Indurance

It's funny how much work a pup and teenage dachsi can be. The effort required has certainly surpassed my expectations.
For one thing, dachsunds have small bladders, so you really hafta watch 'em and take them outside often, normally every two hours, but sometimes more, and rarely, less.

Secondly, neither Patti nor I have ever had a young puppy. The youngest pup I recall having was six months old, and already housebroken.
So I searched the innernet and got plenty of info.

Only take them out for five or ten minutes, and once they do their thing, praise them and bring 'em right back inside.

Yeah, right. This may very well work with most breeds but not these dachsi's. They go when they are ready.

Put them in a kennel type carrier when they sleep, or when you can't watch them, because they won't go where they sleep at, is more advice.

Hyeah. Please. Now, with Skully that wasn't a problem, but Little Miss? Well, after you get over the incessant whining, and you never do, and the crying makes you feel guilty..."I'm a monster! Free the puppy! Poor thing. Awww, it's alright. Don't do that. Oh c'mon, it's only temporary."
And then she does indeed pee n' poop in the carrier. Strike that idea.

When Little Miss whines it can mean several things:
She has to go.
She's hungry and/or thirsty.
She's tricking you so she can play outside, then she'll pee or poop when she gets back in. Argh!
She's tired and needs a nap.

I've never had a dog that fights sleep like she does, but our youngest daughter was like that. Sigh. Our youngest daughter is now grown up and is workin' as a psychologist at Fort Bragg, where she served four years as a Soldier in the 81st Airborne while goin' to school at night to get her degree. So she wasn't adversely affected by the fightin' sleep syndrome.
Come to think of it, I often fought sleep so I could read books as a kid, by moonlight sometimes, or the small amount of light coming under the door, or a borrowed flashlight under the covers. But I digress.

What I have found works best for the pup is to sit her on my lap and pet her, turning off all the lights I can, and grabbin' her every time she tries to escape to attack Skully or Cammilu (she loves to wrestle/play fight). Sigh. As Caesar, the Dog Whisperer says: "be calm and assertive." And that works with most other dogs, but not Little Miss. No, she's a rebel, an outlaw who laughs at the rules. However, persistance is rewarded, after many long battles.

A few days ago I was about to go to the store and Skully, who is always well behaved darts out like black lightnin'! I immediately followed, callin' his name. At first I walked fast, tryin' not to scare him, but he just kept runnin' down an old, unused road that's mostly getting overgrown now.
So I ran faster to keep him in visual range, soon going into an outright sprint.

Now, I haven't ran like that for ages, but I couldn't let Skully get ate by coyotes, or a bear or cougar. Yeah, as most of you know we live in the boonies, and I did see a black bear once, and a cougar, as well as plenty of tracks. But coyotes are the biggest danger to small dogs and cats.

Skully sped up and so did I. I briefly wondered how long I could keep this up. As most of you guys know, it wasn't too long ago I was at death's door under the care of hospice nurses and my wife, Patti, unable to walk or talk, or even read without goin' into a seizure.
I have made great strides since then, but I still have very little physical energy or endurance.

I pushed the thought out of my mind. I refused to stop, although my muscles were screamin. Oddly, I wasn't huffin' and puffin' for breath, I remember thinkin'. Even when I was extremely fit, during my Navy days, I would be breathin' purty hard at this point.
I have a mission, I thought, and I would. Not. Stop. Until I had Skully securely in my arms. Period. I ran faster and felt my adrenaline kick in. The minutes went by, and I was sure I had passed a mile, but I could still see Skully, about fifty feet ahead.

Earlier, he wanted to walk down that old road, and we walk it often. He loves it, having been born and kept in a barn for two years before we got him. So this was all new and fascinating to him.
One thing I have learned with dachsi's and terriers is that they can become obsessed with something, be it a rabbit or a mole or a smell, or whatever. They don't forget it, and it will stay on their mind sometimes for days.
For Skully it's this old road, and wild rabbits.

The road turned into a trail, and then barely a trail. Soon we were runnin' through brush and a lot of branches from the logging the owner of the property did a few years ago. Amazing how fast the cleared out land became overgrown with more small trees and brush.

