I Had No Idea

By Kim Bloom

The story centers around a young man that has almost no idea of where he is headed in life and is in no rush to get there. He becomes a specially selected person to carry on an age-old tradition. He develops a goal that takes him from one adventure to another in his attempt to reach the ultimate quest. The learning process and unforeseen roadblocks will baffle as well as reward his travels. He puts his friends at risk and his foes into new lives of turmoil as he moves on to complete the original whim.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669812418

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

I t was late afternoon, maybe only a half hour before sundown. It was warm, as was usually the case in early September. The trees were swaying to a mild breeze. The water in the Truckee River was lower than usual for this time of year. The narrow blacktop walking trail at the water’s edge, was fast approaching the downtown area of Reno, Nevada. It was starting to travel under bridges that held the main north to south streets. They made up the older casino area of the city along with the smaller businesses that casinos seem to spawn. They were the tiny counter front food establishments, the pawn shops, countless souvenir stores, loan sharks, and assorted retailers trying to attract the passing tourists.

Running along the trail was Shawn Allen. He was near the end of his run which he tried to get in about three times a week. He wore the usual nylon jogging shorts and a tank top. He had on a baseball cap with the name of the local college football team and a pair of the best running shoes he could afford. He passed under the last bridge he would see today, as his exit was the next set of stairs leading up to the Sierra Street overpass. He bent over at the bottom of the stairs and touched his toes several times while he caught his breath. Finally, back to normal, he started up the last obstacle. He glanced both ways as he reached the sidewalk, there was no traffic at the moment, so he started across the four-lane street in his homeward direction. He was now northwest bound walking at a normal pace when he heard what sounded like a muffled scream.

He stopped in his tracks and scanned his surroundings looking for the source. There it was again-

Now he had a general direction to concentrate on. He ran over to the cement railing that bordered the bridge. Looking down on the continuing trail he could see a woman with a cane, trying to fight off four men.

The natural light was diminishing quickly, but he could still make out the action. Without a second thought he yelled, Hey…what the hell’s going on down there? All of them stopped and stared up at him. The action started up again like he wasn’t even there. One man managed enough time to gesture to him with one arm held high in the air.

The next few thoughts that raced through Shawn’s mind were random. She was still in big trouble. She was not going to win this confrontation. He was only one man against four. His intervention into this situation would probably not alter the outcome, and there would be two beat-up bodies down there instead of one. He glanced around for additional help. He couldn’t believe his eyes- this was normally a busy street for both cars and pedestrians. The closest person had to be eighty yards away. He looked back down and made a decision.

He turned his head both left and right while shouting for people that weren’t there. He yelled. Hey, Officer, Officer! Over here- yeah you! Looking the other way he yelled, Hey guys over here, there’s a woman in trouble down there- yeah all of you! He ran around the end of the rail and started down the stairs as fast as he could go. He was still yelling for his imaginary army all the while. He saw that the attack had stalled considerably when he had been summoning help. Now the men were backing up some and looking to each other for guidance. She was back on her feet and going after the closest guy. There was obvious confusion in their ranks as they backed off some more. He was still the only man they could see, but they thought that more help had to be on the way. A siren could be heard somewhere near by that had absolutely nothing to do with this incident; however, it turned out to be the deciding factor in their decision to leave the scene.

When Shawn reached the woman, she was sitting down again and taking an inventory of her bruises. Her hair was a stringy gray disaster. It was not even sitting on her head in a normal fashion. Shawn surmised that it had to be a wig. Her sweater sleeve was torn as was one knee of her corduroy pants. One shoe was near-by but the other was nowhere in sight. Even in the light weather she had several other garments on under the sweater. Her large duffle bag was some feet away and still tied at the neck. He made a move to retrieve it for her, but she moved with amazing speed to get to it first. She clutched it to her body as if it were her long lost child. I was only trying to help you. said Shawn.

I dona need no help, stay back.

As things calmed down Shawn sat on the grass slope about six feet away. He tried not to frighten her as she began to take stock of the situation.

You think they be back?

Shawn glanced in their departing direction. I don’t think so. You should be alright now.

It was getting darker by the minute.

Suddenly she said with a look of surprise Where other people? She scanned the trail and bridge to no avail.

I couldn’t find any other people. Would you like me to help you up to the lights?

She looked at him as if seeing him for the first time I know you.

I don’t think so.

