1 year ago
KOLCHAK: THE NYLON STALKER. (Based upon characters created by Jeff Rice. ) By Way Zim. CASE ONE; ADONIS ADRIFT. Aug 10th, 2005. Cleveland, Ohio. Journal of Karen Foster Klein; I write this entry feeling several ways foolish but somewhat wiser from the experiences of the past 2 weeks. Perhaps it was my own hubris, the way in which a decrepit old man had assumed the role of a young woman; without major crisis. Karen...
2 years ago
"Oscar Night" by Jennifer Brock A flippant remark by a mild screenwriter to an obnoxious TV reporter snowballs into more than he had bargained for, at one of the most glamorous of events! This is a work of fiction. Any similarities to actual persons alive or dead are purely coincidental, mostly. *** David Fine was still reeling with the sudden fame of having a second novel on the Bestsellers' List, and now his adapted screenplay for his first novel, "Sublimation," had been...
3 years ago
Coeds 4: Life Happens By Julie O Edited By Robert Arnold Meal By Jenny V (My Sister!) Features characters from The Julieverse Jen Stevens & Morris Pinsky appear...
1 year ago
1 The waiting room was carpeted in a very neutral grey. Stark white light from four large florescent lights in the drop ceiling added an antiseptic look and feel. Large artificial plants filled the corners and provided some color. Six functional arm chairs lined one wall. They were metal with black hardware and dark grey cloth upholstery on the seats and back. Two women sat nervously waiting for their turn to interview for the current opening. One wore jeans and a pull over top. The...
3 years ago
By Degrees by Cassandra Morgan One millimeter at a time. Another drop of water in the bucket. Another grain of sand in the shovel. Eventually, after all of the other questions, people will get around to asking me how I got into a dress. How I became the maid cleaning the grease off of the frying pans, or ironing the wrinkles out of the shirt, or making the salad for Mistress' lunch. One more molecule of air, I tell them. One more raindrop from the sky. One more blade of...
4 years ago
The Prom © 2015 by Nom de Plume Twenty years! It's hard to believe that much time has gone by since I limped out of Grover Cleveland High, at the bottom of my class, prospects zero. My sole achievement was the dubious designation as Class Clown, in recognition of outrageous pranks which got me suspended twice and almost expelled. The last, which nearly ruined the senior prom for everyone, featured me disguised as a girl in a long halter gown. More on...
4 years ago
The Final Chapter Opening my eyes, I felt disoriented. It was so bright, and for some reason I was lying on the ground in some grass. As I sat up, I felt different... very good, but different. In fact, I hadn't felt this good in what felt like ages. I looked around to figure out what was going on, and I could've swore I was back in Ohio at the park near my parents house. How is that possible, I asked myself. That's when it hit me. Could it possibly be? My hands immediately...
4 years ago
George lay there on the bed, tugging helplessly against his restraints, looking up at Hypnotic and Summer, wondering how long they would embrace and kiss. Not that he minded watching them, but their cigarettes dangled loosely from their clasped hands above his chest. They hadn't dropped their cigarettes yet, but there was always a first time. Sometimes Hypnotic and Summer embraced for so long that they let ashes fall. While it wasn't painful, he didn't care for ashes all over his chest and...
3 years ago
Larry and sandy wilson were relaxing in front of the television on this spring evening. Their three children were paying attention to the program that was airing; but larry and sandy were less engrossed. Sandy was paying more attention to the book that she was reading and larry was dozing off periodically. Larry began thinking about how they had gotten to this place in their lives since he met sandy while they were both in college in ohio. Larry had been in the first semester of his senior year...
3 years ago
Cold and unfeeling, Edna Halper, the female dean of my alma-mater stood and spoke in scolding fashion. She was an old crone, looking a lot older than her years and really oozed with up-tight conservatism. She was about fifty-something, possibly mid-fifties, dressed in a dark blue business skirt and jacket set, with her shoulder-length light-grey hair almost white pinned back and swirled behind her head into an old-fashioned bun. The plain dark skirt that she wore ended just below her knees,...
4 years ago
* Life is a tapestry, a cloth woven from many different threads that create the whole. This story is a thread, a part of Barbra's story, contributing to the waft and weave that is the Whole cloth, being Jim. Being Jim-Ch.07-Barbra’s Wish By Frodov * This story is based entirely on true experiences from my past, names and a few details have been changed to provide anonymity for those involved. Discretion is a precious commodity and is becoming rarer every day. I reached...
2 years ago
The next two days were hectic as Kate shopped for last minute Christmas presents and Jennifer helped me clean the house. That morning the caterers arrived and Kate laid out all of the food on tables in the large dining room. Most of the food was set up in stainless steel chafing dishes which Kate would light the warmers up about an hour before. There were two pans of turkey sliced, one ham sliced, and one roast sliced. Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, eggplant casserole,...
3 years ago
My name is Marie and I'm twenty-four years old. I was raised solely by my Dad since the death of my mother when I was six years old. We built a special bond between us since it was just us together. I did have two sets of Grandparents but they both lived out west where my parents were from. According to Dad I was born a California girl. We, Mom, Dad and I, moved to Ohio when I was two years old. Dad was in the insurance business and had got a big promotion so we moved out east. Eventually...
