#correspondences with: Sir Eddy

[apomaro-mellow]

King and Prince 32

Part 31

Steve was lounging in his sheets, still dressed in his bed clothes as he reread one of Eddie’s letters. The way he described it, Steve was some sort of hammer-wielding hero of legend. Last he’d heard of Jason, he had slinked back home. Steve was through with worrying about him though. The people had seen his strength and honor and any who had doubts about his and the king’s courtship were now swayed in his favor. But at the end of the day, it was just about him and Eddie.

The next day, Steve was gifted a beautiful sketch drawing of himself, hammer held in a protective stance. Steve traced the lines of his face, his nose, and his mouth. Did he really look that handsome to Eddie? Eddie was completely open with his adoration now. Not that he had cared to keep quiet about it before. But now Eddie held nothing back. Hence the amount of love letters he had received. 

Eddie seemed a natural talent when it came to both writing and orating. He had such a way with words that made him believable and gave him a command that most men would never even dream of. His own father wasn’t nearly so eloquent as king, choosing instead to let force and cruelty ensure his power and position. Eddie was different from his father in a lot of ways. Most particularly in his shows of emotion.

Steve didn’t even know if his parents had ever been in love. He had no memories of them being affectionate or ever professing their feelings for one another. Steve wanted it to be different between him and Eddie.

To that end, he found Robin, who was in the middle of polishing some brass.

“I need help writing.”

She looked up from her work, eyebrow raised. “Are you…incapable or…?”

Steve rolled his eyes. “I am perfectly capable of writing. I just-need help making sure it sounds right.”

“Are you really about to make me proofread poetry from you to our wet rat of a king?”

“Careful, that nearly sounds treasonous”, Steve teased.

“I don’t hear any disagreement.”

“Well, I haven’t seen him in any state but dry. So I don’t have a frame of reference”, Steve said. “Now will you please help? You’re the only one I can ask.”

“I reserve the right to gag.”

-------------------------

My sweet king,

Your words touch me in a way no one has. I find myself wasting the night hours and candle wax, reading them before bed. If I am half the man you espouse, then I must be truly worthy of your grace. To know that you are just as enamored with me as I am with you has me floating on clouds. 

Dare I tell you my dreams? How I long to be closer to you? I know we play these games of propriety but I can never remember why. You know I am not untouched. So what makes you stay your hand? Is it a law that exists outside of us? If so, I yearn to know. For there is not a force between us that could keep us apart.

It was signed simply with Steve’s initials but Eddie would have known even without that who the sender was. There was only one responding to his correspondences after all. The sun had already dipped below the horizon, dinner and dessert had been served and now the castle was winding down for its slumber. He had already bid Steve good night, but he had to see him now. He was dressed for bed, a loose shirt and pants, feet bare, rings already removed and put away for tomorrow and he figured Steve would be in a similar state, but he couldn’t keep himself away. Not after having read his latest letter.

So he crept out of his room, not a particularly hard feat as the patrols were set in such a way that his room was rarely guarded at night. Eddie needed the least amount of protection. He made his way to Steve’s door and knocked, hoping he was still awake.

“Who is it?”, Steve’s voice was muffled by the thick door.

“Your greatest admirer”, Eddie said, cheek pressed to the door. 

“Sir Cox?”, Steve joked as he opened the door and just as Eddie had guessed, he was dressed in a similar fashion, prepared for bed. 

“Sir Cox? Who is that? Has he been sending you letters?”, Eddie asked.

Steve snickered and he looked like a dream with the candlelight from his room lighting him up from behind. “There is no Sir Cox. Only you and your delightful wordsmithing.”

“Well now I wonder. I’ve no doubt you must have several admirers after your bout with Carver.”

“You are the only one that sees me as a man to be pursued”, Steve said.

“Then I am the only one with eyes. Come with me”, Eddie held out his hand.

“Where to?”, Steve asked, already giving his hand.

“You’ll see.” Eddie pulled Steve along, their steps echoing in the dark halls. 

Steve felt like a kid again, going out past curfew for mischief and wondered what he and Eddie might get up to. Was this just a silly excursion under cover of darkness? Or did Eddie have something more intimate in mind? Eddie snickered as he pilfered a sheet from the laundry and then draped it over Steve like a veil. Eddie was struck by how bridal he looked.

“What I’m about to do is called shadow travel”, Eddie said, coming in close to whisper to Steve. “It can be disorienting for the first time, so close your eyes and hold tight to me.”

Steve nodded, doing as instructed. His arms went around Eddie and he closed his eyes. Eddie held him and suddenly Steve felt a cool rush of wind. He was tempted to open his eyes but worried he’d be disoriented if he did. When the rush stopped it was replaced by a soft breeze. He ventured to open his eyes and saw that they were beneath a large tree. Eddie led Steve from under it and took the sheet to lay it on the ground. Eddie sat down first and then patted the space next to him, prompting Steve to do the same.

The moon was a half eaten pie in the sky, glowing a pale white in a way that was rivaled only by the tapestry of stars.

“Do you have any favorite star stories?”, Eddie asked.

Steve thought about it. “I can’t remember what the constellation looks like, but I like the Two Lovers. And the Mother of the Skies.”

Eddie grabbed Steve’s hand and used it to point to a star duo. “The Two Lovers.” Then he pointed to a bright twinkle. “The Mother and right under her is Eldest Daughter, then Foolish Son, then Helpful Son, then Wisest Daughter, then-”

“Are you going to name all of the children? We’ll be here all night”, Steve laughed.

“Would that be such a bad thing?”

“If you attend the council with bags under your eyes, I won’t be blamed. I’m sure they already don’t care for me.”

Eddie released Steve’s hand but moved closer to him. “Fortunately, they’re not the ones courting you.”

“But they do make decisions concerning you and your kingdom. Their opinion of me is important.”

“I think most opinions have turned favorably to you now, little prince. There’s hardly a word against you anymore.”

“But what about for me?”

Eddie blinked. “What do you mean?”

Steve’s knees pulled up to his chest. “You treat me like a prince. But a prince is supposed to have power and importance… My father has yet to respond to my letter. Without his involvement, I can’t promise you anything. If you marry me, you’ll get nothing but myself. There’s no promise of peace or even an opportunity for any sort of harmony between our kingdoms. Why should you marry me if there isn’t an advantage for you?”

“Sweet prince, good prince.” Eddie took Steve’s chin to turn his face towards him before continuing. “Benevolent prince, honorable prince. You say that as if you are nothing. You think you have nothing to offer when there is nothing more precious than yourself.”

“Me?”

Steve looked at him, eyes sparkling with starlight. His legs lowered and he turned to face his body to Eddie, opening himself up. Eddie leaned in more, their noses bumping.

“You”, he said, closing the distance between their lips.

It was dipping into a lake after a hot day. It was opening a door to someone smiling at you. It was being told you did a great job when having doubted yourself. Kissing Eddie could be described in many words. But the one that came to Steve right now was relief. Relief when he felt Eddie’s lips move against his own. Relief in knowing that Eddie had wanted this just as much.

A feeling that turned into something more heady when Steve sighed against his mouth and Eddie whimpered. 

“Why have you been holding back?”, Steve asked, sharing the same breath as Eddie when he pulled away.

“Because I felt like I couldn’t stop if I got a taste”, Eddie confessed, chest moving up and down before he chased after Steve’s lips.

“Stop”, Steve said, putting a hand up.

Eddie froze in place, waiting for his next command. Smirking, Steve came forward again and dug his fingers into Eddie’s hair.

“See? You know how to follow orders.” He couldn’t see Eddie blush but he could feel the warmth in his face when he rubbed their cheeks together.

“You’ll be the death of me”, Eddie groaned.

“Imagine that, immortal king taken down by a single kiss”, Steve grinned.

“A single kiss, a dazzling smile, bewitching laugh. You have many weapons in your arsenal.”

“You know”, Steve said before leaning in for a kiss. “This would be much better-” kiss “in a bed.” Kiss.

Eddie’s eyes bulged at the prospect and they sneaked back into the castle, dropping off the sheet off at the laundry. Overcome, Eddie ended up kissing Steve along the way, against this wall, against that wall, it seemed they could only go a few feet before getting lost in each other’s lips again. They were nearly to Steve’s room when they heard voices and saw candlelight from around the corner.

They froze in place when Mike, Dustin, and Lucas came around the bend. The three boys also froze. 

“What are you guys doing here?”, Dustin pointed his finger first.

“I was just-I was escorting Steve back to his room. And here we are and here he is and this is where we say good night. Good night, Steve”, Eddie kissed Steve’s cheek and then hightailed it back to his own quarters. 

Steve was smiling the whole time at Edward’s frantic act, going into his room and having nearly closed the door all the way when he realized - what were the boys doing sneaking around at night.

“Hey wait a minute!”, he opened the door back up to the hallway, only to see darkness and hear silence. 

They had already scurried off. Well, no matter. Steve touched his lips, the feel of it still fresh. He went to bed, dreaming of Eddie’s mouth and hoping he was doing the same about him.

Part 33

If you saw me make a post about them having their first kiss in the winter, no you didn't.

Taglist CLOSED

@thesuninyaface @only-evanescent  @snakeorsquid  @ignoremyworld  @theclichefortunecookie 

@goodolefashionedloverboi  @just-a-tiny-void  @0body0disphoria0  @cinnamon-mushroomabomination  @samsoble 

@jamieweasley13  @y4r3luv  @xtkxkrzrizir  @un-knownperson  @greekgeek24 

@justdrugsformethanks  @potato-of-the-lord  @notaqueenakhaleesi  @swimmingbirdrunningrock  @queenie-ofthe-void 

@nebulainajar  @lil-gremlin-things  @nicememerino  @robininblue  @hornedqueenofhell 

@anne-bennett-cosplayer  @moomkin77  @here4thetrama  @bookworm0690  @autumncrocusandladybug

@lil-gremlin-things @littlebluejane @puppy-steve

[wildandsmile]

K͓̽i͓̽n͓̽k͓̽t͓̽o͓̽b͓̽e͓̽r͓̽ a͓̽n͓̽d͓̽ M͓̽a͓̽s͓̽t͓̽e͓̽r͓̽l͓̽i͓̽s͓̽t͓̽

🍎we don’t know about y’all, but pea and i are beyond ready for spooky season! nothing is better than having an apple spice candle burning by the windowsill while you make pumpkin muffins. of course, with great vibes come great orgasms ;) 🎃

🔥pea and i collectively agreed to begin prep for kinktober now because neither of us work very well under pressure. that being said, it’s an open house! i’m going to leave a list of kinks below. to request, simply choose the number corresponding with the kink, and then tell us who you want it to be for. example: “one, tanjiro komado”. you can also add your own tidbits like tropes, setting, etc. have fun with it! Then once everyone has thrown out their character for that day me and Pea will pick one to write about for that day this way it fair and fun.🔥

🔪to make this fair for us and avoid confusion with you all, i’ll also leave a list of the fandoms we write for below. don’t be afraid to suggest spooky movie characters too! (i.e ghost face, brahms, venom, etc.) y’know, the typical monster / slasher men you’d want to get down with. 🔪

🚫Be aware that we will NOT write for real killers!!! (ted bundy, the menendez brothers, jeffrey dahmer, etc.) not only is it immoral, it’s disrespectful to the victims and the victims’ families. so don’t ask🚫

❤️ other than that, happy requesting! there are 31 spots open, we’ll choose the ideas we think are the most creative / freaky / etc. happy halloween!<3 ❤️

𝐯𝐚𝐥’𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐬 —

a court of thorns and roses

sally face

haikyuu

ice breaker

diary of a wimpy kid (rodrick)

call of duty

avatar: the way of water

criminal minds

alice in borderland

venom / eddie

stranger things (NOOO eddie munson. 😾)

brahms

ghost face

the last of us

Etc

𝐩𝐞𝐚’𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐬 —

jujutsu kaisen

haikyuu

call of duty

tokyo revengers

hunter x hunter

blue lock

my hero academia

genshin impact

resident evil

persona

honkai star rail

spider-man: into the spider-verse.

Etc

𝟑𝟏 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐲 —

knife / gun play - Sanzu

choking - Miguel O ‘ Hara

spanking / impact play - Kage

degradation / dumbification - Blade

pet play - Upper Moons

psychological manipulation - Gojo

tears / overstimulation - Notes

consensual non consent

bondage - Gaara

temperature play

Breeding

phone sex

dirty talk - Bakugou Squad

mirror sex - Leon

cam girl - Link

hate sex -Ristto

cucking

exhibitionism - Itto

voyuerism

sex toys

marijuana + sex

forbidden love

orgasm denial - Connie

electrostimulation - Ryuji

oral (giving + receiving) - Sanji

hair pulling + collars kiss

remote control vibrator - Itoshi Rin

spitting - Ghost

Sir - Reo

master

humiliation

💀happy requesting, also make sure to like and reblog for your favorite writers<3 💀

[terresdebrume]

02 First Missive

Important links: Rules for my ficlet 'verses. | Steve in the City

Context for Sit: Vecna is dead, Billy and Eddie aren’t. Steve now lives in Grrenwich village, where he somehow found Billy Hargrove and (thankfully) still has Robin. Steve-centric ft. Billy, Robin & Eddie + the rest of the gang to various degrees (Also probably Steddie).

In this ficlet: Eddie sends Steve a letter. Steve is puzzled, but answers anyway. 347w, All audiences, gen.

Written on a yellowed piece of paper that smells like coffee and weed.

August 28th, 1987.

Hawkins, Indiana.