Yah, she brought a finger up under her chin to point at him. You the one, help the old lady in the casino that fall down.

What old lady?

You member old lady fainted off chair at card table?

Oh yes, were you the one that helped me get her to the bench?

Yah me, right?

Your name was, Mary?

Me, Mary

Can I help you get somewhere? Shawn asked.

Maybe, up-stairs.

Shawn was careful not to touch her in any way. She did finally take his hand for help up the stairs. At the top she tried to make herself more presentable. She straightened her wig again. She licked both hands and tried to smooth down the sides. It was a lost cause.

I be alright now, you don’t got to worry bout me

I was glad to help ma’am. He turned to leave and got about five feet away when she said,

Wait a minute.

Yes Mary?

Wait a minute. She turned around so he couldn’t see inside her bag. She untied the cord that secured all her valuables. He could hear thing rattling around. She mumbled as she worked. Where is that? I know’s it’s here. Ah, I find it. She turned back around and held up a small gravy server. I dona got much, but I want you have this. she tried to shine it a little bit with her sleeve. This good luck.

Shawn looked at it. Maybe you should keep it.

She started to look down and he could see the frown and disappointment. OK, ok I’ll take it and I will treasure it always, and thank you.

With that done. Mary walked off into the darkness, never to be seen by anyone again.

Shawn walked until he was under a street lamp. He stopped to gaze at his gravy pitcher. He turned it this way and that. It wasn’t made of porcelain as he had thought, it was some kind of metal, maybe brass. It now looked more like an old lamp that had once held whale oil or some other fuel. It was a mess. He thought about dropping it in the next trash can he saw. He finally slipped it into his pocket and went on home.

CHAPTER 2

I n May of the previous year, Rick Grayson got an invitation in the mail to his ten-year high school reunion. He couldn’t imagine how they had found him in Reno. He pulled out his old senior yearbook and skimmed through it. As soon as he started in on the individual pictures, he found Shawn Allen.

Shawn was his best friend from the third or fourth grade through high school. The school they attended was the old Pacific High School in southern California. It was only three miles from the ocean. He hadn’t thought about Shawn in some time. They had relied on each other through good times and bad. Rick was the stable one and Shawn was the one who got them into one jam after another.

Shawn had gone off to college; they had found it more difficult to keep in touch after that. Rick went from one job to another looking for his place in the scheme of things. He married a fun-loving girl, but the fun didn’t last that long. In less than a year they had both come to understand that they wanted different things out of life. There was no child from that relationship which was pure luck. Rick slowly ruled out one profession after another. He knew he had a gift for working with people. He had worked his way up to management in a couple of small business. They didn’t seem to hold his interest for very long.

He finally found his calling through the wanted ads. A firm in Reno was looking for a public relations manager and a human resource manager. Rick answered the ad and was called in for an interview in Los Angeles. He was notified a week later that they had an opening for a human resource assistant manager.

He felt that the change of scenery was not a bad idea. He accepted the job and was pleasantly surprised to find that the new White-Water Casino would pay to relocate him. Almost nobody starts off thinking that a casino job is the right environment in which to plan a career. He got lucky. Within three months the person he worked under was transferred to Las Vegas, She recommended him for her position. It came with a raise and his plans to buy a starter home were realized. He was now twenty-six years old and had a career. Not just a career, but a worthwhile career that could take him through life and on to retirement while trying to help people. It was a fulfilling way of life. The actual casino side of the business was of no interest to Rick; it was just a means to an end. For the first time in his life, he knew he would be able to enjoy work anywhere he chose. It was a good feeling and he was happy to have realized it at an early age.

* * *

Rick had been in Reno for a year and a half when the school reunion letter arrived. The invitation contained a list of missing in action students. They were looking for any help they could get in locating these people. Shawn was on the list. Rick went to work on this project right away.

He was aware that Shawn had joined the Navy while in college. He started there and was finally rewarded by an officer in San Diego who had actually served with Shawn. The man didn’t know where he was now but, he had a last known address there in town. Rick managed to reach the tenet of that address only to learn that Shawn had taken a new job in Las Vegas. He still had his mail forwarding address in his address book. Rick found the present occupant of the apartment in Vegas and the trail stopped there. All the lady knew was that he was moving to San Jose, Calif. to work for an electronics firm. All told, it took Rick three days to track him down.