2 years ago
“What’s the matter little man? You here to cry and beg me to leave her alone?” “I guess it wouldn’t do me any good would it!” “Not a bit cuck. She’s great pussy and there ain’t no way I’m going to give her up.” I’m here to tell you I don’t want you coming to my house and doing her while my kids are around.” “I don’t give a rat’s ass about what you want or don’t want little man. Now get out of here before I spank your wimpy ass.” How did it come about that I was facing the six foot five two...
4 years ago
Dear Steven, I know you list your stories as PETTYBOX, but always think of you as Steven in my fantasies, so I will keep it that way. I first read your Steven "Sig" Grayson stories when I was away from my home. I work in sales and spend 2 or 3 nights a week away and I began getting horny almost the first night I spent in a hotel away and alone. I love your perspective and style of erotic writing only because you don't get off the path of reality. Everything is feasible, where so many other...
1 year ago
I was sitting on a stool bellied up to the bar in a small neighborhood place near my hotel. I was in Boston; just finishing a deal that would make me penniless and allow me to do whatever the hell I wanted. The trick was to decide how to do that and still be rich. Confused? I hope so. That would mean Roxy's lawyers would be as well. All of this came about because of what I found out about my wife. That knowledge was not something I went looking for, but it found me just the same. It was...
3 years ago
To begin, here is a brief explanation of what Earth Day is and when it began. Earth Day is one of two observances, both held annually during spring in the northern hemisphere, and autumn in the southern hemisphere. They're intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth's environment. The United Nations celebrates an Earth Day each year on the March equinox, a tradition founded by peace activist John McConnell in 1969. Many countries celebrate a second Earth Day, founded in...
2 years ago
As always, thank you to my editors, LadyCibelle and Techsan, for making my story a much better read. I remember years back when I was a kid. We had all our traditions and the Holidays meant so much. Family and friends were there to enjoy the good times with us. As teenagers they were still fun but a little different. Other than the actual holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas we wanted to spend more time with our friends. Eventually we all grow up and meet our mates and start our own...
3 years ago
I don't know where to start something like this. Where do you begin when your world has just turned to shit? I Guess I can start where it wasn't so bad. I am a junior here at NYU. I live in a two bedroom shit hole that I shared with a best friend David from back home in Ohio. But he failed out this last semester and went back home so I was forced to get a new roommate on short notice. Well into my life walk Marcus Brown. He didn't go to college but work as bouncer at one of the local...
4 years ago
Haley Alverado moved in next door when I was four and she was three. She spoke funny and I liked how it sounded. Her hair was as black as my room without the nightlight, and her brown eyes were as warm as Mom’s hugs. I was captivated, but she was so weird. She would mostly say words that I knew, but once in a while there was something thrown in that didn’t register. She would refer to herself as a ‘princesa’ instead of a princess and she told me stories about where she used to live, with the...
2 years ago
Baby, if you’ve ever wondered, Wondered whatever became of me, I’m living on the air in Cincinnati, Cincinnati, WKRP. Got kind of tired packing and unpacking, Town to town and up and down the dial Maybe you and me were never meant to be, But baby think of me once in awhile. I’m at WKRP in Cincinnati... Theme by T Wells and H Wilson The hands on the wall clock reached six o’clock, marking the end of afternoon drive time and the work day for most of the staff at WKRP. Bailey Quarters,...
2 years ago
Wow! Zoea and I have been married for five years. It seems like only yesterday that I asked her to be my bride. I'm Eric and I'm one of the luckiest guys on earth. I studied stocks and investments in college. I guess I was a good learner because twelve years later, here I am a millionaire. I met Zoea when she came in for a job interview for an executive secretary position. Our agency was growing by leaps and bounds. I went into a partnership with Brad in an investment firm. Brad graduated...
2 years ago
Damn it! Where the hell is that building? Ruby Addams thought to herself as she drove around downtown Pittsburg without a clue where she was or how to get where she needed to be. Ruby had come from her hometown of Youngstown, Ohio for a job interview because the teaching position she’d had was cut due to budget concerns. Now she was trying to land a teaching position in one of the high schools in Pittsburg, but she didn’t have any idea how to get to the district office for the...
3 years ago
Edited by 'Techsan' My name's Dan, I'm a man in my sixties who spends a lot of time reminiscing. I always think about the past. The good, the bad, and often times I think of the 'Do Overs'. What is a do over you are probably asking yourself? That's the part of your life you wish you could get back and do it over. We all have that in our lives. Whenever you look back and say, "I wish I could change that, or I wish that never happened," you are wishing for a 'Do over'. This 'do...
3 years ago
October 19, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “I don’t know if I can take this anymore,” Jessica sighed. She’d finished Volume 2, the one labeled ‘Jennifer’, the previous night. “Becky?” I asked. “That was just the capstone on a series of horrible things. I don’t think any of you did a single thing right in that entire volume! Not you. Not Bethany. Not Jennifer. Not Melanie. Not your sister. Not Becky. It was just a train wreck from start to finish!” “I’m not sure I’d be so hard on Bethany at this...
1 year ago
“Where’s George?” Rebecca asked. “Your guess is as good as mine,” Patricia said. Charles said, “I’ll go look for him.” “Go ahead.” Once he was out of the room, Patrica said, “I never understood you and Peter.” “What’s there to understand? We loved each other.” “Peter was emotionally a cold fish.” Rebecca said, “You and Charles never understood Peter.” “I grew up with him. He had all the emotions of a rock.” “Peter was never comfortable with emotions. He couldn’t afford to let his...
