Return-path: Envelope-to: lojban@lojban.org Delivery-date: Tue, 26 Oct 2021 10:18:56 -0700 Received: from mail.hollisterimaging.com ([193.124.7.188]:4403) by 03a96f5551ca with esmtp (Exim 4.94.2) (envelope-from ) id 1mfQ5P-00027r-R6 for lojban@lojban.org; Tue, 26 Oct 2021 10:18:56 -0700 DKIM-Signature: v=1; a=rsa-sha1; c=relaxed/relaxed; s=dkim; d=hollisterimaging.com; h=Date:From:To:Subject:MIME-Version:Content-Type:List-Unsubscribe:Message-ID; i=kerry.webster@hollisterimaging.com; bh=c222xGPp86F3BOtM/vE8gAgtE1o=; b=ibYz+cYPKVhpWuw8s16VW6Q9ExPVP9TirSWNX2SVew737ECaVVH/X5t/v17p1FUA1ag8sEW/9ug3 fw9A7FtFc4EE/lmeiXcAprEKwJbQHTEMjCbWCC/paB4rE7CRe9nNm7HevSjm77yWd+0ksmlpUPAN 8hYOryuVlEFA84aRFso= DomainKey-Signature: a=rsa-sha1; c=nofws; q=dns; s=dkim; d=hollisterimaging.com; b=UqTL9Tp97LkwYU8wQXtOIXL2X5HbrRceW362nPWITX+ilnc7iyyTbsDaRZ96yVBVn6gnnB4pDm2V iBpbg5PhHnfVZxSslTkkaFpys7WHw8Tx7xbuihvsbV0y6KLCVBHwck9VAM/nTMPgG5VOy59qW3pe xgHtUrkgHJfNpjyZPVc=; Received: by mail.hollisterimaging.com id hf0sla0001gc for ; Tue, 26 Oct 2021 13:17:45 -0400 (envelope-from ) Date: Tue, 26 Oct 2021 13:17:45 -0400 From: "Kerry Webster" To: Subject: Start Saving For Black Friday- Repair Any Leather Item In Your Closet Regardless Of Color MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="----=_Part_145_896873541.1635268382752" List-Unsubscribe: Message-ID: <0.0.0.18.1D7CA8D646EFB28.34FAAB@mail.hollisterimaging.com> X-Spam-Score: 4.0 (++++) X-Spam_score: 4.0 X-Spam_score_int: 40 X-Spam_bar: ++++ X-Spam-Report: Spam detection software, running on the system "ecad2f253346", has NOT identified this incoming email as spam. The original message has been attached to this so you can view it or label similar future email. If you have any questions, see @@CONTACT_ADDRESS@@ for details. Content preview: ** Bring Your Leather Back to Life! ** The Leather Miracle Gel is a low-cost alternative to professional results. Extend the life of your priceless leather goods today! The Leather Miracle Gel has you covered no matter what you're looking [...] Content analysis details: (4.0 points, 5.0 required) pts rule name description ---- ---------------------- -------------------------------------------------- 0.0 URIBL_BLOCKED ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE: The query to URIBL was blocked. See http://wiki.apache.org/spamassassin/DnsBlocklists#dnsbl-block for more information. [URIs: hollisterimaging.com] -0.0 SPF_PASS SPF: sender matches SPF record 0.0 SPF_HELO_NONE SPF: HELO does not publish an SPF Record 0.0 HTML_FONT_LOW_CONTRAST BODY: HTML font color similar or identical to background 0.0 HTML_MESSAGE BODY: HTML included in message 0.0 MIME_QP_LONG_LINE RAW: Quoted-printable line longer than 76 chars -0.1 DKIM_VALID_AU Message has a valid DKIM or DK signature from author's domain -0.1 DKIM_VALID Message has at least one valid DKIM or DK signature 0.1 DKIM_SIGNED Message has a DKIM or DK signature, not necessarily valid -0.1 DKIM_VALID_EF Message has a valid DKIM or DK signature from envelope-from domain 1.7 RAZOR2_CHECK Listed in Razor2 (http://razor.sf.net/) 2.4 RAZOR2_CF_RANGE_51_100 Razor2 gives confidence level above 50% [cf: 100] 0.0 T_REMOTE_IMAGE Message contains an external image ------=_Part_145_896873541.1635268382752 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit ** Bring Your Leather Back to Life! ** ----------------------------------------- The Leather Miracle Gel is a low-cost alternative to professional results. Extend the life of your priceless leather goods today! The Leather Miracle Gel has you covered no matter what you're looking for. Scratches, rips, cracks, and burns may all be repaired with this simple miracle gel. Anything made of leather, including furniture, automobile seats, jackets, shoes, and accessories, may be repaired using the Gel. The Leather Miracle Gel is a low-cost alternative to professional results. Extend the lifespan of your priceless leather goods! Shop Now For Discounted Prices! -> http://www.hollisterimaging.com/51b6cKF2395qI86i10D627bha7al18whscFDrfhscFDrEsvZ7cQ8oRKe6MD1DP05KlPsv/initiation-homeomorphic Carter Digital Pathing Networks 322 S King Charles Rd Raleigh, NC 27610-2739 Update Email Preferences http://www.hollisterimaging.com/b514G2395Ol8N610S627cMa7ao18mhscFDrfhscFDrEsvZ7oQ8oRKe6RDt10z6VMLsBv/tinker-wearisomely ------=_Part_145_896873541.1635268382752 Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20
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HE UNOFFICIA= L, DECLASSIFIED, SNIPE HUNT