Fortunately, this slowed Skully down a bit, but it also increased the danger of a sprain ankle for me. I looked ahead and saw woods about two hundred yards ahead.
At one point I was close enough to tackle Skully, but I didn't wanna hurt him.
He surged ahead, outdistancing me. Damn! Maybe I should've tackled him while I had a chance, I berated myself.

I forced myself to keep going, runnin' ever faster. My legs burned, and felt like they were about to spaz out. You see, I have peripheral neuropathy in my feet and legs, and sometimes the muscles will knot up into a herd of charlie horses, not too mention burn like hell which happens most the time. That sucks, of course, but I'm thank God I can walk again, and even run when necessary.
But if my muscles spaz out no amount of willpower would enable me to walk, let alone sprint.

No, I thought. Don't go there. I steeled myself and stopped thinkin' about it, as sweat drenched by face and burned my eyes. I poured it on, ignoring the pain. I gotta catch Skully, I was thinkin'. I just gotta.
The woods edged ever closer, but so did Skully. An idea popped into my head. What if I yell "No!" very loudly? It could make Skully stop or it could make him run faster.

When we got Skully, a few months ago, he would often cringe when we would bend down to pet him or pick him up. That's usually a sign a dog wasn't well treated or perhaps he was ignored.
Cammilu, our terrier would also do that when we got her, but now she trusts us. We would never hit our pets, except with a newspaper in extreme cases, or, I found a squirt bottle with water works purty good whe they misbehave. Especially when they dislike getting water on them. At any rate, nothin' to hurt them but rather get their attention.

I realized time was runnin' out. I had to try somethin' before my legs gave out or before Skully got into the woods, where I would probably lose him. I hoped this would work.

"No!" I bellowed. Skully stopped and cringed. Yes! I thought, quickly closing the gap.
I got ten feet away when I steeped on a branch. It snapped loudly and Skully got up, ready to bolt as he usually does at loud sounds.

"No!" I yelled again, launchin' myself towards Skully and grabbing him as he began to run.
I picked him up, balancing myself on the branches that littered the ground.

"It's okay, boy," I said calmly, cradling him in one arm and petting him. He wagged his tail tentatively, and eventually realized I wasn't gonna hit him.

"Yeah, it's okay," I said, as I slowly walked back to our home.

Halfway back I saw Patti who was lookin' for us. She smiled when she spied Skully.
I knew she would be out soon to help me find Skully. It took awhile for her to find where we had gone, but she did. She always has my back, God bless her!

I felt good, although my legs were killin' me.
I can still do more than I think I can do, I thought. Not that I wanna run like that again, but simply knowin' I can feels good. Getting stronger...yeah, that feels great, but as I told Julie this mornin', replying to her e-mail, it feels like I'm in bootcamp at the end of the day, and I can barely keep my eyes open as I fight sleep, the pup finally asleep on my lap and Skully sleepin' beside me.
I'm exhausted but I'm gettin' stronger.

I sure do miss you guys. I'll try to blog n' comment at your blogs more often, as I get stronger, as once again I realize I can do more than I think I can.
That feels Good!

Puppy Pandemonium

I like my pork rinds straight n' neat, I said. Hold the rocks. But that dame bitch slipped me a mickey. Wow, maybe I should quit watchin' those really ancient flicks that Dad likes to see. Besides, the music can be scary and don't get me started on all those shadows n' stuff. I love pork rinds.



Nothin' like some leftover chew bone to start the mornin'. Too bad Skully or Cammilu ain't around, then I could get them to soften it up for me, before I borrow it from them. Guess I should've thought of that last night. Oh wait, I did think of that last night, ha ha! Boy, were they mad!


Time to sit up, I guess. Where is everyone? Sleepin' in again?


Gotta do my yogi exercises that Dad taught me. Yeah...that feels so much better. Now I am in touch with my inner therewolf. I wonder what a therewolf is? That guy with the weird eyes said somethin' about it on that movie we watched last night...Young Frank n' stein. 'Cept he didn't look very young to me.


Lookin' good in my seadog outfit that big Skully gave me. I wonder what a pigme is? He said they were really short like me.



Time to kill the tiger! Little Miss thought.

Can't be too careful around these things.


"Hi Mom and Dad! What's for breakfast? Look, I killed the tiger...again," Little Miss said.



Cool! Giant lips! Skully thought.



I really hope no one saw that.



If I'm vewy vewy quiet, I can ambush Skully again, thought Little Miss.


