Essay #4: Women, God's Greatest Invention. Why?
You thought it was the electric light? Wrong! When God sets out to do something, it is always extraordinary. When he decided Adam needed a companion did you think he planned something plain? Simple? Ordinary? Don't be ridiculous!
He grabbed a rib and created something beautiful, fascinating, complicated, wonderful. A creature, a collection of marvelous parts, lovely long hair, a pretty face, and a body covered with smooth silky skin. And those breasts, what a great idea that was! The perfect object of identity, sticking right out there in front. He gave her a deceptively simple name, Eve. Adam must have been jumping up and down with excitement! She was obviously built for fun and good times. Can you imagine something created thousands of years ago that still gives a man his most pleasurable moments? But that's not all. She comes equipped with a child-producing mechanism and along with that God made her most desirable time of life those child bearing years. Those breasts are not just for beauty and pleasure. They contain a milk-producing system that nourishes those newborn babies. He wasn't through yet. He added a sweet loving disposition and a nurturing psyche that makes women the ideal people for wives, mothers, care-givers, lovers, and nurses.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
PLEASE NOTE: My dear Friends: Yes, I think of all members of the human race as my dear friends but I am most interested in those folks who are part of what I term the cycle of life. These are the adults who are strongly attracted to the opposite sex, who usually participate in a meaningful union, who desire and produce children as a result of that union. Those adults outside of that cycle of life I think of as a humorist once put it as "A thing of beauty and a boy(or girl) forever." As a group they have contributed a great deal to science, art, and many other fields but they have deliberately excluded themselves from the cycle of life and will find they have paid a high price for their choice.*** RCK
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Men Don't Understand Marriage
THE WHY SERIES
Essay #3 Men don’t Understand the simple Principles of running a Successful Marriage: Why?
Note: RCK wrote this for his oldest grandson, who will be married, August 2008.
June 7, 2008
Palm Springs, California
Dear Matt:
We received your wedding invitation today. Congratulations. I did not have a chance to get acquainted with your fiancée, Sarah, but I had the impression she is a nice person. There is nothing as fine as a really nice girl or as bad as a really bad one. But I know you have had some experience along those lines. Fortunately most young girls and women are of the nice variety.
When you are lucky enough to become associated with one of these gentle companions, your life will become so much better you will be astonished. The love of a good woman is the best gift you can have this side of heaven.
Just remember it is a two-way street. You must love her if you expect her to love you. We men often start taking our gentle companions for granted and we become negligent.
To keep love fresh there are certain things you must not forget to do:
1. Tell her at least once a day you love her. Don’t assume she knows this. She needs to hear it from you.
2. On special occasions when she has taken special pains with her appearance tell her she looks beautiful. No matter how often she tells you she wants to be appreciated for her intelligence, she still needs to know that you think she’s beautiful.
3. Sure you will have disagreements and spats but you need to tell her you’re sorry, FIRST! Never go to bed mad, just ask her to forgive you, whether you are right or wrong. You’ll probably be wrong most of the time anyway. There’s often a nice reward when you tell her you were wrong.
4. NEVER hit your wife, curse your wife, or be mean to your wife. If you are nice to her she will love you forever.
5. Remember, after you gain your gentle companion’s love, it is amazing what she will tolerate. All men will sometime or other act like a stupid jerk. It’s a given.
6. A loving wife will forgive you, a loving wife will always take your side, and a loving wife will bless you with children. She will take care of you when you’re sick, old, disabled, under any and all circumstances.
7. All women have little quirks that men don’t understand. Smile. Learn to put up with them.
8. What women expect from husbands: a. Protection. There are lots of bad guys out there who like to hurt women. You must be strong and brave even if you aren’t. b. Do the heavy lifting and reach things in high places. c. The garage, keep it and the car clean. Keep the car in good running order and gassed up. d. Learn to do small repairs.
9. Remember special days. Her birthday. If she says don’t bother to get me anything, this is a test. Your anniversary. Another test. She will not remind you when it is. Do not fail either of these tests.
10. Keep your family healthy, happy, fed, clothed and sheltered.
11. Make a good enough living to provide for the needs of your wife and children. It is your responsibility even if you have to work 7/24.
12. Spend time with your wife and children. They come first. Don’t neglect them to play golf with your buddies.
13. Your children are not just your wife’s responsibility, they are yours as well. They need to be taught good manners, good character, to be truthful, honest, and law abiding.
14. Plan ahead to give them a chance for a good education. Strive to make your children better than you are in every aspect of their lives.
15. Be faithful to your marriage vows.
Beyond this point there may be some differences of opinion as to how these suggestions might be accomplished. I personally believe that the old ways are the best because they are tried, tested and true.
I believe the best approach is to be faithful to God. Be a good Christian and everything will come up roses for you and your family. If Jesus loves you everything good will come your way. If God is with you who can be against you? The Holy Spirit will bless you and yours.
I am writing this letter because I didn’t have the opportunity to impact your life when you were growing up. I am telling you the wisdom I have gleaned from many years of living. God bless you and Sarah and may you have a wonderful life together.
Love,
Grandpa Robert Kittrell
Essay #3 Men don’t Understand the simple Principles of running a Successful Marriage: Why?
Note: RCK wrote this for his oldest grandson, who will be married, August 2008.
June 7, 2008
Palm Springs, California
Dear Matt:
We received your wedding invitation today. Congratulations. I did not have a chance to get acquainted with your fiancée, Sarah, but I had the impression she is a nice person. There is nothing as fine as a really nice girl or as bad as a really bad one. But I know you have had some experience along those lines. Fortunately most young girls and women are of the nice variety.
When you are lucky enough to become associated with one of these gentle companions, your life will become so much better you will be astonished. The love of a good woman is the best gift you can have this side of heaven.
Just remember it is a two-way street. You must love her if you expect her to love you. We men often start taking our gentle companions for granted and we become negligent.
To keep love fresh there are certain things you must not forget to do:
1. Tell her at least once a day you love her. Don’t assume she knows this. She needs to hear it from you.
2. On special occasions when she has taken special pains with her appearance tell her she looks beautiful. No matter how often she tells you she wants to be appreciated for her intelligence, she still needs to know that you think she’s beautiful.
3. Sure you will have disagreements and spats but you need to tell her you’re sorry, FIRST! Never go to bed mad, just ask her to forgive you, whether you are right or wrong. You’ll probably be wrong most of the time anyway. There’s often a nice reward when you tell her you were wrong.
4. NEVER hit your wife, curse your wife, or be mean to your wife. If you are nice to her she will love you forever.
5. Remember, after you gain your gentle companion’s love, it is amazing what she will tolerate. All men will sometime or other act like a stupid jerk. It’s a given.
6. A loving wife will forgive you, a loving wife will always take your side, and a loving wife will bless you with children. She will take care of you when you’re sick, old, disabled, under any and all circumstances.
7. All women have little quirks that men don’t understand. Smile. Learn to put up with them.
8. What women expect from husbands: a. Protection. There are lots of bad guys out there who like to hurt women. You must be strong and brave even if you aren’t. b. Do the heavy lifting and reach things in high places. c. The garage, keep it and the car clean. Keep the car in good running order and gassed up. d. Learn to do small repairs.
9. Remember special days. Her birthday. If she says don’t bother to get me anything, this is a test. Your anniversary. Another test. She will not remind you when it is. Do not fail either of these tests.
10. Keep your family healthy, happy, fed, clothed and sheltered.
11. Make a good enough living to provide for the needs of your wife and children. It is your responsibility even if you have to work 7/24.
12. Spend time with your wife and children. They come first. Don’t neglect them to play golf with your buddies.
13. Your children are not just your wife’s responsibility, they are yours as well. They need to be taught good manners, good character, to be truthful, honest, and law abiding.
14. Plan ahead to give them a chance for a good education. Strive to make your children better than you are in every aspect of their lives.
15. Be faithful to your marriage vows.
Beyond this point there may be some differences of opinion as to how these suggestions might be accomplished. I personally believe that the old ways are the best because they are tried, tested and true.
I believe the best approach is to be faithful to God. Be a good Christian and everything will come up roses for you and your family. If Jesus loves you everything good will come your way. If God is with you who can be against you? The Holy Spirit will bless you and yours.
I am writing this letter because I didn’t have the opportunity to impact your life when you were growing up. I am telling you the wisdom I have gleaned from many years of living. God bless you and Sarah and may you have a wonderful life together.
Love,
Grandpa Robert Kittrell
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Why Series, Essay 2
THE WHY SERIES
By
Robert Kittrell
A Large Number of Women are Unhappy; Why?
Essay #2
Women are more intelligent than men so why aren’t they happier than men?
To make it simple for men who read this I will explain it in automobile terms.
Women are the luxury cars and run on higher octane. They are soft, well-built, and give a nice ride.
Men are the cheaper stick shift models. They run on lower cheaper octane. They take rougher handling but don’t seem to mind, some prefer it.
In simple human terms women are more complicated and require more care, more maintenance, and better treatment. They are concerned about things men never think about.
Men being less complicated, have fewer worries, fewer fears, they wonder why women are concerned about picky little things that don’t matter.
What we want to establish here is that men and women are different. Several years ago a weird women’s group decided men and women were exactly alike. The term they fondly repeated was unisex. Women seemed okay with the term but men were puzzled. A few years later much to the relief of men, Time magazine published an article that explained men and women were actually quite a bit different.
What caused this silly speculation was a little pill. Do women realize what they have given up for a tiny birth control pill? What about respect? Honor? Morality? Decency? Why do you suppose so many young women are attacked, raped, and/or killed? Could it be because most boys are no longer taught to respect girls and women? The sex drive in men is very strong and when there are no restraints on it evil things can happen.
Women prior to the sixties were considered precious by men. They were after all:
1 Keepers of the home and hearth
2. Had the world’s most important job
3. The torch-bearers of civilization
4. The source of health, happiness, contentment, and the meaning of life
5. The family standard bearer
6. The teacher of manners , morals and respect to their children.
So why have all the loving, loyal, protecting men who thought their purpose in life was to serve as husbands devoted to their wives and family, disappeared? What has become of the notion that a man and a woman joined together in matrimony could experience a lifetime of happiness?
So who convinced women they were better off without these old fashion ideas and that they could better themselves by being more like men and working for the things men found important? Men don’t pay much attention to sexual immorality and with the pill negating the fear of pregnancy women didn’t have to either. Whoopee, let’s all enjoy intercourse as often as we want to and with whomever we want to.
After this return to the animal kingdom there arose a group of men who figured they had the right to take any woman they fancied any time whether the female consented to it or not. If the woman complained she could easily be killed. If you need to be reminded how many perversions and depraved acts this developed into just read your local newspaper.
The internet has developed its own world-wide cult of pornography. Girls as young as 9 or 10 have discovered they can make money by exposing themselves and asking for a donation. One wonders what kind of people their parents are.
I suppose a lot of people are content with the way things are but I know there is a large group who are not. Even men who thought this free and easy sex was great at first are now having second thoughts. As they begin to enter their late twenties and the thirties they wonder if they can find a decent woman who is interested in being a wife and mother. I have the notion they don’t know where to look. It is interesting to see how many young women in their teens have observed women in the lifestyle of the twenty-thirty somethings age group who don’t seem to be as ecstatically happy as they imagined they would be. These young ones are pretty smart. They have observed that many of these women are unhappy and they don’t feel fulfilled. Something is missing. It is strange that often older women in their fifties and sixties seem happier than the younger women. How does that work?
People, especially women are faced with an awful state of affairs in this brave new world. How strange, as things gets better, life gets worst. When a vacuum is created in nature it tends to be filled. When a spiritual vacuum occurs in a human being that tendency of nature may be the same. When Moses failed to fill the spiritual needs of his people, they substituted a golden calf. Do people today with spiritual needs have a tendency to fill it with phony idols as well? Money? Clothes? Celebrities? Small animals? Sports? TV? Obsessions often become a god substitute, cars, guns, shoes, jewels. Is there anything on the planet that can’t become an obsession? It you are filling your spiritual void with one of these substitutes you are vying for the pinhead of the year trophy.
