Cousins 3

By Clarence Mike Dunaway

The book is a story within its self however, I borrowed many excerpts from two of my others novels, Cast a Dark Shadow and Cousin, Relatively speaking both are non-published books.

Connor, on his way to work one morning, decided to take a different route. While driving through the back streets he came upon a lawn. Sale, not necessarily his

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clarence Dunaway Books
• Release date: Dec 11, 2019
• ISBN: 9781950981342

Clarence Mike Dunaway

Clarence Dunaway, born on February 12, 1930 author from California, writer of the Cousins Trilogy and other great novels. He has been with the navy back in 1947, spent two and a half years in South Korea. He was discharged in 1953 and was able to travel the country. Started writing a trilogy of mystery books and is enjoying life. You can get to his books by typing the name "Clarence Mike Dunaway" into Google.

Book preview

Copyright © 2019 Clarence Mike Dunaway

Parchment Global Publishing

4152 Barnett St., Philadelphia, PA 19135

www.parchmentglobalpublishing.com

ISBN: 978-1-950981-33-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-950981-34-2 (e)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of both publisher and author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter One

The sun was sinking slowly behind the Western slopes, and the last glimmer of gold had rippled across the lake, it was twilight time. Kitty and I were standing on the balcony Kitty was pressed against the handrail

I stood behind her with my arms wrapped around her waist. She folded her arms around mine in a lovelock.

This is the second most beautiful site I’ve ever seen, I said.

She turned to face me with a question, What is the first?"

I kissed her fervently on the lips, I’m looking at it! I replied.

Oh, Connor, you always know just what to say, and always the right things, I believe a reward is in order.

I got all excited I was sure she was talking lust, perhaps a little body surfing in the bedroom later.

You know what, when we get home I’m going shopping and buy you the biggest present I can afford. She said.

Well, I thought, so much for sex, You need not buy me anything just loving you reward enough.

Damn you, Connor, you always spoil my surprises, I was only kidding about buying you a present, I already have one in mind. How about we row the boat out to the middle of the lake and go skinny dipping?

Oh wow, that’s the best offer I’ve had all day, I’ll tell you what, and I’ll even row the boat, how’s that?

Gosh Connor, that’s really generous of you, however like they say, anything worth having is worth working for."

You bet your life sweetheart, now I bet you wished you would’ve fixed those Oysters for dinner after all.

She hit me on the arm with her fist," Since when does the Casanova of Jericho need oysters?’

Oh, come on Kitty, don’t put labels on me I can’t live up to, you know you’ve got me so locked up, chastised, and only you have the key, and I love it.

We were both excited we hadn’t been alone since our daughter was born, and that was five years ago,

Kitty was a gorgeous blond, five foot nine and curves at every corner we were a perfect match.

We the loving couple also had a son, now ten from my first love, i.e., the anointed one a virgin at the time, my Cousin Carrie and I helped through some rough times after she being raped at the age of nine. The two of us nurtured her most of her young life, until the age of eighteen.

Her name was Becca, the most beautiful girl in Jericho, bar none. She was five foot five and weighed about 115lbs her hair was black and in curls that hung well below her shoulders and the most deep blue eyes I had ever seen, how could I not have fallen in love with her? Because of the rape, I protected her for as long as we knew one another. I labeled her the untouchable one and treated her as though she was made of glass, and therein lies the demise of what we hoped would be a lifetime of love.

In September of 1980, just one week before entering into our senior year of High School, Becca the shy one lured me into this very spot and seduced me into a point of impossible retreat. She disappeared that very night and was never heard from again, at least for the next nine years. The trip was well orchestrated by Becca, she even counted the days of her ovulation cycle, and what do you think it paid off. Of course, there was some luck involved, however, suffices to say, his name is Connor Junior.

I took Kitty by the hand, About that skinny dip, I’ve got a pair of oars and a boat.

Kitty looked me straight in the eyes, I’ve got the love and the willingness, and do I need patience as well?

We were down the steps and running towards the boat landing, I believe there’s a party in store for our loving couple.

