Loosening Up Book 10 Road Trip EastChapter 30 Wisconsin
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June 13, 1995, Chicago, Illinois
“So what are you going to do?” Kara asked as she, Jessica, and I snuggled in bed on Tuesday night.
We’d made love and very soon we’d have to walk Jessica to work.
“About Melissa?”
“And Jillian. And Marcia.”
“Marcia is simple, if you mean being with her. She’s sixteen AND a member of the dojo, so that’s a non-starter. And, just to put a true end to it, the age of consent in a situation where the older person is a teacher or some kind of authority figure is eighteen, not seventeen. And if you’re referring to her reaction to me being with her mom, don’t worry about that. Jillian is outside my age range!”
“Seriously?” Jessica asked with a soft laugh. “I could see that age limit when you were a teenager, but now? I don’t see it.”
“Call it a mental block,” I chuckled. “But even so, think about how badly that might affect Marcia. Her mom having an affair with a married man who is also her instructor? And, if her friend Jeannette is right, someone SHE wants to be with? Forget it. That can’t possibly end well, no matter which way it goes. And I see that smirk, Kara Anne Adams!”
“What?” Kara asked, trying to sound innocent.
“You’re thinking about a mother-daughter fantasy! And I think that one would end in disaster just as one with Jolene and Hope would have ended in disaster. So wipe that silly smirk off your face, dear wife!”
“You’re just no fun anymore,” Kara said primly.
“I get enough of THAT from Penny!” I chuckled.
“So what about Melissa’s request?” Jessica asked.
“Risking a very profitable business relationship for a bit of fun? It doesn’t make a lot of sense.”
“Isn’t this the kind of thing Elena suggested to you?” Kara asked.
“Yes and no. An ‘adult affair’ would be perfectly OK if it weren’t for M&M and NIKA, not to mention Patent Partners.”
“But is it as risky as you think it might be?” Jessica asked.
“Based on my actions? No, not really,” I replied. “But based on hers, possibly. Babe, it’s time for you to shower and get dressed for work.”
Jessica sighed and got out of bed. We watched her walk naked into the bathroom, then got out of bed and followed her. After Jessica’s shower, Kara and I quickly rinsed off and put on casual clothes while Jessica dressed in her usual skirt and blouse she wore to work.
“What worries you?” Jessica asked as we left the bedroom.
“If I were to decide I wanted to end it and she didn’t.”
“You think she might threaten the business relationship to get you to continue?”
“It’s possible. Or just cancel it in a fit of pique. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!”
We left the bedroom and walked downstairs.
Kara laughed as we walked out the front door, “Right! Because your relationship with Dante was so stable!”
“He might not be the best example to use,” I chuckled.
The three of us joined hands once we reached the sidewalk.
“You think she can’t handle it?” Jessica asked.
“I don’t know if she can handle it nor do I know how to find out in advance. You know if she were to break it off with me, I’d be fine. I’m not so sure about the other way around.”
“Why not just ask her?”
“Because I can’t be sure she knows herself well enough to know how she’ll respond. She’s never been married, and as far as I can tell, never had a long-term relationship. Granted, in one sense, she’s had a series of love affairs, so maybe things would work out. The problem is, I don’t know what happened at the end of those love affairs. For all we know, she’s a Black Widow!”
Kara and Jessica both laughed.
“I think the two of us could do you in much quicker than Melissa!” Jessica teased.
“But see, I know you won’t!”
“Don’t be so sure, Tiger!” Jessica said solemnly.
“Neither of you would deprive your children of their father!”
“Or ourselves of our husband!” Kara declared.
We reached the hospital where Kara and I each kissed Jessica, then watched her walk into the ER. Once she was inside, we walked quickly home and got into bed.
“I think you’ve created a situation where no ‘dall-yances’ are possible,” Kara said. “Is that what you were trying to do?”
“I’m just trying to be the best husband, father, and CEO I can be, and be as happy as possible given my responsibilities and the circumstances.”
“I suppose that’s all any of us can do, though obviously wife and mom for me and Jessica.”
“How do you think she’s doing?”