I know not what other religions may offer but I do know that for most folks Christianity is one of the best for those seeking spiritual meaning for their lives, especially women. It is a good fit for republics and democracies. It is an equal opportunity religion in that young and old, male and female, race and nationality are equally served.
I have observed that lots of young women are drawn to the best of the charismatic churches and congregations where the services are modern upbeat and enthusiastic. These churches are generating the kind of excitement that is appealing to young people. I believe that the future of the church and Christianity is in the capable hands of these young innovators. So, my dear ladies, I suggest that this is the church for you. This is your chance to be the leaders. This is your opportunity to gain back the respect and honor that your mothers squandered. This is the time to again pick up the torch of civilization and to lead your generation out of the darkness. Think of it! To once again to be on a pedestal, to be the dominate force. If you take up this challenge the young men will flock to your banner! You will be able to mould them and shape them into the kind of men you want to be your loyal husbands, perfect fathers for your children, ready to love you and cherish you the way you deserve.
Doesn’t that sound like something that might interest you?
By
Robert Kittrell
A Large Number of Women are Unhappy; Why?
Essay #2
Women are more intelligent than men so why aren’t they happier than men?
To make it simple for men who read this I will explain it in automobile terms.
Women are the luxury cars and run on higher octane. They are soft, well-built, and give a nice ride.
Men are the cheaper stick shift models. They run on lower cheaper octane. They take rougher handling but don’t seem to mind, some prefer it.
In simple human terms women are more complicated and require more care, more maintenance, and better treatment. They are concerned about things men never think about.
Men being less complicated, have fewer worries, fewer fears, they wonder why women are concerned about picky little things that don’t matter.
What we want to establish here is that men and women are different. Several years ago a weird women’s group decided men and women were exactly alike. The term they fondly repeated was unisex. Women seemed okay with the term but men were puzzled. A few years later much to the relief of men, Time magazine published an article that explained men and women were actually quite a bit different.
What caused this silly speculation was a little pill. Do women realize what they have given up for a tiny birth control pill? What about respect? Honor? Morality? Decency? Why do you suppose so many young women are attacked, raped, and/or killed? Could it be because most boys are no longer taught to respect girls and women? The sex drive in men is very strong and when there are no restraints on it evil things can happen.
Women prior to the sixties were considered precious by men. They were after all:
1 Keepers of the home and hearth
2. Had the world’s most important job
3. The torch-bearers of civilization
4. The source of health, happiness, contentment, and the meaning of life
5. The family standard bearer
6. The teacher of manners , morals and respect to their children.
So why have all the loving, loyal, protecting men who thought their purpose in life was to serve as husbands devoted to their wives and family, disappeared? What has become of the notion that a man and a woman joined together in matrimony could experience a lifetime of happiness?
So who convinced women they were better off without these old fashion ideas and that they could better themselves by being more like men and working for the things men found important? Men don’t pay much attention to sexual immorality and with the pill negating the fear of pregnancy women didn’t have to either. Whoopee, let’s all enjoy intercourse as often as we want to and with whomever we want to.
After this return to the animal kingdom there arose a group of men who figured they had the right to take any woman they fancied any time whether the female consented to it or not. If the woman complained she could easily be killed. If you need to be reminded how many perversions and depraved acts this developed into just read your local newspaper.
The internet has developed its own world-wide cult of pornography. Girls as young as 9 or 10 have discovered they can make money by exposing themselves and asking for a donation. One wonders what kind of people their parents are.
I suppose a lot of people are content with the way things are but I know there is a large group who are not. Even men who thought this free and easy sex was great at first are now having second thoughts. As they begin to enter their late twenties and the thirties they wonder if they can find a decent woman who is interested in being a wife and mother. I have the notion they don’t know where to look. It is interesting to see how many young women in their teens have observed women in the lifestyle of the twenty-thirty somethings age group who don’t seem to be as ecstatically happy as they imagined they would be. These young ones are pretty smart. They have observed that many of these women are unhappy and they don’t feel fulfilled. Something is missing. It is strange that often older women in their fifties and sixties seem happier than the younger women. How does that work?
People, especially women are faced with an awful state of affairs in this brave new world. How strange, as things gets better, life gets worst. When a vacuum is created in nature it tends to be filled. When a spiritual vacuum occurs in a human being that tendency of nature may be the same. When Moses failed to fill the spiritual needs of his people, they substituted a golden calf. Do people today with spiritual needs have a tendency to fill it with phony idols as well? Money? Clothes? Celebrities? Small animals? Sports? TV? Obsessions often become a god substitute, cars, guns, shoes, jewels. Is there anything on the planet that can’t become an obsession? It you are filling your spiritual void with one of these substitutes you are vying for the pinhead of the year trophy.
I know not what other religions may offer but I do know that for most folks Christianity is one of the best for those seeking spiritual meaning for their lives, especially women. It is a good fit for republics and democracies. It is an equal opportunity religion in that young and old, male and female, race and nationality are equally served.
I have observed that lots of young women are drawn to the best of the charismatic churches and congregations where the services are modern upbeat and enthusiastic. These churches are generating the kind of excitement that is appealing to young people. I believe that the future of the church and Christianity is in the capable hands of these young innovators. So, my dear ladies, I suggest that this is the church for you. This is your chance to be the leaders. This is your opportunity to gain back the respect and honor that your mothers squandered. This is the time to again pick up the torch of civilization and to lead your generation out of the darkness. Think of it! To once again to be on a pedestal, to be the dominate force. If you take up this challenge the young men will flock to your banner! You will be able to mould them and shape them into the kind of men you want to be your loyal husbands, perfect fathers for your children, ready to love you and cherish you the way you deserve.
Doesn’t that sound like something that might interest you?
Friday, June 13, 2008
THE WHY SERIES
By
Robert Kittrell
A Nation Divided; Why?
Essay #1
Not since the Civil War has this nation been so divided. It is puzzling but there’s a fairly cogent explanation. Basically the difference is between the two schools of thought, one old the other new.
` The Founding Fathers were reading about a new form of government, democracy and republicanism. It was a shocking concept that a nation could be ruled by a consortium of men rather than a king and his nobility. The idea was not exactly new but the French philosophers of the time gave it a polishing and updating. Some small places like Switzerland were in the process of trying it. The original thirteen colonies in North America from their start in 1607 to about 1770 had increased considerably in the size of its population. Divided from the mother country by an ocean, each colony had its own government presided over by a royal governor selected by the King or the English parliament.
At first, the English parliament was established as an advisory body of noblemen to the king. But when the Elector of Hanover was selected to be the new King, George I, he didn’t even speak English. Neither did George II. The English Parliament assumed more and more of the governing duties formerly in the hands of the king. By the time George III assumed the throne, the English Parliament controlled a major role, ruling England. So all of these circumstances converged on the place and time of theses colonists who felt that Parliament was not treating them fairly.
After 170 years the colonies had developed the attitude they didn’t need the King or the Parliament. When a list of grievances compiled by the colonies was ignored the colonists decided to rebel. They thought that the English government would quickly comply and things would return to normal. But they reckoned without the pride of the British Empire. They defied the might of the strongest nation with the biggest army and navy in the world, they needed to be taught a lesson. Somehow these puny little colonies managed to get France, a major European nation, who didn’t like the British much anyway to help with the rebellion. You know the result. The colonists won the war and set in motion a nation destined to become the greatest and strongest the world had ever known.
The founding fathers and most of the population believed in absolutes based on the teachings of the Christian Bible. What is an absolute? It is the belief that there are certain truths and standards of behavior that regulate human behavior that never change. Customs and cultures may change but people don’t change. People are the same now as they were 2000 years ago and will be the same two thousand years hence.
So what happened that brought into question the beliefs in absolutes? Science. This school of thought started way back in the days when philosophers were trying to turn lead into gold. Slowly, over the centuries, the creepy little study of natural philosophy grew and branched and branched again. Natural philosophy has mutated into science which has now become a vast array with many subjects, levels and sub parts. It has been many centuries since any person claimed to know all knowledge. Science has contributed more to explaining the universe, to adding to knowledge and to man’s comfort, and making food and water safe to eat and drink. The science list of contributions to human well-being is extremely long. What is the difference between traditional thought and scientific thought?
Relativity. It is the belief that everything in the universe is relative. What is a long marriage in the mind of a Kansas wheat farmer is different from that of a Hollywood actress.
Since 1900 the scientific method or school of thought has attempted to formulated itself into a formulized form known as secular humanism. Secular humanism tries to be a philosophical expression of scientific belief. It is difficult to define. Perhaps it is easier to say what it isn’t. It does not believe in absolutes. It believes that all things are relative. To the five year old boy his mother’s new hat is beautiful. To his father it may look slightly ridiculous. The nature and experience of the observer determines the truth of the matter. When we speak of secular humanism we are not talking about a body of well-defined principles, we are mainly talking about a loose collection of disbelieves.
There have been several attempts to combine science with religion. Christian Science and Scientology, to name a couple. Neither have a very large following. Some scientific types and academic types have been able to comfortably keep a foot in both camps
In Europe most people seem to follow the science school of thought,. The United States has a large followings in both camps plus another large group who basically follow neither camp. Interestingly enough the majority of U.S. people profess a belief in God.
To put the division in the simplest terms possible, The traditionalists are mostly conservative, church attending, folks who believe we should adher strictly to our Constitution. The Secular Humanists are liberal folks who are ardent environmentalists, conservationists who see the war as wasteful and unproductive. The traditionalists are usually Republicans, the Secular Humanists are usually Democrats. There are a large group of people who are mostly confused.
By
Robert Kittrell
A Nation Divided; Why?
Essay #1
Not since the Civil War has this nation been so divided. It is puzzling but there’s a fairly cogent explanation. Basically the difference is between the two schools of thought, one old the other new.
` The Founding Fathers were reading about a new form of government, democracy and republicanism. It was a shocking concept that a nation could be ruled by a consortium of men rather than a king and his nobility. The idea was not exactly new but the French philosophers of the time gave it a polishing and updating. Some small places like Switzerland were in the process of trying it. The original thirteen colonies in North America from their start in 1607 to about 1770 had increased considerably in the size of its population. Divided from the mother country by an ocean, each colony had its own government presided over by a royal governor selected by the King or the English parliament.
At first, the English parliament was established as an advisory body of noblemen to the king. But when the Elector of Hanover was selected to be the new King, George I, he didn’t even speak English. Neither did George II. The English Parliament assumed more and more of the governing duties formerly in the hands of the king. By the time George III assumed the throne, the English Parliament controlled a major role, ruling England. So all of these circumstances converged on the place and time of theses colonists who felt that Parliament was not treating them fairly.
After 170 years the colonies had developed the attitude they didn’t need the King or the Parliament. When a list of grievances compiled by the colonies was ignored the colonists decided to rebel. They thought that the English government would quickly comply and things would return to normal. But they reckoned without the pride of the British Empire. They defied the might of the strongest nation with the biggest army and navy in the world, they needed to be taught a lesson. Somehow these puny little colonies managed to get France, a major European nation, who didn’t like the British much anyway to help with the rebellion. You know the result. The colonists won the war and set in motion a nation destined to become the greatest and strongest the world had ever known.
The founding fathers and most of the population believed in absolutes based on the teachings of the Christian Bible. What is an absolute? It is the belief that there are certain truths and standards of behavior that regulate human behavior that never change. Customs and cultures may change but people don’t change. People are the same now as they were 2000 years ago and will be the same two thousand years hence.
So what happened that brought into question the beliefs in absolutes? Science. This school of thought started way back in the days when philosophers were trying to turn lead into gold. Slowly, over the centuries, the creepy little study of natural philosophy grew and branched and branched again. Natural philosophy has mutated into science which has now become a vast array with many subjects, levels and sub parts. It has been many centuries since any person claimed to know all knowledge. Science has contributed more to explaining the universe, to adding to knowledge and to man’s comfort, and making food and water safe to eat and drink. The science list of contributions to human well-being is extremely long. What is the difference between traditional thought and scientific thought?
