Category: Uncategorised

“Poker?”

She laughed, “Canasta.”

“Haven’t played in years.  You’ll have to re-teach me.”

“I understand you know Myerson, and this is my best friend, Cassy.”

After shaking hands, she offered, “There are left-overs if you’re hungry.”

Taking Myerson’s hand, he replied, “Thanks, just ate.”

“It’s been awhile.”

“Yeah, that thing in Nanaimo a few years back.”

“That turned out well.”

“It sure did.  Before we get started, let’s take a walk.  We’ll be right back,” Myerson informed them.

He led Craig outside and they walked the perimeter as Max brought him up to speed and explained his plan.

“This is a little more serious than your normal stalker then.”

“He’s out of control and it could get pretty nasty, Craig.  The ladies are in real danger, especially Cassandra.  Keep your eyes open and monitor everything.  The pics received from Cassandra’s grandmother, while an excellent description, were evaluated.  It seems our friend is a master of disguise; he was wearing a wig, probably coloured contacts, and other enhancements.  We showed the picture around all with the same results; he seems vaguely familiar, but no one can explain why.”

 

 

 

 

 

Ok, I’ve read over the past few months, more and more examples of people finding “pets” whether dogs or cats, abandoned without thought or care – the solution?  leaving the animal caged in an empty home, thrown off a bridge, or tied in a bag and left to die.  An alternative was possible was it not?  Take them to a shelter, pound s.p.c.a. and deal with the situation humanely – I mean seriously?????

I can’t, absolutely can’t wrap my head around the abandonment, the cruelty, the disregard for life involved here.  Seriously!  Every animal IS a life and deserves to be treated with utmost respect and dignity.

I have had countless cats and a few dogs during my time on earth, and considered each a part of the family.  We talked to them, taught them tricks, to interact, and welcomed them as part of our life.

One pet was fed some form of poison and we had to put it down.  The neighbourhood was under seige and a total of 25 or so pets had been systematically poisoned.  Ours was by no means the only one and my heart (then a child) went out to all the other pet owners.  I remember the neighbours talking across their fences about the cruelty and suffering.  We were one of but several casualties to the cruelty, but I remember taking no solace in that fact.

It’s one thing when a pet is suffering severe illness or in grave pain and watching their eyes tear up as they try to make it across the room for food, outside, or even for affection.

I have to wonder at what it takes to be that cold hearted, that cruel, and yes, that viscious to abandon an animal in the first place, but by adding the depth of cruelty on top of it?

Part of the problem as I see it, is pets for presents.  The cat or dog gets pregnant or sick and or the novelty simply wears off and it’s cast aside like and unused toy.

I had to rant today as the latest pictures was of a cat rescued by a captain on a ship after it was tossed from a bridge into a fast moving river all because it was pregnant.  The look of sheer terror on that little face was heartwrenching.

I look at Porsche and Abbey and cringe when they tackle an unknown foe (usually racoons) and bravely soldier on, (Porsche is the worst for standing his ground) but he does so time and again.

We’de moved into a new apartment.  He’d never talked.  He’d been a birthday present and for the first year of his life, said nothing, not one single mew.  Then, just before his first birthday, he spoke, well, yowelled.  Who knew, it was a male not a female.  He was neutered and suddenly came to life, mewing, cooing, purring, and running as if reborn.

The second most surprising thing was listening to him growl like a dog.  The manager came to inspect the apartment and said she’d heard we had a dog.  I opened the door as she was immediately on attack mode when Porsche rounded the corner headed her way and growled.  I laugh still remembering her backing to the apartment door across from me and saying, “You don’t have a dog, you have a cat that definitely growls like a dog!”  And yes he does.  He chooses who he believes are friends and those that should not darken our doorstep and he’s still my little guard cat walking the perimiter of the house, guarding us as well as bringing us presents whether it be mice or birds.

I can’t imagine harming this “little” fellow for anything in the world, not when he newly arrived or now that he’s instilled as part of the family. So no, I can’t wrap my head around cruelty to animals, well any creature whether human or not.