“I think, finally, everything is as it should be. I know that’s when you think things get craziest, but perhaps not this time.”
“Because I’ve changed?”
“That’s part of it. You came back from Japan a very different person - more focused, calmer, more thoughtful. And your second trip seems to have made the original profound effect even more heightened.”
“So you agree with my thinking about Melissa?”
“Except for Michelle, you haven’t been with anyone except us since your meltdown over the twins. I think you have to decide if that’s what you want.”
“I could always take Jeannette up on her offer...” I chuckled.
“That might not be the wisest course of action based on what you said before.”
“No kidding! Of course, there’s always Molly, the sensei from the dojo in Racine.”
“She’s not in any of the ‘off-limits categories, is she?”
“Not really. She’s a karate instructor, but she’s not part of our dojo. I’ll see her Saturday.”
“So maybe you WILL have your ‘dall-yance’ after all!”
I chuckled, “It’s so funny we picked up Birgit’s word.”
“You started it, Snuggle Bear!”
“I suppose I did. But enough about ‘dall-yances’. How about you and I just make love and let tomorrow worry about itself?”
“Yes, please!”
June 14, 1995, Chicago, Illinois
“Welcome, everyone,” Sensei Jim said when we gathered at the dinner table on Wednesday night.
“In case you haven’t heard,” he continued, “we’ve received a dozen inquiries from the videotapes and CDs we’ve sent out, and four of them look as if they’ll pan out. I’ve also made arrangements for a demonstration at UofC once the new quarter starts in August, as well as at the local Middle Schools and High Schools. I’ve asked Will to handle the demonstrations at the public schools, and Therese to handle the demonstrations at UofC.
“Otherwise, things seem to be going well. As you all know, Marcia won the Memorial Day competition in her age group. She’s planning to compete in the Labor Day tournament as well. It’s my intention to test her for 3rd Kyu before then. I’ve conferred with Steve and be believes she’s ready. Does anyone have any objections?”
There were shakes of the head around the table.
“Good!” he said. “Then I’ll speak to her on Saturday about this. Are there any issues which need to be brought to my attention?”
“I noticed the mats in the main training room are starting to look pretty worn,” Kara said.
“And the training bag as well,” I added. “Do you have a budget to replace those things?”
“Yes. The finances of the dojo have always been just enough to sustain it and replace things when they’re at the very end of their useful life. But it’s a close thing, which is why I make sure we get full use from every bit of equipment.”
“You know, I never asked, but do you own the building or rent?” I asked.
“Rent.”
“I wonder if it might not make sense to purchase the building. That way, you build equity instead of just having the funds go to the landlord.”
“That’s not something I was ever in a position to do.”
“I think we should be able to work something out,” I said. “Let me talk to my friend Alec Glass, a real estate investor, and figure out the best approach. That won’t lock us into anything, but it will provide options.”
“OK. Let me know what you find out. Just remember there isn’t much in the way of extra money.”
“I understand. Let me see what options we have. Would you be opposed to moving if we could find a better space we could purchase?”
“I’m not opposed to anything which makes sense.”
Sensei Jim’s wife served the ‘family style’ meal, and we began to eat.
“Jessica, Kara, Birgit, and I will be gone for about two weeks starting July 14th. We’re going to Sweden and Russia. When we return, I need to go to California for a few days.”
“OK. Anyone else?”
“Mickey and I are taking a vacation about the same time,” Jolene said.
“Mine is in August,” Therese said.
“And so is mine,” Sensei Jim said. “Will and Hannah will run the daytime classes. I’ve already spoken to them. Steve will coordinate the evening and Saturday classes.”
We had a good meal, followed by another thirty minutes of talking, then Kara and I headed home to spend some time with Jessica before it was time to walk her to work.
June 15, 1995, Chicago, Illinois
“Did everyone have a chance to review the agenda?” Jeri asked when she called the Foundation Board meeting to order on Thursday evening.
There were nods of assent from those in the room, and verbal assertions from those on the phone. Jeri had the secretary call the roll, and everyone was present: Jeri Lundgren, Steve Adams, Samantha Spurgeon, Alec Glass, Ben Jackson, Doctor Gail Winston, Father Lynn MacGregor, Sir Danny Hunter, and Zoe Reynolds.
