Lee’s Run 5d461w

Lee’s RUN

PEGGY J. MOSLEY

Copyright © 2019 Peggy J. Mosley.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Archway Publishing 1663 Liberty Drive Bloomington, IN 47403 www.archwaypublishing.com 1 (888) 242-5904

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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ISBN: 978-1-4808-8426-7 (sc) ISBN: 978-1-4808-8424-3 (hc) ISBN: 978-1-4808-8425-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019918063

Archway Publishing rev. date: 12/11/2019

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

References

About the Author

This novel is dedicated to my family, Tonya, Joshua, and Reyna, they are group and always in my corner, during all my thinking, complaining, and working – they saw me throught it all! Thanks family!

Chapter 1

LEE WAS COMMITTED to running every morning on the running course in Oceanside Park for over four months. This morning Lee was running as fast as she could. It could be said she was running for her life. Whatever was on the other side of those bushes and trees was gaining on her. It was so close she could hear it breathing and the rustling of the dry leaves and debris each time its’ feet raked the ground on the wood side of the running course. Fear enter her heart and it was pounding in her chest so loud she could hear it. If she could make it to the end of the running course she could get some help. The path she ran on lead into another running path and usually some runners were there. She kept thinking, ‘no-one has ever been harmed here, no-one.’ Her thighs ached pain ran from her feet to her knees. Lee’s heels and toes were numb and still she tried for more speed. She could see the end of the running path and where it intersected another. “God give me strength to run just a few more feet,” Lee prayed. Lee fell on the running path in front of two women runners. The lead runner fell over Lee the other woman was able to jump over them. A few steps further she stumbled and fell against a boulder. The fallen runner was Roberta, Mary’s running companion and best friend since forever. Mary turned steadying herself against the boulder and she was ready to give the person who ran into their path a good piece of her mind. “Whats up with you?” yelled Mary. Lee yelled, “hurry! Get up, run!” Her warning was too late. It came through the trees and sage bushes fast and it was on Roberta. Lee open her mouth to scream and nothing came out, her and mouth hung open. It was a wild animal or a homeless person with thick black hair or fur that covered its’ face and head. Lee could not tell what it was, she was devastated, she scooted back toward the larger boulder. The fallen woman gave the cry of a warrior and beat the thing with both of her fists. Mary seem to snap

back and came to the aid of her friend. She she had mace in her pocket. she always carried it, she pull the can out and ran toward the thing. Mary sprayed its’ hairy face and head and she covered it in a cloud of mist. Lee coughed and tried to stand on her shaky legs. The person, the thing, what ever it was fell away from Roberta. Its’mouth drooled and its’ eyes were red and it was gone. Mary took Roberta’s arm to help her to her feet. Shaking Lee went to help Mary half carry half drag Roberta off the running path toward the park’s parking lot. “Help us, please help,” yelled Mary, “someone call the paramedic.” Roberta’s side, hip, and thigh was covered with blood, mercifully she had ed out. Mary and Lee could not believe what just happen before their eyes. Within minutes Roberta was taken from Mary and Lee’s arms she was on her way to the hospital. Flashing red and white lights with shrilling sirens seem to come from everywhere. On lookers pushed to get a closer look at the women as they crowded around the paramedics’ van and police cars. Detectives Carl Smiths and Willie Crockett arrived and one of the policemen informed Detective Smithe that no-one in the park or on the camping-grounds saw anything. No-one saw the women being attacked on the running course, noone saw anything. Detective Smithe told the policeman to continue searching the area and have men search the park and the woods and the camping -ground toward the ocean-side beach. He went to the car to talk with his friend and partner Detective Willie Crockett. Mary set in the backseat of the detectives’ car while Detective Crockett question her about the events that took place on the running course a short while earilier. He ask her if she got a good look at their attacker and was it someone they knew and had she seen their attacker in the park before . Mary shook her head while crying, “I don’t no what it was! I saw black hair, I saw red eyes, I saw it hurt my friend.” Detective Crockett went over to Detective Smithe and tap his shoulder and motion for him to walk with him. They walked to the side of their car as they looked toward the woods and the campinggrounds. Detective Smithe said, “man, no-one knows if the women was attacked by man or beast. It could have been an animal but what would make an animal attack in broad day light? Lets’ call in animal control since no-one is dead it is out of our

hands.” “Its’ strange for sure, all these people heard the women screams yet they saw nothing,”said Detective Crockett as he turned to look at people still milling around. “That’s always the way it is,” Detective Smithe said, “it has black hair and red eyes and it may have been a person. Maybe a homeless person or someone drugged up or it could have been an animal! No-one knows anything for sure!” “A homeless person,” Detective Crockett said as he turn to look at his friend. “Why would a homeless person attack anyone? We have never had any problems with the homeless and most of the homeless in Daley City hang out here in the park and on the camping-ground.”

Chapter 2

LEE LAY ON a stretcher inside the paramedics bus she tried to sit-up but the medical technician pushed her back to a lying position as he open a cabinet behind her. He took out a metal pan and start placing items in it. He squat to pull a level that raise the stretcher Lee lay on, then he hit a level with his foot to lock it in place as he moved to the foot of the strether. He ask, “can you move your ankle? Try to move your foot.” Lee said, “it hurts with each movement the pain flares upward into my ankle.” The tech said, “I do not think it is broken there maybe some ligaments stretched. I will wrap it and give you some aspirins for the pain. We do not carry anything stronger for this type of injury. We will get you to the emergency room and into the care of a doctor.” The tech pulled Lee’s shoes off her feet and he cover her shoes with a white cloth and he place them under her foot. He continue talking as he handed Lee some aspirins and a cup of water. Which he poured from a large bottle and replaced the bottle in the bus’ builted-in cooler. The Tech said,“the doctor will give you some stronger medication. You rest now I will check on the other woman then we are out of here.” Lee was thinking about the attack and she felted guilty as she wiped the tears from her cheeks. She should have been the one hurt and not Roberta. Lee vowed she would find a way to make this right for Roberta and Mary. Roberta was brave and so was Mary they saved her live. She wished she had a rash-berry lemon aide daiquiri right about now. Lee did not really know what happen. Was their attacker a homeless man or a wild animal? She was not sure what it was it could have been a black bear but she was sure it growled and it attacked Roberta. It was an angry drooling thing with saliva flowing from the corners of its’ mouth. Saliva was flying around and it was getting all over the front of Roberta’s clothes and it flew on Mary as well as her. Mary sprayed the mace directly toward the thing’s head. Mary got mace in

its’eyes she burn them bad enough to make it stop clawing at Roberta. The thing roared and when it turned to face Mary that gave her a chance to pull Roberta out of the its’ reach. She helped Roberta to her feet as Mary continue to spray the thing with mace a cloud of mist surrounding its head, it roared and clawed the air wildly striking out at anything in its reach. Findly it moved back and lumbered off between the boulders and trees back to the woods under cover of great old Oak, Red Wood, and Pine trees. No-one saw the thing attack them on-one came to their aid. Ocean-side Beach, Park and Camping-ground was full with the noises of people living. The people living on the camping-ground came to see what was going on when they heard the police’s car siren and saw the para-medics getting out of their van. Women carrying noise babies holding the hands of small children came rushing to the camping-ground entery across the street from the church. Men and women working in the church’s office and kitchen across the street from the enterance to the park on the camping-ground stopped working and came running. Cooks waving white aprons and kitchen towels about their heads while wiping their faces and hands came running, too. The early morning heat was a promise to another hot muggy Saturday. Some older men were taking care of the parks’ utilities in the wash-rooms they stepped outside to see what was happening. Two men walked over to the curve to hear what was being said over the policemen car’s radio. The men question anyone who would respond to their queries. The men gather enough information to know that one or more persons had been hurt in some kind of animal attack near the running course on the woods side of the park. Daley City Hospital para-medic’s van was only in the park a few minutes before the driver speed off down the street with the siren blaring putting the ocean-side park miles behinde him. After the detectives in the park talked to several people who was standing along side the path of the running course. They walked into the woods behind the large boulders off to the side of the running course and they discovered the place where the attack had taken place and they closed off the area with long ribbons of yellow and black tape. Discussing their finding with some of the men standing around the detectives posted men living on the camping-ground as lookouts on the woods side of the park and camping-ground.

Chapter 3

MARY SIT IN the back seat of the polices’ car with her eyes closed the radio came on and it was an answer to the detectives request for someone from the Daley City’s Animal Control Department to come out to the running course to check the area at the Oceanside Park and near by woods for wild animals. Mary wanted to be on the way to the hospital to be with Roberta when the paramedic tech handed her a cup of water. He continue to check Mary for cuts when he was satisfied that all the blood on her was Roberta’s he left her alone. Detective Crockett closed the door for Mary then he got into the car as the tech headed to his van. The on-lookers parted they gave way to the police’s car as it followed the paramedic’s bus to the hospital. Lying on the back seat of the detectives’ car Mary heard the detectives talking and they sound like they believed it was a wild animal attack on them. Mary wipe away tears as they ran down her cheeks thoughts of the morning events went around and around in her head ‘was that beast a man or wild animal? Why would it or any one want to attack them? What kind of animal come out in the daylight to attack?’ She had to get to the hospital to see about Roberta. Roberta was her best friend and they were as close as any sisters could have been. They were the closest thing to family either one of them had. Mary thought about all the times she and Roberta got into a jam and she smiled. Mary had always found away to get them out of it but today Roberta had been the brave one. Roberta had lost both her parents before she met Mary on their first day of grade school. Roberta was a bold little thing in mixed-matched socks with a wide smile and large gray-black eyes. Mary remembrance of their youthfulness brought joy to her heart she wiped away tears and she smiled. They had been friends since forever Roberta would be ok she had to be. Mary said a pray for her friend as her eyes filled again. Detective Willie Crockett looked over the seat. Mary seemed to be sleeping he thought he heard her praying. “Man that other one is a spit-fire she fought with it, animal or man,” said

Detective Crockett. “Will there has never been a wild animal come into the park from those woods. There has never been a report of any missing or homeless person living in those woods,” said Detective Smith. Like most of the boys in their early teens the detectives had venture into the woods often in the area around the park and less used camping-ground back then. Black bears were known to range in the woods close to the mountains and near the waters of the lake. Water ran deeper into the thicker growth and foliage around the foot-hills. There was a stream with fresh drinking water and wild animals like black bears fish for salmon. Detective Crockett said, “there have to be something going on in the woods to cause a black bear to wonder so near people. A hungry young cub on its’ own might venture out during the quite of dawn following the smells of breakfast cooking but I think the barking dogs would keep a black bear cub away.” Detective Smithe went on to say, “There have been fishermen and hunters that stayed week-ends in the woods and never came across any thing wilder than a buck deer, fox, or raccoon who mostly stay inland where there is a lot of vegetation around the flat lands of the mountains areas.” A great number of people traveled to Daley City to camp-out and hurt in the woods. The camping-grounds use to be full with-out-of townees, visitors as far away as New York and Florida from April to October. People from Los Angles and San Francisco came to Daley City to get away from the bad influences their children might face during the hot Summer in the cities. In the Winter some people stayed in Daley for the Thanksgivings and Christmas olden traditions, the local men often hunted for the holidays’ meats of wild turkeys, pheasants, and waterfowls. The women made jams and pies from the wild berries they picked during late Spring and Summer. Many of the traditions were carried over from the days of the first settlers who were looking for a place to call home and to worship God freely. The camping-grounds of Daley was home for the homeless and some people had came from as far away as San Francisco and they lived in mobile-homes provided by the citizens’ comitted to help those that had been a part of the city for generations. Funds were donated by many citizens of Daley City, California.

The city council hired maintenance men to keep up the bathrooms and showers on the camping-grounds. Often citizens of Daley hired out of work men and woman to do odd jobs some of these jobs turned into permanent jobs. Many donated time, clothes, and food to the churches to feed the homeless at lease twice a day. N one of the homless was ever turned away.

Chapter 4

RICHARD WAS ALWAYS in the park running and on one of these morning Lee met him on the running path. She stopped, bent over to rest and catch her breath. Richard came from out of the blue a total surprise to Lee. He said, “I am looking at the most beautiful sight I have seen this morning.” As he pulled a dead leaf out of hair he blew it into the clear sunny sky. Looking up and covering her eyes, Lee saw a tall muscular man with a beautiful smile. She said, “you sure no how to make a woman feel good when she is not at her best early in the morning.” Lee extended her hand toward him as she said, “I am Lee Ann Marie Andrew and who is the man with complements and a million dollar smile?” Richard said, “I think we have something in common. I am Richard Clark from Atlanta Georgia,” taking Lee’s extended hand in both of his cool ones while flashing a brilliant smile, “I detect that I am addressing a southern belle.” Blushing and eyes shining Lee looked into the blackest eyes she had ever seen while saying, “my grand-parents moved here with my mother when she was a child from Rochester, Georgia.” “And your father is a native of California,” said Richard. “Yes if you must no. He is a Native-American of the Pawnee tribe,” Lee “I would like to buy you coffee while we continue to discuss our commonalities. We do not have to go far there are several coffee bars within walking distance. With hot delicious pastry and Irish coffee for the early morning hardy drinkers and coffee favors from all over the world. How about it,” Richard asked?

Still blushing Lee nodded her head and left her hand where it was as Richard lead her back the way she had came. They pasted a coffee bar fulled with a noise crowd. They headed toward an old-fashion coffee shop at the end of the block with white lace curtains and lots of empty tables and no-one inside was worked on a laptop. The waiter placed their order on the table as Lee returned from freshening up. Richard and Lee had chose a table near a window facing the square across the street from, ‘The Legal Building of Legal Professionals,’ where Lee worked as office manager for a group of lawyers. The Jamaican- mocha coffee’s strong Arabic blend brewing could be smelled for some distance. It’s scent flowed through the park and camping grounds mixed with the scent of morning frying bacon and breakfast ham. The mixture flowed over the tops of old three-hundred feet tall Redwood trees in the woods toward the peaks of the mountains beyond. Lee always got up eariler than she needed to since she had been meeting Richard in the park or at the coffee house she made good use of her time. Joyfully she looked forward to her first cup of coffee even more so to drinking it with Richard. She had never been big on eating breakfast but breakfast it could be. Lee carried danish pastry to her co-working. It had been her reason for being in the coffee house those first mornings some time ago. Since then Lee and Richard made it a date to meet there or come in together for coffee. It was their special time together even if they had plans for the evening it made her day pleasant. Lee often dealed with lawyers up and armed over a brief a summary of some lawsuit. That one of Daley’s egotist elderly men of ‘old money’ from the gold and silver rush days in California that had not been filed timely or some motion not worded just the way one of the lawyers wanted it. It was a pleasure to take care of it all every since Lee’s first coffee date with Richard. After weeks of jogging with Richard each morning in the park and later coffee Lee invited him to her place for dinner. The dinner date turned out to be for the evening of the Saturday that something wild terrifing attacked her on her morning run sending her to the emergency-room. Lee wanted to make a good impression on Richard and she knew she could never prepare a meal that would do so she planned to order an Italian meal with a great bottle of wine. She wanted the meal to be the begin of many meals that they might share.

Chapter 5

LEE’S FAMILY WAS her married brother which she was never close to even as children. He lived in Canada. She had not visited him or his wife and children for eight years. Lee and her brother talked on the phone often. After she practically invited herself to his home for Christmas three years ago and he did not respond Lee decide she was beating a dead horse and made do with the calls. Her friends had became her sisters they were family. They were able to help each other work out all of their problems most concerned dealings with life, jobs, homes, transportation, clothingand or men. There was always two or three friends available at all times and the others would break a date if it was an emergency issue. Alice, Susie, Elizabeth, and Penny all roared with laughter. As Susie teased Lee about her old dirty running shoes. “If you get some better running shoes, you might meet someone,” said Susie, “I think she brought those tennis shoes after she kicked Barry out three years ago.” “Do not ever bring up that name again,” Lee’s face warmed, then her smile widen as she shouted at Susie. “You lay off my running shoes, they just started to get comfortable. What makes you think I have not met someone?” They were at Lees’ house eating dinner and Betty started the quest about ‘this guy,’ Lee may have met. “Who is he and where did he come from? When are we going to meet him,” asked Betty. She was like a mother hen to all of them. Betty was not the oldest but she was wise and insightful. Betty had been on her own since she was seventeen her mother had a live in boyfriend that was no good. He did not like Betty. She keep him in check and he knew she would not hesitate nor fear gutting him. One day Betty’s mother made her choice, she made her live-in give here money to help Betty get started on her own since he had so much to say. Then she took Betty to the locale bus terminal with a thousand dollars and her things. Betty’s mother hugged her with tears in her eyes. Then told ‘Betty some

day you will understand take care of yourself and write soon.’ Betty wrote her and each year sent her a Mother’s Day card. Her mom wrote a few times and sent pictures with a small sum of money for Christmas but never ask Betty to visit yet they were cool. Who cared? They had each other, friends, sisters, and family. LEE said, “maybe you all are not ready to meet him, some of you still have the name Barry on your mind. He is so history! Richard Dan Clark is his name, he is from Atlanta Georgia.” “Richard is it? You all hear how she said his name?” Laughing, Susie went on to say, “is this love or just head over heels hot sex with this ‘Richard?’” “Do tell us! How many ‘booty call dates,’ have the two of you had? We want to hear it all,” said Elizabeth. Who is usually very quite. “Do not be crass Lisa, give her time, and Lee do not leave out any details, like: size or color,” said Penny. She was suppose to be the one in the group that kept everyone in the family refined and lady like. She did not sound like she was on her job today, Alice remarked. Susie chimed in, “first things first we have to get her out of those old dirty running shoes. Try these on.” Susie who was the retail buyer for ‘Footlocker Sport-wear Stores,’ in the region, pulled a box from under the table and handed it to Lee. “ to check this guy out to see if he has children and a wife in another state after all he is from Georgia. He may have left a few children here or there and or wife anyplace in between there and here after all this is California. Many men think anythings goes,” Betty warned. “Thanks for the new running shoes they are A-ok,” Lee said as she hug Alice then Susie. Alice said, “come on girl tell us.” She was sitting on the island next to where Lee was standing. Alice is a dark chocolate big eyed sista from Texas who was making a home for her sweetheart and live-in lover. Whom she literally picked up off the streets. She met him sitting on the corner bus-stop. He was dirty, hungry, and just sitting there. Alice

could never by any hungry animal. Alice had said, ‘the animal could not help itself, that’s why God put it in my path.’ Most week-ends she came across some hungry animal and on Monday morning her co-workers knew to expect her to come into work late because she had to drop it off at the shelter. Therefore none of them friends or family or coworkers was surprised when she brought in the six-foot human male alley cat. The girls had teased her unmercifully. Alice feed him and cleaned him up, then she got him into the VA hospital where she worked as the Out-Patient-Coordinator. When he was released from the VA hospital, she brought him to her home. He has been on the wagon free from drugs and alcohol for two years three months one week and six days with Alice’s friends and family’s prayers and the hospital’s help. All the girls knew Betty’s Ralph total number of sober days they counted and made a big red circle on whom ever house they were at calendar each time they were together. Ralph had gotten a job at the Veteran istrative Medical Center twenty five miles outside of San Francsico and seven miles from Daley City, city limits. He called Betty his angle and he was devoted to her for he felted she had been his life-line back to the human race. Alice and Ralph fitted well together. He was a tall man and could handle two hundred and fifty pounds on his large bone frame easily. Alice was not small, either. She was a big bone, wide, thick hip woman with an easy smile. All the girls was laughing and calling for Lees’ report on her new fellow. “Richard is a very handsome African-Italian-American. His great-greatgrandfather was from Italy and was part of the first settlement of Italians in California while many others stayed in Ohio and Michigan states. Later one of his grand-parents married into a family of Negroes that was heading to Northern California. Over the years his family became more African-American than Italian. In his present my heart become butter which his smiling face or a touch of his hands melts,” Lee said. With a smile she continue to tell her girl-friends about Richard. She stopped a number of times blushing as she ed how she felted the last time he held her close to his heart with his arms wrap around her just so his fingers’ tip caressed the curved top of her butt and made her tingle to the end of her toes. Lee knew she was in love with him at first sight. Grinning and blushing as she spoke about him caused her girls to tease her something awful. She took it well

knowing it was good fun mixed with sisterly approval. As her prince had arrived and she was ready to be swept away. He was a long time coming and she knew the relationship had to be right. In his present she glowed. At his smile his touch her blood ran hot; she was excited intoxicated head over heels in love with him.

Chapter 6

MARTHA WAS ONE of those woman who lived on the camping-grounds sharing a family RV with two others young single women and she worked in one of the church’s kitchens. She help to prepare food and she serve the elderly and homeless also she mended and washed clothes. After her husband left her Martha kept the business going as long as she could while she had it going she made enough to take care of herself. After a few years she could not make the s she needed to increase business and the mortgage and materials was too much for her. She tried keeping the house by selling items of furniture and equipment. Then she took a part-time job in the shoe department of one of the large stores which she worked in until the store moved to San Francsico. Finally she put the house up for sale and she was blessed with enough to keep the taxes on it paid up to date and to get a place at the cramping-grounds. One night almost six years ago Ted went to the locate story for milk and cigarettes and never returned. He could have be taken by aliens for all Martha knew and she hoped they had him and was probing his anus with a hot poker. Two days after Ted went missing she discovered he had taken all their money out of the bank everything from their s. All $12,876.00 which she helped him earn. He had taught her how to set-up web-pages for his adds and she took orders for business cards, posters, brochures and pamphlets, guidebooks for the wilderness areas around California from their email s. Ted did some printing of business cards for most of the businesses in Daley City as well as the universities and many shopping malls in Daley, San Francisco and the surrounding areas in California. “Ted’s Printed All, ‘ No Job is Too Big or Small,’ for Ted’s Print All,” Which had became a front for Ted’s dirty business. Martha knew Ted was doing something that had to do with diamonds. He was in this dirty business with three of his low-life friends; Chance Franklin owner of New Life Funeral Home and a respected mortician in Daley City. The Diamond and Jewelery Store owner James Barnes who she had heard was a thief and ex-convict from Florida. Then there was the Chief of Police Jack Moore who was a respectable well liked man known by most and thought to be honest.

Martha parents had a real state business and they had invested wisely in the stock market and they came out ahead with their investments. They sold every thing and they retired early and was enjoying life. Martha and Ted had been married even through her parents was against the marriage. After Martha and Ted was married for over four years her parents started to think maybe they were wrong about Ted. The abuse did not start until Martha parents had been killed in a five car crash on the highway back from visiting friends in Los Angles. At first Ted was caring and loving toward her but he begun to see that getting his hands on her money was not going to be as easy as he had planned. Ted wanted a life of pleasure with little to no work involved. Well Martha’s dad had been smarter than Ted thought. He had set things up so the Martha could get only so much money a year. At first Ted was sorry for his behavior toward her. They went to family counseling because Ted said he was willing to do what ever it took to get their marriage back to the state where they were loving toward each other. Once the business took more work and showed little profit as many of the businesses in Daley did because of the economy situation Ted became cruel and hateful toward her.They were not able to continue to live the life style Ted wanted. Ted was always controlling but he had shown her love. With her parents gone Martha had no-one but Ted. He handled all the money and treated her like he owned her and he worked her like a servant. Their were people in Daley City that were very ive of Ted and Martha. From the outside of their marriage Ted and Martha, each looked liked they were blessed with their better half and love, a very happy couple. Then one day everything was all gone Martha had very little money left from her inheritance and Ted did not come home. Martha went to the police she talked to Chief Moore because he had been friends of her parents. She said Ted had told her he was going to the store and he had not come home and it had been two days since she heard from him or saw him. She was worried something had happen to him. Chief Moore walked Martha to the parking lot and he put her in a patrol car and told the patrolmen to take her home. He told her he would look into Ted’s where about. The Chief decided he would do what little that was expected of him but he was not going to trouble himself too much about the missing Ted. Chief Moore had assumed that his partners had done away with the greed bastard. He was still the chief of police in Daley and it was better if they never told him

because he was still sworn to protect and serve all the people in the city. No-one was going to miss Ted he sure was not going to miss him not at all. Chief Moore would get Martha to do the last shipments. Martha would not question him about what the packages contained and she would add them with the shipments of business cards and they could trust her. Ted’s missing was going to work out better for everyone. Chief Moore and his two other partners would get a bigger share of the money and he would give Martha a smaller share. Which she would think was too much and that he was giving her so much because he was trying to help her. Yes this was going to work out all for the best.

Chapter 7

JACK MOORE CHIEF of Police had been in a shoot-out with some drug s five years ago. Chief Moore was headed into the grocery store. He was off duty but still wearing his policemen uniform. On his way into the store the Chief bumped into one of the would be robbers. The young man seeing the chief in policemen dress shot the Chief in the shoulder before Chief Moore killed him. The other two robbers ran back into the store. The Chief went back to his car to call for back-up the two inside the store tried running to their car from a side door of the grocery store. They were caught between a policemen car and the store. They gave up but one of the young men tried shooting anyway. Chief Moore killed him and stoped the young robber from killing one of his policemen. While the Chief was getting the bullet removed from his shoulder he made the decision to retire, then and there in emergency room of the Daley City’s Hospital. The deals his friends included him in would allow him to retire and live comfortable. He would live far better than the way he would have been able to do on his retirement package only. Chief Moore felted he had been a law biding citizen all his life and had worked to keep others safe for more than thirty years. He had never married or had children so he was able to give his all to the job and the people of Daley City. Now he wanted something for himself, illegal or not. Maybe he would travel see some of the world before he died and just maybe find him-self a young sweet thing. He was not looking to be any ones sugar-daddy he did not some chick who would spend all his money then move on. He was really thinking about a real relationship a lover a sweetheart for keeps. Chief Moore did not want a play-thing he want a real woman with a woman body and mind. A woman who wanted to see a little of the world with him and then settle down some place other than California with him. California was not all people thought it was for the everyday person. Then he had lived here all his life and he was ready for something different. He knew fame and fortune with bright lights and big bank s came at a price that

many was willing pay to have even give up their soul to the devil but those with an ounce of knowledge and wisdom would not seek. That was something he had time to figure out while his money grew with interest in a San Francisco Bank. He did not think it was smart to have it in a bank so close to home so he open up an under his middle name and his mother maiden name. He was sure noone knew him under that name his money was secure. It would not be long before he would be taking all of it and catching a plane heading to a far far away places and that brought a smile to his weather sun kissed face. He was still a very good looking man with a fine built. Yes he would make out alright and he was looking forward to those wonderful days more and more each day.

Chapter 8

MARTHA HEADED TO the showers on the camping-grounds. There was no other women in the ladies section. Martha stepped under hot water and let it beat down on her head. Her mind wonder toward Detective Carl Smithe, she desired him. He was a good looking man with a good job,he had never been married and she him from high school. He and Will Crockett was friends then. They were football heroes and all the girls were crazy about them and they knew it Carl and Will were over six feet of male animal. Martha like many of the people in Daley who knew Carl and Will thought the two would head straight to an NFL foot-ball camp and play for one of the California teams. Martha was surprised when she heard they went to the police academy. Carl was a smooth dark skin man with the curliest eyelashes Martha had ever seen on a man he had a beautiful smile with gleaming white teeth and full brown kissable lips. Relaxed and sleepy Martha dried her body quickly. She stepped into her jeans and pulled a clean T-shirt over her head. She picked up her things and headed to her trailer. Martha mind was on Detective Carl Smithe, she wished he had ask her out when they were in high school. He was something, so was Will Crockett. Martha went inside her RV and put her things away. She notice a moving light near the large bolder and the clearance of the running path. Martha ease the door open so as not to wake her room-mates. She started walking toward the light as she rounded the over six foot high boulder and a hand pulled her into the darkness and covered her lips before she was able to scream. He whisper in her ear his voice was deep and sultry. Removing his hand he cover her lips with his warm moist ones. Martha back rested against the tree as she wrapped her thighs around his muscular body. His kiss became more demanding as their moans flowed above the trees moving deeper into the woods mingling with the other forest sounds of hooting owls and rusting feet in the undergrowth. The moon moved behind the clouds leaving them in total darkness. After telling Richard how much she missed him over the years they talked softly about her situation and why he was back in Daley. He kissed her as he spanked her plump buttocks and with a gentel shove he started her toward her place and he disappeared in the darkness.