I helped her into the boat and pushed off from the landing and began to row.

She asked facetiously, When did you put a motor on the boat, it wasn’t there yesterday? She was, of course, referring to the speed I was rowing the boat. I guess I was slightly energized just thinking about stripping down with my beautiful wife. She was indeed a knockout with a body of a supermodel, and soon I’d have my grubby little hands all over it, count on it.

Kitty was the first to dive in, but I wasn’t far behind, soon we were frolicking, splashing water and playing games like two ten-year-olds, however, we would grow up rapidly.

Kitty caught up with me and wrapped her long legs around my waist, just how much more can a poor man take?

Soon we boarded the boat, and I really kicked up the speed Inside the cabin we were carrying our clothes in our hands, naked as two Jaybirds. Up the stairs and into the bedroom, the rest of the night was the better part of the swim. We loved each other with every fiber of our being and deserved every moment we spent together. It’s been said it takes two to Tango, and before the nights over we lovebirds tear up the bed, that is if we can stay on it.

The sun came shining through the bedroom window, it was time to hit the shower, have to breakfast, and perhaps a short hike in the woods before closing down the cabin, until the next generation.

Mr. Carlson, my father, gave the cabin to me, he said, Son. I want you and Katie to have it and enjoyed it as I did for so many years.

I said to Kitty, Now that well be spending more time here at the Lake, I think we should refurbish, you know, maybe put a woman’s touch on it, make it like you would want it to look.

Perhaps this winter will bring the kids up and do some sledding, whatta ya say?"

That’s great Connor, we can turn it into a year-round retreat, Kitty replied happy that now the kids would be included, it would indeed be a family affair.

Becca and I had equal visitation rights with our son, created by Becca’s skullduggery back in 1980, so I spent a lot of time with my surprise son. Connor Junior.

Kitty didn’t take that news about my having a son with a grain of salt; not at all instead, the way Becca angered her took advantage of her then, husband to be. Even though at the time Kitty wasn’t in the picture transgression took place.

However, now that Connor Junior has spent so much time with Kitty and our family, she’s come to love him as if he were her own.

Connor Junior was quite a bit older than Katrina, but they got along famously, he would help her with her schoolwork and play games together when they were home. He even watched over her at the mall. Kitty might be trying on clothes so Junior would take Katrina to the toy department and let her play with dolls. He was my son, so polite and protective of his little sister.

One morning, three weeks before school started I asked Kitty if she would mind if Junior became a permanent resident.

Well, she said surprised, I would suggest that junior move in with his. You know how I feel about him, but what makes you think Becca, and her husband would allow you to take him away from them, and move from Coralville to Jericho. That’s a long way to be from his mother, and when you say permanently, do you mean forever?

No, I returned, I would just like for him to attend Montgomery like we did so he can be with Katrina."

Well, Connor she’s a few years behind him, and by the time she’s a sophomore, junior will have already graduated."

I understand all that, but at least he’ll be around to protect her, just like I did with Carrie.

Yes, but you and your cousin were the same age and even shared some of the same classes, she argued, and Kat and Junior wouldn’t even be in the same school.

Sure they would, for at least two years, Junior will be in the fifth grade, while Kat is in the second so they’ll be in the same school until junior moves on to his sophomore year. Kat will join him in High School as a sophomore while he’s in the final year. I’d feel better just knowing that there was that close, I mean the two schools are practically next-door. You know Kitty, I was thinking about taking karate classes, and it might be a good idea for Junior to learn how to protect himself as well, you know all the school’s have their bullies.

Well, Kitty said, I’m convinced, but I’m not too sure that Becca will see it that way, after all, you’re asking her to separated from her son for the next five years, almost completely."

Not really, I argued, she can see him just like we do now. She can visit anytime and have him on the weekends, even some holidays. If you remember correctly, she kept him from me for nine years, totally, no visits, nada."

Well Connor, I must say you have an obvious way of arguing your point, and if you can convince them, I’ll go along with it. I love having him around. However, you’ll have to get around asking her soon because school starts in three weeks. Plus, he’ll have too transferred from Coralville, and that’ll take some paperwork."