* * *

Shawn answered the phone in his office at Better Life Electronics. Shawn’s job in the Navy had been in electronics and communications. Shawn and Rick were carrying on like a couple of girls before their first prom in no time. Laughing and yelling and happy to be reunited. Rick told him where he lived and made him promise to visit soon. The boys got together a week later in Reno Shawn stayed at Rick’s new house and they went to see the sights in Shawn’s Mustang. Shawn left on Sunday night as they both had to work on Monday morning.

Shawn had seemed less than thrilled with his San Jose job. Rick decided to see if he could get Shawn into his casino. Rick’s boss said he would be glad to sit down with his friend to discuss employment, as there was a lot of electrical projects in any new casino.

Shawn and Rick met two weeks later in Orange County at the John Wayne Airport. They got rooms at a hotel in Newport beach. The reunion was being held at a local country club as their old high school had been sold to the college, it was becoming an advanced medical learning facility.

The reunion was a big success and they had a fine time with old classmates. Before rejoining the group at the country club, they had breakfast at the hotel. It was the second morning of the three-day function. When they were done with their buffet style meal, they sat quietly on the top floor near the large windows over-looking the harbor.

They were sipping coffee when Rick said My boss was telling me about a new position they are establishing at the casino. It seems that new casinos, inevitably, have the need for all kinds of electrical changes and additions in their first year or so of operation. I told him that I knew of a person that could handle that type of job. He said that he would be interested in discussing the project with you.

How much do you think a job like that would pay?

I have no idea- but- since the job would require a professional. I would think it would pay pretty well.

Shawn had been less than challenged at his present job and was considering looking elsewhere any way. Rick had gone on to remind him that the cost of living in Reno was about ten to fifteen thousand dollars less per year than any-where in California.

Shawn said Why don’t you see if you can set me up with the man next weekend.

Shawn and Rick participated in all the planned activities. Three of the girls that Shawn had dated in high school were there and single. Two were divorced and one never had time to pursue any serious relationships. She had grown into a beautiful and talented woman; her name was Sarah Campbell. She suggested to Shawn that they have diner on their own that evening and get reacquainted. They dined at a top-notch seafood restaurant and drank wine while talking away the evening. She apologized for not being much fun in school. She was pushed pretty hard by her father to reach her full potential, which she had. She was finished with her education and about to open her own business. She had become a Plastic Surgeon. Her offices would be in the same building as her father’s.

All the men she had taken even half seriously as a partner in life had fallen by the wayside, or were just as serious as she was about devoting their lives to their work. She was at a place in her life where Shawn could plainly see, she was trying to adjust to a life where children and husbands might not fit into her career.

She wanted someone she had admired to tell her she was doing the right thing, or was she? This three-day weekend was the first time she had not thought about work in years.

She finally stopped long enough to say What do you think?

What do I think about what?

How do you think I should approach the rest of my life?

Shawn looked at her and smiled. It sounds like your dad has decided all that for you. Until you can take your talents to another city in another state, you will never know what you’re capable of.

She was quiet for a time. Do you think I might have your phone number?

Sure, I don’t live around here any-more. I’m not sure where I will be in the future, but I can’t see myself living in this city again.

I have enjoyed our evening together and I truly hope our paths cross somewhere in the future, she said.

He took her back to her car and then the cab took him to his hotel.

He went to the bar for a nightcap and found Rick there with the other two single girls.

The first thing he said to Rick was. If the Reno thing is even halfway reasonable, I’m in!

Rick looked at him with a baffled expression on his face.

Shawn looked at the girls and said, Who needs another drink?

They both held up their glasses with big smiles.

Rick walked up to Shawn at the airport the next morning, I’m sure glad that we don’t do this every weekend!

CHAPTER 3

S hawn did go to Reno the following Friday night. Rick introduced him to Ted Faxon, the senior vice president of operations, on Saturday morning. Ted showed Shawn through the facility and even the surveillance room where all the cameras were monitored. He brought him to the offices to meet the man he would work under, a kindly older gentleman named Norm Blitso. Norm and Shawn were talking shop in no time. It didn’t take Shawn too long to realize that Norm was auditioning him for Ted. After a few minutes, Ted suggested that he and Shawn get a cup of coffee and discuss the position.

Ted told him what the job entailed and how much the starting wage was. Shawn explained that he wasn’t sure he could meet his obligations at that yearly income. He said that he would have to think it over. They parted with a hand shake and Shawn thanked him for the opportunity to be considered for the post.