Once in her bed and on her way to sleep her thoughts turned to Richard and the secret they shared which both vowed to carry to the grave. Martha turned on her side and she tucked the covers between her thighs relaxed she hugged her pillow and she was fast to sleep in minutes.

Chapter 9

DETECTIVE SMITHE SAID, “If it had not been for the women that thing could have made it all the way over to the camping-grounds. There are a number of families there with small children. Man everyone here was lucky. I will rephrase that, ‘Everyone on the camping-grounds were blessed. Its’ something to be said about good people living in Daley City.” “Sure it is,” Said Detective Crockett. “I also think we should go back out to the woods today and look for what ever it was that attacked the women. Daley City Animal Control have not reported anything. Yet, it could have be a rabid animal, otherwise why would an animal attack people.” Detective Crockett answer his own question as he continue talking,“it would not have come out of the woods during the day light hours. The way the women talked it could have been a young black bear. Still it had to be sick black bears run from people and all their noise. A black bear would not have come out of the wood like that, unless it was rabid.” Detective Smithe said, “How would a black bear get rabies? We have not heard about any animals, pets or wild one with rabies.” “You are right. Maybe animal control can locate something by the time we get back,” said Detective Crockett, I sure hope it’s a homeless person, so we can finish this up.” Detective Smith said, “we are not too far from the hospital. We can take care of this lady, Mary then check back.” Detective Crockett look over the seat at Mary. Her eyes were closed. He said, “I hope her friend will be all right.” Everyone in the car was lost in his or her thoughts, When the back of the car hit a bump in the parking lot of the hospital. Mary sit-up and looked around, she wiped her face with the back of her hand and turned to look out the window as

Detective Smithe parked the car. Detective Crockett got out the car and open the door for Mary. She follow Detective Smith as he lead the way to the emergencyroom entrance of the hospital. He open the door for Mary and they went to the information desk. Detective Smithe explained why they were there and the head nurse gave Mary some forms that she needed to completed for Roberta. Detective Crockett escorted her to some seats across the room near the windows. The nurse told Mary, “by the time you gets these completed the doctor may be available to give you some news about your friends’ condition.” Detective Smithe brought some water and a small cup with pills to Mary. “The nurse think you should take these go home and get some rest. Then come back to see your friend this evening or tomorrow. She is in the recovery-room and want be up for hours,” said Detective Smithe. Mary said, “I want to talk with her doctor. I want to know how she is she is all the family I have.” “Complete the forms and I will check,” Detective Crockett said. Then he ed Detective Smithe who was talking with the doctor. Mary looked up from her writing and she saw the back of the men heads. She want to see the doctor’s face she wanted to check for any signs his face might tell as to how Roberta was. Mary drink some of the water and looked down at her feet. She notice that they were covered with Roberta’s blood. She rubbed one sole over the top of the other the blood was dry on both shoes. Mary look at all the blood on her shoes that came from Roberta. Thinking ‘she bleed so much from those cuts. They most have been very deep I hope none of her organs was scared and need replacing. Father let her be OK.’ She want to see her now but she could do with a bath. Detective Smithe came over and took the clip board with the completed forms for the hospital information and patient’s records. As he walked away Detective Crockett took her arm and they headed toward the exit doors. He open the car door for her she got in and lay on the seat the pills was working fast. The drive to her house was not far and it would take all of 20 minutes to get her home. When Detective Smith got into the car Detective Crockett was looking over his note again and they discuss rabid animals all the way to Mary’s home.

Once they were in her drive-way Detective Crockett got out the car to open the door for Mary. He touch her hip instead of her shoulder embarrassing redness appeared on his face and the sound of his voice displayed his discomfort at his blunder. “Do you have your keys,” He ask. Mary put her keys into his hand he went to the door and unlocked it for her. Detective Smithe ask, “Do you need someone with you? We can make arrangements for you to get anyone you want here.” “No, I am just going to go to sleep. I want to be with Roberta this evening she is all I have,” in a tearful voice Mary told him. Mary enter her home trying hard to hold back tears. She kicked her shoes off and headed to the kitchen to get a drink while wiping eyes. Mary open a jar of applejuice and sat at the counter sitting and thinking she notice a picture on her dining-room wall she and Roberta got that a yard sale. She smiled she finally drank her juice worried and tired she went to open the drapes in the living-room. She came back she picked up her shoes and she headed up stairs. Mary walked to the window in her bedroom she stood there looking across the streets at Roberta car in the driveway. They were going to go shopping after their run and breakfast. All around her was signs of Roberta’s present in her life. She ed when she first met Roberta she was a little thing and she was always full of and laughter sometimes that laughter of Roberta got them time after school. From the second grade through high school they were best of friends and went every where together they were like two peas in the same pod. Then her parents was killed in an auto accident and she was to go live with her auntie but Roberta’s parents want her as their own. The girls were like sisters and they knew it would be a deep hurt for both of them and Mary had lost enough. Mary’s auntie let her stay with Roberta’s family during the school months. Roberta went with Mary to her Auntie Jane during the Summer months and the families remained closed over the years. While at her Auntie’s home on vacations the girls often follower Mary’s older cousins with their boyfriends secretly. Mary and Roberta learned a lot about kissing boys. Tears gather in her eyes again, yet a smile was on her lips. Mary sighed the front of her clothes were stained with blood, dirt, and what ever

else was on the running path. Mary pulled her dirty T-shirt over her head and dropped it with her shorts to the floor. Mary turn the shower on hot and let it run until the bathroom was steamy and hot. The hot water was invigorating as Mary stood there the fear and sadness left her body. Once again she was too sleepy to stay on her feet much longer over her dried smooth cinnamon-brown body Mary rubbed a mixture of olive oil and sha-butter then she pulled on a clean t-shirt. She was going to bed to sleep until she could go see Roberta. It was Saturday their day of fun look how it started. Mary closed her eyes tears escaped from their corners as she prayed.

Chapter 10

LEE WAITED IN the emergency room for the doctor to come back and write her a prescription for pain medication. He X-ray her foot and wrapped it in a clean bandage. The doctor told Lee she would have to keep her foot up for a while once she got home. The bandage would need to be tight on her foot, if it was to do it any good. Lee promised she would keep it tight and put a fresh one on after each bathe and take the medicine every six hours and until it was gone by that time all the inflammation should be gone and her walking should be back to normal. Lee was glad she had order the dinner for her and Richard. She wanted him to be impressed with the meal and she hoped this would be the first of many more with him. She had order the meal from ‘Don Giovanni’s Italian Dinning.’ She order the diner for two of roast duck breast in orange sauce green salad of Salad Burnett,a delicious greens that grew in the foothills of California and it taste like cucumber. Its a wild gourmet delicious refreshing salad with macaroni and cheese cooked with sweet smelling basil and crushed red pepper flakes. The salad Burnett would be season with a light vinaigrette made with olive oil redwine vinegar and garlic clove minced then thin sliced tomatoes would be added top with shredded Parmesan cheese. Lee was glad that Bettye had picked up an Italian Cream Cake delicious and a family famous,rich with a coco-nutty taste. The cake’s icing was made with cream cheese, coconut with chopped nuts and chocolate sprinkle on top of the iced cake. As an appetizer before dinner she order ‘Thai Shrimp Spirals’ which was created with marinated shrimp wrapped in tender puff pastry perfect for dipping in Giovanni’s special sauce. Bettye was a life saver she enlighten her as to the wine she should order with the meal. Lee order a light pink sparkling Italian Pi not Nair from ‘The Earl of Wine and Spirits Wineries of San Francisco,’ Lee would have to make sure that the delivery boy got the wine at the same time he got the complete dinner to delivery too. Lee was so glad to see the doctor with her prescription. She hopped down-stairs to get her medication and she took a taxi home. Driving with her ankle would be difficult and her car was at home she had jogged to the park’s running course.

The taxi got her home in good time lucky she carried cash in her pocket she thanked the cabbie for his help to the door and paid him a little extra. Inside her home she headed to her bedroom and the shower. Lee want to feel fresh and cool when she when to bed. The medication should take away the pain and swelling by the time she woke-up and called for the food delivery. Sitting in a hot bathe of bubbles made her whole body feel brand-new. She rotated her ankle and kept it deep under the hot water of her bathe she would have to rewrap it tight if it was to do her any good. Lee started to feel relaxed and sleepy. The morning did not started out as she hoped it would. Her dinner with Richard had to be a success it had to be. Lee really like Richard and they had had coffee together since they met and ran the running course everyday together but not this morning. He was a handsome man and well spoken. She could listen to him talk for hours, he knew a great deal about the world, a lot of topics like gardening, cooking, traveling, sports, and he read the number one novels on the best list which he enjoyed. Richard had seen all the old movies from the twenties especially the funny ones, “Henry the Big White Rabbit,” with Joan Carr and Stuart James. Lee laughed out loud while sitting in the bathe thinking about Richard. Lee did not want to come across likea silly school girl. She wanted to impress him with an excellent dinner and up to date communication. She stepped out to dried her body and take a good look at herself in the mirror. Standing behind the bathroom door she look at her buttocks she had a thick body with wide hips she never had a large buttocks. One would have a hard time playing sports with a lot of booty and breasts to carry. She made it a point to get up and walk during her work day she did not want a wide flat butt from to much sitting either. That was one of the reasons she would keep her morning run. To Lee women looked older when they had big wide butts and thick thighs. She was glad her feet was not swollen as she rubbed oil into her skin and feet. she stopped to ire her freshly painted toe-nails. The pills the doctor gave her helped her sleep the afternoon away and she woke feeling relaxed and excited about her evening’s dinner plans. It had just occurred to her she was in love. Lee looked forward to seeing Richard and he was on her mind most of her day. While working she thought of his long lanky legs and long wide chest. She had felted his heart beat when she pressed her hand against his chest to steady herself as she picked a pebble from her running-shoe. He took her hand from his chest and kissed her palm. Lee smiled pleased with his warm brown lips on her palm. Richard walked her home and kissed her warm lips barely grazing them with his wet smooth ones saying his good-bye for the morning. She hoped later in the

evening he would kiss her as a lover would she knew his feeling for her was as deep for her as hers was for him. On her feet Lee looked at her hair and pants. Her hair style was new and the blue jeans and light blue top was good. She was dressed just right for the evening their first dinner together. Lee looked at the window in the living-room of her house the view of her rose garden framed by the clean white curtains were splendid and she thought was the place to put the small dinning table for their evening meal. She went to get the pale pink table cloth and the sliver candle holder and pink candles. She wanted everything just right, a good view good wine and a good meal with Richard. Lee brought out her best dining set which was still new. She never had an occasion that she thought called for the use of the dishes but tonight was. With cloth napkins sliver-wear new diner plates edged with sliver and the water glasses beside the wine glasses everything was in place the table looked grand. After dusting everything and added mint candy to the dish on the coffee table Lee stood behind the door and looked over the room. There was space enough for dancing and she had her favor slow dance song by Barry Whitfield in the DVD player. If he preferred the radio she had it on the station that played beautiful old love songs from the seventies all evening. The couch was far enough back so Richard would have room for his long legs and all the throw pillows was in place. Back in the kitchen the food had arrived and was warming the wine was on ice and the cake the beautiful Italian cake was on the cabinetcounter. The back door was locked so no surprises there. Lee checked the patio’s doors and the upstairs deck-doors off of the master bedroom house locked and secure. Her cell was turned off and all her girl- friends knew not to call this evening so she turned the house phone’s ringer off nothing was going to spoil the evening. She smile as she headed back to her bedroom. The house was neat and clean the evening would go as planned and there was room for any plans Richard might want to surprise her with it it would be a beautiful evening. Just as she got her shoes on the door-bell ringed. Walking to the door Lee looked up at the clock,he was right on time not a second late. Lee licked her front teeth to be sure there was no lip-coloring on them as she open the door to a smiling Richard “These are for the wonderful woman who wanted to prepare a starveling man dinner,” Richard said, leaning on the door’s frame as he hand the red roses to

Lee. “Thank you the lady of the house is please,” Lee said. Richard pulled her into him teasting her he kiss her on the forehead the tip of her nose then her chin and when she was about to hit him he kiss her lip hungerly. Lee tiled her head back to kiss him ionately in return. He wrapped his strong long arms around her middle Lee could feel his jeans pushed into her thigh. She wanted to pull him closer but she pulled away to look into his beautiful brown eyes. “Just one kiss for welcome and maybe there will be another one later,” She said. Richard smiling while holding her close, he walked her backwards into the house.“I am hoping,” he said, “these roses are as beautiful as you.” “They smell wonderful, they will do,” Lee said, “come sit awhile I will turn on some music and bring in the dinner. “Let me turn on the music.” Richard said. With soft instrumental sound coming from her radio he pulled her toward him and helded her close he kissed her until she trembled with desire. “Nice music,” He said. “a wonderful song and right on time.” Richard guided Lee to the middle of room as they dance to music. Lee lay her head on his shoulders and breathed in his wonderful scent. He kiss the side of her lips ear and neck. She stepped closer, smiling up at his face. “Red Roses speaks of desire and ion they are the universal language of love,” Richard said as he kissed her mouth deeply before moving to her throat. he smiled blushing she returned his sweetness of their kiss. His full warm lips was delightful. He parted them drawing her deeper into their kiss his warm tongue caressed her mouth and throat their tongue danced in warmth and sweetness. Lee broke the kiss then she said, “Dinner is getting cold and we should eat it while its deliciously warm. Come to the table and have a seat I will be back in a flash.”

“I will help you I do not want you out of my sight all evening,” he said moving behind her. He kissed the back of her neck. Smiling, she said, “If you do not stop it, we want get to dinner.” “That will be all right with me,” Richard said as he caught her in his arms again in the kitchen. Then he said, “That smells delicious let’s eat.” Lee punched him in the arm, “Some romantic you are,” she said. “I need strength for what I have in mind.” Richard said, kissing her on the back of the neck and the side of her throat. “Take the wine and try the appetizer, ‘Thai Shrimp Spirals,’” she said, placing the plate on his palm. She turned him toward the door, she gave him a push, then she picked up the tray of roast duck and the salad, salad Burnett. Richard placed the open wine on the table and he turned to take the ducks from her, she placed the salad Burnett in the center of the table. “Stay there I shall return with the rest of dinner.” Lee said. Richard breathe in the aroma of the Italian prepared duck as he placed some on each of their diner plate, he nibble on a Thai shrimp spiral. When Lee returned with the Macaroni and Cheese, and fresh baked rolls, Richard had the wine open and was poring it into their glasses. “Great taste nice bottle of Italian ‘Pink Sparkling Pinot Nair.’” He said. “Say grace and lets’ eat,” Lee said and kissed his check setting back in her seat she lowed her head. Dinner was eaten so soon and the cake was served Richard and Lee talked and laughed. She looked out the window. Then she said, “the evening sky has very few stars its going to rain. Come dance on the grass with me, it’s wonderful dancing in the rain “Its’ just starting,” He said as he took her hand to guide her from her seat toward the dinning room and out on the patio. With her wrapped in his arms he kissed her. The music was low and soft. A light breeze blew the sweet smell of the roses and soft rain drops their way. Richard looking down into Lee’s beautiful face.

Smiling, she turned in his arms, he wrapped his arms tighter around her and place kisses over the back of he neck as they swayed side to side in time with the music. “I could stay like this forever its heaven,”she said. She caress his warm strong shoulders and back while breathing in deeply, her eyes were closed. He planted kisses down the back of her neck pushing her head forward as he caressed the nap of her slender smooth sweet smelling neck with his warm lips, Lee moaned with pleasure. He said, “by the time the evening end I will have kissed every inch of you body many, many times.” “I am counting on it,” she breathe out with a grin and kissed him. The rain fell heavier and the breeze was cool. As the song ended she lead him back inside. They stepped out of their shoes on the patio and Lee headed to the bathroom for towels. He follow her. With towels in hand, she turned and he was there. Their lips locked. He picked her up and carried her inside. Richard brushed the shower curtain aside stepping into the shower while holding her tightly against his chest he turned the tap on. The water rained down on his head neck and shoulders as he devoured her lips and throat.

Chapter 11

DETECTIVE SMITHE AND Crockett were at their desks after lunch and they were still baffled by the attack at the Ocean-Side Park and Camping-Grounds. Detective Smithe was on the phone calling veterinarians in the area. He had talked to two who confirmed that there had not been any cases of rabies or rabid animals in the area as far as San Francsico. Detective Crockett returned to his desk after talking with Chief Moore. They were still on the case after a week of searching for a rabid animal, which he thought should be given to animal control “We need to go talk to a veterinarian so we can learn how a black bear become infected with rabies and just what it will do and not do,” Detective Crockett said. “Let’s roll I think I got us one a John MacAuthor. I was told he is the best in this area. I think I know him, I seeing his little girl at my sister’s nursery. Doctor Mac-Author and his wife has three kids the girl and twin boys. I understand that they work with the zoo in San Francsico,” said Detective Smithe. In the car they continued to discuss doctor John Mac-Author the veterinarian and his work with the bald eagle. He believed that John had moved to Daley just recently cause he did not him from their high school days. Still they would not have gotten to know John especially since he was serious about Science because every change detective Smithe and Crockett got they skipped Science to work-out in the gym Detective Smithe continued to say, “this John character is suppose to have worked with many animals and some of them wild. He won an award for working with the American Bald Eagle, the award came from the Federal Governments’ Department of Animals Control. I learned this from an article that was publish about him in ‘American Digest for Animals Lovers.’ Also the article stated it is against the law to have even a feather, let alone any other part of a bald eagle in your possession. If you find an eagle feather, you must give it to the proper authorities. There was a phone number and who to call included in the article.”

Detective Crockett laughing said, “I am glad you are keeping up with the laws from the animal world. It’s good information, next we will be on the case of the missing ‘Great American Bald Eagle.’” They both laughed as they continue to talk about the article discussing the Bald Eagle’s life cycle, Bald Eagles or the Golden Eagles are found in North America. When an eagle reach near 40 years old its’ beak, talon, and feathers becomes weak. To continue to live or what is called the re-birthing of the eagle is the decision of the eagle. “That’s great,” said Detective Crockett, “it sounds like the elderly Eskimo, who sit out on the ice waiting for a Polar bear to come eat him. Then his son, the hunter would kill the bear, eat the meat of the bear and use the skins and fur for clothes and shelter. It is all part of the life cycle of the Eskimo.” Detective Smithe said, “the article stated the details of Bald Eagles’ rebirthing. It flies to the top of a mountain to sit in its’ nest, then strike its’ beak against a rock to weaken it’ so it can pull it out, then the eagle waited for its’ new beak to grow. With a new beak it plucked out its’ talons and its’ feathers which has become old and thick. Can you believe it may take two to three years to completely the molting sequence? “Man you all into animals these days we really need another case,” said Detective Crockett. Detective Smithe laughed and continue, “Then feathers grow from follicles. If the feather’s follicle is damaged it is possible that the feather could grow back incorrectly or it might not grow back. Thefeathers grow quickly as new feathers push out and replace the old ones. Eagles have almost eight thousand feathers with interlocking microscopes which are very strong layers insulating the bird from the cold and rain. When this painful process is done the bird has to wait five months or a little more for complete recovery. It can fly high as it soar in the sky enjoying its’ new birth. Bald Eagles can live an other 30 years, many of them live for 70 years. The Bald Eagle is a remarkable bird and grand enough to be an emblem for the American people with the scroll of the Declaration of Independence in one talon and the olive branch in the other freedom and equality for all Americans. Now all we need to do is salute the flag,” laughing, Detective Crockett said while shaking his head.

Chapter 12

THE MACAUTHOR FAMILY, John and Emily with their baby daughter came from Florida, they worked there as veterinarians at the state’s zoo. While working at the zoo John witness a murder. Shook-up and thankful the murders did not see him he rush home to his wife and daughter Emily and Sara. Their daughter Sara was two-years old and Emily was carrying the twins and ready to have them any minute. John told Emily what he saw happen at the zoo. John was a man that went into lion’s cages and got elephant to lye down with out fear but what he saw that day shook him to the core. Emily gave him hot coffee and got him calmed down before his babbling made sense. Emily immediately got up to check Sara. “John we have to go to the DA’s office. You have got to tell what you saw. There is a murder man who’s family will be worry sick about him. They want know where he went or what happen to him or why,” said Emily. John said, “No! That’s impossible what if these two have partners and they find out about you and Sara. No I have to put your safety, Sara and the babies, first. Maybe we should leave Florida.” “You have to do what’s right for everyone and having these men put in jail where they belong is right for us too. These men are killers who’s to say they want do it again or have not done it before one of them of both,” said Emily. “They do not know I saw them if there is away to tell the DA and stay anonymous I could feel secure about telling,” John said. He was calmer now rubbing his hands over his head and face he pace the floor thinking. Finally he said. “OK we will go to the DA’s office. I will tell them everything and see what happens. If the body cannot be found, the matter maybe dropped, especially if no-one reports the man missing.” Getting a jacket for Sara, Emily said, “John, this is the right thing to do I feel sure of it.”

“What ever happens when this is over we are leaving. I can work anywhere and you need to rest the babies are due and I want you all healthy and safe,” said John. Sara skipped to the car unaware of what was going on around her. John looked at his daughter, she was a sweet happy child, and he was not going to let anything happen to destroy her sweet out-look on life. His child had never known fear and he wanted her to continue that way. He was her father and he would see to it. She was his little girl the best he had ever had to happen in his life with the exception of her mother. Emily was right he had to do this for them his part in helping to keep the world a safe place free from as many bad guys as possible. Emily had always been his strong hold, his tower of reasoning and good-sense. The very day they met he knew she was the one he wanted for the rest of his life. They went through college together, studying zoology, and zoologists they were. Most people did not know how many animals was abused in zoo, or circus, or by their owners working in the animals world John saw it up close. And he was a zealous of both healthy animals and children.

Chapter 13

LEE WAS HEADED home when she ed the market, thinking about Richard she forgot to stop or fill-up her car with gasoline. Twice she went all the home and was putting her car away when she she had nothing in the house for dinner and the gas in her car was lower than she liked, she backed out and headed back to the market for food and gasoline. Lee and Richard had been seeing each other regularly, every morning on the running path and weekends for dinner out or at her house for an evening in with TV and cuddling. Just thinking about being close and warmly nestled in Richard arms made her heart beat louder and a heat rushed up her neck and cover her face. When they were not together they talked on the phone often as possible which was most nights. Richard took late lunch breaks when he was working in the building of Justice the police the office of the DA and most lawyers worked in the seven story build the courts were on the fourth floor with a luncheonette where he would meet Lee at lease twice a week. Lee put her groceries away leaving the items out that she would need to bake brownies for her and Richard. She took out the leftovers from last night’s dinner she would warm-up the chicken for them. He loved her leftover fried chicken with salad and red wine white wine she kept in the house Richard always arrived with a bottle of red wine and sometime with her favor white and peach roses. Most evenings after work she would relax with a glass of wine, Lee filled her favor glass and took it into the bedroom with her. She sipped wine while sitting on the side of the tub with her bathe water running. She read her mail. She undressed and stepped in Lee loved the scented vanilla cream bubble bathe it oiled her skin as well as soften it. Richard loved to kiss the nape of her neck as he breathe in the scent of her he was so unlike the other men she had dated, closing her eyes she settled back into her bathe. She could feel his touch and smell his earthy scent and she smiled and sighed letting the soapy hot water cover her body. She was so in love with him. Sitting before her mirror Lee adjusted her eye-make-up color. She liked the purple and blue for her evenings with Richard. Tonight she was wearing her new

purple jeans, that flatter her hips and showed off her small waist, with a soft lavender sweater, for the first time in her life she was glad she had large firm breasts that sit high upon her chest with or without a bra. While working with her hair thoughts of Roberta came to her mind, she had planned to visit her and she would like to do what ever she could to help her. Lee was hoping that she could be friends with Roberta and Mary. As one got older friends married and started families or careers and did not keep in touch as much. Dressed Lee walked around the room picking up her things making sure the room was neat before she took one last look at her hips and backside. ‘The Sista,’ looked just right, not too much booty but enough roundness, besides booty was in these days. She turned the lights out and left the room. In the dinning-room she filled her glass with wine and took it with her. Lee did not have to think about her feeling for Richard or his for her, she loved him and she knew he felted the same about her. The evenings was turning cooler as Auguest was quickly coming to an end. She inspected one of her rose bushes which she and Richard planted in late May. He knew just how to plant them and loved working with her in rose garden. He related some good stories to her about his mother’s flower beds and that last Summer he had in Daley City some years ago before his family moved from California. Lee looked into the night sky, she was thinking of the wonderful times she and Richard shared. She picked several roses of different colors from her neat roll of three feet high rose bushes. Her wholesome rose bushes were covered with sweet smelling, ‘California Beauties,’ fast blooming pink, yellow, red and white roses. She shived and wrapped her arms around her body. Walking on Daley’s Park Ocean-side-Beach was one of Lee and Richard favor things to do. On moon-lit nights at the beach they would walk hand in hand for hours, they played around like children running in and out of the surf. Lee would run from him hiding among the rocks and Richard would sneak upon her and snatch a kiss. On chilly nights they would locate a boulder high up along the rocky shore of the ocean-side-beach and they would climb up top it and sit. Richard had those long legs that she could sit between and he would lean over her. He warmed her with his large chest and his strong arms she felted so loved as they snuggled. The stars appear in the blacken night and the waves rolled in and out making their own kind of music.

Chapter 14

AFTER THE LONGEST twelve weeks the man had been convicted and sentenced. John and his family were on the way out of the state of Florida. John was taking his family as far away as he could get them. One smart decorated detective was assigned to the family for protection and no-one in Florida knew he was there. There were other men involved in this situation and murder was just a part of what they were into. John had been in with the management of a zoo outside San Francisco. So he had a job lined up and a house had been located for them outside of a town known as Daley City. John and Emily with Sara enjoyed a leisurely trip out to California. They were enjoying a walk in a park when Emily screamed. She bent over in pain as water pooled around her feet. John was shocked by her screams and for a moment he was paralyze with fear. He rush to her side to helped her to the car as Sara ran beside them with questions as to what was hurting her mom. In the car Emily talked to Sara with a soothing voice to keep both of them calm. John drove back to the main highway looking for signs which could lead into a city and a hospital It took about ten minutes for John located an exit to Daley City’s Hospital. He had Emily and Sara out of the car and at the emergency-room entrance from the parking lot in a flash. A nurse spotted them she put Emily in a wheelchair and forms in Johns hands and she wheeled Emily off to a birthing-room. When John settled down enough to think he went looking for Sara. He was thankful when he saw his daughter talking with a hospital candy striper and eating a sandwich. John ed the completed forms with his insurance card to the nurse on duty at the desk. He explained how they were traveling from Florida to California and who Emily’s OB-GYN doctor was. The nurse laugh and said, “You got to Daley City California just in time for your sons to be born in this hospital.” John was so nervous he barely caught on to the fact that Emily had given birth to two boys his sons. He knew there were twins but not the sex of the babies. He was over joyed, he kissed the nurse on the

cheek while giving her a bear hug. He picked Sara up and dance around at the nurse’s work station with her hugging his neck gleefully. John took Sara down to the Hospitals’ gift shop and brought bouquets of flowers. John enter the room narrating, “White Lilies to express my unconditional love, white Roses for my undying eternal love.” Sara came behind him with a nurse helping her to carry a large vase of red and white roses. “And these,” John continued as Sara extend her vase forth, “are for togetherness with a loving family of a daughter and now twin sons. James Jr. is my oldest son and John Jr. is my youngest son. James Jr. and John Jr., my twin boys.” John pulled Emily to his chest to give her a wet delightful kiss. Hidden behind him Sara pulled his shirt. He turned and she gave him the vase of flowers she carried. Then she climbed upon the side of her Mom’s bed to give her a sweet wet kiss and two small bears for her brothers. Emily cupped Sara’s chin while reaching out her other hand to take John’s hand. She said, “I am the happiest woman in this world today I am so blessed!” John sit on the side of her bed and pulled Sara onto his lap the nurse wheeled in the twins cover from head to toe in light blue knit hats and cotton blankets. They talked and laughed in a huddle until the nursery’s nurse came for the boys. The floor nurse put John and Sara out of the room and she walked them to the elevator. Emily sighed, she realized how tired she really was as she adjusted her covers. She closed her eyes smiling, she lay her head on her pillow at last blessed sleep.

