Covert Novelist

“Inform friends, family and neighbours of the situation, so they can keep an eye out for you.”

The magnitude of the situation punched Cassandra in the gut. “My God, this is outrageous!”

“Checking your home security is a must.  Be absolutely sure every door and window is locked and all your keys are accounted for.  In fact, I suggest you call in a locksmith and have the entire place re-done with new locks, since he’s obviously already gained entry.”

“I guess as long as we’re at Maggy’s, that doesn’t present much of a problem,” Cassandra said, “but I fully intend moving back home.  I will not allow him to destroy my life.”

“Since I doubt I could talk you out of it, then make sure someone is there with you. If you avoid being alone, you’ll feel less vulnerable while limiting the possibility for weird creepy people to make advances.”  Cassandra and Maggy exchanged knowing glances.

Cassandra interrupted long enough to explain about the objects in her house that had been moved.

“So, he/she has been watching you for a while and has taken advantage of your current condition.  He’s bold.”  Myerson reflected.

“Your actions will push his buttons, it’s important you remember that, and his response won’t always be predictable either which means you must be ready and vigilent.”

“I strongly suggest you reconsider your daily routines and re-arrangewhat you can and vary your movements.  The less predictable you are, the harder it is for anyone to track you down.”

“That one won’t be difficult since it has changed completely already,” Cassandra mentioned the plans for the store.

“I’ll contact Shawna and explain the situation and for now, have an officer checking every few hours unless the situation escalates.”

“There are many complex reasons why someone becomes drawn to stalking. Every situation is unique, but whatever motives your personal-botherer, aim to keep all contact to a minimum. Any form of communication risks fuelling his conviction that his attention is justified.”

“Even attempting to reason with him could make things worse, which is why the most effective thing you can do, is what you have already done, to notify us. At this point, we can’t take any risks.  The sooner we identify him, the sooner we can catch him.”

“For example, should he start calling you, try not to sound startled or alarmed.  Simply put the receiver to one side, leave it like that for a couple of minutes before replacing it – that way the caller gets a taste of his/her own medicine without any encouragement from you.  This is much easier said than done, believe me.  Because at some point, despair, frustration or rage is going to war with what you know you should do.”

“I’ve already informed the phone company and they prepared and waiting.  Your phones are tapped, and all incoming calls are monitored.”  Cassandra was staggered by the information he’d imparted.

“God, I didn’t realize the situation was this serious and definitely not this involved.”

“It’s as serious as it is complex,” he said, compassion momentarily overshadowing concern.

“Ready to continue?”

“God there’s more?”  Maggy asked disgustedly. “I mean a stalker has black marks up the wazoo.  What more could you possibly add?”

“Plenty.”

“Mostly, stalkers use harassment or annoyance to obtain their goal.  Don’t forget, stalkers can be extraordinarily dangerous.  If they become frustrated in their quest for the love of their victim, they can become violent.”

“The majority of cases don’t end in murder, but enough do every year that victims must not brush aside the possibility.  Don’t make the mistake of taking the crime lightly no matter who the stalkers are or how close they have been emotionally.”

“Am I trying to scare you?  You bet!  Your life depends on it.  Remembering what I am telling you can and will save your life. The person stalking you, will eventually make it clear that if he can’t have you, then no one will.”

“You lost me!”  Cassandra said perplexed.

“The damage in your home told us that.  He wants to destroy anything and everything outside the world he perceives he has with you.”

“I’ve brought some printed material that outlines what I’ve just explained and I want you to read it, feel it, believe it, think about it, whatever it takes to remember it and engrave on your mind.  This is your bible from now on! I can’t stress this enough!”

“What’s more, it’s going to become a bible for every close associate, acquaintance, family member, and friend you have.  Spend time with or interact with on a regular basis.”

“No matter what you consider as unusual, consider it a problem and contact us immediately!  We’ll be monitoring the situation and we’ll have officers dispatched asap.”

“Look carefully again at the traits listed, memorize them and be wary of anyone that seems to fit the bill. Keep them foremost in your mind.  Don’t be afraid of feeling paranoid; it will keep you alive.”