Everything seemed copasetic, at least in my mind, but now I had to get both families together and work out the details.

Do you think we should ask Connor Junior? How do we know he wants to move in with us on a permanent basis?

God, Kitty, you’re so smart and so right, perhaps I was being selfish thinking about my own needs and not considering what he might want. I guess I left out the main ingredient, Junior. He would have to leave all his friends behind. And now I feel guilty but I’m going to ask anyhow, who knows, he just might say yes."

Let’s call Becca and have them over for dinner on Saturday night, we might as well get it over with. We can have a roundtable discussion.

Kitty agreed but with a snicker, It’ll be interesting to see how a roundtable discussion is held at a square table.

Kitty called and invited them over for dinner on Saturday night, she told her nothing about the content of the gathering. However, Rebecca should’ve known something was up. These two families were not socially connected at all. It was still tricky for Kitty not to be concerned that bringing Becca and me together was the best idea, she drew me in once and look what happened, we have a son.

. Saturday Becca and her family arrived about seven, and Becca was dressed to kill, and it didn’t go unnoticed by Kitty. I did my best not to look into Becca’s eyes. I wasn’t about to allow her to sway me into her web of deception, not again.

Becca asked Kitty if there was anything she could do to help with dinner. Oh, no Becca, I have it under control sit and, enjoy your wine, dinner will be served in a few minutes.

When Becca asked Kitty if she could help, Kitty thought, Yes, put on some clothes that are not quite so revealing, like a burlap sack. Just a silent thought.

I started a conversation with Becca’s husband, leaving her entirely out of it. However, she wasn’t going to allow that to happen.

She said, looking straight at me, You still work with your father?

I never looked back I just stared right past her, Actually I run the business on my own since my father retired. And then I returned to the conversation with Becca’s husband, So how long have you been working for the Carter Corp?

Oh, I guess I’m in my fifth year ever since Becca and I moved here from Florida.

Well, I said, surprised, so you two met in Florida? I was under the illusion you met in Coralville, however, and I don’t know why I thought that."

Kitty returned to the table, sat down, and took a sip of her wine, I’m sorry, but dinner isn’t quite ready just yet, more wine, anybody? She filled the glasses to the brim hoping to stall allowing more time for dinner to cook. About halfway through their drinks, Kitty spoke up, Well, I’m sure it’s ready by now, I sure hope you all you have a big appetite, I cooked a big meal.

Becca stood, Come on, Kitty let me help, you need not be so polite, I enjoy helping.

Okay, Becca, if you really want to, it isn’t necessary, but ok come on. What Kitty he really didn’t want was Rebecca to parade herself in that tight skirt she was wearing in front of me, I didn’t need the punishment

Soon we were all sitting at the table passing food back and forth and seeing who could talk over the other.

After dinner, Kitty didn’t give Becca any argument about helping clear the table or rinsing the dishes she had already done her walk down the runway.

They finished the dishes, poured another glass of wine and struck up a conversation about Connor Junior. Well, Kitty and I would like for Connor Jr. To move in with us, I’d like for him to attend Montgomery. Rebecca was shocked, I don’t know Connor, he would have to leave all of his friends behind and sometimes it’s hard to make new friends, and

if he changes school districts, I just don’t know. He’s going into the fifth grade this year, and it will be four years before he’s ready for High School. I know I said," but most of the kids in the fifth grade will move on to

the next level so it would be like taking his friends with him."

Becca returned with, I’ll have to talk it over with my husband and see what we can work out, but I’m kind of opposed to him living away from home on a permanent basis.

Well, I said, You would have the same privileges that I have now, and you can see him anytime you want, even take him home on the weekends. Becca’s husband spoke of saying, How can you expect Rebecca to allow you to just take him out of her life for the next seven or eight years,

you can’t separate a child from his mother like that."

I got a little angry at Becca’s husband, the way I looked at it he didn’t have a say in the matter. After all, he’s just a stepfather to Junior by marriage to Becca. Had nothing to do with the production, (sound more like a factory product than a human being,) but in my anger, I said, Well if you want to put it that way, she kept him out of my life more than nine years. Do you not think turnabout is fair play?"

