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Tears in Hell (UPDATED OCTOBER 11th)
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<blockquote data-quote="Puppy Kicker" data-source="post: 1686509" data-attributes="member: 20284"><p><strong>“Tears in Hell” – Deals Made, Meetings Cancelled</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>“Tears in Hell” – Deals Made, Meetings Cancelled</strong></p><p></p><p><em>5:30 PM Friday, July 16th</em></p><p><em>Newport News City Jail, Newport News, Virginia</em></p><p></p><p>Armani was led out of his cell to a waiting room. He sat at the table, hands still shackled, and waited for his visitor. A few minutes later a professionally dressed young man entered the room.</p><p></p><p>“Nicky Nickels.” He presented his right hand to Armani. “I’m here to get you out of this trouble. I suspect you know who I work for.”</p><p></p><p>Armani shook Nicky’s hand and they got down to business.</p><p></p><p>One hour later Armani was on the street, free for a while but twenty thousand dollars poorer. He hoped it was a temporary setback. He had a meeting that night with Sammy Nickels to discuss some business. Nicky Nickels’ services were not free.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">---</p><p></p><p><em>7:00 PM Friday, July 16th</em></p><p><em>Williamsburg, Virginia</em></p><p></p><p>He’d stopped at Taco Bell to kill some time and cool his temper before visiting Sammy. His truck had broken down on the way – twice. By the time Devin Cole finally rolled into the seedy establishment that Sammy Nickels called his base of operations it was late and the establishment was empty, with the exception of the single bartender. Devin pulled himself onto a stool and held his throbbing head.</p><p></p><p>“What’ll it be?”</p><p></p><p>“I need to see Sammy.” The bartender ignored him for a moment. He filled a pint and slid it towards Devin. “He’ll be out in a while. This one’s on the house.”</p><p></p><p>“Thanks. First one’s always free, isn’t it?”</p><p></p><p>The bartender ignored him for good this time and wiped the bar. The bar was immaculate. The bartender still wiped.</p><p></p><p>A few minutes later the outside door opened and a tall, bulky figure entered the bar. The figure approached Devin and pulled up an adjacent stool.</p><p></p><p>“Whatcha drinkin’?”</p><p></p><p>“The cheap stuff.”</p><p></p><p>“Bartender. Get me a drink.”</p><p></p><p>The bartender grabbed a dirty glass, filled it, and slid it towards Armani Determan. </p><p></p><p>“We both here for the same dude?”</p><p></p><p>Devin nodded. They waited in silence.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">---</p><p></p><p><em>5:00 PM Friday, July 16th</em></p><p><em>William & Mary Campus, Williamsburg, Virginia</em></p><p></p><p>Quinton Stark III was leery as he entered the computer lab. He didn’t spend much time here – some would say his grades showed it. But he did know some of the people who spent a lot of time in here and he had an idea of what they could do for him.</p><p></p><p>“Heya Robby. How’s it going?”</p><p></p><p>A lean young man crouched over a computer console in the corner of the room straightened up and looked warily around. He adjusted his glasses and focused on Quin.</p><p></p><p>“Not bad. How you doing?”</p><p></p><p>Quin had a seat next to Robby Bunt, one of the premier computer geeks on campus, and discussed what he needed. Robby discussed what he needed. The deal was made.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">---</p><p></p><p><em>6:00 PM Friday, July 16th</em></p><p><em>11th Precinct, Williamsburg, Virginia</em></p><p></p><p>Rebecca ran her fingers through her hair in frustration. Meadow tried not to slap the insolent young cop.</p><p></p><p>“We’ve been here for an HOUR! Have you even told anyone we’re waiting?”</p><p></p><p>The young cop glared at Meadow. “Yes. Have a seat.”</p><p></p><p>“I’ve had a seat for the last hour! We are in DANGER!”</p><p></p><p>“Sit down, miss.” Meadow and Rebecca scowled identical scowls at the cop and plopped themselves down on the miserably uncomfortable waiting seats. </p><p></p><p>“They’re busy,” scowled Rebecca. “Busy eating donuts and drinking coffee.” She clicked on her cell phone and pretended to make a call.</p><p></p><p>A young police-woman entered the foyer. “Miss McLean and Miss Michaels?” Meadow and Rebecca faced her. “My name is Sergeant Betty Richardson. Please follow me.” They did.</p><p></p><p>“Don’t tell her we have the bear,” whispered Meadow. Rebecca nodded.</p><p></p><p>“You mentioned that, like, ten times.”