The following morning Shawn received a call. Ted wasted no time in telling him that they wanted him at their casino as part of the White-Water Family. He offered him an additional ten thousand dollars per year and a raise review in six months. Since Rick had already left for work, Shawn gave him a call to let him know that he was going to be a fellow employee and would like to take him out to dinner.

Shawn gave his notice at Better Life when he got back to town on Monday. Two weeks later he was staying at Rick’s house and learning the ins and outs of the new job. Within two more weeks he was in his own apartment. It was on the west side in a condo complex that started life as a casino. It had been converted over about ten years ago. The financial crisis at that time had doomed the middle tier casinos to bankruptcy. The big casinos made it through alright and so did the local mom and pop units. It had an under-ground parking garage with security and internal laundry facilities. There was even a recreation room with pool tables and other games. The swimming pool was on the roof along with several bar-be-ques. The mail boxes had been installed in the lobby along with a small shop that carried most things needed in the evening hours.

* * *

His new duties taxed his abilities to new heights.

He was now the go-to-man for any and all problems concerning cameras, phones, lights, and alarms. He poured over blueprints and wiring diagrams, internal power sources, transformers, generators, safety procedures and manuals for everything. This place was all new in design, equipment, and security procedures. Everything that the company had learned in all its previous builds was implemented here.

There were over six hundred cameras on the grounds and in the buildings. Some were designed to come to life only when they detected motion. Some were even awakened by heat sensors. Every hallway in the hotel and casino was monitored. There were sixty cameras to cover the parking lots, all external doors and even the trash bins. Some cameras were in motion at all times behind heavily tinted plastic domes that the cameras could see through just fine, but couldn’t be seen from the outside. There were fifty cameras that covered every possible angle in any rooms where money was counted or in use. The internal generators were set to start up by any power delay or break in service and could keep functioning correctly for up to seventy-two hours without any maintenance or surveillance.

The entire building could be burned or blown up without affecting the inner power or vault system; Fort Knox could take lessons from these people. He was told that the over-all operation still lost approximately $100,000. per year through theft of one type or another.

* * *

It was January before Shawn felt like he had things under control.

The skies were a dull gray from all the wood-burning stoves in the Washoe Valley. Rick had versed him in these new conditions. The white slushy streets demanded respect. This wasn’t California; bumper-to-bumper driving in this environment would greatly affect your insurance rates. You had to leave considerably more space between your car and the person in front of you. You must learn to come to a stop without sliding into another lane.

Always carry insulated gloves and never walk with your hands in your pockets. If you slip on ice, you will never get your hands out of the pockets before your elbows get broken when trying to break your fall. Take smaller steps and walk flat-footed. Stay away from boots with hard rubber soles. He got careful instructions on how to properly install snow chains on his type of vehicle.

* * *

By the time spring rolled around, Rick and Shawn were pretty secure in their positions. Old Norm was slowing down some because Shawn was so efficient in his daily tasks. A lot of the original changes had been worked through. Shawn had gotten his six-month evaluation and a nice raise. The raise also reflected several changes Shawn had initiated that had been used through-out the company.

Rick was instrumental in the hiring of a new lady named Carol. She had a background in public relations. She was very outgoing and was quick to help out where ever she saw a need for raising some-one’s spirits. Rick had stopped dating the regular showgirls and dealers. He was concentrating mostly on Carol. They made a good couple, and Shawn wholeheartedly approved. Carol took a special interest in several of the female employees. She would do whatever she could to make their jobs easier and more enjoyable.

* * *

Summer was a very active time in Reno. There was some kind of special event going on almost every weekend.

Some will last all week. When they started Hot August Nights back in the 80’s, they thought it was pretty successful because it brought in over eight hundred cars and three thousand additional guests. They initiated a parade down Virginia Street that lasted more than an hour. As time went on, it grew. Now, it’s an all-week event. Almost all of the popular rock performers from the late 50’s onward, have shown up to the cheers of the crowds. The Righteous Brothers, The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, and the Diamonds to just name a few. They were all there and many more. Classic vehicles number in the thousands. Hotel reservations are sold out for the coming year only a few weeks after the event. Cars are on display at all the larger casinos that have the parking space available. The parade is three lanes wide and can last half the day. There are car auctions and burnout competitions, road rally’s and separate parades to Virginia City and Lake Tahoe. The amounts of the additional casino revenue and the food consumed in every restaurant is staggering.