Geez, not again, Skully thought. Doesn't she ever stop?


"Dangit! I got babysittin' duty again!" Cammilu said. "I'm a terrier, not a collie."



Little Miss takin' a nap, no doubt dreamin'...dreamin' to take over the world!




"Don't make me beg! Okay, okay I'll beg," Skully said.



"Hey, let me outta here! I didn't do it I tell ya," Skully said.



Skully takin' a leisurely stroll while I sit in the command chair, surveyin' the tactical situation. The work of a cap'n is never done.



Here's Little Miss runnin' so fast she's just a blur. In fact, so am I. Could be that the grog I drank, along with her superdog speed has thrown the entire space/time continuum out of whack.



Skully n' Little Miss n' me sleepin'. I'm the one wearin' red. I think.

There's that blur again. Is this what a wormhole feels like?


"I'm down with that," Little Miss dreamed. "Hey! Are those flyin' pigs?"


"That is the best doggone smellin' underarm I ever smelt!" Exclaimed Skully.


Skully n' Little Miss sleepin'. They look so cute, but don't let that fool you. I mean, they are cute, so don't get me wrong, but that's a distraction, designed to...distract you. You see, they're rechargin', in order to wreak more havoc and let loose the dogs of war! Or somethin'.

Shingle Me This!

I interrupt this broad cast for this important message:

Sung to the tune of "Basketball Jones" by Cheech-

Shingle toe woes,
I gotta shingle toe woes,
I gotta shingle toe woes oh baby,
ooo-ooo-ooo! (Or is that ooh ooh ooh?-Ed).

Yes OCAS fans, I now consider myself a battle hardened veteran when it comes to everybody's favorite chicken pox on steroids past time: shingles (kinda like tingles but with hellfire and insane itching).
This bein' my fourth incounter with the pox and all.

Not that I'm complainin', mind you. This is just my left foot. I can soitenly think of worse places it could be, so I'm happy it's not a repeat performance of the last three poxes (poxi?-Ed). :^)

Skully, always willin' to help (as long as he don't actually hafta do much) recommends: Aye! You guessed it, copious amounts of grog, with rum chasers. Or was that copious amounts of rum with grog chasers? Aw hell, I'll try both!
And for once, I'm in total agreement with Skully. Fight fire with fire! Blow those damn shingles to kingdom come!

For a few days now, I have seen the puppy with a kleenex tissue, running around like it's a trophy or something.
Where in the world did he get that? I wondered, since I throw kleenex away after using it. And I'm not prone to dropping them around the house.

So I go take away the kleenex, but not without heavy resistance and a rigorous chase that finally resulted in the recovery of several pieces of kleenex. But I won, by george! I won! Yeahhh! Take that, Little Miss! I'm da man! A bit out of breath but still da man, regardless.

A few minutes later Little Miss runs by with another kleenex, and was quite happy to see the look on my face. The next day, the games continued, three more times. Where is she gettin' the damn kleenex? I wondered again.

As the sweat rolled off my face, I threw the pieces of the latest "kill" away, and I notice a black flash to my right, down by the floor. Little Miss was pulling the kleenexes from the box next to me. Very convenient for pups and people alike. Why you little...!

What's this? Now Skully has mixed together, usin' his coveted shipboard alchemy skills, somethin' he calls "torpedo juice."
Now I've heard of torpedo juice while I was in the Navy, but I never had the chance to try some. For those not familiar with the term, it's basically a form of moonshine. Although Skully says it puts moonshine to shame, so perhaps that's an unfair comparison.
I'll just taste test it and tell you first hand what it's like...gulp.

...?!

...!! "Ack!"

...!!!

Er...hi there, shipmates! Skully here. Cap'n Ben is...well you might say he's takin' a "power" nap. Yeah, that's the ticket. But don't you worry none, Cap'n Ben will be up and about in no time. My torpedo juice will speed up the healin', see. It gathers all those imoon cells and they go after those nasty ol' shingo cells. Sorta like "repel borders!"