Relativity. It is the belief that everything in the universe is relative. What is a long marriage in the mind of a Kansas wheat farmer is different from that of a Hollywood actress.
Since 1900 the scientific method or school of thought has attempted to formulated itself into a formulized form known as secular humanism. Secular humanism tries to be a philosophical expression of scientific belief. It is difficult to define. Perhaps it is easier to say what it isn’t. It does not believe in absolutes. It believes that all things are relative. To the five year old boy his mother’s new hat is beautiful. To his father it may look slightly ridiculous. The nature and experience of the observer determines the truth of the matter. When we speak of secular humanism we are not talking about a body of well-defined principles, we are mainly talking about a loose collection of disbelieves.
There have been several attempts to combine science with religion. Christian Science and Scientology, to name a couple. Neither have a very large following. Some scientific types and academic types have been able to comfortably keep a foot in both camps
In Europe most people seem to follow the science school of thought,. The United States has a large followings in both camps plus another large group who basically follow neither camp. Interestingly enough the majority of U.S. people profess a belief in God.
To put the division in the simplest terms possible, The traditionalists are mostly conservative, church attending, folks who believe we should adher strictly to our Constitution. The Secular Humanists are liberal folks who are ardent environmentalists, conservationists who see the war as wasteful and unproductive. The traditionalists are usually Republicans, the Secular Humanists are usually Democrats. There are a large group of people who are mostly confused.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
I have changed my mind.
Dear Friends: I have decided not to write Junee Mooney right away. I have some essays (Why series) I want to post first. Essay #1 A Nation Divided; Why?...Essay #2 Women are Unhappy; Why?...Essay #3 Men Don't Know How to Run a Sucessful Marriage; Why? and more. I will keep Mystery Moon posted for a few more days and then I will archive it. This week i will set up a PO Box number. If you want a copy of my short story, Mystery Moon by Robert Kittrell send two dollars and I will send you a copy on plain paper 8 1/2 x 11, When I return to writing short stories I will eventually publish a collection bound in the traditional form. I have finished my first non-fiction book, True Stories at Papa's Knee, bio and stuff my grandfarther told me, is finished, kind of in novella form. See ya later...RCK
Monday, June 2, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Mystery Moon-Final Episode
Mystery Moon ~Final Episode
“I’ve been in touch with Golden State Studios,” Lloyd Val said. “They have asked for you to take part in their new war film.”
“Are you kidding? They fired me. Remember?”
“All is forgiven. I have a nice fat contract in my brief case,” Lloyd Val said.
“What are you talking about? I have a missing wife and besides I’m an orchardist, now,” Hub said.
“Keep your options open,” Lloyd Val said.
After Sheriff Biscaluz left, Hub and Lloyd Val sat on the porch to watch the sun set and smoke cigars.
“I love this time of day,” Hub said. “What options? I have more obligations than options.”
“You never know,” Lloyd Val said, blowing a smoke ring, watching it gently settle to the floor. “Things can change when we least expect it.”
“Things don’t change much here in Santa Barbara County,” Hub said.
“Tomorrow is another day,” Lloyd Val said.
“Where have I heard that one,” Hub said.
Ten minutes later Rosa called them in to eat enchiladas and homemade tortillas, with frijoles refritos on the side and mugs of cold beer.
“I love your cooking, Rosa,” Lloyd Val said. “If I stayed here a month I’d have to go back in a truck.”
The next morning Hub and Jose sat drinking their first cups of coffee in the kitchen. “We need to mow the mustard get our spring fertilizer dug in,” Jose said.
“It’s been a dry month how about irrigating?” Hub asked.
“I don’t think so,” Jose said.
“Well, I’m going to ask the farm advisor,” Hub said.
“Another few weeks we will be picking the crop. You want those pickers plowing through the mud? Jose asked.
“I’m asking the farm advisor.”
Later that morning Lloyd Val Halovitch called Attorney Mitchell in Los Angeles and explained the latest developments.
“So you think Mr. Kemp’s wife may be with the Gypsies?” Mitchell asked.
“No, I don’t but if this plays out the way I think it is going to, I may get Hub Kemp to come back to LA with me,” Lloyd Val said.
“That’s important to you?’ Mitchell asks.
“I wish it wasn’t but it is,”Lloyd Val said.
“These are strange times. Okay, I’m going to hire the Cameron Detective Agency and put them on this,” Mitchell said. “They are the best.”
“And the most expensive.”
“That too.”
“Red spider is bad this year,” Hub said as Lloyd Val walked out on the front porch.
“Is he acting up again? I thought Hop a Long took care of him last year, ”Lloyd Val said.
Hub grinned. “Nope he’s still with us.”
“We’re talking about spraying the orchard, Senior,“ Jose said.
“I think we need to spray right away,” Hub said. “Will you take care of that, Jose?”
“Si, Senior.”
Jose left and Lloyd sat down in the vacated chair.
“What’d ya find out?” Hub asked.
“I hope you don’t mind, Lew Mitchell told me he phoned Sheriff Biscaluz and asked to handle the situation in Orange County.”
“How come? I thought we could use all the help we could get.” Hub said. “I thought Mitchell’s name was Sheldon.”
“It is, but he thinks it sounds too snooty. He prefers Lew,” Lloyd Val said.
Hub shrugged. “Okay.”
“Are you familiar with Bolsa Chica?”
“I heard of it when I lived in Orange County,” Hub said.
“It was an old outpost for coastal artillery during WWII. Underground passages, that kind of stuff. Sheriff Music thinks the gypsies have stashed all kinds of contraband in the place. He’s dying to find an excuse to give it a thorough going-over,” Lloyd Val said.
“Typical, but…,”
“But me no buts. If the Gypsies are holding Opal against her will, Mitchell figures that would be the place they’d hold her.”
“I’m going down there and look for myself,” Hub said.
Hub came gliding into the runway at Eddie Martin’s Airport. The single engine Ryan handled like the thoroughbred she was. Eddie Martin and Carlo Gitano were standing by the hanger as Hub taxied the Ryan to a parking spot.
He stuck his head out the side window. “Hi, Bozos,” he greeted.
“It’s about time you showed up here,” Eddie Martin said after Hub cut the engine.
“It’s good to see you, Hub,” said Carlo as he gave him a big embrace.
“You two don’t look any the worse for wear,” Hub said. “Some big shot lawyer was supposed to meet me here.”
“He phoned, said he was running a little late,” Eddie said. “Come on in the office and have a cup of coffee. “
Hub followed Carlo and Eddie to the administration building and into the modest office.
Once seated Hub took a sip of the offered cup of coffee and made a face. “Some things never change.”
“What did you expect? You’ve stepped back into the real world,” Carlo said.
“Where do you get your coffee? One of the Hill’s brothers?” Eddie asked.
“Actually, I was surprised to find it drinkable,” Hub said.
Carlo and Eddie grinned.
The friends spent the next fifteen minutes talking catch-up. They shook hands as they heard a big automobile stop in front.
“Good luck, Hub.”
“Thanks, guys. See you later,” Hub said as he stepped into the fancy automobile.
“Mr. Kemp I presume,” greeted the occupant in the back seat.” I’m Lew Mitchell. Is Lloyd Val Halovitch with you?
They shook hands. “No, I flew on ahead. Lloyd Val had driven up to Moon Grove in his car.” Hub settled into the cushy seat beside Mitchell.
“Back to LA, driver,” Lew Mitchell instructed.
“Where exactly are we going?” Hub asked.
“Good old Lloyd Val; never is much on details,” Lew Mitchell said. “He’s renovating an apartment building on Wilshire he purchased from Howard Hughes. There’s a kind of a penthouse on the roof he fixed up for you to stay in.”
“Sounds good to me,” Hub said.
Lew Mitchell grinned. “It isn’t much like a New York penthouse. It’s on top of a three story building.”
Hub laughed. “What do you call a penthouse that’s only four stories up?”
“A playhouse? Anyway, I think you will find it comfortable. Did Lloyd tell you that I hired a reputable detective agency to help us find your wife?”
“He did. I understand you have done a thorough background search on Opal,” Hub said.
Lew Mitchell paused and rubbed his chin. “My staff has pulled together a very thorough going report on Opal Kemp. I must warn you there are things in there that I wouldn’t want to know about my wife, but it has given us a number of leads we wouldn’t have thought of without it. Basically, we have stripped the poor woman stark naked and past skin deep. What would you say to a generalized report that left out some of the lurid details?”
Hub thought a moment. “I know you are trying to spare me some pain but I think I must have the complete story.”
The Pachard pulled up in front of an imposing building that had seen better days. It had a circular driveway. “Shall I pull on in?” the driver asked.
“Yes, pull up to the entrance,” Lew Mitchell said.
He and Hub alighted and walked up a couple of steps and opened the front door. Hub was surprised to see there was a large room, not quite a hotel lobby but large enough to contain a doorman and a security desk and counter. It contained cans of paint, tools and instruments of repair.
“They’re still working on the place. I don’t think the elevator is working yet. Mind taking the stairs? The penthouse is finished,” Attorney Mitchell said.
The pair sweated their way up to the forth floor.
“I’ll be glad when they get the elevator working,” Hub said when they entered the penthouse.
“It’s a climb all right,” Lew Mitchell said mopping his brow with a monogrammed handkerchief. “But look how nicely Lloyd Val has furnished the place.”
“It looks great, but could we sit down a minute?” Hub asked flopping into a leather chair.
Lew Mitchell freed a couple of cokes from the refrigerator, handed one to Hub before he took a seat.
Hub reached out and placed the coke bottle on his forehead.
“I’m sure glad you came here, Hub. I was going to ask you to do so,” Lew said.
“Oh? How come?”
“The Cameron Detective agency wants to search the Bolsa Chica site as soon as possible. I asked them to wait until you got here. What if they find your wife in there? One of the detectives looks like a gorilla in a man’s suit.”
“I see. If I’m along she might not be scared out of her wits.”
“Right.”
“Can I assume that the reason for searching the Bolsa Chica site was found in your research on Opal?” Hub asked.
“I think that’s a fair statement,” said Lew Mitchell looking a bit uncomfortable. “Does the name Alfredo ring a bell?”
“Yes. I believe he’s one of the Gypsy leaders.” Hub laughed. “I remember Opal referred to him as tall, dark and handsome.”
“That’s the one. We think he has a more than passing interest in Opal,” Lew Mitchell said.
Hub frowned. “I get it. You think that Opal might be a prisoner in Alfredo’s lair.”
“Something like that,” Lew Mitchell said.
“I need to read your report,” Hub said.
The next morning Hub received a phone call. “Mr. Kemp? I’m Cole Cameron, Cameron Detective agency. Is it okay to pick you up for our little spelunking expo?”
“Yes.”
“We’ll be there in about five minutes.”
Hub stood on the curb when an old Ford woodie pulled up. Hub crawled in and shook hands with Cole, a rather thin effete person with thinning blond hair. “This is my large partner, Herman Hess,” Cole said. Hess was driving.
“I thought these vehicles were extinct,” Hub said.
“Some of we nostalgia buffs of a different decade hung on to ours,” Cole said. “Herm and I still surf occasionally.”
“You guys have all the fun,” Hub said.
Cole grinned. “It’s still relaxing.”
Thirty minutes later Herm suddenly turned off the road on to a sandy trail that meandered up a rise until he spotted a Mexican kid sitting on a rock.
“There’s Mike. He’s to show us a back entrance to the gun emplacement. You can’t keep anything secret from kids,” Cole said. He pulled out a couple of pistols and handed one to Herm. He noted the surprised look on Hub’s face.
“It’s just a precaution. We don’t really expect any trouble,” Cole said.
Mike led the way to a shrubby area and held a bush to one side, exposing a fair-size cavity in the rocky ridge.
Herm led the way holding a large flashlight. Hub didn’t like the sound of the scampering feet as they continued down the dank tunnel.
“Must be a few four legged occupants,” Hub said softly. Cole held a finger to his lips.
After creeping along about five minutes, someone shrieked out a terrified scream and Hub noticed the naked backside of a girl streaking down the tunnel.