</p><p></p><p>Sitting in front of Sgt. Richardson’s desk they recapped the events of Monday night, explained the threatening notes they had received, failed to mention that they still had the bear, learned that the police had closed the case on the McDonalds shooting and abduction.</p><p></p><p>“What!? But Martin’s still missing!” shouted Rebecca. “How can they close the case?”</p><p></p><p>“Shhh….” Sgt. Richardson looked around the office. Several of the other police were looking at the desk. “We can’t talk about this. The POLICE are no longer OFFICIALLY investigating this case. That does NOT mean that NOBODY is investigating this case. It would probably be best if we spoke about this somewhere else.”</p><p></p><p>Rebecca calmed down. Her hands clasped her knees. “We can meet at my room on campus tonight.”</p><p></p><p>“Isn’t your apartment wrecked?”</p><p></p><p>“You’re right, Meadow.” Rebecca looked from Meadow back to Betty Richardson. “We can meet at Meadow’s room.” They gave Sgt. Richardson directions to the dorm and a time to meet. 8 PM.</p><p></p><p>They left the police station and headed towards Rebecca’s Grand Am.</p><p></p><p>“Think we should call Quin?” Rebecca said as she pulled out her keys.</p><p></p><p>“Do we have to?”</p><p></p><p>“Probably.” </p><p></p><p>Meadow sighted and dialed some digits into her cell phone.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">---</p><p></p><p><em>7:30 PM Friday, July 16th</em></p><p><em>Williamsburg, Virginia</em></p><p></p><p>Devin and Armani watched a hulking but well-dressed figure walk from the back room of the bar and settle his large form into a chair. “That him?”</p><p></p><p>Devin nodded. “Let’s go see him.” They sat down at Sammy Nickels’ table. The bartender brought fresh beer before any words were exchanged.</p><p></p><p>“Gentlemen. We have a problem.”</p><p></p><p>“You have my little sister. That’s a problem. It’s all I can do to not kill you right now.” </p><p></p><p>“Calm down, Mr. Cole. Lisa is perfectly safe. In fact, she spent a lovely day at Busch Gardens today. You lost a large portion of cash that belonged to me and I’m upset that you couldn’t have done a better job at protecting my belongings.”</p><p></p><p>“Yeah? And how good a job would you do with a f***ing bullet in your head!?”</p><p></p><p>Sammy waved a dismissing hand at Devin. “Mr. Determan here took care of that and ensured that the goods got to where they needed to go.” Armani smiled proudly. “But the process of recovering involved hiring one of my more expensive men. For that, Mr. Cole, you owe me.” Sammy Nickels turned his attention to Armani. “Mr. Determan, I trust that Nicky has taken good care of you?”</p><p></p><p>“I’m here ain’t I? Not in f***in’ jail.”</p><p></p><p>“Good. So I suppose it is safe to say that you owe me.” Armani nodded. He knew how the criminal barter system worked. “I need something recovered. An Indian artifact. A carved bear.”</p><p></p><p>Sammy explained that the bear had been in the possession of the old man kidnapped at the McDonalds. He needed the artifact for a businessman he was working with. He claimed not to know about who took the bear or where it was, but he had ideas about who might have a better idea.</p><p></p><p>“There were some college kids there with their professor. They may have an idea of where the artifact could be found. Recover it and we are square.”</p><p></p><p>“Where d’ya want it delivered?” Armani asked.</p><p></p><p>“I’ll deliver it up his f***ing ass,” whispered Devin.</p><p></p><p>Sammy didn’t seem to hear. “Just bring it here. It will get to me.”</p><p></p><p>“You want a ribbon on it?”</p><p></p><p>“Thank you, Mr. Determan. No. That is all I have for you, Mr. Cole.” Devin and Armani both stood to leave. “Mr. Determan, if you would stay for a moment longer.”</p><p></p><p>Armani sat down as Devin strode out of the bar, slamming the door behind him.</p><p></p><p>“Yeah?”</p><p></p><p>“You killed a man on Monday.”</p><p></p><p>“I don’t give a f**k. He deserved it.”</p><p></p><p>“That’s what I thought.” Sammy smiled. “That’s just the man I want for this job. I DO know who was involved in the kidnapping. Her name is Wendy Johnson. I want her dead.”</p><p></p><p>“What’s it worth to you?” Sammy named a number. There were a lot of zeroes. “You got my attention.”</p><p></p><p>“I suspect that when you find the bear artifact you will find her. I imagine a man of your temperament will be able to find a way to get her head back to me. The rest of her body is unnecessary.”</p><p></p><p>“I’ll get it. We’ll find them college kids and go from there.” Sammy nodded and Armani left. Outside the bar he saw Devin parked in his pickup, trying to get it started. Armani hopped in the passenger side.