2 years ago
December 5, 1991, Chicago, Illinois “Why the family meeting, Jen?” I asked as all of the adults were gathered in the great room on Thursday evening. “We’re going to need to find some new babysitters.” “Uh-oh,” Elyse said. “What happened?” Josie laughed, “No, nothing like that. Nothing bad. April is getting married. It seems she found herself in the family way!” “Oops,” I chuckled. “Is this her steady boyfriend?” “Donny? Yes. She’s due sometime in late April or early May. But you haven’t...
2 years ago
About midnight there was a knock on my door. I was just sitting there on the couch thinking about my problems. I had put my three kids to bed, hugging and kissing each one of them wondering if they were mine. Hell, I wanted a drink so bad but with the liver operation I wasn't allowed alcohol for maybe a year. I was startled by the knocking and I heard it again. I looked out and saw a police officer. I opened the door: "I'm Officer Bates of the Sheriff's Department. Are you Andrew...
3 years ago
February, 1984, Chicago, Illinois Joyce’s words rang in my ears, and I felt dizzy and nauseated. “I had a Pap smear that came back abnormal. I think I might have cancer.” I was glad I was sitting down because my knees were weak. My hands were shaking as well. “Joyce, I apologize for everything. I mean that. Why didn’t you tell me?” “I was going to, and then I found out about you and Connie and I just got so angry I couldn’t think straight.” “You said ‘might’. What does that mean?” I...
3 years ago
February, 1984, Chicago, Illinois The drive back to Chicago was typical - light traffic, a stop for gas in West Lafayette, and a little over five hours of time to think. I’d made this drive many times, and knew every mile of road. At times it seemed as if I was on auto-pilot, giving my mind time to work through whatever issue it was that was foremost in my mind. This drive was no exception, and I was thinking mostly about Joyce and Kara, but also about the other girls, especially Karin, who...
2 years ago
I woke up early in the morning with a piss hard-on. Kelly's clock showed it was 7:03 am. I slipped on my robe and went across the hall to use the bathroom. Fortunately no girls answered when I knocked on the door. I took care of my business and headed back to Kelly's room. I decided to check-in at the hospital before I went back to sleep. I grabbed my cell phone and went back out into the hallway. The front desk at the hospital wouldn't give me any information. The nurse did agree to take...
1 year ago
I thought about what had happened as I showered. Was I interested in a relationship with Jen? No. Kelly seemed OK with what had happened last night. Was there any harm in three people having consensual sex together? I was almost finished with my shower when I remembered – what about birth control? I certainly was too drunk to think of using a condom with Jen last night, or this morning for that matter. I had a lot of questions to resolve with Kelly and Jen. Certainly the most important...
2 years ago
An officer came by my cell half an hour later. "I have the right to a phone call," I asked politely. "Can I make it please?" "Kid, it's the middle of night," the officer replied. "You can call someone in the morning." I slept fitfully the rest of the night on the thin, uncomfortable mattress on the bunk. I woke up to the sound of someone opening the door to my cell. "C'mon Martin, you made bail," the officer at the door said. "Huh?' I grunted as I tried to wake up. This all...
2 years ago
August, 1984, Chicago, Illinois “You up for a movie?” Stephanie asked. “Sure. What do you want to see?” I asked. “Purple Rain - the new Prince movie. The music has to be awesome and Kara’s OK with it.” I chuckled, “Sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll! Exactly the reason Kara’s dad never wanted her to go to the movies!” Kara laughed, “I like two of the three. I’ve never tried any drugs!” “Me either,” I said. “Oops!” Stephanie giggled. “Squirt?” I asked, surprised at the revelation. “Pot....
2 years ago
The team reassembled in the Training Table for dinner on Sunday night after our short vacation. Coach Burton briefly addressed the team and told us we had the night off. We were to come to practice tomorrow ready to work hard. We were going to spend the week working on our fundamental skills. Trevor, Damian and I were heading for the player's lounge to relax after dinner. We invited Jay. He had seemed up tight at dinner. He grabbed us as we left Pollock Commons. "Come back to the...
4 years ago
I woke up Sunday morning to the tantalizing smell of bacon and cinnamon. I pulled on my robe and stumbled out to the kitchen. I found Damian hard at work, assisted by Billy Robinson. Billy explained that the culinary bug bit his lover earlier that morning. He was preparing stuffed French toast, bacon, fresh squeezed orange juice and fresh fruit cup. Trevor and Stephanie were relaxing at our table, waiting for Damian to complete the preparations for the meal. Chip and Amanda came downstairs...
1 year ago
After Penny and my family left, I headed down to the Mix to pick up soup, a sandwich and the Sunday newspaper. Lunch went in the refrigerator. I settled down on the couch to catch up on the rest of the world outside Happy Valley. Most of the top teams avoided an upset yesterday. Texas barely managed to beat Kansas State, 43-40. They needed Mike Johanson's interception to stop KSU's go ahead drive in the last two minutes of the score-fest. Nebraska throttled Missouri's normally high flying...
