van and Bill jumped on the floor and did their wedding dance. It was sweet and you could see the love in their eye’s and the need for Bill to say “thank God’s that’s over!’ A little shyness in Bill makes him cute. The thing that touched me the most and belive me I was touched by a lot of beautiful things that wedding day, was when Van’s father waltzed onto the floor to dance with his son. I can still see the look on both of their faces. It still chokes me up. This man, this father was celebrating his son marrying the person he had chosen to go through life with, to love and cherish world without end. It was and still is the most loving thing that I took away from the wedding. I was also moved by the conversations that I had with other human beings – for the sake of labeling people, I’ll say “straight people.” One on of those straight person’s was Bill’s cousin. He said to me and my friend Dwayne. “I don’t know why people don’t get it. What’s even to get? When you love you just love. I love my girlfriend and people don’t question it. I’m just glad to be here to help celebrate my cousin and I’m happy that he has found someone to love and who loves him.” I looked at this enlightened straight man and smiled. I thanked him too. I acknowledge him here, even though he’ll never know that (or perhaps he will). I acknowledge the other straight folk old and young who chose to accept that love is love. Dwayne,Desmond and I left at 7pm, much longer than I thought I would stay. In leaving I felt like I was leaving family members, even though I had met most of them for the first time. I even told Dwayne that I look forward to the next family reunion. The loving couple are returning from their honeymoon this week. I can’t wait to hear about it.

In this week of Gay Pride with the Supreme Courts decisions on DOMA and prop 8 looming, while we wait for our government to decide our love and how it can be shown and how we are to live our lives as consenting adults, I say enough already! It’s time to wake up. Do we allow them to push us backwards or do we as a people both gay and straight stand up and speak for ourselves and say we shall not and no longer be told who we are and what we are to do. We know! Let’s us love and be loved. That is our God Given Right. Congratulations Bill and Van.

 

Love,

 

James Pearson

348 West 49th Street – Chapter 12

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Tommy is with his sponsor. They have just left an A.A. meeting and his sponsor David  is walking to the train. Tommy walks with him so that he can get in some sponsor – sponsee time. “So what should I do?” Tommy asks him

“I suggest that you should stay out of the chat rooms for a while.” David says to him with regards to him telling him about Ramon and the other guys he’s come in contact with in his search for love or whatever else he’s looking for.

“Well how else am I supposed to meet men?” Tommy ask him.

David stops walking for a minute, looks at him and say’s.  “Tommy you want to meet quality men right?”

Tommy stops walking too. He hesitates before he answers. ” Well yeah but.”

“But what?”

” I don’t know!” Tommy slowly starts to shut down on this topic. His sponsor picks up on it

“See now there you go. We try to touch on what you really want and need from a man and you start to shut down on me.”

Tommy sounding defensive. “I do not!”

David laughed and shook  his head.  “Yes Tommy you do.”

Tommy now sounding both defensive and annoyed. ” I said I do not and stop laughing at me!”

David  starts walking again and Tommy  continues on in step with him. He is still feeling agitated  but says nothing. “How long have I been your sponsor Tommy?”

Tommy does not answer him.

“And  I never laugh at you. I want you to understand something though. When you talk to me I listen. When you ask me a question, I am only giving you suggestions. What you decide to do afterwards that is between you and your higher power.”

Tommy  being Tommy starts  acting embarrassed. “I know. What ever. Let’s keep walking.”

David shook his head at him again, smiled, stops walking for a second and say’s. “Tommy you know what I want you to do for your-self?”

“What?” Tommy said honestly sounding interested.

“I want you to sit down and make a list of ten things/qualities that you want in a man. When you are done, you and I will sit down and talk about it. Can you do that?”

Tommy lets out a very loud sigh. “Yes! Okay I will.”

“What’s the matter?” David ask him.

Tommy smiled. “I hate home-work.”

“Don’t think of it as home-work. Think of it as nourishment for your soul.”

“Who are you Oprah now!”

David puts on a big ole smile.  “I’ll take that as a compliment. I don’t even think that Oprah could sponsor you. You’re a hand-full and a half but I love you.”

“What are you trying to say?  That I am a hopeless case?”

David shoots him  Tommy a look that Tommy is all too familiar with and they both laugh.

“Tommy you know that I love you more than I love my shoes.”

Tommy looks down at the shoes that David is wearing and responds with playful attitude. “I hope that you are not talking about the ones that you are wearing now. Those are just not working child.”

“You are such a “Diesel queen.” Leave my shoes alone.”

“What ever!” Tommy says with a smile. Enjoying their exchange of attitude.

“So you are going to do the list right? Trust me I did and I would never suggest it if I had not done it my-self. It worked for me. I have been with the same partner for 8 yrears now because of that list.”

Tommy  Mockingly says. “Yeah, yeah I know and “he’s everything that you could ever want in a guy.” I have heard it before. But here’s the “hit” where did you find him?”

” God sent him to me.”

Tommy with even more mockingly and sarcasm says.  “From where? Did he just drop him from the sky? Because I tell you what, with my busy schedule  God knows that I can’t meet a descent man in a club. All they really want to do is hook-up and while I am not against hooking up, I want to meet someone to actually date.”

“Thus the list Tommy. And I say that God sent him to me because after I made the list I stopped needing. I knew what I wanted and it didn’t become a priority and then one day – sitting having lunch by myself, minding my own business and there he was. He walked right up to me. A gift from God. I’m just saying.”

Tommy  still with the mocking. “I know and the rest is history! I’ll do the list okay. Meanwhile what I do about Ramon?”

“That situation seems to be taking care of it-self from what you have told me. Perhaps you should let it be. Let your higher power continue to take care of it for you. Can you do that?”

Sounding doubtful. – “I guess. I don’t know.”

The two of them arrived at the train station. David gives Tommy a hug and a kiss on the cheek.  ” Well that’s honest. What ever you decide to do you know that you can always talk to me about it.”

David slowly walks down the stairs to the train and say’s – “Do the List!”

Tommy playfully yells back – I will!! Damn work my nerves”

Tommy leaves the train station stop and starts to walk up 7th   avenue from Christopher Street. He walks in and out of a few clothing boutique’s. After trying on several hats he finally decides to buy one. He walks out of the store and then he stops into a fast food restaurant to pick up something for dinner. He decides to go to  the park off 14th street and 8th ave. to sit down to eat. He looks up after taking a bite from his salad and a man is standing right in front of him. It was Ramon.

