My Funhaus Summer Internship Breeding Elyse Willem
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February/March, 1982, Chicago, Illinois I made good time on the drive back to Chicago despite the light drizzle that I ran into just south of Gary. I walked into the apartment to find Stephie and Elyse stretched out on the couch, each one leaning on an arm and their legs alternating so they could put them out straight. “You two look comfortable,” I said, taking off my shoes and coat and dropping my bag. “Hi, Steve,” Elyse said. “Hi, Steve,” Stephie echoed. Neither of them moved to get...
My vignette: OSL: Elyse is a prerequisite for this chapter. If you have not read OSL: Elyse, stop reading now and go back to read that vignette. Otherwise this chapter won't make much sense. ELYSE -- JULY 2003 -- It wasn't raining. Aren't funerals supposed to be held under gray clouds and damp air? Every time I thought about a funeral, I imagined people huddled under black umbrellas wearing black clothing while forlornly watching the casket being lowered into the ground. And always it...
November 24, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “It’s very good to see you, Bethany. I’m sorry about your loss.” “Thank you, Doctor Barton,” Bethany replied. “It’s good to see you as well!” “And this must be Nicholas!” Doctor Barton said with a big smile. Bethany handed Nicholas to Doctor Barton. Nicholas fussed a bit, but calmed down quickly. “Bethany, I’d like you to meet my wife Belinda, and my children Fawn and Gerry. Everyone, this is Bethany. I’ve told you all about her.” “Welcome!” Belinda...
May 26, 1991, Iron Mountain, Michigan “Shall we see if we can find a farm?” I asked at breakfast on Sunday morning. “That sounds like a great idea,” Jessica said. “There’s a visitor’s bureau in town,” Kara said. “I saw it when we were here the first time.” “I’m sorry I ruined that vacation,” Jessica said. “Ruined?” I protested. “Are you kidding? Getting you back was way more important than a few days of vacation!” “I agree,” Kara added. “Jess, you know exactly how bad off Steve was...
May 14, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Steve, I have the final contract from Jamie for you to sign,” Elyse said. “Were there any last-minute changes?” I asked. “Just a couple of wording changes which Dante’s lawyer asked for. Jamie was fine because they just clarified the terms. Nothing of substance changed. I have a red-lined copy for you to compare if you want.” “If it’s just lawyer stuff, I’ll leave that to the experts.” “It’s just lawyer stuff.” I took the contract from her, quickly...
September 4, 1990, Chicago, Illinois On Tuesday morning, I thought about whether or not I should ask for the favor over the phone. In the end, I decided it was safe, because I was simply asking a favor and there was no quid pro quo. I had records of our meeting, including Elyse being there, to show legitimate business development, and that should provide sufficient cover so as not to cast any doubt on what I was doing. I called Alderman Roti’s office first, and talked to his aide. I...
October 11, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Your Penguins are 2-1 so far this season,” Dave said. “Yes, but I’m not thrilled because Lemieux is out at least until January. The new kid, Jágr, is supposed to be tremendous, but he’s a rookie.” “You should both be happy about the Reds!” Julia said. “We are!” I chuckled. “And so are Elyse, Kathy, Jennifer, and our other friends from Cincinnati! The Reds are up 3 games to 2 and they play at Riverfront tomorrow. Danny Jackson is on the mound, so I feel...
October 18, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Thanks for having lunch with me today,” Father Basil said after I received his blessing. “I enjoy these lunches,” I said. “I was just surprised that you called because I’m usually the one who arranges them.” “I enjoy them also, Steve. But I have a question for you,” he said. “How would someone who is not in school in Chicago have a chance to compete for an open position at your company?” I started laughing, “You, too?” “I’m sorry? What?” he replied,...
November 11, 1990, Chicago, Illinois My wives and I were lying in bed early on Sunday morning. “Abbie asked me if she could have you on Sunday nights, you know, like Elyse has you on Tuesdays,” Jessica said. “What do you think?” “I think it’s up to you,” I said. “But I’m guessing that wouldn’t start until you get pregnant.” “Nobody gets you but me starting Friday. Well, Kara does, but you know what I mean!” “I do.” “As for Abbie, I think it’s OK, Tiger. Once we agreed she could be part...