3 years ago
Penny helped me pack for my trip to Indianapolis on Wednesday night, the 20th. She teased me about packing running shoes and two types of cleats. I had no idea what would be best on Lucas Oil Stadium's surface. I did not want to be poorly equipped when I did my workout. I left early Thursday morning around 5:30 AM for the trip to the airport. The Scouting Combine had me booked for a 7:05 AM departure from the airport. Thank God I sent my travel info in early last month. I was booked on a...
3 years ago
Dan and Susan spent Saturday and Sunday with the Stone family and Alissa, all of them enjoying Alissa's company right up until it was time for her to pack her bags and head for BWI. They were all at the airport to see her off. Alissa quietly asked Susan on their way into the terminal to take the children off somewhere so that she could have a few minutes alone with Arlie outside the departure gate. Susan was having some difficulty creating a diversion until Dan told Toby that he thought...
3 years ago
May 23, 1986 Chicago, Illinois “Thanks, Mario,” I said as I parked the car next to the coach house. “You’re welcome. I think we have that deal in hand.” I nodded, “Me, too. You did really well with the presentation.” Mario smiled and nodded. He walked towards his car, and Stephanie went into the coach house. I went into the main house and was greeted by Kara with a bear hug and a fierce kiss. “I missed you, Snuggle Bear!” she gushed. “I missed you, too, Honey! How’s your mom?” “Good!...
2 years ago
October 13th, 1995, 10:45 AM EST, Washington Union Station, Washington, DC It had been an early morning for Baruch and Miriam Abati. They had wanted to take the morning train because it didn’t seem to make much sense for them to take a late train. The person on the phone had mentioned something about changing in Washington, D.C., but they didn’t quite realize that there was another, more direct option that would have gotten them into Chicago earlier, even though it left Washington, D.C....
3 years ago
December 29, 1988, Chicago, Illinois “Hi, Steve!” Kimmy squealed, giving me a tight hug and a quick kiss before pulling me into her apartment. “I missed you!” “I missed you, too!” I said. “I heard through the grapevine that you finally saw Jessica and that she’s getting some kind of treatment for stress.” “You heard right.” “So what does that mean?” she asked. I knew she meant between us, and was very glad that I’d had the conversation with Kara. “Right now, you and I continue on. We...
3 years ago
February 11, 1989, Chicago, Illinois Our drive from Syracuse to Chicago was mostly uneventful. There was some construction on the Ohio Turnpike that slowed us down, but otherwise, we listened to music, mostly alternative rock, and talked. The bulk of the conversation had been about my history with my sister, how it had started, what I thought had happened and why, and how it had progressed. I knew Jessica was extremely uncomfortable with the situation, but she’d agreed that we could work...
3 years ago
My big brother David has been my idol ever since I was a kid. Not just because he was eight years older, but because he was the golden boy: All-State in lacrosse at our high school in Ohio, girlfriends galore, and top of his class at MIT, double-majoring in electrical engineering and international relations. I played lacrosse too, but I didn't even crack the starting line-up until senior year. I had only a couple of dates--and one serious girlfriend, Darlene Brouwer, for about two months....
3 years ago
I tried to sleep, and I nodded off for a few hours, but it didn’t stick. I was tossing and turning. I was hot, and my various joints and muscles were aching me more than usual, or perhaps I was just more conscious of it than I usually am. In any case, I was tossing and turning. I was conscious, too, that this might be hurting Kelly’s quality of sleep. After an hour or so, I was wide awake, nervous, in pain, and feeling like a nuisance. I got up and went back to the downstairs bar. While we...
3 years ago
Today marked the first day in which the guys and I started to get serious about the recruiting process. Our first step was to go to the Stanford – Northwestern game. We were interested in both Stanford and Northwestern for similar reasons. Academics were high on my list, and both schools had a lot to offer in that regard. I also felt that I wanted to play in one of the power conferences, because it would put me in position to play for a National Championship. Last year the ACC, Big 10, Pac-12...
1 year ago
Day 109 - Tuesday, August 17, 1847 We got on the road early, after another of Mina's wonderful breakfasts. We let Rawhide ride the horse Tommy had been riding and Tommy rode behind Mindy. I don't think he or Mindy either one minded that. The road was mostly down hill today and we made a lot better time than we had in a while. I think we probably made close to seventeen miles for the day. M & M rode on either side of Rawhide for most of the day. Every once in a while, I'd hear Sam...
4 years ago
Three women, one bathroom, a morning shopping trip ... Shoot me! "Ladies, let's go have some fun!" I said it to cheer myself up after waiting an hour to take my morning piss. The three women taking the money and finding greener pastures sounded really good for those sixty minutes. Adding ooomph to my voice was becoming dangerously natural! Mickens exercised subtle forms of control. For instance, the girls' wardrobe had few things appropriate to a mall visit: Lisa wore shorts right on...
4 years ago
Saturday October 8 “Good morning, sleepy head.” Bandit blinked at me and then stretched. The poor kitty had been tuckered out after his flight yesterday. “Your mama should be here shortly to pick you up.” He got up and rubbed himself against me as he purred. He wanted his chest rubbed, which I obliged. For a cat, Bandit was okay. There was a knock at the door, and Bandit’s head cocked as he tried to figure out where the noise came from. Then he bounded off the bed for the door and began to...