He next heard a string of curses emanating from a young man holding a blanket.
Herm backhanded him across the room minus his blanket.
“Easy, Herm, we don’t want to hurt anybody, if we can help it,” Cole said.
Herm took the escape route the girl had taken. A dim light appeared at the other end of tunnel.
“I hope this isn’t a near-death experience,” Hub whispered.
They stumbled onto a pile of clothes and various objects. “Is this a gypsy treasure trove?” Hub asked.
A tall figure blocked their way. “Is there something in particular you are looking for?”
“We were hired to find a missing young lady who was rumored to be in this area,” Cole said. ”If you have seen this young person it would be in your best interests to turn her over to us before Sheriff Music becomes involved.”
“I see. I assure you we have not taken any beautiful young girls captive in over one hundred and fifty years..”
“Disappointing,” Cole said.
“However, one of our neighbors has just completed installing a swimming pool. I have heard there is an attractive young lady who has been sunning herself beside that pool.”
“Thanks. We’ll check it out.”
Cole and Herm continued their exam of the old gun site, poking into every nook and cranny, while Hub tagged along. They followed up with a search through the camp itself. The sun was beginning to set over the horizon of the ocean when they called it quits.
“Nothing,” Cole said.
“Not a damn thing,” Herm echoed.
“At least we can eliminate the suspiction the Gypsies are holding Opal,” Hub said. The three guys crunched into the Woodie and headed back to LA.
“The hot trail has begun to dim,” Herm said.
“But we can’t exactly eliminate the Gypsies as suspects,” Cole said.
“No, but it sure weakens our case,” Hub said.
“Herm and I will run down that lead the tall gypsy gave us,” Cole said. “Are you coming with us, Hub?”
“Can’t. My agent has me booked for lunch,” Hub said.
“Okay, we’ll have some pictures for you to examine,” Cole said.
Winded, Hub made it to the door of his penthouse in time to hear the telephone ringing.
“How’d it go?” Lew Mitchell ask as Hub picked up the phone.
“Pretty much a bust,” Hub said.
“Too bad.”
“Yeah, I thought sure we would pick up some clues but we didn’t,” Hub said. “Hold on a minute, I can’t say it was a complete waste of time. We heard some people near the camp ground have built a swimming pool.”
“How does that help?” Lew Mitchell asked.
“The gypsies have noticed an attractive woman around the pool,” Hub said.
“Sounds a little thin. Do you think it might be Opal?” Lew asked.
“I don’t know how it could be, but at least it is something to look into,” Hub said.
“Good luck. I’ll see you tomorrow. Lloyd Val has asked me to tag a long for lunch,” Lew said.
On the sidewalk in front of the Pantry, Fred Sandberg, Golden State Studios, shook hands with Hub Kemp and Lew Mitchell.
“Hub Kemp, I’m glad to see you back in town,” Fred Sandberg said. “Shouldn’t Lloyd Val Halovitch be here?”
“He’s supposed to be buying me lunch,” Hub said. “Wait, isn’t that the big Hudson Hornet pulling into the parking lot?”
“That’s a relief. I thought Lloyd Val was sticking me with buying again,” Lew Mitchell said.
“Why are all you guys standing around out here?” Lloyd Val yelled across the parking lot as he galloped up to them like the Lone Ranger.. “Let’s go in,” Lloyd Val said and set the example by pushing through the front doors. The others trailed in behind him.
“It’s about time you showed up here, Mr. Halovitch. You’ve been setting a very bad example for these other gentlemen,” George Bernard Wiggins said with a smile.
“Hey, George, you heard about the Depression?” Lloyd Val asked. “I had to save up to take these guys out for steaks.”
“I have reserved the round table for you and your knights, Sir Halovitch,,” George Bernard Wiggins said as he led the group down the long extension that comprised the Pantry Steakhouse.
When all were comfortably seated and had ordered their drink preferences, Lloyd Val stood up. “I propose we drink a toast to a friend of some years, who is here on a mission to rescue his missing wife, Opal. To Hub Kemp, my good friend and colleague.”
“Here, here,” came the general response.
The Pantry was known for its simple menu and its quick service. Orders were not necessary. A great Caesar Salad arrived immediately after the toast. Discussion subsided.
“I’m worried that Opal is not receiving the attentions of her doctor,” Hub said, who was seated next to Lew Mitchell.
“You mean her psychiatrist?” Lew Mitchell asked.
“Psychiatrist? What psychiatrist?” Hub asked.
“I see. Opal was treated by a psychiatrist when her first marriage was annulled,” Lew Mitchell said.
“Whoa! I know nothing about a psychiatrist or a first marriage,” Hub said.
“I’m sorry to spring it on you like this but you will read about it when you read my staff’s report,” Lew Mitchell said.
Hub put down his fork, feeling pale and nauseous. “Would you mind if we discussed this later in private?”
“I’m sorry. I thought you knew,” Lew Mitchell said.
Hub abruptly left the table. Lloyd Val looked up in alarm.
“Mitchell, what in the hell did you say to Hub that upset him so?”
“I apparently told him something he didn’t know about his wife,” Lew Mitchell said looking dismayed.
Hub hailed a cab and retreated to his penthouse.
The nest morning Lew Mitchell phoned Hub and apologized for his faux pas.
“My detectives have some pictures you might like to take a look at, if you feel up to it,” Lew Mitchell said. “Should I bring them over?’
“No. I’ll come to your office about one. I think it’s about time I looked at the report you’ve compiled on Opal,” Hub said.
“I agree. I’ll see you at one,” Mitchell said.
After Hub hung up he thought a minute and decided to call his brother. He started to dial the number but broke the connection. It’s probably a little too soon to phone Jess, he decided. He called a cab and arrived at Lew Mitchell’s offices at five minutes to one P.M.
The Receptionist handed Hub the report and led him to a private office. “When you’re finished reading the report just leave it on my desk.”
“Will you inform Mr. Mitchell that I am here?”
“Of course. He will see you after you have had time to look over the report,” the receptionist said.
Hub sat down and began to read. He was surprised to note that Opal was briefly married to a Alfredo Negeve, the leader of a band of Gypsies. She was seventeen and pregnant. She had a miscarriage and her parents, the Morrows, had the marriage annulled. After the annulment Opal became seriously depressed. She came under the care of a psychiatrist, Dr. Manfred Sickafus. She was diagnosed manic depressive. The Doctor suggested she take nurses training at the local hospital as therapy. After completion of the course she became a full-time professional nurse. She continued to see Alfredo Negeve even after she was married to Hub Kemp. Sexual promiscuity was noted as a common symptom of manic depression. Hub looked up as Lew Mitchell entered the office. They shook hands.
“Wow! It’s surprising how little one knows about ones own wife,” Hub said.
“Particularly, if she doesn’t want you to know,” Lew Mitchell said. He put a packet of pictures on the table. “See if you recognize the guy in these photos Cole and Herm took.”
Hub spread the pictures out on the table. “Good grief! I can hardly make out if this is a man or woman.”
“I don’t know if they need a new camera or photography lessons. But I did get a phone call from Cole. They think they saw Opal by the pool,” Lew Mitchell.
“That just adds to my confusion,” Hub said.
Lew Mitchell sat down at the table. “We need to get some clarification as to what our strategy is going to be,” Lew said. “Now that you read the report, what’s your plan of action?”
“A couple of weeks ago, I thought my wife left because she was mad at me and with a little counseling we could patch things up. Now I realize there are things going on of which I was unaware and still don’t understand,” Hub said. “Off-hand, I think I may have to consider divorce.”
“What about this manic depressive problem?” Lew asked.
“Right. Does she expect me to forgive and forget or what? I could sure use some suggestions, Lew.”
“Okay. I suggest we go to the Morrow household and confront the parents and Opal and possibly Alfredo, as well,” Lew said. “We need to know the whys and wherefores of this strange series of events. If we can do this without a formal deposition, we won’t have to get into possible criminal charges.”
“I agree. Set it up but I want you at my side,” Hub said.
The Morrows were not enthused about the meeting but when Attorney Mitchell mentioned criminal charges, their attitude changed. Attorney Mitchell explained there was no point in hiding Opal any longer. His detectives had pictures of Opal on their property at their new pool. Mitchell phoned Hub and said he would pick him up and drive him to the meeting at the Morrow residence the next day.
“Is Opal going to be there?” Hub asked as he stepped into Lew Mitchell’s late model Packard.
“I think so,” Lew said. “But who knows? I’m prepared to lay some heavy threats on them if she’s not.”
Hub looked grim. “My feelings are mixed but they must know they have caused me a great deal of anguish.”
“We have to force Opal out into the open, to make sure she’s alive and well.”
“Yes, but what if she’s not?” Hub asked.
“I will ask Sheriff Music to get a warrant and search the premises for her,” Mitchell said.
Twenty minutes later, Hub and Lew Mitchell were sitting in the Morrow living room with Cade and Lucy Morrow.
“So this whole time you knew that Opal was okay but you didn’t see fit to inform me?” Hub asked.
“Opal was unhappy being stuck in that orange grove miles and miles from her home in Orange county. She was afraid you would insist on having her return,” Lucy explained.
“ I can’t believe you people,” Lew Mitchell said. “You didn’t think Hub, her husband, would be concerned?”
“I want to hear this from Opal,” Hub said.
“Yes. It’s time to stop beating around the bush. Ask her to come out and join us,” Lew Mitchell said.
“She may be with Alfredo in the Gypsy camp,” Cade Morrow said.
“Send for her immediately or I will ask Sheriff Music to get a search warrant and comb this residence and the camp for her,” Lew Mitchell said.
“Oh, please, don’t involve the authorities!” Lucy Morrow pleaded. “Opal is very fragile.”
“No need for that,” Opal said, stepping out from behind the door where she had been hiding. “I can explain everything.”
“Oh? How is that Opal? Can you explain running off and not telling me where you were going or when you were coming back?” Hub asked.
“When you started urging me to have children, I felt trapped,” Opal said. “My miscarriage was a terrible experience. I didn’t want to think about having children.”
“You could have told me,” Hub said.
“I started thinking if I could return to my first love, everything would be okay,” Opal said.
“I had no idea,” Hub said.
“I planned to stay with Alfredo and not come back,” Opal said.
“So you decided to shack up with this Alfredo?” Hub asked.
“Actually it was you I was shacked up with. Alfredo is my first and only husband and I plan to honor those vows that I originally swore to,” Opal said.
The shock was visible on Hub’s face. “So the vows we made to each other meant nothing?”
Lew Mitchell quickly intervened. “Hub, excuse me for the interruption, but I think this matter is beyond recriminations. There have been some serious breaches of common decency. Are you saying, Opal, the whole time you were supposed to be married to Hub you were carrying on a conjugal relationship with your former husband?”
“Yes, I have never stopped loving Alfredo,” Opal said.
“And you intend to forsake Hub and return to Alfredo?” Lew Mitchell asked.
“That is indeed my intention,” Opal said.
“How in the world can this mess be resolved?” Hub asked.
“The obvious answer is that you and Opal should divorce,” Cade Morrow said.
“There may be an easier way,” Lew Mitchell said. “Opal, did you ever divorce Alfredo?”
“No.”
“The annulment took care of that,” Lucy Morrow said.
“Maybe not. Would you folks object if I could get the annulment set aside?”
“What would be the purpose?”
“If I can do that, the first marriage would still be in effect and the second one could probably be set aside,” Lew Mitchell said.
THE AFTERMATH
Lew Mitchell was able to cancel the annulment of Opal’s first marriage and to persuade a judge that Hub was a victim of an unusual set of circumstances and he set aside the second marriage.
Hub flew back to Moon Grove with his ego and feelings badly bruised. The remaining fragments of a failed love and marriage saddened him, but he eventually came to the conclusion that he had emerged from the situation in better shape than he had any right to expect.
Some weeks had passed when Lloyd Val Halovitch called.
“Thank you, Lloyd Val,” Hub said. “Lew Mitchell did a great job of repairing a really bad situation.”
“Lew told me you rewarded him rather handsomely,” Lloyd Val said.