“Our first order of business is vote to terminate, or not renew, the following grants: PETA, The Sierra Club, and Planned Parenthood. Unless there is an objection, the chair will entertain a single motion to cease our support of those three organizations.”
“So moved,” Samantha said quickly.
“Second!” I said immediately after.
The vote was 9-0 in favor of the motion.
“Next, Lieutenant Commander Howard Pointe will provide a status update on the ER project at UofC.”
I’d heard the entire report from Al over the weekend, so I mostly tuned out. Things were progressing as expected, but it was a nearly three-year project from start to finish. When Howard finished, we reviewed the financial report for the project. Everything was, surprisingly, within budget. I figured that it was only a matter of time before we’d see cost overruns and need to raise additional funds.
Once Howard’s report was completed, we reviewed a half-dozen applications, rejecting two outright and approving four for further investigation. When the meeting finished, I pulled Alec aside to talk to him about the dojo.
“You know the problem with Hyde Park,” he said. “But if you’re willing to put some money into rehabilitation, there are some buildings which might suit you. But I’m not sure you’ll be able to afford even an older building in need of rehabilitation. For a commercial loan, which is what you’re talking, you’ll need 20% down, and sufficient corporate income to service the debt. I suspect the dojo income is highly variable because it relies on signing up new students and for current students to continue.”
“That’s what I was afraid of. Do you have any suggestions?”
“The one that comes to mind is to form a limited partnership of some kind and have the partners put up the capital to buy the building, with the dojo leasing it from the partners. If your instructor is the senior partner, he’ll build equity which he can sell to the other partners when he retires. I could help you get that set up. Do you have a building in mind?”
“The current one is a bit small, but it would do if we have to stay there. On the other hand, if you could help us find something in Hyde Park or Kenwood, I’d appreciate it.”
“Let me see what I can do. Are you available for dinner next week?”
“Is Friday OK? That’s my one night off from karate.”
“Sure. Let’s call it Friday the 23rd at 6:00pm.”
He gave me the address which I wrote down in my notebook.
“I’ll be there. How is Lisa doing?”
“Adjusting to being a free woman. She met her parole officer yesterday. She has to check in once a week, but otherwise, she doesn’t have any restrictions. She’ll start working for me next week. Just handling paperwork to start.”
“That’s good.”
“Thanks again, Steve. See you next Friday.”
We shook hands and I left the Foundation offices and headed home.
“You HAVE to come see this!” Elyse called out when I walked into the house.
“What’s up?”
“I think you’re right and OJ is going to walk! Watch this clip they’re going to replay from Court TV.”
I did and I burst out laughing.
“If the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit!“
“I can’t believe the prosecution was that stupid!” I said. “Those were leather gloves and they were soaked in blood, not to mention OJ is wearing surgical gloves to avoid getting his DNA on them. Of COURSE they don’t fit! Unreal! He’s going to walk. Period. Darden and Clark blew it.”
I was still shaking my head when I went to the ‘Indian’ room to kiss Jessica and Kara, and get ready to leave to walk Jessica to the hospital.
June 16, 1995, Chicago, Illinois
“Veto?” Dave asked after I interviewed Larry Underwood on Friday morning.
“No veto. If he’s your top choice, go for it.”
“He is. I will. Thanks. Now that this mess is mostly behind us, will I get any coding out of you?”
“Let’s call it twenty hours a week. I can’t commit to more than that. And remember, I’m gone for a couple of weeks next month.”
“No problem. I’m going to assign you the refactoring work on the Medical software. The deadline is pretty far out, so if your time isn’t what you think it is, we’ll still be able to manage.”
“Sounds good.”
“Have you seen Charlie today?”
“No. Why?”
“She was cussing a blue streak about losing her bet to you!”
I laughed, “I bet. Did you see that foolishness?”
“I saw the replay and read the report in the Trib this morning. I think we have a blueprint on how to get away with murder!”
“Except you and I are more likely to be the victims than the perpetrators!” I said solemnly.