Those imoon cells get little shotguns (pump action, of course) and .45's. Others get M-14's, M-16's, (or whatever the hell they're usin' these days) and naturally we got some mannin' the .50 cals. Then they go space to space, deck to deck throughout the ship (or body) and blast those scumsuckers all to hell!
You might've heard of my famous battle cry:

"Damn, where's the torpedo juice? All ahead flank!" Or somethin' like that. I dunno, there's so many variashuns I fergot the actual words, but that's purty close.
"Fire!" Is another one you mighta heard. I'm fairly certain that one is verbatum.

"C'mere, pup! Wanna kleenex?" Those pups really like kleenexes for some reason.
"Here, a bit of sardine oil will make it taste better."

The Return Of Sea Stories

Know what? I really hate that stupid escape button! Here I almost finished a fairly decent (for me) post, and I accidently hit the Esc button only to find my entry blank. Arrgghh!
Hey, as slow as I type, this is a substantial loss! Okay, whining time is over (grumble, grumble).

Okay, to make a long story short: After the last and probably final act of my foray into fiction, I'm returnin' to the true blue sea stories that almost made me in-famous, or somethin'.
Youse guys never did hear the story of how I almost self-destructed, and how a few, very painful...well, don't wanna ruin the story now, do we?

Of course, my longtime readers n' friends know the ending, as of now that is, but this was a very crucial time in my life. Consider it a pre-seaquel. A time where I was in a freefall into the abyss. Naturally, there was still a lot of comedy to go along with the tragedy, so it won't be a long slog through downer after downer.

And once again, please aceept my apologies for not stoppin' by your blogs as often as I would like. If only I could speed read again. However, I am thankful I can read again. :^)

Also, as most of you know, I lost most of my stories from my blog going a few years back last fall, and the backup site I was savin' everything to went belly-up as well. What are the odds? No, don't tell me. Anyways, I may be able to recover some of it through microsoft outlook, so I'll be doin' that as much as I can.

And in between writing I'll soitenly be visitin' your excellent blogs. :^)

Skully Redux and Little Miss Now With Photos

I'm rarely surprised when it comes to Patti. Afterall, our anniversary is next month and it will be our 28th. So we know each other purty well, which keeps any major surprises to a mininum.

So imagine how surprised I was to wake up a few days ago to see a puppy!

A baby mimi-dachshund, to be exact.

Same colors as Oscar was. And imagine how much more surprised I was to see a second mini-dachsund!! This one was older.


The pup is a female and Patti has named her Little Miss. The other is a two year old male, who I christened "Skully." Apparently, the pup was on sale and Skully was thrown in (not literally!) for free, since he's older and very skittish. He lived in a barn and was used for breeding, but had very little human contact. He's already getting over the skittish part, however, and both dogs are already learning to be house-broken.

While they are learning, (Skully hasn't had any accidents for a day) Patti and I have honed our dung-fu skills. We limber up with tai-pee, before unleashing our awesome abilities on the newspaper covered battleground.

We're still lookin' for our camera, but hope to post some pics soon. Incidently, puppies are much more exhausting than I recall. Do they ever sleep more than an hour at a time? You know how cats can get on catnip? Well, picture the puppy reacting the same way (looney-tunes, man!). Is there such a thing as dog nip? Or is Skully sr. feedin' it grog?

Oh, and we don't want Cammilu to feel left out. Pay no attention to that bum she found.

InnermissioNoir Fu

Act 18: Changes

"I must examine you, Mack," Hanna said, unbuttoning Mack's shirt.

"Okay," Mack replied.

"Get me a flashlight, please," Hanna ordered.

"Here," Akira said, handing Hanna a flashlight.

"It is...it is healed! All you have left is a scar!" Hanna exclaimed, shining the light on Mack's chest.

"Yes," Mack said.

"Wow! How did that happen so fast?" Annie asked.

"Maybe it was that stuff Gramps used?" Hanna replied, touching the scar.

Annie touched the scar as well, in awe. This...was impossible, and yet the proof was at her fingertips.

Whoo! A police siren sounded and pulled up. Mack tensed, as if to run.

"It's okay, Mack," Annie said, holding Mack's hand.

Mack calmed down as the two police officers got out and approached, hands on their guns. They both shined their flashlights on the group. Jim intercepted them and flashed his badge.

"What's going on here Jim?" The older officer asked, looking at Mack who had his shirt unbuttoned.

Mack tensed up again at the sound of the officers voice.

"I can't tell you that at the moment, Johnson," Jim replied. ""I'm working on a case, and they have information I need. That's all I can say."