“He deserved it. He was able to cut through the world’s largest Gordian knot.” Hub said.
“I still have this contract with Golden State Studios. How about moving back to LA and going to work? It might help take your mind off the whole unpleasant experience,” Lloyd Val said.
“I have recovered rather well, all things considered. I think I just might take you up on your suggestion, but it would have to be on my terms,” Hub said.
“Well, knock me over with a feather! What terms?” Lloyd Val asked.
“I will keep Moon Grove. I guess I told you about my mother’s ideas about buttermilk and moons,” Hub said.
“Only a few hundred times,” Lloyd Val said. “What other terms?”
“I will buy half of your apartment building on Western if I can have the penthouse for my LA residence.” Hub said. “And everything will hinge on getting my brother, Jess, and his wife to move out here to take care of Moon Grove for me.”
“We have a deal,” Lloyd Val said.
“I’ve been in touch with Golden State Studios,” Lloyd Val said. “They have asked for you to take part in their new war film.”
“Are you kidding? They fired me. Remember?”
“All is forgiven. I have a nice fat contract in my brief case,” Lloyd Val said.
“What are you talking about? I have a missing wife and besides I’m an orchardist, now,” Hub said.
“Keep your options open,” Lloyd Val said.
After Sheriff Biscaluz left, Hub and Lloyd Val sat on the porch to watch the sun set and smoke cigars.
“I love this time of day,” Hub said. “What options? I have more obligations than options.”
“You never know,” Lloyd Val said, blowing a smoke ring, watching it gently settle to the floor. “Things can change when we least expect it.”
“Things don’t change much here in Santa Barbara County,” Hub said.
“Tomorrow is another day,” Lloyd Val said.
“Where have I heard that one,” Hub said.
Ten minutes later Rosa called them in to eat enchiladas and homemade tortillas, with frijoles refritos on the side and mugs of cold beer.
“I love your cooking, Rosa,” Lloyd Val said. “If I stayed here a month I’d have to go back in a truck.”
The next morning Hub and Jose sat drinking their first cups of coffee in the kitchen. “We need to mow the mustard get our spring fertilizer dug in,” Jose said.
“It’s been a dry month how about irrigating?” Hub asked.
“I don’t think so,” Jose said.
“Well, I’m going to ask the farm advisor,” Hub said.
“Another few weeks we will be picking the crop. You want those pickers plowing through the mud? Jose asked.
“I’m asking the farm advisor.”
Later that morning Lloyd Val Halovitch called Attorney Mitchell in Los Angeles and explained the latest developments.
“So you think Mr. Kemp’s wife may be with the Gypsies?” Mitchell asked.
“No, I don’t but if this plays out the way I think it is going to, I may get Hub Kemp to come back to LA with me,” Lloyd Val said.
“That’s important to you?’ Mitchell asks.
“I wish it wasn’t but it is,”Lloyd Val said.
“These are strange times. Okay, I’m going to hire the Cameron Detective Agency and put them on this,” Mitchell said. “They are the best.”
“And the most expensive.”
“That too.”
“Red spider is bad this year,” Hub said as Lloyd Val walked out on the front porch.
“Is he acting up again? I thought Hop a Long took care of him last year, ”Lloyd Val said.
Hub grinned. “Nope he’s still with us.”
“We’re talking about spraying the orchard, Senior,“ Jose said.
“I think we need to spray right away,” Hub said. “Will you take care of that, Jose?”
“Si, Senior.”
Jose left and Lloyd sat down in the vacated chair.
“What’d ya find out?” Hub asked.
“I hope you don’t mind, Lew Mitchell told me he phoned Sheriff Biscaluz and asked to handle the situation in Orange County.”
“How come? I thought we could use all the help we could get.” Hub said. “I thought Mitchell’s name was Sheldon.”
“It is, but he thinks it sounds too snooty. He prefers Lew,” Lloyd Val said.
Hub shrugged. “Okay.”
“Are you familiar with Bolsa Chica?”
“I heard of it when I lived in Orange County,” Hub said.
“It was an old outpost for coastal artillery during WWII. Underground passages, that kind of stuff. Sheriff Music thinks the gypsies have stashed all kinds of contraband in the place. He’s dying to find an excuse to give it a thorough going-over,” Lloyd Val said.
“Typical, but…,”
“But me no buts. If the Gypsies are holding Opal against her will, Mitchell figures that would be the place they’d hold her.”
“I’m going down there and look for myself,” Hub said.
Hub came gliding into the runway at Eddie Martin’s Airport. The single engine Ryan handled like the thoroughbred she was. Eddie Martin and Carlo Gitano were standing by the hanger as Hub taxied the Ryan to a parking spot.
He stuck his head out the side window. “Hi, Bozos,” he greeted.
“It’s about time you showed up here,” Eddie Martin said after Hub cut the engine.
“It’s good to see you, Hub,” said Carlo as he gave him a big embrace.
“You two don’t look any the worse for wear,” Hub said. “Some big shot lawyer was supposed to meet me here.”
“He phoned, said he was running a little late,” Eddie said. “Come on in the office and have a cup of coffee. “
Hub followed Carlo and Eddie to the administration building and into the modest office.
Once seated Hub took a sip of the offered cup of coffee and made a face. “Some things never change.”
“What did you expect? You’ve stepped back into the real world,” Carlo said.
“Where do you get your coffee? One of the Hill’s brothers?” Eddie asked.
“Actually, I was surprised to find it drinkable,” Hub said.
Carlo and Eddie grinned.
The friends spent the next fifteen minutes talking catch-up. They shook hands as they heard a big automobile stop in front.
“Good luck, Hub.”
“Thanks, guys. See you later,” Hub said as he stepped into the fancy automobile.
“Mr. Kemp I presume,” greeted the occupant in the back seat.” I’m Lew Mitchell. Is Lloyd Val Halovitch with you?
They shook hands. “No, I flew on ahead. Lloyd Val had driven up to Moon Grove in his car.” Hub settled into the cushy seat beside Mitchell.
“Back to LA, driver,” Lew Mitchell instructed.
“Where exactly are we going?” Hub asked.
“Good old Lloyd Val; never is much on details,” Lew Mitchell said. “He’s renovating an apartment building on Wilshire he purchased from Howard Hughes. There’s a kind of a penthouse on the roof he fixed up for you to stay in.”
“Sounds good to me,” Hub said.
Lew Mitchell grinned. “It isn’t much like a New York penthouse. It’s on top of a three story building.”
Hub laughed. “What do you call a penthouse that’s only four stories up?”
“A playhouse? Anyway, I think you will find it comfortable. Did Lloyd tell you that I hired a reputable detective agency to help us find your wife?”
“He did. I understand you have done a thorough background search on Opal,” Hub said.
Lew Mitchell paused and rubbed his chin. “My staff has pulled together a very thorough going report on Opal Kemp. I must warn you there are things in there that I wouldn’t want to know about my wife, but it has given us a number of leads we wouldn’t have thought of without it. Basically, we have stripped the poor woman stark naked and past skin deep. What would you say to a generalized report that left out some of the lurid details?”
Hub thought a moment. “I know you are trying to spare me some pain but I think I must have the complete story.”
The Pachard pulled up in front of an imposing building that had seen better days. It had a circular driveway. “Shall I pull on in?” the driver asked.
“Yes, pull up to the entrance,” Lew Mitchell said.
He and Hub alighted and walked up a couple of steps and opened the front door. Hub was surprised to see there was a large room, not quite a hotel lobby but large enough to contain a doorman and a security desk and counter. It contained cans of paint, tools and instruments of repair.
“They’re still working on the place. I don’t think the elevator is working yet. Mind taking the stairs? The penthouse is finished,” Attorney Mitchell said.
The pair sweated their way up to the forth floor.
“I’ll be glad when they get the elevator working,” Hub said when they entered the penthouse.
“It’s a climb all right,” Lew Mitchell said mopping his brow with a monogrammed handkerchief. “But look how nicely Lloyd Val has furnished the place.”
“It looks great, but could we sit down a minute?” Hub asked flopping into a leather chair.
Lew Mitchell freed a couple of cokes from the refrigerator, handed one to Hub before he took a seat.
Hub reached out and placed the coke bottle on his forehead.
“I’m sure glad you came here, Hub. I was going to ask you to do so,” Lew said.
“Oh? How come?”
“The Cameron Detective agency wants to search the Bolsa Chica site as soon as possible. I asked them to wait until you got here. What if they find your wife in there? One of the detectives looks like a gorilla in a man’s suit.”
“I see. If I’m along she might not be scared out of her wits.”
“Right.”
“Can I assume that the reason for searching the Bolsa Chica site was found in your research on Opal?” Hub asked.
“I think that’s a fair statement,” said Lew Mitchell looking a bit uncomfortable. “Does the name Alfredo ring a bell?”
“Yes. I believe he’s one of the Gypsy leaders.” Hub laughed. “I remember Opal referred to him as tall, dark and handsome.”
“That’s the one. We think he has a more than passing interest in Opal,” Lew Mitchell said.
Hub frowned. “I get it. You think that Opal might be a prisoner in Alfredo’s lair.”
“Something like that,” Lew Mitchell said.
“I need to read your report,” Hub said.
The next morning Hub received a phone call. “Mr. Kemp? I’m Cole Cameron, Cameron Detective agency. Is it okay to pick you up for our little spelunking expo?”
“Yes.”
“We’ll be there in about five minutes.”
Hub stood on the curb when an old Ford woodie pulled up. Hub crawled in and shook hands with Cole, a rather thin effete person with thinning blond hair. “This is my large partner, Herman Hess,” Cole said. Hess was driving.
“I thought these vehicles were extinct,” Hub said.
“Some of we nostalgia buffs of a different decade hung on to ours,” Cole said. “Herm and I still surf occasionally.”
“You guys have all the fun,” Hub said.
Cole grinned. “It’s still relaxing.”
Thirty minutes later Herm suddenly turned off the road on to a sandy trail that meandered up a rise until he spotted a Mexican kid sitting on a rock.
“There’s Mike. He’s to show us a back entrance to the gun emplacement. You can’t keep anything secret from kids,” Cole said. He pulled out a couple of pistols and handed one to Herm. He noted the surprised look on Hub’s face.
“It’s just a precaution. We don’t really expect any trouble,” Cole said.
Mike led the way to a shrubby area and held a bush to one side, exposing a fair-size cavity in the rocky ridge.
Herm led the way holding a large flashlight. Hub didn’t like the sound of the scampering feet as they continued down the dank tunnel.
“Must be a few four legged occupants,” Hub said softly. Cole held a finger to his lips.
After creeping along about five minutes, someone shrieked out a terrified scream and Hub noticed the naked backside of a girl streaking down the tunnel.
He next heard a string of curses emanating from a young man holding a blanket.
Herm backhanded him across the room minus his blanket.
“Easy, Herm, we don’t want to hurt anybody, if we can help it,” Cole said.
Herm took the escape route the girl had taken. A dim light appeared at the other end of tunnel.
“I hope this isn’t a near-death experience,” Hub whispered.
They stumbled onto a pile of clothes and various objects. “Is this a gypsy treasure trove?” Hub asked.
A tall figure blocked their way. “Is there something in particular you are looking for?”
“We were hired to find a missing young lady who was rumored to be in this area,” Cole said. ”If you have seen this young person it would be in your best interests to turn her over to us before Sheriff Music becomes involved.”
“I see. I assure you we have not taken any beautiful young girls captive in over one hundred and fifty years..”
“Disappointing,” Cole said.
“However, one of our neighbors has just completed installing a swimming pool. I have heard there is an attractive young lady who has been sunning herself beside that pool.”
“Thanks. We’ll check it out.”
Cole and Herm continued their exam of the old gun site, poking into every nook and cranny, while Hub tagged along. They followed up with a search through the camp itself. The sun was beginning to set over the horizon of the ocean when they called it quits.
“Nothing,” Cole said.
“Not a damn thing,” Herm echoed.
“At least we can eliminate the suspiction the Gypsies are holding Opal,” Hub said. The three guys crunched into the Woodie and headed back to LA.