2 years ago
August 28, 2000, On the road to Cincinnati, Ohio “So, what’s the big secret?” Liz asked as I nosed my BMW into southbound traffic on the Dan Ryan. “Something from my past which might come back to haunt us,” I replied. “Well, not just mine, but Joyce’s, too.” “Deborah knows about this?” “And Eve. In fact, Eve knows more than Deborah for a reason I’ll explain.” “Does this have to do with you and Joyce dating and being lovers?” “Sort of, but it really started with her cousin Larry. He and...
4 years ago
February 18, 1996, Chicago, Illinois “I’m truly shocked that Ernie Irvan is back racing full-time,” Jason said when I called him on Sunday evening after the Daytona 500. “Same here. And winning his Twin-125 to boot. I thought Ironhead might have his shot at winning the race after he won the pole.” “What’s surprising, really, is that was his first pole ever at the 500,” Jason said. “And the only thing that kept him from winning was a bit of tire strategy. I mean, that’s part of racing, of...
1 year ago
Hudson, Ohio, later that same day I gently covered Amanda with a bath sheet, and started cleaning the breakfast mess away. After I cleaned the dishes and put up leftovers, I called Brian to find out what he knew about Amanda's story. He confirmed her story, and apologized for using my house without consent. When I returned to the pool, Amanda was still out of it, so I jumped into the pool to take a few laps. After a few turns around the pool, I climbed out, lay on the mat next to Amanda,...
1 year ago
Cleveland, Ohio Lake Front Marina, Monday early afternoon "Amanda, except for taking Jane from me, God has been good to me. When I sold my half of the company, I gained a significant amount of money and I had good lawyers. "One of the things I did to get out of taxes is to set up a foundation that my daughters are administrating. It is a sort of "Habitat for Humanity." We provide financial training to people in trouble, and help them get into good housing. After they get into a safe...
4 years ago
May, 1983, Milford, Ohio On Friday morning I swam with Stephanie while Stephie sat on the edge of the pool and dangled her feet in the water, then the three of us ate breakfast, and my dad joined us as he often did. We hung out with my little sister until it was time for lunch. We met Marty and Tracey at Frisch’s and I introduced everyone. They had taken advantage of the school rules that said they didn’t have to stay on campus for lunch, so we had to be careful not to take too long. We...
4 years ago
Over the span of six short months, Suzi went from being just another fresh-faced newcomer in the world of adult movie-making to the industry's biggest, most well-known star. Her road to success began in Ohio, where Suzi used to work part-time as an exotic dancer at a strip club. One evening during one of her performances, a casting-couch type from Los Angeles was in town and immediately took a liking to the 27-year-old stripper. And why not? Suzi was a stunningly beautiful young woman whose...
4 years ago
To get out of her contract, Suzi knew it was best to go straight to the top of the ladder. Thus, she telephoned the porn company's CEO and president, and requested that he be at her house later that afternoon. The man, whose name was Robert, asked for a reason why, but Suzi declined to tell him. She simply said that it was an important matter, and needed to be discussed in person - not over the telephone. Suzi had netted Robert's company millions upon millions of dollars over the past...
2 years ago
July, 1983, Chicago, Illinois I waited for Jennifer’s plane to push back from the gate and leave the ramp before I left the terminal. Although I doubted she could see me, I stood at the window and watched the plane taxi away before walking to my car. I felt extremely good about Jennifer’s visit and it gave me hope for the future. But with that hope came the realization that if things went the way that Jennifer wanted them to, it didn’t bode well for Stephie, Karin, or Sofia. I had a lot of...
3 years ago
July 1983, Milford, Ohio My drive to Ohio was filled with wild swings of emotion. After quickly driving Anala home I had set out for Milford, driving as fast as I thought I could get away with, slowing only when warned to do so by my radar detector. I’d told Nancy that I’d come straight to her house and asked her to call my dad and let him know so that Stephanie wasn’t worried. I pulled into the Blanchards’ driveway at 3:30pm, having managed to avoid any run-ins with the Indiana State Police...
4 years ago
February, 1985, Chicago, Illinois Nothing interesting happened Friday, either in class or at home. On Saturday morning, Penny came over and we concentrated on programming, though she did hint that she’d very much like to go upstairs. I went to karate with Kara and Sofia, and after my shower and lunch, I called Bethany to check on her. She was doing OK and nothing had changed since I’d talked to her earlier in the week. She said she was looking forward to being in Chicago in April. During...
2 years ago
May, 1985, Colerain Township, Ohio We arrived at Don Joseph’s house just before lunch. He greeted us and took us into his study, where Joyce joined us. “Shall we toast your new business?” he asked. “Of course!” I replied happily. “And to our friendship!” He nodded and smiled as he poured four glasses of Sambuca and handed them to each of us. We raised our glasses, touched them, and then drank down the anise-flavored contents. “Thank you for the gift, Don Joseph,” I said. He waved his...
3 years ago
October 18, 1996, Rutherford, Ohio My first reaction was surprise, followed almost immediately by a clear understanding of exactly how I’d gotten myself into this particular predicament. I’d told Winter what it took to keep me centered and balanced, made it exceedingly clear that I was open to the idea of other young women, and even told her about the ‘dose of virgin blood’ which Elyse had said was required for my mental health. The girl in front of me certainly bore a resemblance to Phoebe...