“You come here often Tommy?”

348 West 49th Street Chapter 11

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Marc is on  the set rehearsing  the extras on what they are supposed to say and do in the up-coming shoot. Sui- Lon walks out onto the set while John looks on with Hunter and Cole.

“So did you guys have a good time?” He ask them.

Hunter who is all excited says “Yes I am learning a lot about movie camera’s and how they work. I want to buy a movie camera.”

Cole laughs at him and with a little smirk on his face says to him – You can’t buy a big movie cameras like this. They are too big for you to carry around.”

Hunter – (Matter of fact.) – “Coley I know that. Duh…But they do have small ones. I want one to practice with so I can be a camera man when I grow up. Can I John? Please?”

John – (Smiling.) “Of course you can. Let’s talk about it later though when we get home. But when you get it I want you to teach your brother how to use it too.”

Hunter – (Smiling back.) – “Is that your secret way of saying that I have to share?”

John – (Playfully) -“Now would I do that?”

Cole giggling says, “Yes!”

“Coley you’re a funny guy smart but funny.”

John musses up Coles hair.

Meanwhile on the set Marc is going over the lines with the extras.  Sui-lon thinks that they are all hearing these lines for the first time.

“Okay let me quickly set up this scene. The main star is standing near his open window thinking that he is talking to himself. He doesn’t see you all standing outside waiting for the bus. When he say’s loud enough for you all to hear: “Well will you?” And then you all (The extras) will respond mockingly: “Will I what?” and then all of you burst out laughing and then of course embarrassed he will close his window. Okay everyone got it?”

Sui-Lon along with all the other extra’s nod their heads yes. Marc does two more quick rehearsals. He tells the actors and crew that this is going to be a take. Someone yells : “Quiet on the set! Take 1!”

Actor: Well will you?

(The other extras do not respond.)

Sui-Lon –  Will I what?

She looks at the other extras wondering why they aren’t responding  with her on cue. She is little embarrassed thinking that perhaps she miss-spoke.

Marc – “Will you marry me Sui-Lon?”

Sui-Lon looks over at the director’s chair and catches Marc’s eye. She is really surprised.

Sui-Lon – “Will I what?”

Marc – “Will you marry me?”

Sui Lon blushes and puts her hands over her face as Marc starts to walk over to her.

Sui-Lon –” Marc are you serious are you sure? Are you playing with me here?”

Marc is standing in front her now. He bends down on one knee and pulls out an engagement ring.

“Nope I am not kidding. The crew help me set this up and it’s costing us a fortune to shoot this so if you say no.”

She interrupts him. “I’m not going to say no.”

” So you’ll marry me?”

“In a New York minute.”

Marc slips the ring on her finger. Sui-Lon starts to cry. He stands up and wipes the tears from her eyes and they kiss and embrace and everyone starts to cheer for them.

John who is also tearing up says. “Perhaps some one should yell cut!”

Marc stops kissing Sui-Lon for a moment smiles and yells – “Oh yeah.. Cut!

____________________________________________________________________________

Det. Little and Det. Larrabee are standing outside the apartment of Rebecca’s in-laws Mr. and Mrs. Krampf before they knock on the apartment door Det. Larabee says,”Now Little before we go in remember let’s stick with the question’s that we went over and let’s not deviate from them.”

Det. Little – (Annoyed.) – “I know Larrabee. I know!”

“I am only saying it man because you know that I told the captain to keep you on this case. I mean after all man you have been my partner for over ten years and I stuck my neck out for you here so let’s do this by the book.”

” I know man and I do appreciate it. I’ve got your back here too. Don’t worry. Now let’s do this.”

Det. Little knocks on the apartment door. Mrs. Krampf opens the door.The Detective’s show her their badges and announce their name’s.

Mrs. Krampf looked at their badges and said. “Hello may I help you? What is this about?”

Det. Little says to her.”If you would let us come in we would like to discuss the death of your daughter-in-law Rebecca Krampf.”

She waves them in and calls out to her husband to let him know that they have guests. He walks into the living room. He shakes their hands and everyone sits down except for Mrs. Krampf. “Excuse me for a moment I have a pot on the stove and I need to turn the heat down. I don’t want it to burn up. Don’t start with-out me.”

“Not a problem Mrs. Krampf. What ever you’re cooking sure smells good.” Det. Larrabee tells her.

She smile’s and laughs to herself because the only pot she has on the stove is a pot of water. “Thank you. I won’t be but a minute.”

She walks into the kitchen and pulls her cell phone out of her pocket and sends a text message.

Text Conversation :

Text : They r here.

Text Response : u know what to say.

Text : Of course. Little nervous.

Text Response :  Breathe! Call me later.

Text: I will.

Text Response: Think of the boy’s.

Text: Done!

(End of text messaging conversation.)

Mrs. Krampf walk’s back into the living room. She sits down on the sofa beside her husband. Smiling gracefully she says. “Sorry to keep you gentlemen waiting.”

“Not a problem ma’m.” The detectives say at the same time.

Det. Little starts off with the questioning. “We’re investigating the death of your daughter in law and we just need to ask you a few questions.”

Mr. Krampfs answers. ” Anything we can do to help detectives. Oh I’m so sorry officer’s where are my manners? May I offer you some coffee or anything to drink?”

Both detective’s thank her and decline her offer and continue with the questioning.

“Where were you on the night she died?”

“We were over at friends that night having dinner. We didn’t get the call until that next morning though. We were just devastated. Just devastated!” Mrs. Krampf said to him.

” Who called you?”

“John.”

“That’s John Childs. Right?”

“Yes that’s correct.”

” Now was he seeing her?”

Mrs. Krampf smiled – “If you mean by “seeing” her were they dating? Not hardly they were very good friends.”

Det. Little shifted in his chair a little himself seeming uncomfortable from the previous question. “Was she “seeing” anyone?”

Mrs. Krampf still very composed says. “No. She was very devoted to our son and when he died her total devotion went to those two beautiful boy’s our grandchildren.”

Det. Larrabee who had been quiet during the question takes over.  “You seem very sure about that.”

“I am very sure because I am certain that she would have shared it with me.”

Det. Little stepped in again. “So you were very close with your daughter-in-law?”