Dave laughed, “True! I’ll get the paperwork done for Larry.”
I nodded and he left the office. Five minutes later, Cindi was at my door with news.
“Peach just announced they’re going to have a version supporting small offices of up to 20 seats at the end of the year.”
I nodded, “Now THAT is a logical development. Is there any pricing information?”
“It simply says it’ll be similar to their current pricing per user. My rough estimate is they’ll undercut us by about 20% on small offices. We need to look at our pricing structure and see if we can afford to lower the price on our licenses a bit.”
“Let’s wait to see what they do in terms of actual pricing,” I said. “And if they actually pull this off. Has there been anything in the Press or their collateral which says they’re under new ownership?”
“No. And on the pricing, I’m going to sit down with Elyse and see what we can do. The legal software isn’t carrying the company the way it once was, and we COULD do with a smaller margin to protect our customer base and gain new customers.”
“Look at it and I’ll listen to your proposal. While you’re at it, you might as well look at the medical software, consulting, and on-site support as well. We’re getting close to the time to decide those rates for next year. And you need to come up with rates for Dallas and the Raleigh-Durham area.”
“Will do. How did the interview with the Tribune go yesterday?”
“I gave them what I could, which wasn’t much. I took them through the deal as we saw it, the poison pill we set up and what occurred. I left out what was purely speculative, and that was who I thought was behind it.”
“You don’t think he did it?”
“Not the way we first imagined. I think he was prospecting and dropped it once he couldn’t buy out DCP straight up. But even THAT is speculation. What’s the word on the street about Lone Star?”
“Mostly negative. We’ve had inquiries from a number of their bigger customers who are, needless to say, a bit panicked. I’m going to make sure someone visits each of those firms to try to bring them on board.”
“Just make sure we fully document any contacts in case Edwards tries to sue us. DCP absolutely cannot, and they also agreed on behalf of Lone Star not to sue as part of the deal selling back their software and copyrights. But Jamie thinks that’s easily pierced and Edwards COULD sue. But don’t worry about that. Just stick to our plan about only contacting customers with whom we had previous dealings or who call us. Let him do his thing. If and when he does something which needs our attention, then we’ll worry about it. Peach is more of an issue.”
“And Hastings Mill Software in Vancouver. And Chickasaw Systems in Memphis. Those are the two we need to keep an eye on.”
“What’s with the name of the Canadian company? Obviously, I get Chickasaw for Memphis.”
Cindi laughed, “When the entire city of Vancouver was destroyed by fire in 1866, one of the very few buildings to remain standing was the Hastings Mill Store. I think they’re trying to tell us something!”
“Nice. I like that kind of company name. Your ex-boyfriend named us ‘Victor’ or ‘Winner’!”
“And complete with a stylized onion dome for our logo, but that came from Jeremiah, if I remember correctly.”
“It did. You know, we should probably get all of this written into a history of NIKA which we can publish on our 20th anniversary in 2005!”
“I like that idea. Let me talk to Elyse and Dave, and see if we can get Jack and Michelle to work on it for a couple of hours a month.”
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July 22, 2000, Chicago, Illinois “Albert, do you have everything packed?” Mom asked. “Yes, Mom!” I replied, rolling my eyes because she’d asked before I went to bed. “He’ll be fine, Babe,” Dad said. “Let’s walk to the hospital.” I usually didn’t get up early, but Dad had suggested it would help Mom if I walked to the hospital with her because I was leaving to see Jane for three weeks. Mom, Dad, Aunt Kara and I left the house and headed down the sidewalk towards the hospital where Mom and...
May 14, 1997, Chicago, Illinois “Start talking!” Melanie demanded when I sat down in her office about an hour later. “There isn’t much to say. Katya found the information for me when I asked her to look into several things about Brandon Littleton, Kevin Lomax, and John Milton.” “Do you know more about him?” “A LOT more. I don’t think you want to know.” “Probably not, but I’m your criminal defense attorney, and even though San Antonio doesn’t have you involved in this, you know the CPD...