"Well, sorry Jim, but I think there's several people that will be interested to talk to him," Johnson said, drawing his gun and pointing it at Mack.

The other officer reluctantly pulled his weapon too, unsure of what he was supposed to do, he pointed his gat at Mack also.

"You mind explaining why you drew your weapon, sir?" He asked.

"Of course, O'Brian. You see, that guy over there is Mack Westphal. He's supposed to be dead, but nevertheless he is wanted as a suspect of multiple murders. Go handcuff him, and be careful," Johnson said, smiling.

"I don't recall a BOLA put out on him," the other officer said.

"Because he's supposed to be dead! Now cuff him!" Johnson ordered.

"Belay that!" Jim ordered. "And holster your weapon. Now!"

"No can do, Captain. In fact, I'm arresting you as well," Johnson said, still smiling.

"For what?" Jim asked, visibly getting angry.

"For aiding and abetting this murderer," Johnson said. "Radio for back-up," Johnson continued. "I got the feeling they aren't going to cooperate."

"Listen to me son," Jim said, don't blow our cover. I outrank Johnson so do as I say. Stand down, Johnson!" Jim ordered.

"Radio for back-up," Johnson ordered.

"He-he's right, sir," O'Brian said, putting his gun back in his holster. "He does outrank you. I'm sure we can get this cleared up at HQ."

Blam! Johnson shot O'Brian in the head. O'Brian fell, a look of shock on his face.

"Fine, I'll do it myself," Johnson said, sighing.

"What the hell?" Jim exclaimed, going for his gat.

Johnson swung around to shoot Jim, so Jim dived behind the car fender, cursing.

"I always figured you were a traitor but I never thought you would sink this low," Jim said, finally getting his gat out.

Johnson tried to grab Hanna, but before he could take one step Mack was on him. Mack grabbed Johnson's arms and squeezed so hard everyone could hear bones cracking.

"Aaahhh!" Johnson screamed, dropping his gun. "No! How? No! No one's that fast!"

"I know who you are," Mack said, his eyes flashing as they bore into Johnson's soul.
"You helped get my family murdered."

"N-no, you got it all wrong! Mack, y-you know me, we're pals, right? Okay, okay! I'm s-sorry, okay? I thought he was just going to scare you, you know? I didn't know he was going to k-kill your family. Please! You got to believe me! P-please! I had no choice. D-don't kill me, I beg you! Look, I tell you what, I-I'll make a deal with you, Mack. Y-yeah! I-I got money...lots of moolah! More than you can dream of. Y-you can have it! Yeah! All of it!" Johnson shouted, his face twisted with pain and fear. Sweat poured profusely down his face.

Mack stared at Johnson so intensely that Johnson began to shake in fear.

"Did the Grandmaster have help?" Jim asked.

"Y-yes. His go to guy was there, and so was Yukio, but the Grandmaster did all the
k-killing," Johnson replied.

"Murder. It was...murder," Mack said, his eyes watering up.

"R-right. M-murder," Johnson said. "I would have told you, Mack, but they would've killed me. I-I'm sorry! I r-really am. Please...have m-mercy."

"who else?" Mack asked.

"H-huh? What d-do you mean?" Johnson replied.

"Who! Else?!" Mack said forcibly, still unable to shout.

"I-I...I told you, Mack," Johnson replied.

"Who the f*ck else, Johnson?" Jim repeated. "You better talk now. I won't be able to stop Mack if he gets...upset."

Johnson's eyes darted around nervously and he licked his dry lips, as more sweat streamed down his face. Mack let out a gutteral growl and Johnson looked at him. Something in Mack's eyes told him he better come clean. Mack would kill him and do it slowly. Johnson saw hell in those eyes. His hell. And he could already feel the flames hungrily licking his soul.

"Okay, okay okay!" Johnson exclaimed shutting his eyes tightly, so he could avoid Mack's gaze. "It was the Ch-chief, okay? Please...let m-me go. I hurt s-so bad," he whined.

"You don't deserve an honorable death," Mack rasped in disgust, dropping Johnson like a sack of potatoes and slowly walking away.

"The Chief? Chief Brody?" Jim asked in disbelief, shaking his head.

"N-no, not him. Th-this was when mack was detective," Johnson said, holding his wrists to his body and wincing. "He's mayor now."