1. Won’t take no for an answer
2. Has an obsessive personality
3. Above average intelligence
4. No or few personal relationships
5. Lack of embarrassment or discomfort at actions
6. Low self esteem
7. Sociopathic thinking
8. Has a mean streak

“You’ve already enlisted our help.  That was a very important first step.  Next step is starting a diary and recording every incident in detail. Think in terms of evidence when you write, it will help later.  Don’t worry about what you report, it’s your personal safety that is at risk.  We won’t take anything lightly, I assure you.”

“Do you have an answering machine?” at Cassandra’s nod he continued, “I want you to tape every call, and keep every letter or package and anything else you think may have come from him; it can all be used later to prosecute him.”

This is a personal recipe I find quite delicious so thought I’d share it with you.  I’ll type the original recipe and my additions in quotations as I always play with a recipe and so far the additions have been a phenomenal  hit.  So hopefully it will work out well for you.  Enjoy 🙂

Beat together:   3/4 C. Butter, 2 C. Sugar

Beat in:                   3 Eggs (large) one at a time, beating well each time

In seperate bowl:  2 1/2 C. Flour, 1/2 C. Cocoa ( 3/4), 1 tsp Cinnamon

Add:  2 C. Grated Zucchini (3) and 1/2 C. Milk ( 3/4) to  sugar and butter and stir well

Add to dry ingredients alternately beating well after each addition (not runny but smooth and liquidy)

Stir in:  2 tsp Vanilla ( 2 1/2), 1 C. Nuts if desired.

Divide into 2 loaf pans and bake 350 for 1 hour or until done.

Ice with a mixture of Icing Sugar and Lemon until smooth and drizzle over top.

All that’s left is to enjoy! 🙂

“The reaction of family or friends can be equally devastating. ” He paused significantly.  “Some stalkers are known to the family and have been completely taken in by the stalker.  Should the stalker successfully convince the family the victim is paranoid and overreacting,  they may attempt to convince the victim of the stalker’s innocence.  It can be the worst cut of all.”

Stunned Cassy gasped, “You mean they side with a stalker rather than a family member they’ve known their entire life?  Is that true?”

“Yes, it has happened and the result has been devastating.  Since they’ve known the individual, he’s been a part of all their lives, they feel they know him or her well, they can’t wrap their mind around the reality of the situation.  One case I worked, the family thought the victim was overreacting, looking for attention, had cold feet since the relationship was heating up.  Suddenly they were agreeing with the stalker.  After all, they reason, they know this guy, he’s not so bad and he or she couldn’t possibly behave this way. If it suits their purposes, they will turn close friends and loved ones into disbelievers.“

“Most stalkers are loners.  They don’t have any relationship outside the one they are trying to re-establish or the one they imagine exists between them and their victim.  Because they are usually loners, stalkers become desperate to obtain this relationship and will do anything, I repeat, anything to secure it.”

“Stalkers suffer from low self-esteem feeling they must have a relationship with the victim in order to have any self-worth.”

“They display other sociopathic thinking – they cannot learn from experience – and they don’t believe society’s rules apply to them. They most certainly don’t see their actions as threatening or intimidating. In their mind, it’s you that has misread the situation. They are simply trying to show you they are the right one for you. Few stalkers are able to understand how their actions are hurting others.  While to the victims of stalking, it is like a prolonged rape.”

“Like rapists, stalkers want absolute control over their victims and they don’t regard what they’re doing as a crime, or even wrong.  With enough persistence, stalkers believe they will eventually convince the victim of their love.”

“Stalkers often have a mean streak and will become violent when frustrated.  How violent?  Often deadly.”

“I know this must be overwhelming.  Do you need a few moments to digest all I’ve outlined?  Any questions you wish to ask?”

“I wouldn’t mind a few minutes. And yes, I’m perturbed! About everything you’ve outlined.”  She rose to retrieve her drops and use the bathroom.  “Back in a few minutes.”

“Ms. Davidson, you have any more coffee?”

Rising Maggy assured him she did and added, “Call me Maggy.  I’m not ancient yet.”

Appreciating her sense of humour, he smiled and nodded before walking to the front window, to admire the view.  “Really quite lovely.”

“Not bad.  I’m thinking about buying, in fact, Cassy and I went over a few possibilities earlier.”

“Somewhere close by?”

“Not sure yet, I’ve narrowed the possibilities down, but I really won’t know until I see a few places in person.”

When Cassandra returned poured herself another coffee, and grabbed a cookie, Myerson took his seat again.