3 years ago
October 26, 1996, Rutherford, Ohio I chuckled, “If you’re serious, you know where to find me.” She smiled and I couldn’t tell what she was thinking. I highly doubted she was serious, but then again, as Kara said, stranger things had been known to happen to me. Not to mention the STD test requirement, but I’d had a nearly perfect string with that recently. It had been much more of an issue in the late 80s and early 90s because people weren’t regularly getting tested. It was far more common...
3 years ago
I was very aware that nothing had been resolved by the phone conversation that I'd had with Shirley. What had changed though, was the way I felt about things, having had the opportunity of speaking with her again. I felt less pessimistic. It wasn't that I thought we'd be able to patch things up, or that we'd work out our differences. I didn't believe that we might get back together. It was only that we had somehow changed the direction of our being apart. We weren't still moving away...
2 years ago
Back in his room, Errol was mentally kicking his own butt. He'd overreacted. Sure, there might be some small chance a cop or somebody else from that Ohio city might recognize him from a newspaper photo, but it was highly unlikely. He could hardly imagine a copy of the Register traveling that far. He knew now that his reaction to the photo op would create some concern in Jennie's mind, making her wonder why he was so averse to having his picture taken. But what's done is done. If she...
2 years ago
December 1982, Milford, Ohio When I arrived at the Blanchards’ at about 10:20pm, Kara was waiting for me. She quickly came out to the car, and we headed to the Spencers’. I opened the front door of the house with my key and we entered the mostly darkened house and went up to my room. I brought in only the things I would need for the night, deciding that I could bring the rest of my things into the house in the morning. Kara and I made love, then cuddled afterwards. “I never asked you what...
2 years ago
December 15, 2000, Rutherford, Ohio On Friday morning I slept a bit late because the light snow which had begun falling just before I’d left Emmy’s apartment at 1:00am had continued, and I couldn’t run outside. The motel didn’t have an exercise room, so I did my usual karate warm-ups, though double length, before taking a shower, dressing, and then walking to The Yolk’s On You for breakfast. Liz had just shown me to a booth when I saw Vickie come in. She spoke to Liz who pointed to my...
4 years ago
Tami and I drove to Lexington Kentucky to visit my friend John Phillips in the hospital. He had torn his Achilles tendon stepping off a curb. We decided to take the scenic route, so we could drive by horse farms in the area. The windows were down and you could hear the distinctive grumble and whine of the Charger as it ate up the miles. I was amazed Tami hadn't gotten a ticket yet, but she seemed to have a sixth sense as to where the police were. I was about to drop off into a nap when Tami...
4 years ago
December 17, 2000, Chicago, Illinois On Sunday morning after walking Jessica to work, I cuddled Birgit, then she and I made breakfast for everyone else. After breakfast I went to my study and booted my computer so I could write in my journal. I focused on everything that had happened on Friday night, as well as the things that had been said to me by Doctor Mercer and my physicians, and tried to make some sense out of all of the disparate input. I was about an hour into writing when gaim got...
2 years ago
August 25, 1981, Columbus, Ohio Jocelyn dozed off for about fifteen minutes, then woke up again. “Are you seeing Emmy tonight?” she asked. “Yes. Are you OK with that?” “Nothing changed in that regard, Mike. Until I get out of here and get better, we won’t have much chance to work on our relationship and figure out where things are going.” “You’re sure, Jos?” “Yes. Remember our plan. We need to stick to it. Nothing important has changed. I’ll just be a Freshman when you’re a Sophomore....
3 years ago
August 26, 1981, McKinley, Ohio “Michael Peter Loucks,” I said. “Hi, Michael! Welcome to William Howard Taft!” the young woman sitting at the table marked ‘Dorm Check-In: H-M’ said. “Thanks.” She flipped through some envelopes in boxes and pulled one out. “The envelope contains your room key, student ID, dining hall card, parking sticker, a campus map, a set of dorm and campus rules, and a schedule of activities for the next five days. There are carts available on the first floor of your...
2 years ago
We all got out of the Spa, changed and had something to eat. Both refrigerators, as well as the chest freezers in the garage were quite full, so we have enough food to last until we leave on tour, maybe even longer. I suppose we could pack some food to go with us? Annie spoke, “Today is July 25th guys, midway between Charles & Claire’s birthdays. In celebration of this, kneel, Claire McArthur and Charles Newman.” Kneel? Claire and I looked at each other, not knowing what was about to...
2 years ago
August 29, 1981, Columbus, Ohio “What are you talking about?” I asked. “Despite spending two days screwing like bunny rabbits,” Jocelyn said with a smile, “I think you’re STILL afraid of sex. May I ask another question?” “I guess,” I sighed. “Why haven’t you and Emmy done it? Because of her? Or because of you?” I could give her the answer that immediately popped into my mind - that Emmy wasn’t sixteen and was under the age of consent. But I knew there was some truth to what Jocelyn said....
1 year ago
September 1, 1981, McKinley, Ohio Tuesday wasn’t quite as crazy as Monday. My first class after breakfast was the biology seminar. After the first day, this would be run by Laura Peters, a graduate student. I immediately decided the seminar would be valuable, as she would provide study guides, sample lab reports, and a host of other useful information, as well as address any challenges we encountered in our first semester at Taft. The most important thing is that there would be no outside...