Chapter 15

THE BLACK BEAR cub in its’ eagerness to feed caterwauling as it went head first into the bush of blueberries. An unseen raccoon right itself then launched at the black bear cub. The black bear sow hurled a quick sharp blow sending the large raccoon into a Blue Oak. The startled raccoon flew at the bear sow and a vicious fracas ensued. Growling the bear sow kicked the coon into a Redwood tree. The sow was bitten on the foot by the rabid raccoon. The enraged raccoon infected with the deadly virus disease rabies ferociously hurtled into the black bear sow and bit the sow a second time in the thigh. The black bear sow bellowing flung the angry coon into a Sycamore tree shattering its’ head and brain matter spatter the great tree as the body slide down the trunk. Before the old coon was released from the bear sow’s paw the drooling coon savagely bit the black bear. The black bear sow lumber off toward the creek to sooth its’ paw while searching the creek for beaver. The bear cub ate the blueberries from the bush that the coon viciously fought for. While leaving piles of bear’s scat near the creek that was covered by gold-back ferns the sow bear gorged its’ self on large slender long snout bony pike. By the time dark cover the woods the carcass of the raccoon had been devoured by a small red fox. The large sow bear headed deeper into the thickest part of the woods with her cub following. Mother and cub ate dandelions and California Lilacs Bushes while moving along a trail of trees cover with chicory and kelp growing in the darkness of the woods. Occasionally the woods was lite-up by the hot white sun putting the sow bear in a spot light. The sow bear clawed thick three hundred old Redwood trees with her marking as she extended her range leading into a small valley inside the mountains far away from the human camping-grounds. The bears curled-up inside the mountain. Deep and dark under a wide ledge shielding her den littered with boxes and dried grass. The black bear cub buried its’ nose in the warm furry side of the sow and both snored loudly as the bees and the crickets buzzed and chirped in the darkness of the woods. The night came on fast deep in the thickest part of the woods. It was black as a raven’s wing with the moons’ light piercing darkiness up and around an old oak and giant Redwood tree and high upon top of the mountain a large sliver and black wolf howled. It was one in a million nights in the woods of Daley City California where all

animals and humans were at peace. The night closed bring the dawn with new and exciting beginning for another day.

Chapter 16

HER DREAM WAS filled with yelling and fighting. His bald head and dark face with its thick mustache was clearly visible to her. He followed her to the bedroom yelling claiming she had no business opening his private files. If she was to know what was in them he would have told her. In time she would know anyway but now was not the time. He had friends that wanted as few people as possible to know about this business and she could be getting them both into a difficult situation. He warned her to keep her mouth shut and to stay away from his files. She would continue to work with him in the print all business without asking any questions. She knew to much already. This money could put them into a better place. Two more transactions could bring them a half-million or more. Everyone was happy with the way things was going and she was not going to mess it up. Years ago there had been problems but all that was left in Florida before his time and now that he was involved things were done smarter. Men with cooler heads with business savvy was involved now. The operation had been going on for sometime and everyone was doing his part and no-one talked about it at all. From time to time small profits as little as fifty thoudsand dollars was split between them before new transactions would take place. Each of Ted’s partners knew what was required of him and did what was needed while keeping cool and not attract suspicion by spending large amount of money or building up large bank s in one of Daley’s banks. Only Martha knew where Ted’s share of the illegal gotten money was safe. Ted was gone and he would never return this Martha knew for sure. It was doing one of those nights when she was tired and just feed-up with his verbal abuse. She just wanted to feel good about her life choices which she hadn’t in a long long time. Since the morning she had been taking orders and she did the type setting. Ted had to go take care of his major money making business in the dawn hours under the cover of darkness. He remind her to take the orders that he had completed to the post-office because he would return very late. It was important that the

orders go out they were from some of his loyal returning customers. They paid good money for their printed goods which they order three or four times a year. Martha question Ted about where he was going and what he would be doing. He had been going out for sometime now and he stayed out late with his friends doing only heavens knew what. Ted did not like her questioning him and she knew this. He turned placing his hand at her throat gripping her neck hard and pushed her back inside the room. Martha shoulder hit the dresser as he got right up into her face. Ted spit his words at her. Martha felted there was a beating coming and she was not having it. She turned and before she knew it her hand had found the vase. Martha got a firm grip on it. While looking at his shiny face and smooth bald head hatred swelled up inside her and Ted never knew what hit him. He yelled, cussing at her from where he kneeled on the floor in a daze. Ted was down and he was cruel, if he got up no telling what he would do to her. She swore she would kill him for the beatings he gave her. Martha fear of him disappeared, she was filled with anger and hatefulness from all the years of his mentally and physically abuse of her came flooding into her mind. She hit him with the vase as hard as she could, she was feed-up no more. The tears and pain and his angry words came crowding in on her. Welting the vase Martha hit him hard, harder, again and again until it shattered cutting the palm of her hand. Surprised and shocked by what she had done Martha dropped the piece of the vase she still held in her bleeding hand. Martha pushed away from him and she slide back into the closet’s door while she gripped her hand trying to stop the flow of blood. She squeeze the flesh beneath her thumb covering the cut in the palm of her hand. Martha moaned, “What have I done, what have I done, oh God what have I done?” Ted lay on the floor with blood pooling around his head and shoulders, his face and neck was cover with it. What would she do? Call Chief Moore, no! She was not going to jail, not for this! She had endured too much. With her back against the wall she started to laugh, wild and loud, she laugh. It was funny, she had just freed herself from one prison which could sent her to another one for the rest of her life. No never, she would not go! Enraged she cried, “I will never be confined again.” Martha wiped her face as she sit looking at Ted’s body he was dead that was for

sure. If she stayed calm, she could figure this out. She knew Ted never loved her and that he married her just to get his hands on her inheritance. He was gone and she would have all of his money, his illegal gotten earning that he would never have share with her. “Ha, ha! Ha, ha!” Martha laugh until she cried. She rocked back and fourth while sitting on the floor then what she had to do came to her. She went into the kitchen, she put some ice into a towel and she gripped it in the fist of her cut hand. She looked at her jeans they were cover with her blood and maybe some of Ted’s. Martha got her some fresh clothes and went into her bathroom to change all the while she was thinking of what she was going to do with Ted’s body. She felted tears forming at the corner of her eyes and they ran onto her cheeks, mentally she checked herself, ‘no he is not worth it, you did what you had to do now finish it.’ Martha wiped away her tears. She turned out all the lights and she pulled the shades down and she closed the curtains over them. Then she headed toward the basement’s door.

Chapter 17

VETERINARIAN, DOCTOR JOHN Mac-Author said, “in the United States raccoons are the number one wild animal with rabies, ninety three out or one hundred cases known are found in wild animals. Animal Control try to vaccinate wild animals by adding medicine to food that they animals in the wild. They leave the food in places that wild animals is known to feed or drink. Sometimes airplanes are used to get food into places that are hard to reach on foot or by truck. This is the most common way to get the vaccine to the wild animals of the forests or woods. In America all pet are required to have rabies vaccination. Rabies is an infectious disease that only mammals get.” The Detectives took notes as the doctor explains the disease. They ask questions concerning the cuts or bites Roberta received. They wanted to know how likely a person is to die from this disease. The United States must be up to date on all cures and diseases, with the best doctors and researchers in the world persons are able to be treated and cured of this infectious disease quickly. “Gentlemen, all of these are valid questions and I will answer them. Any person that have been in with a wild animal and have bites or cuts, the animal’s saliva can contaminate the body, if this happen the person should see a doctor immediately and be tested. If possible the animal should be tested as in the case of infection by a pet. I cannot stress this too much ‘anyone that have been bitten by an animal, then show flu like symptoms must see a doctor, especially children,’” said Doctor MacAuthor. “There is a series of shots that must be taken and these shots are given in the stomach and they are very painful, Detectives. First the person should have the vaccination, then there is a series of three shots, that must be taken in the next fourteen days, once the symptoms appear, survival is rare,” Doctor MacAuthor continue, “After infection in about two to twelve weeks flu like symptoms will be present. Anxiety, insomnia, confusion, paranoia, are symptoms. Suggesting to an infected person to drink water, or the person try to drink water may cause painful muscles spams in the throat and hallucination to delirium. The person may suffer hydrophobia, slight paralysis, and death in two

to ten days after the first symptoms appear. Some fifty five thousand person die from rabies each year, ninety five percent of the death occur in Asia and Africa.” They ask for more information about the raccoon and bear. How would they come in with each other, surely a coon would run from a large bear. If a coon had infected a bear, how likely are they to catch the coon or bear before either spread this disease further, how could they kill other infected animal and what can be done to stop rabies. Doctor MacAuthor told the detectives, “There are no known cases of a person catching rabies from a bear, bears can get rabies but very rarely. Those searching for animals with rabies, will find dead animals in those woods and animals infected and untreated will die in two to ten days. Look-out for animals’ bodies or vicious animals around water sources, burn the bodies and bury them.” Doctor Mac Author offer the detectives bottler water. Detective Crockett refused, waving the doctor aside as Detective Smithe took a bottle and removed the top and drank. “Thanks Doctor for the water,” said Detective Smithe. The doctor nodded his head and took his seat He said, “As for BRIUN, or any bear in its’ right mind, especially the black bear will stay far away from humans. Black bear hibernate up to October. The sow will have it cub and take care of it in her den and then only leaves the den to look for food. The sow will keep her cubs with her for about three years, then she cut all ties and run the three year cub off to take care of its’ self. The sow stop growing about her sixth year and weight maybe hundred and fifty to three hundred and fifty pounds. A boar reaches his full growth about his twelfth year and may weight from three hundred to seven hundred and fifty pounds and he has a range up to ten miles. Cubs, sows, and boars can be found in any range. Bears are omnivorous and eat a variety of plants and berries, their favor is oats and oat farmers are often troubled by black bears. In Spring they like eating dandelion and fresh grass, they like eating the meat of the beaver. The black bear can climb a tree and will to get away from danger. They do not like loud noises, their hearing is excellent and they have outstanding sense of smell but they have poor eye-sight. If humans leave food out or feed them, they will return again and again, over time the bear will lose its’ fear of humans. Never run from a bear as I have said they dislike noise so make as much noise as possible, throw things at it. If it charges stand still and try to look as big as possible. Bears act very

erratically, pepper spray or rubber bullets will put one on the run.” “The bear, a sow we are talking about, I am certain there is no boars in this area now,” said the Doctor, “but there will be soon, bears are nomadic creatures. Mating season starts in late Spring or early Summer and what ever boars has their range in this area will be working their way back to these woods just about now. If a sow is infected and she is not caught or dead from the rabies, the sow may charge a boar, if he tries to mate with her and could infect him then there will be problems.”

Chapter 18

DETECTIVES SMITHE AND Crockett headed into the woods looking for trails. They found the lake and up-rooted sugar-bushes and creosote bushes. They looked for signs of a cave, a deep hollow out tree to its’ roots, any kind niche or nook and cranny which could be used as a bear’s den. The detectives follow the flow of the lake, eyes of many hided animals watched them moved deeper into the darken woods. While exploring the area around the creek, Detective Crockett stepped into a large pile of bear’s scat. Detective Crockett yelled, “Man, look here. My shoe is covered with stuff and it smells.” As Detective Crockett shook his foot, Detective Smithe roared with laughter. “Man, you should have had the flash-light shining on your feet. You can never tell what you are stepping on in here when the light of the sun do not reach the ground. Have you forgotten how dark it can be in here and you know we are being watched,” said Detective Smithe, between burst of laughter. “Man, I hate bears, all bears! How big a pile of this stuff can one animal make,” yelled Detective Crockett? A small red fox with a bushy tail as long as its’ body peeped at the detectives as it darted from the darkness of wild oak bushes, the fox ran deeper into the dark woods carrying a small rodent in its mouth. All around the detectives bushes rustle as small animals scurried for the cover of darkness. Like a large opossum with its long whip of a tail ran into the ray of the sun’s light as it scurried across the path of the detectives. It snarled fleeting for the cover of darkness provided by the trees and bushes only to peer out at the detectives. The opossum sniffed the air detecting the unfamiliar odor of this new animal, the detectives as they moved slowly beating the grass and bushes. Laughing Detective Smithe said, “Man, they come in all sizes. Have you forgotten about all the time we played in these woods. There are all kinds of piles only God knows what. Maybe we will come up on a den and a sow bear with rabies.”

“First we were looking for a rabid black bear sow and now we maybe looking for a black boar bear, too! This bear business is not a part of our job, its too much! I wish we could kill all bears and get the heck out of these woods. We are homicide detectives. Where is the body? I am going to throw away these shoes, socks, and pants.” Detective Crockett declared. Detective Smithe listen to his friend and partner fuss about bears all the way back to the car. Where they made plans to come back to the woods with a search party of men from the camping grounds and those with knowledge of the woods and animals. Both detectives wanted to get the case off of their backs. It was much more an animal control issue and it should be someone in that department that came out into the woods. Detective Smithe kicked at a bush and something fell in front of him, he bend to pick it up. At first he thought it was a dried old bowed tree branch, the woods was full of them. He looked at the length of the thing, surprised and excited he called to Detective Crockett. “Man look at this, It looks like a human bone,” said Detective Smithe. Detective Crockett turned, then said, “man, don’t mess around with me just let me get home and into the shower then burn these clothes.” “Naw man this is a leg bone of a person its’a thigh bone look at it,” Detective Smithe said, pulling the bone completely out of the bushes and dirt. Detective Smithe shined his flash light on it, he looked closer at the long cracked bone it was the femur. The thigh bone of the leg. “Man this is a leg bone. The thigh and as long as it is, it must be a tall man’s bone. I think we better get the medical examiner out here. Maybe there is a homicide in here after all. “You call him. I need to get my feet and shoes cleaned,” said Detective Crockett. The Detectives left the leg bone where they discovered it and they departed from the wooded area.They were near the camping-grounds, so they went there to locate someone to watch over the bone until they could get the medical examiner to come from town to the woods. There were men around the park and campinggrounds cleaning and burning trash the detectives call out to them. Detective Smithe told them what they had come across and pointed out the location, some

of the men headed over to the spot in the woods. Detectives Crockett leaned next to a tree and removed both of his shoes and he put one of them with the sock in a trash can, then put the other shoe on his naked foot. In the drivers’ seat Detective Smithe headed to the police station to make out a report on what they had found and sent a request to the M. E. Excited and glad they had a real case Detective Smithe reported to Chief Moore. Detective Crockett headed to the locker-room limping. He wore a shoe on one foot and a sock on the other foot while cussing all bears. Detective Smithe placed phone calls and typed up the case report on the afternoon events. He arranged for the M.E. to meet them in the Ocean-side Park near the running course. He explained to the medical examiner, Doctor Cross, how they came upon the bone and the events that had them working on a case in the park. As expected the medical examiner agreed it had to be a rabid bear for it to come out into the open where people were. No black bear would ever come close to humans and the noise they make. Black bears’ eye-slight is poor but their hearing is excellent.

Chapter 19

CHANCE FRANKLIN AND James Barnes met in the office of The Diamond and Jewelery Shop. Their man said the diamonds were yellow stones and they are very rare. They were sure this shipment could sale for over five million dollars. Since it was a three-way split after returning their nameless partner his share each of them should get a rather handsome sum. Their fourth and greedy partner had been taken care of by Chief Moore some time ago. The Chief of police was a good man to be in business with. He saw what was needed to be done and he did it what they would have agreed to do. Time was saved and only one person knew anything about Ted’s where about for sure but all them knew what had happen that night over five years ago and they never spoke of it. James Barnes was owner of the, ‘Diamond and Jewelery Shop,’ in Daley City legally. He had a friend that helded a little money for him in her name, money hidden that the DA of Florida knew nothing about and did not confiscate. Barnes had been dealing with Southern African diamond’s thieves for years in Florida. When he and Max Zimmerman who one of his partner at that time went to prison their diamond connection disappeared. There was little trust between them they ague over the money and the deals. During one of their meeting at the zoo in Florida James’s partners had got into a heated argument and before he could cool them down a gun had appeared and Max killed their partner, Terry Jones. James and Max got rite of their dead partner and everything that had to do with him and no-one was to have been the wiser, except they were seen by the zoo’s veterinarian. In court the veterinarian agreed that the shooting looked like an accident and that either man could have been killed while fighting over a gun. But James Barnes and Max Zimmerman carried their dead partner into one of the maintenance feeding and medication rooms. There they dismembered their partner and feed parts of him to all of the big ferocious cats. They were hoping to get rite of him quickly, efficiently and without been seen. With the information from the zoo’s veterinarian the murdered partner’s identification was found in one of the dumpsters in the refuse area at the zoo. Then the DA had the zoo’s lions, leopards, and tigers’ cages examined for human blood and DNA that could identify the man that had been killed and to prove he was consumed by the

big cats. James had no part in the murder, therefore, he was given five years in prison for helping to cover-up a murder by dismembering and feeding a human corpse to the big cats in the Florida’s State Zoo. James was out in three and a half years because of the over crowding in the penitential system and his good behavior while confined in Coleman Federal Correctional Complex, in Sumter County near wild wood, Florida. Max was given twenty years to life for murder, dismembering and feeding a human corpse to the big cats in Florida’s State Zoo. Max Zimmerman had years to go before he would be free. Once Barnes was in California he looked up old friends he had worked with in the and they ed it among different crews he was looking for a job and soon he was connected with some Southern Africans, who was into illegal diamond smuggling. The fourth partner and a life long resident of California was Chance Franklin a respected mortician carrying on his family business, ‘New Life Funeral Home.’ Which his great-grand-father had started in San Francisco right before the great fire. When the fire was over so was everything in San Francisco. The people build the city over many new families came to started businesses and built homes in a growing municipality. His grandfather build the business in Daley while the family’s home was rebuilt in San Francisco where Chances’ greatgrand-parents lived until they died. The Franklin’ home was sold and rebuilt in Daley and the business was extend.

Chapter 20

THE DIAMONDS THAT they were expecting was brilliant, ‘the round princess,’ were what they were known as and they would be there most valuable and last shipment. These were not ‘ideal,’ quality grade, they were a ‘very good,’ shipments. But they were perfect and they qualified for the four Cs test; their coloring, their clarity, their carat weigh, and their cut. Which James would check once Chance receive them with a shipment of caskets from their suppliers whom only Chance knew. Before Ted disappear he was needed to the diamonds on to the next link in the shipments of printed items from his legal business. Now his widow was good at shipping the packages. Martha was paid well for her part and she never ask about the contents of the packages. She was not out to get a lot of money she felted it was just friends helping friends in need. Chief Moore told her he knew she could use the money so he pleaded with her until she take it with a smile and she kissed him to thank him for understanding. Chief Moore brought packages to Martha and told her that it was just some business that he had brought to Ted when his printing orders was low and that he could do the same for her. This way she could earn more money for herself enough to open up another type of business in Daley or she could save up enough to leave Daley City. She could go to San Francisco or LA, even leave the state if she wanted or she could keep her family’s home. Plus ‘Ted’s Print All Business.’ All she would need to do was add the small packets he brought her with the business cards he requested her to printed, nothing illegal, but nothing the whole town needed to know. She trust the Chief and took his business. He never told her what was in the packets and she never let on that she had discover what Ted had been doing with them. Ingenue and subtle was best for a woman when dealing with unscrupulous men. Even while living on the camping-grounds Martha kept her end of the deal up and often she full-filled orders for friends in Daley. The friends of her parents and the few friends she still had in Daley City thought that Martha was to be commend for the brave way she carried on after losing her family, then her husband abandon her breaking her heart. The Chief filed a missing report on Ted for Martha. Since she came to the police

department crying, she claimed that Ted had abandon her. Ted had taken only the clothes on his body and all of their saving. Ted told her he was going out for cigarettes and milk and he never came home. The car was found parked in back of the local community store. Martha could not keep it, she could not make the payments, it was just a few months old.Ted had to have the newest the latest of any style and brand name in automobiles. Martha said she had waited few days before coming to the police department because she was hoping he would come back. But Chief Moore believed his partners, James Barnes and Chance Franklin, one or both had did Ted in which was no great lost Ted was getting too greedy.

Chapter 21

MORNING CAME FAST to Martha. She was up an d she was washed and dressed. She was sitting on the front steps of the camper sipping orange juice as she ate a cinnamon-bun cover with vanilla icing. She baked pans and pans of buns everyday. These were quick and ease to bake well liked and nutritious pastry for everyone especially the children they feed at the church. A carton of milk and a few buns made a wonderful after school snack and an excellent snack for the homeless living on the Ocean Side Park and Camping Grounds. The small children of the church Sunday schools classes love the ladies cinnamon buns. The cinnamon buns were served to the elderly during the day after they returned from their afternoon walk or taking in the fresh air while visiting in the shade of the great old oaks with friends in the park. The elderly worked up a healthy appetite and were always jolly when they returned. Martha enjoyed these times the most. The seniors living at the church often had gathering and parties for family and friends. Those that was lucky enough to have loving husbands and wives and lived in homes of their own, they too always attended these gathering. Daley City was blessed that way, with good people. The owner of the land was a kind person he gave some of his land to the people who had no place to go after San Francisco burned and in return the people named the city after him and he was the fist Mayor of the city and served for five turns. Most of Daley’s citizen helped in one way or another to care for those that were less forture. Many families came to Daley from other larger cities like Los Angels. The citizens working with the homeless never turned away anyone who needed food, clothes, homes and jobs. They often helped people connect with other family living out of state. Martha and many of the homeless women helped at the churches. Martha became a first rate baker and she was doing fine since her husband disappear some years back. When the time was right the money would be right and she was going to open up a business of her own a bakery or a car wash. Daley City was big enough to another business. Maybe she could buy land and build

an apartment house or open a bakery and served fresh coffee with cinnamon buns for those workers starting early in the morning work like the offers of the shift change at the police department and sanitation workers. Detective Carl Smithe was one of the early morning workers she hope to serve. Those warm brown lionize eyes and masterful lips he still had with those large hands that caught footballs while his strong long legs were still moving, Martha the high school football games. She thought maybe just maybe she could have him in her corner. While in her dream state Martha heard the ringing of the bells calling her back to the present and she was off to help with the serving of breakfast, this was the busiest meal of the day. From five a.m. until ten a.m. Martha served food to the homeless; families, wives, mothers, fathers and husbands and those looking for work and the children who had to get to the school bus stop to be picked up. Everyone that worked in the church knew that the homeless living in the park on the camping-grounds were the biggest group of homeless in Daley City. The Pastor wanted to make all the homeless feel hopeful and that their present situation was nothing to be ashamed of and that life had many twists and turns and that all could over come them with grace and kindness. Finally able to sit down with another glass of orange juice Martha kick off her shoes, Martha said, “We made it through breakfast with out dropping a single tray of food or bumping any milk over. They all eat plenty and they were happy this morning, not a sour pus in the place. It is a glorious morning.” Martha smiled and laughed with others praising themselves for a job well done. Jessie, another young woman said, “I am sure we feed over one hundred and fifty people this morning. I never realized Daley had so many people.” Joan added, “Sure the town had growth to a city since we were children. See how close we are to the mountains. The woods use to go on for miles and miles, more than one of us children got lost in there.” Laughing, Joan continued, “ the boys and groups that took off on a camping trips in the woods when we were teenagers, more than once we had to search for someone. Our parents gave-up and said, we could search for each other, they were sure we could find who ever was lost in the woods. They said, ‘there was food in there and very few animals that would not run from us instead of harming us, we

could defend ourselves.’ At one time we had tree house city in there.” All of the young women laughed as they ed days long gone. After some more chatter and breakfast, the women headed to their assigned stations to wash clothes or mend clothes or to start the noon meal. Each happy to be a part of a worthy cause. These women learned a lot about themselves and others around them. Many felted that they were growing in their Christian Faith and the church services were heart-warming and soul lifting. Not so much as with the teaching of Word but as doers of the Word, they worked with joy in their hearts as they helped their brothers, Daley City was a blessed city from its’ being. Daley City came into being in 1911 and was known as the, “Gateway to the Peninsula,” located northern most in San Mateo County adjacent to San Francisco from the Pacific Ocean west to San Francisco Bay on the east. Daley City is the largest city in San Mateo County with a huge hospital, Seton Medical Center which was once called Mary’s Help Hospital is the best in the area and a prominent landmark. The city starts at the Pacific Ocean, goes to the woods and on toward the San Bruno Mountain known as the Santa Fa Mountain. Most of the early settlers were Irish, Spanish, and Italian, in later years Germans, African-American and many of the Native-Americans tribes such as the Pawnee, Mendocino, Ukelele, and Lake Miwak settled in Daley. John Daley own a great deal of the land at the “top of the hill,” near San Francisco and he gave all the people who was homeless after the 1906 earthquake and fire a place to stay which was the beginning of Daley. It grew on the hill and around the bottom and the people honored John Daley by calling the place Daley City, California. In 1859 before the Civil War, David Broderick a former U.S. Senator and David Terry a former California’s Chief Justice argued for sometime over the role of California as a ‘free state or a slave state,’ until it came down to a dual between the two and later became known as the “first shot to the Civil War.” Broderick was wounded and died from it, the public reaction was to keep California a free state. Many German settlers came to the area looking for gold, but became farmers. The residents have a great sense of pride and satisfaction in Daley and it was reflected by the way they lived.

Chapter 22

THE M.E. OR Medical Examiner, Dr. Roger Cross and his helper, Howard got out of the M.E.’s white van with mud encrusted tires and was met by a young man sitting on a large stone poking holes into the ground harassing the red ants living there. Who stated he was there to take them to the location in the woods where the detectives with the other men was waiting for them. They were still looking around for body parts. Dr. Cross went to the back of the van and put some items into his black bag, he handed the bag to Howard so he could put on his jacket. The medical examiner always carry a jacket with him, hot or cold, windy or rainy. Dr. Cross pushed branches out of his face as he followed the young man who seem to navigate quickly and with ease. He chatted on about the leg bone and who it might belong to. The young man was very excited, he had never seen a dead person and this dried old leg bone was the next best thing to it, a mystique, a mystery in itself. As Dr. Cross, his helper, and guide came through the branches and bushes. He explained, “what do we have in here? I have not be in these old woods in years there must still be wild turkeys and berries in here. The pies the women use to bake was good eating and the berries came from these woods this trip brings back many memories.” One of the men standing around pointed toward the Detectives, Dr. Cross walked over to Crockett and shook his hand. Smiling, He turned to Smithe and gripped his hand Dr. Cross asked, “Guys’ what do we have out here? Have they started killing and leaving the bodies out for animals to get rid of?” Detective Smithe pointed to the bone that he believed was from a human. “This bone fail out of the bushes here as we were looking around this morning. I think it belongs to a man here have a look doctor,” He said. Moving closer Dr. cross picked up the bone with gloved hands, He turned it around from end to end as he rubbed the curves of the ends then he put the bone

down and reached further inside the bushes. Doctor Cross raked out trash and some smaller bones. He looked up at the detectives then stated, “I think these bones belong to a foot, they are toes. They would have been attached to an ankle bone. If we can locate the ankle bone we might have something. This is the right lower part of the leg of a tall man, a tibia or the shinbone. The fibula or the rear calf bone maybe close by. The cartilage is usually at the t of two bones would have been soft enough for an animals to eat along with the ligament tissue that would have held the bones together in cases like this leg. Skin, muscle, ligament and cartilage was eaten along time ago by a wolf or smaller animal. Anything larger would have eaten the bones, too. Surprisingly, these smaller bones were not eaten along with the tissue of the foot and the tissue could have decrement or rotten away but more likely it was eaten by mice. This is an old leg bone, it could have been out here a long time maybe four or five years, it looks pretty dry but not very brittle. I will see if I can get some DNA from the inter-bone its going to be costly and challenging to extract DNA. After postmortem cellular decay is adsorbed its’ exposed to a variety of environmental contamination and here, you bet! I will do some grounding of the bone and maybe, just maybe, I can get at lease eleven loci for genotype and get an acceptable DNA profile which can lead to an ID of the guy. I will slice before I ground any bone there is a chance that DNA is fossilized inside the bone that will have been protected from contaminant. I want have to use certain chemicals, therefore, less time will be needed for extraction and the DNA will provide a reliable profile.” Coughing the M.E. continued, “I will know more when I get it back to my lab. Howard do we have any bags here? We need to bag this with the foot and toe bones. The rest of him could be anywhere in these woods. We should move out about three to four feet in different directions if any of him was dragged further it was all eaten by more than one animal. If we can not locate any more parts of him within this area we never will.” There were men from the camping-grounds standing around that had been working with the detectives on watch for rabid animals some smoked while talking and grinning and enjoying the camaraderie. One little old white haired man about five feet tall snicker as he wiped his lips with the back of his hand. Then he said, “Shoot man, we ain’t going to find that sucker. He has been ate, all of him and most of his bones. A smaller animal managed to get some of him, it

snatched enough to leave these few bones and it hided under these here brushes while eating him.” The guy pointed with his foot and kicked at the brushes and continue to talk.“Poor bastard, ain’t much of him to bury.” He cackled blowing his nose on a big red handkerchief.”Yes sir, he made some animal a darn good meal.” He gave a loud dry smoker’s cough then he stood there grinning.