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There is an ache In the extended reach Of water on the shore A searching For something And the land responds With equal passion The sometimes gentle Give and take And the sound Does soothe the soul It is an endless wandering Measured in cascades Of rolling waves The water does reach The land does […]

via The Extended Reach, a poem — Sumyanna Writes

A white sheet of paper and fourteen folds. Once completed, I’d write little notes on each folded heart, a reminder of a happy event we shared or one of the many reasons I loved him. He placed them on the mantle, his desk, dresser and on the living room bookcases. Hearts littered every free surface; […]

via Paper Heart Break — Sara Ackerman, author

With things being busy around the house and the weather a bit warmer than usual, we have not spent as much time on the trails yet… but we are counting the days. My husband has been especially busy with work as well, but if we are longing for it… it will happen soon enough. I […]

via Photography: Take a Walk (Post #3) — Sumyanna Writes

Saskatchewan’s 19th Native Prairie Appreciation Week June 18-24, 2017! “Everyone can play a role in the conservation of prairie landscapes and a great first step is learning more about them,” Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan’s manager Carolyn Gaudet said. “We are encouraging all Saskatchewan residents to explore and experience what native prairie has to offer.paNOW” […]

via Native Prairie — stbarbebaker

“Unless you’ve had reason to be concerned or involved in a stalking situation, most would agree with you feeling it was some wild Hollywood attention grab.” Detective Myerson told Cassandra, “However, it is real, very real and happening much more frequently than you’re aware.”

“Because of the prevalence of stalking, several agencies have worked in conjunction with psychologists and more importantly, with some co-operative stalkers to come up with a working abstract.”

“It’s impossible to give you an abridged description which means I’m going to explain in detail how this works. I can’t stress enough, how essential it is that you pay close attention to what I am about to explain and heed every word because it could save your life.”  Cassandra gulped involuntarily, startled by his words. The timber of his voice brooked attention carrying intent fierceness both compelling and frightening.

“By definition a stalker is a person, totally involved in and completely committed with pursuing someone who has no interest nor will ever have any interest in him or her.”

“Stalkers refuse to believe this however. They have deluded themselves into believing the victim actually loves them but isn’t aware of it. In their mind, their “loved one” must simply be pushed into that realization, by any means necessary.  As long as they continue pursuing their victim, the stalker can convince themselves they haven’t been completely rejected yet.”

“I can’t emphasize this enough – They will not take no for an answer!” Maggy sat straighter in her chair, the force of his words slamming against her mind.

“Stalkers display an obsessive personality. It goes beyond interest to total obsession with the person they are pursuing.  Every waking thought centers on the object of their desire, and every plan the stalker has for the future involves that victim, in this case, you!”

“Along with obsessive thinking, they may also display other psychological or personality problems and disorders. It may include erotomania, paranoia, schizophrenia, and delusional thinking.”

“Stalkers have above average intelligence and are usually smarter than the run of the mill person with mental problems.”

“They go to extraordinary lengths to obtain information about their victims and I do mean everything!  They will know details about your life you have long since forgotten.”

“Unfortunately, unfortunately, there are occasions where it’s become essential for the victim of a stalker to move to get away from a stalker as the stalker has been known to hack into computers, tap telephone lines, and even take jobs at public utilities that allow them access to their victims, in order to obtain and update information ostensibly to learn their whereabouts. Some have traveled hundreds of miles and spent thousands of dollars to gain information about or find their victims.”  Cassandra stared in utter disbelief.

“Stalkers are exceptional at using their intelligence to throw others off their trail. They are extremely personable and use it against those especially close to you, so be wary. It may even become necessary to drop family or friends who insist in continued contact with the harasser, once we know his identity.”

”That’s hard to believe,” Cassandra interjected.

“It happens.”

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Some delightful individual sent this to me on FaceBook.  So take a look,

see if anything appeals to you.  I haven’t had a chance to delve into it as

yet, but figured it might be worth a look see.  🙂

https://www.freedomwithwriting.com/freedom/uncategorized/11-free-writing-contests-with-cash-prizes-over-1000/

“Ive contacted our tech department, Jacobs is one of the best.  So far nothing has come up in a nationwide databank.  We’ve sent the information to the states as well.”

“What I can tell you is whoever is responsible, appears to have a vendetta against you.  The crime scene,” the look on her face stopped him cold. “Sorry, the scene at your home is indicative of more than a break in.  It was deliberate, and personal.”