"Good God!" Jim exclaimed. "Of course! It all makes sense now. All the misdirections, and dead ends and mandela...he set mack up to be fired. But why?" Jim asked. "Why Mack's family? And why didn't they go after Mack?"

Johnson immediately went for his heater. He could still move his left hand. He didn't usually fire his weapon with his left hand but he had practiced for situations like this. Besides, at this range he was certain to hit Mack.
Johnson brought his heater up, a crazed laugh escapinfg his lips.

"Go to hell!" Johnson screamed, as he aimed at Mack's back and laughed hysterically.

Boom! Boom! Boom! One bullet hit Johnson dead center and hit his vest, knocking him back. The other two bullets hit him right between the eyes. Jim advanced, still pointing his weapon at Johnson. He kicked Johnson's weapon aside and checked for a pulse. There wasn't one.

"No," Jim said, "you go to hell, Johnson."

"I recommend we leave. Now," Akira said.

"Mack, I'm sorry you had to hear that," Jim said, putting his hand on Mack's shoulder.

"Good shot, Jim," Mack answered, smiling tightly. "Thanks."

"We're going to get them, Mack. The Grandmaster, and the Mayor. It's reckoning time," Jim said, determination etching his features.

"Aye aye," Mack replied, patting Jim on the back.

Annie grabbed Mack's hand and led him to the car. Mika screamed when she saw Mack's face more clearly.

"He will not hurt you, Mika," Akira said, as she got out of the car and clung to him.
"Mika...this is Mack. Mack, this is Mika."

"A pleasure," Mack said, bowing deeply. "I'm sorry I scared you."

"H-he's not human!" Mika shouted in Japanese.

"Yes he is, Mika. And he is our friend!" Akira berated her in Japanese. "Come, sit with me in the front."

Mack sat in the back, with Annie and Hanna on each side of him.

"Let's get that shirt buttoned," Annie said, buttoning Mack's shirt.

"I bet you never thought you would be buttoning Mack's shirt," Hanna said, laughing.

"What are you trying to say?" Annie replied, blushing. "Are you thirsty or hungry, Mack?" She asked.

"Yes," Mack replied.

"You are in luck, we have a bar," Hanna said. "What do you want?"

"Drink?" Mack shrugged.

"I know that, silly. What do you want to drink?" Hanna asked.

Mack shrugged again.

"How about the whiskey, Hanna?" Annie said.

"Right. Mack likes whiskey," Hanna said, pouring Mack a tumbler of whiskey and handing it to him.

Mack downed the whiskey and coughed. After coughing for a few seconds he said, "You're right, I do like it."

"Here Mack, we have peanuts, pretzels, sunflower seeds, candy bars and potato chips," Annie said, piling bags onto Mack's lap.

"Good thing the nuts are shelled," Hanna quipped. "I still cannot believe you ate that egg, shell and all."

"That was funny," Annie said, laughing.

Mack picked up a bag of peanuts and looked it over.

"Here, I'll get that," Annie and Hanna said at the same time, reaching for the bag.

"I got it," Annie said, smiling.

"Right. I will get him more to drink," Hanna said, smiling back.

"Go easy on the booze back there," Jim said.

"Alright, that is probably a good idea, Jim. Here Mack, try this," Hanna said, pouring perrier into Mack's tumbler.

"What is it?" Mack asked, sniffing it.

"Water with bubbles in it," Annie said, as Mack drank it down without stopping.

Mack looked at Annie and then at Hanna, and back at Annie before burping loudly. Everyone laughed. Even Mika, although she tried to hide it.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Everyone heard the song Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys playing and looked around for the source of the music.

"Good song," Mack said.

"It is Sensei!" Akira exclaimed as he scrambled to find his cell phone.

"Akira, it is Sensei. Can you hear me now?" Sensei asked.

"Sensei! Mack is alive!" Akira exclaimed.

"Yes, I know," Sensei said. "The cave I left him in has been empty since the funeral."

"That medicine you used worked!" Akira said. "Wait! You knew?"

"First time that ever happened," Sensei answered. "Although I suspect it was far more than the medicine I used. Yes, I suspected, but I wanted to be sure."

"Why did you not tell us?" Akira asked.

"Why get your hopes up? As I mentioned, this never happened before. How does he seem?" Sensei asked.