Chapter 23

SMILING WHILE THINKING of the money that he could get gave him a feeling of security, ‘things were looking up.’ He knew watching that fellow, a dead man now, would pay off in a big way. Soon it would be time to make another move not to fast but all in due time dead men tell no lies nor secrets. He got a great laugh out of that one and he laughed loud and hardy. He watched her for awhile she came out of the house and went to the building that housed the washer and dryer it was a laundry room now. At one time it had been used as a room to house a guests over night. Often during the Summers as a teenager Martha had parties in the room sometimes just her girl-friend slept-over and they went shopping the next day. They would have lunch at one of the teens’ local hang-out and they would return with enough guys for a pool-party that lasted until after mid-night. At which time her parents came out to sent everyone home for this privilege Martha was required to attend church with her parents. Most Sundays they entertain from the church, a group of people was always invited for dinner it was a family day. After marrying Ted Martha did not see her friends and soon they became few to none. She loved him in the beginning so it did not matter. She liked working with him, they talked and laughed, they cooked together, they went places to dance until the wee hours in the morning. Soon friends became none. Then he became mean and evil she begun to hate him for isolating her from everyone that had been important to her even if she had been willing. Martha losted out on motherhood, too. She never talked to Ted about starting a family because she knew that children was not a part of the life-style that Ted wanted all that was behind her and she learned and learned well. She would get the floors and the bathroom in the basement cleaned up, Then she would carry out the plan she had for Ted. It was past midnight and she worked by the dim lights outside of the back door. The light filtered through the entry of the kitchen and into the basement windows. In her own world Martha had not notice the man that approached the house until he was close enough to call out to

her. Turning, she went to the outer back door, She met his gaze angrily and ask him what he wanted. The man said, “I think we should talk inside we do not want another person to see us. I can help you with your work in the basement.” Martha became alarmed and she pulled at the rubber apron she wore. It was one of those that she and Ted wore to protect their clothes from the ink of the printer when they had large orders. Quickly, she pull the neck-tie of the apron over her head and she folded the apron then she crumpled it to hide the dryed smears of blood covering it. “I see you hurt your hand,” the man said. Looking at her hand she saw the clean cloth she had taped over the cut in her hand was blood red. “Yes, do not concern yourself about it. How did you get through may gate? What do you want here? I think you should leave,” stated Martha as she covering her hand with the crumble rubber apron. “Inside would be better someone might heard us out here,” He said. He open the door and Martha stepped back just a few steps while facing him to keep him from entering the house any further. “What is it you think you know?” she ask? “I have been watching your husband for a while. I know he is not a good man and not the kind of man a pretty lady should be married to,” he said, “how about me sitting at the table and you give me a drink and a little food?” The man point to the door leading into kitchen. Martha looked over her shoulder then nodded. She pushed through the door with her back, he followed her. She took a glass from the cup-board and she set it before him. Leaning on the counter he pulled open a drawer and took out a fork. He reached across Martha to take a drumstick off of a plate. She gave him a slice of pie and she follow him back to the table. Martha set his plate down an d he held the glass for her as she poured him a drink. “Set down. We have lot to talk about, beginning with how much money I want to keep your secret, I will even help you dispose of it. We can be like partners and I

will be the silence one and you will be the one with the money.” He looked at her and smiled before he took another drink from his glass. Martha wonder where had he come from and who was he. She maded a mental note to keep an eye on him until she could get him out of her home. She did not think he really knew her secret yet. But he was an unscrupulous man a nd living with Ted had taught her what an immoral man talked and acted like and she had to do what was necessary. Martha made her deal with the devil before they went to the basement. She was thinking maybe he should Ted that way she would not have to worry about him coming around to black-mail her. He could have been lucifer himself the way he grinned. He acted like he was use to death and dealing with human’s remains. She had committed murder. Could she do it again? How much lower could she sink? Once they begin working together all the parts was wrapped securely and quickly, the walls and floor was cleaned. He asked no questions and she offer him no explanation. Martha planned to get him and Ted out of life forever. When the deed was done she washed her hand. The she told him, “I will get your money.” Martha went down the hall to disappeared into her bedroom when she came back to the kitchen she gave him every penny she had. She said, “Here it is all I have now. Please go and I don’t want to ever see you again.” “Pretty lady you can count on it. Now for my real payment,” he said. Martha open her mouth to protest, and he cover it with his and pull her toward him forcing her to the floor. Martha struggled and fought to get him off of her. He was pulling at the waist of her jeans as she kicked and beat him on the head. The man pulled back from her long enough to wipe his bleeding lip. Martha was able to set up and she started to get to her feet when he pulled her back ripping her blouse. Martha screamed as she fell to the floor. He tore her bra and blouse away and cover her breast with his hands and mouth. Soon he had her pined down, he yanked her jeans down snatching them away. To protect himself he force one of her legs over his shoulder and held the other down on the floor. Martha thrusted around and she screamed and he punched her in the face with his fist. Her head rolled to the side and she lay still. He pulled his shirt off then

he cupped her chin in one of his large dirty hands as he took what he wanted. Martha moaned in pain through swollen lips. “I keep my word, I will do what I was paid for and our business will be concluded,” He said. As he got to his feet. He left the house pushing the full wheel-barrow in the dark like he knew his way around hers and the bank’s property. He whistled as he walke

Chapter 24

MARTHA KNEW WHERE he was headed. She push herself up off the floor and she picked up her ragged clothing. She held the phone to her ear and swollen bruised lips. The phone ring twice and he picked up. “What’s up, he asked in a sleepy voice. Swallowing hurt her so much that she could only whisper. His eyes open wild when he heard her whispering voice. He asked, “what wrong?” She told him what had happen and he said he was on the way. In a rage he open the door and ran down the hall calling her name. He found her in the bathroom wrapped in a robe sitting on the side of the tub with the hot water running. He pulled her into his arms before he looked at her face. “Tell me what happen, tell me everything, start at the beginning and don’t leave anything out. I want to know everything that has lead up to now, everything,” he practically yelled! Martha told him everything that had happen. Ted’s abusive ways and how she had had enough and everything that happen had happen before she knew what she was doing. Then this guy came from out of nowhere just after dark through the back gate most likely which was broken. He told her how he had been watching Ted and he knew what hapen to him and how would she like for everyone to know, especial the chief. He helped her and he promise to keep her secret and she paid him. Then she expected him to leave but he attacked her. Richard told her to do what she had to and he would see her later and everything would be just fine.

Chapter 25

RICHARD HAD FELTED this sick feeling in the pit of his stomach once before on a hot humid July day when his father had a heart-attack. Richard and Martha had made plans for a party with a group of friends. The party was to be in the Summer-room at the back of Martha family home that same day. He was sixteen and Martha was fourteen that Summer they were in love then Richard had to leave her. Richard moved to Atlanta, Georgia with his parents and younger sister because of his father’s health. Richard was washing the family’s car when he heard his mother’s screams. In his hast Richard stepped into the plastic bucket of rise water he had just brought outside to pour over the roof of the car. Almost falling to the payment and into his mothers’ flower garden Richard caught him self and ran inside to locate his mother. The scene in the upstairs hall was of disorder and tears. His sister was leaning over his mother’s should crying for their dad to wake-up. Richard did not how long it took to get to Daley City’s Hospital emergency room but he felted lost in all the hustle of men and women wearing white. He could not understand a thing they were saying, it was all blurry and echo in his head. He was setting on a blue plastic sofa comforting his younger sister. Her head rested on his shoulder as she cryed. Richard and his mother listen to the doctor. It was a good thing that they had gotten his father to the hospital as fast as they had. It turned out to be just a warning to his dad from his heart. The doctor gave Richard’s mother medication and instructions. After he warned her to keep her home cool and not to let her husband move any more boxes or furniture on hot humid days. The doctor told them that a vacation at lease a relaxing rest for the rest of the Summer might do him a world of good, especially now, during California’s heat wave. When the doctor went to inform Richards’ dad that he could go home and to caution him about his heart’s health. Richards’ mother went to the phone at the nurse’s station. Richard took his younger sister out to the car and her eyes were

still filled with tears and was red from recent crying. He started the car so he could get the air-conditioner going and the car would be cool for the ride home. Once home his mother went into action before Richard knew it the car was packed with food and suitcases. He had very little time to tell Martha what was happening to his father. He wiped her tears away and promise her he would be back in Daley City after his parents was settled at his grand-parents. Martha vowed to write him that night and every day until they were back together again. They kissed and held each other close before a tearful Martha ran home. It had been almost fifteen years since that day. Richard a six foot three inch tall detective had been back in Daley City on his way to take care of some departmental business in San Francisco on the day Ted disappeared. Now Richard was a detective from Washington D.C. back in Daley City, California five years later watching a family who by chance had move to a state and city that the guy they did not want to ever see again had came to after he got out of prison. After Richard’s chief supervisor, head of the FBI Detective Department got news from the tail thatwas put on the ex-con, Richard had been sent to Daley to find the Mac-Author family and his job was to make sure the family was safe and if possible get some dirt on the ex-con that would put him back in jail where he be along with any other unsavory men that he might be dealing with.

Chapter 26

RICHARD WALKED SLOWLY making very little noise, he could hear him as he hided the pieces, the animals would catch the scent in a few hours and there would be nothing left. But what Randel Persia did not know was he would be all over the woods, too. Richard hit Randel with a four foot two inch round stick, he fell forward hitting his head on a rock before he lay still on the ground. “Dumb bastard never knew what hit him. Randel should have just took the money and did what was paid to do, now there would be two of them in the woods,” Richard mummer to himself. In a couple of hours Richard had everything done in the woods that he needed to do, everything else he would leave to the animals. He knew no-one would look for a person in these woods especially not these two. One was a greedy selfish bastard and the other was a dishonored American army solider, chief of supplies in the American army in Iraq. Chief Master Sergeant Randel Persia, served in the army from 1993 to 2009 and was discharged with the lost of his pension for selling military rations to ISIS. After his discharge he hung around with the Arabic rebels until they saw what he was and they were ready to kill him. So he high-tailed it back to the states. Both of them, Ted and Randel were getting their just rewards it was the animals that might be tainted with their meat. Richard knew he was being watched, hungry little critters was salivating at the scent. They would eat everything before he made it back to his truck. This was some four to five years ago and Richard was back in Daley on a case and bits and pieces of bones had turned up in the woods.

Chapter 27

THE DETECTIVES WANTED to see what they could locate before the darkness settled in on the woods.The men grouped up in fours and fives, they carried guns and kicked the varies of bushes, they moved further into the woods laughing and talking. Telling tales of hunting events, they made plans to go hunting so the church could feed the homeless and half the town. Most people contribute time as well as food and clothes to the churches in Daley to help the homeless. Many homeless women went to the church to provided free child care as a way to help other working parents. Some of the churches used their basements as sleeping areas to keep all of families together. The men went far enough to come upon the large fresh water lake the detectives had discover that morning. Under some weeds they located a head with a muddy patch of hair and looked like parts of a shirt that the head lay on. The men were sure it was a man’s skull that they were looking at but who had been missing for years? This person was here a long time and it could have been a homeless person surely no-one from Daley. The city was not that small but the people knew their neighbors most everyone was friendly and they like to think that they would have known if one of their neighbors was missing. A lot of people had left Daley because of the economic situation which came to Daley City in the midnineties and some was prepared financially and begin to live frugal. The people living on the camping-grounds and in the park were helpful to each other, therefore, a person gone all that time would have been notice and someone would have found his or her belonging. Dr. Cross and Howard had the body’s parts bagged and the trash they had collected from around the body parts to test. Dr. Cross and Howard who was studying to become a pathology was discussing the foot bones. Dr. cross was sure the patella or kneecap had been eaten. Also the fibula or the calf bone connected with the tibia or shin bone in the lower leg that was thin. More than likely the fibula was broken into pieces and some of pieces may have been eaten and others pieces could be in the trash which he had collected. Chipped or broken by the animals’ teeth that had eaten the muscles from the leg bones. That would explain why the fibula seem to have not been found with the tibia.

Dr. Cross explained to Howard when they put the foot bones in place, they would have the three sections of the foot, the phalanges, the metatarsals and the cuneiform. Then they could tell which section of the toe bones were missing which of the metatarsals was broken and if the very small tibial sesamoid and fibular sesamoid were there. Also the medial, middle, lateral were the front three bones of the cuneiform section of the foot along with the talus or calcaneus. The tibia may show scaring from its connecting end with the fibula and when the ligament was eaten away with the muscle tissue of the leg from the knee to the ankle these bones, tibia and fibula are consider to be the cnemis or crus. Back in the van Dr. Cross was backing up when he almost hit the excited guide who came running and yelling for the doctor to wait. He said that the doctor was wanted back in the woods by the detectives. One of the men in the group had found a head all dried out with a patch of hair. A head could be something, Doctor Cross was interested, he jumped out of the van and ran to the back of it to get his bag. The doctor grasped it while yelling to Howard to hurry. Doctor Cross pushed past the guide and went ahead with Howard and the guide following until he got to where the leg and foot bones were found. He stopped and yelled for the guide to catch-up and point out the way. The doctor was in a hurry his curiosity was about the body parts and who it might be was aroused. Maybe he could identify the man now. He wanted to know who had been missing for years and no-one missed him. Even in hast it took the M.E., Howard, and the guide 20 minutes to a half hour to catch-up with the detectives and their search party. The M.E. was sweating and panting when he came to the lake side and the detectives. He wiped his face and gloved his hands. Dr. Cross got down on his knees to sweep dirt from around the head and he pulled weeds out of the eye-socks. Fingering the hair which was still secure to the skull he combed some of the mud out of it then Dr. Cross looked up. He said, “With this hair I will be able to extract DNA and there is a full set of teeth here, too. This should surly help to identify this man. The skull have some holes in it and he may have been killed by a blow to the head. The animal that drugged it away from the rest of the body bang it up some and there are some bone fragments missing, still we may have something here.” The doctor lifted the head and Howard held a bag open to receive it. The doctor gave the bag to Howard and told him to be very careful with it as he turned to scoop-up some of the trash and a few of the weeds he had pulled from the eye

sockets. He crawled closer to the lake’s edge and felted around in the grass and mud. He stood and poked around running a few mice from their home. Dr. Cross hoped to locate other bones that belong to the body. He ask the men to search near the lake banks and the other bushes around the larger boulders. Doctor Cross said, “Will some of you men work your way around the other side as far as you can go. Men be careful of where you step and push back the bushes and look under the rocks with a stick, use your flashlights if you have any.” Detective Crockett and Detective Smithe both dressed in jeans and hiking boots move up one side of the lake. They came upon some huge old trees and more wild tall grass and weeds. The further they went into the woods the thicker the trees grew and very little sunshine lite the way. Kicking the weeds with his foot Detective Crockett said, “we are looking for a sow black bear with rabies and the rest of a man’s body. We have got to wait on the ME findings before we know who is dead. Maybe he can tell us if it was murder or an accident then we will discover how and why. We no he could have been hit over the head and the animal that took the head could have caused the damage. We really do not no how far the head was dragged but without the rest of the body we want no if he was shot or stabbed but I would guess he was hit over the head from the looks of the skull.” Detective Smithe said, “we know he was not killed by a rabid sow bear because he has been here to long. As for that bear we have not come across it or a raccoon. It seems like it could be some more bear scat or a den close to this water.” “Yeah, it could be a den around here near to water and grass. There is a berry patch not much further and bears are well known for liking berries,”said Detective Crockett. “Right,” said Detective Smithe, “a bear would have torn-up some of the bushes and maybe left a trail to give us a start as to its locating.” The detectives kept peering under boulders, rocking them and pushing them with the club they used as a leveler and they peered into large holes under bushes and trees. They were on the look-out for large piles of bear scat as they moved closer to the edge of a mountain range and they could see varies of mountains in the distant. They talked about boar bears if there were any with a range in the

mountains, how far would it go. Could the black bear they were looking for have a range within the boar’s range? They saw many oak trees with the bark clawed off and it looked like there was a bears’ bed inside one of the five feet wide broken redwood trees, it must have been a hundred years old. There were more claw marks as they moved toward the Native-Americans homestead. The Native-American’s small town was on the other side of the large mountains’ edge. If the sow went there it would surely go after the farm animals the NativeAmericans were raising while growing their own food. Maybe the sow bear was dead already and the cub was running around in the woods on its own.

Chapter 28

MARY SET IN the waiting-room expecting the shifts’ head-nurse to return to the nurse’s station behind the itting desk soon, Mary was told that she would have to talk to the head-nurse on duty before she could go to her friend’s room for a short visit. Mary knew that Roberta had to go into the operating room, Roberta had lost a lot of blood and several of the cuts she had receive needed to be cleaned and sewed shut. Roberta had sixty-five stitches along her hip and thigh. There would most definitely be a good size scare left which olive oil and sha-butter could soften. There was some bruising to the skin and muscle tissue on her side, she was blessed. Deep cuts could have been fatal for her, if feces enter the circulatory system. The bowels and stomach had not been touch. The claw was sharp as a razor and it was dug into her body muscle tissue to the bone. If this had been done to her side organs could have been destroyed and the clawing could have lead to certain death. As it was she was in the recovery-room coming around from anesthesia and surgery. She was drinking fluids but not eating. She was a small build woman and the running she did, did the muscles in her hips and thighs areas some good. Running had made the muscles in these areas strong and well toned, healthy. Roberta would be sore and stiff for a few days but she was expected to recover fully. The nurse returned and took Mary to one side of the waiting-room and sit with her. The head-nurse explained, “Roberta can have a short visit with you at this time. She is awake but she need plenty of rest. I am going to bring in some medication antibiotics to help fight off any infection that could occur because of the cuts and some sleeping pills that will ensure she have a good nights rest.” “That will be great I have been so worried about her. Roberta is strong and always so very determine. She will do all the doctor ask,” said Mary. “If there is a nurse needed for home care, you should get the paper-work done tonight so we can get her someone immediately. Roberta has been given a vaccination for the prevention of rabies. There is apossibility that some of the

fluids from the attacking animal which I was told was a sow bear, could have gotten into her cuts. The doctor will let her go home if she don’t show any signs of rabies in a few days. She will have rather strong medication to take and she will need lots of bed rest. Someone will needed to look after her. Doctor Phillip was the surgeon and he does excellent repair work on muscles tissue injuries. He and Dr. Long will talk to you about Roberta in more detail which I am not at liberty to discuss with you at this time,” the head nurse stated. “She had surgery and you just said that all went well and she is awake,” Mary said close to tears.She wiped at the corner of one eye with a finger and she pushed the tears back. “There was no complications during surgery but she was clawed by a bear.” The nurse took Mary’s hands into hers and smiling she continue saying, “We will wait to hear what the Doctors has to say. Right now enjoy your visit with her.” The nurse offer Mary a clean tissue, then she said, “wipe your eye and blow your nose, everything is fine at this time, a cheerful visit from you will do her good. Trust, your friend will be O k.” Mary careful of her make-up cleaned her eye and gently blew her nose, she said. “I will take good care of her we have been friends most of our life. I am so glad to hear she could possibly come home in a few days, that is what I will keep in mind,” said Mary. Even saying it did not remove the thought from her mind, ‘What is it the nurse is not telling me?’ The nurse question Mary about Roberta’s injuries, then said, “they had been caused by a wild animal and what could be done was being done to have the animal found and killed and its’ brain would have to be examined and tests would have to be ran on the brain’s tissue because of the way the animal acted and rabies could have had a part in its’ behavior. Lets’ pray for the best dear, go in to see her and enjoy your visit,” the nurse said to Mary as she gave her a pat on the shoulder and a beautiful heart warming smile. Mary walked stiffly toward her friends’ room. Thinking everything will be all right and they would be back jogging and enjoying the warmth of the Summer while planning their trip to the Virgin Islands.

Chapter 29

“WELL YOU LOOK very good after the way I left you this morning. I am so glad to see you have color and is smiling. Roberta tell me if you experience any pain, so we can get the nurse in here. I am so pleased you will be coming home in a few days. I hear you want be eating tonight. Is there anything you would like me to bring tomorrow? We can only chat for a short time now, you need rest my little sister. Here drink a little more water,” Mary said. Roberta pushed herself up in the bed and Mary stood to help her. “Here let me help you, I might as well start now because you are looking at you home care nurse,” Mary told her. Roberta cough and smiled as she patted Mary’s hand. Roberta said, “I would like some pizza with a lot of everything on it, the works! Don’t you leave nothing off of it including the onion,” Mary laughed out loud, then said, “my you are hungry. I know you did not eat much breakfast and you had no lunch. But your doctor think it best for you to not eat tonight. You know I will bring everything you wants. I am going to make a list. I am bring you some oranges, pizza with everything on it, apple juice would be best at this time. How is the water in here? I am going to pick-up some proper clothes for you. Those medical gowns are the bomb!” Both ladies laugh and Roberta rolled over to show Mary her butt. They continue laugh, chatting like school girls. The head-nurse walked in and she said, “You two are thick as thieves. I am sure you ladies have secret to share but young lady it time for your pain medication and I want you to take these so you can sleep tonight and look even more cheerful tomorrow.” The Nurse handed Roberta a cup with several pills and extend a small bottle of water to her. Then continue to talk to the ladies, “I see your eyes are shiny and bright, your smile comes a lot easier. I am sure your friend is responsible for that. Just a few more minutes ladies and Mary will have to leave. You can come

in tomorrow dear as early as eight a.m. I try to have all my patients awake and in good spirits, that tell us they are healing just fine and we do like to see them go home, the sooner the better. This is one place we hate to see them come in but is always please to see them go home, happy and in good spirits. Ok, Mary just a few more minutes and I want to see you the nurse’s station. Roberta, you rest and sleep. Nite, ladies.” Closing the door the nurse walk down the hall and stoped at each room to warning visitors that the time had come to end their visit. Smiling she headed back to the nurses’ station. She checked her watch and wrote on the chart she carried. Turning, she said good night to the patients’ visitors as they came down the halls. She headed down the hall to check the thermostat and turn the hall lights down. The head-nurse watch the elevator’s doors close and the elevator leave the floor. In Roberta’s room Mary hugged her and ensured Roberta she would be there the first thing in the morning with food. They both laughed. Mary pulled the covers up and tucked her in and she patted her shoulder and told her to sleep. I want you to get well and come home soon. They waved to each other as Mary turned the lights off and closed the door. The head nurse waited at the elevator. She told Mary not to worry. Her friend was getting the best of care and that she would look in on her in an hour. Mary enter the elevator with a man who had been visiting his young son. The other nurses picked up magazines and arranged flowers and carried water bottle to some of the patients. All was peaceful on the seventh floor of Daley City’s Hospital.

Chapter 30

THE SUN SET behind the tops of the mountains in the distant and the darkness came to the woods’ of Daley City. Detective Crockett and Detective Smithe moved back with the groups of men to the park and camping-grounds. Detective Smithe thanked the men for their hard search and ask them to meet him and detective Crockett back in the park in the morning. Detective Smithe said, “If any of you have pets outside during the night it will be best to bring them inside. All the people in Daley have been told to do so. We want to keep this confined to this area, but we know that some wild animals will and do go into the city to look for food. Everyone needs to burn their trash daily in the pit the men have been digging. It must be kept out of reach of all animals until it is burn. If there is nothing left out the raccoons want come around and if there is nothing for any of the bears to smell or eat they will stay away, too. We hope we can catch this black sow bear before it decides to come into the park again. Keep your children close and someone always on watch with the little ones when they are out playing until we have caught any and all animals with rabies. Have a pleasant even all of you, be vigilant.” As Detectives Crockett and Smithe headed back to their car, they spotted Martha walking in their direction. She came over to offer them a cup of coffee which she carried in large paper cups on a wooden tray. “Its hot guys, I have sugar and cream here, too,” said Martha. She gave the detectives a cup of hot black coffee with a smile and she moved toward the other men that was still standing and talking about the hunt and the head that was discover. Detectives Willie Crockett smiling, said, “man I will wait in the car and go over my notes from tonight’s hunt. Be careful she’s on the hunt, too.” Detective Smithe smiled and shook his head, he turn to face Martha. He like the way she looked as she walked back toward him, still that fine girl from high school, the years had been good to her. Carl Smithe knew she had a crush on him

in high school and now he was returning the feelings. Smithe was glad that nogood husband of hers had run off, he was a fool to leave her like that. Martha said, “Carl you want a refill, its still hot.” She had out a fresh paper cup and after she filled it, she hand it to Carl. “Thanks Martha,” Detective Carl Smithe said, “Its nice of you to come out and bring us a hot drink. Its dark and getting late. Martha have you had dinner?” “No, I have not, but I have it prepared. I have Lasagne, garlic bread, and fresh salad with black olives and slices of Zucchini. Carl, you and Willie are invited to dinner,” She said. Willie moved over to the drivers’ side of the car, then said, “Go on Carl, I got something I want to do, give me a ring on my cell if you need a ride home.” Detective Carl Smithe said, “Martha I would love to have dinner with you. Please go on a head, I be there in a minute,” When Martha was out of range of his voice Carl Smithe said, “Man, go home I don’t think I will be calling you, see you at six a. m.” Detective Willie Crockett said, “if you had been planning on taking her to dinner, you can save your money and eat at her place, the meals sounds good and its already cooked. You have had a crush on her since high school. See you in the a. m. I do not want to cut in on your rap time.” Will laugh. Detective Smithe said, “Am I Ok, how do I look?” “You are no sweaty than she could expect after walking around in the woods for hours, you are Ok with her, trust me,” said Detective Crockett. Detective Smithe said, “have your cell charged just in case.” “I want hold my breath,” Laughed Detective Crockett, “see you in the a. m.” Smiling, Detective Smithe waved his friend off as he walked to Martha door. Before he rang the bell, she yelled, its open come in. Carl walked inside the doorway and she came from a room in the back penning her hair in place. She had on a cherry red dress that accented all her curves, and she wore high heel sandals that elongated her lovey legs and showed her polished red toes.

Detective Smithe said, “You look greatand you look better and better each time I see you.” “Thanks, you are a smooth talking one,” she said, “come on back to the table, have a seat. I am ready to serve everything while its still hot.” Detective Smith said, ‘Can I help you with anything?” “Yes, pour the tea and set the glasses on the table, “ Martha said. As she turned her breast touched his fingers holding the glass of tea he had poured. “Sorry, its kind of close here,”said Detective Smithe. “It is kind of tight in this area. The lasagne is still hot,” she said as she sit his plate piled high with lasagne before him. “This is hot and smells delicious,” Detective Smithe said smiling. He pushed thoughts of her firm breast to the back of his mind. He turned to watch her move about the small kitchen and dining area of the mobile home. As she bent forward reaching across the island to place the bread and salad on the table, he moved to take the salad plates from her hands and he was rewarded with a view of large firm breasts pushing to get out of the neck of her dress. Just below her chin on the right side of her chest she had a large strawberry mole at the round curve of her breast that played pep-a-boo with with his eyes. He cleared his throat as he dragged his eyes from the top of her dress where her breasts threaten to pop out. Carl Smithe looked up, she had turned the side of her head toward him with a large loop gold ear-ring swung from her ear. He licked his lips and smiled. Smiling she set across the table from him, she place some garlic bread with butter in the center of the table as she placed his salad plate next to his plate of lasagne. “Give me your hand Carl, I will say grace,” She said. Martha smiled and took his larger hand with those long fingers and she entwined hers with them. Martha took a deep breath and stared to pray over their dinner. Looking across the table smiling, she said, “do you need anything more?”