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      &n= bsp;  ?That's the thing about this city?it's just brimming with l= ove.? Alan said, leaning in for the kiss. The scenery was perfect. They wer= e on top of a skyscraper, a large Valentine's Day billboard behind them, an= d a view of the bustling city and its sparkling lights glittering in the da= rk. But Laura turned away and stood up. ?Alan, there's something that I mus= t tell you.?

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      &n= bsp;  ?Oh no.? Aaron said in a whisper.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Oh he's dead.? Mike whispered back.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Shhh they'll hear us!? Tim shushed.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Oh good because there's something I want to ask, or uh, te= ll, you.? Alan said, fingering the ring in his pocket.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Alan, I,I-? Laura began.

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      &n= bsp;  Alan fell to his knees. ?Laura will you marry-?

= =20

      &n= bsp;  ?I'm joining a convent.? Laura said, closing her eyes.

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      &n= bsp;  ?A what?? Alan asked.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Oh Alan I'm so so sorry, I had wanted to tell you earlier,= but I didn't think you loved me that much.?

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      &n= bsp;  Alan squeezed out a breath of air as he stood up, wobbling,= ?Really??

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      &n= bsp;  ?Yeah, I thought you were joking around so I went along wit= h it. It was funny.?

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      &n= bsp;  ?Really?? Alan asked again.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Yes. I'm sorry. But I'll certainly pray for you. As a nun.= ?

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      &n= bsp;  ?Nun??

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      &n= bsp;  ?Yes, that's why I'm joining the convent?to become a nun.?<= /span>

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      &n= bsp;  ?Ok.?

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      &n= bsp;  ?Oh thank you Alan! I knew you would understand!? Laura thr= ew her arms around him and gave Alan a peck on the cheek. Alan put his hand= up to his cheek and stared at Laura in shocked silence.

=20

      &n= bsp;  ?Well, I better get going. I have to pack now.? Laura said.= She turned around and left.

=20

      &n= bsp;  Once she was out of earshot, Aaron, Mike, and Tim came out = from behind the billboard.

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      &n= bsp;  ?How'd ya'll get here?? Alan asked dumbfounded.

= =20

      &n= bsp;  ?What'd ya think? We followed you here! We took cover behin= d the billboard and witnessed the sad tale of you and the nun to be.? Mike = told him.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Hey! I didn't ask for you guys to-? Alan began. Suddenly h= e fell to the ground fighting with a massive orange and white cat that had = landed on his head.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Hey! Get off me! Get off me!? Alan cried.

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      &n= bsp;  ?You have to listen to me! I found something amazing!? the = cat said.

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      &n= bsp;  ?John Doe?? The 4 young men shouted in disbelief. Mike grab= bed him by the scruff of the neck and shook him.

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      &n= bsp;  ?How many times have we told you not to speak in public cat= ? What if other people find out you can talk?? Mike hissed.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Then all of YOU will get into trouble with the government = for genetic experimentation on me.? John Doe hissed right back.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Hey! That was an accident!? Tim said. ?You shouldn't have = drank out of Aaron's lab results.?

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      &n= bsp;  ?Well YOU shouldn't have left the laboratory door open!? Jo= hn Doe said raising his voice.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Come on now, let's just calm down.? Alan said, his hands u= p in defense mode. ?John, why did you attack me??

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      &n= bsp;  ?I actually thought it would look normal while informing yo= u of my discovery, unlike you guys who are standing around talking to a str= ay cat.? Everyone stared, startled. Then they took deep breaths and started= walking.