My liege,

I hope this missive finds you well. I write at the behest of Sir Dustin, whose concern for you and your wellbeing knows no bounds. While the rest of his band of brave adventurers—The Party, as they dub themselves—has assured him multiple times of your competence and ability to support yourself, Sir Dustin has been distraught and bereft ever since you left us.

He repeatedly entreated us to make use of the address you left us with the greatest haste, and to be most diligent in our correspondence with you. I know not, my liege, whether this humble offering from a bard you hardly know will find any grace in your eyes. I merely beg that you mention its existence to Sir Dustin when next you talk to him, that he may rest his mind and and I may rest my ears.

If, however, your lordship were to garner any amusement from this missive, I beg of you to reply! Things as of late have been dreadfully dull, as the City has accepted my innocence but found no love for me. I languish every day, to the point of missing the dreaded days of school captivity! To receive some news from you would greatly alleviate my suffering. And if—dare I hope—you find it in yourself to indulge my request for amusement, I solemnly swear that I will endeavor to learn of subject matters that speak to you, such as “sports” and “pop music”.

I leave you with all my thanks for your attention (and also my repeated entreaty to tell Dustin I wrote to you, else I may go crazy).

Eddie Munson, Bard of Hawkins.

----

Written on an orange postcard that says ‘Hello from NEW YORK the wonder city’. Each letter is a frame in which an iconic location is presented.

09/01/87 - NYC

What the fuck? I sp I had Took me 20mn to reed read this shit. Told Dustin.

Aslo, you don’t know shit about sports.

S

[eeveevie]

Salvation is a Last Minute Business (2/18)

Chapter 2: How to Be a Detective in 10 Easy Lessons

It’s a new year, and Madelyn is trying to stay busy. Hancock pays a visit to the Detective Agency with an olive branch in the guise of a case for Nick. On the beat, a former mercenary turns informant with more information about the mysterious Railroad. Nick and Madelyn track down their missing person while Eddie Winter makes his first deadly move.  

“Well, sure there is. It comes complete with diagrams, on page 47 of 'How to be a Detective in 10 Easy Lessons,' correspondence school text-book and, uh, your father offered me a drink.” - Philip Marlowe as played by Humphrey Bogart (The Big Sleep, 1946)

x - x

Without giving much away, this is a content warning for a minor character suicide that mirrors the canon in-game side quest.

[read on Ao3] ~ [chapter masterpost]

January 10th, 1958

Nick’s desk was covered in case files, whiskey and cigarette ash—an organized chaos was what he liked to call it, but all Madelyn saw was a fire hazard. This was the way Detective Valentine worked best, however, frazzled and hunched over his scattered notebooks, mumbling incoherently behind the wafting plumes of smoke. The agency was for many the one gleaming beacon of hope in an otherwise dark and dishonest world. Nick had proved his reputation with the people was well earned by helping the community the best he could with the limited resources he had, maintaining a network of clients that kept him in business over the years.

“Everybody deserves their fair chance,” Nick always said, so much so that Madelyn considered putting it on a plaque for his wall—if the walls weren’t covered in photos, wrinkled maps and scribbled handwritten notes.

She found it all admirable, part of the reason she agreed to work with him when initially assigned by the District Attorney’s office two years prior. She didn’t realize that by staying, she’d be forging one of her strongest friendships, discovering one of her most trusted of confidants. Yet, as Madelyn lingered in the doorway of his office, she found it difficult to find the right words to say. She wanted to tell Nick about the clandestine note she received on New Year’s Eve, tell him she felt paranoid about being followed and wanted another training session at the shooting range. Instead, she continued to worry at her bottom lip, awkwardly shuffling the small stack of papers in her hands.

“You can stand there lookin’ like a doll or you can come in here and help,” he spoke, not bothering to glance up at her. Still, she noted his little smirk, eyes lit up as he scrawled away on his notepad.

“I know you didn’t hire me to be a pretty face,” Madelyn bantered, knowing it was all in good, clean fun.  She crossed the small space, planting herself comfortably on the cushioned seat in front of his desk.  

Nick gave a small shrug of his shoulders. “I didn’t exactly hire you. You just showed up here on my doorstep like some kitten left out in the rain.”

She laughed, thinking back to the early days of their partnership. Providing legal aid to a private detective that didn’t always play by the rules—it wasn’t the easiest of jobs for Madelyn. It wasn’t until she realized Nick was forced into the unscrupulous position by the Boston Police Department, who saw his presence as interference rather than assistance, never giving the agency the insider access they desperately needed. Perhaps if they did, there wouldn’t be so many unsolved disappearances or murders plaguing the city. That being said, she made sure Nick stayed out of trouble, pulling in favors where she could, the two using their powers of persuasion to find answers to burning questions. It was easier to toe the line than cross it, but each day as the violence and corruption spread across the city, the line became harder to see.

“What’s on the docket for today?”

The question had barely left her lips when there was a commotion in the lobby, Ellie’s frantic voice calling out as her heels clicked across the wooden floors. “Sir, sir! You can’t just walk in there. You have to have an appointment and—"

“No worries, sister,” the familiar, dulcet voice approached. “They’ll be happy to see me.”

John McDonough—Hancock—strolled through the doorway like he owned the place, ignoring Ellie’s protests. The mayor’s younger brother looked considerably different than he did the night of the police gala—dressed in dark slacks and half-buttoned up shirt, a faded red jacket with golden, frilled trim more suited for Halloween than streetwear. He plopped into the empty armchair, hooking his knees over one side and glancing to Madelyn with a wink.

Nick’s demeanor immediately soured. He pointed at the other man. “Speak for yourself.”

“Hey, I wouldn’t have come all this way if it weren’t for nothing, Nicky boy,” Hancock grinned. “Can’t you bend an ear to an old friend?”

Madelyn focused on the detective’s expression, eyebrows knitted together in quiet contemplation as he rummaged for a cigarette before realizing he was fresh out. Hancock noticed, instantly reacting to produce a pack from his jacket pocket. He leaned forward to offer her first, but she declined with a silent wave, causing him to move to Nick. He hesitated, scrutinizing the gesture with narrow eyes before ultimately obliging.

“What are you doing here, John?” he asked, sounding more like the start of an interrogation as he struck a match.

Hancock appeared amused by Nick’s insistence on the name as he lounged back in the chair. “I have a peace offering for you. A case that the local police can’t be bothered with because of the victim’s so-called lifestyle.”

At Nick’s silence, Madelyn interjected. “What is it?”

“Missing person.”

Finally, Nick sighed, relenting. “Give us the details.”

As Hancock spoke, Madelyn wrote in her notepad, neat and succinct lines—they’d have more luck with her organization skills. The missing? Earl Sterling. Twenty-five-year-old bartender from the Fens who worked at the local sports bar across the street from Fenway Park. “Vadim, who owns the bar—close personal friend—came to me crying, thinking Earl had been snatched up by the boogeyman. But who would want to hurt Earl? He ain’t out to hurt nobody.”

Nick was nodding along, jaw clenched, clearly in frustration of another disappeared citizen. That would be thirteen—that they knew of. “And Boston P.D.? They think Earl was undeserving of a proper investigation?”

Hancock scoffed. “Friends in low places. Doesn’t matter that he’s squeaky clean. But since Vadim’s a Russian immigrant, a refugee that has had his run-ins with the law…”

“Of course,” Madelyn sighed, disheartened. It was a cruel underlying fact that not all Bostonians were keen to the changes the war brought. Most carried on with quiet discontent, but others were far more vocal to the point of outright bigotry. A child raised by virtuous parents, Madelyn knew better, ashamed of the city she had lived in all her life.

Nick could sense her stewing restlessness and spoke, nodding at Hancock. “We’ll take the case, track Earl down. One way or another.”

Curiosity got the better of Madelyn as she stared at the two men, sensing the lingering tension. Ever since Piper first mentioned the younger McDonough brother, Nick’s attitude had been uncharacteristically dismissive, and without explanation it was gnawing at her mind. “What’s the deal here?”

Hancock’s eyebrow arched high against his forehead. “Whatcha mean, sister?”

“The animosity in the air is thick enough that I could bottle it up and sell it as a fragrance,” she joked. “Might get rich enough that I could retire early. Buy that cabin up in Maine I always dreamed about.”

While Hancock bellowed out an impressed laugh, Nick sighed through his nose, lips set in a flat line as his cigarette dangled. Still, Madelyn knew he was amused, green eyes bright as he rolled them her way. Hancock’s entertainment settled as he crossed his arms over his chest with a final, breathless chuckle. “I’m surprised ol’ Nicky never told you about me and our time overseas.”

“You two served together?” she asked.

Nick reluctantly nodded, fingers tightening around the wrist of his prosthetic hand, the plastic-metal blend flexing. He didn’t like to talk about it—no matter how many years had passed between the end of the war and the present, it was still an open wound for many, including the detective. He balled his hand into a fist.

“London, during the Blitz,” he explained, in grim conciseness. “Was stationed in Kent in ‘41 during the bombsite recovery. As was John, though he was mostly preoccupied by the local…entertainment.”

Hancock hummed, with a faraway look in his eyes. “There’s something about the English accent, ya’ know?”

“You were disillusioned then, and you’re disillusioned now!” Nick suddenly snapped, hands smacked against the table as he stood up to loom over the other man. Hancock hardly looked intimidated, not even flinching as Madelyn did. “Sneaking off base to get your kicks in some back alley, coming back high as an Air Force bomber. No wonder you’re turned into a beatnik.”

“Better a beatnik than a dick,” Hancock murmured.

“Boys! Boys!” Madelyn stood up with a loud clap of her hands, garnering both of their attention as she stood. “Jesus Christ! Do I need to put you two in separate corners for time out like the curtain-climbers you are?”

Nick scrambled to sit back down, knowing it was a rare thing for her to use the lord’s name in vain, even lightly. Hancock snickered, but flinched when she whipped her head in his direction. “I think you owe Nick an apology, Mr. McDonough.”

He shifted uncomfortably like she had asked him to perform one of Houdini’s acts. “Sorry, Valentine.”

“We’re good, John,” Nick stood again, this time reaching over to extend his hand in some display of goodwill. Hancock took the offer, shaking it with a satisfied grin. “We’ll find out where Earl is.”

As the conversation came full-circle, Hancock tugged on the lapels of his coat and smoothed out the lines of his pleated slacks. He regarded Madelyn with a toothy smile, nodding his head once. “Miss Hardy.”  

She watched as he turned on his heel, slinking out the way he came. Ellie’s disapproving voice called out to him again in the lobby as the bell above the front door chimed, signaling his exit. Miss Perkins’ usual sunny disposition was marred as she leaned into the doorway of Nick’s office, bottom lip jutted out in a frown. “Who was that?”

“Sorry Ellie,” Nick sighed, moving to grab his faded trench coat from the nearby rack. Madelyn smirked, knowing Jenny had purchased him a new one over the holidays—one for Hanukah and Christmas—but there he was, slipping his arms into the same dusty rag. “Hopefully you won’t need to experience such indecency again.”

“Heading out?” Their secretary questioned, looking between the two of them with a shine of excitement in her features. She always liked when they were busy.

Madelyn gathered the case notes under her arm before quickly shuffling back to her own office, pulling on her cream-colored coat that was in much better condition than her partner’s. Purse and papers in hand, she met him and Ellie in the front room.

Nick was adjusting his hat. “Keep a light on for us, won’t you?”  

Ellie flashed a charming smile. “Always.”

Outside, there was a fresh blanket of snow on the sidewalk and a crisp chill in the air. Their destination was a short distance—only a few blocks east. She thought about what sparked their journey.

“Did you really mean that?” Madelyn questioned Nick as they walked in the direction of the Dugout Inn. He glanced at her, unsure of what she meant. “Disillusionment? Do you really not believe in Hancock’s cause?”

He made a sound, somewhere between a sigh and a groan as he rubbed at his chin. “I believe in results,” he answered, keeping his eyes focused on their path. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

The Dugout Inn was a tiny hole-in-the-wall, located right on the corner of Boylston Street, opposite of Fenway Park. The clientele were mostly refugees, thanks to the owners, Vadim and Yefim Bobrov—immigrants from Russia who established the bar shortly after V-Day in 1945. Unassuming enough, though the two had their fair share of run-ins with Boston police over the years, mostly for expired liquor licenses or smuggling illicit moonshine. Never anything as serious as money laundering, tax evasion or murder. Mr. Bobrov’s good natured attitude had made him a valuable ally to Nick, perhaps even a friend, somebody the detective could turn to when searching for leads among the downtrodden and forgotten within the city.

Being a mid-morning Friday, it wasn’t surprising that the Dugout Inn was mostly devoid of patrons, save for Vadim’s twin brother and their lone waitress Scarlett who was dutifully sweeping near the back. There was one daytime drunkard, however, sleeping off his hangover in a faraway booth. Yefim was balancing the books at a nearby table, muttering about needing to pay the gas bill, barely acknowledging the passing duo with a wave. As they approached the bar, Vadim was beaming, wiping the countertop before them in earnest.

“Ah, my favorite gumshoe back to see old Vadim,” he set out two glasses, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. “Want to try the latest batch? May not have ripened yet, but…you always had a good sense of knowing!”

Nick softly chuckled, but shook his head as he removed his hat, placing it on the bar. “I’m not going to be your guinea pig again, Vadim.”

“And what about the lovely lady lawyer? My lapochka?”

Madelyn smiled at his flattery but waved her hand at his offering. “No, thank you.”

Vadim went to speak but hesitated, instead scrutinizing their appearance in his bar. Sudden realization dawned in his expression as he tightened his fist into the cleaning cloth. “Are you here about Earl?”

