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Justice
By: Alison Hamilton
Have you ever found yourself trapped, unable to escape from that which holds you captive? Well, that’s where I have found myself. I was chosen to perform a simple act: murder. I don’t know who my “boss” is. All I know is that if I didn’t agree to follow his rules, my family would be killed. There are ten of us. We are ordinary teenagers. Most of us are athletes, average students, and even a few class clowns. The reason we were chosen was because we don’t stand out. I still remember the first time I killed someone: I had recently joined the group and I was scared to death. Personally, I’m not that great at keeping secrets, but this would be the biggest secret I would ever have to keep. I don’t remember his name, I don’t remember his face, but I do remember his last words. He begged me to spare his life like I was God. The only problem for him was in some way I was playing God; but then again I was playing the devil’s advocate. I walked away from his lifeless body a different person. I walked into my house, put a smile on my face, and greeted my family. My family never knew. There were plenty of nights that I cried myself to sleep knowing I had taken a man from his family.
I was called into the “boss’s” office the next day. I had never seen this man before; but I was surprised at what I saw. Instead the huge, evil man that I had made him out to be, I saw a boy about my age. I was working for a spoiled rich kid. The truth was his parents had been killed by a gang and our job was to finish every last one of them off. I think the thing that surprised me the most wasn’t that he was my age, but that he had experienced more hurt than I would ever have to. The only thing I didn’t understand was why he chose teenagers such as himself for this job when he had the power to do it himself. I tried to not make eye contact. I was afraid that if I did then he would see the fear in my eyes and know that I wasn’t right for this job. But what he said shocked me. Instead of telling me to leave he thanked me. He thanked me for helping him bring justice. For a second I was dumbfounded. Do I acknowledge what he said with a smile, or try and find the right thing to say? Before I could answer I was being led out of the room. I didn’t know where I was headed. The man led me into a huge room with ten kids my age. We all looked at each other, knowing that at one point we had all killed someone, or so we thought.
There was one skinny boy who looked scared to death. At that moment I knew what had happened: he chickened out. I didn’t even want to imagine what would happen to him. I decided to try and talk to him.
“Is everything ok?” I asked, even though I knew the answer. He didn’t even look up. I knew that he was probably shy and very scared. None of us knew what would happen next. I was surprised by the deep sound of his voice as he let out a simple “no.” I asked his name. It took him a minute to answer, probably because he was wondering if he could trust me or not. He looked at me straight in the eyes. His dark, blue eyes glistened with tears. I knew that he had suffered a lot of pain that night just like the rest of us. I tried talking to him more but we were interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Followed by two burly men in suits was the boy I had just recently visited with. But this time I saw him in the light. He was tall and muscular. His dark hair fell softly into his eyes. His blue eyes pierced through each of us in the room. He was the most gorgeous guy I had ever seen in my life. He smiled a dazzling, white smile at each of us.
“Welcome, my friends. I know that many of you are wondering why you are gathered here tonight. First, I want to congratulate each of you for accomplishing your task. I know that you are looking around, wondering who each of you is; but you know one another. Each and every one of you attends the same school, play on the same team, and some are even in the same class. I brought you here for one reason only: justice. My family, as some of you know, was murdered by L.A.’s most prominent gang. Your duty is to bring judgment on each of these member and their families. I only have on rule, do not kill the head of the gang. I will finish him off; and I will appoint one of you to bring him to me.”
At that moment he looked at me and smiled. My heart began to melt. Was it possible to fall in love with the world’s cruelest rich kid? Our eyes locked. I couldn’t take them off of him. His eyes were so filled with hurt. My heart longed to just ease his pain but I didn’t know how. I was a simple girl, and he was a murderer. But now that I think about it I was now a murderer too. He never told us his name. As I looked around, everyone was staring at him in fear. The thing that confused me the most was that I wasn’t scared of him. He didn’t scare me at all. He looked like any regular teenager to me. My thoughts were interrupted by his voice.
“I will let you know when your next task is. It could be days, weeks, or even months just be prepared.” At that he left us all alone. I started to leave but was stopped by the boy I had briefly talked to before.
“I’m Adam. Sorry I was so rude to you before.” He said with a smile. I didn’t know what to say. Adam looked quite a bit younger so I was confused as to why he had even come up and apologized.
“Ok, Adam. I’m Ashley, nice to meet you.” I said, trying to hold the aggravation back. After that he just sort of walked off. Everyone stood around unsure of what their next move should be. Should we wait around to see what would happen next, or should we get the hell out? After a while we all decided to part ways.
As I got into my car to drive home I saw someone standing in the shadows. My normal reaction would be to scream and run but for some reason I sat in my car staring at the stranger before me. In some ways I was jealous. This man, or woman, had the ability to hide while I would always have someone watching me. As I turned my car on I saw that it was my boss. Had he been watching only me, or had he also watched the others leave as well? He waved. I panicked and quickly drove off. There was something intriguing about him. Besides the whole murder/depressed/angry part, he was absolute perfection. I started to become afraid. What if this was all part of his plan? What if the only reason he was doing that was to get what he wanted out of me? Fear quickly changed to confusion. But if he only did that to get what he wanted it was easy. All he had to do was put a gun to my head and he had me. But then again all he had to do was smile and I was his. My thoughts were interrupted by my cell phone ringing.
“Hello?” I asked. There was nothing but silence on the other end. I asked again.
“Ashley, you need to hurry home. Something terrible has happened.” My mom’s panicked voice announced. The first thing that came to mind was they found out that I had killed someone. As I pulled into my driveway I saw the police cars. This was it, they knew everything. I walked in and what I saw surprised me. The house was completely damaged. As I looked around my now disastrous home I saw it: my name written in blood on the wall. The only thing I didn’t know was whose blood it was. Was it an animal’s, or was it some poor innocent person’s? My mom turned to me crying.
“Ashley, do you know who did this?” she asked desperately. I honestly had no clue. Then it hit me. Someone had to know that I had killed a man that night. Was it a joke by my boss? Or was my worst nightmare happening and it was a member of the gang I now had to get rid of. At that moment I heard the dreaded beep of my pager. As I looked down the words that were there made my heart drop. It’s time scrolled across the small screen. I looked up at the confused faces in the room. Should I wait, or should I run? I decided to run. I ran to my car and sped away before the police, or my parents, could follow.
The tears streamed down my face at the thoughts of killing another person. How could I find the strength to do it? I was slowly starting to realize my life would never be the same. All I know is that if I chickened out my family was in danger. I would much rather die than have to sit back and watch it happen to my innocent family. The only question that would never be answered until much later was how my boss knew where to find me.
I arrived at the meeting house a few minutes later. I walked in, only to realize that I was the only one there. The house seemed deserted. I sat down on the couch and waited to be called back. An hour passed with still no one coming to get me. Instead of sitting around and waiting I decided to see what was going on. As I walked down the long, dark hall I started to hear voices softly speaking in the distance. I stopped at the sound of my name. I turned around to see Adam standing directly behind me with blood covering his hands and face.
“Adam, what the hell happened to you?” I asked, concerned. He didn’t say anything for a while but I saw the tears start to fall.
“I tried to stop him. He killed my mom, Ashley. Once I tried to stop him he beat me.” He said, barely heard through sobs.
“Who did, Adam? Who killed her?” I asked. He never answered me. Instead we both stopped talking and realized we weren’t alone anymore. My boss’s bodyguards grabbed me by the arm and dragged me into a dark room. I started to panic. I didn’t know what I had done, or if I had even done anything. A few minutes later the door opened and my boss walked in. He had a gun in his hand. My heart started to race. Was this the end? He smiled at me, probably trying to calm my fears but all it did was concern me more. He didn’t speak for what seemed like hours. Finally, I heard his calm voice.
“Ashley, my friends tell me you have had a very busy night. I want to assure you that you have nothing to worry about. It was all a set-up. I have very close friends in the police department. But I brought you here tonight to tell you that I have chosen you to bring the gang leader to me. I set up the fake robbery tonight to see how you would respond. The blood on the wall was of the man you murdered. I know that it seems cruel, but I assure you that it was all for a very good reason.” He told me with a smile. I started to relax at his voice. I found myself smiling back at him.
“Is it ok to ask your name?” I asked carefully. He didn’t say anything for a while, just stared deeply into my eyes. I started to grow nervous about the silence. Finally after what seemed like hours he spoke.
“You have nothing to be afraid of, Ashley. I’m not going to hurt you. It’s hard for me to find true people to trust after everything that happened to my family. The only confusing thing for me is why I trust you. Since I do trust you I’ll tell you about me.” He sat the gun down and led me to a couch. It took him a minute to say what he wanted to say. He looked up at me with tears glistening in his eyes.
“I’m Edward. I was born into a very wealthy family and never really had much of a normal life. I’ve been homeschooled ever since I was able to attend school. My brothers and sister had the privilege of being able to go to a public school. They actually attended the same school you attend now.
“My parents told me since I was the youngest and they knew what public school was like, they wanted me to stay at home. I’m actually much older than I look. I’m twenty years old, but I’ve always looked young. When I was fifteen I was told I would take over my father’s company. The thing I didn’t realize was that I would have to take that responsibility a lot sooner than I wanted. About a week after my sixteenth birthday my family was killed. I was out with my uncle when I received the news. He decided to take me out for a while, so once people heard I wasn’t there they assumed I had something to do with it.
“I was brought in for questioning but was released after information was brought in that a gang had something to do with their murder. I demanded the name, but they wouldn’t tell me. For four years I searched for them. I finally found out who they were. They call themselves the Snakes.
“After that I decided to find young people like myself to help me bring justice down on them.” After he finished his story, he looked up at me. I couldn’t help but feel compassion for him. How could he not want to bring justice on these cruel people? Maybe killing wasn’t the right way, but who’s to say I wouldn’t do the same? I looked into his blue eyes. In some ways I could relate to him. My little brother was stabbed on his way home from school. We never found out who did it, but we figured it was someone just wanting money. After hearing his story it made me wonder if the same gang that killed Edward’s parents had also murdered my little brother.
My thoughts were interrupted my Edward touching my arm. At that moment I couldn’t stop the tears. Edward wrapped me in his arms and whispered that everything would be ok. How could everything be ok? I was just as bad as whoever murdered my brother. I looked up at Edward.
“Edward, why me? There are plenty of other people just like you. Why did you have to choose me? I’ve already gone through so much. I can’t live with the thought of murdering someone. If you know something please tell me. Who killed my brother?” I asked through tears. He didn’t say anything but just smiled. How could he sit there and smile at me after what I had just told him? After a while he stood up. I thought he was leaving but instead he turned around and told me exactly what I wanted to hear.