He’s got the point honey, She reminded her husband that he really didn’t have a say in the situation."

School starts in about three weeks, but it would be a kind of nice to know at least one week in advance, so he has time to settle in and register for school. So, if you would be so kind as to give us an answer, say in two weeks, it would be much appreciated." I concluded.

"Oh, by the way, don’t you think Connor Junior should have a say in the matter? After all, it is his life we’re discussing, and he is old enough to know what he wants to do with it.

I thought that I had the edge since I spent most of the summer with my son. Taking him fishing, hiking, and I would eventually teach him horseback riding at Uncle Phil’s ranch while his adopted fathers have spent little time with him since he works six days a week, Sundays he’s glued to the TV watching sports of one kind or another. And it really doesn’t make much difference what’s on; it could be horseshoe tossing for all he cared.

Two weeks passed Becca called, Kitty answered the phone, Kitty? Becca said, I suppose if you’re really sure you want to take on the responsibility of caring for Connor Junior I have no recourse, but to bring him by after church Sunday morning if that meets with your approval.

That’s excellent Rebecca, we can have a late lunch and Connor will be thrilled, totally. I promise that we’ll treat him such as you would, he’s such a nice boy, and he has all of Connors, characteristics, polite considerate and we both just love him too death. So, don’t worry he’s safe,

When I came home from work and heard the good news, I was so elated. I couldn’t sit still. It was apparent I loved my son and would enjoy his being there with Kitty, Katrina, and me.

On Sunday, the Carlson family went to church and thanked God for the gift bestowed upon them.

Later at home, Becca and her family pulled up in front of our house. I went down the steps to open the car door and help Becca out. Without thinking, I hugged her and then stepped back after realizing what I’ve done, I apologized.

It’s okay Connor, I still won’t break. The comment made me think of the last time she said it, and a son was born.

I walked them up the walkway to the house was Kitty was anxiously waiting at the front door. I extended my hand to Becca’s husband, Craig, and then I walked them up to the front door with my arm around you junior’s shoulder, pulling him to my side. Fortunately for me, Kitty had gone back in the house and was engrossed in setting the table she missed the hug, whew.

I’m afraid, Kitty was harboring a bit of jealousy over Becca because of the hold she once had on me. However, I think there was still some jealousy between both women, perhaps not.

During lunch, the mere thought of losing her son to me caused her to tear up. Kitty did the unexpected, she got up from the table, went to Becca and told her not to be sad that it would all work out, just give it time." She said.

I know, Rebecca said, its just the first time we’ve ever been separated for more than a week, and I don’t know for sure how many years, but I know I’m going to miss him terribly."

It’s okay Mom, I’ll go visit and, you can come here anytime you like, Junior replied. I don’t know if Kitty would agree with junior’s theory about just dropping by anytime.

Becca said with tears running down her cheeks, Perhaps it would be better if I called first.

Later that afternoon we said our goodbyes, Becca still with tears in her eyes, hugging her son for the last time before departing the Carlson’s residence. As they drove away and around the corner out of sight, I put my right arm around Kitty’s shoulder and my left around Connor Junior’s as we made our way towards the front porch. I looked into kitty’s deep blue eyes, Quite an eventful day, even a bit disparaging, but it all worked out. I said, feeling the emotions.

What time do you have to leave for work in the morning Kit? I asked.

Nine, I think, Kitty responded," why do you ask?

Oh, I was just wondering if you had time to drive junior to school to register, but not to worry, I can take time off easier than you, besides I’d kind of like to see the old school again it brings back some old but great memories.

I got up early the next morning, showered and had a bowl of cereal, and was off to register Junior. When we arrived, I was surprised to see one of my old math teachers Mrs. Burton, she spoke first.

Well, forever more, is that you Connor? My, how you’ve grown, I hardly recognized you.

Yes Ma’am, the time has a way of doing that. However you look the same Mrs. Burton, the time has been kind too you, if I may be so bold. "Oh, Connor you always did have a way of with words, that’s so sweet. Thank you, and who is this young gentleman with you, he must be your

son, and I might add he looks just like you."