Nick had barely nodded before Vadim continued with a sagging hang of his head. “Oh, poor Earl. Gone, just like that. Such a good bartender. Good friend,” he trailed with a forlorn expression that morphed into one of slight amusement. “Terrible with the women, mind you.”

“Always in his cups about his face getting in the way,” he further explained. “I say, no mug is too ugly for any woman! What says you, Miss Hardy?”

She joined him in laughter, humoring the old flirt. “Oh, Mister Bobrov, if you were thirty years younger you might have a decent chance at making an honest woman of me…again!”

Even Nick snickered, shaking his head at the exchange. But they were here on business, not for a friendly exchange of words or a casual drink. They had a man to find, sooner, rather than later. At his signal, Madelyn pulled her notepad from her purse, pencil at the ready for any information they might gleam.

“See anybody from Winter’s gang around here lately?” Nick asked, eyes narrowed when Vadim quickly shook his head, coughing to clear his throat as the tone shifted. Nick quickly glanced to Madelyn who offered a quick shrug. Maybe zeroing in on Eddie Winter wasn’t the best idea. Would Vadim even know what a mobster type looked like?

“Oh!” The proprietor said excitedly, hands waving for emphasis. “A few days ago, there was this young mercenary type that I’d never seen before. Lingered about for a few days. Greaser kid that looked like he belonged to a bad crowd.”

“Did he and Earl speak?” Madelyn questioned.

Vadim shrugged, eyes glanced upwards as he remembered. “Yes? No. All I know is he looked suspicious. A—and I haven’t seen him since Earl disappeared!”

Nick was twisting his lips—a telltale sign he wasn’t entirely sure he liked the credibility of the information—but they had nothing else to go on. He tapped his finger against the counter impatiently. “Do you have a name? A location? Think carefully, Vadim. For Earl’s sake.”

A moment passed as the bartender mulled it over in his head. Vadim then straightened, clapping his hands together enthusiastically. “MacCready! That’s his name! Rum and cola. Overheard him mention a hotel near Scollay Square…”

“The Rexford?” Nick mused, more to Madelyn than Vadim.

She nodded. “The Rexford.” 

Scollay Square by 1958 was not the thriving center of Boston theatre and community it once was. Practically a ghost town, with most buildings boarded up after being destroyed by fire or looters, few businesses remained. The Old Howard Theatre—long shut down by the Boston vice squad stood at the epicenter like a shining reminder of the past. Always Something Doing—but not anymore. The area was now known colloquially as Goodneighbor, nicknamed after Mary Goodneighbor’s 1953 striptease that ended it all. Goodneighbor was a hive of sex work and drug runners, bootleggers and mobsters, all just out to make their living in the world—the perfect place for a person to disappear.

Nick decided the trip west warranted the use of his black Cadillac. They’d make better time, and even he wasn’t one to be caught walking through Boston Common—even armed—at any time of day with the increasing crime rates. As they pulled up outside the Hotel Rexford, they observed a disturbance on the sidewalk, snow flurries disrupting their view. Madelyn was exiting the vehicle before Nick could rush over to pull open the passenger door, ever the gentleman as he offered his hand to her. But she was more focused on the three men in a clear argument on the hotel steps, carefully observing the interaction as she hooked her elbow around Nick’s arm.

“Well, we’re outside now!” The scrawnier of the three shouted from the stoop.

On the sidewalk below, a man with wide shoulders and a crew cut snarled back. “Didn’t have to be like this, MacCready! We were just here to deliver a message!”

Madelyn and Nick exchanged knowing glances but refrained from interfering. While they had their lead identified, the situation was hardly any of their business. It didn’t mean that they weren’t going to eavesdrop and make it their business, gather information that might come in useful later on.

“It only took you six months to track me down,” MacCready spoke, taunting his aggressors. “Winlock and Barnes. You two always hold hands across Boston? Don’t you know I left your wannabe gang for good?”

The man Madelyn assumed as Winlock shook his head, irritated as ever. “Yet here you are, taking jobs where you shouldn’t be. Listen carefully, MacCready, it has to stop.”

“Like I have to take orders from you,” he laughed and for a split-second Madelyn wondered if there was going to be a firefight the way the third man’s hand flinched along his side, reaching under his jacket.

Instead, Winlock defused the situation with a curt nod, signaling to his partner Barnes to step back. “We aren’t going to kill you. Today. Wouldn’t want a war with Goodneighbor, or with Winter.”

Nick’s hand around Madelyn’s arm tightened at the mention. Whoever these people were, they weren’t affiliated with the mob organization terrorizing Boston. MacCready crossed his arms, seemingly bored with the conversation. “Are we done here?”

The two thugs traded steely looks—this wasn’t over—not by a long shot. “We’re done. For now.”

As Winlock and Barnes passed the Cadillac, they took one slow, up-and-down look at the pair of onlookers before disappearing down an alleyway. Madelyn looked after them, deeply unsettled, but snapped back to the present as Nick swiftly led them to the lone man left on the hotel stairs, pacing as he kicked at the snow with his sneakers.

“MacCready?”

“Look pal, I’m not looking for any friends,” he said with a wince, shaking his head.

Madelyn looked at their would-be suspect now that they were up-close. For Vadim to have called him suspicious was not wrong, but if anything, the man simply appeared to be down on his luck. Overall, he looked nonthreatening: faded, rolled up jeans, dark flannel shirt with an army bomber jacket and a matching cap atop his dusty brown hair. He was skinny, like he had missed a few meals, and it made her wonder if he was another veteran of the streets that had returned from the war with no home to return to.

“We aren’t here to make friends,” Nick’s tone was firm, signaling it was time to take the proverbial gloves off. The man was squirmy and would need the two of them to act fast if they wanted the right information. “Do you know anything about an Earl Sterling?”

MacCready didn’t take to intimidation lightly. He narrowed his eyes, looking over both of them. “What are you, some kind of cop? Can’t do his job without his lady wife?”

“Lawyer,” Madelyn corrected, removing her hand from Nick’s arm. She gestured in her partner’s direction. “Detective. Best not say anything that incriminates yourself.”

Nick laid it on thick. “We know you were at the Dugout Inn when Sterling disappeared, MacCready. So do us both a favor and tell us everything you know!”

The man held up his hands defensively, bewilderment spread across his features. “Jeez! Okay!”

“I was only there for two days, following up on…something. Yeah I saw Earl there. Nice guy, if not a bit ugly, but who am I to judge?” MacCready talked and the pair listened, Madelyn scribbling away in her notepad the important details. “He kept talking about needing to get out of town. At first it was innocent like…for a fresh start to meet the perfect woman, but the more drunk he got, the more it sounded like he was running from the wrong kind of people.”

“Who?” she followed up quickly.

“Heck if I know,” he responded.

Nick prodded further. “He didn’t mention the mob or a loan shark? The Railroad?”

The mention sent a shiver down Madelyn’s spine. Why, she wasn’t sure. For all of their digging in the last two weeks, the organization—if it even existed—was still shrouded in mystery. She stalled in her notetaking and tuned out most of Macready’s response. “…it’s just a myth.”

A familiar expression fell across Nick’s face as he mulled over MacCready’s words. Helpful? Hardly. It was more of the same of what Vadim had offered, leaving them at square one. Earl was still missing, and they were no closer to determining why beyond a vague threat of needing to get away.

“I might have something you can use,” MacCready voiced, shifting awkwardly down the snowy stairs so he was closer to them. “But if I’m gonna help you, you gotta help me.”

“What happened to ‘not looking for a friend’?” Nick remarked with a light smirk.

MacCready grumbled under his breath, clearly uncomfortable with the circumstances of their visit. He wasn’t having a good day, it seemed. “All bets are off when your life gets threatened in broad daylight.”

“Is that what that was all about?” Madelyn asked, motioning towards the alley where Winlock and Barnes had wandered off to. She flashed a teasing smile, hoping to get a rise out of the man. “Colleagues of yours?”

“Fu—heck no,” he answered, censoring himself. Odd. She chalked it up to a man not wanting to curse before a lady and rolled her eyes. “They are Gunners. Small town gang that operates out of Quincy. I—I uh, used to run with them about five years ago. When I was younger. Dumber. But then I wised up. Got married and had a kid. Gig like that doesn’t really pay the bills, you know?”

“You’re married?” Nick asked, the two seemed to simultaneously note the missing wedding band. He was trying a different, more sympathetic angle.  

MacCready gave a solemn shrug, but his eyebrows furrowed with annoyance. “I was. But that isn’t any of your business.”

“Excuse me,” Madelyn blinked, the math not adding up in her head. “How old are you?”

MacCready chuckled like he was asked the question every day. “Twenty-two.”

Both her and Nick made the same surprised sound, staring at their suspect-turned-dud in disbelief. There went her veteran theory.

“I have a son, Duncan. He’s five years old,” MacCready continued, the emotions he expressed sincere. “I’m just trying to do the best I can by him. Can’t do that if I’m dead.”

“How do we fit into this equation?” Nick asked, tone softer than before. Madelyn smiled, knowing he couldn’t resist a hardship tale.

MacCready tilted his head back and forth with a low hum. “Two hot shot detectives like yourselves need an informant on the streets, right? Let me help you, and in return…”

“Lawyer,” Madelyn corrected, again.

“Exactly!” he replied, far too excited. “Crime and Punishment that sh—stuff.”

She decided not to lecture him on Russian literature and its vast differences to her actual career, which in itself were completely separate than what services she provided for the Valentine Detective Agency. She exchanged a silent, somewhat amused look with Nick, who seemed just as bewildered by the person they had crossed paths with. Finally, the two nodded and the detective extended his hand.

“Nick Valentine, Valentine Detective Agency,” he formally greeted.

MacCready chuckled as they shook hands. “You couldn’t make that stuff up, could you?”

His handshake with Madelyn was much softer, less amused. If anything, he seemed genuinely impressed. “Madelyn Hardy, attorney at law.”

“Robert Joseph MacCready,” he grinned. “RJ, Mac, MacCready. Whatever’s cool.”

“You have something for us?” she reminded, and he quickly removed his hand from hers with a short, excited inhale. The two watched as he patted the front of his jacket before digging through his pockets, finally producing a small key on a golden chain. “Is that…”

“Earl’s key,” MacCready answered with a sheepish smile, shifting his eyes away. “Figured if he was going to be running away, it might come in handy later on. Lives in those apartments near the stadium.”

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear this,” Nick muttered, shaking his head.

Madelyn wasn’t pleased that their best lead was stolen property, but at this rate, it was their best chance of tracking Earl Sterling down. She snatched the key from him before he could change his mind, tucking it away into her purse along with her notepad.

MacCready regarded her with a stern expression. “Remember my offer!”

She would. But for now, she and Nick had more work to do. 

That wasn’t the first time Madelyn and Nick had backtracked across town, chasing a lead on a case. As they raced through the Fens past the stadium to the grouping of apartments that matched the name on Earl’s golden key, she was grateful that at least this time they hadn’t been sent to Quincy, or Concord. By the time they reached the Parkview Apartments, the sun was setting and the frosty chill from the morning had settled to a near freeze. She couldn’t explain it, but an eerie sense of dread settled in her gut, putting her on edge. Nick seemed to feel it as well, the two dashing up the flights of stairs to make it to Earl’s door.

“What do you think we’ll find?” she asked, nervous.

“Not sure, but we’re about to find out,” he answered, prompting her to unlock the door.

Madelyn was careful, quiet in her actions as she clicked open the lock, Nick taking the lead as he pushed open the door inch by inch. She followed closely behind, the two making their way blindly in the darkened room, the only guiding light the moon that shined in through a broken window shade.

“Mr. Sterling?” Nick called out in a low voice, scanning the area. It was a tiny, studio apartment, with a kitchen nook, a foldaway bed, a small closet and a door that led to the bathroom. From what Madelyn could tell, their missing person wasn’t there. Still, Nick called out again. “Earl? Are you here?”

“Nick, something doesn’t seem right,” she whispered, stepping away to inspect the foldaway bed. Even in the darkness she could see the mismatched stains in the carpet, an overturned nightstand and a few pieces of broken glass. She held her breath before tugging sharply on the release, jumping backwards as the bed—and Earl—came tumbling out. “Jesus, Mary and Joseph!”

Nick managed to turn on a lamp, revealing what she had found, rushing over to her side as she turned away from the horror, covering her nose and mouth as to not retch. He wrapped a comforting arm across her shoulders, exhaling a low, defeated sigh. Earl was dead, but more than that, he had been brutally murdered.

“This wasn’t Winter,” Nick mumbled, drawing a quick conclusion. Madelyn had to agree, even if they only had the scene to go by—Eddie’s men weren’t into butchering their victims. “We need to call—”

They both froze as a clattering sound echoed from beyond the closed bathroom door. Nick swiftly pulled his weapon from its side holster—a well-cared for .44 revolver—and motioned for Madelyn to move behind him. She followed his silent instructions, and reminded him that she too was armed, calmly removing the small pistol she carried from the purse on her arm. He glanced at her with a startled expression—she’d hear about this later—but kept moving closer towards the closed door.

“We know you’re in there!”

When the door creaked open, the two were faced with a familiar, but horrifying sight. Doctor Crocker, a local cosmetic surgeon stood with a wild and strung out look in his eyes—a far cry from the friendly face on the billboard ads plastered around town. He cackled out a laugh. “Naughty, naughty! You’re not supposed to be here! But that’s okay! I can fix that. I can fix anything!”