Mrs Krampfs nods her head with a very certain yes and says. “Very!”

“And your grand-children?”

“Yes most definitely!”

Det. Little sounding very serious and attempting to sound concerned before asking her – “I’m just curious then? Why did she leave her kids, your grand-children with her “friend” (He does quotation marks.) John instead of you and Mr. Krampf. I mean after all you are their blood.”

Mrs. Krampf who was not believing his sounding of concern at all says. “That was a decision that she made. It was in her will. It was her choice and we stand by it.”

Mr. Krampf who had been quiet the entire time backed her up with. “Yes we do!”

“I see. So that didn’t upset you at all?”

“Why should it? John is a really wonderful, respectable young man and we can see our grandchildren when ever we want.”

Det. Larrabee took over again. “The fact that he is gay doesn’t bother you?”

Mrs. Krampf  sat up in her chair leaned in towards the detective, looked him straight in the eyes and said. “Should it? Does it bother you? And sense it seems that you knew that he was gay why did you ask me if she was “seeing” him?”

“Well you know that there are some situations where the woman doesn’t know that her lover is gay. It happens all the time.”

“Trust me. She knew that John was gay. She and John were very close friends. He spent time with her and the boys.  Rebecca lived in New York City for Gods sake. She had more than a few gay friends as well as clients that she did reflexology on. Everyone that Rebecca came in contact with loved and respected her including us.”

Seeming apologetic Det. Larrabee says. “I don’t mean to imply anything. It’s just necessary that we cover all the bases here regarding her death.”

Mrs. Krampf nods her head.  “No problem anything we can do to help.”

Mr. Krampf agreeing with her ask.”Yes. Yes. Do you have any leads?”

Det. Little not wanting to give anything  away says.”Right now we’re just investigating all possible leads.”

Mr. Krampf  not believing him responds with. “I see.”

“One last question. When was the last time that you or your husband saw Rebecca?”

Mrs. Krampf lifted her head slightly to think. The last time we stopped by was about 6 months before her death right honey.

Mr. Krampf nodded his head in agreement.

“So sounds like you didn’t see her very often?” Det. Little ask her.

“We saw her and the children as often as we could. Distance had a lot to do with it. After all we live out here in Forest Hills Queen and she was in the city.”

“So sounds like you really couldn’t say whether or not if she was “seeing” or involved with anyone. I mean if you didn’t have much close personal contact. How can you be so sure that she wasn’t involved with someone?”

Mrs. Krampf sounding matter of fact.”It’s something she would have talked to me about. Trust me I would have known.”

Det. Little closes his note pad and stands up. Det. Little also stands up.

“Well Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Krampf. We’re sorry we interrupted your dinner.”

Mrs. Krampf interrupts him before he can finish his sentence. She and Mr. Krampf are also standing now.

“No problem at all. Anything we can do to help. It’s not a problem. If you could just please keep us informed we would appreciate it.”

Both detective’s nod their heads. They all walk towards the door. Mr. Krampf opens it and the Detective’s step outside.

“Thanks again for your time. Should we have any more questions we will contact you. Det Little say’s to her.

“No problem.”

Mr. and Mrs. Krampf close and lock the door. She pulls out her cell phone and sends a text.

Text Message :

Text : They just left.

After she sends the text message she puts the phone down and she and Mr. Krampf embrace.

Outside the Detective’s are walking to the car. They get inside the car.

Det. Little says to his partner. “So what do you think?”

“Nice lady. (He hesitates.) – Smart lady too.”

Yeah and her answers seemed to pat.”

Det. Larrabee agrees with him. “She certainly seemed rattled when I brought up the grand-children and John.”

“Yeah but she recovered really fast. She didn’t miss a beat. Something’s up.!”

Det. Little starts the car and they start to drive away. “Well what ever she might not be telling us. We’ll be back with more questions and we’ll put a car on them and their apartment.”

“Agreed but I have sneaking suspicion that she’ll be ready and waiting for us and the car that we’re going to put on them.

348 West 49th Street Chapter 10

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Devon is at the MTD recording studio with his singing group Seph’ they have been trying to lay down some tracks all morning.

“Okay guys that’s great. Now let’s do it again.”

The singing group was tired from all the hard work they had been been there since very early in the morning. They start to grumble and moan at Devon’s request to do it again for what seemed like the hundredth time.

“Come on people it’s really great but you can do it much better. One more time and after that we’ll do a take.”

A flashing red light comes on in the studio to alert them that there is a phone call. Devon quickly picks up the phone and when he hangs it up he says. “I know that you all are going to be very sad but I am going to have to give you a break. I need to run upstairs for a meeting. You can still rehearse on your own after the  break. Please try not to miss me too much.” He said with smile.

Seph’ cheered and applauded playfully because he was leaving them. Devon takes a bow and walks out the door. He gets on the elevator and heads up to the 16th floor. When he gets off the elevator he opens the door to the boardroom where he is greeted by  his Scott his agent, and two executives producers from the MTD recording label and another gentleman who Devon avoided making eye contact with.

“Hello Devon. I am sure that you know everyone here except for Robert. This is Robert Lurie his company will now be representing your group as their publicist.” Scott said to Devon.

Devon who was taken aback by what he was being told. Reached out and shook Roberts hand. “Gentleman I’m a bit surprised here. My group Seph’ already has a publicist.”

Edward one of the executive producers responded to Devon with a smile and said. Robert Lurie Agency is and has always been a part of the MTD recording label. We use them for all our newly signed talent.”

Devon shook his head in disapproval. “Edward I can appreciate that but Seph’ is hardly new talent here in NY. The Turaj Agency has been our publicist since we started. They’ve done right by us. I am not turning them loose and besides I already have a signed contract with them”

Lee the other executive producer sounding annoyed but trying to be diplomatic says to him. “I am sure that the Turaj Agency was very good for what you needed them for at the time, but now you’re signed with a major recording label. Seph’ needs major representation  and that’s what the Robert Lurie Agency can provide. And as far as the signed contract that you have with the Turaj Agency, we can buy them out of their contract .”

Devon gave them a scowling laugh of disapproval. “Gentleman I’m sorry but I’m not going to ask them to do that. They were with us from the groups inception. They have worked really hard for us in getting the group’s name out there. And they may not be as large as the Robert Lurie Agency but they have been there for us and they have a good reputation.”