December 15, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Happy fifth anniversary!” I said when Jessica, Kara, and I woke up on Saturday morning. “I can’t believe it’s been five years!” Jessica said. “I know, right?” I chuckled. “It seems like twenty, at least!” Both girls shrieked and immediately started hitting me with their pillows. I held my arms over my face and laughed until they finally gave up. “You can be such a MAN at times!” Kara said, though she was laughing. “And you say that it’s easy to get...
April 6, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “I need a nap,” I said after I greeted my wives. “Up late last night?” Elyse smirked. “You could say that!” I agreed. I went to see the kids who were either in the sunroom or the great room. Jesse wasn’t there and Kara said he was taking a nap at Jennifer’s insistence. I spent about five minutes with the kids, then went upstairs and got into bed. I wasn’t surprised when my wives joined me, and I slept for about three hours, which I hoped was enough to get...
February 21, 1993, Los Angeles, California “I hate these cross-country flights,” Elyse groused as we walked into our room at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. “Wednesday is going to be worse. LA to Pittsburgh.” “Ugh. Can we just go to bed?” “You need sleep?” I grinned. “Yes, but I think I can muster just enough energy.” “For?” “What do you think!” she said she a big smile. February 22, 1993, Los Angeles, California Charlie had flown separately, and met us for breakfast...
August 22, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Well, I’d say we’re going to war for sure,” I sighed. President Bush had announced he was calling up reservists and activating some National Guard units. The expense to the government and the potential disruption of the economy meant that would only happen if Bush were already planning for combat operations. Kara had just arrived home from teaching her evening class and joined us in the great room. “Did you hear from Aimee?” Kara asked. “Yes. They’re on...
January 19, 1991, Chicago, Illinois I found Ed, and he went to talk to my sister while I went to my study to call Bethany and let her know what had transpired. “Do you think she can successfully work with Doctor Fremd without revealing what happened?” I asked. “Keeping things from a counselor is almost always a very bad idea. You managed to do it, but only because you had very close confidantes who knew your circumstances and, fortunately, were able to help you.” “Are you going to revise...
February 26, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “What a bastard,” I spat. We were watching CNN on Tuesday night. “What do you mean?” Kara asked. “The motherfucker fires a SCUD at a US Marine barracks in Dhahran, kills two dozen Americans, and THEN announces he’s withdrawing from Kuwait? And orders his troops to set fire to the Kuwaiti oil fields? And to cap it off, I bet you anything you care to wager that Bush declares victory and lets Hussein get away with it. All those men dead! For...
June 15, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “I had a message that you called yesterday,” Jamie said. “I was in meetings until 6:00pm.” “No worries. I have a potential problem and I need some advice. Hang on one sec.” I covered the mouthpiece with my hand and asked Penny to step out. She wasn’t happy, but she did so and closed the door behind her. I explained the situation between Jeri and her parents, and described the phone call from Mrs. Lundgren. “You’re serious? Your programmer is worth over $8...
July 9, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Steve, there’s a Detective Sergeant Atkins on the phone for you,” Keri said over the intercom. “Put him through, please.” “Hello, Detective,” I said when the call was put through. “Mr. Adams? I’m just calling to let you know that we’re closing the investigation. I’m sorry for any trouble that might have been caused. It turns out that we had false information.” “Thank you, Detective. I appreciate the call.” “You’re welcome.” I hung up and started...
October 28, 1990, Chicago, Illinois Early on Sunday afternoon the phone rang and I went from the sunroom to my study to answer it. It was Ted Farley calling. He said he had some information, so I asked him to hold while I called Katy into the room. I put the phone on speaker and told him to go ahead. “The first thing I discovered, and it makes me very suspicious, is that she withdrew from all of her classes at UIC. Did either of you have any idea that she might do that?” “No way!” Katy...
March 4, 1990, Chicago, Illinois It was 3:45am on Sunday morning, and I was walking Jessica to work in the cold. It wasn’t as cold as it had been back in January, but it was a good ten degrees below freezing. Kara had stayed in bed, and I would join her when I returned. Jessica and I had thought about taking the car, but since there was no wind, I didn’t mind the cold and she was OK with walking. “I still want your opinion on what Abbie is suggesting,” I said. Jessica giggled, “I know you...
August 6, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Good morning, Alderman,” I said when my call was put through to him. “Good morning, Steve.” “I’m going to have to decline your offer mostly because I simply don’t have the time to dedicate to something like that to do a good job. Between work, my family, karate practice four times a week, and marriage counseling, I just don’t have the time. I’d be happy to endorse you.” “I’ll take that. If you change your mind, just let me know,” he said. “I spoke with...