Madelyn resisted the urge to curse or to scream. For a brief moment, she wondered if she felt this terrified when held at gunpoint more than a year prior by a different madman. Doctor Crocker, however, appeared completely unhinged, dangerous and unpredictable. He hadn’t just shot somebody. He had cut them apart and used their blood as paint for the walls.

“Take it easy, doc,” Nick attempted, raising one hand in a calming gesture, all the while keeping his gun aimed towards the doorway. “Let’s talk.”

“I—I didn’t mean to do it! Doctor Crocker is a brilliant surgeon!”

Talking in the third person was never a good sign, she decided, thinking he had to be high on some kind of illicit drug. Mixed with the adrenaline, the doctor was teetering on the edge of outright disaster.

“He never makes mistakes or loses patients! Only happy patients for Doctor Crocker!” he announced, reaching back to grab what turned out to be his own pistol. Now, Madelyn was petrified. And yet, she didn’t scream, resolve getting the best of her.

“You made a mistake, Doctor Crocker,” she tried Nick’s brand of persuasion, even if it made her skin crawl. “Do the right thing. Just think it through. Come with us quietly.”

At first, her words seemed to have an effect, the daze lifting from his eyes as he glanced down at the red stains that covered his clothes and the state of disarray surrounding them. Doctor Crocker flicked his gaze back to Nick and Madelyn, and the panic returned. “Oh god! I killed a man! There’s so much blood! Blood! All over me!”

He was weeping now, loud and hysterically. Hesitantly, Nick stepped closer in a last-ditch effort to resolve the situation. The doctor lashed out, pushing him away. Madelyn’s heart skipped a beat, and she thought she would be reliving the past all over again. “No! No one can find out!”

But Doctor Crocker didn’t aim towards them. Instead, he turned the gun on himself, barrel pressed firm against his chest before firing. The action took less than a second, faster than Nick or Madelyn could react or intervene. His body collapsed in the bathroom doorway, clearly dead on impact.

“You should’ve seen that,” Nick hushed, his faded coat coming into view as he tucked her head close into his shoulder. She didn’t even realize she was trembling. “You shouldn’t have seen any of that.”

A voice, somewhere in the back of her head told her it was just the beginning. She would become tempered, experienced. Most of all, she would heal. But first, she would see so much more.  

Just like that, the Earl Sterling case was closed.

The Boston Police weren’t pleased with them, but then again, they never were. It wasn’t until past midnight when they were released from the scene, not without a scolding from Sergeant Danny Sullivan. It didn’t matter that they had tracked down Earl Sterling when Boston Police wouldn’t (or couldn’t) and had managed to hunt down a killer in the process. As the police saw it, because any blood was shed, it looked indecent on their behalf, and it all had to be handled very carefully. Nick and Madelyn feared that was codeword for coverup. But they weren’t threatened, or told to keep quiet, which further fed into the detective’s either hypothesis—that Winter had nothing to do with Earl’s death. What had started as a run of the mill case had left them with more questions than answers.

Madelyn and Nick were exhausted by the time they returned to the agency. Ellie had left her little glass lamp turned on, just as she promised, but the brunette was long gone. Instead, a different, familiar voice called to them from Valentine’s office.

“Rough night?”

Piper winced as soon as she saw them come through the door, clenching her teeth in a sharp hiss. It was likely obvious how ragged they appeared, and Madelyn was sure some of their clothes were splattered with blood from Earl’s apartment. Nick pulled off his coat with a groan, tossing his hat across his desk as he snatched up the fresh pack of cigarettes Ellie had left behind. Madelyn didn’t bother, practically collapsing into her favored armchair on the left and slinking down, no matter how undignified her posture appeared.

“That bad?” Piper asked.

“You don’t know the half of it,” Nick responded, puffing out smoke before taking in another deep inhale.

The reporter tapped the rolled-up newspaper she carried against her palm, shifting her gaze between the two of them. “Well, since we’re already swimming in it,” she half-heartedly joked before unfurling the newsprint, dumping it atop Nick’s desk so he could see. “Johnny Montrano Jr. is dead. They found his body in the Harbor this morning while you two were running around.”

Fury seemed to be fueling Nick now, who was already starting on his second cigarette. Madelyn perked up at the news, realizing what his reaction would be. “The bastard’s finally done it. He’s finally had him offed. Fed to the fishes.”

“Fishes didn’t really get to do their job though,” Piper mused, rolling her eyes when the two remained silent, too focused.

Madelyn looked to Nick. “He’s looking to take over the northern territories.”

“If he hasn’t already,” Nick replied in an ominous tone. “Nobody is safe anymore.”

Eddie Winter had just made his first deadly move.

[pollyssecretlibrary]

“When Hugh Winthrop, the future Earl of Albury, decides to advertise for a wife in the London paper, he never expected an anonymous response from a woman who matches him wit for wit. Their back-and-forth letters on the true nature of love, something they disagree on wholeheartedly, leave him shocked—and intrigued. But then the woman he’s been corresponding with shows up on his doorstep, enticingly beautiful and offering a marriage of convenience in exchange for his protection…” . When I requested this book on Netgalley I really didn’t have any expectations of being accepted because I never have luck with writers that I like (it’s not up to them to approve or deny requests) so imagine my reaction when @entangled_publishing sent me an email with a ‘yes’ message. I read a book by @stacy_romanceaddict not long ago and I loved her writing. It was “Accidentally Compromising the Duke” which you should totally read because it is such a sweet book, especially if you like the single father/uncle/guardian trope (which I love). I want to read everything Ms. Reid has written and everything she is yet to write. . The blurb for ‘When the Earl Met his Match’ follows the essence of books like ‘ To Sir Philipp With Love’ by Julia Quinn, the pen pals who fall in love through written words and who surprise each other one fine day. I am so sad that writing letters seems to be a thing of the past, I find them quite romantic even if they’re not love letters. Sitting and writing and thinking carefully of the right words to convey your thoughts and feelings, or trying to describe the events of the day in a way that the other person can relive them in their mind. . Is it me or the man on the cover looks like Eddie Vedder? So sexy! . ‘When the Earl Met his Match’ is the fourth (4th) book in the ‘Wedded by Scandal’ series by Stacy Reid and it ond Kindle (Worldwide) on September 14th, 2020. (en Spain) https://www.instagram.com/p/CETmn1CAijS/?igshid=1xk3hxj56e81y

[unicornery]

For my own amusement, I started tracking how the songs from the Billboard Hot 100 from this week in 1974 have been used in movie soundtracks. Feature Films only people! As you read, you will see the “gimmes” that made me think of the idea, but I’m putting this behind a cut because there ended up being so many which had a soundtrack match. As a reminder, you can follow along as I do the Hot 100 each week corresponding to which classic AT40 and VJ Big 40 get played on SiriusXM ‘70s on 7 and ‘80s on 8 respectively with my ever-changing Spotify playlist. 

100. “Beyond the Blue Horizon” - Lou Christie. This one is a cheat because when I looked it up on Spotify it showed up on the Rain Man soundtrack. The only song I could have told you off the top of my head was in Rain Main is the Belle Stars’ version of “Iko Iko.” Rain Man marked the first soundtrack appearance for Christie’s version. 

98. “The Air That I Breathe” - The Hollies. Very memorable appearance in The Virgin Suicides, which had the score done by, wait for it, French electronica duo Air. The song would go on to be heard in other movies. 

90. “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” - Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods. The Paper Lace version appears in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Both acts topped the charts with the song on opposite sides of the pond: Paper Lace in the UK and Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods in the US. [Update: the BD&H version may be in "To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday"] 

87. “Hollywood Swinging” - Kool & the Gang. This oft-sampled track first appeared in a feature film in the 2005 Get Shorty sequel Be Cool. 

84. “La Grange” - ZZ Top. Armageddon first, followed by others. 

68. “Band on the Run” - Paul McCartney and Wings.  I didn’t search for this at first because I didn’t think there would be anything, but then Jet was on the chart at #27, so I did a twofer search on imdb. Jet has not been in any films (save “One Hand Clapping, a rockumentary on Paul, which I don’t count for purposes of this discussion) but “Band on the Run” appears in The Killing Fields, in a shocking scene that contrasts the light tone of the pop song with the horrors of the Khmer Rouge’s executions of Cambodian citizens. 

66. “For the Love of Money” - The O’Jays. Has been used many times, according to IMDb the first feature film use was the Richard Pryor roman a clef (if I’m using that right, I only know it from Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man) Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling. 

59. “Rock Around the Clock” - Bill Haley and his Comets. Notably used in Blackboard Jungle, the song is on this 1974 chart for its appearance in American Graffiti. 

55. “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” - Rick Derringer. First one that comes to mind is Dazed and Confused bc I had that soundtrack, but it has been in others.

49. “Love’s Theme” - the Love Unlimited Orchestra. The swirling strings of this song indicate that someone is indeed falling in love. That’s my way of saying, if you think you haven’t heard this, you have. Imdb has it in Mean Girls, among others. 

47. “The Way We Were” - Barbra Streisand. The titular song of the 1973 film The Way We Were, starring Barbra and Robert Redford. A little long, but worth a watch bc Barbra is amazing in it. At the 1974 Academy Awards, Marvin Hamslich won Best Original Song honors for this tune, and was awarded Best Original Dramatic Score for his other musical work on the film. I always think of Lisa Loopner’s big crush on him.  

44. “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” - Stevie Wonder. First feature film usage was the 1998 Eddie Murphy flop Holy Man, which surprised me as it’s such a good song, you’d think it would have been in something earlier. Notable given Eddie’s impression of Stevie Wonder he performed on SNL! 

42. “Rock On” - David Essex. Michael Damian’s cover (or remix as described by Patton Oswalt) was recorded for the 1989 2 Coreys classic Dream a Little Dream, and per imdb, David Essex’s original appears in the alternate-history comedy Dick, from 1999. 

37. “Oh Very Young” - Cat Stevens/Yusef Islam. Surprisingly, this sweet song appears in the gross-out bowling comedy Kingpin. 

36. “Jungle Boogie” - Kool & the Gang. This song may have been used in the most films and tv shows of any I’ve researched so far, but its first appearance was in Pulp Fiction. 

34. “The Payback - Part 1” - James Brown. First feature film appearance was in 1995′s Dead Presidents. A different James Brown track appears on the soundtrack for racist-ass Melly Gibson’s Payback from 1999. 

33. “Help Me” - Joni Mitchell.  Another why’d-it-take-ya-so-long shocker, this mellow tune first appeared in the 2018 sci-fi movie Kin, narrowly beating Welcome to Marwen from 2019. 

31. “The Entertainer” - Marvin Hamlisch. The title theme from the Redford/Newman team-up The Sting. Hamlisch won a record-tying third Academy Award in 1974 for Best Original Score for The Sting.  It seems at this time Best Original Score and Best Original Dramatic Score were separate categories. Hamlisch would win Grammys for both this and “The Way We Were,” eventually becoming an EGOT winner in 1995.

30. “Eres Tú” - Mocedades. This Spanish Eurovision entry notably appears in the buddy comedy Tommy Boy when Chris Farley and David Spade’s characters sing along with the radio. 

28. “Midnight at the Oasis” - Maria Muldaur. Catherine O’Hara and Fred Willard perform their own rendition in the Christopher Guest film Waiting for Guffman. That should be all you need, but imdb has the first film appearance for the song as 1995′s Falcon and the Snowman. 

24. “Let it Ride” - Bachman-Turner Overdrive. This lesser-known but not less great BTO jam has appeared in a handful of films, the first being Ash Wednesday, starring Elijah Wood and directed by Edward Burns and not Garry Marshall. Note: it does not seem to be in the Richard Dreyfuss gambling movie Let It Ride, a classic VHS cover of my youth. 

18. “Mockingbird” - James Taylor and Carly Simon. Memorably performed by Harry and Lloyd in the dog van in Dumb and Dumber, later joined by a Latinx family on guitar and vocals.  Before that, Beverly D’Angelo and Chevy Chase’s characters also sang it on their road trip in National Lampoon’s Vacation. I couldn’t find an instance where James and Carly’s version played in a movie but I am sayin’ there’s a chance. That it could be someday. 

16. “Tubular Bells” - Mike Oldfield. This instrumental is best known for being the theme to The Exorcist, but I was surprised to learn from the Wiki entry that it was not written for the film. Tubular Bells or something that’s meant to sound like it has been in a ton of other things, generally uncredited. Of note: Mike Oldfield would go on to do the score for The Killing Fields. 

14. “Seasons in the Sun” - Terry Jacks. Now here is the type of song that ‘70s haters point to as an example of the whiny wuss rock that they feel over-dominated the era. It’s not one of my favorites but I appreciate it for how weird it is. I suppose being translated into English from a French/Belgian poem will do that to ya. Before I did my search, I imagined I would find it in a Farrelly Brothers movie or two, possibly the Anchorman sequel. However, the only feature film match I found was the 2002 indie flick Cherish, a movie I have never seen despite being confronted by the cover many times at rental places over the years. Before today, when I watched the trailer, I would have told you it starred Jennifer Love Hewitt and was about “a band trying to make it.” It turns out I am thinking of the 1999 film The Suburbans. Anyway Cherish seems aggressively indie and very of-its-time in a way that makes me want to watch it. 

13. “Dancing Machine” - The Jackson 5. The song appears in the Blaxploitation spoof I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, as well as the movie of Starsky & Hutch.

11. “Lookin’ For A Love” - Bobby Womack. This was in the movie of The Ladies Man starring Tim Meadows as his SNL character Leon Phelps. I almost skipped this one but I’m glad I didn’t because Tim Meadows rules.