"He seems fine, except for some memory loss. Plus a sore throat, or some kind of problem talking like he used to," Akira replied.

"Hmm," Sensei mused. "well, he has been dead for three days. I am certainly not an expert on this, but he should regain his full memory."

"It is not just that, Sensei, he is...different. He has...changed," Akira said, whispering.

"Of course he has changed!" Sensei replied. "Who would not? Where are you?"

"We are heading to Long Beach to stop the Grandmaster," Akira said.

"Very well. I will meet you there," Sensei said. "What is the exact location? Yes. Okay, good. See you in a few hours or so," Sensei finished, hanging up.

"I changed?" Mack asked.

"Yes, in a good way, Mack-san," Akira replied turning red and glad it was dark.

"How?" Mack asked.

"Well, you have better hearing for one," Akira replied.

"You're a helluva lot faster too," Jim said.

"And you're more handsome," Annie said, squeezing mack's hand and smiling.

"You are also healthier overall," Hanna said.

"Thanks," Mack said.

"M-Mack-san?" Mika asked, barely audible. "Please excuse. Why were you laughing when you k-killed Yukio?"

Mack furrowed his brow. "I knew. While I was...away, I saw things. I heard...what Yukio had...planned for Annie. When he...offered money, power, I knew. So pitiful...he was. And...Yukio thought...he could trick me. Funny. But not fun. I saw with...clarity. I'm...sorry," Mack said with difficulty.

"Thank you, Mack-san," Mika said.

"Do you remember Mack, your time away?" Annie asked.

"A little. There was...no time. A man...an angel took me to a...place. There was another man...not an angel. I saw...my family in...the distance. I was...given a choice to stay...or return," Mack said.

"Why did you choose to return?" Hanna asked.

"I...because...you, Annie," Mack replied, turning to look at Annie's dim face.

"Oh Mack," Annie said, hugging him tightly. "I'm sorry. I thought I was losing my mind," she wept.

"No. I wanted to...be...with you," Mack said, gently wiping the tears from Annie's face.

"You came back for me?" Annie asked, overwhelmed by love. Mack nodded.

Annie hesitantly kissed Mack, and Mack followed through with a kiss of his own. A very long kiss.

"Apparently, he has not forgotten how to kiss," Hanna quipped, smiling.

"Hey, get a room you two," Jim said, laughing as he glanced in the rearview mirror.

"Yes," Mack said, after the long kiss. "now you're...stuck with me."

Akira heard Mika sobbing softly, although she tried to hide it.

"Mika, what is the matter?" Akira whispered.

"The love they have, Akira-san. I am moved," she replied. "Please excuse."

"No need to excuse you for that," Akira said softly.

To Akira's surprise, Mika wept more and hugged him. Akira hugged her back, gently stroking her hair.

"What is this, an epidemic?" Hanna asked, laughing playfully.

Hanna was happy for Mack and Annie, and she hoped that her dad and Mika would fall in love. Hanna sighed wistfully, as she began to mentally make wedding plans for both couples. Someday, my prince will come too, she thought, without a trace of envy.

Noir Easter

Act 17: Hard Boiled Egg Fu

It was a dark, rainy, windy and stormy night. The wind had kicked up and blew Annie's rain-soaked hair as she stood on the balcony in her robe. Although this was San Diego, it was still cold enough, especially with the wind, for her to feel it. But she stayed out there, praying and looking.

Looking for what? Annie wondered. What am I looking for? Why am I standing out here in the rain like a damn fool?

"Annie! Come back inside!" Hanna shouted over the wind, rubbing her eyes.

Hanna had been asleep when Annie came out here an hour earlier. When she noticed that Annie was gone she checked the bathroom and then the outdoor balcony. Fear had gripped her, as she concidered the possibility that Annie may be contemplating suicide.

"Okay," Annie replied, sighing.

She slowly walked towards Hanna and lightning flashed in the sky. Thunder boomed in Annie's ears, but she didn't flinch. Hanna jumped.

"Hurry! You might get struck by lightning!" Hanna exclaimed, looking around nervously.

Annie smiled. Poor thing isn't used to lightning, she thought. Another flash lit up the sky and a resounding boom reverberated through Annie's being.

"Eeek!" Hanna screamed, pointing towards Annie.