“I know exactly who killed your brother which is why I chose you to find Alejandro. Alejandro is the most dangerous man in all of L.A. I want you to bring him to me so we can finish him off together. He killed my parents, and then he went after your brother. Now, I want you to go home and fix things with your parents. I promise you things will be fine as long as you do as I say.” After that he helped me off the couch. I started to walk off but he stopped me. He looked in my eyes for a moment, and then he did the unthinkable: he kissed me. For a moment time stopped. There were no more worries, no more fears. As soon as it happened, it also stopped. I opened my eyes to find myself alone.
“Goodbye, Edward.” I whispered after him.
I can’t believe I let this happen. She is working for me. I walked over to my desk and sat down. How can I be falling in love with her? She has gone through so much and I want to be the one to help her through that. I can’t let myself get too close. Ashley is everything that I have ever wanted. If she knew the truth she would leave. As much as I love her, she has to die. Once I have Alejandro I won’t have any use for her and she knows too much. But her love is what has made this easier. I know that she loves me; I can see it in her eyes. I don’t want to hurt her, but it’s what has to be done. Her family brought her into this, and only her family can help her now. If they tell her the truth she can be saved; but only before it’s too late.
I was on cloud nine. I can’t believe that he just kissed me. It doesn’t even matter to me that it lasted six seconds. It was possibly the greatest kiss I had ever received. I touched my lips. There was something weird about it though. It almost seemed like he did it to make me do what he wanted. But there was that small part of me that believed he cared. I was falling in love with a murderer. I guess technically he never murdered anyone, but he still hired people to do it for him.
As I drove home I couldn’t stop thinking about him. There was something mysterious about him. It was almost like he knew something about me that I didn’t even know about myself. I pulled into my driveway and I found myself starting to grow nervous. What if they knew? I walked in and saw that my house was surprisingly clean. My mom was asleep on the couch and my dad looked up from the chair. He put the newspaper down and smiled.
“ Hey, Ashley. How are things? You rushed out of here earlier.” My dad said. I didn’t say anything for a while. I wanted to be careful about what I said. My dad had always been so good at telling when I was hiding something.
“Things are fine.” I simply said. At that I got up and headed for bed. I was expecting my dad to stop me but he let me leave without saying a word. I walked into my room and sat down. The tears started to flow and I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen next. I kept picturing the man’s face before killed him. Could that be me someday? Would I be the person begging for my life? I had taken someone away from their family. I should be going after Alejandro. The man I killed didn’t kill Jacob. I looked at Jacob’s picture beside my bed. He was so innocent. Why did he have to be taken from me?
I never knew why Alejandro killed him. Jacob did nothing to him. All of a sudden I heard a tapping noise at my window. I opened the window and saw Adam standing there.
“ Ashley, please come down. I need to talk to you.” I didn’t know if I could trust Adam, but he had just lost his mother tonight. I climbed down the pipe and dropped to the ground. I could tell that Adam had been crying.
“Adam, what’s going on?” I asked, concerned. He didn’t say anything but just stared. I led him over to the swing. “Please, talk to me.” I said desperately. At that he looked up.
“He killed my mom. That son of a bitch murdered her. I trusted him, Ashley. How could my own brother do that?” He said through tears. I couldn’t believe it. How could your own son do that? Something didn’t seem right about this. There was more to the story than Adam was telling me and I would get to the bottom of it. We sat in silence, both unsure of what to say next. Our thoughts were interrupted by the sound of our pagers going off. We looked at each other.
“Come one, I’ll drive.” I said. We hurried to my car and sped away. The drive seemed much longer than normal. It probably had something to do with the fact that neither of us had anything to say. I thought about asking Adam about his brother but he had already been through so much that night. We finally arrived at our meeting place. Adam got out of the car as soon as I came to a stop. We walked in together and found that we weren’t the only ones there. Everyone sat around patiently awaiting what would happen next. We waited for an hour before anyone came in.
Edward walked in but instead of his warm smile he looked evil. His eyes were much darker than before and he wasn’t smiling. He looked at each of us in the eye. Everyone that is, except for me. I tried to catch his eye but he wouldn’t even look at me. After what seem liked hours he finally spoke.
“Some new information has come up about the leader of the Snakes. He recently visited the home of one of our members. Adam, is there something you want to tell us?” Everyone’s eyes turned to him. I could feel him shaking beside of me.
“Adam, say something.” I whispered to him. Finally, he spoke.
“Alejandro is my brother. I never knew he was a member of a gang until I overheard my mom talking to him. She knew all along what he had been doing. I walked in right when he shot her. I didn’t know what to do. All he told me was to bring you to him. I told him that wasn’t my job. I ran before he could say or do anything else.” Adam finished his story. No one knew what to say. Edward walked towards him. He pulled out a gun and handed it to Adam.
“I wanted everyone to listen close to what I have to say. I do not want this to happen again. Adam watched his innocent mother be killed by a monster. I want this monster in my hands by tomorrow. If not, then all of you will pay the price.” At that, Edward walked out without saying another word.
I could feel the tension in the room. How could I find this man? Adam was the only one close to him, but even he didn’t know where he was. Suddenly, I had an idea. What if we all went looking for him? I decided to try and talk to Edward. As I walked down the long hallway to his office I went over the past couple of days in my head. So much about my life had changed. My parents would no longer be safe. I would never be able to keep any part of my life a secret anymore. Edward would have complete control over me until our job was finished. But what if he never found Alejandro? It would be my fault for everyone else having to pay the price.
I found myself standing outside of Edward’s door too afraid to go in. I took a deep breath and knocked. No answer. I knocked again and this time I heard Edward telling me to come in. I walked in to see him sitting by the window. He didn’t turn around when I walked in, just kept staring into space. I walked over to him. He finally spoke.
“Ashley, I think you and I both know that Alejandro is much closer than we think.” He simply said. I didn’t know what he meant. I had no idea who Alejandro was or even what he looked like. How was I going to find this man?
“Edward, I have no idea who he is. I’ve never seen him or met him. He is almost like a ghost.” I said. He looked at me, his eyes a little lighter now. I could tell that he knew something about Adam that I didn’t. Suddenly it hit me.
“Adam doesn’t have a brother does he?” I asked, growing more and more afraid of what his answer would be. He didn’t say anything for a while, just stared at me.
“You are much smarter than I thought, Ashley. No, Adam doesn’t have an older brother, at least not anymore. His brother was killed in a car accident four years ago. You see, Ashley, my parents had been in an accident that same night. For months my parents were investigated. Everyone thought that they had killed him until they realized the accidents were in two different locations. Adam refused to believe it. You see, Adam is really Alejandro. He changed his name after his brother was killed. He started the gang after my parents had been released. Alejandro has been lying to you about everything. If you look close enough you can see that he is not really fifteen like he claims to be. He is the same age as I am, and he murdered my family. He knows that I chose you to be the one to find him. I promise to help in any way I can. He needs to be brought to justice.” Edward stared at me waiting for my reply.
“So, Ad- I mean Alejandro, killed his own mother? Why would he lie about something like that?” I asked.
“ Alejandro was trying to protect himself. He has slowly started to trust you. It is why you have to be the one to bring him in. He won’t come unless he knows that he can trust you. You have to bring your brother justice, Ashley.” Edward told me. I just couldn’t believe that Adam had been Alejandro this whole time. I started to grow angry. Why didn’t Edward tell me before? Why wait until I had murdered someone to tell me? I glared at him. He knew exactly who Alejandro was and he refused to tell me.
So, Alejandro never killed anyone the night we met. I knew what had to be done. Even if it meant risking my own life I would kill Alejandro. I would kill him with or without Edward present.
I watched Ashley leave and I knew she was going to that scum. It was completely obvious that she was in love with him. The thought disgusts me. I hated lying to her, but she was the only one I knew would never hurt me. Edward killed my brother and now he has brought Ashley into this. He would pay for this. Ashley would see that I was the one who truly loved her.
“Ashley, please say something.” Edward begged. I couldn’t even bear to look at him. I thought that I loved him but all he was is a murderer and a liar. My whole life was now ruined. How could I ever pick the pieces back up?
“You lied to me. You knew exactly who he was and you never said anything. You have brought innocent people into this. If you wanted to kill him so badly why not make one of your damn body guards do it. You have ruined my life and I never will be able to forgive you.” I screamed. He stared at me, shocked that I would even dare fight with him. The silence started to grow unbearable. I walked towards the door only to be stopped by him grabbing my hand and pulling me close to him. I stared deep into his eyes. Before I knew what I was doing I kissed him. I kissed him with all the passion I had. I pulled away and slapped him.
“How dare you make me fall in love with you.” I said through tears. I ran at the door. He never stopped me or begged me to come back. He just let me run. I stopped when I saw Alejandro. He was standing by the exit, gun in hand. He was blocking my only way to freedom.
How could I let this happen? Ashley has now fallen in love with me. I can put her in so much danger. The only problem is that now I am falling in love. No, I’m past the falling part. There is no turning back. I am in love with her. But how can this work? Once we have Alejandro she will be killed. I wont have any use for her. I can’t cause her any more pain. But maybe there is a small chance that this could work. And that’s when I heard the scream. This would be the sound that would stay in my mind for years to come.
I don’t know why I screamed, but I did. I wasn’t even afraid; I was just hoping to maybe scare him. But all it did was make him laugh. He stared at me for a minute and then took a step forward. I didn’t move. Part of me wanted to believe what Edward said, but there was still a part of me that saw him as the same Adam I had met only a few days before.
“So, Ashley, I’m guessing Edward told you everything. Let me assure you, however, that I am not here to hurt you.” Alejandro stated. All I could do was stare at him.
“I can’t believe this. I don’t even know who you are. So, Alejandro, why my brother? What did Jacob ever do to deserve that?” I asked. I couldn’t figure out why I was even crying. Alejandro didn’t scare me. At that moment I heard Edward’s voice.
“Don’t you dare touch her. I am the one you really want.” He said, stepping in front of me so he faced Alejandro. They stared at each other for a few minutes and then Alejandro smiled.
“Well, Edward we are finally alone. I have waited for this moment for years. You will finally get what you deserved.” Alejandro said. Edward was silent, just simply staring at him.
“Alejandro, you have killed innocent people. My parents were nowhere near your brother the night he died. Jacob was simply walking home from school. Your mother was trying to help you. You took away the closest thing you had.” Edward said calmly. I looked at them both and could see the anger and hurt they had stored up for years. Alejandro looked at me. I found myself staring back.
“Ashley, no one can love you like I can. I didn’t know that Jacob was your bother. He reminded me of Adam and I had to get rid of him.” He told me desperately. All I could do was stare at him. How could the innocent boy I met before really be this monster. I didn’t understand why this was happening, but I knew I would have to be the one to end it.
“Alejandro, you have taken the one thing from me that I vowed to protect. You have put my family through hell. All this time it was you. I had the chance the first night I met you to finish you off, but now I realize that’s not my job.” I turned to Edward and kissed him; my final goodbye. At that, the only sound that was head was that of the police bringing justice.
So, that is my story. I haven’t seen or heard from Edward or Alejandro since our trial. I was sentenced to life without parole. Both Edward and Alejandro face death. I don’t know if this was exactly how I imagined spending my life, but I am alive. I brought justice to bother Edward’s family and my brother. The rest of the Snakes were arrested and brought to trial as well. No one found the rest of my group.
I have faith that one day I will be free. But until that day I will sit here as a permanent reminder of justice.