December 16, 1990, Chicago, Illinois We celebrated Jennifer’s birthday at dinner after the Rap Session, and, after a quiet time in the great room, I followed Abbie to her room. “That was a very interesting Rap Session,” Abbie proclaimed as we climbed into her bed. “We’ve had a few really deep conversations over the years. That one got a bit personal, but I think, overall, it was very good.” “It sure piqued Leslie’s interest!” Abbie smirked. “So it would seem! But is that what you want to...
May 12, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Thanks for offering your place, Kimmy,” Elyse said. “And thanks to Abbie for letting me sleep in the spare bed in her room!” Kimmy said. “This won’t cause any issues with Gary?” I asked. “No,” Kimmy answered. “He’s at some conference in Florida which starts tomorrow. He’ll be gone for a week, so it’s perfect timing.” “What about food and stuff like that?” I asked. “I gave Jennifer money from the house account,” Elyse said. “And Kimmy stocked some things...
November 3, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “I still don’t understand why you told everyone to leave Katy alone last night,” Elyse said on Saturday morning. “Because we weren’t going to talk her out of it. I could tell by the way she told us. I hoped letting her sleep on it would allow her to hear what we had to say. Obviously I was wrong.” “I was surprised that she wouldn’t talk to Jennifer at all,” Kara said. “I thought Jennifer would be the one to get her to listen to reason this morning.” I...
May 8, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “How are you, Katy?” I asked when she arrived home. “Depressed. I guess that sounds strange.” “No it doesn’t. You told us before that it wasn’t a cause for celebration. And it’s not. The death of any relationship is hard. How was he?” “Angry and confused, just as he’s been since I first told him about my sexuality.” “Where’s Lauren?” I asked. “Studying. She has finals next week, just as Kara does. I guess Kara’s studying?” “Yes, with her ‘Chemistry...
June 19, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Mr. Stephen Adams and Miss Elyse Clarke to see Mrs. Lundgren,” I said. “And those other two gentlemen? Are they with you?” the receptionist asked. “Yes. Those are my attorneys, Mr. Jamie Ferguson and Mr. Philip Lache.” “Mrs. Lundgren was only expecting you.” “I understand. She wanted the meeting, not me. It’s on my terms, not hers. If she doesn’t want to speak to me in front of my CFO and my attorneys, we’ll leave now. And once we do, she’ll only be able...
December 3, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Steve, this is Juana Morales,” Charlie said, indicating the cute, young Hispanic woman standing just to her left at the door to my office. “Come on in,” I said. “Would you like coffee, tea, juice, or water?” “Coffee, please.” “Charlie, would you please ask Kimmy to bring a pot of coffee?” “Sure thing!” “Have a seat on the couch, if you would,” I offered as I sat in one of the comfortable chairs on the other side of the coffee table, facing the...
December 10, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Thanks for your hospitality!” Jason said as we shook hands when his flight was called. “You’re welcome! I think you’ve made quite a few new friends!” Jason laughed, “Your kids are just as nutty as you are! And that’s wonderful!” “Nutty?” I chuckled. “Strange? Weird? Are those better?” he asked with a grin. “But you’re all very good people. It’ll be good to see you at Michigan.” “We’ll be there! Say ‘hello’ to everyone in Dawsonville.” We shook...
January 7, 1991, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Mario and I had agreed we’d have breakfast in the hotel restaurant on Monday morning. He was waiting at a table when I came downstairs. “Steve, I am SO sorry,” he said before we even said ‘hello’. “I heard you and Marie had a heated conversation about it,” I said with a smile. “How the heck do you know that?” “I have my ways,” I grinned. “Tara,” he said. “She showed up at the hotel yesterday afternoon to apologize for Marie. The last thing she...
January 30, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “There goes the luckiest man in Iraq,” General Norman Schwarzkopf said as he played a video of a laser-guided bomb destroying a bridge just after a vehicle had crossed it. “Damn!” Elyse exclaimed. “Those videos are amazing, but it’s making this war too much like a damned video game,” I groused. “The damned country is already too ‘gung ho’ for this war as it is.” “But you want us to win, Snuggle Bear.” “Once it started, my only concern is our men and...