Rant over.

Water quality month The trees and vegetation, which cover the land surface of the Earth and delight the eye, are performing vital tasks incumbent upon the vegetable world in nature. Its presence is essential to earth as an organism. It is the first condition of all life; it it the ‘skin’ of the earth, […]

via Water ~ critical long range planning — stbarbebaker

FVD Speed Dial

My son found this incredibly helpful option.  You can add your favourite blogs and sites to it by adding the link http:// etc of the sites you visit most and at a click you have them at your fingertips.

I’ve been using it for awhile so I can readily access your blogs.  The best part for me, is that you can make the icons as small or large as you wish, which for me is essential, and I go directly to your daily blog.

It’s the place I visit right after reader so that I don’t miss you.  I find it an invaluable tool to assist me in manouvering through much quicker and easier.  Have a boo, see if it’s for you!  Just a thought 🙂

 

It’s been a long haul…at first the other database would crash nightly and consequently my son was up 7 nights straight re-fixing and linking.  Thanks to his diligence we found a solid database and began adding my blog back for the umpteenth time. Hooray!

I couldn’t understand why I suddenly went from 100 views daily to 10 perhaps 20 and began to wonder if everyone had tired of my words thoughts perhaps they were too mundane.

I mentioned the issue to Sheryl and Story Reading Ape and between them, they were able to point us in the right direction and voila, problem solved!

Thank you for hanging in there, for giving direction so we knew what wasn’t working.  After re-adding the blog so many times, there were areas we thought were added and fixed that had been, but weren’t now.

Consequently the site is now running properly and I see soooo many of you again that I’ve chatted with. woot woot.  Still fixing areas, such as like, and where to see the site, it’s a work in progress. But we’re ( I mean my son’s) due diligence is paying off.

Thank you to all of you and thank you to my son.  I’m loving it!

I’m one of those turn the car on and if it starts, greeeeaaaat!  Same applies to computers these days…so much is new  and different.  I’ll get there, hehe surely I will!

Many of you expressed interest in reading Nathan.  I tried linking the pages from first to last and had some difficulty as some took and others didn’t.  So I re-did all of Nathan and the links now work.  Hopefully this will make reading the novel easier.

Take care all, and enjoy.

 

 

Unique Blogger Award

Thank you Poetic Bliss for the Unique Blogger Award.  I tried adding your url but it doesn’t seem to be working for me.  I believe you live up to your name Unique Blogger and the award is well deserved.  Although I haven’t said much, I have followed you, and noticed our activity.  You have a beautiful smile a happy heart and great sense of humour 🙂

There weren’t any questions listed other than the ones you had been given, so I’ll use those if that’s ok.

The Rules:

• Share the link of the blogger who has shown love to you by nominating you.
• Answer the questions.
• In the spirit of sharing love and solidarity with our blogging family, nominate 8-13 people for the same award.
• Ask them 3 questions.

If you could have your pick of book to make into movie, what would it be?

Although it would probably fall under the more light-hearted side of things, I’d really enjoy Nora Roberts (J.D. Robb) Remember When in movie form.  It  involves  PI (Max Gannon) and the woman he’s investigating (Laine Tavish).  The chemistry is immediate.  She’s a strong determined woman, able to stand on her own and there is an interesting “mini” conflict between her taking care of herself and his take when she does.  Their relationship grows and thrives while thwaring a murderer targeting her to draw her grand father out.  It’s well thought out and their relationship grows stronger daily while thwarting a killer.

After living life on her own terms well away from the family of origin involved in all matter of skullduggery, she’s pulled into this situation with threats to her life while attempting to protect her wayward father whose become mixed up in a major diamond theft and the main perp is more than greedy and killing everyone involved in the heist in order to take all the diamonds for himself.

On the other hand, I would thoroughly enjoy seeing her series about Eve Dallas in movie form as it touches on a topic that most would find difficult to write about and how Eve  grows above and beyond the confines of her once horrific life along with an equally exciting husband (Roark) an exceptional duo.