The other weekends are highlighted by chili cook-offs and rib cook-offs. motorcycle rally’s, poker tournaments and bowling events; Camel races and air shows. Summer is truly a busy time in The Biggest Little City in the world.

As summer wound down, Rick and Shawn settled into a more normal lifestyle. They continued their work on Rick’s house. Painting walls and adding bookcases, planting trees, scrubs, and the new lawn. Carol would sometimes help with the flower gardens and other helpful hints to turn a house into a home. Carol and Rick were picking out his new furniture and obtaining the hundred other items he would need. Shawn just looked on, with big smiles as loved started to bloom. The couple was beginning to take trips. Up to Lake Almanor, down to Bodie. A weekend in San Francisco and another to Las Vegas.

Rick and Shawn were driving over to get the new bar-be-cue that he and Carol had ordered when Rick said. It has taken me a long time to get over my first attempt at married life, but I think I would be a fool to let Carol slip away. I love her.

Shawn said. Oh really?! I hadn’t noticed.

Rick looked over at Shawn to see that huge grin starring back at him. They both started laughing.

Shawn said When’s the wedding?

We have decided to live together for a while and save some money.

So, if you’re not going to marry her, does that mean that I still have a chance of stealing her away?

Rick said, in an equally sly voice "You wouldn’t have a chance with her.

She wants dependability, commitment, and most of all, a classy guy."

* * *

Shawn took to jogging to stay in better health and take off some of the weight that the general Reno lifestyle had caused. It was about this time when Shawn met Mary for the first time. The meeting was quick and forgettable.

Rick and Shawn had been walking out of the employee section of the casino about lunch time. They were entering the actual casino floor on their way out of the building. Business was humming along, and they paid almost no attention to the gamblers. Shawn happened to spot a woman struggling to stay in her elevated chair at a blackjack table. He sped up a little and then to a sprint as he could see she was losing the fight. He just reached her as she fell sideways toward the floor. He was able to cradle her head and keep it from hitting too hard. He was trying to lower her down gently and was just aware of someone holding her legs to help him get her to a prone position. He thought it was Rick. As he glanced that way, he could see that it was some other woman. His attention went back to the fallen lady. He couldn’t tell how old she was, maybe in her late forties. She was wearing a print dress that had ridden up some in the fall. He was trying to straighten it out, as was the other woman beside him. Rick came out of no-where with a glass of water. The helpful woman took the glass and tried to get the lady to take a sip or two. The woman was moving a little now and soon opened her eyes. She saw the glass and tried to take a drink.

Are you alright now? Shawn said.

The lady struggled to focus on Shawn and finally said I think so, I don’t know what happened.

The other woman said I’m Mary, what’s your name?

She answered I’m Sally, I’m, alright, I think.

Shawn said Let’s get you to a comfortable place to sit down.

With that, he took one arm and Mary took the other They got her to her shaky feet and they walked her to a padded bench near the wall. Just then, Rick showed up with the house doctor.

This is Doctor Taylor. He will stay with you until you feel well enough to leave. Taylor was checking her pulse and feeling her forehead.

Shawn and Rick backed up some. Their reason for being here was gone.

They had just turned to leave when the helpful woman put her hand on Shawn’s arm.

He had hardly turned when she said thank you sir. And she vanished into the crowd. Shawn had already put the entire incident out of his mind as he and Rick marched on toward lunch.

CHAPTER 4

I t was several days later when Shawn was reacquainted with Mary on the jogging trail.

* * *

After the near calamity by the bridge with Mary’s attackers, Shawn had been too busy to think about the little brown jug. It was close to a week before he had any reason to consider its future.

He had just returned from a morning jog. He had taken a shower, dressed, and was waiting for Rick to pick him up for a lunch. Carol was working, but since both Rick and Shawn had the day off, they decided to take in a new eatery that Rick said was different, but good. Since Shawn had a few minutes to wait, he sat in his favorite chair and grabbed a magazine off the coffee table. He thumbed through it and tossed it aside. His eyes happened to fall on the beat-up old lamp on the shelf across the way.

He got up and grabbed the item off the shelf, sat back down in his chair, and began to examine it in more detail. If this thing was such good luck, then why was Mary almost destitute? He could see no value in the thing at all. It vaguely reminded him of the old magic lamps from the flying carpet days. He rubbed its side for a few seconds and said in as musical a tone as he could muster.