</p><p></p><p>“Give me a ride to see them kids.” The engine sputtered and died.. Armani remembered briefly how to behave in society. “Please.”</p><p></p><p>“On my way.” The engine didn’t so much roar to life. It sputtered. It choked. It retched. Then it whimpered to life and they left the parking lot – destination William and Mary Campus.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">---</p><p></p><p><em>8:00 PM Friday, July 16th</em></p><p><em>William & Mary Campus, Williamsburg, Virginia</em></p><p></p><p>“What are you typing?” Meadow asked. She was sitting on the foot of her bed as Rebecca sat at Meadow’s computer, typing vigorously.</p><p></p><p>“Just a little e-mail about this bear. Don’t worry, I’m being subtle.”</p><p></p><p>“Nobody else knows we have this thing, Rebecca. I’d rather keep it that way. I mean, somebody is after it and if they knew…” Meadow shut her mouth as Quin walked into the dorm room. He closed the door behind him.</p><p></p><p>“Hey girls.” They greeted him. “I have a friend of mine working on finding out about that e-mail address. Hey, either of you know Jenny Patson?”</p><p></p><p>Rebecca and Meadow shook their heads. “Why?” asked Rebecca. </p><p></p><p>“Well, this guy doesn’t come free. He’ll find out about the e-mail address I’m sure. But in return I need to get him a date with this girl he’s got a crush on. This Jenny.”</p><p></p><p>“Quite the little pimp aren’t you, Quin?” Rebecca jibed. She reviewed her e-mail one last time.</p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">TO: John Edward <johnedward@crossingover.com></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">FROM: Rebecca Michaels <michaelsr@wandm.edu></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">SUBJ: Bears that talk to dead people</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">Dear Mr. Edward,</span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">I'm writing in the hopes that you can help me with an </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">extremely urgent problem. My fiance, who is a professor </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">at a well-known university, has recently found an artifact </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">that is reported to speak to the dead. Since this is also </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">your line of work (which I love!), I was wondering if you'd </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">heard of it. (If not, perhaps you could ask some of your </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">clients if they've spoken with a bear recently?) If they </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">have, or if you know of it, I'm very interested in any </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">information you can give me. I would certainly grant </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">permission for you to use my story in an episode. </span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">Sincerely,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">Rebecca Michaels</span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">P.S. I'm in a hurry, and in danger, so it would be best if </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">you respond by e-mail. But I'd really appreciate it if you </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">could also send a paper copy of your response, signed, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'">by mail. Thank you, RM </span> </p><p></p><p></p><p>Rebecca clicked SEND. She logged off the computer. “All done. Now were is that nice Sergeant lady?”</p><p></p><p>“What are we here for, anyway? What did you lovely ladies find out at the police station?”</p><p></p><p>“Well we dealt with this big fat jerk who wouldn’t let us talk to anyone for, like, an HOUR, and he had bad skin. He could really use some of my…”</p><p></p><p>Meadow interrupted. “ANYWAY… we got to see a lady who we’re meeting tonight. Betty.”</p><p></p><p>“Who’s Betty?” Quinton asked.</p><p></p><p>Someone knocked on the door. “That might be her.” Rebecca got up and walked to the door. She peered through the peephole. “Drats. It’s those thugs from the McDonalds. Should I let them in?”</p><p></p><p>“C’mon, let us in.” A gravelly voice came through the door.</p><p></p><p>“Don’t you thugs have other things to worry about besides us?” Rebecca said to the peephole.</p><p></p><p>“Damn it, I’ll break the door down!” “Shut up, Armani.” “Bunch of pansy college students.” “They might be doing something gay. Lots of gay people on this campus.” “Let us in! We don’t want to break in on anything gay, but we got to talk.”