Bob was pulled over for speeding one day. When the Cop came up to the window he said, “I clocked you at 80 in a 60 zone.” ” Well officer I had my cruise control set at 60, I think your gun needs calibrating.” With his wife in the car she says,”Oh honey, quit lying you know this car doesn’t have cruise control.” As the cop writes the ticket, Bob says to his Wife,” Will you shut up!”“Oh honey calm down at least your radar detector went off when it did.” His wife added to that. As the Cop writes the 2nd ticket he says, ” I notice your not wearing your seatbelt, that an automatic 75$ fine.” ” Well, I had to take off my seatbelt to get my license out.” Then his wife says,” Oh honey, quit lying you know you wern’t wearing your seatbelt, you never wear it.” As the cop is writing the 3rd ticket, he says,” I notice you have a tailight out.” “Accually, we were going to get that fixed” “Honey you know were going shopping” His wife says. ” For the love of god, shut up!!!” As the cop is writing the 4th ticket, he asks the Wife,” Does your husband always talk to you like this?” ” Only when he’s been drinking” The funeral for Bob’s Wife is Tuesday. Bob won’t be attending.

THE NEWS
“Ha…ha…ha!” The three laughed. “You really have got many funny jokes, Jeff.”John said. They were all assembled at John and Joe’s house. There parents have gone to Malaysia for their vacation and John and Joe were in their home.
John was Joe’s big brother and was 20 years of age. His hair was brown and he was thin. Joe was about 18 years of age. His hair was fair and was neither thin nor fat. Jeff too was 18 years of age but he was very talkative. He was fatter than the other two.
The trio lived in St. Harper in Dockscent a small city and liked to solve cases and called themselves the Three Js. They have solved a case in the past where a necklace gets stolen from the museum. They decide to solve the case but John and Joe are captured by the thieves while trying to catch them and end up to be locked in the thieves’ house. But then luck strikes as Jeff gets to know about it and informs the police who rescues them and catches the thieves. Because of this The Three Js thought they were detectives.
Just then Joe said, “Hey! Have you heard about that man who died yesterday?” “Yes” replied Jeff, “It was on the papers today isn’t it? The forensic reports have said that he was poisoned. His name was Brad Wilcox or something.”
“Do you think it was a murder?” asked Joe. “Hey, it may not be a murder also.” told Jeff. “Yeah. For example he mistakenly drank rat killing medicines in place of his own medicines?” asked Joe.
“It’s okay guys. Let’s go to the police station to take more information on him and try to solve the case. Or what do you say?” asked John. “Yeah” the other two roared and they were off for the police station.
At the police station, John asked, “Sir, I think you have heard of that poisoned man. Can you give us some information on him? We…er…are trying to solve this case.” At this the inspector laughed and said, “You kids think solving cases is like plying play stations. It is a risky thing.” “Sir, please…” the trio requested. “Ok, Ok” agreed the inspector, “It’s very hard to make you get off a thing when you want to do it especially when this talkative brat is around. He will give a long speech which I don’t want to hear. Now listen, yesterday that man, Brad Wilcox made dinner and ate it. After that he slept from which he never woke up. The forensic reports said he was poisoned.” At this Jeff asked, “Did his wife poisoned him?” “I think you did not read the whole story in the newspaper,” the inspector said, “His wife had gone to her mother’s house. Now if you can excuse me I have other work and the main work is solving this case. Now if you don’t go I am going to tell your parents.”
The three moved out of the police station. “Now what should we do?” asked John. “Umm… I think we can go to my house and play the new play station my father had brought for me.” Jeff said. “Good idea, Jeff.” And they were off to Jeff’s house.
On reaching they parked their cycles in front of the house and then when Jeff wanted to open the door, he exclaimed, “Hey, why is the house locked. My father has gone to work but mom said she would go to shopping in the evening. Where has she gone now?” “Don’t worry. Let’s go to our house.” Joe confronted him. And they went to their house. They parked the cycles in front of the house and John opened the door. It wasn’t locked because they didn’t lock the house when they were off for the police station. They went inside the house and Joe switched on the TV. “Let’s see if there’s any news relating that case.” he said.

IMPORTANT NEWS
As Joe switched on the TV, they found that there was no news regarding that case. As they were watching and surfing the channels, John suddenly remembered something, “Joe, we have not made lunch yet. What are we going to make?” “Mmm…I will make French fries. I can cook it very fast.”Joe answered. “Ya…and I will make some salad.” “And I will watch the TV for any important news.” said Jeff.
As they were cooking lunch, Jeff suddenly called them, “Hey guys, look at this.” John and Joe came running. The voice of the reporter in the news said, “The forensic reports have declared that Brad Wilcox has died due to poison and the poison was present on his dinner…”
“So, after he ate the food, he died.” John inquired. “It’s unlucky for us that his wife was not at home. Otherwise we could have known what he had for dinner.”Joe said. “Tell you what, let’s go to Mr. Wilcox’s residence and ask his wife for some information. His wife has returned. Hasn’t she?”Jeff commented. “Good idea. We will do just that after lunch.”Joe said. “Well, you have your lunch. I will have at my home.” Jeff said. “You are coming with us to Brad’s house aren’t you?” John asked Jeff. “I don’t think so. I have to finish my Science project. I will meet you tomorrow.”
“Ok.” “See ya then, bye.” And Jeff whirred of in his cycle.
After lunch John and Joe went on their cycles to Brad Wilcox’s house. On reaching Joe said, “This is the house. Wilcox’s residence, House no.4, St. Jefferson Street, Paulolo.” “But the house is locked.” said John. “This means his wife has gone to the hospital or the police station.” “Let’s check out the hospital first. Which hospital has he been admitted?” “Galaxy hospital. It’s round the corner.”
And the sped off for the hospital. They parked their cycles and went inside. John asked the receptionist, “Ma’am, we are John and Joe Martin and we are trying to solve the case on Brad Wilcox. May we get some information from you?” The woman looked sternly at John and then at Joe and the asked, “I don’t know any John and Joe Martin who are detectives.” “You know ma’am. You have heard about us. We have solved that case of the stolen necklace from the museum.” Joe said. The woman tried to remember and said, “Oh, so you are them. What information do you want?” Relaxed, Joe asked, “We want to ask if anyone has come to meet Brad Wilcox now.” “No.” The woman replied. After thanking her, John and Joe came out. Joe asked, “What now?” “Let’s go to the police station.”
They took their cycles and were off to the police station. As they were cycling, they found it hard to pedal. They both stopped. Joe asked, “How has my cycle become so heavy? I can’t even pedal it.” John checked the air in the tires and said, “It has been punctured.” Hearing this Joe checked his cycle too and angrily yet sadly said, “Mine too.”

THE PRANKSTER
“Whoever did this has done it on purpose.” Joe said. “Yes. But who?” “A prankster?” They thought for some time and then looked at one another and together said at the same time, “Yahn!”
Yahn Smith was a prankster and played most of his pranks on the martin brothers i.e. John and Joe. He was in the same college as the brothers and Jeff and played pranks on almost everyone.
“Well, now what?” said John. “I know a cycle repairing shop near. Let’s go there.”
They went there but saw the shop closed. Joe said, “Just our luck.” As they were thinking where to go next, a dart obviously hit from a dart gun hit Joe’s head on the back. “Oww.” shouted Joe. “What happened?” “Someone hit a dart on my head.” “Must be Yahn again” “Grrr.” roared Joe angrily.
They looked in all the four directions for Yahn but could not find him. They looked for any other man or woman also who could have shot Joe if it was someone else than Yahn but could not find anyone either. “Well, now what?” asked Joe. “I will ask that man if he knows any cycle repairing shop anywhere near.” replied John. He asked the man and the man gave them directions for another cycle repairing shop.
As they reached the shop, they found the shop closed. “Well, are the cycle repairers on strike?” said Joe lifting one of his eyebrows. As they were thinking what to do next, John suddenly said, “Hey, both the shops we have gone so far, belongs to Yahn’s father.” “So?” asked Joe surprised. “Don’t you see?” answered John, “Yahn must have closed the shop knowing that we would go there.” “You are right! Let’s sneak in from the back door.” said Joe.
They sneaked in and saw Yahn happily sitting and watching the TV without noticing them. “Yahn” shouted Joe. “How dare you play pranks on us? First you puncture our cycle and then shoot a dart on my head. What is this” “Pranks on you?” laughed Yahn who was a stout and fat boy. “I did not play any pranks on you” “Well then why are the doors of you father’s cycle shops closed?” “Well, my father’s gone out and he said to close the doors of the shop.”
Just then a voice from inside said, “Yahn, what’s that commotion?” saying so Yahn’s father came from the other door in the shop. “Who closed the door? Did you, Yahn?” asked Yahn’s father angrily. “Err…yes, dad.” “Go inside” His father ordered and Yahn went inside. This shop was connected to Yahn’s home. Looking at the brothers, his father said, “Aren’t you John and Joe, Yahn’s friends? Did Yahn play any prank on you?” The boys were surprised at first when Yahn’s father told them Yahn’s friends. They have never been Yahn’s friends. But then John said, “Lot’s Mr. Smith. First he punctured our cycle and then he hit a dart from a dart gun at Joe.” “Oh this boy, I will compensate. I will repair your cycles free of cost.” said Mr. Smith.
After the puncture was repaired, the boys thanked Mr. Smith and were off for the police station. “Well, at least Yahn have got his lesson. I don’t think he will play any pranks on us again.” said Joe on the way. “I don’t think so” replied John.
At the police station as the inspector saw the boys he tensely said, “You boys again? And where is that talkative guy. Has he come with you?” “Well, no.” replied John. The boys came to the inspector’s desk and as Joe was going to start speaking, the inspector said, “Please, get off this case. If anything happens to you, your parents will blame me and I will be suspended from my job.” “Well we will say our parents not to blame you.” said John “We wanted to ask if Mrs. Wilcox came here a little earlier.” “Yes, she did. Why do you want?” asked the inspector angrily. “We want information on what she said.” “Enough of you boys. Why do you want to solve this case? Constable, arrest this two.” ordered the inspector.