“So, how should we do these Stone’s songs?” Phil asked at our rehearsal session. “I think we all know the music, we just need to come up with a pretty awesome arrangement; we don’t want to sound like yet another cheap cover band.” “I had some ideas, if it’s okay for me to make some suggestions,” Allison said. “Of course it is,” Phil said. “Everyone can have a say, there’s no rule that says you can’t participate in the discussion.” “Thanks, Phil, I guess being the newest here, I’m a bit...
May 11, 1992, Chicago, Illinois Monday was turning out to be a LONG day. After my run and talk with Gina, and my talk with Elyse, I had a full day at the office scheduled. First was our leadership meeting in the morning, and then I had status meetings with each team. At lunch I’d gone to see Siobhán and explained that I was going to break off the sexual relationship, but that I wanted to remain friends. She was disappointed, but admitted that Thursday would have been the last time, since she...
January 19, 1989, En-Route from LAX to ORD When the engines of the plane started, Jeri reached over and took my hand. She held it while we pushed away from the gate, and taxied for takeoff. Her grip tightened a bit as we hurtled down the runway, but nothing like the death grip she’d had on my arm for the flight out. The plane roared its way into the air and once we leveled out, Jeri’s grip loosened but she didn’t let go of my hand. “How are you doing?” I asked with a touch of...
September 1982, Chicago, Illinois The weekend was quiet and besides homework, I worked on the program changes for Frank, called Karin, Tatyana, and Kara, and hung out with my usual study group. Monday was refreshingly normal. On Tuesday morning, I handed Katy my completed intake form. She put it in an envelope and stuck it in her bag. She said she’d let me know soon about the interview. On Tuesday afternoon, after having lunch with Stephie, I made my rounds and then I headed over to Sigma...
October 1982, Chicago, Illinois The drive back to Chicago was as uneventful as usual, and I arrived at the apartment just before 6:00pm. When I arrived, Elyse and Stephie were sitting on the couch and Jackie was sitting on the loveseat. Stephie hopped up as I opened the door and greeted me with a hug and a kiss. “Hi, Peaches!” I said. “Glad you’re home, Yankee!” “Hi, Steve,” Elyse and Jackie both said. “Hey,” I replied. “How was the weekend?” “Well, it was just Kurt with me, Stephie,...
June 11, 1989, Chicago, Illinois It was just after 3:00am when I kissed Trish goodbye. She’d been an enthusiastic, energetic, and adventurous lover. We’d done just about anything either of us could think of, though her breasts weren’t large enough for a tit-fuck. The last time had been in the shower where we’d ostensibly gone to clean up afterwards, but instead I ended up taking her from behind as she leaned against the wall of the shower. “I think I’ll have you again, Steve Adams,” she...
March, 1982, Milford, Ohio As I drove along I-65, I thought about what Stephanie had asked for and what Bethany had said without even knowing about the request. Of course, because Bethany and I were so in tune, she might have actually had an idea that I was struggling with getting involved with my sister again. I kept turning it over and over in my mind and I kept coming to the same conclusion — that I shouldn’t do it. I was torn between doing what Stephanie wanted and doing what Kara and...
September 7, 1992, Chicago, Illinois “That went reasonably well,” Michelle said when her parents drove off. “There were a few times I thought my expression would give away something I shouldn’t. You were messing with me, weren’t you?” She grabbed both my hands and smiled, “I was telling the truth, in my own way. Thank you!” She leaned forward and kissed my cheek. “So, what’s left?” I asked. “To visit UofC tomorrow and formally withdraw from classes. To spend some time with you and your...
October 1981, Chicago, Illinois I arrived back at the apartment just before 10:00pm and saw the address for the party. I decided I wasn’t particularly interested in going so I put on some music, poured myself a glass of wine, and started reading more about Russia. I was alternating between the history and culture book and the Communist Party book, decided on the history and culture book for this time. I didn’t get much reading done because I was thinking about Tatyana, which led me to...
January 23, 1996, Chicago, Illinois “Father, bless!” I said, greeting Father Basil with upturned palms. “Bless you, Stephen,” he said as I kissed his hand. The waiter showed us to a quiet table along the wall of Roditys in Greektown. He took our drink orders and was back quickly. We placed our food orders right away and he left to put them in with the kitchen. “I’m not quite sure how to address this, so I’m just going to ask you bluntly. Are you the father of Michelle’s baby?” I shook my...
