Gordon didn’t sleep at all, he ran through his mind the facts as he knew them and tried to piece it together. The evidence was gathered and it all pointed at Big Bird.
Feathers,
Footprints,
No alibi for the time of the murder.
It all looked hopeless. Outside of the window there was a rummaging in the trash. Gordon peeked through the window and spotted Elmo, whom he hadn’t seen in months. Elmo scarfed down some discarded food remnants, Gordon, always the neighbour whispered to Elmo:
“Hey Elmo, come on up, I’ll fix you a sandwich!”
Elmo, startled at first relaxed and smiled at Gordon,: “I’d like that”.
Gordon helped Elmo through the window and sat Elmo down, it was obvious by Elmo’s appearance that he had been away for a bit.
Elmo recounted to Gordon the chain of events since his arrest. Gordon was perplexed by what Elmo knew, though he would not elaborate much. Gordon knew that deep down Elmo’s criminal tendencies were fuelled more by a desire to secure financial well-being than blood lust. Gordon reasoned with himself that the fact that Sal and Bif were dead was a small tragedy, since they basically were 75% of the crime in Sesame Street and their absence might cause things to cool off a bit.
Just before Elmo was caught two days ago something happened that he felt he needed protection. The gun used in Bif and Sal’s demise was planted with the foresight of what would happen. Elmo saw something the night of Maria’s murder and would not elaborate until he was sure he was going to be safe, so he turned himself in to police that night.
Elmo forgot his troubles for a while and expressed his desire to lead a normal life, Gordon agreed that his current path would only lead to prison or the grave. He suggested that Elmo do the right thing and talk to the Police about everything. Elmo snapped back to reality and grinned pensively: “yeah, maybe I should.”
Elmo left through the same window he had came and disappeared. He promised to keep in touch with Gordon and that he knew enough about what was going on to make him a target of more people than just Bruno. He asked that Gordon keep a ear open and that they would speak again soon.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
F is for Friendship
On the other side of town Bruno was in a panic. Elmo had escaped the clutches of his henchmen and had managed to arm himself at the same time. Bif and Sully were missing and with all the other chaos it was going to be tough to maintain a low profile.
He contracted a few new faces that Elmo wouldn’t expect to hunt him. Telly, who had just gotten out of prison for armed robbery of the Sesame Street Wal-Mart, was a low profile but ruthless signing. Partnered with Telly was worm, another friend of Oscars who had surprising ability for his stature, as you may remember, worm could whistle and spell out sentences with his body. He would never be suspected and could get closer to Elmo without being detected.
They set out on their way through the usual hangouts for a thug in hiding and asked around, Elmo had all but vanished from the Intel they gathered.
Back at the riverside Gordon poked his head out enough to spot the silhouette of a burly character easing two large sacks into the river. The river had a wicked undercurrent and whatever these “packages were, they wouldn’t be seen again for a long, long time.
As quietly as the figure had appeared, it disappeared again into the shadows of the bush that surrounded them.
“Bird, we need to find you a safe place to hide.”
“I’ll be okay Gordon, if anything happens to me remember that I didn’t do it and there may be a killer on the loose.”
“If you should need anything, Bird, just mark the sidewalk near the alley behind the apartment and I’ll find you here. Keep safe.”
“Thanks Gordon.”
Gordon returned to the street above and made his way home, the streets were quiet. Under the porch light was Telly with worm, Gordon greeted them and asked about why they were there. Telly explained that he was now reformed and was looking to reconnect with his roots.
Gordon spoke with them at length about how he was coping and promised if he ran into any of Telly’s old pals, he would let him know.
He contracted a few new faces that Elmo wouldn’t expect to hunt him. Telly, who had just gotten out of prison for armed robbery of the Sesame Street Wal-Mart, was a low profile but ruthless signing. Partnered with Telly was worm, another friend of Oscars who had surprising ability for his stature, as you may remember, worm could whistle and spell out sentences with his body. He would never be suspected and could get closer to Elmo without being detected.
They set out on their way through the usual hangouts for a thug in hiding and asked around, Elmo had all but vanished from the Intel they gathered.
Back at the riverside Gordon poked his head out enough to spot the silhouette of a burly character easing two large sacks into the river. The river had a wicked undercurrent and whatever these “packages were, they wouldn’t be seen again for a long, long time.
As quietly as the figure had appeared, it disappeared again into the shadows of the bush that surrounded them.
“Bird, we need to find you a safe place to hide.”
“I’ll be okay Gordon, if anything happens to me remember that I didn’t do it and there may be a killer on the loose.”
“If you should need anything, Bird, just mark the sidewalk near the alley behind the apartment and I’ll find you here. Keep safe.”
“Thanks Gordon.”