March 25, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “How was church this morning?” Jessica asked when Kara and I arrived at the hospital on Sunday afternoon. “I always feel good when I leave there,” I said. “The music, incense, icons, and everything just work together to give me peace.” The three of us exchanged hugs and kisses. “Did Jesse go?” “Yes! Do you think I’d be alive if he found out that Kara and I went to church and didn’t at least offer to take him?” Jessica laughed, “Probably not. How was the...
April 10, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Damn!” Greg said. “This is the coolest project you’ve had for me so far” I smiled, “Remember, you can’t talk about this to anyone who hasn’t signed the NDA. And that includes Hannah.” Hannah was his girlfriend of about three months. “Yeah, yeah. I know. I know. Who’s going to work on this with me?” “Penny, most likely. She’s decided to work three or four days a week during the summer, and then in the fall she’s working two-days a week.” “She’s almost...
May 21, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “These are fantastic seats, Boss!” Terry said. “I’m glad you approve!” I laughed. Terry, Penny, Elyse, Kara, Jessica, Jennifer, Josie, Dave, Julia, and I were sitting in our seats at Wrigley Field, waiting for the National Anthem, and then for the Reds and Cubs to take the field. It had been quite some time since Elyse and I had been to a baseball game, and the Reds were 25-9, and looked to be in complete control of their division, despite it only being late...
July 6, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Steve, this is Sam Kassan. I spoke to the detectives.” “And?” “I don’t rightly believe it myself. You’re being investigated for open, notorious adultery, which is a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois, and punishable by up to year in jail.” “Come off it!” I exclaimed in complete bewilderment. “I kid you not. Melanie will be back from court within the hour, and I’ve set an appointment with the detectives at our office for 3:00pm today.” “I thought stuff like...
February 21, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “Hi, Sweetheart!” I said, greeting Bethany at the door. “Uncle Steve!” Nicholas exclaimed. I took him from his mom and he hugged me tightly. “Is Jesse with his moms?” Bethany asked. “Yes. They won’t bring him back over tonight so you and Nicholas can surprise him in the morning.” “Perfect!” “How was the drive up?” “The same as usual. Just a bit of traffic in Northern Indiana. Otherwise, smooth sailing. It was driving the other direction that was a...
June 8, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “Pipe tobacco and bourbon?” Jessica asked, sniffing, as I climbed into bed. “Sorry. Want me to shower?” “Yes, please,” she said. I got up and went into the bathroom and quickly showered, making sure to wash my hair really well. I scrubbed my face and upper body thoroughly with Irish Spring, then rinsed off. I’d brushed my teeth before getting into bed, but did so again, and this time gargled with Listerine. I rinsed and went back to bed. “Better?” I...
June 29, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Steve, I need to speak to you, Elyse, and Julia RIGHT NOW!” Cindi said. I got up from my desk and followed her to Julia’s office. “I just heard from a large medical practice that I’ve been courting for months. You are not going to believe this!” “What?” “They raised the IIT cheating scandal, and your and Charlie’s involvement.” “What?” “Yes. And they know about the paternity suit. And about your harem, so-called.” I thought about it for a minute. “I...
December 31, 1990, Chicago, Illinois I chuckled, “I’m glad you didn’t ask for that ‘up against the wall’, because I don’t have any Galliano!” “I’m impressed,” Leslie said. “Most people don’t know that one!” I mixed her drink, handed it to her, and then poured myself a couple of ounces of Maker’s Mark bourbon. We clinked our glasses together and each sipped from our glass. “Damn, this is good!” she said. “Top shelf vodka and freshly squeezed orange juice are a necessity. I can’t do much...
March 4, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Well?” Kara asked with a smirk as she, Jessica, and I sat down to a quiet dinner in the ‘Indian’ room. “About as wild as could be. I was more than a little concerned by Abbie’s plan, but in the end, when she told me why, it made perfect sense.” “What was her reasoning?” Jessica asked. “She felt that it had to be raw sex and nothing more, because otherwise Becka would never have left.” Kara giggled, “Abbie seems to get smarter every day.” “I never had a...
March 13, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “It’s hard to believe that you’re 23, Squirt!” I said as we relaxed with our coffee after dinner. “You’re going to be 27! And you have five-and-a-half kids!” “More like five-and-two-thirds!” Kara giggled. “I’m due in late June or early July!” “And Sofia is due not long before you!” Elyse said. “And Jamie and Jackie had Eric back in January. And Nicky was born in December! Babies are busting out all over!” “Just wait,” I chuckled. “Cindi is going to get...