June 29, 1995, Chicago, Illinois On Thursday, I finally had lunch with Melissa again, something I hadn’t been looking forward to. Much like with Cèlia, Melissa and I had passed an inflection point and I was left with sub-optimal paths forward. I’d been struggling with the possible solutions, and all of them had pitfalls. When I walked into Takumi, I had something of a plan. Whether it was good or not would only be known once everything played out. “I spoke to my wives,” I said after we’d...
December 5, 2000, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota “I had a good time last night,” I said. “I was surprised you invited a friend!” Mary laughed as we walked into the exam room, “Naomi had a good time as well. You know what a Resident’s life is like.” I nodded, “No social life.” “Exactly. You guys seemed to hit it off pretty well.” “Yes, but I’m not here for that!” “You’re everywhere for that, and you know it!” I couldn’t help but laugh. “Let’s just say that you hit the sweet spot -...
March 1980, Hovås/Göteborg, Sweden I woke early as usual, but just enjoyed being in bed with Katt. When she woke, she hopped out of bed and pulled a robe out of her closet and handed it to me. “There’s a spare toothbrush in the bathroom. Go have your shower, then we’ll have breakfast after I have my shower.” I quickly showered and brushed my teeth, and went back to Katt’s room. She went to shower and came back a few minutes later. She dressed, and I got a very good look at her sexy body...
April 5, 1997, Chicago, Illinois “You missed cuddles this morning!” Birgit said accusingly when I walked into the house about 9:30am. “I know, Pumpkin, but I had a work emergency and had to go see Aunt Joyce and Grandpa A.” “And now we have to get ready for karate!” “I know. We’ll have some family time this afternoon. I don’t have any plans.” “Good!” I hugged her and the rest of the kids, then went to find Kara. We hugged and kissed, and went straight upstairs to get ready for...
September 3, 1989, Chicago, Illinois “Good morning, Sensei,” I said, bowing to Sensei Jim. “Good morning!” he said waving me to a chair in his office. “How was your trip?” I asked. “Enlightening. I spent most of my time acting as a manservant to Sensei Robert and Sensei Hiro.” “He who will lead, must first serve,” I said. “Someday, I’m going to send you to Sensei Hiro, should he live long enough. You understand.” “Does that mean you are now 6th Dan?” I...
October 29, 2000, Chicago, Illinois Birgit followed me as far as the stairs, then scooted upstairs when I went to the front door and opened it. “Hi!” Sophie said. “Hi!” I replied and held the door open so she could come into the house. I closed the door behind her then led her to my study where I waited until she went in, and then walked in, closing the door behind me. I nodded to one of the wingback chairs, she sat down in one, and I sat down in the other. “Is something wrong?” she...
August, 1983, Chicago, Illinois I walked in the near 90°F heat to Carla’s place. I was grateful that the humidity of the morning had dropped significantly; otherwise the heat would have been unbearable. By the time I walked up the steps to the apartment over the photography studio and knocked on her door, I had broken into a light sweat. Carla answered almost immediately and invited me inside her studio apartment. The air was moderately cool, and the window air conditioner was running full...
July 1982, Milford, Ohio On Tuesday morning, I kissed Kara goodbye and headed to my parents’ house for my usual morning routine with my little sister. She was happy that I could spend the morning with her and asked to take a walk, so we weren’t in the house with my mom. “Let me guess — this walk will end in the clearing,” I said with a smile. “Yes,” she said, taking my hand as we walked down Overlook towards Klondyke. As usual, we turned around and walked back, taking the path to the...
March 13, 1994, Chicago, Illinois “Hi, Steve!” Ailea said when she opened the door. “Hi,” I replied, accepting the offered hug. There was no touching of lips, just of cheeks, and I wondered if I’d misread her intentions at her birthday lunch, or if, perhaps, she detected my reluctance to return the offered affection. “Lunch is ready, so go ahead and sit. I’ll bring it in from the kitchen.” I went to the low table, sat down, and a minute later, Ailea brought miso soup and sushi, our usual...