8. “The Loco-Motion” - Grand Funk Railroad (the single and album it was on are credited to Grand Funk). We have our second song from the Kirsten Dunst/Michelle Williams movie Dick. Since that was satirizing Nixon and Watergate, well done to the filmmakers for including these 1974 hits!  It appeared in one earlier film, My Girl 2. 

5. “Come and Get Your Love” - Redbone. Known to modern listeners for appearing in Guardians of the Galaxy. [Sidebar: if you can find a way to listen to the With Special Guest Lauren Lapkus episode T.G.I.G.O.T.G.OST (Thank God It’s the Guardians of the Galaxy Original Soundtrack) with Sean Clements and Hayes Davenport, do it!] The song first appeared in Dance Me Outside, a Canadian film about First Nations youth, which is a cool parallel with Redbone being composed of Native American musicians. “Come and Get Your Love” is also in Dick! 

4. “Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me” - Gladys Knight & the Pips. Another SNL feature pops up on our list, 1994′s It’s Pat: The Movie. 

3. “Hooked on a Feeling” - Blue Swede. ALSO known to modern listeners as being from the GOTG, but possibly only in the trailer? I’m fuzzy. The song ALSO also appears in Dick, and its first feature film appearance was Reservoir Dogs. 

2. “Bennie and the Jets” - Elton John. You know it, you love it, you cackle at the gag in Mystery Team. IMDb has this song down as first appearing in the low budget feature Aloha, Bobby and Rose, from 1975. It is ALSO in My Girl 2, with proper credit for Sir Elton. 

1. “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)” - MFSB featuring The Three Degrees. IMDb says this appeared in the Al Pacino film Carlito’s Way, and I have no reason to doubt them because it means we are done! Thanks for readin’ and rockin’ along. 

[aptronyms]

would they each have a sir unit or just 1 (or none at all :( )

my first thought was actually having ed be eddy and double ds sir unit but then i was like wait no ed deserves to be an irken too

SO ANYWAY that leaves three options:

they dont even have a sir unit for some reason

they have one sir unit thats some other character?? maybe sarah??

they each have a sir unit and theyre their corresponding kanker sister

gir is just there in the au

[thelastdaysofanalogue]

Five Predictions for 1993 🔮

Happy new year one and all! Here are my thoroughly researched predictions for 1993. These are based on a variety of news sources and memorandums from industry contacts. I am not a financial advisor and can accept no responsibility for any business investments made based on the following informations.

1. 'Smart' Hi-Fi's

This year will see the introduction of a PSTN phone line into your home stereo. This will unlock new functionality for the system, allowing you to take your calls in surround sound. You'll be blasting out big hits from Snap!, Shakespears Sister or Charles & Eddie one minute and speaking to your family or dialling the talking clock the next. Never again will you argue over promises made in passing conversation as your cassette tape deck's record feature enables a personal documentation of every call.

2. 1993-D

Universal adoption of 3D technologies has been a long time coming, from Sir Charles Wheatestone's first invention of the 'stereoscope' right through to 1983s cinematic release of Jaws 3-D a decade ago. The BBC will be the trailblazer for this renewed trend in 1993 with a week of 3D programming including special editions of Tomorrow's World, Doctor Who and Noel's House Party. The revolution will be televised, stock up on acetate specs today!

3. Invest in Meat Loaf

It may be hard to believe that an artist whose last studio album was in 1986 is staged to make a major comeback in 1993. Michael Lee Ady, a.k.a Meat Loaf has been locked away in a studio, working with his previous collaborator, the legendary producer Jim Steinman on Bat Out o Hell II: Back into Hell a direct sequel of sorts to his smash 1977 debut. It is said that the lead single will be a rollicking 12 minute power ballad entitled 'I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)'.

4. Tele-Networking

Since its introduction in the 1970s, Teletext (and the BBC's Ceefax service) has provided a wealth of information at the touch of multiple buttons to households across the nation. In 1993 a major update will allow families to interact further with these screens in order to create their own 'profile', then browse and/or "connect" with the listings of their friends and relatives. Some Government departments have already raised concern about the addictive potential of this content.

5. Turning Japanese

Producer Haim Saban is developing a new TV series (for release in 1993) adapting footage from the long running Japanese show Super Sentai, something previously attempted by Marvel Comics' visionary Stan Lee. Saban will interlace the source material with original scenes filmed with a US cast, reminiscent in tone to NBC's Saved By The Bell. The robots and masked costumes of Super Sentai will lend themselves to a range of toys and merchandising opportunities, similar to that seen with Kenner's Star Wars and Mattel's Masters of the Universe lines.

If you would like to share your predictions for 1993, please send them via Fax to the number listed on my business card or letterhead from previous correspondence.

[papermoonloveslucy]

A HOME IS NOT AN OFFICE

S5;E4 ~ October 2, 1972

Directed by Coby Ruskin ~ Written by Fred S. Fox and Seaman Jacobs

Synopsis

Harry finds he can't run the office efficiently with Lucy at home with a broken leg, so he brings the office to Lucy's home causing Lucy to resort to some elaborate schemes to get him to leave.  

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carter), Gale Gordon (Harrison Otis Carter), Lucie Arnaz (Kim Carter)

Guest Cast

Susan Tolsky (Miss Quigley)  is probably best remembered for playing Biddie Coom on the TV series “Here Comes the Brides” (1968-70). Tolsky played Kim's friend and neighbor Sue Ann in “Kim Finally Cuts You-Know-Whose Apron String” (S4;E24), a possible spin-off that was not picked-up for production. This is her last appearance on “Here's Lucy.”

Miss Quigley is said to be the fourth substitute secretary Harry has had since Lucy broke her leg.  

Mary Jane Croft (Mary Jane, above left) played Betty Ramsey during season six of “I Love Lucy. ” She also played Cynthia Harcourt in “Lucy is Envious” (ILL S3;E23) and Evelyn Bigsby in “Return Home from Europe” (ILL S5;E26). She played Audrey Simmons on “The Lucy Show” but when Lucy Carmichael moved to California, she played Mary Jane Lewis, the actor’s married name and the same one she uses on all 31 of her episodes of “Here’s Lucy. Her final acting credit was playing Midge Bowser on “Lucy Calls the President” (1977). She died in 1999 at the age of 83. 

Vanda Barra (Vanda, above center) makes one of over two dozen appearances on “Here’s Lucy” as well as appearing in Ball’s two 1975 TV movies “Lucy Gets Lucky” (with Dean Martin) and “Three for Two” (with Jackie Gleason). She was seen in half a dozen episodes of “The Lucy Show.” Barra was Lucille Ball’s cousin-in-law by marriage to Sid Gould.

Gloria Wood (Doris, in black) was one of the off-stage back-up singers in “Lucy and Rudy Vallee” (S3;E12) and will do one more episode of the series, also singing.  

Peggy Clark (June, in violet) began singing as the Clark Kiddies lead singer. She was later part of The Sentimentalists. She was a very busy studio singer for decades in Los Angeles, heard on TV, film, records and commercials.   Gwenn Johnson (Mercedes, in floral print) is making her only screen appearance here.

Doris, June, and Mercedes (along with Mary Jane and Vanda) are members of Lucy's Canary Club, an a cappella singing group. They are not individually identified by name except in the final credits.  They have no dialogue other than their group singing.

Robert Carson (Officer Hurlow, Police Officer) was a busy Canadian-born character actor who appeared on six episodes of “The Lucy Show.” This is the fifth and final appearance on “Here’s Lucy.”

The surname Hurlow was used as the name of the driving instructor (Jack Gilford) in “Lucy Helps Craig Get a Driver’s License” (S1;E24) and the nurse (Mary Wickes) in “Lucy and Harry's Tonsils” (S4;E6).  

Sid Gould (Sam / Jerry) made more than 45 appearances on “The Lucy Show” and nearly as many on “Here’s Lucy.” Gould (born Sydney Greenfader) was Lucille Ball’s cousin by marriage to Gary Morton. He is married to Vanda Barra (Vanda).

For the role, Gould wears dark glasses and a false mustache, perhaps so that he looks noticeably different to Harry, who might recognize him from the office coffee shop. Kim tells her mother that “Sam from the coffee shop is ready” but the name Jerry is listed in the final credits and never spoken aloud during the scene. 

Phil Vandervort (Tommy) appeared in two episodes of “The Lucy Show” where he met Lucie Arnaz. The two were married from 1971 to 1977. This is third and final episode of the series.

For the role, Vandervort wears a false beard and wire-framed eyeglasses. Harry says he looks like he crawled out of the woodwork.

Emile Autuori (Mr. Munson, Painter) makes his fifth and final appearance on “Here’s Lucy.”  He passed away in early 2017. He was the uncle of writer / director P.J. Castalleneta.

In his introduction to the episode on the series DVD, Autuori says that his sister, Theresa Autuori Price, was Gary Morton's secretary at the time. Munson was also the surname of Grace and Harry, characters who appear on “I Love Lucy.”  

Orwin C. Harvey (Painter, uncredited) was an actor and stuntman who played one of the singing and dancing teamsters in “Lucy Helps Ken Berry” (TLS S6;E21). This is one of his six appearances on “Here’s Lucy.”

Bob Harks (Mover, uncredited) was born on September 20, 1927. Harks appeared in his first film in 1968 and was seen in the background of Mame (1974). In 1970 he popped up on his first television show and was seen in more than a dozen episodes of “Here's Lucy.” He died at age 83 in 2010.

Hank Robinson (Mover, uncredited) was a busy background player in Hollywood seen on such shows as “Kojak,” “The Rockford Files,” and “Gunsmoke.”  This is his last appearance on “Here’s Lucy.”

The other movers and painters are played by uncredited background performers.

This is the series' 100th episode! It is the first of only a few episodes not to have a personal name in the title.   

This episode is the fourth installment in the longest story arc (Lucy’s broken leg) of the series. This storyline was dictated by the fact that Lucille Ball actually broke her leg skiing, necessitating scripts for the first half of season five be tailored to her being in a cast. 

The evening this episode first aired, Susan Tolsky (Miss Quigley) also appeared on CBS's “The New Bill Cosby Show.” Tolsky was a regular on the variety show, which lasted just one season. That evening the show also featured insult comic Don Rickles, who had played a washed-up boxer on a 1967 episode of “The Lucy Show.”  

The evening this episode first aired, Lucie Arnaz guest-starred on “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In” which aired on NBC the hour prior to “Here’s Lucy.”  Desi Arnaz Jr. had also appeared on the madcap variety show in 1970. “Laugh-In” was frequently referenced on “Here’s Lucy” during its first two seasons.  Initially, “Laugh-In’s” second half hour on NBC overlapped “Here’s Lucy” on CBS. 

Harry is looking for the file for the Charles Bradshaw account. Lucy filed it under 'G' because Mr. Bradshaw reminds her of Cary Grant. Grant was frequently mentioned on all of Lucille Ball's sitcoms. The name Bradshaw was often one used by Gale Gordon in his dictation directives as both Mr. Mooney and Harrison Carter.  

Lucy is the head of the Canary Club, a group of a cappella women singers consisting of Mary Jane, Vanda, Doris, June, and Mercedes. They give her the “Humpty Dumpty Award” for skiing which cost the members (including Lucy) $2.50 each.  The figurine has red hair and a cast on her right leg, just like Lucy.

To welcome Lucy home, the Canary Club sings “Hello, Lucy” to the tune of “Hello, Dolly.” The song is by Jerry Herman who also wrote the music for Mame, which Lucy was about to start filming when she broke her leg. In its original form the song is from a Broadway musical of the same name based on Thornton Wilder's play The Matchmaker. In “Lucy and the Undercover Agent” (TLS S4;E10, above) it was sung as “Hello, Solly” when Lucy Carmichael dressed up as Carol Channing (Broadway's original Dolly) to get into an Army base. First, she had to distract “Sol” (aka “Solly”) the base guard.  

Lucy tells her daughter she’s never had a song written for her before. For Lucille Ball, that is just not true. The theme song to “I Love Lucy” by Eliott Daniel was written for her (as Lucy Ricardo). The statement is also not true for Lucie Arnaz. Her father and composer Eddie Maxwell wrote “There’s a Brand New Baby in Our House” for the birth of Lucie in 1951. It was re-released to coincide with the birth of Little Ricky / Desi Jr. in 1953.  So although the Carter gals may not have had songs written for them, the Arnaz girls have! 

According to the back of their coveralls, the moving men are from Dart Movers.

Lucy is surprised she is no longer Harry's candidate for “Miss Boo-Boo of Nineteen Seventy Two-Two.” In order that episodes not seem 'dated', the year was rarely spoken in the dialogue of “Lucy” shows, especially considering their popularity in syndication.  

The framed photograph of Gale Gordon seen in many previous episodes of “Here's Lucy” and “The Lucy Show” has been hung in Lucy's living room, although it is not usually part of the office set.

Lucy says that having Harry doing business in her home is like having a rest cure at Devil's Island. Devil’s Island (aka Bagne de Cayenne) was a penal colony in French Guiana. It was previously mentioned in “Lucy's Bonus Bounces” (S4;E16)  and on “I Love Lucy” in “Paris at Last” (ILL S5;E18).

When Kim suggests giving the office furniture to the Salvation Army, Lucy says “Harry has spies there. That's where he gets his clothing.” Lucille Ball was a supporter of The Salvation Army. 

The charitable organization was indirectly satirized on “I Love Lucy” as The Friends of the Friendless and in “Lucy Moves To NBC” with Lucy playing Sister Hitchcock, a character on “The Music Mart”. 