What inspires you most about your blog?

What inspires me most about my blog, are the delightful writers, thoughtful men and woman young and old who stop by read and chat.  It’s inspirational sharing other’s lives who give and share some of the most delightful or painful or awkward moments, often with a great sense of humour.

What author inspires you?

I really can’t answer that question as I’ve read 100’s of thousands of books and many inspire me. Some because of their though provoking subject material, others because of their delightful humour, still others because they dare to tackle subjects that require truth, forthright committment and tenacity. On top of that I’m often deeply inspired by the blogs I read here.  Every day I tune in to see what the topic of the day is, or what others have found inspiring, which inspires me in turn.

What’s your favorite Disney song?

I probably would have to say I don’t have one as I can’t recall any that truly touch me (unless we’re talking about songs outside of cartoons).

The following are a list of writers I thoroughly enjoy and I’m sure you will too if you don’t already.  🙂

Unique Blogger Award

Marilyn Armstrong (Serendipity) https://teepee12.com/

Sumyanna (Sumyanna’s blog)https://sumyannawrites.wordpress.com/

Charles Waugh https://charlesewaugh.com/

Robert C. Day https://robertcday.wordpress.com/

Mick E. Talbot https://mickhispoetry.wordpress.com/

https://bookwormgenie.wordpress.com/

https://ercloudwalker.wordpress.com/

https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com/

What is the most touching or memorable blog you’ve written recently?

What qualities do you find most appealing in friends and associates?

How did you happen to begin blogging?

 

 

If you’ve been following my blog lately, you’ll probably become lost in all the revisions and additions I’ve been making.

I bought my own space and my son transferred my site over.  Unfortunately, the data base we were used was corrupted and I lost many of my posts during the time period involved.  Consequently, I’ve been re-writing and changing posts so they make sense.

The new database seems solid and I haven’t lost anything in a week so I’m sure this one will remain in good standing.  As a result, I’ve lost many followers as my name has changed (we couldn’t use the original) and I’m delighted that with time, many are now able to find me again.

Please hang in there as I add back lost posts (some of which will undoubtedly change as I can’t recall what I’d written the first time, weeks ago.

Once this is done, I’ll try to add previous and next to the “novel” items that I’ve written including blindsided, nathan and go on from there.  While attempting to do this, I found many pages missing.  I find myself in the unenviable position of having to re-read each post and determining whether it lines up with the last page (and this is not easy as I changed and upgraded and edited much of what I’d previously  posted) and I’m hoping that it will continue to make sense as I go on.

Unfortunately, the Next and Previous additions don’t always seem to work.  Whether it’s the lag time involved or updating, not sure, but sometimes they seem to work fine, with or without colour, and sometimes I can’t get the page to edit.  I’ll get there (frustration and annoyance aside) it’s a good thing and I’m hoping will make it easier for those of you who follow and don’t wish to participate in endless scrolling (seriously, who has time ) to do it since we all live incredibly busy lives and want to relax read and enjoy, not go on a hunting expedition. lol.

So, thank you all my stallwart friends for hanging in there, for enjoying and for participating.  I truly love and enjoy your chats and posts they are the best part of my day on this writing journey.  Totally enjoy you all. And once again, thank you.

Both Cassandra and Maggy felt equally unsettled. Cassandra woke feeling exhausted; she’d slept poorly in part because her eyes bothered her and as a result of the constables warning which kept playing over and over in her mind. Porsche lifted his head eyeing her sudden movements to mew so quietly she barely heard him.  She reached out and gently ruffled his fur before rising.  “Hey baby cat, you interested in breakfast?”  He jumped off the bed and padded down the stairs beside her.  Cassandra carried on with her usual morning routine, giving Porsche fresh water and filling his food bowl even before making coffee.

Maggy noted Cassandra’s pale cheeks and remarked, “Doesn’t seem as though you got much sleep either.”