“The hot trail has begun to dim,” Herm said.
“But we can’t exactly eliminate the Gypsies as suspects,” Cole said.
“No, but it sure weakens our case,” Hub said.
“Herm and I will run down that lead the tall gypsy gave us,” Cole said. “Are you coming with us, Hub?”
“Can’t. My agent has me booked for lunch,” Hub said.
“Okay, we’ll have some pictures for you to examine,” Cole said.
Winded, Hub made it to the door of his penthouse in time to hear the telephone ringing.
“How’d it go?” Lew Mitchell ask as Hub picked up the phone.
“Pretty much a bust,” Hub said.
“Too bad.”
“Yeah, I thought sure we would pick up some clues but we didn’t,” Hub said. “Hold on a minute, I can’t say it was a complete waste of time. We heard some people near the camp ground have built a swimming pool.”
“How does that help?” Lew Mitchell asked.
“The gypsies have noticed an attractive woman around the pool,” Hub said.
“Sounds a little thin. Do you think it might be Opal?” Lew asked.
“I don’t know how it could be, but at least it is something to look into,” Hub said.
“Good luck. I’ll see you tomorrow. Lloyd Val has asked me to tag a long for lunch,” Lew said.
On the sidewalk in front of the Pantry, Fred Sandberg, Golden State Studios, shook hands with Hub Kemp and Lew Mitchell.
“Hub Kemp, I’m glad to see you back in town,” Fred Sandberg said. “Shouldn’t Lloyd Val Halovitch be here?”
“He’s supposed to be buying me lunch,” Hub said. “Wait, isn’t that the big Hudson Hornet pulling into the parking lot?”
“That’s a relief. I thought Lloyd Val was sticking me with buying again,” Lew Mitchell said.
“Why are all you guys standing around out here?” Lloyd Val yelled across the parking lot as he galloped up to them like the Lone Ranger.. “Let’s go in,” Lloyd Val said and set the example by pushing through the front doors. The others trailed in behind him.
“It’s about time you showed up here, Mr. Halovitch. You’ve been setting a very bad example for these other gentlemen,” George Bernard Wiggins said with a smile.
“Hey, George, you heard about the Depression?” Lloyd Val asked. “I had to save up to take these guys out for steaks.”
“I have reserved the round table for you and your knights, Sir Halovitch,,” George Bernard Wiggins said as he led the group down the long extension that comprised the Pantry Steakhouse.
When all were comfortably seated and had ordered their drink preferences, Lloyd Val stood up. “I propose we drink a toast to a friend of some years, who is here on a mission to rescue his missing wife, Opal. To Hub Kemp, my good friend and colleague.”
“Here, here,” came the general response.
The Pantry was known for its simple menu and its quick service. Orders were not necessary. A great Caesar Salad arrived immediately after the toast. Discussion subsided.
“I’m worried that Opal is not receiving the attentions of her doctor,” Hub said, who was seated next to Lew Mitchell.
“You mean her psychiatrist?” Lew Mitchell asked.
“Psychiatrist? What psychiatrist?” Hub asked.
“I see. Opal was treated by a psychiatrist when her first marriage was annulled,” Lew Mitchell said.
“Whoa! I know nothing about a psychiatrist or a first marriage,” Hub said.
“I’m sorry to spring it on you like this but you will read about it when you read my staff’s report,” Lew Mitchell said.
Hub put down his fork, feeling pale and nauseous. “Would you mind if we discussed this later in private?”
“I’m sorry. I thought you knew,” Lew Mitchell said.
Hub abruptly left the table. Lloyd Val looked up in alarm.
“Mitchell, what in the hell did you say to Hub that upset him so?”
“I apparently told him something he didn’t know about his wife,” Lew Mitchell said looking dismayed.
Hub hailed a cab and retreated to his penthouse.
The nest morning Lew Mitchell phoned Hub and apologized for his faux pas.
“My detectives have some pictures you might like to take a look at, if you feel up to it,” Lew Mitchell said. “Should I bring them over?’
“No. I’ll come to your office about one. I think it’s about time I looked at the report you’ve compiled on Opal,” Hub said.
“I agree. I’ll see you at one,” Mitchell said.
After Hub hung up he thought a minute and decided to call his brother. He started to dial the number but broke the connection. It’s probably a little too soon to phone Jess, he decided. He called a cab and arrived at Lew Mitchell’s offices at five minutes to one P.M.
The Receptionist handed Hub the report and led him to a private office. “When you’re finished reading the report just leave it on my desk.”
“Will you inform Mr. Mitchell that I am here?”
“Of course. He will see you after you have had time to look over the report,” the receptionist said.
Hub sat down and began to read. He was surprised to note that Opal was briefly married to a Alfredo Negeve, the leader of a band of Gypsies. She was seventeen and pregnant. She had a miscarriage and her parents, the Morrows, had the marriage annulled. After the annulment Opal became seriously depressed. She came under the care of a psychiatrist, Dr. Manfred Sickafus. She was diagnosed manic depressive. The Doctor suggested she take nurses training at the local hospital as therapy. After completion of the course she became a full-time professional nurse. She continued to see Alfredo Negeve even after she was married to Hub Kemp. Sexual promiscuity was noted as a common symptom of manic depression. Hub looked up as Lew Mitchell entered the office. They shook hands.
“Wow! It’s surprising how little one knows about ones own wife,” Hub said.
“Particularly, if she doesn’t want you to know,” Lew Mitchell said. He put a packet of pictures on the table. “See if you recognize the guy in these photos Cole and Herm took.”
Hub spread the pictures out on the table. “Good grief! I can hardly make out if this is a man or woman.”
“I don’t know if they need a new camera or photography lessons. But I did get a phone call from Cole. They think they saw Opal by the pool,” Lew Mitchell.
“That just adds to my confusion,” Hub said.
Lew Mitchell sat down at the table. “We need to get some clarification as to what our strategy is going to be,” Lew said. “Now that you read the report, what’s your plan of action?”
“A couple of weeks ago, I thought my wife left because she was mad at me and with a little counseling we could patch things up. Now I realize there are things going on of which I was unaware and still don’t understand,” Hub said. “Off-hand, I think I may have to consider divorce.”
“What about this manic depressive problem?” Lew asked.
“Right. Does she expect me to forgive and forget or what? I could sure use some suggestions, Lew.”
“Okay. I suggest we go to the Morrow household and confront the parents and Opal and possibly Alfredo, as well,” Lew said. “We need to know the whys and wherefores of this strange series of events. If we can do this without a formal deposition, we won’t have to get into possible criminal charges.”
“I agree. Set it up but I want you at my side,” Hub said.
The Morrows were not enthused about the meeting but when Attorney Mitchell mentioned criminal charges, their attitude changed. Attorney Mitchell explained there was no point in hiding Opal any longer. His detectives had pictures of Opal on their property at their new pool. Mitchell phoned Hub and said he would pick him up and drive him to the meeting at the Morrow residence the next day.
“Is Opal going to be there?” Hub asked as he stepped into Lew Mitchell’s late model Packard.
“I think so,” Lew said. “But who knows? I’m prepared to lay some heavy threats on them if she’s not.”
Hub looked grim. “My feelings are mixed but they must know they have caused me a great deal of anguish.”
“We have to force Opal out into the open, to make sure she’s alive and well.”
“Yes, but what if she’s not?” Hub asked.
“I will ask Sheriff Music to get a warrant and search the premises for her,” Mitchell said.
Twenty minutes later, Hub and Lew Mitchell were sitting in the Morrow living room with Cade and Lucy Morrow.
“So this whole time you knew that Opal was okay but you didn’t see fit to inform me?” Hub asked.
“Opal was unhappy being stuck in that orange grove miles and miles from her home in Orange county. She was afraid you would insist on having her return,” Lucy explained.
“ I can’t believe you people,” Lew Mitchell said. “You didn’t think Hub, her husband, would be concerned?”
“I want to hear this from Opal,” Hub said.
“Yes. It’s time to stop beating around the bush. Ask her to come out and join us,” Lew Mitchell said.
“She may be with Alfredo in the Gypsy camp,” Cade Morrow said.
“Send for her immediately or I will ask Sheriff Music to get a search warrant and comb this residence and the camp for her,” Lew Mitchell said.
“Oh, please, don’t involve the authorities!” Lucy Morrow pleaded. “Opal is very fragile.”
“No need for that,” Opal said, stepping out from behind the door where she had been hiding. “I can explain everything.”
“Oh? How is that Opal? Can you explain running off and not telling me where you were going or when you were coming back?” Hub asked.
“When you started urging me to have children, I felt trapped,” Opal said. “My miscarriage was a terrible experience. I didn’t want to think about having children.”
“You could have told me,” Hub said.
“I started thinking if I could return to my first love, everything would be okay,” Opal said.
“I had no idea,” Hub said.
“I planned to stay with Alfredo and not come back,” Opal said.
“So you decided to shack up with this Alfredo?” Hub asked.
“Actually it was you I was shacked up with. Alfredo is my first and only husband and I plan to honor those vows that I originally swore to,” Opal said.
The shock was visible on Hub’s face. “So the vows we made to each other meant nothing?”
Lew Mitchell quickly intervened. “Hub, excuse me for the interruption, but I think this matter is beyond recriminations. There have been some serious breaches of common decency. Are you saying, Opal, the whole time you were supposed to be married to Hub you were carrying on a conjugal relationship with your former husband?”
“Yes, I have never stopped loving Alfredo,” Opal said.
“And you intend to forsake Hub and return to Alfredo?” Lew Mitchell asked.
“That is indeed my intention,” Opal said.
“How in the world can this mess be resolved?” Hub asked.
“The obvious answer is that you and Opal should divorce,” Cade Morrow said.
“There may be an easier way,” Lew Mitchell said. “Opal, did you ever divorce Alfredo?”
“No.”
“The annulment took care of that,” Lucy Morrow said.
“Maybe not. Would you folks object if I could get the annulment set aside?”
“What would be the purpose?”
“If I can do that, the first marriage would still be in effect and the second one could probably be set aside,” Lew Mitchell said.
THE AFTERMATH
Lew Mitchell was able to cancel the annulment of Opal’s first marriage and to persuade a judge that Hub was a victim of an unusual set of circumstances and he set aside the second marriage.
Hub flew back to Moon Grove with his ego and feelings badly bruised. The remaining fragments of a failed love and marriage saddened him, but he eventually came to the conclusion that he had emerged from the situation in better shape than he had any right to expect.
Some weeks had passed when Lloyd Val Halovitch called.
“Thank you, Lloyd Val,” Hub said. “Lew Mitchell did a great job of repairing a really bad situation.”
“Lew told me you rewarded him rather handsomely,” Lloyd Val said.
“He deserved it. He was able to cut through the world’s largest Gordian knot.” Hub said.
“I still have this contract with Golden State Studios. How about moving back to LA and going to work? It might help take your mind off the whole unpleasant experience,” Lloyd Val said.
“I have recovered rather well, all things considered. I think I just might take you up on your suggestion, but it would have to be on my terms,” Hub said.
“Well, knock me over with a feather! What terms?” Lloyd Val asked.
“I will keep Moon Grove. I guess I told you about my mother’s ideas about buttermilk and moons,” Hub said.
“Only a few hundred times,” Lloyd Val said. “What other terms?”
“I will buy half of your apartment building on Western if I can have the penthouse for my LA residence.” Hub said. “And everything will hinge on getting my brother, Jess, and his wife to move out here to take care of Moon Grove for me.”
“We have a deal,” Lloyd Val said.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Mystery Moon~Episode #4
Mystery Moon~Episode #4
Sheriff Biscaluz walked up on the porch where Lloyd Val and Hub were sitting. “We found the Model T. It was stuck back in those woods back of the public camping grounds. What’s going on back there?”
“Have a seat, Sheriff. What do you mean?” Hub asked.
` “My guys found evidence that a group has been camping there for sometime,” the Sheriff said.
“Oh. You know what? Those may be my Gypsies,” Hub said.
“Your Gypsies?” Lloyd Val asked.