“No, thanks,” he said. Martha said, “enjoy your dinner.” “This is great, thanks,” Carl said. They talked about high school football and basketball games, the dances afterward, and parking in cars on the beach side of the woods with a group of friends and a bottle of wine. The teachers and the classes they never had together. She wanted to know all about his years after high school and the place he and Will Crockett had traveled together. Martha told him the short version about Ted and their marriage. They laugh a lot before he got up the courage to reach across the table and take her beautiful smooth hand in his. Martha looked at him with large black shining marble eyes. He was holding her in his arms, he pulled her closer as he kissed her, he caressed her warm lips until they open to him and his tongue danced with hers. Martha wrapped her arms around his neck and her firm breasts pushed against his chest and Carl could feel her warm belly pressing into him. Detective Smithe had wanted to kiss her all evening. Now he had his chance to kiss the target of his desire and he took his time moving his lips slowly toward it. Looking at them all evening made him ached with desire as he tried to focus on her words, those sumptuous cinnamon-brown breasts pushed at the top of her dress. More than once when she laugh and he felt sure they would pop out of the top of it. Martha grasped, she closed her eyes as she savor the feelings that caused chills to cover her body and her legs became weak. This was a dream she thought as magnificent pleasure cover her, she moaned. Carl picked Martha up and moved toward the back of the mobile home. He stopped at the first door then he moved into the room and stepped back as he pushed the door close with his foot. Detective Smith kissed her lips and neck and her red dress drop to the floor. His shirt was already on the floor as he danced from foot to foot to remove his shoes and their clothes lay in a pile around them. “You do not have to do that as room-mates we respect others privacy,” Martha said. Detective Smithe locked the door and said, “I got this.”

He looked at her as the moon bathed them in its’ light, she was as beautiful as she had been all those years ago, her long smooth legs twined with his. The clock chimed mid-night as ultra pleasure blanket them from head to toe.

Chapter 31

MARY WAS FEELING good after seeing Roberta, more than just good but high with joy. Roberta was exuberant, after the blood that she had lost and then the operation, she had come through it find and she would be home in a few days. Mary would get to the hospital in late after noon with a hot pizza for Roberta. They would have lunch together which she would make a picnic of with strawberries, peaches, turkey sandwiches, and peanut butter chocolate brownies. She would go shopping before going home. Mary rode downstairs in an elevator with a man who had just visited with his young son who had been bite by one of their dogs. Mr. Henry said, “my son was playing out in the yard, since we have a couple of dogs already and he thought bringing home another one would be O K. Our house is like that, its a home for all run-a-ways and strays. Lol, lol!” He held out his hand to her, then said, “My name is J.W. Henry, my children love animals.” Mary took his hand, shook it and said, “So you have a large family, Mr. Henry.” “Oh, yes,” laughing, Mr. Henry went on to tell Mary about all his children and how pleased he and is wife were about their children, the four oldest boys who were two sets of twins.” Mary was flabbergast, at a loss for words, she smiled. Then she said, “you had multiply sets of twins? Wait ‘til I tell my friend, she want believe it!” Yes, we actually have four sets of twins. The four oldest boys are two sets, eightteen and twenty years of age and all four.’Praise the Lord,’ are in college. We have two other sets which are all girls, they are sixteen and thirteen years of age. Then we have the five children that are single births and we have eight girls and five boys which give us a whopping total of thirteen healthy kids,” Mr. Henry said proudly.

Mary laughing said, “You and your one wife have thirteen children and pets, too! Roberta and I would have killed to be in a family like that. Sounds like fun you all must have.” Upon reaching the first floor of the hospital, Mr. Henry had his wallet out with pictures of all his smiling children. His wife was there too, such a small lady surround by very tall boys and girls. There were animals in the pictures as well, a goat and a snake coiled around one of the boys arm. Mary could not resist asking, “how many frogs did your wife pull out of the washer and pants’ pockets of your sons?” “Not only out of the boys pants’ pockets, the girls, too! She is still pulling them out of pants’ pockets, some times she brush them out from under the bed-cover,” Mr. Henry laugh, “we have a full house, I will have to invite you to our house sometime. Mary, I am sure glad I met you. Young woman, you have helped to lift my spirit. I was feeling mighty low, thinking about how sick one of my younger son maybe. You have a kind heart and you are a wonderful friend, I sure hope you friend value your friendship. Wait ‘til I talk to my wife today, I am sure she will want to talk with you when we visit with our son. He has to be here for sometime.” “I will you all. My friend, Roberta will be so surprised when I tell her all this during our visit,” said Mary. Mr. Henry padded Mary on the shoulder, “we will chat with you tomorrow morning, we have to be here early to start the shots, until tomorrow,” Mr. Henry said as he walked away. He was headed toward the large visitors’ parking lot. He stopped to pat a stray dogs’ head then shooed it out of the parking lot. She knew Mr. Henry’s son, the nine year old that was in the hospital, got his love for creatures from his Dad. Mary got into her car, after she sit for awhile the tears start to roll down her cheeks freely. She started the car wiping her eyes and nose. Her thoughts was on her friend Roberta. Mary murmur, “Please let her get well soon, she is all I got.” Then she thought about tomorrows’ visit. ‘ Well she told herself all is not lost yet.’

Chapter 32

CHIEF MOORE CALLED Detectives Carl Smithe and Detective Willie Crockett into his office to meet an FBI agent, Richard Clerk, who had flew from Washington D. C. out to California and Richard was sitting up his office across the hall from the detectives, while he located a family, who had been witnesses for the DA. The family had left the protection of the FBI shortly after the father testified for the state of Florida’s DA office against two murdering thieves, one got only five years since he did not really take part in the murder, but helped to disposed of the body. The murderer did not start out to kill anyone, it could have been him killed while fighting over the gun because of the dismembering of the dead guy and lying about the whole thing he was put away for fifteen years to life. Agent Richard Clark had lived in Daley during his youthful years until his family had to move and he moved to Georgia with his family until he was recruited by the FBI, now his office was in Atlanta, Georgia. Richard was a highly respected agent who often work for the witness protection program. He was working in the office of the FBI in Washington D.C. until the bureau got the news that one of the men was out of prison and headed to California. And California was the last place the FBI had heard the witness and his family had ran to. Agent Clark had tracked the released ex-convict here to Daley. Chief Moore said, “The meeting will take place this evening after six o’clock. That is when most of the activity will have died down in the office.” Detective Crockett said, “we are going to work with Agent Clark doing exactly what?” “It has be reported that this murdering thief would be out of his release location by being in Daley City in fact no-one really know what name he is living under and with all the homeless living in the park a new face would not be notice in Daley. As far as we know he could already be living as one of the homeless in the park on the camping-grounds,” said Chief Moore.

Chapter 33

LEE PARKED IN the emergency parking lot at the entrance to Daley City’s Hospital Emergency Services then took the elevator up to the seventh floor of the hospital. After approaching the ittance desk Lee stood waiting to speak to a nurse when she notice one of the detectives that had been in the park the day of the attack. He caught her eye and nodded to her and waved her over to where he sit talking with a doctor and writing note for his case follow-up report. Lee motion to him to let him no she understood as she turned back to the nurse’s station to complete the visitors’ information sheet. The nurse at the desk said, “miss you will have to wait for awhile since you are a cousin to the patience you will be showed in soon. Take a seat I will call you.” Lee moved over near the detective and place the bag she carried on the floor next to her feet. She crossed her legs and sit back in the chair. Lee was hoping that Roberta was feeling up to seeing her and would not give her away when the nurse told her her cousin was here to visit her. Lee knew everyone disliked the food the hospital service them. So she brought Roberta some peaches and grapes, home made turkey-spread on toasted brown bread covered with chadder cheese, tomato and lettuce, a box of chocolate fudge, and cranberry rash-berry juice. If Roberta excepts her gifts, she would bring her some real food something with meat and vegetables in it. Mary had just witness her best friend who was more like her sister have muscle spams in her throat. Roberta ask for water and when Mary poured some in a cup for her and she could not get in down her throat. Roberta gagged, water ran from her mouth as she clutch at her throat. Alarmed, Mary ringed for the nurse. The nurse put Mary out of the room and told her the doctor would talk to her later just wait in the visitors area. Doctor Long, a neurologist came running with several other doctors on his heels. Lee was on her feet wondering what was going on Detective Crockett walked over toward the nurse’s station with the intent of asking what was going on. Mary came down the hall toward the nurse’s station looking bewilder. Tears found their way out of the corners of Mary’s beautiful large eyes. She turned to see Detective Crockett standing there. Mary

started toward him then she saw Lee. Mary rushed past the detective, she slap Lee across the face and grasp her shoulders and begin to shake her. Lee in a state of disbelief drop her bag and slapped Mary a cross the face. The women were yelling and wrestling around on the blue plastic couch in the visitor waiting area. Those who’s attention was not focus on the commotion in the hall hurried out of the way of the fighting women only to turn and watch the fight. Mary said, “I dare you slap me!” “You are mad! You slapped me and thought I was not going to hit you back, I dare you!” The women rolled on the floor pulling each others hair. Mary punched Lee in the face and Lee bit Mary’s earlobe and she spit the blood in Mary’s face. As they rolled Mary tried to beat Lee’s head into the carpet floor but Detective Will Crockett pulled them a part. A nurse came over and directed the detective with Mary to a room off of the nurse’s station so she could treat Mary’s ear. There was blood on her neck and down the front of her shirt. Mary yelled to the Detective, “Roberta was doing great after the surgery but she is really sick! Maybe with rabies and its’ all her fault. While shouting Mary pointed a small finger in Lees’ direction. How can she come here? She have did enough for Roberta and me!” Mary stepped backwards into the small closet like room as she turned tears rolling down her cheeks she looked into a long wall mirror. The nurse directed Mary to a small stool and got her to sit on it while she pulled bottles of iodine and other antiseptics with gauze and tape out of a glass front cabinet. The nurse got wet soft cotton paper-towels to clean Mary’s neck and throat of the blood from her ear-lobe that was drying on her skin. An orderly came over and carried Lee off to a treatment room near the pharmacy but all the blood on her shirt and face was from Mary’s earlobe. The orderly got Lee to sit on the treatment table so he could take a closer look at her eye. Lee was missing a shoe and wanted to go back to the visitors waiting area to get it. When Lee tried to leave the room Detective Smithe had arrived and he block the door to the treatment room.

Detective Smithe told her, “cool down and I will see to you get your shoe. What got into you ladies? This is a hospital and there are enough sick people here.” Lee trying to push past the orderly, she yelled to the detective, “She came from out of who knows where and slapped me. No-one does that and get away with it!” “Just calm down, you can tell me all about it. We will get this straighten out. Let the nurse treat you,” said Detective Smithe.

Chapter 34

MARTHA FELTED IF she did not spy on Ted she would not know what his lying cheating butt was up to. She was sure he was planning to leave her and take all the money. The little that was left from what her parents had left her and all the money he had earned doing under-hand low-life deals with his dirty friends. She found his cleverly hidden along with some other information. So she knew how much money he had hidden. The Summer was coming to an end as Martha walked a long the beach she pulled her sweater closer to her body. All a long the California coast was beautiful and she watched the water as it rolled in and out, big high clear water waves brought cool breezes. Martha at had found a place up high on some rocks where she like to sit and just be. Not thinking or wondering about anything. This was her time to just be with all of nature around her and feel the wonder of God’s creations. Often Martha sit for hours as the last light of the day turned into a graying twilight just after the red-orange glow of the sunset disappeared in the distant. Today she stood and held out her arms as if to fly away with one of the birds flying off into the sunset. Martha like the way the breeze blew against her face cooling it from the heat of the church’s kitchen. She felted so good, she climbed down from her perch, removed her shoes and ran toward the cool surf and gritty sand. She removed her sweater and shirt and like a small child she ran splashing water with her feet and hands soon she was knee deep in the water. She sit in the water and let it roll over and around her body. She felted like just flowing out to the ocean free. She had felted that way once with Ted. Martha knew he had loved her and she loved him in the beginning, why did It changed or when did it changed? Martha could not recall but she the good times with Ted. “We use to walk on the beach holding hands kissing and we had water fights and we chase each other throught blue-green waves like children.Then we would sit high on this rockies boulders in our birthday suits as our clothes dried in the fading heat and the setting sun. Other times we sit wrapped in a blanket and each others arms watching the fog as it rolled in like a ghost waving and circling the

rockies boulders with its’ undefined arms,all along the coast and Daley City’s Park and Oceanside Beach the fog horns we heard with sounds coming from the mist of the ocean, loud and mysterious, out there some place near San Fransico’s bridge. Those were good days with Ted at one time he was devoted, caring, and so loving toward me, a wonderful husband and man. He loved the good life but who don’t? He was willing to work for it, he just needed a start. Out here, on the beach is where we made just a few wonderful memories and they are held dear in my heart,” said Martha, “God is amazing; the water, the twilight, the last glow of the sun setting until the first stars twinkling in the night, such wonderful gifts.”

Chapter 35

THE MEDICAL EXAMINER worked with the bones and made discoveries he did not expect to, bone DNA extraction is a challenging process and Doctor Cross was ready for it. He would finally be able to show his assistant some exciting examples of forensic science. Decayed cellular tissue should have been absorbed into the assemblage of units in the bone structure and exposed to a variety of the environmental elements of the woods which could contaminate the bone’s DNA. Once Doctor Cross got Howard, his assistant and a second year student in the studies of ‘mortuary and mortician,’ working on the grounded bone of the proximal phalange and distal phalange of the one ‘big toe bones’ that they had found, Howard was in his element mixing chemical and using the laboratory’s expenses equipment. Howard and Doctor Cross worked through lunch and pasted dinner late into the night. Dr. Cross searched his files for names of missing individuals, all men in the state of California before going to the nation wide DNA data base with his search. Since the use of the computer, forensic science could log and catalog the DNA of any missing persons from just about any place in the world and medical science could retrieve a lot of data in a shorter period of time and make an ID faster and accurately. Doctor Cross wonder how long this guy had been missing and how many men had be left there in the woods dead or dying. What excited Doctor Cross was that all the bones did not belong to just the one man, the leg bone belonged to one man and the skull belonged to another, he was not sure who the toe bones belong to yet. He was very interested in the whole case of the rabid sow bear now. Was it murder, was it foul play, or was it a hunting accident in the woods that went un-reported? Doctor Cross had Howard to set up the electron microscope to test the grounded bone particles of one of the toes to see if there was enough loci to provide genotype for DNA. He notice the discoloration of the bones, certain fossil had been embedded in the bones and all the bones had been left in the woods about the same time. He was guessing these two men went missing in the Summer due to the composition of the bones and the tiny capillaries, the blood vessels showed that there had been some interesting growth in the tissue of the brain. Doctor Cross would know more after he ran some more tests.

It was early morning when Doctor Cross called his day of discovery over. Howard had been a sleep in the back break-room for hours. As the doctor set at his desk drinking his twelfth cup of coffee, hot and black, he made notes to help him complete his fining of the bones, nothing was more interesting than the skull. The head belonged to a big man of six feet and some inches. He has been stroke over the head a number of times by the look of the fragmented edges of the boney skull. Some of the bones had been cracked and others had been broken, several shards of the boney skull had been meshed into the brain’s soft tissue revealing some medical facts that the injured man may have not known about him self. After waking Howard the Doc Cross drove him home the he went home to make and eat breakfast, shower, and go to bed for the day. Before sleep came over him the doctor had time to think about the identification of the person the bones belong to, many people in Daley City would be surprised. Doctor Cross wondered if chief Moore knew anything about the person and he made a note to go by the Chief’s office for a visit. He and Chief Moore would have a lot of catching up to do with the events that had taken place over the years in the Daley. Sleep called to him as he sit his radio alarm clock. Bones and bodied in Daley was pushed out of his mind as he left a message on the Chiefs’ answering machine, he only smiled as he thought of Chief Moore keeping late hours out on the town.

Chapter 36

IT WAS HOURS before the women was calm enough to sit down together with the detectives between them they to talked. Lee wanted Detective Smithe to realize that she came to the hospital to see Roberta and not to be harmed by a sick mad woman, who thought she had the right to judge others. Lee said, “I have been hearing thing about rabies being found in the city. That an animal, some say a wolf because a man opening his diner for the morning saw a wolf, which looked like a large black and gray dog near his dumpster eating some steal food. The guy said the animal ran back into the thickets behind his diner after he fired a shot from his shotgun up into the air. Others say it’s a fox from the woods on the other side of the Oceanside Camping-Park and Beach that came into the city’s living district and attacked pets for their food. What is being done to catch this animal?” Detective Smithe said, “I am sure everything is being done to get this animal. That is up to animal control.” Mary said to Lee, “So, why are you here? You have no right coming here Roberta is looking at a hard sickness or death because of you.” “There are shots that can be given to the citizens in the United States other countries may not be so fortunate,” said Detective Crockett. Mary spit at the group, “sure there are a series of shots that can be given and the shots have to be given days apart and it will take weeks to ister the complete series.” “Great, they have the vaccine here and she is in the United States her survival chances are very good,” said Detective Smithe as he made notes on a pad which he pocketed. Mary continue to say, “also the shots are very painful, they are ister into the muscles of the stomach. Roberta will be in a great deal of pain.”

“I am sorry about that,” said Lee, “I would like to be here for your friend, too. I would like to help any way that I can.” “That’s good of you,” Detective Smithe said, “I think Roberta would appreciate you coming here on her be-half.” Mary said, “Really! Roberta is have intensely painful muscles spams in her throat, the weak andaching muscles all kept the doctors alert, so they were prepared to treat her and she is going to have to take at lease two more vaccines, it going to be rough but she is healthy and can come throught this!” Lee said, “It could have been me or you in here. Its’ not my doing. I ran like you all and I did nothing to bring that animal onto the path.” Detective Crockett said, “it could have happen to any number of people out there that day. Its’ good that that animal did not make it down to the camping-grounds. Its’ possible you ladies stopped some children from being hurt. A debt of gratitude is owed to you all, especially to Roberta.” Mary said, “I will wait here until I can see Roberta’s doctor and maybe I will get an opportunity to visit with her. “Sure,” said Detective Crockett, “We are eating dinner at the diner around the corner from here. Would the you two us. We do have to come back to the hospital so taking you ladies with us and bring you back will be a pleasure.” Lee looked at Mary while thinking about Richard. She wonder where he might be dining. It was early but she should eat. Richard would not call on her before nine and they had no plans for eating dinner together. “At this time the doctors are with her and they are starting the treatments,” said Mary, “Roberta is blessed so far. They say, she have not had chills or any other flu like symptoms.” Detective Crockett said, “a child, a little boy’s dog turned on him and bite him in the hand and he may be infect. His parents were wise enough to rush him here.” “Their dog may have been attacked by a wild animal, a coon they think. The parents have been keeping up with the daily news. All hospitals in Daley are on the alert and the reason for our visit here. Now it animal control business, too,”

said Detective Smithe. He continue saying, “we may have three cases involving rabies, we need to talk to Doctor Phillip, Doctor Long the neurology, Doctor Earl the pediatrician and a Mr Simpson the pharmacologist for this hopital. After their meeting to decided how the cases of rabies will be handled. Detective Crockett said, “Dinner sounds good about right now, are you ladies ready?” Lee caressing the swollen skin under her eye and She felt the puffiness had left it and that side of her face. She fished around in her hand-bag and pulled out a pair of shades, putting them on, she said, “yes, I would like that.” Mary stood up and Detective Crockett pushed in her chair and he guided her by the elbow toward the hall and elevators while engaging her in conversation. Lee and Detective Smithe follow. They all turned when they heard crying. Mr. Henry with his wife were coming down the hall, his wife leaned on his shoulder, he whisper softly to her as he stroked her hair. She cried out, “he is just a young boy, he is so sweet and loving. He loved that dog. His dog has been put to death and now he is in a coma, whats’ next?” Mr. Henry words were smoothing, “sweetheart, its’ going to be alright, you know that boy is a fighter and right now rest is good for him. We have to have confident in God.” The crying started up again and Mr. Henry looked like he would rather be anywhere than there, Mrs. Henry cried louder into the front of his shirt. Mr. Henry knew he had to be a tower of strength for her and later for his family, tears clouded his vison, his heart was telling him to stay calm all the children had to be told about their younger brother. Mary went to them, “How is your son Mr. Henry? I am Mary, Mrs Henry, I met your husband already. My heart goes out to you all.” Mary put her arms around Mrs Henry and she patted her back trying to comfort her. “Everything will be O k my friend is here, too. These detectives are working with animal control gathering information and advising the people of Daley to keep their pets inside.”

Detective Crockett brought a cup of black coffee to Mrs. Henry and Detective Smithe pulled a chair out for the woman as her husband guided her into it still holding one of her hands. “Dear, here is some coffee drink it all we will need to be calm and positive for the children sake. We will have to make sure that all the others pets see a vet. Then kept them in the house for sometime. The cats want mind but Laddie want like it, he loves running and this rabid animal he would chase,” said Mr. Henry. Mrs Henry replied more calmly now, “thanks, you all are good, thanks for your kindness. We do have to get home all of the children will be there and the older ones will be calling.” Handing the half cup of coffee to her husband, Mrs. Henry pushed away from the table and she stood beside him. Her husband offer her his handkerchief and she took it and she wiped her red rimed large black eyes. She said, “we should be going now.” After hugging Mary she took Lee’s hand in hers smiled and walk toward the exit with Mr. Henry’s arm around her shoulders.

Chapter 37

CHIEF MOORE ENDED his call and pushed the phone aside. He sit back in his chair and place a booted foot on the edge of an open draw on his desk. He sit there rubbing his chin as he thought about the call he had just placed to the FBI in Washington DC. As the chief of police in Daley he had a right to know why an FBI agent was assign to a case in Daley City and who it involved. The chief had talked to Agent Clark, but he did not want to push too much about the particals in his case. Yet he was glad he had placed the call to Agent Clarks’ superiors, he often found out it was always in his best interest to his gut instincts. He was sure he had seen Agent Clark outside the diamond shop of one of his partners, James Barnes after they had a quick meeting about their business deal only a few day ago. The agent looked like he wa reading the Daley New Dispatch Newspaper while sitting at the local bus stop. Now Cheif Moore was not so sure of that. He made a mental note to keep an eye on the guy and chat him up about his day the next time he saw him in the building, maybe invite Agent Clark to coffee. He was going to make sure that he and his partners met later and that they came in throught the back of the shop one at a time and that they stayed in the back of the shop with the blinds closed for busy was already up. Cheif Moore decided that he would not tell James Barnes that he was the excon that Agent Richard Clark was sent to Daley to watch because Barns was the type that would do something stupid, like try to kill the agent. The chief had to laugh as he thought about it. Yes, Barnes would mess up a million dollar deal over something like that, he would have to made sure that Barnes kept a low profile from now on. Moore sit up, place his foot on the floor and closed his desk drawer. In fact he would pick up Chance and Barnes now and take them out of the city for supper, he had no lunch and his stomach was letting him know it, they could eat and make further plans about when and where they should meet. Nothing was going to mess this deal up, his future was planned around it.

Chapter 38

A DOCTOR APPEARED at the nurse’s station, he talked to the head nurse, turned and came over to the group as the nurse picked up the receiver of the phone. He nodded his head and pulled the green surgical cap from it as he wipe the nape of his neck. The doctor walked over to Mr and Mrs Henry. Mrs. Henry scream and fell over like all her bone were made of straw. She clung to her husband as tears streamed down his cheeks and he buried his face in his wife’s hair. The Doctor escorted them to the blue couch then he motion to a nurse as he went to the water cooler. The Doctor brought back a white paper cup with cool water and he took a smaller white pleated paper cup from the nurse. He placed the smaller cup in Mrs. Henry’s hand and Mary guided the cup to her mouth then helped her with the cup of water the doctor brought over. Lee brought Mr. Henry a cup of water just as the nurse handed him a box of tissue. “These will calm your wife and help her to sleep. She needs to go home as soon as possible. I will have the nurse get something from the hospital’s pharmacy to help her cope for the next week or so,” the doctor said then he walked away. Mr. Henry sitting beside his wife he took her hand and cradled her head on his shoulder. His face was wet with his tears. A nurse came over to the couple with a wheelchair, Detective Smithe and Detective Crockett helped the broken woman into it. The nurse pushed the wheelchair down the hall toward the exit leading to the hospital’s large parking lot. Mr. Henry walked behind them between Lee and Mary. Mary handed him tissue to dry his face as she patted him on the back and held his arm as if he was a child in pain. Lee said, “Is there anyone I can call for you? Perhaps you all would be better off if the Detectives drive you’ll home.” “Could you do that Detective? It would be a big help!” Mr. Henry said. “as soon as I get my wife home the older girls will look after her while I make arrangements for our young son’s burial.” “You got it,” said Detective Crockett. He held the door to the car as Mr. Henry

got in the back with his wife who immediately start crying with her face buried in her husband wet shoulder and he hugged her to his chest and he only nodded his head as the detective closed the car’s door. The nurse pushed the wheelchair back toward the hospitals’ exit. Mary and Lee got into the car with Detective Smitheas he follow the Henry’s car out of the parking lot.

Chapter 39

MARTHA WORKED HARD to keep the printing business going. She was up at dawn running the press and getting out large orders for flies. She worked on the computer late at night opening mail and ing order deliveries. She needed to keep income coming in if she was going to keep the house. Everyone believed Ted left her and he had taken all the saving that they had and the car. He disappeared and no-one was the wiser, not even his partners. Everyone was understanding and those that knew her family was glad that he was gone like her parents they knew that Martha could do better. With Ted she had threw away her life or the good life style her parents had given her. Martha got up early every morning and she walked on the shore of ocean side beach to do some thinking and to ask forgiveness for her sin as the sun brought the day into being. For months she had met all the deliveries’ deadline. Martha was getting orders from all of Ted’s loyal customers, she told herself over and over I can do this, I can make a go of business. Everything was going good when a loan officer called her from the Citizens Bank to inform her there was a payment due on the house and the equipment. She was surprised, how could Ted let payments go like that. The banker informed her that as Ted’s friend he had made allowance for him to help him out when money was low. Since Ted hadn’t been heard from the payments rested on her. Martha thanked him and asked how much time would he give her. The banker stated he had let the over due payments go too long as it was but he would give her another two weeks. Martha thanked him and hung up. Now what was she going to do Martha thought. She couldn’t take the money from Ted’s illegally gotten bank-roll. She paced the floor, what was she going to do? She went to the kitchen for a glass of apple juicethen she sit at her computer desk. The Chief had been given her jobs which he paid her too much for maybe she should take her problem to him. Did she really want to keep her home and the business equipment? If she tried selling it all now she would still owe the bank. Maybe fate was telling her it was

time to move on and start brand new, no memories or regrets. She would try living one day at a time, this day and hope for a better tomorrow. Martha gave the bank its’ due and now she was living with room-mates and falling in love with Detective Carl Smithe or at lease getting to know him after all these years.