Cassandra explained her troubled night and Maggy surprisingly agreed, “Same and I can’t exaplain it.  There’s something about this whole situation that has me feeling uneasy.  There was something about that guy on the library steps that just felt off.  After the Constable’s cautionary words, well,” she left the sentenced unfinished.

“Your next appointment is in two days away, isn’t it?”

“How is your boss with all the time off?”

“I’ve got plenty of vacation time coming.”

“Well this isn’t a vacation, running up and down island, looking after me.”

“It’s ok by me, Cassy, really!”

Maggy kept her eyes peeled for anything unusual until they reached the shop.  She didn’t feel any less anxious though.

Later, while dressing and changing the window, Cassy had Shawna kept tabs on the library steps in case he returned.  Thankfully, the next two days flew by without incident and they relaxed into the new routine.

Dr. Jamison greeted her with a warm smile, “How are the drops working?”

“Painful, very painful.  I don’t know if the cure is any better than the disease at this point.”  A sympathetic look crossed is face.

“Other than difficulty with the drops, have you noticed any new developments?”

“I’m not really sure, Dr. Jamison.  What is the prognosis, my vision certainly hasn’t changed, it’s a day to day, hour by hour, minute by minute scenario.  I don’t know what to make of it.”

“Your eyes playing tricks on you?” he asked.

“Is that how you see it?” she asked.

Page 16                                                                                  Page 14

“Cassandra, why don’t I get the blackboard ready to hang?  I can list the prices for the smoothies, juices, coffee and tea?  Then we can get someone in to hang i?”

“That’s a great idea!” Cassandra agreed.

“You know, Cassy, it’s a brilliant idea.  Mom and dad can shop in peace while the kids enjoy a smoothie or juice or just play in the play area; a real stroke of genius if you ask me.”

“The play area seems to be a big hit.  I’m hoping the juice bar will be too, even though it means constant monitoring.”

“What about moving the divider over or putting your fence here,” she motioned to the section in question, “Tots need help getting out and parents have to assist in monitoring and clean up.  What do you think?”

“Exactly!”  Cassandra agreed.  “We’re not “babysitters” or a licensed daycare facility.  If they wish to avail themselves of the service provided while browsing, no problem but they can’t leave their children unattended.”

“It means vigilance on our part, since there will be a few willing to give it a try.  Mom/ dad can place matching sticky name tags on their children and themselves.”

“I love that idea, Shawna, brilliant!  We can keep tabs on who comes and goes and if we turn it into a game…”

“Listen, I know you must be tired. I think we can call it a day.  It’s been exceedingly quiet for the last half hour.  Why don’t you head home?  I’ll close up.”

“I’ll gladly take you up on that offer. I’m feeling beat. I’ll do the day end sheets, I’ll do them tomorrow,” Shawna promised on a half yawn.

At five o’clock, she closed the shop and was heading outside as Maggy turned into the parking lot.  Cassandra waved tapped her head and went to retrieve her drops.  She’d locked the door and turned to head toward Maggy when she spotted a man on the library steps.  It was an automatic response, as one does with someone new and different catches your eye.  Constable McKinney’s cautionary statement had her feeling edgy.

She immediately filled Maggy in on the day and Maggy in turn told her about the eerie feelings she’d had earlier spotting the guy on the library steps.  Their discussion confirmed it was probably the same man but when they turned to look he’d vanished.

“I don’t know how long he was out there.  I didn’t see him earlier.  I’ll have to ask Shawna.”

Their next stop was the grocery store.  Maggy couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that persisted, even though she hadn’t spotted anyone unusual.

Hauling the groceries inside they glanced at each other and said, ‘Moe’s’.  Maggy made a production out of rolling up her sleeves before dialing to order two chicken souvlaki roll-ups and Caesar salads.  Then they put the groceries away and flopping onto the sofa Maggy said, “Man I’m glad you agreed.  I’m just not into cooking tonight.”

“No, nor was I.”

“Want to see what’s on TV, perhaps a movie?”

“Sure, whatever you like.”