FALSE INFORMATION
The boys were shocked on hearing this. Joe said shocked, “You can’t arrest us. We are just helping you with this case.” “Well, I don’t need any help. You think that just because you solved a case, you have become a detective.” “That’s why we are trying to solve this case too. If we solve two cases, then we can be called detectives.” “Now go out from here or I will call your parents.” “No, don’t do that. Our parents think solving cases is a thing of high risk.” “So do I. Well, I can leave you this time on one condition.” “What is it?” “You will have to promise that you won’t come to the police station again regarding this case. Got it?”
They agreed and came out. Outside John asked, “What now?” “That inspector thinks we are kids. Let’s go to Wilcox’s residence and take information ourselves.”
They did just that. On reaching the saw that this time the house wasn’t locked. They entered through the gate.
Wilcox’s residence was a big house. It was painted white and had a big verandah at the front. The house was surrounded with beautiful gardens. Even the Verandah was decorated with beautiful flowers.
“Boy, one would think Brad Wilcox was a millionaire.” Joe said admiringly. “Well he was a rich man but wasn’t a millionaire.” John replied.
They rang the bell. After a short wait the door was opened by a fat lady. She had blonde curly hair. She obviously was Mrs. Wilcox. “Yes?” asked she. “Err…we are Joe and John Martin and we are detectives. We have solved many cases in the past and have come to gather information on this case. The most recent case we have solved is the case of the stolen necklace from the museum. I think you have heard about it.” Joe identified themselves. He thought that saying that they have solved many cases in the past would make the wife to give more in formation. And certainly it worked. She said, “Well, yes. I have heard about that case. Do come in.”
They went inside. Inside it was as beautiful as the outside. The living room was big and the walls were decorated with beautiful pictures and portraits. “The house is really beautiful.” John said. “Well thanks.” Mrs. Wilcox said. “I will call my son too. Kelvin!” She called out to her only son.
Kelvin came down from the stairs which connected the first floor and the living room in the ground floor. They sat in the comfortable sofas. “Kelvin, these two boys are detectives and have come for information on your father’s murder.” She said with a sad expression. Kelvin and the boys exchanged greetings and then Kelvin asked, “Yes, what information do you want?” “Umm… I think you have arrived today?” John asked. “Well, no, we arrived here yesterday.” replied Kelvin “But how can you two arrive together? You are studying at the Oxford University and your mother went to her mother’s house. Didn’t she?” asked John confused.
“Ya. My mother arrived here yesterday from her mother’s house and I came from Oxford on the same day.” “On which flight did you arrive?” “The flight that comes from Oxford at 8 a.m.” After taking some more information the Martin brother’s left. When they arrived at their own house, it was 6 p.m.
As they entered the house, the phone rang. “I will surf the net for any news regarding this case. You take the phone.” John said. So John surfed the net and Joe took the phone. After talking for sometime on the phone, Joe came to their room. He saw John surfing the net. “It was Dad. Did you get any new news on Mr. Wilcox?” Joe asked. “No. But after looking for the news, I searched for the flight which comes here from Oxford at 8 a.m. But I didn’t get any flight which comes at that time.” John replied. Shocked from hearing this news, Joe said, “So he lied!”

A PLAN
“But why?” asked Joe. “I don’t know…I think he is involved in the poisoning of Mr. Wilcox.” “Could be…But doesn’t Mrs. Wilcox know it?” “I think she doesn’t…” “Or she too is involved.” “I have a plan. Let’s place a tape recorder outside their windows and see if it is true what we suspect.” “OK. But let Jeff come.”
Jeff arrived soon after. The Martin brothers quickly told him their plan and after that they were off for the Wilcox’s Residence. They quietly entered through the gate and placed the recorder outside an open window. “If we place it here then, we will be able to hear all the talking that takes place in the kitchen, living room and dining room.” After placing it, they quietly sneaked out of the compound and went away.
At the Martin’s residence, they all watched a match of football between Arsenal and Liverpool. The match finished at 8 and Jeff waved goodbye and went home. John and Joe went to the kitchen to make dinner. “Man, both the teams really played well. The score was 1-1.” Joe commented. “Ya” replied John, “The tape will record for 12 hrs which means we will have to go after 7 in the morning. We placed it at 7 p.m. isn’t it?” “Yup, and Jeff will come at 8 tomorrow.” Joe replied. They had their dinner and went to sleep.
Next morning was a bright Wednesday morning. Their parents were coming home on Sunday which meant they had enough time to solve the case.
But in this bright and pleasant morning Joe was awoken by John, “Joe, wake up” Joe woke up and asked, “What happened?” “Ask what didn’t happen…”replied John. “OK. What didn’t happen?” “First you wake up from your bed. Our cycles have been stolen.”
Joe jumped out from the bed with a start. “What?” he asked. “Yes. I went to dust our cycles in the garage but they weren’t there. Even the garage’s lock is broken.” replied John “Who could have taken them?” “How am I to know? Let’s report a case on the police station” “No, the inspector told us not to come to the station.” “It’s not regarding Wilcox case. It’s about our cycles.”
Joe agreed. They took a light breakfast, waited for Jeff, told him what had happened and then went to the police station. This time they had to go by foot as their cycles were stolen.
At the police station, the inspector was angry on seeing them again and especially because this time even Jeff was there. But anyway they reported the case and the inspector told him that he would try to find them.
“Now let’s go and take the recorder from there.” Jeff said outside the police station. They went to the Wilcox’s Residence. But when they went inside the compound more shock awaited them. The recorder wasn’t their where they had placed it or anywhere near.

GETTING IT BACK
“Looking for the recorder?” asked a voice from above. The trio looked up and saw Kelvin watching them from a window. “I saw you three while placing the tape yesterday. So after you went I came down and bought the recorder to my room,” till now Kelvin was saying with a smile on his face but now he turned into an angry mood and said, “Spying on us eh? Now of you go,” he shouted. John, Joe and Jeff went out of the compound and as soon as they were out, Joe said, “We will have to get that tape recorder back.” “Yup, so let’s go to our house and think of a plan to get it back,” John replied.
The trio went to the Martin’s residence. Inside, Joe switched on the TV to a news channel for any latest news on Mr. Wilcox. Twenty minutes had past and they had not come up with any plan. Suddenly, Jeff exclaimed, “Hey I have got a plan!” “Phew, you will give me a heart attack if you say like that suddenly again. Anyway, what’s the idea?” Joe said. “Let’s sneak into the Wilcox’s residence and get our recorder at night.” “That isn’t a good idea, but I guess, we don’t have any other plan. But we will have to be quiet while doing so.”
“Hey, sneaking does means moving slowly and quietly. It doesn’t mean waking up the household and saying that we have come to get our recorder back. You two always think I don’t know anything. But you don’t know that I know a lot of things…” “OK, OK, let’s go at 11 pm. At that time everyone will be asleep.” “Good idea,” agreed John “Will you come with us Jeff?” “Ya, why not?” “Won’t your parents scold you?” “They would if they were at home.” “What do you mean?” “My parents will go to a movie at 9 and I will be alone till 12. So I will come at 10:30.”
Jeff arrived five minutes past 10:30. John and Joe were ready and waiting for Jeff. So, as soon as Jeff arrived, the trio started for the Wilcox’s residence, and of course, on foot. Jeff kept his cycle at the Martin brother’s garage.
As soon as they reached the white beautiful palace-like house, the noticed that it was dark. They entered the through the gate as quietly as they could. It was a chilly night and everything was quiet. Not a thing was moving. As they neared the door, they saw that it was locked. “Probably the residents are not at home. So we don’t need to worry,” Jeff said. At this, John commented, “But still, be as quiet as you can. We don’t want to wake the other houses.” They started to move towards the window from where Kelvin was talking to them that morning. As they neared the window, John asked, “Hey, look their,” John said pointing towards the front of the house. “Something’s coming towards us. Can you make out what it is?” “No…” replied Joe. He couldn’t complete because Jeff shouted, “Ah! It’s a dog and it’s coming to bite us!”

POISON?
A big black dog was running and coming towards them. “W…what should we do?” Joe asked. “Only one thing…RUN!” John said and they ran as fast as they could towards the back of the house. When they reached the back door, they stopped. John tried the door but it was locked. “Now what?” John asked, “It’s locked!” “Hey, let’s climb and go there.” Jeff said pointing to an open window. But the question was how they would enter through the window. The window was in the first floor and the doors were locked.
The dog was almost 100 meters away from them. Just then Joe said, “Let’s climb through this pipe and enter it.” He said pointing to a pipe which would lead them to a bathroom obviously connected to the room of the open window. The three agreed and they had to agree as the dog was barking and coming towards them. The trio quickly climbed on the pipe and entered into the house through the window.
Once inside, they looked down to the ground where they were standing just a minute ago. The dog came and started barking. The trio waited for a few seconds and then Joe said, “Come on, no time to see and waste the time. The neighbors will wake up now and may come in to search for us. This is obviously Kelvin’s room. Let’s look for the tape.”
They quickly started searching. Finally after around fifteen minutes of search Jeff exclaimed, “Hey look, I have found it!” Then John said, “Okay, the quicker we go out from here, the better. I can here the people from other houses coming towards this house. Let’s go out from the front.” “But the door is locked.” Joe said. “Ya, but the windows are not locked”, John replied “We can easily open them from inside.”
The ran towards the front of the house, opened a window, got out of the house and ran towards the gate and towards the Martin’s Residence.
When they reached John and Joe’s house, the time was 11:40 pm. Since Jeff’s parents would be home soon, he took his cycle and went home. John and Joe too were very tired. They quickly changed and went to sleep.

“Wake up, Joe, wake up.” John said to Joe who was still asleep. It was now 9 am. “What happened?” Joe asked sleepily. “Mom and Dad phoned,” John replied “They are coming this Saturday.” “What?” Joe asked shocked “Today’s Thursday isn’t it? It means we have to solve this case quickly.”
They had a quick breakfast. After that John said, “I will see the tape if anything was recorded till Kelvin came and took it. In the mean time, you go and buy some vegetables.”
Joe quickly dressed and went to the market while John went to hear the tape if anything was recorded.
When Joe returned, he quickly went to their room and exclaimed in a fearing voice, “Hey, I have to show you some thing.” “Me too.”John replied. “Ok, first you.” “Look, when you were away I heard the tape and listen what I heard”. He switched on the tape and after fast forwarding a little he pressed the play button. There, a voice said- ‘Ya… No my mother doesn’t know that I was here in Dockscent when my father died…’ after this John pressed the stop button. “This voice is obviously Kelvin’s.” he said. “Ya,” Joe replied “So even Mrs. Wilcox didn’t know that he was lying when he said he was in Oxford at that time.” “Yes…you too wanted to show something?” asked John. “Oh yes, follow me.” and Joe took John to the kitchen. Once there, Joe said, “Smell this potato I bought from the market.”
John smelled and then he exclaimed with shock, “Hey, it smells of Aconite, a poison that causes death!”