Chapter 40

THEY WERE MEETING in the back room of James Barnes building. Chief Jack Moore sit in his car as he watched Chance Franklin go into the back room when Chance closed the door Chief Moore got out of his car and slowly he look around the parking lot of the plaze. Many cars was going in and out of the lot as he watched leaning against his car. Moore lite a smoke and he took a few puffs and he put it out. He put a stick of gum in his mouth as he cautiously walked toward the back door of Barnes’ shop chewing gum. As Chance entered the room Barnes locked the front door and pulled down the shades for the night. “Hey man, where is the chief,” asked Barnes? “You know he has this thing being seen together by that smart FBI Agent hanging around,” repiled Chance. “So he is going to wait a little while before he comes to this meeting. Things are in the works we can not let anything get in the way. Man, we are about to make a killing and the other money was only a drop in the bucket, you know what I am saying,” stated Barnes, he continue to say, “I guess your man felted he had to be able to trust us with such a large purse before he committed himself.” “Stay cool he will be here. He will make sure everything is A O. K., said Chance, “where are the drinks. Bring out a deck of cards so we can play spades until he gets here.” Before they got the first card game going Chief Moore open the back door and he turned to look around carefully before coming inside, then he locked the door. He came into the room and nodded his head toward them. Comfortable seated in the back room and they chatted about the game they had watched the night before. Barnes brought out the whiskey and glasses. The chief sit with his chair leaning and one booted foot up on a wooden box. He pulled his hands from his pockets and let all four of the legs on the chair rest on

the floor as he took his drink from Barnes. Chance told them about a joke he had heard some days the Chief chuckled, Barnes and Chance laughed like they were at a comic club. The Chief thought to himself, ‘that why I don’t need them.’ He stood up and ask Chance how was the coming alone with the deal. Barnes got serious he sit his glass on a wood box he was using as a table next to the chair he sit in. Chance pulled some papers from his jacket and he ed them around as he narrated their content. Chance sit and pulled his chair in close to the others he leaned in to whisper as though there were ears in the walls listening to their plans. Chance Franklin told them he was expecting four pounds of raw yellow diamonds, yellow canary diamonds of the intense nature. Chance said, “Barnes, they will be in a shipment from India, our man has moved again to keep others off of his trial. Everything is working according to plans. The guy we got these valuable gems from is in the clear the company reported a robbery all their gem was stolen. They say but its a double whammie the diamond dealer report to the insurance company a theif while part of the gems that was reported stolen was not but hide by the owner which gets us millions. It make me wonder about the thief.” James Barnes said, “Just get them to me they are rare and they will be a worthy shipment like millions.” “That is great! I am ready to announce my retirement, with this cash I can start looking for a place to retire. With what I have and with this large load, I am looking forward to a warm sunny beach someplace, far, far from here. In Europe, maybe Italy” Laughing, Chief Moore sipped his drink. After some more discussion of their future plans and drinking a lot more whiskey it was mid-night. Chance answer all their questions and gave them the date and time that they would be working with and what a large deal would mean to them in of cash. Chance shredded all the paper and burned everything, then spread the ash his self in a place only he knew about, he trusted no one. Barnes went to his desk to take out a number of papers and folders as Chance paced the floor. He went to the front in the dark to peek out the window to make sure that Agent Clark was no where in site. The three men sit and went back to their discussion of the football game. The evenings and nights in Daley City was always peaceful because all business activities ended as the sun set. Few cars were out on the streets and everyone was inside getting ready for dinner or relaxing as another day wined down in Daley City.

Chapter 41

HER NECK WAS wet and she wiped the drops of water away then she looked up. Smiling, she stood up grinning and whooping. She threw herself around Richard neck and they fell into the sand. Martha was up and running toward the water. She ran into the surf kicking and splashing water at him as he ran after her. They were like two children who had been apart for a very long time and now was back together again. Laughing and running on the beach Martha felted so free and so happy. He caught her and ran carrying her to the beach. “We need to talk,” Richard said to Martha. “So talk, I am so gald you could meet me here,” said Martha. Richard smoothed her hair from her face and she kissed him. Richard ended the kiss and draped his arm over her shoulders and walked with her along the beach. Richard kissed her on the forehead. Richard ask her, “How are you really doing Martha, what’s going on with you?” Martha said, “I am happy to see you, you are all the family I have left. I think my life is improving.I have had a chance to connect with Detective Carl Smithe, I had such a crush on him in high school, but we never dated. He is back in Daley and Ted has been dead for some years and I think I am really happy. Happier than I have been since the day you left Daley.” “As friends we should enjoy our times together, Martha I want you to be happy and maybe you should get away from this place for awhile,” said Richard. “Working in the church’s kitchen is interesting and it keeps my mind moving in a positive direction. I have been thinking of leaving Daley City and seeing some more of the coastal beach in other parts of California, before looking for far away places to live. Maybe soon, real soon,” Martha said.

She continue talking, “What do you think of our chief Moore?” Richard said, “He seems like a good guy and we had a long talk just the other day, out of all the time he has been on the police force in Daley City, I never had an opportunity to meet him.” “He is a really good guy, he has been there for me after my parents ed away, he’s really a great guy,” said Martha, “yes, I like him.” They walked down the coast of Daley’s Oceanside Beach as they talked about all the thing they did after Richard and his family left Daley. There had been sweethearts and girl-friends for Richard, but no-one permanent, until now, he really felted that his realationship with Lee was going some where, maybe marriage and a family. Martha told him that she was happy for him and she would love to see him happily married, as for her, no more marriges. Traveling she wanted for her furture, maybe a lover to see the rest of the world with, someone she could be the apple of his eye and he would make love to her until she could not stand him anymore. Martha giggled so much, just like that teenage girl Richad had to leave so many years ago. Martha and Richard wonder the beach holding hand for awhile and later throwing pebbles out on to the water as the sky turned yellow orange, then orange red as the twilight came on. They did not know whos’ ideal it was to make a fire and dig for clams, but they had a big warming fire going and they sit under a ragged-blanket roasting and eating clams they dug-up. When they both were full of clams they lay side by side with the light from the fire dancing all around them. Martha told him all about Ted and how they had loved each other once, what her parents thought of Ted and how soon after her marriage to Ted both of them was killed in a car crash. Martha knew that all her parents’ friends and all the people in town that knew Ted felted he was no good and that Martha could do better. But Ted was the best she told Richard and she wished he could have gotten to know him, they would have liked each other. Richard told her if she believed Ted was the best, then he believed he was, too. He pulled her close and kiss her, their kiss was sweet and warm then hot and ionate. Martha held his musclar body in the circle of her arms. He cover her with his large frame, they had recapture that one wonderful moment they had before he had to leave her all those years ago. The fire died down and he pulled

the blanket around her and he walked the beach picking up drift wood. Richard located the hiding place he and Lee had chosen sometime ago and he pulled out a blanket with fresh water and stale chocolate girl-scout cookies wrapped in it. Returning to Martha with his bounty he encourage her to stay under the blanket as he made a make-shift tent. Then he build up the fire. The stars cover the sky and the moon rose out over the water casting a flowing silhouette. Martha sit cross-legged in the middle of the old blanket inside the made shift tent. Richard crawled in the tent beside her he gave her the open box of girl-scout chocolate cookies and she munched on cookies as she him the water bottle. Eating cookies and talking through the night they shared everything that had happen in their lifes since that Summer he left Daley City. Martha yawned and Richard wrapped her in his long arms and she slepted. He locked the events of the night in his memory, his memories and the past.

Chapter 42

DETECTIVES SMITHE AND Will Crockett sit in the Medical Examiner sterile working area and listen as Doctor Cross explained what he had found out about the skull, the leg bone, and the toe bones. The bones belonged to two men, the skull and the leg bone was parts of the same man and the toe bones belong to another man, one that he had never heard of. In the short of it the second guy had never lived in Daley City, the Doc would know because for over fifty years he had lived and worked as a doctor or for the Medical Examining Department and for his other twenty years, he had been growing-up in Daley and he knew everyone dead or a lifed in Daley. After running many test over what little amount of dried bone cells he had pulled from grounded skull fragments, he found signs of an unuaual growth that would have been in the man’s brain. It was cancerous growth. Dr Cross believed that there may have been enough of the growth to have been pushing on the frontal globes of the inter-left side of the brain that dealed with emotions. This poor guy would have been up and down, with his emotions all over the place, he would have been difficult to live with, he need treatment by a doctor. “Brain cancer occurs when damaged cells continue to divided and multiply uncontrollable. These abnormal cells eventually develop into a malignant mass of tissue or tumor which are cancerous, non-cancerous tumors are benign. The tumor destroy healthy cells in the brain as it grows, it interferes with vital processes and functions of the brain and spinal cord,” said Dr Cross. “Primary brain cancer begins growing in the brain and is the rarest type of brain cancer, it can invade healthy tissue in the brain and spinal cord and it do not spread to other parts of the body often. A brain tumor must spread inward because of the rigid skull which do not let it spread outside of the head and this causes excessive pressure on the spinal cord and brain which is called intra cranial pressure. If it is located in the earliest stage then it can be successfully treatment or cure, otherwise, it can lead to complications and can be fatal. Symptoms of brain cancer are typically neurological in nature which include mood swingsand difficulties with memory, thinking, talking, comprehension,

dizziness or vertigo and droopy eyelids and muscle weakness. Now,” said Doc Cross, “that we got that bit of information out. This guy should have had MRI scan, a ‘ctscan,’ and, or skull x-ray to help with the diagnose of his condition. I checked with the top Neurologists in the San Fransico area and I located the one that had been treating this guy with the cancerous growth was no other than out Ted Stevenson.” Detective Smithe with a puzzle look on his face tilted his head to the side as he ran his hand over his lips and chin, he looked at the Doctor. Detective Crockett said, “How did our boy get his self killed out in the woods?” “Money would be the only thing that would get him out thereand he told his wife he going to the store,” said Detective Smithe. “Well, the mystery of where is Ted has been solved. There is a lot of things gone on in those wood that we will never know about. But this explains why Ted acted the way he did before he disappeared. I will set up a meeting with the Chief and maybe you guys should be there, too,” said Doctor Cross, “It looks like he has been dead for some years while we thought he had ran off, he lay out in the woods rotten away with critters feasting on him. Ted had been hit in the head with some kind of heavy object or someone could have been with him out in those wood and beat his head on one of those large boulders or its possible he fell hard like from a push and landed on one of those boulders and bashed in his skull he was hit from behind either way. It sounds far-fetched but possible I wonder why or what he was doing out in wood, you all think he was out there meeting some one if so its mostly likely a woman. Everyone knows he was not faithful to his wife and he was an all around no-good kind of guy.” Detective Crockett said, “how do we go about solving this murder?” “His wife said he went to the store and I guess we will check out any employees that the store may have had three to five years ago. After all this time, just maybe a few employees might the guy,”said Detective Smithe. “Yeal, maybe we can pull a picture from the Dispatchs’ store room, maybe there will be photos from their wedding, Martha and Ted over there which will be helpful,” said Detective Crockett, “that black sow bear has lead us to the discovery of parts of two men bodies that the murder thought would never be discover by coming out of the woods.”

Detective Smithe said, “We have a case and it looks like murder.” In the waiting room Mary sit cross the room from Lee. She was feeling angery again, Roberta was going to be in a lot of pain and it was all Lees’ fault. Mary stood up and started walking around in the room to calm her self. She cover her face with her hands and started to cry. Why did this things have to happen to them, Roberta was like a sister to her and it hurt her so much to know she was going to have to take those offer injection within the next fourteen days. Well, she knew she should not blame anyone she should just think about how she could help Roberta get throught this thing. Mary went to the nurses’ station to ask about the doctor, where was he? Her mind wonder back to Mr and Mrs Henry and their family, that poor woman, to lose her young son like that is outrageous. Something has got to be done how could there be people getting rabies in the United States in this day and time is so terrible. Mary started to cry again. Lee looked up from the magazine she was leafing through she could not read because she was too nervous, poor Mary started to cry. Lee went to the snack machine and she brought a cup of black coffee and added a small package of suger to it then she took it over to Mary. Mary looked at her with red rimmed eyes, sniffing she took the cup of coffee Lee offer her. Mary mummer her thanks and wiped at her eyes with a soppy kleenex. Lee hand Mary her handkerchief and put her arms around Mary leading her back to one of the plastic blue couches in the waiting room. Lee said, “I am sure everything will be alright, Roberta seems to be a very courageous woman. She will come through this just find. I will be here with you, I want to help any way I can, really I do.” Mary looked at Lee, she said, “thank you for you concern I should apologize. I am so sorry, I should not blamed you for anything it was that animal that caused the harm. The Henrys have lost their young son to this and I hope animal control is taking care of this thing or others could be hurt if the rabied animal or animals are not treated or put down. Roberta is strong and very healthy, she love vegetables.” Mary smiled and so did Lee. Lee said, “we will stay positive and check with the detectives that came to Ocean-side Park and Beach. They should know what animal control is doing about this problem.”

“Yes, Detective Will Crockett called me and he explained that people have been adviced to keep all family pets inside and those that live outside should be closed inside a fenced yard. They have asked all citizens to keep trash cans’ lides tightly fasten on the trash cans because it is believed that this thing is being carried by a small animal like a raccoon or fox, maybe even a wolf but its been a long time since a wolf have been seen in these woods. The detectives think that the black sow bear may have died or been killed by the Natives American living on the other side of the mountain, they think the sow may have headed that way because there was a empty den over near the Yellow Moon Ridge,” Mary said. Lee said, “that is good to know that that bear is not around any more. If the black sow bear attacked others It must be out of its’ mind and I wonder how it got rabies.” “Thank you, Lee for the coffee and the use of you kerchief! I will get it clean and back to you soon. I feel so much better Roberta and I are all the family either of us have,” said Mary. Lee said, “It is O K, you and Roberta have a new friend now.” Mary gave Lee a warm hug as Doctor Philpp approched the nurse’s station. The nurse hand him a chart and point to Mary and Lee. He spoke to the head nurse then he walked over toward Mary and Lee. They stood up as the doctor came over to them. Lee took Mary’s hand.

Chapter 43

DOCTOR MACAUTHOR CAME in from his office and animal hospital in the barn out back of his home. His twin boys loved feeding the animals that he was temperally housing for those families of his animal patients that was gone on vacation. Since a rabied sow black bear had been seen around the veterinary, Doctor MacAuthor had seen most all of the pets in town, especially dogs that barked too much. The doctor thanked his patients, ‘pets’ parents,’ for being so alert and cautious because the rabies was nothing to take lightly. Doctor MacAuthor was surprised that there were any rabied animals around the woods and ocenside park. It had been less than three years since the State’s Conservation and Humane Society Veterinary Medical Service dropped packages of raw meat with the vaccination for rabies into the woods where clearings had been made and mapped out for just search a thing. The boys were playing out back of the barn and eating all the apples that their mother sit on the back porch for veterinary doctor John MacAuthor to feed through the apple press. Much like the doctor Emily the twins mom liked to keep the kids, eight year old Sara and the five year old John Jr. and James Jr., (James was named from his paternal grand father.) eating healthy and making apple cider from the natural sweet juice of the red delicious apples, they picked from the orchard of the Native American families living at Yellow Moon Ridge, were more nutritious for them than soda with their meals. Every evening before dinner John feed enough apples through the apple cider press for a gallon of hot apple cider cooled with cinnamon brown sticks and served with the evening meal. Today the boys, John Jr. and James Jr. was surprised by the clamor of a peppy black bear cub. The black bear cub was feasting on the hazelnut shrubby in back of the barn. The boys went into the brush to bring out the cub who willingly follow the boys as they threw it their apple core. James ran a head to the basket on the porch to get more apples as John Jr. coached the cub toward the porch where the bear cub eagarly feed on the red delicious apples. “Come on boy, come get the apple,” John Jr.called to the cub.

“He can really eat them, look at him go,” said James. The boys was laughing it up and threw apples to the cub who squat and grumble as it ate the apples greedily. The twins were having a good time until their laughter was pirece with the screaming of Sara when she step out on the porch and saw the black bear cub. Startled by the noise the black bear cub bellow, stumble and scramble behind the barn toward the woods. John and Emily heard the screams and rushed from the house to see what was going on, Sara was cowing on the porch. They heard the bellowing cub and Emily went to Sara and gather her into the circle of her arms. John Jr. and James ran toward the back of the barn with James behind them and the black bear cub had disappeared into the woods. John question the boys, “Where did the cub come from? What were you boys doing?” John Jr. repiled, “the bear cub was hungry and he was eating the hazenut shrub and we gave it some of the apples. James said, “Yeal dad, the cub followed us and we feed it apples, the cub is hungry.” “You guys can not feed wild animals like that cub. The black bear cub is hungry but it will hunt for its’ food in the woods. Once you guys start feeding it, it will come back and it will eat all the apples and the other berry brushes and shrubbery. Its good that Sara screamed as loudly as she did,” laughing, John continue to onish the twins, “I am sure her screams put it to flight. Bears don’t have very good eye sight but their hearing is excellent. When it comes back you two are not to make a pet of it.” John Jr. said, “Dad, it want hurt us we just ate apples with together.” “Yes, cubs is always hungry, but you guys know that the bear will harm the animals in the barn and I can not have that. Those animals are pets, rabies is being past from some animal to the pets in Daley. One child have died from rabies, you two must promise me, that when the cub comes back looking for food you will come get me. I am sure that the cub do not have rabies because if it did it would have attack you or try to break into the barn.

James said, “If its’ not sick and it mother is maybe we should take it so that its’ mother want give it the sickness.” Opening the back door John guided the boys into the house. They all gather around the dining room table for dinner. John expressed to all the children that the black bear cub must be ran away when it came back to the house. If its mother or sow bear have the rabies then the sow bear could be dead and the cub was left alone and thats’ O K. Bears live alone they like it that way when its time for them to mate they will locate a suitible mate alone their range, the area that a bear travels year after year is its’ range and we do not want the cub to make our home part of its’ range and it will only do that if it gets food here, no more feeding it, right! When it come back we will make noise to run it away.” John Jr. said, “we like noise, why don’t cubs like noise?” Emily said, “Cubs are really not like little boys, they like mischief, but they hate noise.” “It will run away from you two because you all are very noise even the puppies think you two are too noisey,” laughted Sara, “ I want play with it dad it is scary.” “Thats’good Sara, the boys think every animal is a pet and they are like their father,” said Emily. All the kids laughted along with Emily and John. The house was happy once again in Daley City.

Chapter 44

DOCTOR CROSS TOLD Howard to tell any callers that ask about a case, that the work was being done fast as it is humanly possible to get it done, and that he was at a meeting with Cheif Moore about a case and he would return any call as soon as he got back to the office. Howard nodded with the music from his earphones blaring out into the room, he smiled and dropped his earphones back down over his ears as he turned back to cleaning the equipment he was working. Backing out of the driveway of Daley City’s Morgue Dr. Cross turned on his loved classical music and humed alone with the tune as he wonder if Chief Moore would have any ideal as to why Ted would have been in the woods. The skull and leg bone was for sure Ted Stevenson who went missing some years ago. Dr Cross knew of the guy but never met him or liked what he heard about the guy, still he deserved a formal burial, only the animals in the woods would know where and how many burial places Ted had in the woods. The Doctor want to be there when the Chief inform the wife of the discovery of her missing husband’s parts in the woods, along with the toe bones of Chief Master Sergeant Randel Persia who was last seen in Iraq as the supervisor of personal in charge of army supplies. Just how did these two get involved with each other, both guys was the untrustworthy type, they could have been into some unethical dealing which landed them a death and burial in the Daley City’s woods. Parking the M.E.’s van along side the Chiefs’ car, Dr. Cross turned off his music and step out of the van to shake hands with him. The Chief invited him in and informed him that Mrs. Stevenson would be a long within minutes as he lead the way to his office.

Chapter 45

CHIEF MOORE WAS just coming back from a long lunch that included a vist to the Baptist Church’s kitchen, one of the oldest churchs in town, where he was feed one of the best meals he had in quite sometime. He was fotunate enough to have Martha Stevenson to serve him lunch. He was pleased that Martha had something that kept her busy and around people must of the day. He was not sure how she would take the news that Dr. Cross would bring them at a meeting later. After his second cup of black coffee and a full stomach from cleaning his plate of mash potoatoes, home made cream gravey, peas and carrots, fried chicken with fresh baked brown bread rolls. He finished his meal with a large piece of home made apple pie a la moded. He saw Martha and he beckon her over to his table and she brought the coffee pot. Smiling Chief Moore said to her, “I had enough of this great meal! If I ate here everyday I would be over the weight requirement for policemen set by the academy. Thanks, can you sit with me a minute?” Martha went to her stand of eating supplies and replaced the coffee pot with a bottle of water. She talked over to his table and she pulled out the other chair and she sit with him drinking water. “Hello Chief, what can I do for you,” Martha said? “Martha relax a minute, the meal the church serve is worthy of the donations made to help feed the homeless, I am sure here, they eat good everyday. A wonderful job the church and the volunteers are doing for the people in the town of Daley,” said Chief Moore. He finished off his pie, wiped his mouth and he pushed back his chair before taking one of her hands in his.

Chapter 46

CHIEF MOORE GOT of the elevator with Doctor Cross, Daley City’s M.E., who had some news of the men the bones found in the woods belong to. They arrived on the seventh floor of the justice building where the Police Department of Daley City offices were, they discussed how Daley had grown over the years, yet many of the people still held onto the Spanish-Mexicans Roman Catholic Christians’ values. The first mormons belief there should be a ‘varity of skilled people in the community,’ it was necessary or the surivial of the community then and now. Where ever the beliefs came from the people in Daley helped one another in time of a crisis. They were all going to have to be alert until the rabied animal thing was over. All pets that had been allowed to roam outside was kept indoors now and the owners were taking the time to walk their dogs on a leash. No one knew what species of wild animal or animals were moving about Daley City infecting the pets. The wild animal could have been a skunk, raccoon, fox and even a wolf, either of these could have been attacked by the wild animal that carried the virus. Whatever it was it had to be out of its’ mind to attack a black sow bear and infect it, since there had not been any more reports about the black sow bear it was believed that it might be dead from the rabies virus as well as the first animal who caught the virus and started the spread of it. It had been over two weeks since it was in the park and on the camping grounds. Everyone was told to keep all trash can lids securely fasten and that no loose trash of any kind should be left out in the open. The Department of Animal Control had men out twenty-four hours canvassing every neighborhood’s alley. They keep serval men out at the Oceanside Park and Camping-grounds. They discovered that Dectives Crockett and Smithe had advised the people living there to dig a pit to burn and bury their trash in and it was keeping the grounds very clean and there were men that kept watch over each section of the camp for stray wild or domesticated animals. They wanted every person in Delay to know that they may have losted their jobs, good income, and all the necessary and material things that came with it but they were still a part of the city and took pride in it.

Once Chief Moore and Dr. Cross had drank serval cups of coffee and got caught upon the gossip from over the last five to ten years, Mrs. Stevenson or Martha arrived a step or two in front of Detectives Crockett and Smithe for the meeting. The Chief told everyone to get comfortable while he refresh the coffee Doctor Cross took the time to call his office. The chief notice that FBI Agent Richard Clark was not anywhere in the department. He planned to give James and Chance a call to see if Agent Clark had been seen anywhere around one of their places, Chief Moore knew that Agent Clark bear some watching and that he had to keep James Barnes in check when the agent was around, he only wanted to be seen as keeping an eye on a known felon in his town. So no more or no less when FBI agent was watching only the Chief and Agent Clark knew this about Barnes. Chance Franklin supected Barnes of having committed some crime but did care as long as he was clean enough to be in on this deal. Everyone was seated and Chief Moore had given instructions to the officer on desk duty that the meeting was not to be enterupted unless it was life or death involved in the situation. He closed the door and asked Doctor Cross to begin. Doctor Cross told them that after grounding up some of the skull bones he did several test on the grounded bone dust then he realized that who ever this skull belong to had cancer growing in his brain cells and as the cancerous cells grew or a tumor. It put pressure on the nerves and spinal cord and the person would expericence many kinds of unusual symptoms such as changes in mood, personality or behavior, this person would have difficulties with thinking and comprehension. These are just a few of the symptoms that would show up in the beginning. Doctor Cross said, “This person would be driven to see a doctor by these symptoms. Many kinds of test would be used like an MRI scan to get a good look at what was going on with the brain. If brain cancer like many other forms of cancer is caught in its earliest stage it can be treated or cured successfully. Untreated, we know the outcome for sure is death.” Doctor Cross cleared his throat and continue, “I am going to tell you all that this person was no other than our own Ted Stevenson.” The room went silent, shock, disbelief, and the thought of miss understanding form in Detective Smithe mind. Which was made clear when he attempt to speak. Martha ran from the room crying no one tried to stop her. Everyone let the information soak in for a moments before anyone spoke.

Detective Smithe said, “What! The skull wasTed and cancer!” “That may expain some of his actions. The poor guy could not help his self, I wonder if he knew,” said Detective Crockett. “I think he did know he had cancer, I checked with the leading neurologist and neurosurgeon in San Francsico and he did some checking for me and found a doctor that Ted had been seeing for about three weeks. In fact the surgeon wonder why Ted missed the serval appoinments they had set-up for more test. The guy tried to call Ted and no-one answer the house phone and Ted’s cell was off. The neurologist thinks that they had caught it earily enough that Ted could have had a successful recovery in six months to a year. Chief Moore said, “now we know where he was and it had to be a beautiful woman with money to get Ted out in the woods. I hope you guys have good luck when you all are trying to find out what he was doing out there? Its’ a long way from any store. This is a homicide case and you guys are on it full time now, animal control will handle this rabies thing.” Chief Moore was only saying what he thought was expected of him, but he was thinking that Barnes and Franklin did a good job of getting Ted out of the way. Both of them must have hit him so that not one of them could be accussed of doing the killing. if either one of them wanted to rat the other out he would be put his self onto the end of the hangman’s rope or a life-time in pirson. It worked out just right if that rabied black sow bear had not come out of those woods then Ted would have never been found at lease not until I was retired and living comfortably on a hot sweet island. Boy, that Ted always turned up sooner or later, the Chief wanted to laugh but he would wait until he met with his partners later tonight. He also realized that those two was as thick as thieves and he would be sure to watch his back more carefully now. Detective Smithe said, “we have just starting to canvass the people living in the park and on the camping grounds.” “We are not so sure anyone will anything that took place over three to five years ago,” said Detective Crockett. “Maybe something special happen that night and someone will something,” added Doctor Cross, “thats’ something, the guy was out there all this time. He had cancer that could have been cured and he dies any way, Ted

just could not catch a break.” Chief Moore said, “Who would want to hurt Ted enough to do this?” Still in the back of his mind he was thinking that Barnes and Franklin did it just right, no one saw them and no one would anything. After all this time how could anyone have something to say that would be reliable. It was just like Ted to turn up when they were about to make the biggest deal of all and Ted was not going to mess up this deal for me either. If he was not dead I think I would kill him, the Chief shook his head. Doctor Cross saw the chief shake his head and said, “I see you are having a hard time believing Ted is dead and none of us never supected a that. Who would have thought that Ted would end like this. I understand that he only ran after the young pretty one with money, so no-one’s husband did this to him.” “It just shows it could happen to any of us at any time even a low-down guy like Ted could get it and none of us could ever know what happen. It was a woman he was going way out there to see,” said the Chief. “I heard he was like that he should have had more respect for Martha than that,” said Detective Smithe. “She is a fine woman,” said Detective Crockett, “and she is in there crying her eyes out over him.” Just as he finish speaking, the door open and Martha came back in with her face clean and dry. “What else can you tell me Doctor Cross? How did he die?” Martha asked. Doctor Cross said, “he died quick from a blow to the head and maybe that was a blessing for the brain cancer would have been hard on you both Martha but he could have beat the cancer. Do you know why he would have been in the woods that night?” Martha said, “I never knew he went into the woods, day or night.” “The car was found at the other end of town, how could that happen if Ted was in the woods,” said Detective Smithe. “It looks like we have another important question to seek the answer for,” said

Detective Crockett. “Well, the other guy that the toe bones belong to could have killed Ted but then he must have gotten killed out there, too. After all who loses his toes and do not go to see a doctor,” said Doctor Cross. “What is the low-down on this Master Sergeant Randel Persia,” ask Chief Moore. “What I could gather on him is that he was dirty in the army and he was dirty dealing on the outside of he army. Would you think that he and Ted had a dirty deal going on out there,” said Detective Smithe Chief Moore said, “I will make some calls to Washington to see what I can get about his last day in he army while you guys try to find out what he was doing here in Daley on his last day.” Detective Crockett said, “If anyone had a chance to talk with this Randel guy or knew him, maybe he or she will him, after all he is not from Daley.” Detective Smithe said, “do we know if he had business in the park and camping grounds? This Randelcould have been meeting Ted out there and someone murdered the both of them. For them to meet like that may mean that they did what anyone to know they knew each other as well as hiding what they were do together.” “While you and Detective Crockett is out running down leads on Ted, maybe you can ask a few questions about Randel Persia. I can not think of anyone here in Daley City that he might be related to. If they was dirty dealing where is the money or drugs? You guys have two homicides to solve I think if you solve one it will lead to the solution to the other,” said Chief Moore. Detective Crockett said, “these are the frist homicides we have worked in Daley City, California without a body.” Detective Smithe said, “if you have nothing else on this Randel we might as well get started. Chief, we will appreciate it if you can make the call for us as soon as possible.” Detective Smithe stood and went over to Martha. He took her in his arms and

gave her a shoulder to cry on, he stroked her hair and patted her back. He said, “Martha, I am truly sorry about what happen to your husband, Ted. Maybe we can have dinner sometime soon and you can tell me all about him anything that would help us locate his murderer.”