To drive Harry away, the Canary Club sing “Camptown Races.” "Camptown Races" is a minstrel song by Stephen Foster (1826–64) published in 1850.

Upon seeing the room turned into a place of business, Kim sings “Be it ever so humble...” then drops the song and flatly states “there’s no place like an office.”  The 19th century song “Home Sweet Home” was composed by Englishman Sir Henry Bishop with lyrics by American actor John Howard Payne. 

Harry starts to dictate a letter to Mr. Frank S. Leach, Fayetteville, Arkansas. This is the name of an old World War II Army buddy of writer Seaman Jacobs. The two kept correspondence over the years and Jacobs wanted to surprise his friend with his name being spoken on television. When CBS legal department checked they found there were two people named Frank S. Leach in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and suggested the name be changed to Frank S. Larson. Jacobs wrote to his friend to sign a release, which allowed the name to be used. On filming day, however, Gale Gordon had trouble pronouncing the name Leach, so Jacobs informed him of the reason it was so important to him that he get it right. Gordon got the name right, but then mispronounced Fayetteville as Fayettesville. The extra 's' was later removed in post-production.  

Harry says he didn't think the painters were interns from “Medical Center,” a CBS hospital drama that aired from 1969 to 1976 on Wednesday nights. 

At the end of the episode, Harry gets wet – this time soaked in yellow paint.

Lucy Ricardo also had a broken leg and used a wheelchair in 1953's “The Girls Go Into Business” (ILL S3;E2). Both episodes also feature police officers. 

Miss Quigley (Susan Tolsky) tells Harry that at secretarial school she learned typing, shorthand, and Karate (to defend herself). Susan Tolsky previously played Sue Ann on “Kim Cuts You-Know-Whose Apron String” (S4;E24), an episode that was centered around Kim and Sue Ann learning self-defense from a book.

Character Clarity!  Standing in the living room/office, Harry tells Kim to “go home.” Kim calls it “her mother's house.”  It can be assumed this means Kim is still living in the Marina Del Rey apartment that she moved into in “Kim Finally Cuts You-Know-Whose Apron String” (S4;E24), although is not specifically stated. It also could mean that Kim is staying at the college dorm, as was hinted in “Harrison Carter, Male Nurse” (S5;E3).  

“Miss Quigley, in this letter you just typed up for me...” - The camera catches a quick glimpse of the ‘letter’ and it is obviously bold handwriting, not typing. It is likely a portion of the script in order to remind Gale Gordon of his lines. Reports from the set by writer Seaman Jacobs confirm that Gordon did not always perform the script word for word. 

Bad...Worse...________! Of the three previous substitute secretaries he has had, Harry says that Miss Quigley is the “worse-est.”  When Quigley differs, she says “I don’t think there’s such word as “worstest”. It is unclear whether the original script said “worse-est” or “worstest” (both are grammatically incorrect), but traditionally, for consistency sake, if an actor makes an error of this sort, their scene partner should repeat the word spoken, not the scripted word. 

Brand X - Lucy’s manual typewriter has the brand name redacted with blue tape. This is the same typewriter she will use a year later in “The Big Game” (S6;E2). 

“A Home is Not an Office” rates 3 Paper Hearts out of 5

This is a sprawling episode, with lots of characters and activity. Although restricted to a wheelchair, Lucille Ball still manages some funny physical comedy with a feisty file cabinet. Ball appears to be happy to be back in her element and enjoying the company of her co-stars. There are also some sweetly sentimental moments between Harry and Lucy.  

[16thstreet]

The Grand Street Boys' Association, "headquarters of those who really love New York"

By Patricia Glowinski, Archivist at the Center for Jewish History

Processed in the Shelby White & Leon Levy Archival Processing Laboratory at the Center for Jewish History (CJH) are the Grand Street Boy's Association Records, just one of the many archival collections of the American Jewish Historical Society, one of the five partner institutions comprising CJH. The collection documents 20th century American Jewish history and New York City history, as they intersect in the activities of the once thriving club whose motto was "Good Fellowship, Benevolence, Charity."

The origins of the Grand Street Boys' Association date back to 1916 when  a reunion  was held in Manhattan for men who had grown up on or near bustling Grand Street, a main thoroughfare in the Lower East Side. Grand Street in the early 1900s was the center of a large immigrant neighborhood and was home to many Eastern European (many of them Jewish), Italian, and Irish immigrants. The success of that 1916 reunion led to a second reunion in 1920 where it was decided that a permanent club should be formed. The Grand Street Boys' Association was incorporated in 1921 and they opened their first clubhouse in 1924 in the former MacDougal Club, located at 106-108 West 55th Street in Midtown Manhattan. The clubhouse had a gym, lounge, dining room, barbershop, library, and an auditorium.

Mirroring the demographic makeup of the Lower East Side in the early 1900s, original members were primarily Jewish, but were also Irish and Italian, among other ethnicities. Open to all men (and eventually women) regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social class, the Grand Street Boys promoted welfare projects, acts of fellowship and tolerance, scholarships, youth employment, war efforts, and the elimination of discrimination in sports, among other projects. At first, only men who grew in the vicinity of Grand Street were eligible to enroll. This restriction was soon removed and the Association became the "headquarters of those who really love New York."

As documented in the extensive membership records from the collection (See Series 1, Subseries 4), membership spanned all sectors of social class and occupations. Alongside governors, mayors, judges, senators, and famous entertainers were bartenders, furriers, detectives, opera singers, restaurateurs, art therapists, umbrella salesmen, meter readers, and firemen. Well-known members included Irving Berlin, Eddie Cantor, Irving Caesar, Fiorello La Guardia, Al Smith, John Lindsay, Robert F. Wagner Jr., Jonah J. Goldstein, Herbert H. Lehman, Nelson A. Rockefeller, and Cardinal Patrick Hayes.

The collection documents the activities of the Association, as well as the Grand Street Boys' Foundation, its financial arm established in 1945, and its Hobbycraft Program, a charitable program tasked with collecting and redistributing donated items to charitable and nonprofit organizations. Materials include administrative records, financial records, correspondence, minutes, membership records, newsletters, yearbooks, artifacts, and photographs. The collection’s strengths include the membership records, the meeting minutes, the Grand Street Boys’ publications including the newsletter, Wuxtra, and the yearbooks, and the photographs which capture the spirit and essence of the Grand Street Boys' Association during its prime. Below are just a few photos that will (hopefully) inspire researchers to come to the Lillian Goldman Reading Room and use the collection!

1. Boy Scouts with Jonah J. Goldstein, President of the Grand Street Boys’ Association, at the Grand Street Boys’ clubhouse, circa 1960 (Photo credit: New York Times)

  2. Irving Caesar (third from left), songwriter and Grand Street Boy, at Colony Records in Manhattan for the publication of the Grand Street Boys’ song, 1960

3. Golden wedding party at the clubhouse showing Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hershkowitz dancing to Jack Snyder’s accordion music, 1959 (Photo credit: Daily News)

4. Jonah J. Goldstein presenting a Grand Street Boys’ Association award to Mickey Mantle, 1953

 5. Grand Street House London showing Sir Louis Sterling (former Lower East Sider and life member of the Grand Street Boys), 1941 (Photo credit: Sport & General Press Agency, London)

6. Gramercy Boys Club, known for its marching band, performing in the auditorium at the clubhouse, circa 1960

7. Robert Briscoe (standing, 3rd from left), who became the first Jewish Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1956, at a dinner at the Grand Street Boys’ clubhouse, with Abe Stark (standing, 4th from left), Jonah J. Goldstein (standing, 3rd from right), and others, circa 1957

[apomaro-mellow]

Whatever Stevie Wants 11

Part 10

“-The castle has many defenses. But those unknown by the dragons may have a chance to cast a charm. I urge you to make off with the treasure first. The princess has her own wings.”

Eddie had watched the video over and over again. He’d even saved it, just in case the post got deleted. His leg bounced where he sat on the couch. His hands ached to hold his mate, to embrace his pup, to know that they were safe in his arms again.

Jeff was pacing back and forth, just as agitated. “He’s sending us a hidden message. ‘The castle has many defenses’.”

“These folks are rich, they’ve probably got cameras around the place”, Gareth said.

“‘Those unknown by the dragons’...”, Grant echoed from the video. “The dragons are probably his parents. What does he mean by being unknown and able to cast a charm?”

Eddie suddenly stood and snapped his fingers. “His parents only met me and Jeff. They probably won’t recognize you and Gare.”

Jeff stopped his pacing. “You guys might have a chance to sneak in and get the girls.”

“And then Steve can get away on his own”, Gareth said.

Eddie suddenly felt lighter. “That means we’ve got one chance. If they realize too soon what’s going on, they’re going to make it tighter than Fort Knox.” ----------------------

“I don’t even know if I should let you out of the house after that stunt with Findlay”, Margaret said. “Do you know what Betty Rockville said to me today? She asked if I preferred potato salad or macaroni salad. A Rockville! The shame of it all.”

“Isn’t she in the middle of planning a wedding?”, Steve asked, knowing that wasn’t the point.

“It was a slight at my offense and you know that. I’ve raised you to at least recognize that much. A Rockville, Steven! Our family has stood shoulder to shoulder with great families in this country. Kennedys and Reagans. And Betty Rockville thinks she can say that to me.”

Steve looked at his father imploringly. He didn’t regret what he did, but there was only so much of his mother that he could take like this. Layton took pity on him and cleared his throat.

“Why don’t you give Steve the good news, Margaret?”

Steve raised a brow. “Good news?”

His mother settled a little at that. “I’ve narrowed it down to three venues and you’ll never guess what’s available.”

“Available for what?”

“Your wedding, of course. You have to plan these things in advance, you know.”

“I know. I’m already married.” And it had been a beautiful ceremony. Steve had cried at least three times. 

Margaret waved a hand at that. “Annulled before you know it. We’ll get rid of that bite as well.”

Steve just sighed, ready to walk off and sulk in his room when the doorbell rang. His father continued to read the paper while his mother sorted through correspondences from the mail, knowing the doorman would answer it. And just as they expected, he did. And moments later, Chesley came to them with a man in a gray jumpsuit carrying a large duffle bag. It took absolutely everything in Steve to keep himself sitting and not jump into Gareth’s arms.

He wasn’t even looking at Steve, instead simply tipping his hat to his mother and father. Chesley cleared his throat.

“Exterminator, sir and ma’am.”

“I don’t remember hiring an exterminator”, Layton said.

“Do we have vermin in our home?”, Margaret nearly hissed.

“It won’t be a problem miss”, Gareth said. “I just need to inspect the problem areas of the house and then I can set up traps.”

“Layton, we’re having guests next week, we can’t have mice running around the place”, Margaret said, panic pitching her voice. “Chesley, have Tabitha show him around.”

“Oh, don’t bother Tabitha”, Steve finally spoke up and got to his feet. “I can show him around.”

The idea of little critters running around the house had her so frazzled, Margaret didn’t even fight him on it. It was only when they were nearly out of the room that she called out after them.

“Remember your virtue Steven!”

Steve would have groaned in embarrassment if he’d been with an actual stranger. As if he’d just fuck anyone who came through the door!

“She’s lovely”, Gareth said the moment they were deep enough in the hallway.

Steve couldn’t hold back anymore and he pushed Gareth against the wall as he kissed him. He had missed this. His actual family, genuine love, real affection. He would have scented Gareth if he didn’t know his mother would sniff it out immediately and make another comment about his virtue and tighten the leash even more.

“Are you okay?”, Gareth panted after the kiss. “They haven’t been hurting you?”

Steve shook his head and then grabbed his wrist to pull him into one of the guest rooms and locked the door.

“What’s the plan?”, he asked, voice hushed.

“You’re probably not gonna like it”, Gareth said as he set the duffle bag down and unzipped it.

---------------------------

“I realize I’ve yet to take Steve’s measurements”, Margaret said.

“He doesn’t appear to have grown much since college”, Layton commented.

“He’s had children, my dear. Plural. He’s put on weight, I just don’t know how much. It would be nice if he could fit into my wedding dress but we might need other options.”

Layton smiled. “You’ve always wanted to take him bridal shopping, ever since he presented.”

“Well what mother doesn’t dream of it?” She set down the letters in her hand, already thinking of the guest list. “I have measuring tape, maybe I should do it now.”

“He’s escorting the exterminator”, Layton reminded her.

“Don’t use the word ‘escorting’, it sounds indecent.”

While his folks were having that conversation, Steve was struggling to keep his scent calm. He couldn’t believe that this was the best plan they could come up with. But then again, it was pretty short notice, so he couldn’t blame them entirely. They had no idea what his parents would do to him or the pups while they were locked away in this dungeon. 

But still…

He could never tell the twins that he’d let this happen when they were older. He could just hear it now. ‘You’ll let us get kidnapped but we can’t go to a party?’

When they got to the nursery, he told Eleanor that she could take her break now. Steve wasn’t entirely sure what he’d tell her when she returned and there were no babies but that wasn’t important right now.

Violet was sound asleep in her crib. That was good. Vanessa was up and active, playing with a book but her attention was immediately grabbed by Gareth and Steve. She smiled big, arms going in the air and Gareth scooped her up. 

“You ready to get back home, kid?”

Vanessa’s reply was to grab for his hair and pull it towards her mouth. Gareth pulled it out of her grasp and then checked in on Violet, soundly asleep.

“Okay, Operation Cabbage Patch is a go.”

“Of course you guys would call it that”, Steve sighed as he carefully lifted Violet up. 