Lee still trying to sound diplomatic but becoming noticeably annoyed tries to explain it to him again. “Devon this is a part of the process for all new MTD recording artist. We really need you onboard with this.”

“Sorry gentleman I can’t get onboard with this. The Turaj Agency is who I want to stay with.” He says very adamantly.

Edward who had allowed Lee to sort of the carry the ball with this decided he better jump in again because he couldn’t understand why Devon wasn’t allowing for any flexibility. “Devon what is the problem here? We are offering Seph’ one of the biggest names in the industry. Yes the group is known here in NY and a few other cities but we want to take them global, push them out into the stratosphere. And let’s be honest here you can’t do that the Turaj Agency. Surely you can’t have a problem with that!”

Shaking his head Devon say’s, But I do!”

Edward agitated and showing his disapproval of Devon’s behavior. “Devon I don’t understand this. This is a win-win situation here. What is the problem?”

Robert Lurie who had been sitting there very quite during the entire meeting responds to Edwards question. I’m afraid gentleman that I am the problem. Right Devon?” He says this with a playful smile on his face.

“He speaks!” Devon says very sarcastically.

The two music executives and Devon’s agent Scott all look over at Robert. “What’s going on here Lee ask him.”

“Shall I tell them Devon or do you want to?” He says with an honest to goodness twinkle in his eye.

Devon shrugging his shoulders says. I’m not sure what you think you have to tell them Robert. But please be my guest share with us.”

“My company represents Charles Corrieri, Broadway’s and the worlds most renowed and very well known conductor and musician.”

“And let’s not forget one of your dearest friends. I am wondering if perhaps my father has his hands in this deal?” Devon said almost becoming heated from the thought of it.

” I can assure you Devon – your father has nothing to do with this. My firm has always worked with MTD recording just as these gentleman have been saying. This just happens to be one of life’s little coincidences.” Robert said to him.

Edward wanting to get back to business says to them. “I don’t know exactly what’s going on her but any issues that you have with your father and to be honest with you, I don’t care. I need for you to put them aside for the good of your partnership with MTD recordings. That is if you still want your group to remain on our label.”

“That sounds like a threat Edward. I hope, truly hope that it isn’t! I have a signed contract.” Devon said to him very calmly, so calmly that he sounded threatening.

Lee always the diplomat at least still trying to maintain that role interrupted them. “Gentleman let’s bring this down a thousand. This is going in the wrong direction. Devon no one is making threats here. I just feel like we should be able to come to some kind of compromise.”

Robert stood up and said. “I think perhaps if we just all take a break, give Devon time to think this through.”

Devon stopped him.  “I don’t need to think about this.”

Smiling and sounding impressed Robert says, “I swear you are just like your father.”

Not very happy to hear him say this Devon says. “You think so? I’ll tell you what I’ll compromise here but you’ll have to do something for me.”

Curious Robert says, “What is it?”

“Lose my father as a client. Now gentleman this meeting is over for me. I have to get back to my group. I’ve left them in the studio far too long. Robert you’ll call me tomorrow when it’s done and then we’ll be working together. Ciao.”

He gets up and walks out the door. While everyone else remains seated.

Edward  very angry at this point says to Scott “You’re his agent handle Devon.”

“No one handles Devon. He’s a very smart business man. He knows his business and his business is music. He knows what’s good in this industry and what sells. I will speak to him though.”

As they were all leaving the boardroom Robert still smiling and almost seeming to enjoy what had gone down there with Devon and the exec’s said. He’s just like his father – Brilliant!”

_______________________________________________________________________

Simone was sitting in the Savpasich coffee-house impatiently waiting for Josh. She almost got up and left twice. She wondered to herself why she was waiting for this mess of a man but she had to admit she was curious to find out what he had to say. It would also give her a chance to tell him off too. She ordered a cup of cinnamon spice tea with a touch of licorice. The waitress brought it over to her table.

“Thank you very much.”

“You’re very welcome. Will that be all?” The waitress asked her.

Simone gave her a – I’m thinking about having something I shouldn’t have look. “Well I would like to order a slice of marble pound cake that is if you could take the pounds out of it.”

She and the waitress both laugh.

“It looks like you could afford a pound or two. You look like you’re in great shape. Go ahead and order it. It’s very good.” The waitress said to her.

“Thanks! You’re very sweet and upon your recommendation, please bring it over here before I change my mind.”

The waitress smiled at her. “Very good. I’ll bring it right over.”

The waitress turns to walk away. Simone thinking that she’s talking to herself and sounding exasperated say’s “Oh God – what am I doing here?”

The waitress still within ear shot says to her. “Excuse me?”

Simone a little embarrassed says to her. “I’m sorry. I guess I am thinking out-loud.”

The waitress backs up walking back to Simone’s table says. “Not a problem I do it all the time. What is it that they say? As long as you don’t talk back to yourself, then you’re not crazy. At least that’s what my mama told me.”

“Oh is that what they say? Then I better watch myself because I was about to respond.” Simone said with a worried look on her face.

The waitress winked at her and said. “Don’t worry I want leak it to the National Enquirer.”

Simone gave her a wink back. “I was worried!”

They both laughed. The waitress put her hand on Simone’s shoulder to give her a sense of comfort that she felt that she needed and Simone patted her hand while it sat there for a couple of seconds allowing for it and thanking her without words. The waitress walked away to get Simone some marble cake. Simone picked up her cup of tea and began to blow very lightly on it to cool it off. When she was able to take a sip she looked up and there was Josh standing right in front of her.

“May I have a seat?” He ask.

Simone put out her hand directing him to have a seat. “Certainly!”

“Thanks for waiting for me. I really appreciate it. I mean I really don’t deserve it – considering the way that I acted that last night I saw you in Israel.”

Simone with attitude says. “Well if that’s your way of apologizing then go on!”

“Can you forgive my behavior? I shouldn’t have treated you that way. I should have respected your wishes or at least just stayed… (He hesitated) I should have just stayed!”

Simone picked up her cup of tea again and takes a sip. She puts the cup back down and looks him square in the eye. This was the moment she had been waiting for. The reason she sat there waiting for him. She was going to light his ass up.

“What do you want me to say?  When you left me that night, I went through an ocean of emotions. I have almost drowned many times in my life but I’ve always managed to pull myself ashore and that’s what I did that night. I bought my ass back to New York never expecting to see you again. And yet here you are asking me to forgive you for something that in my mind has drifted off to sea.”