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      &n= bsp;  ?So-where are we going?? Aaron asked, after they had gone t= hrough a couple of blocks.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Your house, its closer.? Mike said.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Ok, but as you know, I live with my parents so it might be= better if we went up to the lab above the garage.? Aaron said.

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      &n= bsp;   ?Laura.? Alan sniffed. ?Will I ever see her again??

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      &n= bsp;  ?Of course!? Mike said gaily. ?You're a good Catholic unlik= e me, so both of you should wind up in the same place when you die!?=

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      &n= bsp;  Somehow this made Alan more depressed.

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      &n= bsp;  Not long after this, they came to Aaron's place. After gree= ting his parents, they went straight to the lab. There, John Doe slipped on= his collar that he had removed earlier, and produced a small piece of pape= r that he had hidden somewhere on his person.

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      &n= bsp;  ?This is a map.? He stated with a wink.

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      &n= bsp;  ?A map of what?? Mike asked.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Of treasure.? I heard the street cats talking about it. Ap= parently, they hid the map from humans when the Chinese food restaurant clo= se to the location closed, due to the pandemic. It took a lot of bravery an= d skill to obtain this here map.? John Doe tossed his head proudly and a ga= ve an even prouder meow.

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      &n= bsp;  ?So what's the catch?? Mike asked.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Oh nothing much. We just follow the map directly to the X = and then we hunt for Snipe. They are the ones who have the treasure. But it= s not theirs. It belongs to modern day pirates who trust the snipe to secre= tly to protect their booty.? John Doe explained.

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      &n= bsp;  ?I trust my own self to protect my own ?booty'? Mike mumble= d. Tim laughed.

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      &n= bsp;  ?So, we're going on a Snipe hunt? Cool! What are snipes? Ar= e they human? Or are they cat?? asked Tim.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Oh no no no, they are some sort of other creature. Kind of= like a ghost but real.? John Doe said.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Ghost?? Tim asked looking at Mike, who looked at Aaron who= looked at Adrian who looked around the room until he found a picture of GO= D as the wallpaper on Aaron's open computer. Then he sighed in relief.

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?Wait.? Mike said.

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?What?? Tim asked.

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?You want us to fight--Snipe?? Aaron a= sked.

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?Yes!? John Doe sighed.

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The four young men started to look aro= und the lab, at petri dishes, at John Doe's water and food bowls, etc.

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      &n= bsp;  ?What are you doing?? asked John Doe incredulously.<= /p>=20

      &n= bsp;  Aaron stood up. ?Looking for catnip.?

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      &n= bsp;  ?Catnip? In my litterbox?!?? he shrieked. The= y all looked at Mike, who was using the pooper scooper to go through John's= toilet.

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      &n= bsp;  ?What?? he said defensively, putting the litterbox on the f= loor. ?He could have it stashed anywhere. Don't you know how desperate cats= on catnip are??

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      &n= bsp;  ?I-don't-do-catnip!? John Doe said through gritted teeth.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Oh yeah? Then why are your eyes always so red, hmmm?? Mike= asked.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Because I can't sleep in the day because of loud, obnoxiou= s people who love to bang doors while others are sleeping peacefully!? John= Doe retorted; ears laid flat against his skull.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Ok, ok we believe you John. Mike just stop rileling him up= will ya please?? asked Adrian, trying to smooth the situation over. ?Just?= tell us again John Doe, because I don't think we heard you clearly,?=

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      &n= bsp;  ?Oh yes we did.? Mike said.

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      &n= bsp;  Adrian ignored them. ?Are Snipes ghosts??

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      &n= bsp;  ?No! Of course not! We can defeat them easily if we just ha= ve a bat or a stick or something. And also a flashlight. We'll have to capt= ure them with our bare hands though.? John Doe said.

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      &n= bsp;  ?What are they then?? Adrian asked.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Maybe kind of like fireflies?? John Doe guessed.=20

      &n= bsp;  ?Alright, sounds fair. I'm in.? Mike said.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Sounds exciting! I'm in too.? Tim said.

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      &n= bsp;  ?I don't know?? Adrian said

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      &n= bsp;  ?Me either?? Aaron added.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Oh come on.? Mike said. ?Aaron don't be like that. It's yo= ur solemn duty to join us in this endeavor so that we can convince Adrian t= o come along and think about capturing Snipes instead of thinking about his= girlfriend callously dumping him.?

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      &n= bsp;  ?Well now I really don't want to go.? Adrian said.=20

      &n= bsp;  ?Can you be any more insensitive?? Aaron asked.