4 years ago
September 26, 1981, McKinley, Ohio “What?!” I gasped. “How is she?” “I don’t know, and that’s the God’s honest truth. Her dad called from Rutherford Hospital and asked me to call you. All he said was that they were working on her.” “I’m leaving in about three minutes. That’s what I’ll need to get dressed.” “What about Becky?” “I’ll bring her, I guess. I can’t imagine her parents are going to be in Rutherford.” “She’s there with you?” “Yes. Beat me up about that later! I’m on my way to...
4 years ago
September 28, 1981, McKinley, Ohio “Mike?” Nancy whispered. “Wake up! I need to eat breakfast so I can catch the bus!” “I’m awake,” I replied. I stretched and yawned and sat up. “Are you doing OK?” Nancy asked. “Much better after last night. That was just what I needed. Thanks.” “I think I’m calling Ripley’s,” Mrs. Landers laughed, coming into the room. “Teenage boy shows up and asks to spend the night with teenage girl. She agrees and gets permission from her mom. Boy desires only...
2 years ago
October 6, 1981, McKinley, Ohio I met Pete and Jason for breakfast in the dining hall. As usual, Clark was just getting out of bed when I left our room. “You got in pretty late last night, I guess,” Pete said. “We didn’t break up the study group until about 11:30pm.” “I had a long talk with Jocelyn.” “How’s she doing?” “Better, but she has a long way to go, physically, emotionally, and mentally. But at least she’s talking to me.” “I heard you’re invited to the Wednesday biology...
3 years ago
October 12, 1981, McKinley, Ohio “Well THAT stinks,” Nancy said on Tuesday afternoon. “What happens now?” “I don’t know yet. I talked to Doctor Norris this morning after my chem mid-term and he’s confident nothing will happen. The problem is, I’m sure I’ve made an enemy of the Dean, and any minor slip-up on my part is going to become a Federal case.” “But why you?” “I had the misfortune to draw someone who felt she could use the discrimination procedure to get something she couldn’t...
3 years ago
Breaking the mood, Sarah said, “He’s not the greatest dancer ever, but he’s darn close. Thank you for stopping by,” she added, rubbing my back saying, “She’s not too far from the truth, Charles?” I leaned into Sarah and cried for a bit. Fed, showered, and dressed - we showed up early for our second Carnegie Hall Performance, these folks paid $2,500 each to see us, so we really needed to be jazzed and ready. Walking up to Michael, I saw he’d actually put on the T-shirt we got him. “Hey...
2 years ago
March, 1982, Milford, Ohio “What’s the craziest thing you’ve done, Tracey?” “That one’s easy! Asking Steve to the Sadie Hawkins Day dance!” “What?!” Kara said, looking askance. “Think about it. I was a frumpy, shy girl with no self-confidence. I asked the school sex god to take me to the dance, knowing full well I’d probably end up losing my virginity, though I was worried he wouldn’t do it with me. Boy, was I wrong! Not only did he do it, but he spent the entire next day with me doing...
4 years ago
November 25, 1981, Rutherford, Ohio “Family Court for Harding County is now in session, Judge Martha Lee, presiding. You may be seated.” The small courtroom was packed with doctors, lawyers, and our family. Nobody from the general public was permitted because Liz was a minor. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Judge Lee said, “this is a status hearing on an emergency custody petition which I signed on Sunday evening. The procedure is a bit less formal than in a normal courtroom. That said, please...
2 years ago
December 3, 1981, Rutherford, Ohio “Well that went south pretty quickly,” I said. “They’re playing hardball with you,” Mr. Winston said. “It was always a possibility, but I didn’t think they’d go that route; they didn’t with your dad or sister.” “But they did with my mom?” “Yes, for the same basic reason. I believe they are under heavy pressure from someone to charge you with something; anything. And unless I miss my guess, it’s likely Mrs. Laramy from Family Services. She is certain...
3 years ago
January 4, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “And so another semester begins,” I said when I met Angie at the elevators on Monday morning. “I saw your class schedule was basically the same.” “The only real change is I have the creative writing core requirement replacing the scientific writing class. I am so glad I chose to take those in the order I did - it made all the difference in the world for doing the lab reports.” “I’m not complaining! I ended up with an A in biology which I NEVER would have...
3 years ago
I called Nicole and Tammy separately, and said that I had all the paperwork set up for them to become employees of RHR Consulting. They could come see me when they had the time. I called Mike and let him know that within the month I wouldn't need him so much, although I might want him to train the girls some the next time I was gone so they knew the routine. I worked on some preliminary stuff for that group in Ohio and called Mary Herman up and got more details of what they wanted. I said I...
3 years ago
January 25, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “I have a message for Michael Loucks,” a young man announced just as biology class ended. “That’s me,” I said. “Dean Parker would like to see you immediately.” “I’ll go with you, Mike,” Doctor Stanton said. I had no clue what she could possibly want, but I appreciated Doctor Stanton coming with me. We made our way to the administration building. “I’m here to see Dean Parker,” I said. “I’m Mike Loucks.” “One moment,” the young woman at the desk...