</p><p></p><p>Rebecca opened the door. “I’m not gay,” objected Quin. Armani and Devin stood in the doorway, looking inside but not looking too hard. Meadow objected to their presence as Armani insisted that he needed to talk to “all you gay college kids.”</p><p></p><p>Rebecca’s phone rang. The arguing continued as she answered it.</p><p></p><p>“Hello, this is Rebecca Michaels.” There was silence for a moment. In the background Rebecca could hear car noise, some strained breathing. "Hello?"</p><p></p><p>“Ms. Michaels, this is Sgt. Richardson. I can’t make our meeting tonight. They’re on to me. They’re following me right now…” The phone clicked off.</p><p></p><p>Rebecca clicked her phone off. The argument in the hallway had bounced between “why should we help you?” to “how can you help us?” to “why are you such thugs?” to “where is the bear?” to “why don’t you just go away?” It was at the “why don’t I just beat the answers out of you” stage when Rebecca interrupted. </p><p></p><p>“Betty can’t make it.”</p><p></p><p>Meadow looked worried. “Why not?”</p><p></p><p>“Who’s Betty?” Quin asked.</p><p></p><p>Rebecca ignored Quin and faced Meadow. “She says someone is following her or something.”</p><p></p><p>The stream of arguments continued. “Just help me get the goddamn bear.” “Look, I just want to get my sister back.” “Are you gay?” “We can help you if you help us.” “Who’s Betty?” </p><p></p><p>The flood of voices was interrupted by the screeching of tires and the SLAM of metal on metal from outside. More squealing tires as the group ran down the stairs to investigate. Outside they saw a large black pickup peeling out of the parking lot and a virtually destroyed Toyota Tercel crunched against a light post.</p><p></p><p>“There’s someone in there!” Rebecca shouted. Devin sprinted towards the car, the others a few steps behind. A woman was in the driver’s seat, pinned in by seatbelt, airbag, and crushed metal. Devin yanked on the door with all his might. Nothing.</p><p></p><p>“Back off, little man.” Armani shoved Devin out of the way and wretched on the door. It gave, but only slightly. “Ok, need help.”</p><p></p><p>“Just use a crowbar, man!” Quin made a prying motion towards Armani.</p><p></p><p>“What, you think I carry a f***in’ crowbar in my pocket?”</p><p></p><p>Meadow chimed in. “You’re a thug! Isn’t that what thugs do?”</p><p></p><p>Armani opened his mouth. Closed it. Opened it. Closed it. Cursed under his breath.</p><p></p><p>Devin’s attention shifted from the growing puddle of fuel at his feet to the jammed door. “We’ve got to get her out of here!” </p><p></p><p>Armani and Devin threw their collective strength into the door and slowly it groaned open. </p><p></p><p>“Get her out!” Devin shouted. “We can’t hold it for long.” A flicker of flame was visible under the accordioned hood and the puddle of fuel at their feet was spreading.</p><p></p><p>Meadow and Rebecca carefully tried to pull the body from the car, avoiding projecting metal. “We’ve got her!” </p><p></p><p>Armani and Devin released the door, which SLAMMED shut inches from Meadow’s face. Armani hefted the woman’s body up on his shoulder and the group sprinted towards the protection of the housing building. The fire and fuel connected as Quinton, bringing up the rear, reached the doorway and the explosion hurled him into the building.</p><p></p><p>Armani carefully set the woman’s body down on the ground. She was breathing weakly. “Stupid broad. Chicks can’t drive.”</p><p></p><p>“That’s Betty,” said Meadow. “I guess whoever was after her almost got her.” </p><p></p><p>“Who the hell is Betty?” asked Quin.</p><p></p><p>Meadow sighed loudly as she helped Devin apply first aid. “Pay attention, Quin. We’ve been discussing her all evening.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Puppy Kicker, post: 1686509, member: 20284"] [b]“Tears in Hell” – Deals Made, Meetings Cancelled[/b] [B]“Tears in Hell” – Deals Made, Meetings Cancelled[/B] [I]5:30 PM Friday, July 16th Newport News City Jail, Newport News, Virginia[/I] Armani was led out of his cell to a waiting room. He sat at the table, hands still shackled, and waited for his visitor. A few minutes later a professionally dressed young man entered the room. “Nicky Nickels.” He presented his right hand to Armani. “I’m here to get you out of this trouble. I suspect you know who I work for.” Armani shook Nicky’s hand and they got down to business. One hour later Armani was on the street, free for a while but twenty thousand dollars poorer. He hoped it was a temporary