= =20

      &n= bsp;  ?What?? Mike asked in perfect innocence.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Come on Adrian. We can all have fun capturing Snipes.?

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      &n= bsp;  ?What about me?? John Doe asked.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Your not that important. You just lead us to the X and sho= w us how to capture Snipe.? Mike said indifferently.

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      &n= bsp;  ?And your role in this is limited to how much methane you c= an produce in two or three hours or so.? John Doe retorted right back. = ; 

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      &n= bsp;  ?All right, all right I'll go, just lease lets not be crude= ? Adrian put his hands up in defense.

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      &n= bsp;  ?I might as well come along too.? Aaron sighed.

= =20

      &n= bsp;  ?Ok, let's rock!? John Doe raised a paw in the air and pump= ed it before taking off his collar and hopping up to the doorknob, which he= twisted and unlocked the door. The four young men followed the talking cat=  (grabbing flashlights and staffs) out of the laboratory and into the = night.       

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***=20

      &n= bsp;  CIA Commander X sipped his coffee as he leaned in his seat = and checked his emails on his computer. He had never wanted a desk job, but= neither had he wanted to retire either. He had chosen the lesser of the tw= o evils, and right now he was regretting it.

=20

      &n= bsp;  Suddenly his eyes lighted upon an email from his old pal Y = at the NSA. Curious, and a little excited, he clicked on it. He read it. He= read it again. Just to be sure of its contents, he read it a third time. F= inally he sat back in his seat and formulated a plan. Then he pressed a buz= zer on his desk. Immediately a very young CIA agent, fresh from graduation,= entered the room.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Yes sir?? he asked.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Mr. A,? Commander X said, ?Have you ever heard of a Snipe = hunt??

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      &n= bsp;  ?No sir.? Mr. A replied.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Hmmm. Interesting.? Commander X closed his eyes. ?I guess = they don't teach youngsters how to Snipe hunt these days huh??

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      &n= bsp;  ?I guess not sir.? Mr. A conceded.

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      &n= bsp;  ?Well,? Mr. X opened his eyes. ?That's unfortunate. However, don't regret it. I will = send you and 10 agents about your age on a Snipe hunt of the upmost urgency= ?

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         ?Sir?? Mr.= A asked confused.

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         ?My friend= at the NSA said that the algorithms picked up the sound of a group of boys= talking by accessing the microphones in their phones. They were or are, go= ing after some treasure that some Snipe are hiding. And the only way to get= that treasure is to hunt down those atrocious Snipe. We will send you guys= to the Snipe lair via teleportation once these young men have reached it. = You will defeat the Snipe and reach the treasure before the young men do. T= hen you will take the treasure for this country since it serves our country= 's best interests. It's in our country anyway so its ours. Got it??

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         ?Yes sir!?= Mr. A half shouted. Maybe he was a little too fresh from the marine corps = Commander X thought. Oh well. Time to enjoy a little mission.=20

***

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         ?Why aren'= t we following the map?? Tim asked.

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         ?Why follo= w the map when you can go directly to X marks the spot?? asked John Doe.

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         ?I don't k= now, because your supposed to?? Tim said, a question mark in his voice.=

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         ?Nevermind= , we're here anyways.? Adrian said. The five of them stared upward.

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         ?It's a wa= ll.? Mike said. 

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         ?It remind= s me of a castle.? Tim added.

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         ?Are you s= ure we are in the right place?? Aaron asked.

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         ?Of course= I'm sure! See! Look at it for yourself!? John Doe handed the map to Aaron.= Everyone leaned over his shoulder to look at the map.

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         ?Guys I ca= n't see with all of you leaning over me.? Aaron said, rolling his eyes.=

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         ?Oh sorry.= ? The others stated taking steps backward. Aaron looked at the map again. ?= Hmmm, yes. We are indeed in the right spot. Sort of. The real X is actually= behind this wall.? Aaron said.

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         ?How do we= get over it?? Tim asked.

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         ?We get a = pole and hop over it.? Mike said rubbing his hands.

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         ?Or we cou= ld ask whoever lives here to let us in.? Adrian said, pointing to the door = nearby.

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         ?Right. We= could do that.? Mike said, disappointment in his voice.

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         They all w= ent to the front door. A sign nearby read ?Our dear Saint Helena's Convent.= ?

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         ?A Convent= !? Adrian breathed. ?I think I'll wait behind those bushes over there.?=

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         ?Me too.? = Aaron said.

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         ?Me three.= ? Mike added.