She shakes her head and takes another sip of tea. The waitress walks over to the able and brings her the marble pound cake. Then she takes Josh’s order. He orders a cappuccino.

“That’s it? Ahh come on you have to order a dessert. You can’t let the lady “dessert” alone.” The waitress said with great big ole smile on her face.

Josh smile back at her and said. “Certainly not! I’ll have what she’s having.”

“Good choice. I’ll be right back.”

That waitress sure has a way with words. I did desert you that night. I’ll understand if you don’t forgive me. I just wanted you to know that  I know now that it was very stupid  and ignorant of me.”

Simone gave him a very puzzled look. “You know now? What happened did you all of a sudden get some revelation? Or does this have something to do with your test results? Did you get them?”

Letting out a big sigh Josh said. “Yes I did!”

“Well?”

Still with another sigh Josh hesitates at first. “Before I tell you I just was to ask you something. And your answer doesn’t have to be dependant upon my HIV results. (Sounding very humble) – I would really like to start fresh with “us” here in NY. I want rush you or make you feel pressured in any way. I’m just asking you to think about it for now. And whatever your answer is, I will accept it. But you have to admit the two of us meeting the way we did in Israel and now today at the same doctors office well, I just want to start fresh. If you can just set aside my human stupidity.”

Simone stops him before he could finish because he just seemed to have more to say. She couldn’t take it any more. She through her hands up in the air at him – waving for him to stop talking. With a little calm sarcasm she says to him.

“Please stop it. I can’t hear anymore of this. You’re breaking my heart. Where was this person that night when we were about to make love and you ran out on me?”

Blushing and sounding he says to her. “Hiding in my manhood and stupidity!”

“I want promise you anything. I can’t even promise you that my answer won’t be dependant upon your HIV results. I can promise you this. I will listen and be here now at this moment, after that I don’t know.”

“Fair enough and honest. I got my results back and well they came back negative.”

Simone smiled at him. “Congratulations. I am happy for you. Please make sure that you stay that way.”

Simone gets the waitresses attention. She takes money from her purse. Josh is sitting there, a bit surprised at her reaction or what he thought was lack there of.

“This should cover it. I ‘m also paying for his.”

“Okay – thank you and have a good evening.” The waitress says to her as she begins to clear the table.

Simone reaches into her purse again and this time she pulls out a business card and hands it to the waitress.

“Here take this. I like your energy. I need a receptionist. The job pays very well. If you want a job at my hair salon, it’s yours. Call me!”

The waitress was very surprised and thankful. “Thank you very much. I will – I absolutely will!”

Simone stands up. She puts heer hand on Josh’s shoulder. “Josh once again congrats! I assume that you still have my number?”

Josh sounding puzzled responds with a yes.

“Okay. Well I have to go. You take care of yourself.”

She removes her hand from his shoulder and walks out the door. When she gets outside the coffee-house she hails a taxi, gets inside, tells him her address. “348 W. 49th please.” She pulls a handkerchief from her purse and wipes a tear from her eyes.

348 West 49th Street – Chapter 9

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John and Marc are still sitting inside the movie trailer when they hear a knock on the door. John got up to open the door and there stood Sui-Lon with a big old smile on her face. Marc immediately jumped up almost knocking John down. He gavesher a big hug and kiss. John gives her a hug and kisses her on her forehead.

“Okay what are you guys up to?” She asked sounding all curious.

Smiling Marc said. “We were making out of course.”

“Well it’s about time that you two guys hooked up. Gosh, finally – get it out of your system and move on.”

“Yeah well we’re all ready registered at Tiffany’s darling!” John said winking at Marc.

The three of them looked at each other and burst out laughing. Sui-Lon took a seat and looked around the trailer admiring how well decorated it was. It had a big flat screen television and it even had a well stocked bar. Before she could comment on it. Marc said. “Listen sexy I am glad that you got here on time. Stay here and chat with John. I’ve got to go out and get the crew set up for this next scene that we are shooting which includes you and all the other extras.” He walked over to her and gaves her a kiss on her forehead, turns around to John winks at him and exits the trailer.

Sui-Lon walked over to John who is now looking out the window, still watching Hunter and Cole. She looks out the window with him. “They’ll be fine you know. We are all here for them and you. So don’t feel like you have to bear the whole weight of the world on your shoulders like you normally do.” She said reassuring him.

John shrugged his shoulders and with a half smile on his face says. “Yeah like you’d let me.”

“Exactly! As long as we all stick together on this and we will. There is no need for you to feel alone. Got it?”

John heard her but didn’t feel like he had to really respond. He knew that she of all people knew him. “Look at them out there with Marc and the camera guy. You would never know that they just lost their mother.” He sighed -“Children are so resilient like we used to be right?”

“Like you still are John. You have always been strong-willed.  John – able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. But please continue to lean on me on all of us. Stick to the plan and we will see the children through this and find out exactly what happened to Rebecca.” She clasped her hand in his and they continued to stare out the window watching the boys until Sui-Lon was able to slowly move him away from the window.

“So spill. Tell me what I am really doing here? Marc asked me to come down to be an extra but I know that he has something up his sleeve.” She said sounding very curious.

Playing with her John says. “Sui-Lon what makes you think that?”

Looking deep into her friends eyes Sui-Lon says to him. “Well number two is your response and number one, you know how many times I have asked Marc to let me be an extra? More times than Ricky Ricardo told Lucy that she could not be in his show.”

They both laugh.

“Really I can’t tell you and stop looking at me. You know that we can read each others thoughts and you better act surprised.”

With a big jolt of enthusiasm and surprise  she yells out. “Oh God he’s going to ask me to marry him!”

John had a big smile on his face finding it hard for even him to keep his cool and the surprise to himself. “Yes!!! Now I know that he’s talked to me about it a few times but this time he is definitely going to ask you. He’s really going to ask you!”

“Are you sure? Sui-Lon ask him.

John nodded his head like a giddy school boy with a secret which had already been let out of the bag.

“I love the guy but I know what happened to him the last time that he went down the isle. He was really hurt. Marriage scares him. It’s why I’ve never pressed the issue. Oh my God he’s really going to ask me.” She just couldn’t believe it.

Still with a big smile on his face John says. “Yes! What are you going to say?”