THE CHASE
Both John and Joe stared at the vegetables for a moment and then Joe said, “I know…That is why I bought it. I bought all the vegetables that had this smell.” “Good,” John replied “But what about them who bought these vegetables before you?” “No question of that,” said Joe “These potatoes were from a carton which he opened in front of my eyes. In other words, I was there when he opened the carton that had these poisoned vegetables.” “It’s good luck. Let’s call Jeff and go after the salesman.” John said.
He phoned Jeff who said he would be coming in a short while. After that he called to the Police Station to ask if there was any news of finding their stolen cycles. When John kept down the receiver, Joe asked, “Why didn’t you tell the police about our recent findings?” “I didn’t do that deliberately,” John replied “It was no use telling them as they wouldn’t have believed us. Anyway, they haven’t got any information on our cycles.”
Jeff arrived after about twenty minutes. He was on his cycle but since John and Joe didn’t have theirs, he had to keep it in their garage.
When they reached the market, Jeff asked, “From which shop did you buy those potatoes? Come on, tell quickly. We have work to do.” After a pause, Joe said, “Follow me.” And he led the other two to a shop. The shop had three customers and the shopkeeper was selling fruits, vegetables, seeds and flowers. They went to the shopkeeper and John asked him, “Sir, from whom do you buy those potatoes? Just before an hour my brother here bought some from you and they were really good.” “Well,” replied the shopkeeper “I bought them from Alexander Horan. He lives on the outskirts of Dockscent. Go through the main road in the east. Turn right on the third turn and you will see a big field. That field is his. Once you find his field it will be easy for you to find his house too.” John thanked the shopkeeper and then they took a taxi to Alexander Horan’s home.
As they reached, the trio saw a big field. On the northern side of the field, there was a two storied house. “That must be Mr. Horan’s house.” said Jeff “He seems to be doing well.”
They came up to the house and Joe ringed the bell. After a short wait, a thin man of about 5 inch an 8 foot tall opened the door. He was wearing a brown jacket and a brown cowboy hat. “Yes?” he said. “Err…we wanted to meet Mr. Horan.” John said. “That’s me,” Mr. Horan replied “Do come in.”
They went inside and once seated, John began, “We…err…are making a project for our holidays on farmers.” Hearing this, Mr. Horan proudly asked, “Have I become so famous that even students know about me?” “Actually,” Joe said trying to come directly to the point, “We got to know about you from a friend of ours who is a vegetable shopkeeper in the main market in St. Harper.” “Yes…Yes, I sold some potatoes to him yesterday evening. His name is Tony isn’t it?”
As soon as he said these words, The Martin’s brothers and Jeff stood up. John said, “So you are the one who sold those poisoned potatoes. Isn’t it?” Hearing this Mr. Horan stood up and ran out of the house on to the main road and ran towards the city. The trio followed him. It was a long and tiresome journey to Dockscent on foot. Jeff had already rested for a few seconds before he began to run again. But he was far from the brothers who were running at full speed to catch the farmer. As the main road ended, Alexander Horan turned left towards North Dockscent. As soon as Jeff took the turn, Mr. Horan shouted, “Help!” and three peoples with Uzis who were walking on the pavement turned towards the two brothers and Jeff and aimed their guns at them.

KIDNAPPED!
While the three men aimed their guns at the trio, Alexander Horan ran away. Some other people also fled who were just walking on the footpath.
One of the men with guns phoned and talked with someone. After about fifteen minutes, a Porsche Cayenne arrived with a man driving it. The car stopped in front of the six. The men with the guns forced the Three Js to get inside the car. “Ouch, I am getting in, no need to force me,” Jeff shouted. “Just keep quiet and get inside the car,” One of the men said with a harsh voice.
When all the six men got in, the driver started the car and went off. After going for about half an hour, they arrived at a stop. The trio knew easily that it was St. Palmur located in the southern part of Dockscent. The three men again forced them to come out and took them to an old abandoned house.
As soon as they were in, the men tied John, Joe and Jeff to chairs with strong ropes. Then, all the four men went out of the house. The trio tried hard to untie themselves but failed.
Then John had an idea. He tried hard to reach his pocket in spite of the ropes and finally was successful and took a penknife out from it. He started to cut the ropes. The ropes were about to give away, when the front door opened and one of the men came in. He said, “I am going to the toilet, don’t try any mischief, you three.” And he went and entered the bathroom.
John took advantage of this. He quickly cut the ropes and set himself free. Then he went to the bathroom and locked the bolt from outside. Then he cut the ropes of Joe and Jeff and helped them to free themselves. “Phew,” Jeff said “I have never been so relieved in my life than this. By the way do you always keep the penknife with you, John?” “Yes,” replied John “It’s useful while solving cases like this. Now let’s go out and inform the police.” “Ok but,” Joe said “We can inform only if we get out of this house. I just can’t open the door.” “What!” exclaimed John and he tried the door but it would not budge. Then at last Jeff tried, and when he too couldn’t open it, he said with grief, “Sorry guys, I don’t want to make you sad. But it seems like it’s no use trying to open the door. I guess…umm…not guess, I am sure it’s locked from outside.”

THE CONFESSION

The three were shocked. “Now how are we going to get out?” Joe asked. John examined the door for sometime, and then he said, “This door when locked can be opened from both inside and outside. Therefore, we can still open it but we need the key.” “The key,” said Jeff “must be with the kidnapper in the bathroom.”
Just then, a voice from the bathroom shouted, “Hey you three, let me out.” The trio could make it out easily that it was the kidnapper. “Now what?” Jeff asked. “Let’s search this room,” John suggested “The key may be somewhere in this room also.”
The three set to work. After about five minutes, John exclaimed, “Hey look!” The man inside the bathroom was still shouting. Joe and Jeff looked towards John. John was holding a pistol, a desert eagle. “Boy, is it real and loaded?” Jeff asked. John nodded. Then the voice from inside the bathroom shouted and said, “Look you three, let me out or I will call my other friends. I have my mobile with me.”
“What now?” Joe asked. “I have an idea,” Jeff said in a low voice so that the kidnapper could not hear “John, I know you have never shot anyone with a gun, but point the gun at him. We will open the door. And then, after he comes out, we will tie him.” There was silence in the room for a few seconds but it was broken by the kidnapper, “Look, I give you five seconds to open the door or I will call them.” “I know it’s risky but we don’t have any other option.” Jeff said. John took a deep breath and then nodded.
Joe went and opened the door. The man came out. John shouted pointing the pistol towards him, “Put your hands up.” “And who are you?” asked the man. “John Martin, Crime branch.” He thought that saying that they were from crime branch would scare the man.
Unfortunately, he was not scared. Instead he said, “Show me your Identity Card.” “Shut up and put your hands up. I am indeed from the Crime branch. Seeing my ID card is none of your business.” John said.
Joe and Jeff tied the man to a chair. Then Joe and Jeff took the key from the man, opened the door and went out to call the cops. John stayed behind to guard the man.
After about twenty minutes John and the man could hear sirens. They knew it was the police. The cops took the man away. “I thought the inspector would not believe you.” John said. “They didn’t but Jeff repeated and repeated and at last he had to believe.” Joe replied.

In the evening at about five, the phone rang. John went to answer, “Hello! Martin’s Residence.” “Hello John, I am Inspector Simon. Remember the man we arrested?” “Yes. What about him?” “He has confessed. He says that he and other three forms a gang of terrorists! Since you helped us to catch him, so I thought I should inform you.”

YAHN, THE THIEF?
“What?” “You are shocked. Aren’t you? I too was shocked when I found that you three helped us to catch a terrorist. Anyway, Good night and stay alert.” “Inspector, can we come to the police station now?” “Why? The man will not confess anymore if you ask. Anyway you may come.” “Thank you.” And John placed the receiver.
He went downstairs to the living room where Joe was watching a match between Chelsea and Manchester City. It was 65 minutes and Chelsea was leading with a score 2-0.
“Who was it?” Joe asked. “It was Inspector Simons. He said that Alexander Horan and the three men who kidnapped us were members of a gang of terrorist.” Joe was shocked. He first turned the TV to mute and then took a deep breathe. Then he said, “You are joking, aren’t you?” “No, I am not. I am serious. The inspector said so.” “Then let’s go to the police station.” “Ya, lets go. Hey, it’s another goal!” This time it was a goal from Manchester City. Now the score was 2-1.
“We don’t have time to see the match. Let’s go.” Saying so, he switched off the TV.
They took a taxi to the police station. On reaching there, Joe paid the fare and then the two stormed inside. Inspector Simons was sitting on his desk. On seeing the martin brothers, he said, “Oh, you have come. Sit down.” The two sit down.
“Did the man confess anymore?” John asked as soon as they were seated. “No,” replied the inspector “He just said that he and other three men forms a gang of terrorist as I said to you on the phone.” He said looking towards John. “Did he tell the names of the other three men?” Joe asked. This time Inspector Simon didn’t reply. He just shook his head. Both the boys thought it better not to say the inspector about Alexander Horan, though they knew he was a part of the gang. “So how are you going to know about the rest of the men?” John asked. “We will try again tomorrow. But I am not sure that he will confess more than today.”
The boys thanked the inspector, came out of the police station, took a taxi and went home. It was almost seven when they reached home. They took a quick dinner and went to bed. As soon as they laid on their beds, the phone rang. John got up and took the receiver.
It was inspector Simon on the other side. He said, “John, we have just caught the thief who stole your cycles.” “Who is he?” asked John. “His name is Yahn. But he claims to be a friend of yours. Do you know him?” “Yes, he is our friend and a real prankster. Leave him. We will come tomorrow and collect our cycles.” “Ok, goodnight” and Inspector Simons put the receiver down. John to put it down and laid on his bed. “Who was it?” Joe asked. “It was Inspector Simon,” John replied in a sad voice “He said that he have caught our cycle thief. His name is Yahn.” “That Yahn again?” Joe exclaimed angrily and he put off the lights.
Just then, John said, “Joe, I just though of a plan.” “Shoot.” “If the two men and Alexander Horan are still in Dockscent, then they must be in some meeting now.” “And the meeting place can be somewhere near the house to which we were taken to after our kidnapping?” “Yes.” “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go.”
They quickly changed, took a taxi and went to St. Palmur. When they reached the spot, they got off the taxi. John paid the fare. After the taxi went away, Joe said, “Jeff will be angry when we tell him of this.” “We will think of that afterwards. Now we must concentrate here,” John replied. As they went towards the house, they saw faint light coming from one of the rooms in the house. “Do you think their meeting is taking place?” Joe asked. “I think so,” John replied. As they went nearer the y could here faint whispering voices.

THE BLACKMAILING PLAN
But they still could not make out clearly what the people inside the house were discussing. The brothers moved closer to the door and stuck their ears to it. Now they could hear the voices more clearly. One of the men inside was telling, “OK, so it is set. We will kidnap the three boys who helped the police to catch one of us and blackmail the Government.”
Then the men prepared to leave the house. The brothers ran as swiftly as they could and hid in the backyard of the house. As soon as they hid three men came out. John and Joe could make out clearly that one of the men was Alexander Horan, the farmer. The three drove away in different cars. As soon as the cars were out of sight, John asked, “What blackmailing plan were they talking about?” “I don’t know,” Joe replied “But I heard it clearly that they were thinking to kidnap us again.” “Yup, so we must stay alert al the time. Now let’s go home.”
It was hard for them to get a taxi at nine in night. Above this, a cold wind had started blowing. But after a waiting for a long time, they found one, got into it and went home.

Next morning was Friday. After taking their breakfast, the brothers sat before the TV and were watching the re-telecast of the match that they were seeing the previous night. It was silent all over the house except the noise coming from the television. John suddenly spoke, “Hey, I just remembered. We have to get our cycles back, isn’t it?” “Oh yes. I almost forgot. Let’s go.”
They quickly changed and as soon as they were about to leave the house, the calling bell rang. Joe opened the door and saw Jeff standing at the door. He came inside. As soon as he came inside, he asked, “What’s the plan for today?” “We were just about to go to the police station. They have found our cycles.” “Who stole them?” “Our ‘friend’, Yahn,” replied Joe. “Why did he steal them?” “How am I to know? Anyway, yesterday, we have found out something about the gang of terrorists.”
They told Jeff all that had happened the previous night. After hearing the incidents, Jeff shouted angrily, “Why didn’t you call me? You know I am so fond of mysteries. You did it on purpose, didn’t you?” “Oh sorry,” John replied “If we called you, by the time you would have arrived would have arrived would have been late. Anyway now let’s go to collect our bikes.”
Jeff kept his cycle at the Martin’s garage and the three went on a taxi. After collecting their cycles and thanking the inspector, they rode back to The Martin’s residence. John carried Jeff on his carrier. When they reached their house, Joe suggested, “Hey, let’s go and meet Mr. Horan again at his farmhouse.” “Good idea.” John replied and after Jeff took his cycle, the three rode to the farmhouse. On the way, Jeff said, “Should we tell the cops about what you two heard yesterday?” “No need,” replied Joe “They won’t believe us.” John agreed with Joe.
When they reached the farmhouse on the Outskirts of Dockscent, they saw the house was locked. “Where did he go?” John asked. “Perhaps,” Joe replied “he has gone to a meeting again with his terrorist friends?” “Boy, you always come up with great ideas. Ok, let’s divide ourselves into two groups. Joe, you go and see if Mr. Horan is in a meeting in that house and Jeff and I will go to the police station to ask the inspector if the man has confessed anymore.” Joe and Jeff agreed and so Joe went south towards the house and the other two went north towards the nearest police station from St. Harper.