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         ?Now just = wait a minute,? Tim said. ?I can understand Adrian hiding, but you two??

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         ?I'm Jewis= h and it's almost Easter and my family is still on the Inquisition list. I = better not take the chance.? Aaron explained.

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?Ok. What's your excuse?? Tim asked Mike.

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         ?Me and re= ligious folk don't exactly mix very well.? Mike said.

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         ?What?!? W= hat about Adrian and Aaron?? Tim asked.

=20

         ?I said re= ligious folk, not friends.? Mike said.

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         ?Is there = a difference?? Tim asked.

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         ?Oh yes.? = Mike nodded his head.

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         Tim sighed= and turned around and knocked on the door while his three friends hid behi= nd a tiny bush which did nothing to hide them. An elderly nun came to the d= oor.

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         ?Yes?? she= asked.

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         ?Um, yes, = me and my three friends who are hiding behind that bush over there are on a= Snipe and treasure hunt and we wanted to fight some Snipe behind your wall= over there.? Tim pointed.

=20

         ?Snipe?? S= he asked.

=20

         ?Yes.? Tim= asked.

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         ?You poor,= honest boy.? She said. ?Yet you must learn one day. Go to the gate down th= ere (she pointed) and I will open the gate from in here. When you are done = Snipe hunting just exit the same way you came in. The gate will automatical= ly act on its own on the inside.?

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         ?Thank you= !? Tim told her emphatically. She shut the door quickly. The four young men= and cat hurried to the gate. It was open. They went in.

=20

         ?Alright, = flashlights on and staffs in hand!? John Doe hissed as he went up front and= on the prowl. ?Let's catch these treasure keeping Snipes!?

= =20

         ?Wait.? Ti= m said. ?Are we being too greedy by capturing Snipe in order to get treasur= e??

=20

         ?Tim, why = do you have to suck the fun out of everything?? Mike asked.

= =20

         Suddenly t= hey heard a crack of a stick. Then a crunch, crunch of l= eaves.

=20

         ?SNIPE!!!?= They all shouted. They ran in all directions, cat John Doe included.

=20

         Out of the= trees that overhung the wall stepped 11 CIA agents, dressed smartly in hoo= dies and sunglasses that could see in the dark.

=20

         ?Our suspe= cts have fled the scene sir.? Ms. J announced.

=20

         ?Good. We = can focus on our targets.? Mr. A said, setting his gun on silent mode.<= /span>

=20

         ?Sir I don= 't see any targets anywhere around here.? Agent G said, typing on a tiny co= mputer that sat on his shoulder.

=20

         ?That's be= cause they are clever and can hide their body heat Mr. G. Don't forget what= Mr. X told us in the briefing room.? Mr. A replied.

=20

         ?Yes sir.?= Mr. G said.

=20

         ?Hey! I ca= ught one!? Tim's voice came from above.

=20

         ?Shhh! Are= you crazy!?! You'll give away our positions!? John Doe shushed him.

=20

         The CIA ag= ents looked up and saw Tim in the tree holding something in his fist, next = to a cat. They all took aim.

=20

         ?Wait, wai= t! They are very delicate, like fireflies! Right John Doe?? Tim asked.<= /span>

=20

         ?Meow.? Jo= hn replied, ears flat against his skull.

=20

         Ms. J took= a paper bag out of her back pocket. ?Come here.? She said. Tim came down f= rom the tree. ?Put the Snipe inside.? She motioned to Tim.

= =20

         ?But he'll= escape.? Tim said. ?Here, let me help you.? He produced an empty Spry gum = container and carefully put the Snipe in it. Then he took his pocketknife a= nd put in a very tiny hole in the top so the Snipe could breathe. Then he p= ut the container in the paper bag.

=20

         ?Who are y= ou guys?? he asked, once the Snipe had been put away.

=20

         ?We have t= he Snipe.? Mr. G said into his walkie-talkie.

=20

         ?The Might= y Snipe Hunters.? Mr. A smiled as they were all teleported back to CIA HQ.<= /a>

=20

***

=20

         Commander = X tapped his finger on the Spry gum container before him. ?Are you sure thi= s is a Snipe?? he asked.

=20

         ?Yes sir.?= Mr. A said.

=20

         ?Humph.? H= e grunted. He had hoped to have more fun than this but oh well. Couldn't be= helped. ?Alright Mr. A you can go.?

=20

         Mr. A left= Once the door was shut, Commander X curiously opened the container. Once = he did he laughed as the bug flew weakly out. ?A firefly!? he exclaimed. ?W= ell, well, well that explains things. I should have known. Snipe never get = caught.?