Gordon returned to the street above and made his way home, the streets were quiet. Under the porch light was Telly with worm, Gordon greeted them and asked about why they were there. Telly explained that he was now reformed and was looking to reconnect with his roots.
Gordon spoke with them at length about how he was coping and promised if he ran into any of Telly’s old pals, he would let him know.
Friday, July 27, 2007
T is for Trust
It was after reflecting that Gordon realized he could have been better to Maria, the fact that she was gone forever made it easy to fill his head with thoughts of her, and as usually happens, only the best memories surface once someone is gone for good.
He took a walk through the park, down the street and unknowingly had navigated himself right to the very spot where his wife’s life had ended. He looked through the window and a new layer of dust was already forming over the floors that had been partially cleared by the shuffling of feet and other commotion. He wondered why, why would anyone want to hurt her. His name had been cleared in the murder because it was proven that he was nowhere near Hooper’s that night. But even so, he knew deep inside that Big Bird was incapable of murder and there was some sort of mistake.
“You ok Gordon? A voice whispered from the shadows behind him. It was Bird.
“Big Bird what are you doing? Half of the country is looking for you! Where are you, I can’t even see you!”
“I couldn’t be found Gordon, I didn’t do it and nobody believes me. I had to stay to find out what happened. You believe me don’t you?”
“Of course I do, but the feathers, the footprints, it looks bad Bird, real bad. I can’t see you. Let’s go somewhere and talk.”
They sat near the river somewhere that Gordon had never seen before. Bird had been hiding here for days and it was evident that he was planning for a long stay.
“I hear Snuffy is on the run and they think that you have taken him”
“You know Snuffy couldn’t handle the news that Maria’s dea…” he paused and considered Gordon’s feelings for a moment.
“Sorry.”
“That’s ok Big Bird” he said solemnly, “So where’s Snuffy?”
“He’s gone to visit some family until things cool down, he’s so innocent you know, he even left a trail of hair along the way so he could find his way back, I just don’t think I could handle it if he believed those lies about me.”
“So what happened that night Bird?”
“Well after we had words at Oscar’s I was pretty upset… and drunk, I called Maria to cry on her shoulder and something strange happened, she turned from the phone and said “How did you do that?” then the phone dropped there was a little muffled noise and then the line went dead.”
“I just didn’t feel right about it, so by the time I had made my way back downtown the commotion at Hooper’s told me the story.” That’s when I sent Snuffy on his way and hid out here to wait for things to cool of a bit.”
“So there must have been someone in my apartment when you called, someone she trusted, and someone she knew, a familiar face. Like you... but not you.”
They both fell silent as they heard a rustling in the woods around them. Bird pulled up a brush camouflaged blanket over them both and they lied perfectly still.
He took a walk through the park, down the street and unknowingly had navigated himself right to the very spot where his wife’s life had ended. He looked through the window and a new layer of dust was already forming over the floors that had been partially cleared by the shuffling of feet and other commotion. He wondered why, why would anyone want to hurt her. His name had been cleared in the murder because it was proven that he was nowhere near Hooper’s that night. But even so, he knew deep inside that Big Bird was incapable of murder and there was some sort of mistake.
“You ok Gordon? A voice whispered from the shadows behind him. It was Bird.
“Big Bird what are you doing? Half of the country is looking for you! Where are you, I can’t even see you!”
“I couldn’t be found Gordon, I didn’t do it and nobody believes me. I had to stay to find out what happened. You believe me don’t you?”
“Of course I do, but the feathers, the footprints, it looks bad Bird, real bad. I can’t see you. Let’s go somewhere and talk.”
They sat near the river somewhere that Gordon had never seen before. Bird had been hiding here for days and it was evident that he was planning for a long stay.
“I hear Snuffy is on the run and they think that you have taken him”
“You know Snuffy couldn’t handle the news that Maria’s dea…” he paused and considered Gordon’s feelings for a moment.
“Sorry.”
“That’s ok Big Bird” he said solemnly, “So where’s Snuffy?”
“He’s gone to visit some family until things cool down, he’s so innocent you know, he even left a trail of hair along the way so he could find his way back, I just don’t think I could handle it if he believed those lies about me.”
“So what happened that night Bird?”
“Well after we had words at Oscar’s I was pretty upset… and drunk, I called Maria to cry on her shoulder and something strange happened, she turned from the phone and said “How did you do that?” then the phone dropped there was a little muffled noise and then the line went dead.”
“I just didn’t feel right about it, so by the time I had made my way back downtown the commotion at Hooper’s told me the story.” That’s when I sent Snuffy on his way and hid out here to wait for things to cool of a bit.”
“So there must have been someone in my apartment when you called, someone she trusted, and someone she knew, a familiar face. Like you... but not you.”