“Steven? Where did you go? I want to measure you for your dress”, his mother’s voice sounded from the hallway, causing both men to freeze. 

Steve kissed Gareth’s cheek, three times for his other three loves and then set Violet back down. He would have to put all his faith and trust into them while he kept his mother distracted. He walked out, closing the door behind him and calling out to his mother to keep her away from the nursery while Gareth continued the plan.

He set Vanessa down and then opened the bag he had brought along. Inside was soft and cushiony as well as strapping. He placed Violet inside and strapped her in just like it was a carseat. She only shifted slightly, rubbing her eye before settling again. Gareth kissed her forehead, then zipped the bag back up.

He put Vanessa in, and they were secured, foot to foot. Vanessa cooed a bit, but mostly just appeared curious. He just hoped she didn’t make too much noise as they moved.

Gareth carefully lifted the duffle bag by its straps. He wanted to cradle it, but knew that would look unnatural. He left the nursery and thankfully remembered his way back to the front door. A nondescript white van was waiting outside. Grant was at the wheel. As bad as it felt to only have the job half done, they figured it would have to be this way.

The Harringtons had let Steve go once and he went and became the pack omega to a band of musicians. Just as the group had expected, even if they were able to lay eyes on Steve, he wasn’t left alone for long enough to make a real escape. At least not when the girls’ wellbeing was on the line.

Gareth opened the back of the van just as Vanessa began to whine. He shut the doors and opened the bag. In preparation for the plan, car seats had been secured. The moment Gareth had the girls safe in their seats, he told Grant to go. 

----------------------

Eddie and Jeff both wished they could have been home while Gareth and Grant went through with the plan, but they had their own part to play. Steve’s video had been picked up both by news outlets and the gossip rags and Corroded Coffin needed to give their official statement. A police report had been filed, just to cover their bases.

And soon it would be out in the world that the Harringtons were under investigation. Jeff and Eddie went on a radio show, first apologizing to the fans for cutting their promotions short but hoping they’d understand the severity of the situation. By the time the interview was over, they both received a text from Grant simply stating ‘They’re home’.

For once, Jeff didn’t chastise Eddie’s reckless driving. Fuck anyone else on the road, they had to get back. Once they were home, the door was all but torn off its hinges.

And there they were. Vanessa, holding herself up with her hands on the couch. Violet, on her back, trying to eat her own foot. Jeff saw the moment Vanessa saw him, her lips spreading wide and bouncing on her feet in glee as he rushed to hold her. Her giggles were punctuated by the kisses he put all over her face.

Violet didn’t realize Eddie was in the room until she was already in his arms. He could tell by the scrunch in her face that she wanted to be mad at having her foot eating activity interrupted but once she saw who had interrupted it, all was forgiven. Eddie rubbed their cheeks together, feeling more like himself than he had in days. 

“They barely smell like him”, Jeff noted sadly. 

Before, Violet and Vanessa smelled like a combination of their parents. They sometimes carried notes of other pack members too, but Eddie, Steve, and Jeff were the most prevalent. The fact that they hardly carried any of Steve’s scent spoke volumes. 

“They’re home now”, Eddie said, reassuring himself just as much as Jeff. 

----------------------

Steve somehow survived the impromptu fitting without much of a beating to his self esteem. He hadn’t been good enough when he was playing three sports in high school, he definitely wasn’t going to be good enough after having twins. He foresaw plenty of lean meals in his future.

Gareth had wanted to leave a scent token with Steve, something to hold him over and soothe him now that he would be completely alone. As much as Steve yearned for it, he resisted. It was too risky to have around. Gareth ended up leaving him with something even better instead.

A phone.

Part 12

We're doin another socmed chapter! So just like before, comment or reblog with how you'd react in universe to the events so far, be it Steve's video, CC's abrupt schedule change or whatever and it'll show up in the next chapter :)

[uozlulu]

1 and 13?

1. if someone wanted to really understand you, what would they read, watch, and listen to? - I'm going to try to make this as short as possible but I can't not explain, you know?

TV shows:

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Specifically season 1. I can't tell sometimes if it unintentionally influenced me when I fell asleep while my sister was watching it when I was a small child or I was always going to have similarities to Picard anyway. Also just in general, Star Trek and its positive aspects have influenced me as a person throughout my life.

Ed, Edd, 'n' Eddy - It premirered when I was fourteen and really captured my adolescence better than anything else. It was really funny and reltable for me.

Supernatural - Seasons 1 - 5. While it's a deeply flawed show, I thought Kripke's version of Sam and Dean really reminded me of my little brother and me, which is why I ended up sticking with the show despite its problems. I found Dean to be especially relatable in how he couldn't quite be himself, was immature and mature, and felt personally responsible for Sam's well-being especially at the expense of his own well-being. After Kripke left, the aspects of the show I liked disappeared and more things I disliked began happening so I droped it.

Yuri on Ice - While I could have done without the nudity (I'm not a fanservice type no matter the circumstances), I found the characters to be like people I've met IRL. It's also really nice to see a non-straight romance between two adults that went on and beyond my expectations. Like I went into it thinking it'd be a little baity, but then it wasn't and it became so much more than I could have hoped for. YoI makes me feel like maybe someday I too will have a serious relationship, and I don't always feel that hopeful much anymore.

Movies

In general, history, travel, music, and crime documentaries sum up a lot of the non-fiction I watch. I also love cooking/baking programs/movies that are about the process rather than just about eating.

Jurassic Park (1993) - Classic 90's horror/scifi/fantasy with great effects and dionsaurs. I really enjoy this movie and watch it every so often when I run across it on TV and haven't seen it in a while.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001) - This movie really understands how I feel about having a sister eleven years older than me. The way Rohan fights to reconnect to Rahul and the way the brother express how they love each other is very relatable. It gives me a lot of feelings that I wouldn't have had if they'd had a closer age gap. The movie is insanely long and pretty melodramatic, but it's also a musical which gives it bonus points in my book. I love musicals.

Apollo 13 (1995) - This movie is kind of some of the stuff that connects me and my dad together. Both my parents are big non-fiction people, and so I grew up with things like World War II and the space race on our TV. This is also the first PG-13 movie I watched and I watched it with my dad just the two of us when it premired on cable.

Books

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - Ever wondered what it's like to have some of the types of epilepsy I have? A lot of the weird things that happen to Alice are things I've experienced including size perception distortion (though of course not to the extreme as depicted in the book).

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery - I LOVED this book and PBS miniseries as a child. I read it so much I think I could almost recite it at one point. I also loved Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan because they are both well done children's historical fiction novels with endearing characters. It of course took me a long time to realize part of while I liked both these books was that historical fiction is one of my jams.

Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - I'm not sure if there's a spcific story/novel, but I found Sherlock Holmes to be very validating as a child. Holmes is intelligent, constantly plagued by boredom, can be both modest at times and unkind at others. He also in the stories seems to suffer from some sort of cyclical mood disorder that he's self medicating. All of these things were very relatable to me even as a kid. Also, they're mystery stories and I love mystery stories and forensics. I've always been fascinated by how to catch people who commit crimes and also how to identify red flags when it comes to criminals.

Music

I'm not sure what music to put. I listen to so many things because music is as heavy of a passion to me as writing is. It just comes so naturally to me. My mom says when she was pregnant with me I used to move around to 80's rock when she listened to the radio in the car. Probably my most listened to tracks and artists lists on my last.fm account might have more insight than I do off the top of my head.

13. inside or outdoors? - I like both. Outdoors is amazing because you can experience things like waterfalls up close and see sunrises, sunsets, the moon, etc.. so easily if you're in the right location. I also enjoy observing wildlife and I like my wildlife outside rather than inside always. As for inside, it's got some benefits too. It leads to less distraction when I'm trying to write. If a day is too hot for my nervous system I can also stay out of the sun easier. It doesn't bother me to spend every day outside or every day inside, though I do know that if I spend too many days stuck inside the house I have to get out every so often even if it's to go to another indoor place. ===Put a number in my ask box and I'll answer the corresponding question from this ask meme

[lordofsunshadowandsailor]

“Can we go now, sir?” Asked blond Billy, who looked exhausted and worried.

“Will you…” Eddie’s voice broke into a shrill, and he placed a hand on his throat, that must hurt. “…take us home?” he added, in a weakened, frayed voice.

“Yes, you may go now.” The man replied the blond, almost spitting the words, while ignoring Eddie’s supplication.

“Mister, please…” Eddie wouldn’t let go of Alvar, who stood rigid and distant, not corresponding the boy’s tentative embrace. These boys had a tendency for masochism, he considered. Maybe it was survival instinct, to perceive pleasure in violence, to turn mistreatment into a bond. Or maybe he just wanted to linger a little longer in the warmth of the padded cape?

“You should go, gentlemen.” Alvar took two steps back, releasing himself from Eddie’s hands. “Before I put you to find Apollo for me.” He took a silver coin from his pocket, and threw it at the blond boy, who gasped after having bitten it. It must be more than the pair would earn in a month, for these were the cheapest Lost Boys Alvar could imagine.

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[whatwoulddelanydo]

If one tried to construct the Temple of Literature from only the fifty “pillars” below, it would collapse spectacularly. Nevertheless, here is a contingent group of titles that, to paraphrase Christopher Higgs, if I hadn’t read and reread over the years, I wouldn’t be myself. How much that is worth, I’m not sure. 1)   Djuna Barnes—Nightwood 2)   Charles H. Kahn—The Art and Thought of Heraclitus (an edition of the fragments with commentary) 3)   William Shakespeare—Sonnets, Tragedies, most of the Comedies . . . 4)   Eileen Myles—Inferno, The Importance of Being Iceland. 5)   Charlotte Brontë—Jane Eyre, Villette 6)   Jane Austen—Emma, Mansfield Park, Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion 7)   Marquis de Sade, 120 Days of Sodom, Julliette 8)   Shoshana Felman, “Turning the Screw of Interpretation” (from Writing and Madness) 9)   Herman Melville—Moby-Dick, Billy Budd, The Confidence Man, and the shorter works 10) Sir Thomas Browne—Urn Burial, Religio Medici, correspondence 11) Walter Pater—The Renaissance, Imaginary Portraits, “A Child in the House,” Marius the Epicurean 12) Richard Hughes—A High Wind in Jamaica, In Hazard 13) George Eliot—Middlemarch, Daniel Deronda 14)   Michel Foucault—The History of Madness, The Birth of the Clinic, The Order of Things 15)  Joanna Russ—The Female Man, We Who Are About to . . ., On Strike Against God, “Souls,” The Two of Them 16)   Guy Davenport—Tatlin! The Jules Verne Steam Balloon, Da Vinci’s Bicycle, The Death of Picasso, Twelve Stories, A Table of Green Fields, Eclogues, The Geography of the Imagination, The Hunter Gracchus, Every Force Evolves a Form, A Balance of Quinces, The Balthus Notebook 17)   Jacques Derrida—Of Grammatology, Writing and Difference, Dissemination, Glas 18)   Roger Zelazny—His short fiction in four volumes. 19)   F. Scott Fitzgerald—The Great Gatsby, Tender is the Night, the short stories 20)   Nathanael West—Miss Lonelyhearts, A Cool Million, The Day of the Locust, The Dream Life of Balso Snell, 21)   Henry Roth—Call it Sleep 22)   Virginia Woolf—To the Lighthouse, The Waves, Flush, The Years, A Room of One’s Own 23)   Vladimir Nabokov—Lolita, Pnin, Pale Fire 24)   Mark Twain—Huckleberry Finn, The Diary of Adam and Eve 25)   Christina Stead—The Man Who Loved Children 26)   Baruch de Spinoza—Ethics, Tractatus Theologico-Politicus 27)   William Faulkner—The YoknapatawphaCounty sequence of stories and novels 28)   W. H. Auden—The Sea and the Mirror, The Age of Anxiety, The Selected Poems 29)   Ron Silliman—The Alphabet 30)   Alan Moore & Eddie Campbell—From Hell 31)  Alan Moore & Kevin O’Neill—The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (series one & two) 32)   Marilyn Hacker—First Cities, Selected Poems 1965—1990, Squares and Courtyards, Winter Numbers, Desesparanto, Names 33)   Junot Diaz—Drown, The Brief, Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, This Is How You Lose Her 34)   Willa Cather—My Ántonia, Song of the Lark, A Lost Lady, My Mortal Enemy, Not Under Forty, Collected Stories (Library of America) 35)   Jean Genet—Our Lady of the Flowers, Miracle of the Rose, A Thief’s Journal, Funeral Rites, Querelle de Brest, The Maids, Deathwatch, The Balcony, The Blacks, The Screens 36)   James Joyce—A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Dubliners, Ulysses 37)   Gertrude Stein—Lectures in America, The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, How to Write, Three Lives, Wars I Have Seen, Ida, Lucy Church Amiably, The Making of Americans, Tender Buttons 38)  John Livingston Lowe—The Road to Xanadu: A Study In The Ways Of the Imagination 39)   Erich Auerbach—Mimesis 40)   John Keene—Annotations 41)   Honoré de Balzac—Lost Illusions 42)   Gustave Flaubert—Sentimental Education 43)   William Gaddis—The Recognitions, Carpenter’s Gothic 44)   Brian Evenson—The Wavering Knife (contains “Barcode Jesus,” one of the finest American short stories of the last sixty years) 45)   Theodore Sturgeon—collected short stories in 13 volumes (1938—1987, indispensible reading) 46)   Thomas M. Disch—Camp Concentration, On Wings of Song, Getting into Death (stories), The Man Who Had No Idea (stories), Fundamental Disch (stories, librettos, and essays) 47)   Samuel Beckett—Malloy, Malone Dies, The Unnamable, More Pricks Than Kicks, all the plays 48)   Malcolm Lowry—Under the Volcano 49)  Walter Benjamin—The Writer of Modern Life: Essays on Charles Baudelaire, Brecht, The Arcades Project 50)  William H. Gass—Omensetter’s Luck, The Heart of the Heart of the Country, On Being Blue, Willie Masters’ Lonesome Wife, The Tunnel, all the nonfiction. Some Corinthian Capitals for the 50 Columns Above: 1)    Susan Sontag—I, etcetera The flatness of Sontag fictive prose is seriously off-putting to many readers—and many serious readers at that. She wanted to make her points through architecture, rather than music or ekphrasis. And in this collection of short works, she did. Along with “The Way We Live Now,” they are exemplary. I read and reread them and I always learn from them. 2)    Glenway Wescott—The Pilgrim Hawk This is another miracle of narrative architecture. One corner is left un-built—the one that would have fixated around the homosexual fascination the young chauffeur exerts over the entire party. (The fact that there is so clearly room for it is what suggests that it is there, under the rest of the text.) Right now, you have to fill it in for yourself, but the rest is right there, as pristine as you’d expect to find it in Jane Austen. 3)    Michael Cunningham—The Hours This is one of the most important novels in the development of the American novel because it answers a challenge first articulated by Leslie Fiedler in his 1960 work, Love and Death in the American Novel. Claimed Fiedler, the novel as a genre must strive to encompass a rich set of deep and resonant relations between a man and a woman. And until the historical situation much improves in terms of equality, the cross-gender friendship at the center of this book is about the best we can hope for that is not just lies and/or simple fantasies. 4)    Longus—Daphnis and Chloe One of the oldest novels and one of the most effective. This is romance stripped to its bones; it’s quite wonderful and filled with narrative magic. 5)    Hugo Von Hofmannsthal—The Lord Chados Letter Whenever I feel myself straying near writers’ block, I read this witty farewell to literature by a young medieval much too full of his own accomplishments, and I go dancing away and back to the writing desk and get happily to work again. 6)    Leonid Tsypkin—Summer in Baden Baden. This astonishing chronicle of pathological gambling addiction is breathless and frightening, and is made more so when we realize that it is the great novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky who was so afflicted. With our return to the present, the ending is heartbreaking as we meet the scholars who are, themselves, addicted to their pursuit of the minutiae of Dostoevsky’s life, and what they have put at stake to pursue their obsessions and make this story recountable. This great short novel is by a Russian doctor and scholar who wrote only one.