=20

***

=20

When the CIA agents left, Tim and John Doe could only stare. The= n they both ran to find everyone else what they had seen. They fairly jumpe= d through a rose garden where they tripped over Aaron and Mike.<= /p>=20

         ?Ouch!? Ti= m cried.

=20

         ?What are = you-? began John Doe.

=20

         ?Shhh!? Mi= ke and Aaron said.

=20

         Tim and Jo= hn were about to answer back but were distracted by a nun hugging Adrian.

=20

         ?Oh Laura!= ? Adrian said, tears falling down his cheeks.

=20

         ?Oh Adrian= !? Laura said. ?I've realized my mistake. I love GOD and I still want to fo= llow him, but I want to follow him as your wife. I love you sooo much and i= t took me stepping back from you to realize it. I'm so sorry, I'm so so sor= ry. Will you forgive me??

=20

         ?Of course= I forgive you.? Adrian said. ?But what about your vows??

=20

         ?Oh I have= n't taken them yet.? Laura said. ?And I can leave here anytime I want.?= Adrian smiled. ?Perfect.?

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      &n= bsp;  That was when Mike, Aaron, Tim, and John Doe saw it. The gh= ostly essence swirled around Adrian and Laura as they hugged each other. Qu= ickly the foursome jumped up and ran into the couple knocking them down and= shouting, ?SNIPE!?

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Gerald looked confident; it was a look= that did not often cross his coarse features. Teague told him; ?I don't se= e how you can be so sure about that??

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?Vittorio has got to be on the run now= ; because as much as Mr. Penrose did not want to start anything permanent w= ith the Italians;? Gerald explained to Teague. ?You have to know that the I= talians' feel the same.?

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It made sense; what Gerald was saying,= Teague had to admit. This was unusual because more often than not, it was = Teague's job to explain things to his coworker, and fellow troubleshooter.<= /span>

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?I feel like Vittorio means to start a= war Teague,? Gerald told the other man. Teague agreed with; ?Maybe.?

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Gerald put a determined look on his fa= ce and said; ?I don't want no war with the Italians Teague. I'm afraid what= it will do to the city.?

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Teague had more than his fair share of= experience with War on a Global scale; he did not relish the thought of a = city-wide conflict between the Penrose Enterprise and the Italians.<= /p>=20

 

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Gerald continued; ?I mean to do whatev= er it takes to keep my city the same Teague: cause I like my city.?<= /p>=20

 

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Teague's response was ?I feel the same= Gerald.?

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The two men were searching through a c= hest of drawers, looking for clothing to replace the tattered and bloody cl= othing that Gerald was currently wearing.

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Gerald had stripped down to his boxers= and socks; as they were the only pieces of clothing he had that were not s= tained partly, or mostly with his blood.

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That will happen when you are on the w= rong end of an ivory handled razor.

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Teague found a pair of trousers with a= patched knee that he recognized as his own. He remembered working on a pro= ject for Mr. Penrose in the hotel basement and getting them very dirty. He = had changed out of them and left them to be laundered in the hotel laundry.= It was one of the advantages to the Enterprise offices being in one of the= finer hotels in the city.

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Teague had forgotten about them; and t= hey ended up in this chest of drawers.

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Gerald was of a height with Teague; th= ough he was probably close to two stone heavier, so he thought they might s= erve the bruiser for now.

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?Try these on;? Teague said as he toss= ed the trousers to Gerald. Gerald eyed the clothes a little suspiciously bu= t tried them on, one leg at a time ? like every man.

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?These here are your trousers;? Gerald= said to Teague as he sucked in his gut to fasten the bottoms.

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?Well that's the best we can do;? Teag= ue told the bruiser, ?unless you want to try on a pair of Mr. Penrose's?

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The two big men looked at each other a= nd grinned; and shook their heads no, at the same time.

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?Now I need to find me a shirt;? Geral= d said. The two men spent several minutes going through various drawers; se= arching for a shirt that would fit Gerald.

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For his part; Teague was generally con= tent to work in silence. He was checking on yet another shirt; only to disc= over that it belonged to his employer and was therefore much smaller than G= erald could fit into.

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Teague had noticed; after his initial = shock at seeing the big man alive, that Gerald was much quieter than he had= been before.