Well, thank you, Ma’am, I think. However, we’re here to register Junior for school, and I hope that he has you as a math teacher, you taught me well.

Well, thank you, Connor, I was wondering, whatever happened to that beautiful olive-skinned girl, I believe you and your cousin palled around with, what was her name Rebecca, Rebecca Forster if my mind served e correctly.

She moved to Florida, just before the start of our senior year, however, she returned a few years later, and now lives in Coralville, she’s a paralegal for a law firm, and does quite well.

I felt weird talking about Becca as though her son never knew she existed, and I didn’t want to embarrass either of them by going into detail. Well, if you’ll excuse me Mrs. Burton I’d love to chat, but I have to get my son registered, we have a busy schedule. I said excusing myself by saying, I’m so happy we had this opportunity to see each other again, and I’m confident that if juniors in your class, he will live up to your expectations."

We said goodbye, turned, and walked towards the office to register, hoping I wouldn’t run into another question about Becca. I didn’t want to go through all that rigmarole about how we had a child out of wedlock. I’m sure people can read between the lines.

Fortunately, there was an entirely inexperienced staff of teachers, including the principal, no questions.

Let’s go home Son is getting close to lunchtime at grandma Cole’s house, and I imagine you’re getting a little hungry by now, right?

Yes Sir, I could eat, I didn’t have much for breakfast this morning, I guess I was a little nervous about registering, Junior replied.

We pulled up in front of Cole’s residence, got out of the car and I walked my son to the door. I gave Mrs. Cole, a hug and told her that I had to get to work that Junior could fill her in on this morning’s registrations.

I drove away, but instead of the usual route decided to take the back streets, just for a change. I noticed a sign just ahead of the words yard sale, it wasn’t typically what I enjoy doing. However, it looked interesting, so I stopped to have a look.

There were all sorts of items scattered on tables and more on the ground. Some things were compelling me to nitpick. There were purses, knives, lamps, and a whole table of books. I started down the row, picking up items of interest, looking them over, and putting them back. I thumb through several books one caught my eye, so I opened it up and read the introduction. Interesting I said to myself, it described all sorts of adventurous things, sex, school problems, even an unintentional hanging and a murder of a man he befriended when he was but fifteen. Well, it sounds interesting enough, so I asked nicely, How much?

Fifty cents, She replied.

I picked through my pockets for a few seconds and finally came up with the proper change and handed it to the lady. She thanked me, I said," you’re welcome, climbed into my truck and drove off to work.

After work, I went to my house and tossed the book on the table, I went into the kitchen pulled out a can of soda from the fridge and kicked back in my favorite chair. I forgot about the book and did what I usually do, switched on the TV and watched the news while awaiting kitty’s arrival with the kids. When she and the children came through the front door Katrina came in first, followed by Junior and then Kitty.

She looked at where I was setting, the TV was on, and I was sound asleep. Kitty told the kids to go play in their room and not to wake me, let him sleep until dinner.

She went into the kitchen, washed her hands, and began to prepare dinner never noticing the book on the table. She poured herself a glass of wine, went into the dining room and sat down at the table, and there it was, a strange book that went unnoticed when she passed table just moments before. Being inquisitive she flipped it open wondering where it came from, and noticed the title. Cast A Dark Shadow by C Mike Dunaway, never heard of him, she thought to herself. After reading the introduction, she declared, I’ll have to read it sometime.

It wasn’t long before I begin to stretch and yawn, I turned my head and noticed Kitty sitting alone at the table, When did you get home? Why didn’t you wake me? I see you found my new treasure.

Her answer came as no surprise to me, after all, I’m the one that opened the door to her answers.

Yes, a few minutes ago, and I didn’t want to disturb you. Where did you find this old book, and do you know the author?

Well, finally it was my turn to get into the game. Yard sale and I never heard of him. I just liked the title, so I opened it up, read the intro, and it sounded like something we might enjoy."

We, she asked, What makes you think. We would be interested?