She shakes her head back and forth. “John I don’t know. I guess I’ll say yes.” She stands up. “I’ll say YES!”

John stands up and they hug. Then she playfully pushes him away from her. “Damn you John! Why did you tell  me? Now I have to go out there and act all surprised.”

“Hello didn’t I say that earlier! Now you go out there and act as if.”

Sui-Lon gave him a strange look not knowing what he meant by that.”Act as if what?”

“As if you’re going to accept the academy award Lucy.” He said still smiling all happy.

Sui-Lon shook herself off like she was trying to get into character trying to reassure herself. “Yeah I can do that.”

John started rubbing her shoulders like she was a fighter about to go into the ring. “Yes you can girl. It’s just a marriage proposal. Just fake it.”

“Right – fake it to make it. When and how’s he going to do it?”

John shook his head no. “That’s it. I am not telling you any more!”

There was a knock on the door. It was Marc telling her to come out for the shoot. John and Sui-Lon walk outside and follow Marc to the set.

————————————————————————————————————————————-

Simone is sitting in the doctor’s office waiting for him after being prodded and poked with needles by his nurse. The doctor walks in sits down at his desk and opens her chart and starts to read it.

“Dr. Hoody no matter how many times I come in for my blood results I am always freaked out and what for? I know that I take good care of myself. I take my meds and still the moment that I walk into your office I start to fall apart.”

Dr. Hoody closed her chart and smiled at her. “Well as usual you can relax Simone. Your T-Cells have not fallen since your last visit, still over 700. That’s very good and your viral load is still very, very low. Once again your status is almost undetectable.” He put her chart down on his desk and sat back in his chair.

Breathing a sigh of relief Simone says. “Thank you Dr. Hoody – Thank you.”

“Well Simone thank the meds. and thank yourself. I have been treating you for the HIV virus for 18yrs now and you’re still strong and the fact that you don’t take that for granted , I’m sure it’s the reason why you’re doing so well.”

“Doc you can say that again. I don’t take anything for granted anymore especially my health.” She says matter of fact to him.

He shakes his head yes. “Well that’s good. So if there is nothing else on your mind we can go up front and have my receptionist schedule you for your regular blood test next month.”

Simone stands up but Dr. Hoody stays seated in anticipation of her next question. She smiled at him. “You’re still sitting?”

“I know that you have something on your mind.”

Simone let out a breath. “Doc you know me too well.”

“It’s why I am your doctor. Now tell me what’s on your mind?”

“Well you know I was on vacation recently.”

“Yes I know. Israel right? How was it?” He asked very interested.

“Oh Doc it was wonderful, just beautiful and the people very warm and inviting.” She hesitated.

“But?” Dr. Hoody said helping push her along.

“I met this American gentleman my first night out at a club. He was beautiful. We became inseparable during my entire visit. On my next to the last night there we were about to become intimate and right in the middle of everything, I pulled a condom out of the night-stand. He told me that he didn’t like using them and besides he was “clean.” I told him that I preferred that he used a condom. Then he asked me if I was “clean” I told him about my HIV status and how long that I have been living with the disease and that I was very healthy and Doc he still wanted to have sex without a condom. I refused and he got up very upset and left!”

Dr. Hoody shook his head and in his very doctor like  way  and in his consoling but caring voice said to her. I am so sorry, but you know that you did the right thing for both him and most definitely for yourself.”

“But Doc it just amazed me that he still wanted to have sex without a condom with me. It also pissed the hell out of me too. Because I didn’t want to take a chance and possibly re-infect myself and there he was all angry and leaving me all by myself – the bastard!”

Doctor Hoody pulled his chair into his desk and leaned in closer to her. “Simone the more education that you have about HIV and AIDS, the more you can protect yourself and others, whether they want the protection or not.”

Simone stood up and folded her arms. “I know Doc and in as much as that statement should make me feel good it still hurts. I lose a lot of dates because of my status. Men look at me and see a healthy, vibrant, strong and independent business woman but the moment I tell them my HIV status they bolt. You’d think I would be used to it by now but Doc, it hurts like hell every time.”

“I’m not going to pretend to know how you feel. I am just going to tell you what you already know. Any time that you are feeling this way you know that I am always hear to listen.”

She smiles at him. “I know and thank you Doc.”

Simone reaches out her hand to thank him. Doctor Hoody got up and walked her out of his office and up to the front desk where so she could make her next appointment. When she is done she walks into the waiting room area and as she is about to walk out the door she hears someone calling her name. Simone turned around thinking that it was someone from the office staff and is floored to see that it’s someone sitting in the waiting room. She does a double take that feels like a triple take.

“Josh is that you?” She said knowing it but not believing her eyes.

Josh stood up to embrace her. Simone pulled away from his embrace and shakes his hand instead.

“Hello Simone. Yes and it’s me, fancy meeting you here.”

Simone very puzzled and still a little shock and really without caring says. “Yeah – I know why I’m here. My doctor specializes in HIV and AIDS treatment.”

Josh nodded agreeing with her that he knew this. “Well I’m here to get tested. It’s my first time and to tell you the truth I’m scared to death!”

“Hmm isn’t that interesting. That night in Israel, what was it you said to me? “I’m Clean” She said very sarcastically to him as she made the sign for quotation marks in the air.

Josh says very nervously and appearing to be embarrassed, she wasn’t sure said.”Ahhh yeah! “You know that I don’t have any right to ask you this and if you say no I will understand. There is a quaint coffee-house across the street from here  do you know it?”

“If it’s in New York, trust me – I know it!” She says to him in a matter of fact way. “You’re referring to Savpasich. They know me there.”

“Yes that’s it. I should be done here in about 15 to 20 minutes tops. Could you please wait for me there? He says   more begging her than asking.

Simone is very hesitant to respond to his plea. “I don’t know Josh. I do have…..

Josh reached out to hold her hand and stops her before she can finish her  sentence and sounding even more humble than he already was. “Please I need an ear. PLEASE!”

Simone slowly removed her hand from his and looked him straight in the eyes. “you’ve got 20 minutes and then I am gone.”

348 West 49th St. – Chapter 8

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Dana walked right passed the receptionist sitting at the desk ignoring her pleads telling her that she can not just walk into the attorneys office without having an appointment. Dana flung the door open and walked right in. The attorney who was on the phone talking to a very important client took one look at her and put the call on hold. “Dana I am way too busy for you right now. I am in the middle of a conference call.”