setback. He had a meeting that night with Sammy Nickels to discuss some business. Nicky Nickels’ services were not free. [CENTER]---[/CENTER] [I]7:00 PM Friday, July 16th Williamsburg, Virginia[/I] He’d stopped at Taco Bell to kill some time and cool his temper before visiting Sammy. His truck had broken down on the way – twice. By the time Devin Cole finally rolled into the seedy establishment that Sammy Nickels called his base of operations it was late and the establishment was empty, with the exception of the single bartender. Devin pulled himself onto a stool and held his throbbing head. “What’ll it be?” “I need to see Sammy.” The bartender ignored him for a moment. He filled a pint and slid it towards Devin. “He’ll be out in a while. This one’s on the house.” “Thanks. First one’s always free, isn’t it?” The bartender ignored him for good this time and wiped the bar. The bar was immaculate. The bartender still wiped. A few minutes later the outside door opened and a tall, bulky figure entered the bar. The figure approached Devin and pulled up an adjacent stool. “Whatcha drinkin’?” “The cheap stuff.” “Bartender. Get me a drink.” The bartender grabbed a dirty glass, filled it, and slid it towards Armani Determan. “We both here for the same dude?” Devin nodded. They waited in silence. [CENTER]---[/CENTER] [I]5:00 PM Friday, July 16th William & Mary Campus, Williamsburg, Virginia[/I] Quinton Stark III was leery as he entered the computer lab. He didn’t spend much time here – some would say his grades showed it. But he did know some of the people who spent a lot of time in here and he had an idea of what they could do for him. “Heya Robby. How’s it going?” A lean young man crouched over a computer console in the corner of the room straightened up and looked warily around. He adjusted his glasses and focused on Quin. “Not bad. How you doing?” Quin had a seat next to Robby Bunt, one of the premier computer geeks on campus, and discussed what he needed. Robby discussed what he needed. The deal was made. [CENTER]---[/CENTER] [I]6:00 PM Friday, July 16th 11th Precinct, Williamsburg, Virginia[/I] Rebecca ran her fingers through her hair in frustration. Meadow tried not to slap the insolent young cop. “We’ve been here for an HOUR! Have you even told anyone we’re waiting?” The young cop glared at Meadow. “Yes. Have a seat.” “I’ve had a seat for the last hour! We are in DANGER!” “Sit down, miss.” Meadow and Rebecca scowled identical scowls at the cop and plopped themselves down on the miserably uncomfortable waiting seats. “They’re busy,” scowled Rebecca. “Busy eating donuts and drinking coffee.” She clicked on her cell phone and pretended to make a call. A young police-woman entered the foyer. “Miss McLean and Miss Michaels?” Meadow and Rebecca faced her. “My name is Sergeant Betty Richardson. Please follow me.” They did. “Don’t tell her we have the bear,” whispered Meadow. Rebecca nodded. “You mentioned that, like, ten times.” Sitting in front of Sgt. Richardson’s desk they recapped the events of Monday night, explained the threatening notes they had received, failed to mention that they still had the bear, learned that the police had closed the case on the McDonalds shooting and abduction. “What!? But Martin’s still missing!” shouted Rebecca. “How can they close the case?” “Shhh….” Sgt. Richardson looked around the office. Several of the other police were looking at the desk. “We can’t talk about this. The POLICE are no longer OFFICIALLY investigating this case. That does NOT mean that NOBODY is investigating this case. It would probably be best if we spoke about this somewhere else.” Rebecca calmed down. Her hands clasped her knees. “We can meet at my room on campus tonight.” “Isn’t your apartment wrecked?” “You’re right, Meadow.” Rebecca looked from Meadow back to Betty Richardson. “We can meet at Meadow’s room.” They gave Sgt. Richardson directions to the dorm and a time to meet. 8 PM. They left the police station and headed towards Rebecca’s Grand Am. “Think we should call Quin?” Rebecca said as she pulled out her keys. “Do we have to?” “Probably.” Meadow sighted and dialed some digits into her cell phone. [CENTER]---[/CENTER] [I]7:30 PM Friday, July 16th Williamsburg, Virginia[/I] Devin and Armani watched a hulking but well-dressed figure walk from the back room of the bar and settle his large form into a chair. “That him?” Devin nodded. “Let’s go see him.” They sat down at Sammy Nickels’ table. The bartender brought fresh beer before any words were exchanged. “Gentlemen. We have a problem.” “You have my little sister. That’s a problem. It’s all I can do to not kill you