I don’t know, but tonight I’ll read you to sleep. Who knows, I mean, you know what is said?

No, she interrupted, I don’t even know who they are."

Okay wise guy, allow me a cliché. You can’t judge a book by its cover." Kitty finished preparing dinner and sent me upstairs to tell the children to wash up and come down to eat. While I was gathering the children, she

opened up the book and started flipping through the pages attempting to find something interesting. Kitty came across an article that was not only interesting but talented as well. However, while she was concentrating on the material. I slipped up behind her and caught her reading.

Not interesting, I said like I had just caught her with her fingers in the old proverbial cookie jar.

She slammed the book shut, Oh I was just thumbing through the pages to see if you will really read me to sleep.

What do you think? I asked.

Yes, she returned, It shouldn’t be a problem." Indicating that at best it would be dull reading, however, she really didn’t think that, she was being stubborn and didn’t want to give me the last word, I believe that she was a little anxious.

Kitty served the kids some roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, and of course in small portions. She and I sipped on our glass of wine before serving the kid’s dinner, however, what we caught up with them before they finished eating so they wouldn’t feel alone in the room.

It’s eight thirty Kitty announced, time for bed kids, you know tiny minds need their rest.

She looked across the table at me and said, in the form of a question, Put the kids to bed or the dishes?

I’ll take care the kids you can have an easy job, I responded with a chuckle.

After the kids were tucked into their beds and the dishes done, Kitty poured each of us another glass of wine, and we retired to the living room to watch the 10 o’clock news. About 10:30 as usual Kitty began to stretch and yawn. I guess I’ll have to go to bed, are you going to read me to sleep like you promised?

Is that before the between the sheets nightcap? I said with a wide grin.

I suppose, but that depends on the book. I thought I hoped the book was annoying, but I kept that thought to myself.

I went into the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and climbed into bed. I fluffed up two pillows and placed my head on them and raised my knees and placed the book in a good reading position and waited for my beautiful wife to come out of the bathroom and climb into bed.

When finally, she made her appearance, she was wearing one my extra-large shirts. Are you absolutely sure you want me to read to you? The sexy way she was dressed gave me a change of mind about reading, thinking perhaps the nightcap would be a better idea. Kitty had not even considered putting the book aside for another night.

You’ve got it now, read it. You promised, and I know that my husband never breaks a promise, read.

"Okay, climb into bed let’s see what this guy Dunaway has to offer, I hope it is as good as the price I had to pay, and I don’t mean the $.50.

Okay, here we go we’ve already established that the author’s name is C Mike Dunaway, in the preface, did I mention the title, I asked, killing time.

Yes, Kitty replied, thinking I was stalling, Cast a Dark Shadow, and now move on. She insisted.

"I began to read, it started back during the Great Depression, actually in the middle. It was 1930. He was born in the city of Huntington Park, California, and at a time it was a relatively small town, but would soon grow as part of the much larger metropolis, Los Angeles. He was a happy go lucky kid growing up, had the same trials and experiences as most kids his age that grew up in that era. He says that although they weren’t considered inferior, they were probably not part of the silver spoon society, nothing was handed down to them, had to work for everything they had.

The 40s would change many lives, thanks to World War II, however, as devastating as it was, the war also had a good side, at least from my youthful perspective, bringing people together in a common bond. You still awake? I thought I detected a little snore."

No, wide awake, she responded, git on with it.

Okay, if you’re sure. He claims he witnessed the transformation of the entire world and its people right before his eyes. Some of the most religious would fall from grace, while the faithless would seek redemption from the church, and these were some of the most memorable years of his life.

I stopped to make a comment, You know, I’ve heard that people living in that era did, in fact, change the world for the better, and are the most honored generation of our time.

Really, she said, but just think how old we would be today if we were born in that era."

You’ve got a good point, oh well, I continue, after the war, he and his family moved out of the city and settled in a little country town, not so far from where they presently lived about 70 miles as the Crow Flies. However, we’re getting ahead of ourselves, we in two pages have gone from the 30s to the 40s, and many more exciting things happened in the thirties. During a gathering, mom would pull out the early picture albums, everyone gathered around the table and flipped through the pages, stopping ever so often to have a picture identified. I was depicted setting in the front yard under a giant pine tree eating snails, shells, and all, not the most memorable sight.