April 5, 1990, Chicago, Illinois As I drove towards the Loop to meet Dante for dinner, I had a lot on my mind - Kara, NIKA, my sister, and the meeting with Dante. I tried to push the other stuff out of my mind and think about how I’d respond to what Zeke had tipped me about. Obviously, it was something we’d be interested in, but I knew Dante well enough that the entire project was fraught with potential trouble, not to mention the fact that he’d try to structure our agreement to be heavily...
July 25, 1990, Milford, Ohio “Hi, Sweetheart!” I said, exchanging a quick hug with her. “Hi, Aunt Bethany!” Jesse exclaimed. “Where’s Nicholas?” “With his grandma in the kitchen. If you go see him, you could have milk and cookies!” “Yes!” Jesse said and hurried into the house towards the kitchen. “Hi, Bethany!” Kathy said, hugging Bethany tightly. “Hi,” Kurt said, also getting a brief hug. “And how is my beautiful little ‘niece’?” Bethany asked, taking Kristin from Kurt. “Hi Aunt...
July 31, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “No,” Jennifer said. “I want to finish this once and for all.” It was Tuesday night after dinner, and we were sitting in the kitchen in the coach house drinking tea with Josie. Jesse was playing a video game, so we had some privacy. “Jen,” I pleaded. “Just let it go. She’s conceded. I talked with her yesterday and we buried the hatchet.” “That bitch tried to have my son taken from me!” Jennifer spat. “Why let her off the hook?” “She tried to have me...
January 13, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “I think I’m going to have the vasectomy,” I said. “But not until Jess delivers.” Jessica, Kara, and I were cuddling in bed early on Sunday morning. “Just in case?” Kara asked. “Yes. None of you girls has had any problems with carrying to term, but you never know. I’d hate to put us in a position where we couldn’t try again if we needed to.” “That makes a lot of sense, Tiger. It’s very responsible of you!” “It may be responsible,” Kara giggled. “But...
The following is a side-story within the Ordinary Sex Life series. This story assumes you know the primary characters from that series. Don't bother reading this if you haven't at least read An Ordinary Teenage Sex Life. -- SEPTEMBER 1996 -- "Cut it out, Jake!" I swatted the boy's hand off my ass and glared at him with venom in my eyes. But rather than look apologetic, Jake Harbor just gave me a goofy grin and backed out of range. He knew that I could ... and would ... actually kick...
December 28, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Hi Sweetheart!” I said, pulling Bethany into a hug. “Hi, Steve!” “Hi Unca’ Steve!” Nicholas said. “Hi, Nicholas!” Jesse called out before I could reply. “Jesse!” Nicholas shrieked. “Let’s put these two guys in the ‘Indian’ room,” I said. “Jesse brought some of his toys over, and we put a few other things in there, too. I’ll take your bag upstairs. You guys are using the spare room up there.” “I hear you have a full house,” she said. “Only until...
June 12, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “You knew!” I spluttered when Kara and I met Jessica at the ER. “Let’s talk at home, Tiger. Please.” I nodded and we turned to walk home. I’d purposefully avoided Kara’s questions on the way to the ER from the office, and I’d flat out refused to talk to Elyse about lunch before I talked to Jessica. I was able to use her recusal to get past her insistence that I talk to her. No other words were said before we arrived home. “Dinner in ten minutes,” Abbie...
April 25, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “Gbasibe turned us down for a job with Microsoft,” Dave said. “I don’t think we can compete with them in terms of salary or stock options,” I said. “Did you call Oksana?” “Immediately. She wanted until tomorrow to think about it, but I suspect she’s going to say ‘yes’. The call we made to let her know she’d made our short list helped a lot, I think.” “Good. I think we’re close with Dante. We’re at a point where Elyse and I agree we can accept his latest...
October 22, 1990, Chicago, Illinois When Katy finally calmed down, I brought her to the ‘Indian’ room then went to get Jennifer, who had become quite close to Katy in the time since Katy had moved in. I let my wives and Abbie know that we’d have dinner later, and just to keep plates warm for us. “Do you have any idea what’s going on?” I asked. “Any clues?” Katy shook her head, “No! Everything was fine. She left for school at the normal time, seemed to be in a great mood, and told me she...