April 3, 1997, Dallas, Texas “Remember what I said about drinking too much,” I said, as I poured bourbon into three cups. We’d stopped at a liquor store, bought a bottle of Blanton’s, and then returned to the small suite I’d reserved at the Westin. Deborah’s room was down the hall, and Krissy’s was two floors below. Krissy’s comment had caught me a bit off guard, but I hadn’t reacted visibly. I didn’t know her quite well enough to know if she’d been teasing with Deborah, so I was being...
March 28, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “This day belongs to you, Kara!” I said when the three of us woke on Thursday morning. “Happy birthday!” Jessica said. “Thanks,” Kara replied happily. “I think I’d like an amazing birthday fuck from our husband, and then a nice loving shower with my wife!” Kara said. “Do we have enough time?” I asked. Jessica giggled, “I set the alarm for thirty minutes earlier!” “Then let’s not waste any of it!” I said pulling Kara to me. Kara’s squeals as I plunged...
September 4, 2000, Chicago, Illinois On Monday morning I went to my study to make a surreptitious call to ensure that the surprise I’d planned for Kara was still going to happen, and after confirming that it was, Jesse, Matthew, Michael, and I began preparing for the Labor Day party by getting beer and soda into coolers, getting the grill ready, setting up tables and chairs in the backyard, and ensuring the liquor cabinets were stocked while my wives and daughters worked on food prep in the...
September 1, 1987, Chicago, Illinois “I heard that you have some kind of plan to help Ed,” I said to Connie. “There’s no plan,” she replied. “A witness who saw the shopkeeper alive after Ed left came forward.” That sounded convenient, and I wondered if the witness was real or someone that Anthony had put forward to solve the problem. Certainly, the videotape was real, because I couldn’t imagine how Anthony could have faked that, but the witness? Who knew? “So is he being released? Or is...
August 17, 1997, Chicago, Illinois We finished lunch and Marissa and the younger kids went to play, but Natalie sat with the adults to talk, with coffee, tea, or soft drinks. The Sarcus were very comfortable, but the Heaths were still struggling. But, vitally, they hadn’t left and hadn’t insisted Natalie leave the group. “Can you explain how you developed this attitude and approach?” Chris asked. I nodded, “It started when I was just a bit younger than Natalie. My mom was a total control...
July 1979 — Falkenberg, Sweden On Friday, when I got back from my run, Pam was in her bra and panties again. I whistled at her, she giggled, then finished dressing. I showered, and we went to breakfast and finished up our last day. Once class was done, we were pretty much free. On Saturday, we’d have several optional activities and then on Sunday we’d head back to our host families. After dinner on Friday, I took Pam’s hand and we walked towards the river. It was quiet and peaceful, and...
July 1980, Over the North Atlantic We reached cruising altitude, and I settled back to read my book. Pam raised the armrest between us, snuggled close to me and read as well. The cabin crew offered drinks, and I had my first Coke in a year! Meal service began about an hour and a half into the flight. After the cabin crew picked up the trays and offered drinks again, they passed once more, offering headsets for the movie. Trevor and Maria took them, but Pam and I didn’t, instead we turned on...
July 8, 1997, Chicago, Illinois “Is it really that surprising?” Leah asked. “I suppose not,” I replied. “I just didn’t read too much into the kiss on the cheek.” “I didn’t think it was a good idea to kiss you on the lips with all those people around, because I had no idea who they were or what they would think. You were VERY careful with our dance, so I kind of followed your lead.” Which showed very mature thinking on her part. Both of these girls were exactly the kind of students I...
November 8, 1993, Chicago, Illinois A dark fog swirled before my eyes as I tried to take stock. My head hurt, badly. I felt something on my face and realized, dimly, it was an oxygen mask. My right hand was uncomfortable and I recognized the feeling of an IV and pulse-oximeter. My left arm ached fiercely. On my chest I felt the pads and wires of an EKG. I didn’t feel anything else wrong as I continued taking inventory. I tried to open my eyes, but the fog didn’t clear. I tried to speak, but...