“I don’t particularly care about your conference call. Tell who ever it is that you’ll have to get back to them because you have a more important client to deal with right now.” She walked over to the sofa in his office, sat down crossed her legs and stared him down until he picked the call back up.

“Morgan I have an emergency here. I am going to have my associate pick up this call. I have already brought him up to speed on this and you have met with him before. I am going to get him on the line now.” He paged his secretary who connected the client with the associate. He also asked her to hold all his calls. Then he walked over to Dana and stood in front of her with his arms folded over his chest.

Dana looks at him and without flinching and says, “What?

“If you ever….”

Dana stoped him before he could finish his sentence. “If I ever what? Don’t take that tone with me. You know that I don’t fold easily to your weak threats or ultimatums. Now listen this case is moving too slowly for me. We need to step this up and now!”

The attorney pulled up a chair from his desk and sat down in front of her and looked at her with concern. “Dana what have you done?”

“Nothing!”

Pressing her the attorney asked her again. “Dana tell me what have you done?”

Dana started to loose a bit of that strong hold that she came in with and began fidgeting a bit. ” I stopped by the school. I just wanted to see them.”

The attorney pushed his chair out from under him and stood up. Still taking care not to upset Dana. He knew that she could strike like a cobra when she felt cornered especially when she was fidgeting. “Dana if you do anything to sabotage this case you will have only yourself to blame. I told you to let me and my staff handle this for you. I have my best detective on this and I assure you that we have everything well in hand.”

Dana stood up leaned in toward the attorney and looked him straight in the eye and said with enough sarcasm to scare off Judge Judy. “Well in hand – Right! I want it in my hands. I am the client and remember you owe me. Always remember that. I won’t take anymore of your stone walling. Step this up or I am going to the Bar and you know I don’t mean for a drink.”

“No need for threats Dana. I said that I would take the case for you. You just have to trust me to do what I do best. That means let me and don’t tell me how to do my job.”

“You’re a brave man talking to me like that.” Dana said to him with a smirk.

“That’s why you like me.” He said with a smile trying to break her sarcasm.

She wasn’t smiling. ” I wouldn’t go that far. Let’s just say that you work for what I need right now.” She went back to the sofa and sat back down.

The attorney took his seat again but this time he turned around in the chair and straddled it backwards. “So let me continue to handle this case the way tha I laid it out for you. This means that you must stay away from those children. You must not in any way have any interaction with them. If you upset them in any way and tip your hand it could blow the whole case. We don’t want to do that now do we Dana?”

Breaking her smirking and sarcasm herself she gave him a little smile. ” Shut-Up and stop sitting in that chair like that.”

“Why? Are you getting hot and bothered Dana?” He said to her playfully.

Returning to the sarcasm again she says to him. “Please not hardly! I just think that you should sit more appropriately. Suppose another client were to walk in?”

He laughed at her. “Dana you are the only client who just barges into my office. So don’t worry we’re safe.”

Dana ran her fingers through her hair and stared off into the distance passed the attorney. “Thinking about being vertical or horizontal for that matter in that chair with you is the last thing on my mind. I just want you to get me whats mine. Do you understand me? And step it up or I will. And you more than anyone knows what I am capable of.”

He stands up again. “Yes Dana I know exactly what you are capable of and whatever you have up your sleeve, I need for you to keep it rolled up for now.”

She stands up and walks over to him, moves her face close to his as if she is going to kiss him.  Then she pulls back and fakes a kiss pressing her lips together and making  kissing sounds. “Don’t test me!” She says to him.

He just shakes his head at her as she turns around walks to the door opens it and walks out.

 

348 West 49th St. Chapter 7

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John had just arrived at his kid’s school where he was met by the principal. “Hello Mr. Childs I am so sorry that I had to call you away from whatever you were doing.? She said to him as she showed him into her office.

“Please call me John. And it’s perfectly all right. I was finishing up a late lunch.” He said as he took a seat in the principals office. It took him back to his childhood feeling like he had been called into see the principal for something he had done.

“Well I felt that it was important that I call you. You asked me to contact you if there was ever a problem with regards to Hunter and Cole.”

“Yes that’s right. Did they do something wrong?” John couldn’t imagine that both of them could be in trouble at the same time. One yes but both of them.

“Oh no! They are both doing quite well all things considered. This happens to do with play-time today. While the children were outside on the play-ground, one of the teachers noticed a woman calling out to Hunter asking him to come over to the gate. When the teacher intervened the woman claimed that she was a relative and that she had every right to talk to her grandchild.”

John shrugged his shoulders and made a face showing no real concern because it was okay for the boys grandparents  to stop by. “Their grandparents are on the list that I gave you as family members or designated person who are allowed to come by the school and pick them up.”

Yes that’s true John but as you know I have met Mr. and Mrs. Krampf and so have Hunters teacher’s. This woman was not Mrs. Krampf.”

John put his index finger to his lip and started rubbing it. A habit that he has since he could remember whenever he shows concern but everyone else thinks he is in deep thought.  “I see, I can’t imagine who that could have been.”

“Then you understand my concern?” The principal said.

John stood up. “Yes and thank you very much. You were right to call me. How is Hunter?”

The principal stood up and walked from behind her desk and over to John. “Well unfortunately he heard the comment about her claiming to be his grandmother but you know children, for now he seems un-effected by her statement.”

“Where is Hunter now?”

“When I had my secretary call you, I took the liberty of excusing the both of them early from class. They should be here in a couple of minutes.”  The principals phone begins to ring and she picks up the receiver. It was her secretary alerting her that Hunter and Cole were waiting outside her office. “The boys are outside now John.”

“Thank you very much for calling me. I really appreciate it.”

“Of course John. I am sure that the woman was maybe a little out there! With all the crazy’s that we have running around in this city. As I said earlier considering what your boys have gone through, I thought it best to give you a call.”

“You did the right thing of course. And once again if anything at all comes up with regards to the boys I want to know.”

The principal nodded her head yes. They walk to the door. She opens the door and they walk into the front office where Hunter and Cole are waiting. As soon as they see John they both get up and give him a big hug. They are both smiling from ear to ear. “Hi John we got excused early from class.” Hunter said.

“It’s because we get to see Marc shoot that movie.”Cole said as he finally let go embracing John from the hug.