“In a manner of speaking,” Hub said. “I gave them permission to camp on my place. They come around about this time every year.”
“They sure made a mess of your camp grounds,” the Sheriff said.
“They always do but they’re basically good folk,” Hub said.
“They don’t have a good reputation,” the Sheriff said.
“I’ve never had a problem with them,” Hub said.
“I wonder if they stole the Model T. Did your wife know they were here?”
“Opal found them quite fascinating. She always hung around the camp, talking, listening to their music, watching their dancing, I think someone in the band wrote to her, and told when they were coming,” Hub said.
“I’m surprised you didn’t keep a closer watch on them, particularly since you wife had a special interest,” the Sheriff said.
“I never felt the need for that. Jose kept track of what they were doing and I know he watched out for Opal. He didn’t like the mess but I know they paid him to clean up the place when they left.”
“The gypsies add another dimension to the problem of your wife’s disappearance,” the Sheriff said.
“Really? We’ve always treated them well. Let them use our water and waste facilities. We don’t charge them for the camp grounds They earn quite a bit of money while they’re here. They sell a lot of their crafts. Like outdoor furniture. Several are good mechanics and they work cheap,” Hub said.
“No complaints from the neighbors?”
“Hm. Now that I think of it there was a complaint a couple of years ago when a teen age girl decided to run away from home. She left the county with the gypsies,” Hub said.
“Do you know where they go when they here?”
“I heard Opal say they went to Bolsa Chica. That’s in Orange County near where Opal used to live,” Hub said.
“Now that is very interesting,” Lloyd Val said.
“Why do you say that?” Hub asked.
“I think the fog is beginning to lift,” Lloyd Val said.
“My boys didn’t find anything except a pair of women’s shoes in the tack room,” The Sheriff said.
“Opal changed into boots when she went ridding,” Hub said.
“I think I’ll phone Sheriff Music in Orange county and ask him to see if the Gypsies have reached Bolsa Chica yet,” the Sheriff said.
“Would you mind, Sheriff, if I had my attorney look into that?” Lloyd Val asked.
“Is that alright with you Mr. Kemp?”
“Okay,” Hub said.
“What’s your attorney’s name?”
“Sheldon Mitchell,” Lloyd Val said. “He’s well-known in LA and Orange county.”
The Sheriff scribbled a note in his pad. “Fine, but I want a copy of his report to you.” “You can always call Sheriff Music if the report doesn’t satisfy you but I think it could very well solve the case for you,” Lloyd Val Halovitch said.
Sheriff Biscaluz walked up on the porch where Lloyd Val and Hub were sitting. “We found the Model T. It was stuck back in those woods back of the public camping grounds. What’s going on back there?”
“Have a seat, Sheriff. What do you mean?” Hub asked.
` “My guys found evidence that a group has been camping there for sometime,” the Sheriff said.
“Oh. You know what? Those may be my Gypsies,” Hub said.
“Your Gypsies?” Lloyd Val asked.
“In a manner of speaking,” Hub said. “I gave them permission to camp on my place. They come around about this time every year.”
“They sure made a mess of your camp grounds,” the Sheriff said.
“They always do but they’re basically good folk,” Hub said.
“They don’t have a good reputation,” the Sheriff said.
“I’ve never had a problem with them,” Hub said.
“I wonder if they stole the Model T. Did your wife know they were here?”
“Opal found them quite fascinating. She always hung around the camp, talking, listening to their music, watching their dancing, I think someone in the band wrote to her, and told when they were coming,” Hub said.
“I’m surprised you didn’t keep a closer watch on them, particularly since you wife had a special interest,” the Sheriff said.
“I never felt the need for that. Jose kept track of what they were doing and I know he watched out for Opal. He didn’t like the mess but I know they paid him to clean up the place when they left.”
“The gypsies add another dimension to the problem of your wife’s disappearance,” the Sheriff said.
“Really? We’ve always treated them well. Let them use our water and waste facilities. We don’t charge them for the camp grounds They earn quite a bit of money while they’re here. They sell a lot of their crafts. Like outdoor furniture. Several are good mechanics and they work cheap,” Hub said.
“No complaints from the neighbors?”
“Hm. Now that I think of it there was a complaint a couple of years ago when a teen age girl decided to run away from home. She left the county with the gypsies,” Hub said.
“Do you know where they go when they here?”
“I heard Opal say they went to Bolsa Chica. That’s in Orange County near where Opal used to live,” Hub said.
“Now that is very interesting,” Lloyd Val said.
“Why do you say that?” Hub asked.
“I think the fog is beginning to lift,” Lloyd Val said.
“My boys didn’t find anything except a pair of women’s shoes in the tack room,” The Sheriff said.
“Opal changed into boots when she went ridding,” Hub said.
“I think I’ll phone Sheriff Music in Orange county and ask him to see if the Gypsies have reached Bolsa Chica yet,” the Sheriff said.
“Would you mind, Sheriff, if I had my attorney look into that?” Lloyd Val asked.
“Is that alright with you Mr. Kemp?”
“Okay,” Hub said.
“What’s your attorney’s name?”
“Sheldon Mitchell,” Lloyd Val said. “He’s well-known in LA and Orange county.”
The Sheriff scribbled a note in his pad. “Fine, but I want a copy of his report to you.” “You can always call Sheriff Music if the report doesn’t satisfy you but I think it could very well solve the case for you,” Lloyd Val Halovitch said.
Monday, April 28, 2008
MYSTERY MOON ~ EPISODE #3
Sheriff Biscaluz, Santa Barbara County, wrinkled his nose and squinted his eyes. “Okay, Mr. Kemp could you slow it down a bit? I have a secretary on the line that is going to take down your call.” He hated to get a call like this from one of the counties prominent citizens. “So Mrs. Kemp has been missing two weeks? Why the delay in reporting it? I see. I think I better come out to your place. Do you mind if I bring a couple of deputies to kind of scout out the layout of your property? Good, see you in about an hour.”\
Hub hung up the phone and turned back to Lloyd Val.
“Well?”
“Biscaluz is coming out with a couple of deputies,” Hub said.
“Why?”
“He didn’t say.”
“I thought he might refer you to some missing persons department,” Lloyd Val said.
“I don’t know if they have one. Do you think he’s going to arrest me?”
“No. You’re a prominent citizen. I think he’s just trying to cover his butt.”
“Good grief I hope so. Why do I feel so damn guilty?”
“I don’t know but I wish you’d practice looking innocent before the sheriff gets here,” Lloyd Val said.
Hub grinned. “Maybe we should have a little lunch while I’m practicing.”
“Good idea,” Lloyd Val said.
The Sheriff was a tall, swarthy man, easily identified as of Hispanic decent. “Thank you, Mr. Kemp, for your precise description of what lead up to Mrs. Kemp’s disappearance. Now, with your permission, I would like for my men to give the place a preliminary check.”
“Does this mean I’m under some kind of suspicion?” Hub asked.
“It’s just routine, Mr. Kemp. We have no evidence of a crime and not even a suspicion of one. As yet, all we know is that Mrs. Kemp is missing. There could be a hundred reasons for that, none of which may point to a crime. What’s your acreage here?” the Sheriff asked.
“Let me see. We have forty acres of Valences and ten of Navels. If you continue up the driveway past the house, you come to the crest of the hill where we maintain a park for public use. We have a baseball field, camping, boating on a small lake, hiking and riding trails. Back of that is about a 20 acre grove of oaks. We post a policy of no firearms and no hunting,” Hub said.
“Out buildings?”
“Sure. We have a large barn across the home vegetable garden in back, a small stable and chorale, and a building that contains a shop, a water pump, tool shed, and a three car garage. There is a general storage building next to that,” Hub said.
“How many employees do you have and which ones live on the premises?” the Sheriff asked.
“Jose and his wife, Rosa, is here about everyday but they live in town. My friend Lloyd Val Halo itch is visiting. I am thinking of asking my brother Jess, and his wife to move here from Tennessee.”
“Where do you live Mr. Halo itch?”
“Hollywood. I’m Hub’s friend but I’m also his agent,” Lloyd Val said.
“Agent?”
“I used to perform in films,” Hub said.
Sheriff Biscaluz stood up. “I think we have enough basic information. If it’s okay, my men and I will conduct the preliminary examinations of the grounds.”
“Certainly. I will have Jose accompany you. He can answer any specific questions you may have,” Hub said. “I forgot to mention I do have a small airplane and an air strip just past the barn.”
“Where do you keep the plane?” The Sheriff asked.
“In the barn with my cars. As I said the Model T coup is missing,” Hub said.
After the Sheriff left the house, Hub turned to Lloyd Val. “What did you think?”
“His questions didn’t seem to indicate anything he was especially interested in, not you for example,” Lloyd Val said.
“I would hope he doesn’t think I murdered my wife. I feel we will find she just took off because she was upset with me. She’s done it before.” Hub said.
“But not this long,” Lloyd Val said.
“No. That’s the puzzling part,” Hub said. “I’m just wondering if I shouldn’t have looked around the place before the Sheriff decided to.”
“To what purpose? Hide incriminating things?” Lloyd Val asked.
“For Pete’s sake you think I need to hide evidence?”
“Of course not but if detectives discovered you did that, how do you suppose they would feel about it?”
“Um. I see what you mean. I t might have aroused the very suspcttion I was trying to avoid.”
“Exactly.”
Sheriff Biscaluz, Santa Barbara County, wrinkled his nose and squinted his eyes. “Okay, Mr. Kemp could you slow it down a bit? I have a secretary on the line that is going to take down your call.” He hated to get a call like this from one of the counties prominent citizens. “So Mrs. Kemp has been missing two weeks? Why the delay in reporting it? I see. I think I better come out to your place. Do you mind if I bring a couple of deputies to kind of scout out the layout of your property? Good, see you in about an hour.”\
Hub hung up the phone and turned back to Lloyd Val.
“Well?”
“Biscaluz is coming out with a couple of deputies,” Hub said.
“Why?”
“He didn’t say.”
“I thought he might refer you to some missing persons department,” Lloyd Val said.
“I don’t know if they have one. Do you think he’s going to arrest me?”
“No. You’re a prominent citizen. I think he’s just trying to cover his butt.”
“Good grief I hope so. Why do I feel so damn guilty?”
“I don’t know but I wish you’d practice looking innocent before the sheriff gets here,” Lloyd Val said.
Hub grinned. “Maybe we should have a little lunch while I’m practicing.”
“Good idea,” Lloyd Val said.
The Sheriff was a tall, swarthy man, easily identified as of Hispanic decent. “Thank you, Mr. Kemp, for your precise description of what lead up to Mrs. Kemp’s disappearance. Now, with your permission, I would like for my men to give the place a preliminary check.”
“Does this mean I’m under some kind of suspicion?” Hub asked.
“It’s just routine, Mr. Kemp. We have no evidence of a crime and not even a suspicion of one. As yet, all we know is that Mrs. Kemp is missing. There could be a hundred reasons for that, none of which may point to a crime. What’s your acreage here?” the Sheriff asked.
“Let me see. We have forty acres of Valences and ten of Navels. If you continue up the driveway past the house, you come to the crest of the hill where we maintain a park for public use. We have a baseball field, camping, boating on a small lake, hiking and riding trails. Back of that is about a 20 acre grove of oaks. We post a policy of no firearms and no hunting,” Hub said.
“Out buildings?”
“Sure. We have a large barn across the home vegetable garden in back, a small stable and chorale, and a building that contains a shop, a water pump, tool shed, and a three car garage. There is a general storage building next to that,” Hub said.
“How many employees do you have and which ones live on the premises?” the Sheriff asked.
“Jose and his wife, Rosa, is here about everyday but they live in town. My friend Lloyd Val Halo itch is visiting. I am thinking of asking my brother Jess, and his wife to move here from Tennessee.”
“Where do you live Mr. Halo itch?”
“Hollywood. I’m Hub’s friend but I’m also his agent,” Lloyd Val said.
“Agent?”
“I used to perform in films,” Hub said.