January 18, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “I’ve thought about what you said,” Jennifer said. “And I think you’re right. I’m sorry it took me three days to think it through.” “I’d expect nothing less than you giving it serious thought. So you agree with Ed’s assessment?” “I’m no more a psychologist than you are, but it makes sense. And you said that Bethany agrees?” “Unofficially, yes. She can’t make a diagnosis in a situation like this, but she confirmed Ed’s research was accurate enough that...
February 12, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “Was losing your virginity traumatic in some way?” Doctor Bradford asked. “No,” I said with a smile, “I don’t believe it was.” “Was this something that was planned, or something that just happened?” “It most certainly wasn’t planned! At least not by me!” “But the other person did plan?” “I’m not sure that ‘plan’ is the right word, but she certainly thought about it beforehand.” “She was your age?” “No. She was about nine years older. She was a...
March 15, 1991, Apple Orchard Bed-and-Breakfast near Montpelier, Vermont “Welcome!” Katy said as she let us into the house. “Katy!” Birgit squealed. She’d done well on the flight, only fussing a bit as the plane climbed to altitude and again as it descended for landing. The change in air pressure had clearly bothered her, but there wasn’t much we had been able to do about it except to comfort her. I’d been happy that she hadn’t cried, just complained. “Hi!” Katy said, holding out her arms...
April 26, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “I saw in the paper that the Penguins finished off the Capitals last night,” Dave said. “They did! I’m not sure who they’ll face just yet, since the Bruins and Canadiens are still playing their series, and it’s close. In the West, it looks like the North Stars are going to beat the Blues and the Oilers are going to beat the Kings. Now, on to business - how many people signed up for interviews?” “An even dozen,” he said. “And I heard from Penny that Doctors...
May 17, 1991, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania “Another whirlwind trip?” Mario asked when I arrived in the office just after noon on Friday. “It has to be. I have a wedding to attend tomorrow afternoon at 4:00pm out in Carol Stream. I have the first flight out again.” “We have two afternoon meetings today. One with McCarthy/Jenkins, and one with a medical practice associated with UPMC.” “Sounds good. How are things going in Philadelphia?” “With Nelson, Reed, and Pulver? Everything is on track...
Wearing dark sunglasses, a knee high blue colored dress and a handbag in my hand, I stepped out of my car. A couple of young guys, who were standing a few feet away from my car, looked at my deep cleavage. I was thirty-seven years old. I had blonde hair, blue eyes, and I managed to have a quite fit body. My breasts were 34D size, and I loved playing with my boobs every time I masturbated. I was married, but still I had to fuck myself with my toys and fingers. My husband was good at sex, but he...
HardcoreAt first she did it because she desperately needed the money. Lately though, the share she got wasn’t even enough to cover both food and rent. Things were bad before her husband died but they were starting to look up. For the five years they had been married they both worked full time to make enough money to afford food and their little apartment. After years of hard work and patience, he had chanced upon a much better paying job. It was such an improvement that she didn’t even need to work...
June 2, 1990, Chicago, Illinois “My office, please,” Sensei Jim said after class on Saturday. I followed him to his office and waited for him to bid me to sit. He did, and I sat in the usual chair across from him. “She has a real problem, you know that, right?” he asked. “I do. That’s why I insisted she start seeing a counselor.” “I run a huge risk having her here with that kind of temper and her violent acts.” I nodded, “I understand. May I ask what you intend to do?” “I really don’t...
July 15, 1990, San Diego, California “Parc Suites Hotel on 22nd, please,” I said to the taxi driver at Lindbergh Field in San Diego. The driver pulled away from the curb and Kathy reached over to take my hand. She’d held it most of the way from Chicago as we reminisced about Nick and talked about how we could best support Bethany. “Thanks for upgrading us to First Class,” she said. “That was much more comfortable.” “You can thank Barney at our travel agency. He comped us the First Class...
November 19, 1990, Columbus, Ohio “Hi,” Tracey said when she opened the door to their walk-up apartment in a gentrified section of Columbus. We hugged. “Hi. How are you?” I asked as she let me into the apartment. We sat down in the living room and Tracey poured tea for both of us. It was an affectation that all of my friends had developed hanging around me, or, if they hadn’t personally, one they always had available for me. “About as well as can be expected,” she said. “And your...