Chapter 47

PEOPLE IN DALEY City were wondering what kind of animal got rabies and was out of its’ head enoughto come out of the woods and fight with any thing it came in with. Some of the people had a little knowledge pertaining to the virus. Many were concerned about keeping the childen inside too. If this animal was out of its’ head enough to attack some of the large dogs, then it would not hesitate to attack a child small or big. Many was glad the Summer was ending and the children was at school most of the day and that the school had a good six foot fence around the yard. They paid a good deal of money for that fence. It came about a few years back when a divorce father went to the school to take his children. if he could not take his children he was willing to keep the female gym teacher and the two school counsels locked up. His plan was to kill them and himself. After that scare all the teachers, the istration personal, the cooks and cafeteria workers, and janitors were concern and wanted sercurity gaurds at each door of the school building. An animal had to be really out of its’ head to dig under the fence because it could not get into the yard and at the children any other way by that time someone from animal control should be at the school. Every day someone checked the grounds and parking areas before the final bell for the day rang and the bus drivers got off the buses to watch out for the children. This thing was really upsetting to the parents and most picked up their childrens and took them straight home and inside. Once home the children watched TV and movies, none played outside and not many of the teenagers hung around outside either. The employee of the store was remined to keep the trash dumpters’ lids closed and all the stock boys were warned and on the week-ends they burned the store’s trash because they knew the raccoons had a habit of coming around. If it was a raccoon the men from animal control felted it would be back, therefore, they would check all the stores trash storage areas continually during the day. The trashmen picked up the trash seven times a week, every day since the virus came into the housing community from the woods. Rabied animals were the

communication in the coffee shops and bakeries. One day someone reported that they saw a gray wolf shaking and forming at the mouth in one of the large grocery store’s parking lot. The woman run back into the store leaving her car door open and all her purchases in the shopping cart by the time she got someone from animal control out to the store the animal had tore open many of her bags. Some of the meat packages had been eaten along with the meat inside of them and whole carton of eggs had been eaten into. The animal ate the egg’s shell and the carton they came in. Other stuff was torn open and spreaded around, it was just gripped and shooked like the cake mix and sugar then the animal wonder off. Men from animal control came out to make sure the parking lot where the animal salivated leaving forming saliva with large pieces of uneaten sticks and rocks was cleaned the right. They checked the large dumpster in back of the store and they believed the animal had been in it looking for food. Forming at the mouth the way it was surely its’ throat was painful and sore which making eating for the animal hard to do and aggravated the animal in its’state of maddness. Those from animal control wanted to find the animal before it died and get it to a veterinarian. It was sure to die soon and the carcass had to be disposed of correctly. So far there had been half dozen animals found dead; three skunks, a raccoons, a red fox and a stray dog. Their carcasses had been burned and buried in the pit at the camping-gounds to be safe rather than sorry. The veterinarian that was called at the time felted that the carcass of each animal had deteriorated to far for dissection. The brain was needed for examination and it had to be closely analyzed but it had already rotten in each animal and it was useless.

Chapter 48

MARY FELTED SICK and could not sit still in the family’s waiting area. Her head pounded from worrying over Roberta. She knew that there was nothing she could take for her head-ache or to calm her nerves and she had not been sleeping well and the death of Mr and Mrs Henry’s son stayed on her mind. Until Roberta was completely well and at home, she was going to worry. ‘Rabies! Rabies! No Father don’t let it come to that!’ They said Roberts had had a rough time during the night and the nurses were keeping a close eye on her. Since Roberta had received the first dose of the four doses of the vaccine PEP or post- exposure prophylaxis which she had never had before and which she needed, Mary had been on pins and needles. The head nurse assured Mary that Robertas’ condition was good and that the vaccine was a hundred percent effective when given in the earily stage of the virus and the doctors had very high hopes of getting Roberta back on her feet. It may take some time but there was a solution for her condition and the doctors needed to discuss it with Mary. The head nurse said, “Roberta is a healthy young woman and the doctors know a great deal more about the virus today and all the up-to-date medicines are in the USA and are easily attained. You have to take care of yourself, it will not do Roberta any good to come home and have you sick.Your friend is here in the hospital and the doctors have been watching for symptoms of the disease from day one. What happen to the Henrys’ son was a real tragedy and the parents had no ideal that the young boy had been bitten by the family’s dog or that the dog had the disease because it ran away after biting the youngter. The Henry’s older boys went looking for it but had no luck and at this time everyone is sure that it will be found dead by animal control.” The head nurse went into the nurse’s office behind the nurse’s station. “Yes, I think so,” Mary said to the younger nurse, “it was a very sad service but the child was laid to rest yesterday.” The nurse said, “Mrs Henry was given a seditive right after the service the poor

lady is so heart broken.” She handed Mary a small cup of cold water and estcorted her to a seat and continue to chat. She said to Mary, “Mr and Mrs Henry are still not sure how the dog got the virus and the doctors believe the family’s pet was well into the frist stage of rabies, the prodromal stage. Where the virus had reached the animal’s brain and it should have been drooling more than usual. Still no one in the family notice this because the dog often went off on its own roaming around the neighborhood. Yet on-one in the neighborhood has seen it. Well, animal contol will get it.” The head-nurse came out of the office from behind the nurses’station and wave the nurse over. They talked and nodded a lot then the young nurse went padding off down the hall on the freshly waxed floor. Mary smiled and noded, holding back her tears she said, “I know we have the best but the shots Roberta has to take over the next fourteen day are horrifying. When I was allowed to looked in on her two days ago she looked so small and thinner.” The head-nurse said, “the shots are not as bad as they once were and they are very effective, your friend will be looked after by the best. At one time there was very little the doctors could do for apatient once the virus reach the brain, Roberta was blessed, the doctors got it before it reach her brain. There have been a number of cases where the virus was stopped before it progress the first stage of the disease. There are known cases where the patient have survived the virus since 2004. Dear, you most rest before you become sick yourself.” “I am going to lunch with a friend but I wanted to make sure that Roberta is resting comfortably, I will come back to visit with her in the evening,” said Mary as she dabbed at several tears that escaped from the corner of one of her well made-up large brown eyes. The head-nurse told Mary that the doctors had some good news to discuss with Mary about Robertas’case, the doctors perfer to discuss any new facts of a case with the family of the patient, so that the family of the patient would have an understanding of any new solutions of medical concern for the patient. The first stage of the virus, the prodromal stage, Roberta had not gotten into because she was already in the hopital and her doctors was cautious enough to have tests done right after her operation the cleaning and mending of the deep

cuts she had received in her side, hip, and thigh from a black sow bear who was believed to be rabied. No-one had located the black sow bear but pets around the city were being contaminated with the virus. Lee had become a confidant and a source of inspiration to Mary in the past week. She had lost both of her parents and she was not close with her only brother or his wife, it had been years since they visited and they rarely spoke on the phone. Lee and a few friends had banded together and held each other up in trying times.

Chapter 49

DETECTIVES CROCKETT AND Smithe sit at their desks comparing notes from the canvass at the Oceanside Park and Camping-grounds concerning the bones found as to who the men were and what they might have been doing in th woods at the time of their death. Detective Carl Smithe said, “Man, this is getting us no where real fast. Most of the people living out on the camping grounds do not back that far, four to five years is a lot of time and many events ago. They are just trying to live from day to day.” “You know, I think the Chief knows this but he wants to have something on record in case someone, other than Martha, Ted’s wife wants to know if anything was done about the mystery death of Ted Stevenson and Randel Persia, a few bones from both bodies were found in those woods,” said Detective Willie Crockett. “Man, there is not much to go on. The M.E. says that Ted had cancer and that he should have known this because of the changes in his mood and behavior even his thinking and writing. He must have been devastated when he found out cancer was growning in his brain. Doctor Cross locate a neurologist and neurosurgeon that Ted had consulted in San Francisco,” said Smithe. “I do not the guy from high school and he must have been with us or no more than two years a head of us, I wonder what kind of guy he was.” said Crockett. “Hey, not to good from what I have heard, the guy was a jack-ass even before he married Martha,” said Smithe. Crockett said, “what about this Randel guy? He is not from Daley and I wonder where he came from and why he came here?” “He was into some pretty shady stuff in the army, thats what got him kicked out, selling out the Americans troops’ supplies. Man, what some people want do,”

said Smithe! Willie Crockett only smiled and shook his head, wondering why Randel Persia come to Daley City nd then end-up dead in the woods instead of on the battlefield. Detective Smithe said, “its a sad ending for any veteran, he should have been a hero but died a scandal.” Detective Crockett said, “life is what one makes it my friend.” “Man, it just came to me,” said Detective Smithe, “Where are their clothes? There sould have been some rugs around. The animals may have taken parts of the bodies off but why would they eat the clothes? “Some animal may have lined its nest with the remnants of their clothes,” said Crockett uninterested. Detective Smithe said, “I think we need to take another trip to the woods.” “Man, whats’ with you and those woods? Its’ not a fun place for me, no-way, nohow,” said Detective Crockett. Detective Smithe ing the frist days of the case that took them to the woods laughted out loud, then teasting, he said, “man, we will take lights with us and we are going to look for clothes. Maybe the back sow bear took the rugs to her den.” Detective Crockett said, “that’s all I need to do is run into a black bear sow, do you know how much I paid for those shoes and do not bring my pants into it! I am looking forward to the department paying me for my clothes.” Detective Smithe said, “that should teach you not to wear Italian made shoes to work, come on into the locker room. You got your hiking boots in your locked, I do! Ha, ha, ha .ha, ha, ha! Never go into the woods of Daley City without wear hiking boots and jeans when the crimenal is a black sow bear, lesson 101.” Detectives Smithe loud hardy laugh could be heard all down the long hall to the locker room of Daley City’s finest.

Chapter 50

MARTHA SIT HIGH on top of a large boulder at the beach, it was quite all around her, even the noise of the birds was missing. The wind combed throught her hair and wiped her salted tears from her cheeks. Poor Ted, why didn’t he tell her what he had found out, she would have helped him, she wouldn’t have turned her back on him. She knew that a lot of women would have been glad he had a debilitating sicking, so that they could leave him when he needed them the most. It would have been just payback or all the mean things he had done to her over the years. It may have been true that he had a cancerous growth on his brain that caused his behavior to change over the last twelve months of his life, but he had been a trial on her nerves for a few years. Maybe what she did was the best thing for him, his pain came to an end, he was speared an operation or many operations that may not have cured him and all the bills that they would have accumulate was never realized and how could she have really helped him. That Randel Persia! She understood why he had not come back to black-mail her for more money. Richard had always come throught for her, Martha wondered if she and Richard would have been happy together. That day his family took him away from her, she felted her heart was never going to heal from the lost of his love, but it did. Then Ted came into her life and they were always on the go from one adventure to another. Because of him she had learned how to bowl, ice skate, ski, and enjoy competing in sports. Ted often told her that she was a natural when it came to sports. Those week-ends they spent in Colorado mountain climbing and in Montana hose-back riding was a first for Martha and was great. She another week-end that she and Ted had spent all weekend inside their cabin which smelled like an apple orchard. They had cuddled under a bear skin blanket before a fireplace with a roaring fire while the wind with snow howled outside their cabin as Martha relived their adventures in her mind and her heart started to lift. Martha wonder what Ted would have did with the money. Would he have left her or was he thinking about having enough money for the operation he knew was a

head of him, maybe more than one would have been needed to get him cancer free. Poor Ted, her tears started to flow faster over her cheeeks and into the corner of her lips. She pulled the old blanket tighter around her as she held her face up to the sky. She whisper, “Ted, for give me! Why didn’t you love me enough to trust me? There was suppose to be no secrets between us, you was a jackass stubborn and selfish.” She was angry now she climbed down from that high boulder on the beach and she went out into the water at the shoreline and kicked at the water and yelled to no-one. She twisted and turned and kick up water until she was soaked to the skin. Martha wore-out fell in the water on the shoreline and screamed until she was hoarse, then she cried, wet and angry she sobbed out loud. Miserable and heart broken she sit up whimpering, she struggled to her feet still holding onto the sogged rag of a blanket. Martha walked to the camping-grounds park and some where on her way she dropped the ragged blanket. She wrapped her arms around her shoeless body, it was Autumn and it was cooler at night. Martha pushed back her wet curlly hair as she approched the door to her mobile home. She brushed some of the sand off of her clothes since she knew what she was going to do.

Chapter 51

LEE HAD BECOME a confidant and a source of inspiration to Mary in the past weeks. She had lost both of her parents and she was not close with her only brother or his wife, it had been years since they visited and they rarely spoke on the phone. Lee and a few friends had banded together to help each other up in trying times. As the elevator stopped at her floor Lee stepped off almost getting ran over by a nurse, code blue had just been called and the nurse flew Lee with her cart, Lee stepped back while watching the nurse disappear down the hall and into a room. Lee caught her breath, it was Roberta’s room, oh no She rushed down the hall toward the nuese’s station and there was Mary looking as bad as Lee felted. Lee said, “What is it, what has happen, Mary?” Mary said, “I am not sure, I am waiting to talk to Robert’s doctors before going to see her. Doctor Long had the head-nurse call me he wants to discuss some new facts pertaining to her case.” “Here, let us get something to drink while we wait some emergency came up a nurse almost ran me over as I was getting off of the elevator,” said Lee. Mary said, “I heard the code blue but I did not get to the hall in time to see what room they all went into.” “We will stay positive,” said Lee as she hand Mary a cup of hot coffee and she took a cup and sat at the table with her. Lee continue saying, “Roberta is in the hands of excellent doctors. I was told that Dr. Long and Doctor Earl have worked as partners for a lot of year and they are the best when it come to the treatment of any virus, they are truly blessed with the gift of healing.” Mary place her cup on the table in front of them and she reached for Lee’s hand.

Then Mary said, “I am thankful for your friendship and all the help you have been to me. Roberta and I are all the family either of us have, we have been together all of our lives, we are closer than sisters. She was such a funny little thing when we first met and she have kept me laughting all these years.” Lee saw a smile on Mary’s beautiful face after all the weeks that Roberta had been sick. They continue talking about Mary and Roberta’s life. When they graduated from high school Roberta wanted to the military but her weight was too low, the girls worked out during the Summer and planned meals to get Roberta’s weight up and they read upon the varies branches of the military. Roberta was set on ing the army and Mary told her they could meet more men in the navy and that maybe they should train as nurses for the navy like in the movies. The girls stayed up many nights and week-end talking. Then after they took the test neither of them wanted to any of the branches of the milatry. They went back to their saving and desided that office jobs were for them. Each excelled in their job at the companies they worked for and the girls shared an apartment for years before planning to own homes and good luck was on their side, they brought homes across the street from each other. They often compared notes pertaining to the guys that they dated and none of the men added up tomarriage material for the now grown women. Running on the running path in the park at the Ocean- side camping-grounds were their way of meeting men in the morning at their worst. Part of their plan, “If a man would run with you when you looked your worst on the running paths and stayed around to ask you for a date then he might make good marriage material. As Mary talked and Lee listen Roberta went into a coma and an hour went by before the doctors had the headnurse on the evening-shift sent Mary into their office. Mary cried a lot and Lee padded her hand while tears slided down her cheeks. Roberta was in a coma, the medication, treat prevention of rabies, ‘rabies immune globulin PF intramuscular,’ affected Roberta in away that the doctors had not anticipated, but it was a good thing. Roberta had been awake for a few minutes and she became dizzy and she could not see clearly and the nurse with her at that time knew to call for the code. Roberta had all the symptoms of a severe seizure in the making, the doctor was in the room when the violent shaking, then uncontallable muscle spasms started. It took them over thrity minutes to get her settled and the fever dowm, now Roberta rested in a coma.

Doctor Earl explained to the young women that Roberta could come out of the coma in a few days, a couple of weeks, or a couple of months. In cases like Roberta’s where there is some brain infection that could lead to high fever, convulsion or seizures, then coma. Roberta had had a grand mall seizure which effected both sides of her brain. That while she was in the coma the body had time to rest and the brain would heal itself. Doctor Earl said, “ladies we expect the best but Roberta could die while in a coma and we will have nurses with her around the clock. Now sha has a very high fever we are working on getting it down and we will watch so as to keep it with in the normal range.” Lee ask, “Did you and Dr Long expect this high fever?” “Expect it, is not what we would say but we knew it could happen. We had discussed putting her into a medical induce coma which would make her brain rest, relax and this would reduce tha amount of blood flow to her brain. Thus the amount of oxygen the brain would have been getting. This way and at this time the brain and body is protected against tissue damage before her body have a chance to recover. We will watch for any further damage, neurological and physical and we can treat her so as to prevent it. Ladies this is a good thing,” said Dr. Long. “Is she in any pain and what are you all doing,” cried Mary. “Mary, you have known me for a long time when I say Roberta is doing excellent in the state thatshe is in, believe me. I would never lye to you,” said Dr. Long. He stood and walked around his large dark wood desk and lead Mary with Lee toward his office door. “I need you to go home Mary and get some rest, you are looking rather rundown, you can come back in the morning and if there are any changes in Roberta condition I will have a nurse call you. You might say a prayer for Roberta,” Dr Long said, as he open his office door for Mary and Lee. Lee lead Mary toward the elevators and Mary stopped and turn to go to the nurses’station. At the desk was a young pretty black haired nurse, so small just like Roberta in Mary’s thoughts, she managed to form a smile as she spoke to the nurse. Mary said, “promise me you will keep a close eye on my friend, Roberta and that you will call me at anytime, here is my card. Please call me if anything

change in her condition before I return to the hospital. The little nurse said, “you are the patient’s friend that just went into a coma, my supervisor have instructed me to escort you to her room. Please come with me.” Mary was feeling so anxious, “has anything happen to her,” Mary asked. “No, the nurses are with her and she have been removed to a room closer to the nures’s station in ICU, the Intensity Care Unit for around the clock care,” said the little nurse, “ladies put these on.” She handed Mary and Lee yellow paper gowns and head covering. They put them on and stood before the little nurse, now ready for anything. The little nurse said, “give me your things I will lock them here and give you a key.” She turned and gave each or the women plastic and paper yellow foot covering. “We have to keep the room clear of any form of bacteria that might piggy-back into the ward. Stop at that box in between the doors there and take a pair of gloves.You will be escorted to your friend,” she finish saying. Then the little nurse headed back to the nurses’station in the other corridor. Once at the nurse’s station the little nurse was approched by two detectives, Detective Smithe and Detective Crockett. Detective Crockett said, “we are the detectives that was on the case where the young lady was attacked by a black bear sow, how is she doing?” The nurse at the desk said, “the operaton went fine and she is healing from that rather nicely at this time she has other problems. Her doctor is not on the floor and I can not give you any more information than that. Close friends of the lady is visiting with her and you might wait until they come out of the ICU ward, they may have more information for you.” Detective Crockett said, “this is news. How long have her visitors been here?” Detective Smithe stop writing in his note-book and moved closer, he was all ears. “Just what has happpen here?” He said.

“The nurse said, “Just have a seat gentelmen and some one will be out here shortly.” She picked up the phone and pressed one of the red buttons and she spoke to someone. She sit talking quietly for a few minutes as the detectives busy themselves at the coffee station. She hung up the phone and started to coordinate other papers. From behind the nurses’ station, from a small office the Head-nurse came, she wore a plastic and paper yellow gown over her uniform. She pulled a paper yellow mask from her mouth over her head and dropped it into the waste-paper basket. The head nurse pushed open the gate leading from the nurse’s station and walked toward the detectives. She sit down at a table and started to pull the plastic and paper yellow foot covering off her shoes. The dectives notice her and Detective Crockett sit down at her table, Detective Smithe went back to the coffee station. Detective Smithe said, “Would you like a cup of coffee?” “Yes, please,” the head-nurse said. Detective Crockett said, “are you the person that can give us more information about a young lady that was brought in here over three weeks ago with injuries casued by a black bear sow at the Ocean -side Park and Camping-Grounds?” “Yes, the young lady slipped into a coma, we believe that one of more of her cuts was contaminated with rabies from the bear, when animals are mad like that they drooled over everything. Since she was in the hopital already her doctor had the fore-sight to have test of that nature ran for her. EEG, electroencephalography was able to dectech the infection beginning to invade her brain cells, then the doctor ask that a spinal tap be done, the lab removed cerbrospinal fluid from her spin to make the final diagnosis,” the head- nurse said. Shr drunk her coffee as she smooth her hair from her ears. “Roberta,” the head-nurse said, “was in the very beinging of the frist stage of the virus, known as prodrome stage. So the virus had reach her brain, but we were quick to started her on the rabies vaccine, Human Diploid PF Intramuscular, which is very effective.” Detective Smithe said, “that little lady is in a coma, she will come back. She is a spitfire, she is a fighter.”

“Yes, two days ago Roberta slipped into a coma, which is good because the doctors, Dr Long and Dr Earl was discussing the possiblity of putting her into a medical induce coma. Rabies kill the brain and causes the brain to kill the body before it has an opportunity to fight off the virus,” said the Head-Nurse. She stopped talking to finish her coffee. Detective Smithe got up and went to the coffee station to get refills for all of them. Reaching for the fresh cup of coffeee, the Head-Nurse dranked long and She continue talking, “the disease cause the brain to go into overdrive which strip the brain of its’ cells energy supple, then the brain die quickly. The coma suppresses the brain activity and antiviral medication and barbiturates, calms Roberta because she was restless. Its a common thing, some patients lay calmly sleeping while other move around. Now the vital function of the body gives the immune system the time it needs and we expect the blood to show antibodies which means the body is fighting back. We have given her ribavirin and amantadine today. We will not attempt to wake her, we will watch her carefully for another five to seven days to see if she will wake on her own. The head-nurse sighed and fished in her pocket for coins, Detective Smithe saw it and wented over to the sandwich machine. Detective Smithe said, “let me get that for you, I sorry I did not offer you some food, I know your day can be trying and often you miss meals. Just like detectives, we eat when time allows it.” “Thank you, you are a dying breed of gentelmen. I have given you as much information as we have at this time. The doctors are very hopeful, her friends, Mary and Lee should be out soon, they helped with her care and are setting with her in the ICU ward. We encourage family and friends to come in and talk with the patience, we believes they hear a familiar voice on some level and it helps to bring them back sooner,” said the head-nurse. “Thank you, we were called to the park at the time of the insident, no-one was sure at hat time that it was a black bear sow or a mad man,” said Detective Crockett. The head-nurse said, “you all have a good evening.” She notice a little more than just concern in Detective Crockett voice and how he looked, a great deal of

affection was there for Roberta. She gave them more of a case history rather than information because of that look, more so than because they were detectives and knew the case from the begining, she smiled and went back to her office. The dectective talked it over and decided to take care of some person business in the next half hour, then return, maybe in time to catch Mary, they knew she was concern a great deal about Roberta since they had be friends for most of their lives. As an elevator’s door open Detective Smithe went to step into it and ran right into Martha, whos’ forehead did collide with his chest. Surprised and shock, Martha could only mustard up a half heated smiled. Martha said, “Detective,” and stepped back to carress her forehead, Detective Smithe laughed. He said, “Are your hurt? I am sorry, I was in to big of a hurry.” Martha said, “no, I am fine.” Detective Smithe said, “are you sure Martha, you don’t sound fine.” Martha said, “I may have a little cold. The nights are getting cooler I may need to add another blanket to my bed.” Detective Smithe went on to say, “are you sure, after the meeting in the Chief’s office I was not sure that you was fine. I have a little time we can talk over here.” Will Corckett, detective Crockett said, “man, I can make this run with out you, thrityes minutes is as much time as I will need. I would like to talk to Mary about Roberta condition. In thrity, later.” Detective Crockett left the floor on the next elevator as Detective Carl Smithe escorted Martha to the coffee area of the waiting room. He got them coffee and offered Martha some cheese crackers. She took one and nibbled on it before taking a large drink of her coffee. Detective Smithe said, “You better watch that is rather hot.”

Martha siad, “No, its ok. I like it more than just luke warm.” “How have you been feeling? I am sure it was a shock to find out your husband have been lying in those woods for over four, five years and you never supected it,” Detective Smithe. “I have had a few bad nights, I got wet the other day when we had that quick down pour. I was just walking back to my home,” Martha said as she force a weak smile. “Maybe you should just go home and take a hot shower and I can bring you what ever you need,” said detective Smith, I think since the news of Ted, everyone will understand how you feel and a few days off should be expected.” “I am sure you are right, I just finish my morning shift and begged the afternoon off,” Martha said. Detective Smith said, “Go on, I will pick up what you need from here and by the time Will get back you should have shower and climbed into bed. I will be there with hot soup and your medicine. Martha wiped her eyes. She said, “most people would think that Ted would have told me he had cancer. I would have helped him, I would have never left him. We loved each other so much at one time, then he changed toward me, as if he hated me. I don’t know what happen. I should have known something was wrong,I was his wife.” Martha broke down in tears and cried on Detective Smithe shoulder. Even in her weeping state, she notice that his shoulders and back was firm with muscles and very comfortable to rest on. Life was funny, here was the man she wished she had married and now she never could for fear, one day she would let it slip or out right tell him what she did. She didn’t think she could stand for him to give her an accussing look when he realized what she was, a murderer! She was not really sorry about it, only she wish the animals had taken all his bones, Martha cried harder on Detective Carl Smithe’s shoulder.

Chapter 52

CHIEF MOORE, JAMES Barns, and Chance Franklin was traveling toward San Francisco discussing what happen to Ted, their fourth partner in the illegal diamond bussiness that they were secretly involved in. Ted had went missing one night after they had had a meeting to discuss their lastest deal. Ted was complaining about his share of the profits and he wanted more, none of them wanted to give him any more than what he was getting, they just believed he was getting too greedy. When Ted did not show up the next day, Barnes and Franklin believed the chief had taken care of him and did not want to talk about it, that way the others would not know anything about his disappears when it came up. Chief Moore believed that Barnes and Franklin had did away with Ted, James Barns had just gotten released from prison down in Florida for killing a man and feeding him to the big cats at the zoo. Chance Franklin was just as bad as Barnes, it was just that Franklin had not be caught and jailed for his crimes. Chief Moore felted he had really sunk low to get into any kind of business with those two, but he was determine to have a much better life during his latter years than he did in his former years and what he wanted required money. Chief Moore had taken care of Daley City, California for over thirty years and he wanted more, if just a place of his own down in Mexico where he could sleep late and relax in the sunset with a young round honey, but he was planning to go further than that and maybe he would do it with a long legged brown beauty with large shiny black eyes on an island in the South Pacific. Barnes said, “What did you do when the M.E., Dr Cross said that the skull was Ted Stevenson?” Chief Moore said, “I almost had a heart-attack! I was sure that you was, too smart to leave any body or body parts around where they could be found, ever.” “Well you know it was not my doing, I never would have taken Ted out without the consensus of the group. I believe when something like that is done everyone should be a party to it, that way no-one can go blabbing about it, unless that

person wants to go to jail, too. Otherwise, it would have just been me and the dead party working together, then no problem.” Franklin siad, “I never trusted the guy, Who brought him into it anyway? Chief Moore said, “I did, we need him to get the stuff shipped without any one getting wise to the shipment. I brought all you guys together for a reason, even though I came to you Barnes to check out my African . I know its’ pretty chancy stuff for the Chief of Police in any town to become disloyal to the law he promise to uphold and a disgrace to the badge he wears.” Franklin said, “do not get all weeping on us, we almost have a million dollars each, even with the little deal we have been doing over the past five years, we have saved a tidy sum. And there is a lot I am going to do with mine once we have it all together, of course I am leaving Daley for someplace off the shore of South Carolina. I understand there are some islands off of the coast that can benifit from having a man of talent living there. Maybe they will make me the governor.” The men laughted at Franklin’s joke, they all knew if it was left up to Chance Franklin, he would rob all of them then bury them in one of his over priced caskets. He acted rich but these two men who knew him best, knew that like most in Daley he was up to his eye-balls in debt and at time almost drowning. The Chief said, “I feel like I have help and kept the people of Daley City for over thrity years and when its’ time for me to hand the job over, I want to go out with more than a few dollars and a thank you. I love Daley as much as the next person and its’ always have had some pretty fair minded people living here. Everyone have pitched in and did the best they could.” “Yes, like me and Chance,” said Barnes. “We are the right guys for this type of dealing, we come experienced and well trained,” said Chance, “we get things done, right?” “Sure we do, look how Ted was handled,” said James Barnes. “I have been taking care of Daley for thrity years, let me deal with that. I have a number of smart detective to solve that mystery,” said Chief Moore.