Sheriff Biscaluz stood up. “I think we have enough basic information. If it’s okay, my men and I will conduct the preliminary examinations of the grounds.”
“Certainly. I will have Jose accompany you. He can answer any specific questions you may have,” Hub said. “I forgot to mention I do have a small airplane and an air strip just past the barn.”
“Where do you keep the plane?” The Sheriff asked.
“In the barn with my cars. As I said the Model T coup is missing,” Hub said.
After the Sheriff left the house, Hub turned to Lloyd Val. “What did you think?”
“His questions didn’t seem to indicate anything he was especially interested in, not you for example,” Lloyd Val said.
“I would hope he doesn’t think I murdered my wife. I feel we will find she just took off because she was upset with me. She’s done it before.” Hub said.
“But not this long,” Lloyd Val said.
“No. That’s the puzzling part,” Hub said. “I’m just wondering if I shouldn’t have looked around the place before the Sheriff decided to.”
“To what purpose? Hide incriminating things?” Lloyd Val asked.
“For Pete’s sake you think I need to hide evidence?”
“Of course not but if detectives discovered you did that, how do you suppose they would feel about it?”
“Um. I see what you mean. I t might have aroused the very suspcttion I was trying to avoid.”
“Exactly.”
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Mystery Moon - Episode 2
Hubert Urbane Kemp sat on a park bench gazing out across the ocean to a channel island. He was confused, unhappy and unable to think straight. Should he phone the Sheriff? His wife, Opal, had been gone two weeks now. She hadn’t left a note, hadn’t phoned. The model T was missing. She had left like this before but she had always phoned, usually from her parents place in Orange county. She did this when she got mad at Hub and preferred leaving rather than hanging around and having a big argument. She explained to him once that her dad didn’t like to argue and when he had a spat with Mom Morrow he got in the car and drove around a while until he cooled off. Hub thought this was foolish but this was the first time she had taken more than a day or two. Hub, when he got mad or wanted to be alone walked down from the house, through the orange grove, to the tiny park, next to the water. It was the place where he and Opal often walked down to watch the sunset. It was a beautiful spot with a long vista of the shoreline of Santa Barbara county. Hub found he could never contemplate that sight for long without putting himself in a better mood. But this time it wasn’t working. Earlier that morning he phoned the Morrows, Opal’s parents. They became extremely agitated and the whole thing ended up in a shouting match before he hung up. Hub was surprised that they felt the whole thing was his fault. Now he was reluctant to phone the sheriff. Didn’t the police always suspect the husband if they suspected foul play? Why in the hell had he waited two weeks before phoning?
Hub trudged back up the hill to his house. Rosa met him at the back door.
“Your amigo, Valhallo bitch.called. Wants a back call.”
Hub pushed the screen door open and entered. “Thanks, Rosa.” Jose’s woman, Rosa, helped take care of the house when Opal was absent. “Where is Jose working today?”
“He has a job in Buena Mesa. He gonna be here after lunch,” Rosa said.
“Good.” Hub sat down at the kitchen table “This the phone number?” Hub held up a scrap of paper he found next to the phone.
Rosa nodded and Hub dialed the number.
“Lloyd Val Halovitch agency..”
“Mert, this is Hub, Is Lloyd Val in?”
“Oh, yes, Mr. Kemp. Just a min, he’s on another line. Okay, here he is.”
“Hello, Hub,” Lloyd Val said.
“I am so glad you called, Lloyd.” Hub related to Lloyd Val all the particulars of his peculiar situation. “I’ve been in a real mope. Kind of wondering what I should do next,” Hub said.
“Okay, friend. Hang on and don’t do anything. As soon as I’ve phoned my lawyer, I’ll hop in my car and be at your place in couple of hours, “ Lloyd Val said.
“Thanks.”
As promised, Lloyd Val Halovitch arrived at the moon grove close to noon. He drove the Hudson Hornet up the gravel driveway and parked in front of Hub’s house. Hub was sitting on the front porch. When Lloyd Val got out of the auto, Hub stood up.
“Come on up, Lloyd Val, “ Hub called. “Set a spell.”
Lloyd Val climbed the stairs and took Hub’s proffered hand. “Good to see you, old friend. Sorry the circumstances aren’t better.”
“Having a friend like you coming to my aid so quickly has lifted my spirits, ‘ Hub said. “Have a seat and I’ll give you the gruesome details.”
Hub explained again Opal’s mysterious disappearance. “I haven’t heard from her for two weeks and her folks haven’t either.”
“Okay, Hub, you should have reported this sooner,” Lloyd Val said. “I spoke to my lawyer before I came here. It is his opinion you need to report it to the authorities right a way.”
“Aren’t they going to expect I had something to do with it?” Hub asked.
“Of course, without evidence to the contrary, the husband’s always the prime suspect,” Lloyd said.
Hub trudged back up the hill to his house. Rosa met him at the back door.
“Your amigo, Valhallo bitch.called. Wants a back call.”
Hub pushed the screen door open and entered. “Thanks, Rosa.” Jose’s woman, Rosa, helped take care of the house when Opal was absent. “Where is Jose working today?”
“He has a job in Buena Mesa. He gonna be here after lunch,” Rosa said.
“Good.” Hub sat down at the kitchen table “This the phone number?” Hub held up a scrap of paper he found next to the phone.
Rosa nodded and Hub dialed the number.
“Lloyd Val Halovitch agency..”
“Mert, this is Hub, Is Lloyd Val in?”
“Oh, yes, Mr. Kemp. Just a min, he’s on another line. Okay, here he is.”
“Hello, Hub,” Lloyd Val said.
“I am so glad you called, Lloyd.” Hub related to Lloyd Val all the particulars of his peculiar situation. “I’ve been in a real mope. Kind of wondering what I should do next,” Hub said.
“Okay, friend. Hang on and don’t do anything. As soon as I’ve phoned my lawyer, I’ll hop in my car and be at your place in couple of hours, “ Lloyd Val said.
“Thanks.”
As promised, Lloyd Val Halovitch arrived at the moon grove close to noon. He drove the Hudson Hornet up the gravel driveway and parked in front of Hub’s house. Hub was sitting on the front porch. When Lloyd Val got out of the auto, Hub stood up.
“Come on up, Lloyd Val, “ Hub called. “Set a spell.”
Lloyd Val climbed the stairs and took Hub’s proffered hand. “Good to see you, old friend. Sorry the circumstances aren’t better.”
“Having a friend like you coming to my aid so quickly has lifted my spirits, ‘ Hub said. “Have a seat and I’ll give you the gruesome details.”
Hub explained again Opal’s mysterious disappearance. “I haven’t heard from her for two weeks and her folks haven’t either.”
“Okay, Hub, you should have reported this sooner,” Lloyd Val said. “I spoke to my lawyer before I came here. It is his opinion you need to report it to the authorities right a way.”
“Aren’t they going to expect I had something to do with it?” Hub asked.
“Of course, without evidence to the contrary, the husband’s always the prime suspect,” Lloyd said.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Mystery Moon
The Great Depression descended on an unsuspecting world like the hand of God. The prosperity of the twenties folded. The New York Stock Exchange bloated with the exaggerated optimism of the stock gurus plunged into financial Hell. Within a year, banks and businesses were destroyed in droves. Unemployment followed. Fear spread through the land. Civil unrest lurked in city slums. The seeds of revolution started to sprout. Something was wrong with the government. Changes were needed. The poor began to starve.
Lloyd Val Halovitch sat in his office on Hollywood Blvd., feet on his desk contemplating out his window the scene below. He worried about the sudden transition from silent pictures to talkies. Why in the hell are so many of my clients unable to make the switch? He ran his hand through his thinning hair and almost dropped his horn-rim glasses. He rested his elbow on the desk an held his head in one hand. What was wrong with them. He knew the answers the directors gave him. Art Manfred had a German accent you could cut with a strudel. Rita Conchita couldn't remember the picture's title. Several couldn't perform without using the exaggerated gestures of the silent films. The directors were turning to stage actors who could speak lines and had a better sense of presence before the cameras.
Lloyd Val Halovitch took up the latest edition of Variety. He scanned the main story about Louie B. Mayer. "I ain't making no more damn pictures where they use feathers to write," the reporter quoted the great man as saying. Turning the page Lloyd Val spotted an ad in the lower corner. Golden State Pictures was casting another war story and needed experienced stunt pilots.
Lloyd Val grimaced. Hub Kemp was at one time was one of his best clients before Golden State fired him. I wonder, is this a message I need to heed? He pulled his appointment book out of his desk and scanned his list of clients.
"What am I thinking?" Lloyd said aloud. "Hub found some kind of treasure near his hometown in Tennessee and could buy Golden State."
He shook his head and put the book back in the drawer. It was close to a year ago he made a trip to Buena Mesa. The summer of '29. The Moon Grove, Hub called his orange grove in Santa Barbara County. He nearly had Hub convinced to invest in his idea of making talkies, when Opal, his wife, put in her two-bits. She knocked the whole idea into a cocked hat. Val remembered he said some words to her he shouldn't have and Hub kicked him out.
He reached for the phone, then hesitated. "This is the summer of 1930," he said to himself.
"Mert, come in and bring your pad," Lloyd Val called. Mert had been with him for ten years, ever since her husband had died in an auto accident and left her with two kids. He knew he should fire her but he didn't have the heart.
"Yes boss?" Mert said. These days she always looks anxious, reflected Lloyd Val.
"I need to write a letter to an old client, Hub Kemp,Lloyd Val said.
"I remember him, a real keen guy," Mert said.
Good grief, thought Lloyd Val, she looks frayed around the edges, a frizzy blond.
"Yeah, one of those good-looking aviator types," Lloyd said.
"Didn't he get hold of a lot of filthy lucre?" Mert asked.
-to be continued...
Lloyd Val Halovitch sat in his office on Hollywood Blvd., feet on his desk contemplating out his window the scene below. He worried about the sudden transition from silent pictures to talkies. Why in the hell are so many of my clients unable to make the switch? He ran his hand through his thinning hair and almost dropped his horn-rim glasses. He rested his elbow on the desk an held his head in one hand. What was wrong with them. He knew the answers the directors gave him. Art Manfred had a German accent you could cut with a strudel. Rita Conchita couldn't remember the picture's title. Several couldn't perform without using the exaggerated gestures of the silent films. The directors were turning to stage actors who could speak lines and had a better sense of presence before the cameras.
Lloyd Val Halovitch took up the latest edition of Variety. He scanned the main story about Louie B. Mayer. "I ain't making no more damn pictures where they use feathers to write," the reporter quoted the great man as saying. Turning the page Lloyd Val spotted an ad in the lower corner. Golden State Pictures was casting another war story and needed experienced stunt pilots.
Lloyd Val grimaced. Hub Kemp was at one time was one of his best clients before Golden State fired him. I wonder, is this a message I need to heed? He pulled his appointment book out of his desk and scanned his list of clients.
"What am I thinking?" Lloyd said aloud. "Hub found some kind of treasure near his hometown in Tennessee and could buy Golden State."
He shook his head and put the book back in the drawer. It was close to a year ago he made a trip to Buena Mesa. The summer of '29. The Moon Grove, Hub called his orange grove in Santa Barbara County. He nearly had Hub convinced to invest in his idea of making talkies, when Opal, his wife, put in her two-bits. She knocked the whole idea into a cocked hat. Val remembered he said some words to her he shouldn't have and Hub kicked him out.
He reached for the phone, then hesitated. "This is the summer of 1930," he said to himself.
"Mert, come in and bring your pad," Lloyd Val called. Mert had been with him for ten years, ever since her husband had died in an auto accident and left her with two kids. He knew he should fire her but he didn't have the heart.
"Yes boss?" Mert said. These days she always looks anxious, reflected Lloyd Val.
"I need to write a letter to an old client, Hub Kemp,Lloyd Val said.
"I remember him, a real keen guy," Mert said.
Good grief, thought Lloyd Val, she looks frayed around the edges, a frizzy blond.
"Yeah, one of those good-looking aviator types," Lloyd said.
"Didn't he get hold of a lot of filthy lucre?" Mert asked.
-to be continued...
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