COME FORTH OH WISE ONE AND TELL MY FUTURE. Nothing… Nothing! He tossed the little jug on the couch. He got up, grabbed his sweater, and went out the door, locking it behind him. He went down stairs and out the front door to wait for Rick.

Five minutes later, Rick pulled up. Shawn walked around the car and got into Rick’s three-year-old Chevy.

As he settled in, he said.

This place had better be good because I’m starving.

Rick took the side streets at a leisurely pace. They didn’t speak for a time and then both started to talk at once. They stopped and laughed. Shawn said What!

I was just thinking that it hasn’t rained in months.

I wish it would rain too. We need some of this wood stove smoke washed out of here.

This place we’re going to, used to be one of those all-you-can-eat restaurants. It was out of business long before I moved here.

Shawn took off his sunglasses as a cloud crossed in front of the sun. In less than a mile. Rick took his off too as the cloud got darker. Two minutes later there were drops of water on the windshield. They looked at each other and laughed again.

Amazing said Rick.

When the car was parked, they got out and ran for the front door as the rain was getting heavier now. They stopped under the main overhang out- side the door and shook off some of the water. Shawn could see that they were between the start of the new mall and the old Glamour House Hotel. It Seemed to Shawn that this was a great place to open a new restaurant.

When inside, they were quickly directed to a table by the front window. There were maybe a dozen tables in the open middle area and another twenty booths all around the perimeter. They had one of the only two tables by the big window. The true center of the room was dominated by a large salad bar.

A young man came by with two glasses of water. He set them down along with the silverware wrapped in a real cloth napkin.

Your waitress will be right with you.

The lady that would take their orders was there in seconds.

She wore a big smile. She handed each of them a menu and said The special of the day is the corned beef on rye with our own signature sauce. She departed with another smile.

Shawn said This is a classy place. Good seats, happy employees, and even a cloth napkin. You don’t even get cloth napkins at Red Lobster any-more.

He glanced out the window to see that the rain was almost stopped. He finally spotted the slow-moving wicker type fans near the ceiling. They had a large rubber band running from one to another to the main motor over the salad bar. The motor supplied enough power to keep several strings of fans swaying slowly throughout the building. A replica of something out of the early 1900’s.

After looking at the menu for a spell, Shawn said What’s good in here? I’ve only had the Black Forest ham and the roast beef and they were both excellent. They came with the salad bar and a bag of chips.

She was back already and said Are we ready yet? Rick looked at Shawn and motioned for him to go ahead.

I’ll try the Black Forest ham with some salad and no chips.

What kind of bread do you want that on?

Sourdough.

She looked at Rick and said, and you sir?

I believe, I’ll try the pastrami on a bun with salad and also, no chips.

She finished writing it all down and said, What about something to drink?

Coffee please.

Rick answered, Me too.

She wrote some more, smiled again and said,

It will be out in a jiffy.

Rick looked out the window and said, Looks like the rain has stopped.

Yah, short but sweet. Then, Shawn added I wish I had ordered the same thing you did. I didn’t even see that on the menu. They just have too many choices.

She was back in no time and set a plate in front of each of them. Anything else gentlemen?

Shawn looked down and slowly said, This isn’t what I ordered.

I’m so sorry sir. She reached into her apron and pulled out her order book. She scanned through several orders until she came to theirs. She read it and then looked at the plates. She developed a confused expression and reread the order. She glanced at Rick and then back at Shawn. She sheepishly turned the order book so he could see the writing, The two orders were identical right down to the coffees.

Sir, I would be happy to take this back and get you what-ever you want.

Shawn looked over at Rick for a little back up on this. Rick smiled. I’m sorry buddy, but that’s what you ordered.

Shawn looked back up at the confused waitress and said My mistake, this will be just fine.

Are you sure? Because it wouldn’t be- Shawn interrupted her to say. No- no. This will be just fine, really!

She left the table, walking slowly and shaking her head.

Shawn picked up his sandwich and took a bit. He thought while he chewed, Could I really have made that mistake? Am I losing my mind here? What other explanation can there be? After one more bit and some more chewing he was hit with a preposterous notion, Rick seemed to be aware of his friend’s dilemma, but didn’t quite know what to do about it.