“That’s later right John?” Hunter said correcting his younger brother.

“Well actually Marc says that they were shooting all day and we could stop by anytime. I thought that we could get an early start. Your principal was kind enough to let you guys out of class now.”

Hunter and Cole both thought that this was too cool. “Yes!” They both said at the same time.

John shook the principals hand. Thanking her again. He gives her a nod of the head. She responds with the same and smiled back at him. They leave the school building and John was able to hail a taxi pretty fast and once they are all in he tells the cabbie to take them to 66 and Columbus Avenue.

“This is going to be so cool watching Marc shoot a movie. I told all my friends about it.” Hunter said all excited.

“Me too!” Cole said equally as excited as his brother.

“Yes it’s going to be fun. You guys be sure to thank Marc when you see him.” John said to them.

“We will.” Hunter said.

John smiled. “Oh You speaking for your brother?”

Hunter gave John a look of surprise. “Wow! You sounded like mom. I mean she said that to me on that night.” He stopped in mid sentence and hung his head down and began to pull at his fingers.

John gently took his fingers that he was pulling on and cupped them in his hands. “I told you boys before. Always feel free to speak of your mother when and where ever you want to. Trust me she is always listening. I myself even talking to her out loud sometimes.”

Cole looked at John in surprise. “You do? What does she say to you?”

Hunter playfully nudged Cole in the side and said. “Nothing – don’t be silly.”

“She says things through you guys. Like when I see the two of you smiling and when we talk about her – like right now.”

Cole sounding matter of fact says, “I see!”

Hunter the principal told me about the woman who was bothering you at school.”

“She wasn’t really bothering me. I think she was a little nuts!” Hunter said to him as he twirled his index finger in the air around his hear showing the sign for crazy.

“Why do you say that?” John asked him.

“Well she said that she was our grandmother. We only have one grandmother. So I just ignored her.”

“Good and just a reminder. We don’t talk to or go with strangers. That includes people that we know when I am not around right?”

They both said right agreeing with John.

The cab pulled up to the corner of 66th and Columbus Ave. John paid the cabbie. Then they got out and walked over to where the movie was being shot. They were immediately met by security. John told the security people that Marc had invited them. The security person checked the list but did not see Johns name on it. The security person asked them to wait and in a couple of minutes he came back with Marc. “John! Hey boy’s sorry about the list just busy all morning. Come on. There is a 15 minute break. A minor malfunction with the wind machine and it’s very necessary in the next scene that we’re shooting.”

“Thanks for inviting us. The boys are really excited.”

“Yes thanks very much. This is so cool. Why are there so many cameras” Hunter asked all excited and inquisitive.

“That’s a good question. There are a lot of cameras because we need to shoot from many different angles and should one camera fail for what ever reason, there is always a backup. Would you guys like to be in front of the camera? That’s movie talk for would you like to be a star?”

“Yes that would be really cool!” Hunter said.

“Yes, me too!”

Marc smiled and walked over to one of the camera men. The camera man comes over with Marc and he introduces him to them. “If it’s okay with John, Dean the camera man is going to show the boys how the camera works. He’s going to let them look through the lens and let them be camera men during the break.”

“You guys up for that?” John asked them.

Nodding their heads yes Hunter and Cole walked over to the camera following behind  Dean. Marc motioned John to follow him to one of the many movie trailers. “John they are perfectly fine with Dean. He’s a good friend and if you need to you can watch them from the window inside my trailer.” He said reassuring John.

“Okay come on. So what’s up?”

They walked into the movie trailer Marc closed the door behind them. “There’s a problem! Another detective came by my apartment early this morning with questions about that night.”

“And?” John said listening very intently.

“And nothing! I stuck with what I told the other detectives the night that we found her in the bath-tub. No more – no less.”

“Good then what’s the problem?”

“The problem is that they have pulled Detective Larabee and he was our in.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that. If they have in fact pulled him off the case, he’s family. I am sure that he will let         Sui-Lon know what’s going on. We knew that the investigation would be ongoing since suicide was ruled out.” John said sounding confidant that all would be well.

“I never asked you what you did with that medicine bottle that was on the floor in the bathroom that night.”

“It’s in a safe place.” John said sounding even more confidant.

“I know that you knew Rebecca better than all of us but are you sure that she didn’t commit suicide?

“I know it as sure as I am breathing. She loved life and she loved those boys.” John said without hesitation.

“Well one things for sure the evidence minus the medicine bottle that you have, does show foul play.” Marc said to him.

“Which is why I must protect those boys. I will not let them go through life stigmatized and possibly blaming themselves thinking that their mother killed herself.”

“Do you ever plan on turning over the medicine bottle to the police?” Marc asked being very cautious with the question.

John shook his head yes. “When they find out who did this to her yes I will.”

“You know that they could charge the three of us with tampering with evidence?”

“I’ve thought about that and I will deal with it when it comes up. Should it come up and if it does I will take the blame for it.”

Marc shook his head no. “No way man! We all agreed. We’re all the way in, all of us together to protect those boys. You go down for tampering with evidence, we all go down.”

“Well let’s just stay in the here and now!” John continues to watch Hunter and Cole through the window of the trailer.

Marc stands up and say’s, “And speaking of the here and now!”

John turned away from the window and smiled. “Oh so I see. Now comes the real reason you asked me to come into your trailer. No I will not have sex with you. Sui-Lon is my best friend. Sorry can’t do it. So don’t ask!”

Marc with a smirk on his face says. “Cute! Real cute John. Ha- ha, I am really laughing over here. You’re a funny guy. But it does concern Sui-Lon. I am going to ask her to marry me.”

John gave him a cynical laugh and said. “You’re always going to ask her to marry you. That’s nothing new.”

“Yeah but this time I’ve got it all set up. The whole movie crew is in on it. She’s coming here later and she thinks she’s coming here to be one of the non-speaking extra’s in one of the shoots. And while the camera is rolling I am going to come right out and propose to her.”

Surprised and very happy John says to him. “Well Marc I gotta hand it to you, that is very creative and very romantic. Congratulations I  think that she is going to love it.” He walks over to Marc and gives him a hug and then he walks back over to the window.

“Thanks, I have to say… I am very nervous. I wish that she was here already and it was over with.”

“Well guess what your wish is granted. I can see her. She’s here all ready.

Sui–Lon knocks on the door.