They both fell silent as they heard a rustling in the woods around them. Bird pulled up a brush camouflaged blanket over them both and they lied perfectly still.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
S is for Surprise
The call came in at 0300, Elmo had been pinched. Bruno sighed and thought to himself “here we go”. If you know Elmo, you know that Elmo doesn’t have a “doing time” sort of disposition, and it would take very little time for the interrogator to know all that Elmo knew and if it came down to either Bruno or Elmo? You’d best believe it wasn’t going to be Bruno.
The bail hearing adjourned after another of Bruno’s crew “the Count” was removed from the court room, obviously the $10,000.00 bail note was too much to resist, he had, however gathered the needed intel. for his boss. Elmo looked no worse for wear, smiling and singing as always. Elmo had been diagnosed with ADHD months earlier, but with prescription medication was quite focused and cold blooded, it would appear the medication did not survive the pat down.
Once Bruno was advised of the bail amount a sum of $10,000.00; cash was transformed into temporary freedom for Elmo and there to welcome him at the outer door was Sully and Bif, two ex construction workers from the area, who were well known for their collection tactics. Elmo got into the car and sighed: “Elmo so happy to be out of there, can we get Happy Meal?”
Sal eyed Bif and with a half hearted grin said: “Sure 'ting kid, we’ll get you a happy meal”.
The car turned down a barely lit alley and with two quick gunshots the silence over Sesame street broke with a scream, a plea then two more gunshots. It was clear to Elmo from the get-go that Bruno had no intention of letting him see the light of day again, but with some quick moves and a clear head, Elmo had won his freedom, at least for now.
The bail hearing adjourned after another of Bruno’s crew “the Count” was removed from the court room, obviously the $10,000.00 bail note was too much to resist, he had, however gathered the needed intel. for his boss. Elmo looked no worse for wear, smiling and singing as always. Elmo had been diagnosed with ADHD months earlier, but with prescription medication was quite focused and cold blooded, it would appear the medication did not survive the pat down.
Once Bruno was advised of the bail amount a sum of $10,000.00; cash was transformed into temporary freedom for Elmo and there to welcome him at the outer door was Sully and Bif, two ex construction workers from the area, who were well known for their collection tactics. Elmo got into the car and sighed: “Elmo so happy to be out of there, can we get Happy Meal?”
Sal eyed Bif and with a half hearted grin said: “Sure 'ting kid, we’ll get you a happy meal”.
The car turned down a barely lit alley and with two quick gunshots the silence over Sesame street broke with a scream, a plea then two more gunshots. It was clear to Elmo from the get-go that Bruno had no intention of letting him see the light of day again, but with some quick moves and a clear head, Elmo had won his freedom, at least for now.
Friday, July 20, 2007
F is for Foresight
When Officers Bert and Ernie discovered the trail of snuffleuppagus hair it had become evident that Snuffy had either developed mange or was losing hair with the added stress of his current situation. Though it wasn't spoken there was an added urgency to locating the tandem before things got worse.
Back at the crime scene the forensic specialists "Professor" and "Beaker" had secured the evidence, taken the photos and Maria's body was being transported to the Sesame Street Morgue which was actually located on Letter Y street. This was an undesirable location with the likes of Bruno (the former trash hauling giant) who had diverted from his original blue collar employment to seek fast money and easy women in the city's West end. His reputation was that of a notorious drug mogul as well as a womanizer. Though he was still referred to as "The Trash Man" his motivation was far less innocent.
Bruno and Oscar had parted ways shortly after "The Trash Can" opened its doors, Oscar disconnected himself from Bruno and left him with very little to look forward to each day. As a matter of fact he had a staff of thugs and runners which surrounded him and assisted the creation of his empire. His most popular drug was brought to you by the letter "E"; which kept the kids on the Sesame Streets.
Once Maria had made her first voyage as a corpse the word had spread through town and the demand for "E" had skyrocketed out of fear that a raid would prompt a shortage. Bruno was attracting much unwanted attention and it would only be a matter of time before his crew slipped up, Bruno's foresight was 20/20.
Back at the crime scene the forensic specialists "Professor" and "Beaker" had secured the evidence, taken the photos and Maria's body was being transported to the Sesame Street Morgue which was actually located on Letter Y street. This was an undesirable location with the likes of Bruno (the former trash hauling giant) who had diverted from his original blue collar employment to seek fast money and easy women in the city's West end. His reputation was that of a notorious drug mogul as well as a womanizer. Though he was still referred to as "The Trash Man" his motivation was far less innocent.
Bruno and Oscar had parted ways shortly after "The Trash Can" opened its doors, Oscar disconnected himself from Bruno and left him with very little to look forward to each day. As a matter of fact he had a staff of thugs and runners which surrounded him and assisted the creation of his empire. His most popular drug was brought to you by the letter "E"; which kept the kids on the Sesame Streets.