right now.” “Calm down, Mr. Cole. Lisa is perfectly safe. In fact, she spent a lovely day at Busch Gardens today. You lost a large portion of cash that belonged to me and I’m upset that you couldn’t have done a better job at protecting my belongings.” “Yeah? And how good a job would you do with a f***ing bullet in your head!?” Sammy waved a dismissing hand at Devin. “Mr. Determan here took care of that and ensured that the goods got to where they needed to go.” Armani smiled proudly. “But the process of recovering involved hiring one of my more expensive men. For that, Mr. Cole, you owe me.” Sammy Nickels turned his attention to Armani. “Mr. Determan, I trust that Nicky has taken good care of you?” “I’m here ain’t I? Not in f***in’ jail.” “Good. So I suppose it is safe to say that you owe me.” Armani nodded. He knew how the criminal barter system worked. “I need something recovered. An Indian artifact. A carved bear.” Sammy explained that the bear had been in the possession of the old man kidnapped at the McDonalds. He needed the artifact for a businessman he was working with. He claimed not to know about who took the bear or where it was, but he had ideas about who might have a better idea. “There were some college kids there with their professor. They may have an idea of where the artifact could be found. Recover it and we are square.” “Where d’ya want it delivered?” Armani asked. “I’ll deliver it up his f***ing ass,” whispered Devin. Sammy didn’t seem to hear. “Just bring it here. It will get to me.” “You want a ribbon on it?” “Thank you, Mr. Determan. No. That is all I have for you, Mr. Cole.” Devin and Armani both stood to leave. “Mr. Determan, if you would stay for a moment longer.” Armani sat down as Devin strode out of the bar, slamming the door behind him. “Yeah?” “You killed a man on Monday.” “I don’t give a f**k. He deserved it.” “That’s what I thought.” Sammy smiled. “That’s just the man I want for this job. I DO know who was involved in the kidnapping. Her name is Wendy Johnson. I want her dead.” “What’s it worth to you?” Sammy named a number. There were a lot of zeroes. “You got my attention.” “I suspect that when you find the bear artifact you will find her. I imagine a man of your temperament will be able to find a way to get her head back to me. The rest of her body is unnecessary.” “I’ll get it. We’ll find them college kids and go from there.” Sammy nodded and Armani left. Outside the bar he saw Devin parked in his pickup, trying to get it started. Armani hopped in the passenger side. “Give me a ride to see them kids.” The engine sputtered and died.. Armani remembered briefly how to behave in society. “Please.” “On my way.” The engine didn’t so much roar to life. It sputtered. It choked. It retched. Then it whimpered to life and they left the parking lot – destination William and Mary Campus. [CENTER]---[/CENTER] [I]8:00 PM Friday, July 16th William & Mary Campus, Williamsburg, Virginia[/I] “What are you typing?” Meadow asked. She was sitting on the foot of her bed as Rebecca sat at Meadow’s computer, typing vigorously. “Just a little e-mail about this bear. Don’t worry, I’m being subtle.” “Nobody else knows we have this thing, Rebecca. I’d rather keep it that way. I mean, somebody is after it and if they knew…” Meadow shut her mouth as Quin walked into the dorm room. He closed the door behind him. “Hey girls.” They greeted him. “I have a friend of mine working on finding out about that e-mail address. Hey, either of you know Jenny Patson?” Rebecca and Meadow shook their heads. “Why?” asked Rebecca. “Well, this guy doesn’t come free. He’ll find out about the e-mail address I’m sure. But in return I need to get him a date with this girl he’s got a crush on. This Jenny.” “Quite the little pimp aren’t you, Quin?” Rebecca jibed. She reviewed her e-mail one last time. [FONT=Courier New]TO: John Edward <johnedward@crossingover.com> FROM: Rebecca Michaels <michaelsr@wandm.edu> SUBJ: Bears that talk to dead people Dear Mr. Edward, I'm writing in the hopes that you can help me with an extremely urgent problem. My fiance, who is a professor at a well-known university, has recently found an artifact that is reported to speak to the dead. Since this is also your line of work (which I love!), I was wondering if you'd heard of it. (If not, perhaps you could ask some of your clients if they've spoken with a bear recently?) If they have, or if you know of it, I'm very interested in any information you can give me. I would certainly grant permission for you to use my story in an episode. Sincerely, Rebecca Michaels P.S. I'm in a hurry, and in danger, so it would be best