3 years ago
February 19, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “Angie!” I exclaimed, as I hurried toward the girls, who appeared tired, but otherwise OK. I took Angie in my arms and hugged her tightly. “Are you OK?” I asked. “Yes,” she said. “I’m sorry I’m late, but we were at the party and the police wouldn’t let us leave or make phone calls until they interviewed everyone who was there.” “What happened?” Melody asked. “A girl from the seventh floor was raped,” Jeannette said. “Who was it?” “Some girl named...
3 years ago
March 1, 1982, McKinley, Ohio “I have a meeting with the Dean to get permission to put up the flyers this afternoon,” Kurtis said at lunch. “We’ll only be escorting girls from our dorm. I talked to a couple of guys in other dorms who will organize theirs. I figured we couldn’t take care of everyone without some help.” “Cool,” Clark said. “Did anyone hear any more about the investigation?” “The Times said the police didn’t have any suspects, but were following leads,” Jeannette said. “What...
1 year ago
March 5, 1982, Circleville, Ohio “What became of that police investigation?” Mrs. Malenkov asked when I arrived at Katy’s house on Friday evening. “Nothing so far. They haven’t caught the rapist. The school added some security and started a service to walk girls to and from class or work after dark.” “Why did they check on you, specifically?” “The suspect has brown hair and is about 5’10” and I came into the dorm maybe an hour after it happened. At first they had reports it was a black...
4 years ago
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...
1 year ago
March 23, 1982, McKinley, Ohio I had been extremely distracted during my drive from Circleville to McKinley, and was having real trouble concentrating on my review for O-Chem, and the guys noticed. “What’s bugging you?” Jason asked. “You seem like you’re on another planet.” “I know,” I agreed. “I’m having real trouble concentrating.” “That must have been a hell of a concert!” Pete laughed. “Of course, seeing my girlfriend wrap her lips around a saxophone might distract me, too!” “You’re...
3 years ago
November, 1983, Milford, Ohio On Wednesday morning I had my usual swim and breakfast at my parents’ house, then spent some time with my little sister before heading to Anderson Township to see Anna. As promised, she was home with Kyle and he and I continued our tradition. “Steve!” he shrieked, running to hug me. “Kyle!” I exclaimed, scooping him up in my arms. He gave me a hug and planted a wet kiss on my cheek. I laughed and went to hug Anna. It was a bit awkward since Kyle had a death...
2 years ago
April 4, 1982, West Monroe, Ohio “Mishka!” Tasha squealed, hugging me tightly, but quickly releasing me because we were in the narthex of the church. “Hi, Tasha!” I said with a smile. She grabbed my hand and led me to the church hall where we got some food and coffee, then sat down by her parents. “Michael, how is school going?” Deacon Vasily asked. “All A’s so far, and I should finish the semester with a 4.0 average.” “Very good. And you’re attending church regularly?” “Yes. Every...
2 years ago
Alex Harrell is our first baseman. The guys call him Moneybags, because he was a second-round draft choice last year -- the same draft in which I was drafted in the fifth round. When you're a second-round pick by a club that finished as low in the standings as the Orioles did that year, it means you were picked pretty high, because the low-finishers get to pick earliest. So Alex had gotten drafted somewhere in the range of 30th to 40th overall. That is pretty high, and it means if you've...
2 years ago
Bryant took his leave from O'Bannon's Pub at seven thirty. He had switched to water for the last hour, even though he'd only consumed two beers in the time he'd been there. A DUI would not bode well for him in his job search. He plopped down on his bed at the inn and stretched his legs out. He thought about what he knew about Emerald Cove. Sure, the job would have its downsides. Every job would be like that. But those problems wouldn't necessarily be his to correct. His job would be to...
2 years ago
Holly Garvin and Jim Andrews walked briskly up the darkened path between a pair of dormitories accompanied by a pair of Huntington Police Department officers. They saw the hulking figure of Bryant Hawkins looming ahead, surrounded by several uniformed officers. There was a band of students standing in the background, looking on in interest, trying to figure out what had just taken place in front of the dormitory. There was another visible figure; this one was lying on the grass. The suspect...
3 years ago
Bryant was on an airplane, headed to Columbia when the reality of the situation hit him. The young woman had overheard his conversation with the bartender and set up Mayfield. A guy like Mayfield could probably take a lot of ribbing but to have an attractive female question his sexuality would provoke a response. Her companion obviously knew how to take care of himself. He had risked an assault conviction to help him put Mayfield in prison. Jan was incredulous when Bryant had phoned her. She...
2 years ago
Ten minutes after Bryant's first meeting with his entire detective squad, Jan Elliot walked into his office and shut the door. "Uh-oh ... the closed door," Bryant said. "That means you plan to yell." "Maybe I mean to sexually harass you," Jan replied as she took a chair opposite him. "Nope, you'd have called me to your office for that," Bryant joked. "I'd have called you to my office if I planned to yell," Jan said. "Look, we need to hash out our responsibilities here....
2 years ago
Peggy woke me up and made me run with her. I was in charge of pushing the boys in their running stroller. Duke must have been growing up because we saw three squirrels and he decided to let them live. Either that or Peggy had been getting through to him that dragging her across someone’s front lawn while she had the boys was not in his best interest. We went into breakfast and found that Mom had made sausage and eggs with hash browns. I was a happy boy because there was hot sauce. It was...