While coming back, John said, “So that man has not confessed anymore. Let’s go to the house and see what Joe has found out.” On their way, they met Joe coming towards them at full speed. He stopped near John and Jeff and said, “The men along with Alexander Horan were there. They have made a plan that they will kidnap us today noon.” We will have to stay alert all the times.” John commented.
They rode back to the Martin’s residence. As soon as they reached, John said, “Joe, didn’t you lock the door?” “Yes…oh no!” He and Jeff were shocked to see that the lock was broken but the door was closed.

ALL’S NOT WELL
“Is someone in there inside?” asked Jeff. “I d…don’t know,” replied Joe. “Is your house robbed?” he asked again. “How are we to know?” this time John replied.
The three went up to the doorstep and Joe slowly turned the knob. It wasn’t lock from the inside. He pushed the door and it opened. They went inside.
“I guess the…”Jeff started to say but the other two looked at him sternly and he became quiet. By their look he got it that they should act innocent and as if they do not know anything but at the same time remain alert.
“I will switch on the TV and see if there is any more news regarding the Wilcox case.” Jeff said. “And I,” Joe said “will get something to munch on.”
After sometime, Joe called on from inside, “John, come here. What would you like to eat?” John got the message that something was wrong. Because usually, Joe didn’t call like that just to ask what he would eat.
He rushed to the kitchen. Joe pointed towards the window. And John could see that a car similar to one which they had seen the previous night at the house during the meeting of the terrorists. John quickly took a paper, a pen and noted down the license number. It was DS 1 9845. Just as he finished writing a yell from the living room came, “HELP!” They rushed out of the kitchen to the living room to see Jeff on the floor and three men with masks on their faces were trying to tie him with ropes. John and Joe without wasting any time ran and hit two men with flying kicks each. Soon there was a fight.
John, Joe and Jeff were fighting with the other three men. The Three Js knew that they couldn’t give the men any chance because they were armed and if they give them a chance, they would certainly get kidnapped.
After fighting for about ten minutes Jeff punched the man he was fighting with on his cheek and he fell to the ground unconscious. Then Jeff helped John and Joe fight with the other two men. The two men knew that they couldn’t kidnap the trio as they have already knocked one of the terrorist. They started to run. The man that was lying unconscious now came to his sense and seeing his friends running, got up and ran away too.
The Three Js tied to catch him but the man ran too fast for them. They saw the three men get into their car and sped off. After they were out of the sight, the trio came inside the brother’s house and sat in the sofa with the fan in full speed. They were very tired. After resting for a few minutes John asked, “Did anyone get a clear view of any of the men though they were wearing mask?” Jeff shook his head but Joe nodded and said, “I didn’t get a clear view but from his body shape and height I could make out that he was Alexander Horan.”
After resting for about five more minutes, Jeff took his cycle and went home promising to come after lunch. The brothers too took a late lunch.
At about three in the evening, Jeff arrived. “Boy, your parents are allowing you to work with us to solve this case?” Joe asked. “No,” Jeff replied “My parents think that I am just doing my holiday projects with you guys.”
After all of them were seated, John suggested, “I think we should tell the police what happened this afternoon.” “I think so too. It is getting rather risky trying to solve this case on our own.” Joe agreed.
They took their cycles and went off to the police station. The three brothers told Inspector Simon what happened in the afternoon. Bu they didn’t tell him about what John and Joe had heard about the blackmailing plan.
After they finished, Inspector Simon said, “The license plate number was DS 1 9845, is it?” The trio nodded. “Well, don’t joke because that is my car’s license number!”

CHANGE OF PLAN
“It is your car’s license number?” Joe asked surprised. Inspector Simon nodded. “But how can that be? I looked at the license plate with my own eyes. It was DS 1 9845.” John said. “Wait guys,” Jeff said “We shouldn’t forget that they are terrorists and can do anything. So it could be that they made that license plate on their own.” “You are right.” John and Joe said together. “Yes. It could be. I will talk over the radio and ask all the cops on patrol to look for a car with that number,” the inspector said.
After this, The Three Js went home. Inspector Simon had promised that he would inform the boys if he gets any information regarding the car.
Jeff stayed with the Martins for another hour. Then he said, “Do you think we should go and look if again they are holding a meeting?” “Ok,” John agreed “What about you, Joe?” “I will come too.”
They got up from the sofas, took their cycles and went to the house in St. Palmur. They reached the house at about 5:45 pm. They parked their cycles at a little distant and walked up to the building. Jeff was right. A meeting was indeed taking place. The three boys went up too one of the window in the side of the house and tried to hear what the terrorists were discussing.
One man was saying, “That three seemed to know that we were coming to kidnap them. They ruined our plan. Now what do we do?” At this another man said, “Let’s change our plan. We will kidnap someone else.” “Hey, this was Mr. Horan’s voice!” Jeff exclaimed. The other two nodded and told Jeff to keep quiet. “So whom should we kidnap now?” Another voice from inside the house said “Our old plan was better. We blackmailed that we would poison someone if they wouldn’t hear to what we say.” “Yes. But this time we will kidnap that Inspector Simon’s daughter.” The man with Alexander Horan’s voice said.
“What!” John exclaimed. “Let’s quickly go to Inspector Simon and tell him what we have heard.”
They took their cycles and just as they were ready to pedal, they saw the three men come out of the house get in their own cars and went off. The Three Js too didn’t stop. They quickly sped off to the police station.
At the police station, the boys quickly told Inspector Simon everything that they have heard as quickly as they could. When the finished, Inspector Simon said in a sad mood, “You guys are late. I just received a phone call before you arrived that my daughter has already been kidnapped.”

ARREST OF ALEXANDER HORAN
“S…she has already been kidnapped?” Joe asked surprised. The Inspector nodded. “Oh no,” John said “How can we be late?”
As the trio stood up to go, Inspector Simon stopped them and asked, “Wait a minute, boys. How did you know that my daughter will be kidnapped?” Hearing this, Joe looked towards John and John nodded. Joe understood that now they would have to tell all about their plans. But suddenly Joe got an idea. He said, “Well, yesterday we were just cycling when we saw cars in front of the house to where we were brought after we were kidnapped. We wanted to see who was inside and so peeked inside the house. At that time we heard this plan.” John and Jeff got the message that Joe still wanted to solve the case on their own as there was still enough time for them to solve the case before their parents arrived.
But John thought that since they knew Mr. Horan’s address and that he is one of the members of the gang of terrorists, arresting him could do their work easier. So he told the Inspector everything from the poisoned potatoes to the chasing of Alexander Horan too. After hearing, Inspector Simon said, “Why didn’t you tell me before? We could have solved this case till now.” “Well, I guess, we wanted to solve this case on our own.” John confessed. “It’s not a kid’s play, you know. Anyway, take me to that Horan’s house.”
The Three Js and Inspector Simon got on one car and another car followed them with another four inspectors. John, Joe and Jeff together took Inspector Simon to the farmhouse where Alexander Horan lived. Alexander Horan was soon arrested and taken to the police station. Inspector Simon took the boys to the police station from where they took their cycles and went home. John and Je went to their home while Jeff went to his.
By the time the Martins reached home it was fifteen minutes past eight. Just as they opened the door, the phone rang. It was their parents. After talking for sometime, the boys took a light and quick dinner and went to sleep.

Next day in the morning, the phone rang. Joe got it. “Hello, its Inspector Simon.” “Oh hello inspector, have that Mr. Horan confessed?” “No. I just called to say that you can try to solve this case. But if you get any leads, tell me.” “Oh thanks inspector.” And Joe kept the receiver down.
The whole day went in idleness as they couldn’t think what to do. Jeff came to Martin’s Residence at six in the evening. John made some hot chocolate and soon they were on the sofas sipping the chocolate.
“What should be our next move?” Joe asked. “I don’t know. I have been thinking on it from the morning but I just can’t think of anything.” John replied. “I know what to do,” Jeff said “After the terrorists get the news that Alexander Horan has been arrested, they would surely meet today again at the house to discuss what they should do…” “And so we go and listen to their next move?” Joe asked. Jeff nodded.
But John said, “I have a better plan. Now they are only two and we are three. Let’s go and if they are holding a meeting, then let’s catch them.” “Ya,” Jeff said approvingly “It should be easy this time.” “Then what are we waiting for? An invitation? Let’s start right away.”

THE CONFESSION
They took their cycles and sped off to the house in St. Palmur. They arrived there at the house at 7 pm sharp. They parked their cycles at a distant and ran to the house. There wasn’t anyone and the house was locked.
“What do we do now?” John asked. “I think,” Joe replied “they will come after an hour. No one will do a meeting especially when it is a group of terrorists. Let’s hide somewhere and wait for them to come.”
The other two boys agreed at this and went to the right side of the house. They chose a big bush there and hid behind it.
After a long wait for one and a half hour, they heard a car arrive. The car stopped in front of the house and one man got out of it. The man went up to the door, opened the lock and went inside. “He is probably waiting for the other one.” Joe remarked. After waiting for another ten minutes, another car arrived. It was parked behind the other car. After parking it, a man came out from it and entered the house.
“Look, I have a plan,” John whispered to the other two “Joe you are a good aimer. So you will stay here. I and Jeff will go and ring the bell. When one of the men will open the door, we will start fighting with him. Seeing this, the other man will take out his gun. That’s when you hit a stone at the man’s hand so that his gun falls and then start fighting with him.”
Jeff and Joe nodded. The plan worked out well and soon they were busy fighting. John and Joe were fighting with one man and Joe was fighting with the other. The Three Js soon overpowered the two men and tied them with ropes. Then John took the mobile out from one of the men’s pocket and called the cops. The police soon arrived blowing their sirens. After the men were taken away, the boys went to their homes.