if you respond by e-mail. But I'd really appreciate it if you could also send a paper copy of your response, signed, by mail. Thank you, RM [/FONT] Rebecca clicked SEND. She logged off the computer. “All done. Now were is that nice Sergeant lady?” “What are we here for, anyway? What did you lovely ladies find out at the police station?” “Well we dealt with this big fat jerk who wouldn’t let us talk to anyone for, like, an HOUR, and he had bad skin. He could really use some of my…” Meadow interrupted. “ANYWAY… we got to see a lady who we’re meeting tonight. Betty.” “Who’s Betty?” Quinton asked. Someone knocked on the door. “That might be her.” Rebecca got up and walked to the door. She peered through the peephole. “Drats. It’s those thugs from the McDonalds. Should I let them in?” “C’mon, let us in.” A gravelly voice came through the door. “Don’t you thugs have other things to worry about besides us?” Rebecca said to the peephole. “Damn it, I’ll break the door down!” “Shut up, Armani.” “Bunch of pansy college students.” “They might be doing something gay. Lots of gay people on this campus.” “Let us in! We don’t want to break in on anything gay, but we got to talk.” Rebecca opened the door. “I’m not gay,” objected Quin. Armani and Devin stood in the doorway, looking inside but not looking too hard. Meadow objected to their presence as Armani insisted that he needed to talk to “all you gay college kids.” Rebecca’s phone rang. The arguing continued as she answered it. “Hello, this is Rebecca Michaels.” There was silence for a moment. In the background Rebecca could hear car noise, some strained breathing. "Hello?" “Ms. Michaels, this is Sgt. Richardson. I can’t make our meeting tonight. They’re on to me. They’re following me right now…” The phone clicked off. Rebecca clicked her phone off. The argument in the hallway had bounced between “why should we help you?” to “how can you help us?” to “why are you such thugs?” to “where is the bear?” to “why don’t you just go away?” It was at the “why don’t I just beat the answers out of you” stage when Rebecca interrupted. “Betty can’t make it.” Meadow looked worried. “Why not?” “Who’s Betty?” Quin asked. Rebecca ignored Quin and faced Meadow. “She says someone is following her or something.” The stream of arguments continued. “Just help me get the goddamn bear.” “Look, I just want to get my sister back.” “Are you gay?” “We can help you if you help us.” “Who’s Betty?” The flood of voices was interrupted by the screeching of tires and the SLAM of metal on metal from outside. More squealing tires as the group ran down the stairs to investigate. Outside they saw a large black pickup peeling out of the parking lot and a virtually destroyed Toyota Tercel crunched against a light post. “There’s someone in there!” Rebecca shouted. Devin sprinted towards the car, the others a few steps behind. A woman was in the driver’s seat, pinned in by seatbelt, airbag, and crushed metal. Devin yanked on the door with all his might. Nothing. “Back off, little man.” Armani shoved Devin out of the way and wretched on the door. It gave, but only slightly. “Ok, need help.” “Just use a crowbar, man!” Quin made a prying motion towards Armani. “What, you think I carry a f***in’ crowbar in my pocket?” Meadow chimed in. “You’re a thug! Isn’t that what thugs do?” Armani opened his mouth. Closed it. Opened it. Closed it. Cursed under his breath. Devin’s attention shifted from the growing puddle of fuel at his feet to the jammed door. “We’ve got to get her out of here!” Armani and Devin threw their collective strength into the door and slowly it groaned open. “Get her out!” Devin shouted. “We can’t hold it for long.” A flicker of flame was visible under the accordioned hood and the puddle of fuel at their feet was spreading. Meadow and Rebecca carefully tried to pull the body from the car, avoiding projecting metal. “We’ve got her!” Armani and Devin released the door, which SLAMMED shut inches from Meadow’s face. Armani hefted the woman’s body up on his shoulder and the group sprinted towards the protection of the housing building. The fire and fuel connected as Quinton, bringing up the rear, reached the doorway and the explosion hurled him into the building. Armani carefully set the woman’s body down on the ground. She was breathing weakly. “Stupid broad. Chicks can’t drive.” “That’s Betty,” said Meadow. “I guess whoever was after her almost got her.” “Who the hell is Betty?” asked Quin. Meadow sighed loudly as she helped Devin apply first aid. “Pay attention, Quin. We’ve been discussing her all evening.” [/QUOTE]
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