Since they were comfortably settled, Porsche hopped up and rubbed against Cassy’s hand. He quickly settled himself across her lap demanding attention.  “Hello beautiful.”  Cassandra absently patted him as the movie played.  He gently nipped her fingers and she let him relax into sleep as they watched  the movie and he moved when dinner arrived.

Page 15                                                                                   Page 13

“I’ll be there in a minute, have to do the drops.”  Cassandra put in the first of the drops and stamping her feet and gritting her teeth; god they hurt so much!  She could only describe the results as hot coals attached to knives scraping her eyeball.  It was excruciatingly painful. Curiosity got the better of her and she wobbled to Shawn’a side and asked, “What does it say, what’s so weird about it?”

“It says, ‘Your mine!’ and it looks like blood dripping in tears across the page.”

Joining Shawna, Cassandra bent closer to the monitor and tried to read it.  “I can’t quite make it out but that is bizarre.”

“There are more…shall we?”

“Absolutely, I’m strangely curious now,” Cassandra commented with a mixture of curiosity and nervous concern.

So they went through over a dozen other emails from the ‘mystery man’

“This one says, ‘EveRY brEATh  tAKen, I’ll be WatChinG yOu.’ The next one says, ‘BABy I’m waNTin yoU’ and then, let’s see, ‘Have you eVeR reAlly trIeD rEacHing ouT for thE oThEer siDe’.  “There are three more repetitions of these followed by the last one that says, ‘don’t fORGet it’ or the coSt wiLL be yoURs.’

“This is really creepy.  You know, I wouldn’t normally put too much stock in something like this but there are too many emails to ignore for a random act.”

“I would think so, Cassy, since they came on different days and were recorded at different times.  It feels premeditated, purposeful.  I know that sounds crazy, but I’ve got the cold chills crawling over my skin,” she admitted, rubbing her hands up and down her own arms before wrapping them securely around herself for comfort.

Cassandra dialed 911.

 

Chapter 2

She explained to dispatch what had occurred and although the woman on the desk didn’t sound particularly interested, she confirmed a constable would arrive as soon as he was available.

A half hour later, a tall good looking man wandered through the front door.  Although a few men accompanied their wife partner or girlfriend, few dared enter alone.

A friendly smiled and twinkle in her eye, Shawna welcomed him, “Hi, can I help you?”

“Yes, someone called about mysterious email….” he said once he’d reached the counter, measuring her as he spoke.

“Oh, yeah, that was Cassandra, the owner….hang on I’ll get her.”

Poking her head into the inventory room, Shawna told Cassandra the constable had arrived.”

The officer noted a beautiful young woman, about 25, 26 he figured, and gorgeous.

Flipping out his badge he introduced himself, “Hi, I’m Constable McKinney.”

Holding out a hand Cassandra said, “Hi, Cassandra Jeffreys, the owner of Precious Little Gifts.”

“You mentioned receiving mysterious emails?”

“I don’t use my email account here for anything other than work.  These emails are addressed to me, personally via the company name and they are weird and disturbing, enough I felt I should call.”

“Ok, let’s take a look.”

“You’ll have to navigate yourself I’m afraid as I’m having some difficulty with my eyes at present.”

He took a closer look and noted very red and sore looking eyes.  “Allergies?”

“No.  Unfortunately it’s a little more serious than that.”

He turned his attention back to the computer and began scrolling through the messages.  “Well . . . what have we here?” he said thoughtfully.

“Do you have any idea who this could be?”

“No idea.”

“What about the content, does it ring any bells?”

“Vaguely;  although, I’m not sure why,” Cassandra admitted.

“It appears they were all sent after my trip down island on Saturday.”

Looking up at her he asked, “Your trip?”

“Yes, to see an Ophthalmologist about my eyes,” she explained.

“You got back when?”

“Late Tuesday night.”

“I need to print these off and take them with me.  Don’t delete the originals leave them for our compu-tech to read; he should be able to discern where they originated from,” he informed her.  He asked the regular questions she’d expected and then some she hadn’t.  “Any irritated ex- lovers, boyfriends, husbands?”