Barnes said, “just make sure they stay off our trail.” Franklin said, “its’ not his detectives but that smart FBI agent, who is looking at you, James. Keep your hand clean until we completed this million dollar deal or you will answer to me.” “Do not come at me like I am kid, I can handle my end of the deal. My hands are clean, I working and my parole office have no worries over me, thanks to our good Chief of Police in Daley,” said Barnes. “OK, kids! We have it together and Barnes is in my care, he works every day like all of our good citizens, he goes to church for counseling, we depend on the chruches here,” said Chief Moore, “the churchs have feed and clothes Daley’s citizens and a great many people who came from the larger cities, like San Franicsco and Los Angles. When our neighbors and friends lost businesses and income, the camping-grounds was given over from the city’s township to help those that losted homes.” “Now we are going to do our part, I will clear up some important issues with the shop then hire a manager for it with the banks’ watchful eye keeping tabs on it, I will go on vacation for a few months. Then slowly build up my business, maybe hire three or four sales people. It will be nice, since my parents, I have worked alone with my /secretary clerk coming in twice a week,” said Barnes. Chance Franklin said, “I will bring my bussiness up gradually, No big money spenting, I got that.” “Good, you rememeber it! I will be around awhile I have things to clean up before I leave Daley. I like orderliness,” said Chief Moore. “let’s stop at a diner along the way home, its about that time,” said Barnes. “You read my mind, once back in Daley do not be seen together, we have an FBI agent in Daley, I sure he was sent here to catch you in some unsavory business and its back to prison for you but I am not going that low,” said Chief Moore. The men in the car rode in silence, each lost in his thoughts. Chief Moore continue thinking of the people he was keeper the peace for. He was glad that he had Daley as his total career. Most of the people reached deep inside themself to

help those that in need. Some homes have been added to and converted into cheap living quarters for small families, otherwise the bank would have been at a lost. The bank have given out loans to some that started bussiness like Mrs Harvey Edwards and her three daughter. They started a sewing business and now she have her three daughter and five other women working with her and she got a contract from one of the large department stores in San Francisco to supply them with hand made quilts and she is shipping quilts to Texas to a Dollar Store Outlet there, of course her husband and two sons are doing the traveling in order to sucure contract for her quilts all over the United States, they come home just about every two weeks and in the winter they stay around their home handling supplies and equipment shipments. At one time I thought about bring Harvey Edwards into the deal instead of Ted but I think Ted was the right person, he was dishornest from the get go, not Mr Edwards. Many people have had to up-root and go to other parts of the country where they had family that could do more for them, in time of hardship its’ best for families to pull together. Thats’ the way country was put together, all working together for the common good of all. Many folks have forgotten that this country was blessed from the beginning, our forefathers came here so that they could worship God as they please rather than a king, this country is based upon religious freedom. There are still many good people in Daley City that tries to adhere to that.

Chapter 53

DETECTIVE CROCKETT DRINK his coffee as he stood in the sun’s light that shine throught the old large Redwood and Elm trees. He yarned and stretched, it was an earily cool Saturday morning, some of the joggers should be appearing on the running course soon. He was thinking about going to the hospital, Roberta had been in a coma for five days and it had been three weeks since the bear attack. Detective Crockett wanted to talk with her, he wanted to get to know her, he had heard a great deal about her from her closes friend and family Mary. Detective Willie Crockett knew that she was a fighter that frist day when he and his partner caught the case of the unknown attacker. Was it a homeless person or a black bear sow? He felted she would come back from the coma she was in and beat the virus. Now the detectives were back in the woods looking for some remnant of the clothes that the two dead men whos’ bones were discovered in the woods should have been wearing. Some place around the area where the bones were found some pieces of cloth of shoe leather should have been found. The detective search once before with a group of men and found nothing in or around the area. This time they would crawl under bushes and move rocks and sift dirt from the area where the bones were found.The skull that had been found revealed that one of the men had been hit in the head more than once and the M.E. concluded that the man had died from blunt forced trauma to the head with only toe bones from the other man manner of death was undetermine. Detective Smithe and Detective Crockett hoped whatever animals devouted the men flesh did not eat all of their clothes at lease one of them would have had a great deal of blood on his clothes and pieces of them would have been eaten along with his flesh and bones still something of the men’ clothes or shoe leather should be found if they were killed in the woods. Detective Crockett looked around him, trees over fourty feet tall and as old as mother nature shaded the running path, a great deal of the park and parts of the camping-grounds of the Ocean-side Park and Camping-grounds which was only a short walk for the Pacific Ocean-side Beach, and wonder how the NativeAmericans could have gone into the woods to hunt wild turkey and other game.

He had been told by some of the residents of the camping-grounds’ mobile homes that were canvassed by him and Detective Smithe how every year since the camping-grounds became a residence, like magic the wild duck, goose and turkey families were seen leisurely walking out of the woods over to the church’s open back yard to eat, they knew they would be feed there in September and late October. Once the days became cooler the wild birds disappeared, until earily May, in Spring they were seen heading back into the woods. They enjoyed the cranberries and blue berries the ladies had picked and conveniently left out around the picnic tables which was grand because usually two or three of them gave up their life to feed the hungry congregation. The chipmonks, squirrels, and deer competed for the vegetables the workers at the church left out for them, especially when the days became cool and rainy. The residents of the Ocean-side Park and Camping-grounds shared a dinner at the end of the Summer which included deer and berries from the woods just over fifty feet from their homes and their children playground each year for over the past five years. Since the recession in the economy caused so many of the residents in Daley to lose jobs and homes and other material property which left them homeless, down and out. The residents realized they had a home, food, and clothes which made them as rich as the first settlers. Families were moving back into houses, nice homes each week and jobs were being found by the residents of the camping-grounds. Most of the men talked about the camping-grounds when there were travelers coming from all over the United States to camp out and paying for wood and guides to lead a group into the woods to hunt. The people that had worked as guides the people were so very green about the woods, they jumpped at every sound, foxes hurried throught the woods and owls called out, squirrels and raccoons watched from hidded places under bushes and other green foliages. After a few trips in the woods hunting and discovering, they all seems better off for it, they enjoyed the fresh air and eating home grown vegetables and most visit the First Baptist Church across the streets as city slickers wearing jeans and hikeing boot to church was primitive to them, one could tell that that ladies were use to wearing furs and expensive jewelry and men were use to wearing expensive suits, now they felted out of place but by the time the services were over, many of them stayed for dinner and supper. The congregation really gave them a tale to take back to their cities and states. Those days were long gone from Daley City, California.

Detective Crockett started toward Martha’s mobile home, he heard a loud whistle as he turned toward the sound his name was called by Detective Carl Smithe. Who was running toward him on the jogging course. Martha Stevenson was beside him as he slowed, stopped and did side-twists and deep knee bends. Martha said something to Detective Smithe and hugged him and she turned and jogged over to the mobile home she shared with two other young women. She waved to Detective Crockett as she went up the steps to her door. Detective Smithe came over to the car and he leaned on it and tied his shoes laces tighter. Detective Crockett said, “She looks better this morning, the medicine you picked up for her must have been just what she needed. The two of you, all out in the a.m. Jogging.” “I needed to loosen-up so I can get under the bushes. Did you get everything we are going to need,” Detective Smithe asked. “Sure, let me get my jacket off come over to the trunk of the car,” said Detective Crockett. “My jeans, did you get my levis,” asked Detective Smithe, “we better get started, joggers will started appearing its Saturday morning their big day on the running course.” “Look on the back seat the jeans and jacket you requested from your locker is there,” said Detective Crockett, “coffee is there, too.” “Hot,” said Detective Smithe. “Hot and black, fill my cup while you are in there,” said Detective Crockett. Together the detectives removed a bag of tools and lights from the trunk of the car, they believed they had everything that they would need to search the woods. Detective Crockett was determine to locate any and all evidence at this time because he did not liked going into the woods and he wanted to be done with this case of “The Missing Bodies.” Of all the people that they had interviewed most could only recall that they were caught up in an economy crunch for the last four and a half to five years and everyone was busy trying to keep family and household together, and many families that had been neighbors and friends for years had moved from the area. No-one could recall seeing or hearing of any mysterious events taking place in the woods. They were on the case about five

years too late and evidence and information was going to be hard to come by but Detectives Smithe and Crockett felted the case had turned and it had heated up. They had a theory to persue and it felted like what a case should feel like with interesting questions that needed answers. When there was no leads going back to where it all started was always the right thing to do. As the detectives approched the woods they darn their head lamps and hard hats Detective Smithe stepped into his knee pads and worked them up to a comfortable place on the knee of his jeans. Detective Crockett looked at his friend and laugh, “Man you dress to work in the coal mine of Kentucky?” “Hey, you are the one angry at bears so let’s get this part of the investigation over and get back to the office with information to analyze,” said Detective Smithe. “You are so right, here is a pair gloves and a poker for digging under rock and around in the weeds and grass. Lets do it,” said Detective Crockett. The detectives turned on their headlights and walked deeper into the woods making certain they were headed to the location where the leg bone first fell out of a bush. They moved around under bushes, poking and kicking at them which sent small unseen animals scaring deeper into the woods. They both got down on their knees to poke around under the large rocks next to the bush where the leg bone fell out of. They pulled weeds out and found the dried old carcass of a dead squirrel or rabbit, they did not know which one it was and they did not linger with it and they put it in a burlap bag. They ran off a coyote, found a nest of newborn rabbits, a skunk came into their path and they climb up a tree and came down on a large boulder to check for the skunk before coming down on the ground to beat the bushes again. As they moved deeper into the woods they turned their head lamps on and the light from the sun was none existing and each of them jumpped a feet in the air when an old brown owl hooed, lucky for the owl neither one of them was packing. They did not think they would come up on anything that they could not out run or ward-off with the poker or the baseball bat. The deeper they went in the woods the darker it became and the heavier the growths of hanging vines and thickets were. They started talking about being in a natural habitat of furry little

nocturnal flying bats. They realized that those little creatures usually started the spread of the viral disease of rabies among wild and domesticated animals and to wake up a whole nest of them would be devastating for the detectives. Who were hopeing to located even a small piece of a man’s shoe, a man’s leather shoe would not have rotten very fast in the elements it would have had to been eat by an animal with sharp teeth and strong jaws. Every minute that the detectives searched and did not locate any items: such as a man’s watch or its’ leather band and buckle and the leather of a wallet and some of its’ contents, a wedding band or bits of ragged clothing, leather or some other materials from a man’s shoe in the genreal area where the bones were found. Toe bones were found but no sock or shoe material, a thigh bone from a tall man’s leg was found but no ragged pieces of a man’s pants or underwear, a man’s skull with eveidents that proved cancerous cells had been growing on the brain beneath the skull with several tiny patches of black hair still attached to the it. They began to believe that Ted and Randel was definitely not killed in the woods but their bodies were dumpped in the woods for the animals to dispose of them.What better way to comitte murder and cover up the act than to kill a person then place the body where animals can devoured it within a matter of hours. So that it will never be found no body, no murder, no foul and no harm done. “After five years of being missing I believe Ted and Randel was never suppose to be found, no personal items, no ragged clothing, nor any shoes; chewed on or torn will ever be found because the bodies were dump out here. Most likely cut up or chopped up and spreaded through out the woods to be dragged further into the woods by varies animals. It was like dropping off three hundred pounds or more raw meat in the woods full of wild hungry carnivorous animals,” said Detective Smithe. “Thats’ a possibility, because the leg would have never been found if that rabied black bear sow hadn’t attacked Roberta and her friends,” said Detective Crockett. “If the leg bone had not been found we would not have move the dirt and found the small foot bones or toes. Then we spreaded out and went further over toward the mountain ridge and deeper into the woods which lead us to the skull,” said Detective Smithe.

“Yes, near the deep inland stream that flows deeper and under the mountain. I bet that black bear sow was camped out in that area. Its’ been over three weeks since it attacked so we might come across its’ rotting carcass and a three year old black bear cub taking over its mom’s range,” replied Detective Crockett. Detective Smithe said, “we are just getting some sun, look up there. We still have part of the morning left and with the shades moving over, maybe we can locate that stream. It maybe part of the cubs’ range, if we come across the black bear cub with a lot of hollering we can run it further alone its’ range. I feel certain that the sow is dead, she was very excited, confused and drooling, thats’ what caused her to attack. The sow would have ran her cub off a lot eariler and its’ in these woods learning how to survive.” “Yeah, its got some months left to get its’ body weight up for its’ long winter sleep. I think we might get lucky, did you see that,” ask Detective Crockett. “No, what’s up!” replied Detective Smithe “I am sure that was a black-tailed buck standing under that Sycamore, the two side by side. See!Beside the thick Redwood Tree,” Detective Crockett whispered excitedly. Detective Crockett really excited whispered, “Stay still, don’t move! There!” The shade of the sixty-foot Redwood moved and a ray of sunlight came through the shruby low enough to hit the buck on its’ halo of antlers. He turned to pull down a large low hanging branch cover with thick groups of green leaves. Its’ large black-brown glassy eyes caught the black and white image of too small animals. With the tilt of his head and turn of those magnificine antlers he spring through the large part of the ray of sunlight and flit into the air and back into the dark showdow of the trees in the woods. Both detectives were amazed, speechless as they watched the buck leap out of sight. “Man! Just look at him, that was a Black-tailed deer, a really large buck and he is traveling alone” said Dectective Smith, “he is a six pointer, no less!” “We need a guide, we have lived in Daley all our lives and we have never been this deep in the woods, that darn black bear sow,” Detective Crockett said excitedly!

Chapter 54

AS THE DOORS to the elevator open Lee went to meet Richard as he stepped out of it and they embraced then walked toward the waiting room. Mary sit at the table where Lee left her wiping tears from the corner of her large eyes. Lee said, “this is Richard and Richard this is Mary. Mary is Roberta’s friend and Roberta is the woman that was hurt on the running path almost a month ago by the black bear sow.” “I have heard agreat deal about you and your friend Roberta and I glad to get a chance to finally meet you. How is your friend doing today,” Richard asked. “We are waiting for the doctors to talk with us now. Roberat have been in a coma for seven days and the last we heard from the doctors was that this was good thing for her. Her body can use the time to recover and her brain can repair its’ self when given the chance. I am hoping that she will wake-up on her own in a day or so,” said Mary. “Please, sit with us,” said Lee. “I get some coffee, how do you ladies want yours?” Rickard question Mary and Lee. Lee siad, “milk and sugar, please.” “Just black,” said Mary as she stood-up and walked across the room, “I wish I could be as calm as the nurses are I am so worried. I have not had a good nights sleep with out the pill Doctor long prescribed for me. I am looking forward to talking with Roberta.” Lee went to her and placed an arm across her shoulder, “Richard is going to order lunch for us now, is pizza ok for you,” Lee asked. Richard place the coffee on the table and came over to Mary and gave her a resuring hug, he went to Lee, gave her a sweet lingering kiss and hugged her to

his chest. He then told her he would be back soon and for them to keep a positive attitude and he turned toward the elevators. Then Richard said, “we have the rabies thing under control, animal control have taken in five domestic animals to keep under observation for fourty-five days or more. All of the children living at the camping-grounds have been vaccinated and they took in one dead stray cat. At this time two dead raccoons have been found, one behind a grocery store a mile from the park and camping-grounds, the other one was located by a hunting dog in an empty field. It had nothing but weeds growing on it and the field is a street over from the resident area from the church across the street from the Ocean-side Park and Camping-Grounds. Animal control located a wolf and two more raccoons half-mile or a little more inside the woods. Detective Crockett and Detective Smithe found several skunks and a raccoon when they went into the woods earily this morning, they burned the carcass in the pit and buried what was left in the ashes. The detectives could not locate the black sow bear’s cub and they are sure the black sow bear is dead. Everyone is still on alert but we are statisfied that the rabies have been stopped.” “Thats’ great, now everyone can go back outside and enjoy what little of the sun is left,” said Lee. “ok, I will see you soon,” Richard said. As he stepped on the elevator. Mary and Lee sit waiting for the doctors. Mary could not take the wait any longer. She left the waiting area and went to the nurse’s station. “Nurse, can you tell me what is taking Dr Long and Dr Earl so long, they said they had news about my friend, Robert is the woman that has been in a coma the last week, what’s keeping them,” stated Mary. The nurse busied herself with a clipboard and some forms befoe she lookedupand spoke to Mary.The head-nurse came from the nurse’s office behind the nurse’s station, the nurse looking over froms spoke to her and gave her the clipboard she was holding then she turned to check some blood samples. The head-nurse came over to Mary and Lee. “I will escort you two to Roberta’s room. She is awake but still in ICU and you ladies can only visit with her for a few minutes. She is alert and eating ice chips because her throat is a little dry and she is hoarse,” said the head-nurse.

She pushed open the door to ICU and she handed the clipboard she was carrying to the pleaseant looking nurse behind the desk. She smiled and thank the headnurse. The head-nurse said, “Rhonda, you can go on your break and I will take these ladies to see their friend and I will watch the desk until you get back. Relax and take your time drinking your coffee, I will be here. This way ladies.” The head-nurse walk behind a yellow curtain and she caught the curtain never the top and she pulled it over and shook it out. Then she pull a black chair over and went to the end of the bed and she removed the clip -board that was there. “Do not try to talk, Roberta. Mary and Lee is here to visit with you for a few minutes. No, stay lying down. I will raise your bed a little, you still needs to rest. The doctors say you are doing great and you will be out of here in a few day,” she said to Roberta. The nurse turned to Mary and Lee and Mary was smiling and she rushed over to the bed to hug Roberta and her tears roll down her cheeks into Roberta’s hair. Lee was not sure if Roberta her so she stood at the foot of her bed and she smiled and lean forward to wave to Roberta. Roberta place an ice chip in her mouth before she pointed to her throat and then whisper, “My throat feels dry, I am glad you are here with Mary.” Mary sit in the chair the head-nurse had push over near the head of Roberta’s bed. On her way back to the nurse station in the ICU ward, she said, “Ladies only a few minutes and don’t let her talk to much Roberta needs to rest, OK ladies!” Lee said, “we understand the rules and we will stay only a few minutes, we promise.” “She is right, I want Roberta to come home soon its been a night-mare since she has been in here, said Mary. Roberta smiled and patted the back of Mary’s hand.

Lee found a chair and brought it over to the other side of Roberta’s bed and the ladies started to talk and laugh as they told Roberta about all the excitement that

had been going on while she slept. The nurse came back to the ICU ward and the head-nurse told the nurse to let Mary and Lee stay in ICU for another few minuts before getting Roberta ready for the evening. The hall was quite and cool as the head-nurse checked all the rooms, the orderly from the hospital’s kitchen went room to room dropping off patients’ meals.

Chapter 55

EX-CHIEF OF POLICE Jack Moore sit in the back room of Barnes’ Diamond and Jewelery Shop in Daley City with James Barnes the owner of the shop, excon and diamond thief, and Chance Franklin a mortician and owner of the New Life Funeral Home, they were partners celebrating the completion of their last illgal diamond deal which brought them over five million dollars. Moore went to brew a fresh pot of coffee and he turned sideways to the cabinet while talking to the two men. Chief Moore said, “I am offically retired as of Friday and I put the papers in two weeks ago and as of tonight I am a wealthy man, who is about to start traveling around the world looking for that one place to settle in for the next half of my life.” James Barnes pouring the whiskey said, “it sounds like a plan to me.” Chance Franklin smiling turned to face Jack Moore, he did not know this was going to be his last smile during this life time. Jack Moore shot Barnes in the chest and his chair flew against the wall and he fell to the floor face down with his legs twitching. He turned his head as if to speak instead his face hit the floor and he lay still. Jack’s shot hit Franklin between his eyes and they bulged out like those of an ant, he sit straight-up then fell back in his chair and he slumped against the desk falling across his arm with his face down as if he was a kindergartener taking a nap, black-red blood dripped on top of the desk. Both Barnes and Franklin were dead before Moore got his gun back in his jeans in the center of his back. Moore spoke out loud to himself, “I knew it was going to come to this, it was going to be me or you guys, I come to the belief that ex-cons or thieves can never be trusted especially when money is involved. Its’ been nice but I have people to see, things to do, and places to go.” Just as the Chief was completing his thoughts out loud he heard a sound coming from outside the diamond shop’s back door. He quickly moved behind the door

he was ready with his gun or a lie to neutralize any situation that come about. The door cracked open, a small shadow of a person enter the room and Jack Moore saw it as it appeared along the wall. The shadow of the person gasped as it’s eyes discover the two dead men. Jack Moore moved quickly and he grabbed the arm of the shadow with the hand that held a gun, he spun the shadow around to face him. He heard a woman scream just as he drew back to punch her, he stopped short of hitting Martha in the face. Jack Moore gaspped, “Martha! Where are going?” She recover her composure and yelled, “step back! I want the money and I know this was going to be you all last dirty deal and that it is worth millions. Its’ not like the small deals you all made when Ted was included. He never knew that I found out his secret, his secret money, then I watched him carefully. When you came to me asking me to do small favors for you that was right-on-time just like now. It looks like all I have to do is complete what you have started now step over there with them.” Jack stayed where he was and he just looked at her, Martha picked up the small black bag and she put it on her shoulder while she kept her gun pointed at him while she moved toward the door. Jack said, “you know I want let you get away with this. I will find you where ever you go.There is a way to striaghten this out and the best way to keep a secret between a man and a woman is for them to become partners. With this money I plan to travel for awhile then decide which beautiful tropical island I will live on and spent my days with a beautiful young woman.Why not let the young beautiful woman be you. I will always be loving and kind to you and I am fit and believe I have many, many more years ahead of me.” “Living the life style of the rich and famous would be the life to live with this money but not with you. That’s not good, look at your last partners. I would not make it out this door,” Martha said. The blast took her breath away as she hit the floor with the gun still in her hand. Jack cried out as he fell against the wall. “Darn! You hit me in the same shoulder that was broke by a bullet years ago,”

Jack said. He saw Martha’s face, she had gone all ashen. Holding his arm he went to her and dropped to his knees beside her. “Martha! I thought you trusted me. I would never hurt you, I believe you had enough of that from Ted,” he said. Martha moaned, closed her eyes and said, “I have always been dumb about men, what are you going to do?” “We need to get you fixed up, then I will trade in my one way ticket to Belize for two, let me take care of you,” said Jack, “I would rather have the devil I do know with me than one I don’t know. How about it?” He pulled her to his chest as they sit there on the floor. Martha laugh, she make a face, then she said, “that hurt!” Jack said, “then do not it.” “Jack you might be the good guy I have been looking for.” She said. Jack put the bag of money on top of her, he picked her up and he yank the door open wide enough to step out, then kicked it back while balancing on one foot, he switched the lights off. “Tell me more about Belize,” Martha said.

Chapter 56

RICHARD PUSHED THE door open to the Department of Public Law, Office of Detectives and he spoke to the officers that was there as he headed to the office that once was Jack Moore’s, chief of detectives, now his name was printed in large gold letters. He sit the box he carried on the large well woren, walnut wood desk. He walked to the window and looked out over the parking lot toward the mountains and it was shaping up to be a beautiful day. He turned as he heard Detectives Smithe and Crockett come into the Detectives’ Office. Surprised to see him Crockett nodded toward him on the way to his desk and Smithe poured cups of coffee. “Can I pour you one Chief,” said Detective Smithe. Now ‘Chief of the Police and Detectives Department,’ Richard said grinning, “No-way will anyone call me Chief, I am taking a cut in pay to stay here, I will be in the field like you guys.” “Yes, we heard about her and Lee Ann is her name,” said Detective Crockett. ing the fun, Dective Smithe said, “is that how it is?” “OK, you guys, rememember this day because I want forget it, still grinning once FBI agent, now Chief of Detectives, Detective Richard Clark. “Its’ all good,” said Detective Crockett, ready for the days’ business. Detective Smithe said, “this case of the missing bodies is leading us out of the woods. No clothes, shoes or socks nor any remnant of anything. Ted and Randel had to be killed in another place.” “Have you been able to tie this Randel Persia to anyone or anything living in Ocean-side Park and Camping-grounds or was he and Ted into something together?” ask Detective Clark.

“No, no-one on the camping-grounds ever head of him. I wonder how the guy got to know Ted,” said Smithe. “Ted was known to have been in on some shady deals.This Randel was selling army supplies to the Arabics right out of the military stock so there is no telling what he would not do for a buck,” said Detective Clark. Detective Crockett said, “after so many years out in those woods we have very little to go on.” Detective Clark said, “we will wrap-up this case. There is another one over at, ‘The Diamond and Jewelery Shop,’ owned by James Barnes. Barnes and Chance Franklin was found dead in Barnes’store-room, both shot in the head.” “What’s up,” said Detective Crockett. “I came here as FBI to keep an eye on a family that left witness protection, as it turned out the man convicted got out of prison in Floride and ended up here. The same state and city as the guy that gave my testimony against him had settled with his family, coinsident? Maybe. The way it is now, I don’t have to worry about the family, I am going out to talk with the the guy and his wife,” said Detective Clark. “What do the M.E. say about the bodies,” asked Detective Smithe. “Dr Cross should be over there by now and he may even have something for you, go check Chance Franklin’s place and Barnes’ shop. Franklin has been known to be involved in some shady deals, according to Chief Moore,” said Detective Clark. “I am sure Chief Moore’s plane is about to land on some exotic island where the weather is hot and the women are beautiful,” said Detective Smithe, on his way out the door. “I visited Roberta and she will be home in a few days,” said Detective Crockett. While checking for his keys as they crossed the police station’s parking lot headed toward their car. Motorcycles roared past them as policemen headed toward multiple lane interesections around the city. Roberta was awake and eating hardily and she was full of life, no-one would

ever guess she had been close to death’s doors. She was a wonderful friend to Mary and the two of them welcome Lee’s friendship as they chatted together joyously.

Chapter 57

THE MACAUTHOR FAMILY was happy, they had found a real home, a safe place for their children to grow up healthy and surrounded with natural beauty. Agent Clark or Chief Detective Richard Clark did not have to keep an eye on them any more. The family strolled along the beach while the sun glowed redorange as it seems to set on the ocean’s edge. The boys barreled into their mom and dad ending their moment of togetherness and tranquility. Sara ran ahead of them with arms out strengthed and the wind blewing her hair and she laughed and skipped into the surf. To everyone concern, Martha, Richard’s sweetheart from his youth in Daley City, had picked up the pieces of her life and she had moved on with a good man. Richard had a lot to talk to Lee about and he planned to tell her everything. When he was with her he felted all was right when he was not with her the wanted to be. Starting with tonights dinner Richard was hoping he and Lee Ann would pursue life together forever and always. When Dr. Cross brought forth the truth from the bones he uncover secrects from the past which was best kept in the past and buried with the bones of the men’s that was found in the woodswere men who reaped what they sowed and justice had been served. There were secrects in Daley City and some would be revealed and some would remain unknown as the city got on it’s feet but for now everyone was working on happiness among the living. The moon rose above Daley’s Ocean-side Beach, Park, and Camping-grounds and at the top of a hidden waterfall in the mountain set back in the woods a large black and silver wolf howled at the risen moon and the first star of the night appeared.

References

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Science-how stuff work.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/coma2.htm, Retrived 03/04/2016

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www.humanesociety.org/animal_community/hsvm/hsvma_rave.html-cached-, Retrived 02/14

“Animals and Rabies/CDC Rabies and Kids_Center for …”

www.cdc.gov/rabies and kids/animals.html Retrived 02/16/2016

History of Daley City, http://www.dalycity.org/About_Daly_City/History_of_daly_City.htm, Retrived 03/08/2015.

“DNA Typing from Skeletal Remains Evaluation of Multiplex and Magaplex, STR Systems on DNA Isolated from Bone and Teethh Samples,” Published in

the croian Medical Journal (2001) 42, 260-6.

Profiles in DNA/July 2001, www.promega.com, Retrived 02/21/2016

About the Author

PEGGY J. MOSLEY enjoys writing, reading, growing things, and spending summers at the beach. Born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, she is the seventh child in a family of many and served in the United States Air Force. She’s retired and lives in Indiana with her daughter and two grandchildren.