“For Big Other on William H. Gass’s Birthday,” by Samuel R. Delany

Maybe if I read all these I’ll be able to soak up an iota of Delany’s greatness.

[bffhreprise]

Entry 307

 “Is this everyone?” I questioned, looking around at the people in the large ballroom.  After James helped me move my things here, he introduced me to some of his employees… er… friends, eventually ending up here.  The room was relatively dark, mostly lit by the enormous “mirrors” that acted as monitors for those playing Ancient Tribes of Earth.

 “You really should at least read through the website before you start making assumptions.” replied James reproachfully.  “But no, there are several more.”  He opened his mouth as if to say something else when a young girl came bounding into the room.

 “James!  James!” she exclaimed.  “Jemal lifted me with his powers!”

 “Really?  Did you feel like you were flying?” he asked, smiling at her.

 “No.  The zoomies are way better for flying.” she insisted as if relating something that should be perfectly obvious to everyone.  “It was really cool though!  His arms were full, and I was trying to sneak out, and he just lifted me!”

 “Just don’t let me catch you flying a zoomie through the house again.” he warned her, sounding almost fatherly.

 “What if Mila catches me?” she questioned hopefully.

 “Don’t let her catch you either.” he replied sternly.

 “But what if it’s not one of her bodies?” she pursued.

 Frowning at her, he said, “Kayla, don’t fly zoomies through the house.”

 “Yes, sir.” she conceded, lowering her head dejectedly.

 James patted her head and said, “There are too many things which could easily be broken in this section, and you might run into someone in your wing.”

 Her grin instantly returned as she looked up at him.  “I’d love to have feathery wings!  Can you give me wings?” she asked excitedly.

 “Sorry, but no.” he stated.

 Obviously disappointed, she said, “Aww… okay.”  Then she skipped over to Emma, relating the experience with her brother again.

 “You allow kids here?” I asked somewhat quietly.  There was so much valuable artwork in the open that a slip would surely cost thousands of dollars, if not far more.

 “My secretary’s twelve years old, so yes.” he stated, frowning at me.

 Unswayed, I asked “But isn’t this a business?”

 “Businesses can’t involve kids?” he retorted.

 “Well, they can… but shouldn’t this be a kid-free zone?  Like you said, there are so many things that could break.” I told him, hoping he’d see the risk.

 I could tell he did by his expression, but he said, “Kayla lives here, and Aaliyah’s more capable than any of us, so no.”

 “So employees don’t have to live here?” I questioned, shocked by the idea.  He had made magic sound common here.  Wasn’t he forcing them to keep magic a secret from the outside world?

 Laughing, he said, “No, I don’t really care where someone lives, as long as they have a place that suits them.  If you have somewhere you’d rather go, we don’t have to wait until tomorrow.  I’m sure I can get you there this night.”  The last was said while staring into my eyes with that soul-piercing gaze of his.

 “What?  No.  I mean to say that’s not what I meant.” I quickly told him.  Knowing that this enormous man could literally crush me barehanded was intimidating, but I was fairly certain he wouldn’t.  He seemed… kind, despite his irritations with me.  “I was just curious.  I’ll look at your website if you don’t need me for anything.” I assured him, quickly taking one of the empty seats.  There were eight seats in total, forming a circle at the center of the room, but facing outward toward one of the eight mirrors.  Not seeing any sort of controls, I asked “How does this work?”

 A keyboard of light appeared on the chair’s tray, and a child-like voice started explaining the features of the chair as its corresponding mirror lit up with a video.  The tutorial was long and very detailed, but I appreciated the thoroughness.  I also appreciated that the speakers couldn’t be heard “by most” outside of the chair.  James probably could hear everything, given that he obviously possessed inhuman abilities.

 The company’s site was somewhat informative.  Yes, all of the employees were listed there with profiles that also gave an example of jobs they could be hired to perform as well as certifications each possessed.  I knew this wasn’t everything though, since none of the profiles mentioned magic of any sort.  The list of vehicles available was no surprise after seeing the garage under the back half of the mansion.

 Before I finished perusing the site, the young woman who had called me a “pest” arrived next to me.  She hadn’t been listed as an employee here, but I believed she was James’ girlfriend, which could make her more dangerous.  What sort of abilities did she possess to interest him?

 She glanced at James before saying, “Would you mind following me?  I have a proposition for you.”

 I nodded, feeling more and more uneasy as she guided me outside.  A limousine was already waiting for us, with someone holding the door.

 Once we were seated inside, she bluntly said, “James doesn’t trust you, and I’m certain you can understand why given what you tried.”

 She stared at me expectantly, so I nodded.  I never should have tried using my power on him.  Having backed myself into a corner, I was desperate.  If not for that girl with the pamphlets, I probably would have walked into the nearest corner store for a job.

 “I have a few errands I’d like you to perform for me.  Yes, they’re tests, but none of them are particularly difficult, though there is the possibility of danger.” she explained, sounding too pleasant for her words.  Meeting those violet eyes was difficult.  Where James at least looked human, this woman seemed too perfect to be real.  She didn’t seem to be wearing makeup, but her pale skin looked flawless.  Even how she sat made her look less real.  Who doesn’t slouch in the comfort of a limo?  “Are you interested?”

 “Will you tell James how well I perform?” I asked, feeling very aware that the vehicle was already in motion.

 She gave me a small smile as she said, “You best believe that James knows everything at all times, but I will give him my opinion of you after tonight.”

 “I accept.” I told her, still uncertain whether refusal was even an option.

 She lightly tapped the glass behind her, and the vehicle quickly came to a stop.  “There’s a package in the trunk.  Deliver it to the address listed.  No matter what you hear around you, don’t look.  Keep moving and get that package safely to its destination.  As long as you keep your eyes forward, you’ll be kept safe.”

 Stepping out of the vehicle, I was already sweating, despite the… Wait.  Why wasn’t I cold!?  Did she use some sort of magic on me?  I didn’t ask, quickly lifting the small, surprisingly heavy box from the trunk.  An address was written on the brown, paper wrapping.  The limousine was gone before I even had a plan for finding the address.  Where was I even?

 I found some public wi-fi after twenty or so minutes roaming near every restaurant I spotted.  After downloading a map, I started making my way, feeling more and more creeped out.  What was in this package, and why was I asked to deliver it?  Paranoia was wearing on me, but I trusted that James would have stopped me from leaving if he knew this was some sort of death sentence… She had told me to assume he knew everything, but what if she was just getting me to let my guard down?  No, she had me the moment I followed her, and James really did know too much about me.

 My worries increased when I heard screams down an alley that I passed.  As the night closed in around me, I felt more and more like I was being hunted.  Who had she told about this?  Why?  More screams several streets later… Was that a growl?  Were there wild dogs nearby?  Resisting the urge to look was physically painful, but I eventually did find myself outside of an ordinary-looking, brick building.  The door opened before I could knock.

 “Yeah?” asked a rough-looking man.

 “I have a package for you from…” I started, realizing I still didn’t know her name.

 “Well, where is it?” he questioned.

 I handed the small box over, and he unceremoniously tossed it before saying, “Come inside and help us unload a truck.”

 Despite being uncertain about whether this was part of what I was supposed to be doing, I soon found myself hauling heavy boxes from a truck while the people who worked here lounged and made crude jokes at my expense.  No, I wasn’t particularly strong.  They didn’t need to point it out in fifty different ways.  The urge to silence them was strong, but I kept reminding myself that I was being tested.

 I was surprised when they all suddenly jumped to assist me, at least until I saw the man in a very nice suit step into the room.  “Dejon?” he asked, looking at me.

 “Y-Yes?” I replied, wishing my voice didn’t sound so unsteady.  The heavy lifting had gotten to me… maybe my frayed nerves.

 “I have a job for you.  Please, follow me.” he stated, looking totally out of place as he led into a disorganized office.  Once I was seated, he introduced himself as Mr. Mason and started going over the details of a man’s life.  Eddie Clarke, the man being described, was retired military who had started a small business once he was out of the military.  He had no children, but treated his nephew like one.  The nephew had been using his position at a bank to help Eddie keep the business afloat, but the money he sent once he was forced to switch branches wasn’t enough.

 “Sorry, but why are you telling me all of this?” I asked, interrupting the man’s explanation.

 “Simply put, you are to convince Mr. Clarke to sell his business.  He just needs to sign this, and we’ll take care of him.” replied Mr. Mason  as he pulled a thin package of papers out of his briefcase.

 “By ‘take care of him’, you mean…” I started, uncertain how to ask if they were going to kill this man.

 “We’ll make certain he has plenty of money to live out his life.  He has been helpful to numerous of our associates throughout the years, and we take care of our own.” stated the Mr. Mason.

 Deciding to trust that James’ girlfriend wouldn’t ask me to rob a man, I said, “He’ll sign.”  Taking the papers, I followed Mr. Mason outside and into another limousine.  I didn’t hesitate to use my ability on Eddie, easily getting him to sign.  What I knew of his past was enough to tell me that Eddie was a very stubborn man who didn’t want to retire just yet, despite facing bankruptcy.  Using my power to help someone was never something I balked at, and Mr. Mason’s surprise when Eddie calmly signed over his business was amusing.

 After the deal was done, I was asked to be a bouncer at a club.  Once I agreed, I was quickly taken there and left.  Things went relatively smoothly, though I hated all of the noise.  Clubbing had never been my idea of a great time, but I tolerated the obnoxious music.  If this would get me hired at Best Friend For Hire, then the irritation was well worth it.

[bj555-blog1]

Marcus Rashford hits injury-time winner as Man Utd come from behind against Bournemouth

Whatever other questions might persist both of Manchester United and Jose Mourinho - two once such impressive and dominant figures in club football - an ability to score late goals and win ugly still persists.

The bare facts are that United have now collected 10 points from their last four games and, after Marcus Rashford’s winner here in added time, are now back in touching distance again of the top four.

Morale is also lifting ahead of huge looming tests in the space of five days against Juventus and Manchester City, but there will still have to be a dramatic improvement in basic performance in those matches for the upturn to continue.

Bournemouth had completely outplayed United for long periods of the first half and, while United did certainly finish strongest, you could see why they remain behind Eddie Howe's team in the Premier League table.

Indeed, to understand the wider transformative difference of good management, both on and off the pitch, you only had to look at a league table from 10 years ago and then watch this match. Manchester United were then swaggering towards the final years of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign as both European and Premier League champions whilst Bournemouth were facing a battle even for survival following administration and starting the season in League Two on minus three points.

Bournemouth were unbeaten in nine league and cup matches since losing 2-0 against Manchester United in the corresponding fixture last year and their improvement in the intervening months was immediately evident.

David Brooks, Junior Stanislas and Ryan Fraser has started behind Wilson in the four attacking positions and their pace, movement and fluidity while interchanging positions immediately left United reeling. A mistake by Chris Smalling gifted Fraser the first chance but, not for the first time, David De Gea came to the team’s rescue and his shot cannoned off the Spain goalkeeper’s legs.  

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