Shawn slowly looked around the room as if the answer was to be found in writing on one of the walls. His gaze fell on the salad bar. In the middle of the spread was a large chrome bowl full of fruit. He starred at the apple that sat on the very top of the pile. He slowly slid his hands under the table and at just above a whisper he said, I wish I had that apple in my hands right now. He closed his eyes as he said the words. He didn’t want to look at that bowl. But- he knew he had to. He slowly opened his eyes to see that the apple was definitely gone. He didn’t have to look down into his hands as he could feel the apple materialize against his skin.

He just about fainted; the room was spinning. He could see Rick talking to him. He couldn’t hear the words but he could see Rick’s lips moving in slow motion. Finally, he managed to get to his feet. He wanted to tell Rick that he had to go, but he wasn’t sure the words would come out right. He tried to say, I’ll call you later. and ran for the door.

* * *

He was now outside in the damp air and wet streets. He wanted to run, but where? He didn’t know what to do. He spotted a taxi next door at the hotel and raced toward it. Someone was talking through the passenger window to the driver. Shawn pulled out his wallet while he ran. Upon arrival, he stuffed two twenties into the waiting man’s hand and jumped in the back seat

He said This is an emergency GO, GO, GO. The man outside looked down at the money while the cab was speeding away.

The driver said Try to relax a little buddy and tell me where we are going! Shawn was able to calm down some as he was now in a safe cocoon. Take the freeway north he said. That gave him a few minutes to make no decisions and ponder his predicament. He was finally back to whatever normal would be, for the rest of his life. He calmly said Take me to 4210 Stewart Street. The Camino House condos. You can slow down now, the emergency’s over.

He paid the driver and gave him an extra twenty for scaring him half to death. He walked into his building with no idea what the future held for him.

He opened the door to his unit with a cautious key. He slowly approached the couch to find the brass lamp on its side between two cushions, just as he had left it. He didn’t really want to touch it, but it had to be done. He turned it over and over as if to find a way to connect it to his recent riddle. He knew what he had to do; it was just that his next decision could change the future forever.

He finally started rubbing the side until the friction was actually warming his hand. He stopped and placed it on the coffee table. He took his usual chair and waited. After three minutes, the pressure was starting to build. He called out, What’s going on here!? Two minutes later a cigarette type line of smoke started to appear out of the lamp. It got bigger and bigger and then began to quickly fade away leaving an older, worldly looking man dressed in silks and leathers. He was maybe six foot two inches tall, well-built and dark skinned. He had black, well managed hair. His clothing was colorful, but coordinated. He had some kind of sandals for shoes and a hat that was nothing more than a scarf of velvet wrapped around his head. His skin was clear of any marks of any kind. NO wrinkles, or freckles, no blemishes or scars or hair, in short, whatever kind of skin cream he used would have made him an instant multi-millionaire in this day and age.

They starred at each other for a few seconds and then he spoke in perfect English. You summoned me?

Pretty shaken up by all of this, the voice helped to bring Shawn back to his senses. In a lower, more civilized manor, Shawn said again. What’s going on here?

My name is Yacer. How can I help you?

I would like to know what’s happening and what it all means?

You have been chosen to be the keeper of the vessel and I am here to help you decide who shall be the next worthy person after you to be the protector of the cup.

What’s with the rain and the apple trick? said Shawn

You were granted three wishes as all holders of the cup are entitled to.

And that’s it? Shouts Shawn.

I don’t make the rules, I just answer your questions and help you to fulfill your desires.

That hardly seems fair.

It’s not my fault that you used up your wishes before you asked any questions.

Well, I sure have some questions now! Let’s start with what happens next?

It’s your privilege to pass along the cup to whoever you feel would be a good and worthy candidate.

How did Mary get control of the cup, as you call it?

Her name isn’t really Mary and she received it from an old woman in Hawaii about five years ago, by the way you track time.

She made her wishes and ended up as a street person?

She has homes in Hawaii and Lake Tahoe- millions of dollars in the bank, and has set up a feeding program for thousands of people in Africa. She still flie’s there in her own plane to oversee the operation.

Why did she pick me?

She and I discussed you on several occasions at some length. You were not my first choice I can assure you. She liked the way you handled the woman in the casino, she felt that you were a good and caring person.

I do remember that incident.

"She and Mary set that whole thing up to test your integrity. She and Mary, as you call her,