“Not recently.  I was involved for a while with a man down island. We met on a buying trip but wemutually agreed, quite amicably, it wasn’t working so we called it off,” she stated matter of factly.

“We may have a problem here. I’m going to check in with a detective unit that specializes in unsolicited email attention.  See what they think; either way I’ll get back to you.”

“Please call the detachment if you receive any more of this!”  He waved the copies up and down, “or if you feel concerned at all, give us a call.”

“Such as?”

“This may be an unfortunate hoax sent to the wrong email.  Having said that, be alert and aware of your surroundings – watch for anything out of the ordinary – any other unusual emails, unusual packages, especially if you weren’t expecting any to hang ups, message on your phones here or at home and finally, if you’re followed. Call us immediately.”

“Ok, thank you, Officer McKinney.  I’ll do that.”

Shawna joined her, all agog, “Well, what did he say?” Cassandra filled her in then put it out of her mind as the store got busy.

Page 14                                                                              Page 12

Throughout the house, she’d used dark wood flooring.  To complement the deep rich tones, she’d used a variety of white in tone on tone, from vanilla to creamy magnolia.  Cove mouldings to built in book cases on either side of the fireplace were whipping cream white.

To complement the front entrance, she’d inlaid the front bay window with a picture of a magnolia, cut into sections, using intricate pieces of glass covering both the middle and side sections, which in turn was framed with frosted glass in the center for privacy.

She’d used an eclectic mixture of white and deep cranberry furnishings complimented by cherry wood accessories.   The lamps white ceramic bases were topped with hand made stained glass covers, the center contained a butterfly, another an iris, another dogwoods and the final section, a woman wearing a big floppy hat.

The whipping cream white entertainment ceiling to floor unit housed all her electrical equipment  and a significant collection of movies, records, dvd’s and tapes.

A modern kitchen contained deep cherry wood cabinets containing  inset opaque glass using the same solid cream butterflies, irises, and dogwoods used in the lampshades.   

The countertops were black granite with silver flecks and she’d gone with a stainless steel sink, since it wasn’t a priority, choosing instead to put the money into the stainless steel fridge, stove, and dishwasher instead.

She’d added single pane French doors off the dining room to enable a clear unobstructed view of the lush lawns and beautiful gardens she’d created in her back yard.

 More of the same single pane French doors at the top end of the living room opened to a barbecue pit where she could enjoy the evening, unobserved from the street as it was flanked by the garage. 

The downstairs bathroom wa painted in misty blue and cream and more stained glass.  She’d created a frame around the mirror, using delicate flowers in each corner, and beveling the sides from edge to edge which acted as connectors.  She accented with lush towels in a color called ocean cliff and the taps were highly polished stainless steel.

She’d created a spa atmosphere, with warmer more welcoming tones adding containers for candles, lush velour white towles and soft blue accents. The window was covered with plantation shutters for added privacy.

 Her bedroom was cream and pale blue.  More of her grandmother’s cherry wood antiques graced the room in the shape of a four poster bed, and seat.  Along with modern end tables and reading lamps, a cream, pink, lavender and soft green comforter added that relaxed atmosphere she’d been looking for, without being overly feminine.

 Another joy, were the French doors leading to her own private balcony overlooking her garden, and one she enjoyed nightly, weather permitting. 

 The main upstairs bath was also white, with a bowl sink, and modern decor, obtaining it’s warmth from the stained glass accompaniments she’d designed herself.

 She loved her home, and delighted in what she’d managed to accomplish with lots of hard work, and elbow grease.  Every nook, every cranny, bespoke thought, warmth, comfort and welcome, but most of all, it was home. 

 Cassandra owned a beautiful little store…not a boutique exactly, but a modern little shop that catered to babies, youngsters, pregnant mothers, and teenagers up to size 16.  She had moved the store a year and a half ago to its new location and she couldn’t complain about the results.