Next morning, Both John and Joe woke up late. After breakfast, they thought of going to Jeff’s house. Their parents would arrive the next morning from Malaysia. Just as they were about to leave, the phone rang. “I bet it is Inspector Simon,” John said.
Joe took u the phone and found that it was indeed Inspector Simon. He said, “Joe, you two has really helped us to solve this case. With their whole gang arrested, they knew their game was up. So they have confessed everything. They say that they were continuously blackmailing the government to lend them a huge sum of money saying that they would poison vegetables or kidnap someone.” “And that’s how Mr. Wilcox died?” “Yes. Now I believe you three can be amateur detectives.” “Oh thank you. But have you got your daughter back?” “Oh yes. Thanks to you. My daughter too is grateful to you three. You will get a reward for this.” Saying so the inspector kept the phone down.
Joe told John what Inspector Simon had told him over the telephone on the way to Jeff’s house. After he had finished, John said, “But I still don’t get it. Why did Kelvin, Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox’s son lie to us if he is not involved with the terrorists?” “Oh, leave it,” Joe said “forget about him. At least we have solved the case. “You are right.”
They were impatiently waiting for another case to solve because now they knew that even their parents will be happy when they hear of this. Who knows, another case may knock on the door of The Three Js soon.

¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
It was a week intill Springbreak and Shacura, Jazz, Mikayla, Alexee, and Desy were sitting at there normal table at lunch. They were talking about what they are going to do for Springbreak. They were planning on going to Florida for Charlotte. “Which one of youer crazy parents has the guts to take us and are crazy boyfriends to where every we plan to go.” Shacura said. “ My mama said she would but she cant take us back and she is niot staying with us.” Alexee said. “My mama willcome and get us” Mikayla told everybody. “Ok now we need to chose were we are going to go so lets take a vote who wonts to go to Charrlotte” Desy said. Jazz and Alexee chose to go to Charlotte. “ So I guess we are going to Florida” Shacura said in joy. “ Now somebody needs to go tell the boys” Alexee said. “ come on we all can go” Shacira said. Sio all the girls got up and walked over to the boys. When they got over there Alexee said “ So we have came to a decision that we are going to go to Florida for springbreak.” “So is everybody going” Romeo said. “ Ya everybody is going dummy” David said. “ I Anit no dummy dats why you only about 3ft tall.” Romeo said. “ Yall cant be doing dis da whole time we are in Florida dis is go be a nice fun trip do yall hear me.” Shacura said. “Well im not go be fighting my fouse is going to be on dis sexii little thing” Jamarr said as he graped Shacura by her waist and pulled her closer to him. “ Yall are so cute to get her”Jazz said. All Shacura could do was blush. The teacher had called for all of the classes, to come and line up so they coulsd go to there next period. Shacura, Mikayla, Desy, and David had there next period together. Shacura had gave Jamaar a good-bye hug, Romeo had gave Miikayla a good-bye kiss with his tounge halfway down his throat, David gave Desy a peck on his cheek, Alexee gave Roger a hug, and Jazz gave Tavinta a quick kiss.Then everybody went there separate ways. School was final over and everybody was leaving. Shacura and Mikayla were walking arm to arm “So yo mama is ok with me staying intill Wensday” Mikayla said. “Ya”Shacura said. They keep on walking. Romeo and Jamarr snuck up behind them and scared them. “Whatca thinking about.” Both of the boy said together. “Y’all so stuiped” Mikayla said as she was laughing. “ We were just talking about how dis crazy hefer is going to be staying over my house intill Wensday. What am I going to do with her intill Wensday.” Shacura said. “I wont to stay over with yall.” Jamaar said. “Me to” Romeo said. As he said dat he grapped Mikayla by the waist and started humpping ther back of her. She started laughing. “Why don’t we just invite everbody over and we all can just stay intill Springbreak.” Mikayla said. “ You no yo mama don’t care.” She said once more. “Ok well I will just call everybody, but yall come with us right now.” Shacura said.

Everybody started to show up at Shacura’s house. The door bell rung it was David, Desy, and Jazz. “ Hey yall” Shacura said. “Were is Alexee, Roger, and Tavinta at” “They were behind us”. Jazz said. Just then they walked in the house. “ Where da music at” Roger said. “Right here” Shacura said. It took a min for everyone to get into the groove, but when they did it was poppin.

Thirty three years before the death of christ in a militaristic city, a child was born. This child was no ordinary child, he was chosen by god and the devil. This child was called Casca. He grew up a fighter and always learned fast. He was the best fighter for his age and would become and was the best fighter in the world. As time passed he came to the age of thirteen. It was at this age a stranger came to him. “What would you say if I told you I can make you live forever?” the stranger said in a dark and low voice. The boy thinking it was a joke said he wanted to live forever. The stranger said that in twenty years it will be true, he took Casca’s left hand with his left hand and burned a mark into his hand, a seven sided star. Confused Casca jumped back and drew his weapon but before he could the stranger vanished. As more time passed he became stronger, faster an all around better fighter, a warrior. By age twenty nine he was no longer a soldier for his king but a mercenary for his king and all who would hire him. The year came and he was thirty three, twenty years after he made the deal. Jesus the proclaimed son of god was under trial. It was the day of his crucifixion; Casca was hired to pull the job of nailing him to the cross. Before he left to do what he was hired to do a man came to him and said, “I have a job for you if you are interested, you will live forever and you will fight as much as you want. I am the devil and I am forming a group of warriors. The four horsemen.” As the cross was raised by Casca he noticed that the stranger he made the deal with was there and he hadn’t aged a day. When the cross was up Jesus looked down at Casca, at that moment he said to him, “Casca, you have done your job and you are proud. Then may you do your job for eternity.” At that moment a ray of light covered Casca and he died. After falling to the ground Casca pulled his body up and the star in his hand was glowing. The stranger held through on his deal, but what of the deal with the devil, should it be made. It was true what the stranger said he would live forever, now damned to all eternity as a mercenary. Casca decided to look into the devils offer. He met with the devil to discuss what would happen. The devil told how it would work but the part Casca did not like was that he would be imprisoned for some time until time was right, which could be ten minutes or ten decades. Casca turned down the deal and was attacked by the devil but was able to escape the fate of being a horseman. The stranger approached him swiftly. “I have not much time, you must listen carefully. I am being hunted by god and the devil. I do not know when we will meet again but we will and we can stop this war. God and the devil are making armies to destroy the world. I am going to try to slow them down. But in my absence you must create an army to fight against them both.” Says the stranger. Casca asks him, “Who are you? And why did you choose me? ”. The stranger replies. “You can call me Daemon. I am a banished demon from hell. I chose you because you are the best there will ever be and you think that this world should not be left to be destroyed by two divine creatures. You are the eternal mercenary Casca and you will lead a great army.” As Daemon flees Casca see’s the devil follow after him. As Casca catches up he sees an unbelievable sight as he witnesses both the devil and god fighting. Not against each other but together against Daemon. The battle surges on into the night and there is no winner. With the aid of Casca, Daemon is able to hold his stand. When the devil and god decide to try and end it Daemon erupts with a black energy known as corruption. Daemon is able to get away and god and the devil are sent back to heaven and hell. Casca was left covered in corruption, when he emerged he gave a deafening roar that shook the earth. He was infected with corruption and became a true mercenary, accepting no law, regretting nothing, always winning.

A little Shorty Story stemming from Snow White.

Vanity and the Golden Gloves. by kimberly polk

In a small town very overpopulated by more "have" than "have-nots", a group of extremely superficial citizens cherished a man by the name of Sir Vashon.  Sir Vashon was praised by all the townspeople, and was recognized as the maker of the most glamorous outfits and accessories in the town.  Anyone who was...well...anyone, sought after his unique style and fashion sense.

Sir Vashon whose character would be assumed to match those of his consumers, was actually quite the opposite.  He was indeed a talented man and could easily belittle those of less fortune; however, he remained humble.  He married a beautiful wife, and had a lovely daughter by the name of Vanity.  He loved his wife dearly, but spent almost all of his free time with his daughter.  Vanity spent her entire youth aspiring to be like her father, deeply in love with the glitz and glamour that his life presented.  Sir Vashon loved his daughter more than himself, and would spend countless hours attempting to teach her the tricks of the trade.  Vanity, however, was quite clumsy, and her hands almost always succeeded in messing up anything that she touched.  Sir Vashon never once grew upset or scolded his striking daughter, instead he only smiled.

Over the passing years, Vanity's mother began to grow more and more jealous of her daughter and felt like there should be more time devoted to her.  She was very much in love with her husband, but hated to feel neglected.  She pleaded for his attention, but Sir Vashon was always very busy.  He had set out to make his daughter the finest gift, a set of 24 karat golden gloves with the most precious and rarest of jewels.  On the night he finished the pair of gloves he prayed for all that was pure to bless them for his daughter.  He wished that when she put her hands in them, her hands would be just as precious as the golden gloves.  And he wished for all her pure, true-hearted wishes to come true.  At the closing of the wish, he admitted that he loved Vanity more than anything on earth.  And if his wish were granted he would be the most grateful man.  He then set the gloves on the table and went upstairs.  His wife, who was standing around the corner and overheard his plea, grew very green with envy.  She was convinced that something had to be done.

Sir Vashon decided to stop by his daughter's room before he went to bed, only to find that Vanity was fast asleep.  Her breathing was heavy, and this concerned him.  He thought that perhaps the humidity of the warm summer night was causing this problem.  He opened the window above her bed, kissed her forehead and bid her goodnight.

In with the breeze from the window, flew a plump and wispy haired fairy.  She fluttered clumsily down the stairs, and with her wholesome heart and raspy voice blessed the golden gloves.  " To whomever's heart is pure and right, may all your dreams come true and in the end, delight."

"Yes of course", the mother thought as she overheard the fairy's blessing.  I, myself, will put these golden gloves on and prove that I am the most valued thing in Sir Vashon's heart.  She rushed downstairs and impatiently shoved her hands inside the golden gloves.  Instantly, the gloves formed to her hand and she felt a rush of energy flowing through her veins.  With a sigh she muttered, " I am the most beautiful thing Sir Vashon has in his life, oh, won't Vanity disappear tonight."  The gloves tightened, the gold shimmered, and the jewels twinkled.  Within a minute, Vanity vanished.

The next morning Sir Vashon arose and let out a loud yelp.  To his shocked surprise, his eyes were gone and had been replaced by diamonds.  Never had his sight been so clear, yet he was unsure of what had happened.  Nonetheless, he went through his normal morning routine, and set out to Vanity's room for her morning lesson.  But Vanity was not in the room!  He asked his lovely wife, "Dear, have you seen Vanity?"  The mother replied with a boldfaced lie, "She went out to fetch a few household things, she should be back in a few."  Not knowing how to cover up Vanity's disappearnace, she decided to let the day flow and embrace her husband.  She did everything she could to try and take the attention off of Vanity's whereabouts.

After a few hours of waiting for Vanity's return, Sir Vashon finally decided to set out to his office.  " I will be back around six," he said to his wife before kissing her forehead and leaving.  The townspeople were ecstatic, never had they seen such exquiste beauty.  They all screamed, and yelled, and begged to have diamond eyes, "Sir Vashon, your eyes!  Your eyes! How did you get those beautiful eyes?"  Sir Vashon was overwhelmed with the number of requests, but he set out ot make the townspeople diamond eyes.

Back at home, Vanity's mother went upstairs and put on the golden gloves.  She asked aloud, "Am I now the most precious thing in Sir Vashon's life?"  The gloves replied, "It is true that Sir Vashon loves you, but you are not the twinkle in his eye, for that is where Vanity resides."  Wit this the mother grew furious.  "How am I not the twinkle in his eye?"  She sat and plotted, and decided that something had to be done that night.