At the age of three, we moved to an area called Willow Brook, about fifteen miles from Long Beach. One day, I guess it must’ve been in the wintertime because my mom had a fire going in the fireplace, but anyhow the earth began to shake, we found ourselves in the middle of what is known today as the Long Beach quake. My father was outside in the backyard pinned to the ground, and my mother was sitting down on the floor holding me in one arm and my brother in the other. I’m told, that she couldn’t move, but somehow mom dropped me so she could use her other hand, to fan the fire from my brother’s nightgown, which apparently caught fire sitting too close to the fireplace.

The dishes were falling from the cupboards and breaking on the floor, and the house shifted off its foundation. We moved up in the hills above Pasadena for more than six weeks in a shelter of tents. The after quakes returned every few minutes for weeks’ hundreds of small quakes. It was a moving experience.

Wow, Kitty said, I bet that was an experience, not one I would enjoy. Well, at least you’re still awake, so I guess it must be somewhat

interesting." I teased.

At the age of four he burned a field of tall brown grass to the ground, he said, It did a good job of cleaning the lot, but didn’t do much for the house that set in the center the field, oh well."

Well, at least he had a sense of humor, I wonder if he turned out to be a pyromaniac? Kitty commented, maybe it’ll tell us more about the subject further on down the line."

Moving along he says that at the age of nine while living in a two-story house that his father built in Compton, he with the mentality of a boy of that age jumped out of the upstairs window from the ledge holding onto an umbrella. He hit the ground before he could say Geronimo spraining his ankle, then commented later that he might as well have used a broomstick.

I’m not so sure this kid was in the right elevator, Kitty said with a snicker.

Oh, hang on, it gets even better. Mike’s brother had a paper route, and of course, Mike was invited to join him. A little reluctant at first he didn’t care much about having to get up at 430 in the morning, ride a bike two miles and fold papers and then ride all over the place tossing papers at People’s front door. Did I detect another little snore?"

Oh well, I guess I’ll close the book for tonight, I’ll learn to take care of business before opening the book again, my mistake. I kept making verbal innuendos until Kitty finally had enough.

Okay, Connor if you’re going to insist on submission let’s get it over with I need to get some sleep.

No, I wouldn’t think a disturbing your beauty sleep. I returned with a tone of disappointment in my voice.

"Okay, what else do you want from me?" She said in a somewhat nasty tone of voice.

I turned to face Kitty and kissed her as though I planned to carry through with my plan to seduce her, and then I turned my back to her, Goodnight Sweetheart, see in the morning.

Well thanks a lot, now that I’m awake you turn your back on me. She returned with a slight tone of anger.

I’m not mad sweetheart, I too am sleepy. I said, turning over to once again face her, kissing her again. Seriously, now go to sleep and will talk about it in the morning at breakfast.

What makes you think there’ll be any breakfast?

Because I know my wife, she would never send me off to work hungry, would you?

See you! Were her last words for the night, she turned over on the side and soon the snoring began.

We two Lovers never knew when the other was acting out or just being facetious, whatever it worked.

The morning came before I was ready for it. I was hoping to sleep in.

However, a visitor showed up in our bedroom.

Mommy, mommy, you said we were going to have pancakes this morning, and it’s almost time for lunch.

Kitty pulled her baby close to her and said, You’ve got the Carlson wit, I thought one was enough, but then you come along. Okay, funny face pancakes it is now wake up your brother so we can all eat at the same time. He’s the one that got me up. Katrina return. Kitty and I laughed, all right sweetheart give me 10 min. to fix my face and I’ll be right down. Of course, I couldn’t let the opportunity pass me by without my

personal touch, You’d better make that 20. I said, receiving a punch on the arm for my efforts but I quickly rescinded saying," Just kidding, your mother is beautiful just the way she is, we’ll be down as soon as we brush