“Although the acts seemed random, there was a methodology to it as well.” At her inquiring look, he continued, “Looking at it from a logical perspective, he went after some larger items first, and followed with personal things.  It’s the attack on your personal things that leads me to that conclusion.”

“I don’t understand how.  Couldn’t the whole thing have been random, I mean, if he didn’t get what he was looking for, wouldn’t he just smash in anger or retaliation?”

“Yes, it’s true, he could have; unfortunately I believe there’s more to it. The items he broke that were of ‘no consequence’, were just that, broken.  While anything you may have had a connection with, an attachment to, such as the antiques, were deliberately defaced in an attempt to destroy them completely.  Your clothing was shredded, not cut.  Your vases and collectables were smashed to pieces.  Anything that might have sentimental value was obliterated.”

Cassandra sat quietly absorbing his observations.  Max watcher her cogitate on everything she’d learned.  “Ok, if I understand this correctly, it was more than anger.  I quite simply can’t imagine anyone that enraged.  Nor do I understand he managed that kind of damage without, well, without someone noticing or hearing what was happening. My neighbours are what fifteen feet away on both sides.”  She looked expectantly toward Myerson for an answer.

“He could have brought something with him or used a blanket that was there.  Either way, he muffled the noise, which only proves my point, it was both premeditated and calculated.”

“As of this moment, you will have plain clothed officers at your store, at home, and everywhere you go.  Your trips down island will be monitored and a constable assigned from whichever city you are in. You won’t see them, but they’ll see you.”

“I need a detailed schedule regarding your travel plans, appointments, where you’re planning on staying in order to schedule my men.”

“Unfortunately, it’s going to get worse, probably much worse before it gets better, until we collar him.”

“Ok, I have a question, if I may.”

“Certainly.”

“Why is all this protection necessary?  I mean I haven’t been physically threatened.  I don’t understand all the precautions.”

“I believe what we are primarily dealing with here, is a stalker. They don’t play by the rules.” Maggy and Cassandra looked at each other in bewilderment while trying to absorb what he’d said and its meaning. “You may have heard of several movie stars recently who ended up having stalkers even go so far as to try to kill them.”

“Yes, I did, but I never paid much attention to the reports,” she confessed chagrined.

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“Meeting at Ms Davidson’s place good for you?  Or would you prefer . . . “

“No, that’s fine.  I would prefer that Maggy be involved since she is already and as I trust her implicitly, I would rather she heard first hand rather than from me later.”

“Good, I have the address so I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes.”

“He’s on his way over, Maggy.  I hope you don’t mind.  I’d rather you sat in and heard everything first hand.”

“Of course, I’d be happy to,” Maggy reassured her.

They had a fresh pot of coffee ready and waiting when he arrived.  He buzzed downstairs at the front door and Maggy let him in and within moments, a knock sounded at her door.

“Ms. Davidson?”

“Yes, hello, please, come in.”

Cassandra sat on the chesterfield and let him come to her noting the confidence in his movements and the continued unwavering eye contact.

“Ms. Jeffreys.”

“Hello.”  She held out a hand in greeting.

“I’m sorry we have to meet under these circumstances.”

“As am I.”

“Can I get you some coffee, Detective?”  Maggy offered.

“Thanks.”

Maggy filled three cups with coffee and placed them on a tray along with chocolate chip cookies, cream and sugar, and returned to the living room.  Detective Myerson rose and took a cup from the tray.  Taking a sip he said, “Now that’s good coffee.”

“My specialty!”  Maggy explained.

“I met with Constable McKinney and after reviewing the matter, have come to the conclusion that the incidents at your home as well as the internet email and even possibly the damage to your eyes are connected incidents.”

“I understand the first two, how both the internet and my home could be connected, but my vision?”

“I’m not certain of that yet, but the timing is definitely ripe for conjecture.”

“I would like your permission to contact Dr. Jamison and find out what he has to say before going down that road.”

Rubbing her forehead she indicated she had no objections to that before adding, “Is it really necessary?”

“Yes, I believe it is.  Only if to tie off a loose end.”

“Were you able to find out anything about who was in my house?  Did you find anything useful any clues or fingerprints?”

“We were able to obtain fingerprints, yes, but so far we have nothing to match them with.  Which only means he hasn’t had any serious run-ins with the law.”

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