Right on time at six as usual, Sir Vashon stepped through the door.  He smiled at his lovely wife and said, " I am so tired, I spent the entired day making almost all of the townspeople pairs of diamond eyes.  Oh, where is Vanity, my love", he asked eagerly.  The mother replied with yet another lie, "Oh, she went to her friends house down by the riverside. Come let me run you a bath and put you to bed." 
Sir Vashon was happy to hear that his daughter was enjoying herself, and headed upstairs to the bathroom.  The mother drew the water for his bath, and Sir Vashon bathed in silence.  She quickly ran into the next room, put on her gloves and said, "I love my husband so much, but he thinks only of Vanity," and with true jealousy in her heart she wished Vanity gone.  The gloves tightened, the gold shimmered and the jewels glittered.  With this, the diamonds dropped out of Sir Vashon's eyes and slowly dissolved into his bath water.

Sir Vashon screamed and yelled, "My eyes! My eyes! I have lost my eyesight!"  His wife came rushing into the bathroom.  She was saddened, for her husband was now blind, but also relieved that Vanity would finally once and for all be gone.  She let the bath water drain, and assisted her poor husband to bed.

As the water emptied from the tub, the night turned cold and summer quickly faded.  The water emptied near a river where a savvy golden retriever lay.  The dog took a lap of the water and instantly his hair turned into the finest fur.  he ran down the street and barked outside of Sir Vashon's door.  "Honey, there's a dog outside; let him in so that I may use him to replace my lost eyesight."  Feeling sympathetic for her husband, she agreed and went downstairs to let the dog in.  The dog ran inside the house and up the stairs, leaping right inot Sir Vashon's lap.  She Vashon pet the dog, and felt a sense of familiarity brush over him, as if he had known the dog his entire life.  As he gently stroked his back, the dog's fur she onto the floor.  So much fur had shed, and with the suddne turn of temperature, Sir Vashon decided to make himself a fur coat.

The next morning Sir Vashon set out to work escorted by the dog.  Before he left he asked his wife, "Honey, hwere is my beautiful daughter?  I miss her so much."  She replied with yet another lie, "She left for school bright and early this morning to avoid getting stuck in the snow."  Proud that his daught was very studious, he kissed his wife on the forehead and left.  The townspeople yelled and screamed, "Sir Vashon! Sir Vashon! That fur! That fur!  Wherever did you get such lavish fur!?"  Delighted that the town loved his new fur coat, he set out to make his admirers exact replilcas of his coat.

His wife was now pleased that she fianlly had all of husband's attention, and that with his disablity he would need her even more.  She went upstairs and put on the golden gloves and she once again asked a question, 'Am I now the most precious thing in Sir Vashon's life?"  The gloves replied, "It is true that Sir Vashon loves you.  But you are not his comfort.  That is Vanity, his new fur."  The mother was enraged, "Something has to be done," she shrieked!

Right on time as usual at six, Sir Vashon stepped through the door.  He ywaned and said, "Oh Honey, I am so tired.  I made all the townspeople fur coats today.  But where is Vanity, my love?"  She replied, "Oh, she is outside somewhere enjoying the brisk air.  Let me take your coat.  Go upstairs and I will tuck you into bed."  Relieved that his daughter was enjoying her youth, he went upstairs to settle into bed.  His wife laid the coat on the floor and went upstairs to put on the gloves once more.  "I love my husband so much, but Vanity must go!  I wish that she may burn tonight!"  The gloves tightened, the gold shimmered, and the jeles twinkled.  And in an instance the coat caught on fire.  Sir Vashon smelled the burnt fur, and guided by his dog ran down the steps to put it out.  While trying to extinguish the fire he inhaled a lot of smoke.  His chest tightened, but he never coughed.  When he finally got the fire out, he returned upstairs to go back to bed.

The next morning Sir Vashon set out to work.  This time with no diamond eyes, and no fur coat, but a brilliant glow.  The townspeople yelled, and screamed, "Sir Vashon, Sir Vashon, never have we seen skin glow so bright, please, oh please, make our skin glow like yours!"  Not sure exactly how he would complete this task, he agreed and set out to figure just how to make the townspeople glow.

The mother ran upstairs, puton the golden gloves, and with angst asked, "Am I now the love of Sir Vashon's life?"  The gloves replied, "It is true that Sir Vashon loves you.  But you are not his soul; for that is Vanity, the one who hold his life in full control."  By now his wife was livid.  "Something must be done!" she screamed.  But she had no idea that this time her wish would be more complex.  In order for Vanity to disappear she would have to kill her husband.  "I love him so much, she thought, but what shall I do?  He loves Vanity more than I, Vanity must die!"

Right on time as usual at six, Sir Vashon stepped through the door.  "Oh honey, I am so tired.  Today I treid to make the town glow, but I did not know how.  Where is Vanity, my love?"  His wife hesitated before answering, "She is outside by the river watching the water flow."  Relieved that his daughter was enjoying herself, he went upstairs.  "I bid you goodnight, my love", he said to his wife after kissing her on her forehead.

The mother ran upstairs and put on the gloves.  She went into the bedroom and stood over her husband while he slept.  He looked so peaceful, but once more jealousy overcame her.  With a tear in her eye, she wished that Vanity would die!  Instantly the gloves fell to the floor and her hands turned into the heads of one hundred snakes.  They hissed loudly, and said, "You just made an untrue wissssh, and for thisssss you musssst be punisssshed!"  The earsplitting hissing awoke Sir Vashon, and at once his eyesight returned!  "Honey, I can see, I can see!" he yelled.  But just as quickly as he became overjoyed, fright washed over him.  "Dear, waht's wrong with your hands!?" he stammered.  The snakes continued to hiss and said, " Her jealoussssssyyyy overcame her and with hate shhheeeee wisheeed her daugtherssss deattthhh, assss well assss yourrssssss."  Sir Vashon's chest tightened as he let out a cough.  Out came a thick cloud of smoke.  It circled through the room and Vanity reappeared.  She screamed with joy, "Father!  Oh father, I was niether here nore there, but now I am safe!  Oh, how I missed you so!"  Sir Vashon embraced his daughter and said, "Where have you been?"  She stared at her mother with pain in here eyes and explained to her father how out of hate and jealousy her own mother had wished her death.  With that said, the snakes attacked the mother's face, eating out her eyes, as her body caught fire.  Her soul rose from her body and was sucked into the underworld.

The golden gloves lay on the floor, shinning and shimmering.  "Vanity, I made these gloves for you.  With hopes that every pure hearted wish you make comes true."  With an intense stare, he also said, "The power is in your hands, but be careful how you choose to use it."

Vanity took heed of what her father said and with her glvoes she became the greatest designer the town had ever seen.  And Vanity along with her Father lived happily ever.....after.

I was 10 years old and i was my friend it was around 9:00 and we had to go through the bikepath that was the only way there. So I dropped my friend off at her house and i was walking home. A man with a mask and grabbed me and stuufed a piece of clothe in my mouth so I wouldn’t scream but I still tried to scream. But I could bearly hear myself. he dragged me into a small two room hut with a bed. he threw me on the bed he spread my arms and tied them. He took off his mask it was my step father. He raised me since i was 2 because my father died and my mom remarried. He asked me “do you love me” I said “yes”. Then his friend lary came out of the other room. I asked “wat’s going on” my step father said “your becoming a young lady you need to learn the duties you should perform for your father”. His friend took of my pants and panties. My step father and his friend took off their own. my step father got on the bed. He spread my legas apart and got in between them and put himself in side me. I screamed as loud as i could and tears ran down my face. and my step fatjer said “shh this will be all over soon. Just be quiet”. It when on for a little longer than he started to put his tounge in me. Than my step father’s friend shoved him off and lifted my body up to the right height and put himself in me I screamed. My step father sat at the top of the bed and stroked my hair telling me I was beautiful and I’m doing a great job. I was confused and scared and in pain. Iknew there was blood running down my legs. my step father said “don’t tell any one this will be our little secret”. every saturday they made it last longer and harder, they started to explore different areas of my body. and one day i started to anger problems and i was very sensitive. My step father suggested to my mother that i go to therapy where you live. He said he would take care of it. there was no place. he drove me to an empty wearhouse where his friend stayed wit me. he always had me chaind to the bed undressed unless i was showering or eating. he got to play with me whenever he wanted and my step father only came on saturdays. I was supposed to stay 2 years but they kept me 3 and sed i wasn’t behaving and i wasnt i was struggling. They let me out but it still continued to rape me every saturday. They started when i was 10 and now I’m 14 and it hasn’t ended. Take this as lesson if this happens to you go straght to the cops and tell don’t wind up like me. this is the first time I ever talked about it. you dont want to hear the rest but I needed to get out of my hair.

The sunlight was fading into the night. A mixture of blue and pink clouds were what I would call, a picture from heaven.

I sat by the freshly filled grave. The dirt piled high. A tear touched my face as I thought of the cotton candy streams across the late evening sky. I reached to take the tear from my cheek. A single thought ran through my mind, ” Why didn’t you listen to me, Christopher? Why did you have to go out drinking and partying?

You once told me that I didn’t have to worry about you. Well, today I have no choice by not to worry about you. Anymore.

Now you rest here. ” My hand pats the dirt. ” No longer do I have to worry about you, but never again will I see the sunlight touch your smiling face. Never again will I feel the warmth of your arms around me. Or the gentleness of your kiss.

Never again will I smile to the sound of your laughter, because you will never laugh again. Except maybe in faint memories that will only bring tears to my eyes.

When I wake in the middle of the night, you will not be there to gently rock me back to sleep. “

The first evening star peeked out from the darkness, taking my attention. The moon, full and bright, caught my gaze. Had it been to long ago that I had been in Chris’s arms and watched a beautiful sky as this?

” It was the night before you died, my Christopher. ” I said outloud, almost expecting him to answer me.

Only silence surrounds me. Again warm tears stung my cheeks and in a whisper I said, ” Christopher, my love, my life, how will I live without you? You came into my life and for once I thought, he’s right, love does not have to hurt. But to take that love from me. “

I felt the pain in my chest, I looked up at the heavens, and said. ” Christopher, do you hear that sound? That’s my heart breaking. “

I stood and wiped the dirt from my jeans. Just one time I looked down at where my Christopher would rest forever. Then I turned and walked away. Through my tears I whispered, ” My love, how am I to live without you? “

My small form walks out of the graveyard. Then it fades into the mist. My voice is heard through the darkness.

“Alcohol destroys millions of lives and age is not a factor. So before you take that next drink. Before you decide that your loved ones need not worry, before you decide that you can handle that short drive home. Take just a moment to ask yourself just one time, who’s heart will you hear breaking from the grave? “

The scene fades to total darkness and silence.

I still remember the email that I got from the editor – I didn’t have the guts to read it so my fiance read it to me. I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it.

For those of you who read French:

J’ai commencé à publier une histoire de science-fiction en ligne à raison d’une scène par semaine, le tout sous Creative Commons. Vous pouvez jeter un coup d’oeil à mon texte à cette adresse:

http://www.fortrel.net/wiki/wiki.php/ProjetMadeira