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It was common for him to have to ask; = sometimes tell, Gerald to be quiet. A prime example had been, earlier in th= e day when Fitz had nearly yelled at Gerald to shut his pie hole.=20

 

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The big bruiser had been going on and on about pets, and the abs= urdity of a giraffe in a restaurant. This had originally stemmed from Geral= d mishearing what Teague had said, when the troubleshooter was trying to ex= plain to Gerald and Fitz, that Pecht -the Pixie- had been kidnapped from th= e Cornish.

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The abduction of Rowena's Pixie had started this whole affair. T= he older woman ran the eatery and had come to Mr. Penrose because she paid = for protection; and someone had done her wrong.

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This was within her rights; in theory? Teague had never encounte= red something like this before in the years he had been working for Mr. Pen= rose. He had told his employer earlier in the day that it did make sense th= at since Miss Rowena paid for protection, that they should look into the pr= oblem she was having.

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Mr. Penrose could have certainly shrugged off the request and ha= ve been done with the issue before it went any further. But despite the Ent= erprise not being a ?legal? entity; technically speaking, his employer was = very neighborhood oriented and was actually generous in many respects.<= /span>

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Teague noticed that his large coworker was no longer searching; = but was instead perusing something he had presumably uncovered in one of th= e drawers.

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?What have you got there Gerald??, Teague asked of the bruiser.<= /a>

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Gerald answered;?it's a newspaper Teague, I found it at the bott= om of this drawer what only seems to have shirts that my baby brother could= wear.?

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Teague grinned a little at this, because he knew that the shirts= most likely belonged to their employer.

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?I know they is Mr. Penrose's shirts a= nd all Teague,? Gerald continued with a slight smile, ?but they do seem awf= ul small.?

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?I know that lots of folks put paper a= t the bottom of their dresser drawers;? Gerald offered. ?Not really sure wh= at it's supposed to complish,? the bruiser said, ?I just know that people d= o that sort of thing.?

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Teague nodded his head; thinking about= what was at the bottom of his dresser drawers, newspaper he thought.

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?Anyhow,? Gerald continued, ?this here= paper is about the Armistice; so I know it's a few year old.?

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Teague's face darkened a bit at mentio= n of the Armistice. He remembered when he had first heard about it. He had = been in the trenches; having spent several years at war, and he had openly = wept upon hearing the news.

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Teague eyed the paper that Gerald was = reading a little more closely and had a bit of a shock.

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?Gerald,? Teague said, ?I didn't know = you read French.?

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Gerald lowered the paper and looked ov= er at his friend.

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Gerald looked confused; it was a look = that often crossed his coarse features.

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Teague told him, ?I said: I didn't kno= w you read French.?

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Gerald looked surprised; it was anothe= r look that often crossed his coarse features.

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The bruiser jerked the paper back up t= o peer at it closely; and after a moment said; ?the deuce you say!?<= /p>=20

 

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Teague spoke; ?I picked up some of the= language while I was over there during the war, and that is a French newsp= aper?

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Gerald took a few moments to read a li= ttle more of the newsprint before telling Teague;? now you know I have trou= ble enough reading english Teague.?

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The other man nodded slowly in the aff= irmative. ?You know I never did like reading overmuch;? Gerald stated, ?hon= estly I always get a headache if I read for more than a few minutes.?

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Gerald turned the French paper over an= d peered at it closely. He told his friend; ?truth be told Teague; for as l= ong as I can remember, I had me some kind of small headache every darn day.= I think maybe it was one reason why I was sometimes ornery for no reason.?=

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Teague was intently listening to the o= ther big man; but still almost absentmindedly sorting through shirts.

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Gerald continued; ?you know Teague; ev= er since I woke up in the back of the motor coach this evening; I been feel= ing fine.?

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Teague stopped what he was doing and l= ooked the other man in the eye. ?yeah, about that Gerald??

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?About what Teague??, Gerald asked.

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?what happened today?? Teague asked an= d continued before Gerald could even consider any sort of answer. ?I saw yo= u on the floor in that room Gerald.?

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Teague took a deep breath and Gerald c= ould see his friend looked dismayed, but he continued; ?I've seen more deat= h than I care to: and I'm shamed to say, that I caused a fair bit of it.?

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Gerald asked; ?And??

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Teague took a step towards the other man and said in a quiet= voice: ?you were gone man!

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There was so much blood ? you were gon= e.?

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Gerald shook his head slowly back and = forth; apparently deep in thought: ?I don't know what happened Teague. I su= rely don't.?

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The bruiser kept going; ?I remember fo= llowing that Italian devil, cause I didn't want him to get the drop on you.= ?

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Teague touched Gerald on the arm light= ly and said; ?you probably saved my life Gerald.?