 Although the overhead was more, her sales had increased as well due to the visibility factor.  She had an assistant that she called in from time to time, and this was going to be one of those occasions.

Page 10                                                                                  Page 8

Purposefully hurting her hadn’t been his intent, incapacitating her was his goal. Fixing her contact solution had been a brilliant stroke of genius, partially accomplishing his goal. He hadn’t fully expected these consequences.  From all the info he’d collected, it was supposed to be a short term affect.  She’d never forgive him.  He’d have to win her back  but how?

 After checking out of the hotel, they drove straight to the hospital with a few minutes to spare.

Maggy wasn’t sure what to say or do.  Although she wanted to reassure her friend everything would be alright she admitted the situation was well beyond her scope of understanding.

Dr. Jamison walked into the waiting area and smiling gently said, “Miss Jeffreys, if you’ll follow me?”  He reexamined her eyes.  “I want you back here on Friday.” At Cassandra’s surprised looked, he continued, “It’s imperative that I consistently and carefully monitor your eyes and progress as well as any changes which might occur that could necessitate a modification in treatment.” Stupefied, Cassandra agreed.  “Ok, I’ll be here,” she said, her mind in a fog.

“I’ve set up another appointment for 2:00 at my office, here’s my card. The highways can be hectic this time of year, so if you’re delayed, just give the office a call and I’ll wait.  I usually close at 3:00.  It’s imperative that you keep your appointment,” he admonished.

Maggy piped up, “She will, doc.”

“If there are any changes in your vision, or should the pain level become any worse, call my office and come back immediately!  Understood?”

Aloud, Cassandra agreed while secretly asking herself, as compared to what?  She couldn’t see now and wondered what she was supposed to compare the pain to; wasn’t it bad enough already?

On the drive back home, they stopped to grab a bite to eat and she would have been humiliated at the commotion surrounding her as Maggy guided her around.

Several glanced their way wondering what had happened to this beautiful woman…and she was beautiful.  Cassandra lived up to her name.  Her slim curvaceous figure, brown eyes, chocolate brown hair and milky white complexion were show stoppers.  Maggy teasingly told her she was actress tall, not model tall.  While she on the other hand, was model tall.  Maggy was five foot ten and slim with gentle curves herself.

They ate at a leisurely pace so it was late by the time they were on the road again, and heading for home. Cassy slept, fitfully, but she slept. That was a good thing Maggy decided.

An hour later, she woke and sipped from the bottled water she’d bought at the gas station before leaving Comox.  “Hey, I’m sorry.  That was rude.”

“No, it’s fine.  Why shouldn’t you sleep?  I would!  But hey, someone’s got to drive…next time, you think we could get a limo…that way, we can both sleep.”

Cassandra agreed with a snigger, “Yeah, let’s do that!”

Maggy suddenly asked, “Is my phone tapped too?”

“Yes, it is, I didn’t have time to warn you.” His tone was unapologetic.  “I needed to move quickly and I didn’t want to wait for another court order.  Basically, it’s covered under the same umbrella.  Cassandra is here and wherever she is, the protection order stands.”

“Ok, where were we?  In some cases a stalker sends fabulous gifts in an bid to buy your love.  Avoid the temptation to return to sender.  Please, keep any correspondence or “presents” and try to handle it as little as possible as it could be useful as evidence.”

His intently watchful eyes darted between the two women and he settled on Maggy as she seemed the most stunned, at the moment, “I can tell you find this unbelievable and more, overwhelming.  I realize I’ve overloaded your senses hence the written print out.”

“To put it mildly.  I’m completely baffled because I’m having a difficult time absorbing all this.  It seems to fantastical to be real.”

“I’m afraid there’s more.  Need another break for a few?”

“I wouldn’t mind.  I think I need some fresh air!”  Getting up to wander outside, the others watched as she lifted her head skyward and breathed deeply.

“I certainly empathize with Maggy.  It seems impossible one person could sneak into your life and take it over.”

“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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