Once Maria had made her first voyage as a corpse the word had spread through town and the demand for "E" had skyrocketed out of fear that a raid would prompt a shortage. Bruno was attracting much unwanted attention and it would only be a matter of time before his crew slipped up, Bruno's foresight was 20/20.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
M is for Murder
Seeds soaked in blood were spread over the counter top, unusually large prints were left on the dusty floor which had not been cared for since Mr. Hooper's timely passing several months ago, with a sigh somewhat absent of disbelief, Constable Grover eyed a yellow feather under an eye-glass and ordered: "Send a car to the bird's house".
Deputies Ernie and Bert approached the dark clubhouse just before dawn and it was immediately obvious that Bird and Snuffy had fled.
The victim of the homicide was Maria, Bird's long time friend, neighbor and confidant. There were rumors that there had been tension since the night at Oscar's strip club where Gordon and bird had come to blows over the disrespect of Gordon's wife with his very presence at Oscar's.
Bird was known as a big tipper at Oscar's so Gordon was led out of "The Trash Barrel" and taken home where Maria had already spoken to Bird and was ready to leave Gordon.
Bird was broken, but this is only the very beginning of an intriguing series of events which would leave this member of CTN (The "Children's Television Network") in shambles, perhaps never to be rebuilt.
Deputies Ernie and Bert approached the dark clubhouse just before dawn and it was immediately obvious that Bird and Snuffy had fled.
The victim of the homicide was Maria, Bird's long time friend, neighbor and confidant. There were rumors that there had been tension since the night at Oscar's strip club where Gordon and bird had come to blows over the disrespect of Gordon's wife with his very presence at Oscar's.
Bird was known as a big tipper at Oscar's so Gordon was led out of "The Trash Barrel" and taken home where Maria had already spoken to Bird and was ready to leave Gordon.
Bird was broken, but this is only the very beginning of an intriguing series of events which would leave this member of CTN (The "Children's Television Network") in shambles, perhaps never to be rebuilt.
Bellegarde: Worlds retirement hotspot
Is there any better place on earth? I gained renewed love for my home. Above is a pic of Julie and I at an abandoned farm near Mom and Dad's house. Apparently it's where my Great Grandfather "squatted" for several years, it's unclear for how long or if squatted means what I think it does.
I came to the decision that if I ever win a lottery I will create a retirement community in Bellegarde (Seinfeld fans humm together "Del Boca Vista") where ex-farmers and former pillars of the community can live out their days with the best of care and comfort. I'll hire my Mom to run it because work keeps her young, Dad will drive the bus to the casino daily and transport Grandchildren to and from the community for visits. Uncle Hippo will be the entertainment, Les will run a newspaper that only reports good news and reflects on WW1 and WW2.
Brother Den will be a personal trainer for the elderly, Jeff will sell drugs (prescription or medicinal only) and I will built my intimidating house on a hill overlooking the town so everyone knows who controls their world.
Wouldn't you love to live there?
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Howdy strangers
Let's get down to it.
things are just starting to become manageable. Life is still going at 95 MPH but the routine provides some relief.
This last year I:
Married the most incredible woman I know
Found out I am going to be a new Daddy
Bought my dream home, an acreage with a beautiful brick bungalow
Found a job I could literally do for the rest of my life
Met good people
Avoided (broke ties with) bad people
Turned Thirty
Met my sport hero (Thanks Mark and Sue)
and today I pick up my new (to me) car for my expanding family
For others around me it has been a tough year, I learned that my brother in law can be kicked, knocked down, knocked down again, kicked again and still get up fighting. He's kind of a huge deal.
Our baseball team is kicking butt we are 18 and 2, with 13 consecutive wins.
I had a holiday in Saskatchewan with my new family and it was great, went to see a Roughrider game with my daughter and she decided that pink was no longer "her thing" she's all about the green.
Not much else to day, not even sure if anyone reads this anymore, but hey, it was all just for me anyway.
things are just starting to become manageable. Life is still going at 95 MPH but the routine provides some relief.
This last year I:
Married the most incredible woman I know
Found out I am going to be a new Daddy
Bought my dream home, an acreage with a beautiful brick bungalow
Found a job I could literally do for the rest of my life
Met good people
Avoided (broke ties with) bad people
Turned Thirty
Met my sport hero (Thanks Mark and Sue)
and today I pick up my new (to me) car for my expanding family
For others around me it has been a tough year, I learned that my brother in law can be kicked, knocked down, knocked down again, kicked again and still get up fighting. He's kind of a huge deal.
Our baseball team is kicking butt we are 18 and 2, with 13 consecutive wins.
I had a holiday in Saskatchewan with my new family and it was great, went to see a Roughrider game with my daughter and she decided that pink was no longer "her thing" she's all about the green.
Not much else to day, not even sure if anyone reads this anymore, but hey, it was all just for me anyway.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