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Gerald got a sheepish grin on his face= ; shrugged his wide shoulders, and said; ?I don't know about that. What I k= now; is that I tackled that snake, on account of, he had pulled out that dr= eadful thing; and was gonna go after you.?

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Teague knew that Gerald was speaking a= bout the Ivory handled razor that Vittorio habitually carried and had used = to deadly effect on many an unfortunate soul: including Gerald himself.

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Gerald's face grew calm; reflective, e= ven.

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He spoke;? I tackled that devil Teague. And I'm strong!?

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Teague nodded slowly, because he knew the bruiser spoke the trut= h on that matter.

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Gerald continued; ?I'm not freakish strong like Fitz; and maybe not as strong as you, but I am strong: and I been a scrapper since I wa= s a boy.?

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Teague had seen Gerald rough up severa= l people over the years, and even though he had quiet easily handled Gerald= : he could acknowledge that the big bruiser was a more than competent brawl= er.

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?But it didn't matter none!?=20

 

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Gerald's face took on a concerned look= ?he wriggled away from me like the snake he is; and then he used that thi= ng on me.?

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The bruiser looked at his feet for a moment before raising his h= ead again to look Teague in the eye.

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?I died Teague.? Gerald said so softly= that the other man was almost not sure he heard it.

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?I remember wanting to tell you again = how silly a pet, a giraffe would make: especially as Ms. Rowena got herself= a restauraunt; but I couldn't seem to find the breath.?

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Gerald continued; ?I recall thinking ?= maybe I'll take a nap-?

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Teague remembered sitting on the ground with the bruiser's head = in his lap; earlier that evening.

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He had torn a sleeve off and used it t= o press against the ruin of Gerald's throat: even though he knew that it wa= sn't going to help.

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Again; in a very soft voice Gerald slo= wly said; ?I died Teague.?

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Teague nodded his head slightly; because he had been there.<= /span>

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?But look now!? Gerald said in an almost loud voice as he put do= wn the wrinkled copy of ?La Democratie?

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The bruiser lifted his arms to show sm= ooth skin to Teague.

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They were still literally a bloody mes= s; because blood is hard to rinse off without a proper bath, but there were= no wounds.

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?And look here!? Gerald exclaimed as h= e tilted his thick neck from side to side to again show ? no wounds ?

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Teague had held Gerald's head in his lap earlier that very eveni= ng while his life nearly gushed from terrible wounds to the bruiser's thick= neck. A testament to the razor, and deadly skills of Vittorio.<= /p>=20

 

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Yet the flesh now was smooth as a baby's behind.

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?Like I said before Gerald;? Teague spoke, ?what about that??

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Both big men slowly shook their heads = in confusion. ?We need to talk to your Pixie about that;? Teague said.

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Gerald for his part was uncharacterist= ically silent for several moments before bursting out with ?Aha!?=20

 

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This was blurted as Gerald simultaneou= sly lifted two shirts from one of the drawers.

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He shook the one in his right fist and= said;?this will fit me!?

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He then put both shirts up to his broa= d chest to compare them: the one in his left hand was significantly smaller= than the one in his right.

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?I swear;? Gerald exclaimed, ?looks li= ke you could make two or even three of the boss's shirt, outa one of like t= his.

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I bet this big shirt is Fitz's and it = might be a bit big on me but the boss's shirt makes it look like this one b= longs to a Giant.?

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The bruiser smiled for a moment; then = his face took on a timid expression. He looked at Teague and said; ?don't t= ell Mr. Penrose I said anything like that if you please.?

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Teague told the other big man;?don't w= orry Gerald; friends don't do that.?

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This brought a big smile to Gerald's f= ace, and he put down the small shirt so as to put on the larger one.=

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The two men spent another minute or tw= o straightening up the drawers and then returned upstairs to their employer= 's office.

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They used the front stairs instead of = the rear ones; because it was a shorter trip and also because Gerald didn't= look like he had been murdered any longer.

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When they arrived at their employer's = office; Teague could not help but notice the bloody hand print that he had = left when he first came to Penrose's office after what happened at Ottimo C= ibo.

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As they entered the office; Gerald hea= rd the Pixie say, in that soft small voice of his: ?we will.?

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Gerald saw that Fitz was there now wit= h Mr. Penrose and Pecht.

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He was about to come out and ask the l= arge man where he had been while Gerald was dealing with that snake Vittori= o.

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Before he could say anything; Fitz blu= rted out ?What the Hell!?   

=20 3D""/ ------=_Part_145_896873541.1635268382752--