Annie turned around quicker than lightning, but she saw nothing. Until lightning flashed again. Then she saw it! Who? What? She wondered, assuming a fighting stance. Damn, I lost sight of it again.
Oddly, Annie felt no fear. And why is that? She wondered.

Lightning flickered again but she couldn't see anything. My imagination? No, Hanna saw it. Annie backed her way slowly towards Hanna. Normally, she would've ran back inside, grabbing her gat, but she felt no urgency to do so now, which was... illogical. It was also counter to all the training she had gone through.

"Annie, hurry! It might come back!" Hanna shouted.

Once again, lightning flashed and Annie spied the mysterious figure on the balcony ledge up on the little wall, facing her. More lightning shot through the night sky in quick succession, enabling Annie to see the figure for a few good seconds. It extended it's right hand as if in supplication, and Annie felt an overwhelming sadness...and a yearning in her heart. And...something else.
Before she realized it Annie was approaching the figure.

A shot rang out, coming from behind Annie. The dark figure jumped at that moment and it was dark once again as the lightning stopped and the thunder rolled.

Annie turned and saw Hanna with the pistol looking for the mysterious man. Man? How do I know it was a man? Annie mused. She just knew, she concluded. Sometimes you just know things without knowing why you know.

"Hanna, bring a flashlight! Hanna! It's okay, he's gone! Bring a flashlight!" Annie shouted, walking to the balcony wall.

Hanna joined her a few seconds later, with a flashlight in one hand and the gun in the other.

"Thanks," Annie said, taking the flashlight and shining it on the section of wall she saw the strange figure.

She shined the light below, looking down, but saw no trace of him. Below there was another balcony, but it looked to far to jump. Annie saw something on the ledge and touched it with her finger. She smelled it. Blood. Not much but it was fresh blood.

"I think you hit him," Annie said to Hanna.

"I did? I was so worried about you, Annie! Do you know who it was?" Hanna asked.

"No, but he didn't scare me," Annie replied wistfully, deep in thought.

"Let us go inside. You are freezing, girl!" Hanna scolded, pulling a reluctant Annie from the ledge.

Hanna closed the sliding glass door and locked it. Then she grabbed some towels and started to undress Annie who was still lost in thought...or in shock more likely, Hanna thought, taking Annie's wet clothes off and drying her.

"What came over you?" Hanna asked, as she dried Annie's body.

"Huh?" Annie replied.

"How many fingers am I holding up?" Hanna asked.

"Three, silly," Annie replied, smiling.

"What day is it?" Hanna asked.

"Today," Annie replied. "What a beautiful day, don't you think so Hanna?" Annie asked.

"Were you struck by lightning?" Hanna asked, closely examining Annie's body.

"I like lightning," Annie replied.

"Thanks, that is so helpful," Hanna said. "It does not look like you were struck."

"Do you think he'll come back?" Annie asked, still smiling.

"I do not know. You act like you want him to come back," Hanna replied, drying Annie's hair. "Do you?"

"He wasn't going to hurt me," Annie said, matter of factly.

"How do you know? And if he was not here to hurt you, or us, then why was he on our balcony?" Hanna asked, getting frustrated with Annie's strange behavior.

"I...I don't know," Annie replied. "I just...know. You know?"

"I wish I knew," Hanna said, as she finished drying Annie off. "Here, put this dry robe on."

"Thanks," Annie said, smiling.

"How do you know it was a man. Did you see his face?" Hanna asked.

"No. I almost did before you shot him," Annie replied frowning. "Why did you shoot him?"

"We already went over that," Hanna answered, sighing. "How do you know...okay, just forget it. I got it. You just know."

"Exactly!" Annie said, smiling again.

"I think I am getting a headache," Hanna said, shaking her head. "Now let us get you in bed, there you go. I am going to sleep with you, okay? That way you will warm up faster," and I will know if you get up, Hanna didn't say.

"Okay," Annie said, snuggling up to Hanna and closing her eyes.

God! She is freezing! Hanna thought, using all of her willpower not to jump out of bed. Where in the hell was Daddy?
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Akira awoke with a start as lightning flashed and thunder boomed. He had not intended to fall asleep. Mika was nestled in his arms and moaned softly as Akira moved, checking his watch. One thing had led to another and he and Mika had made love on the back seat.

What? It's after midnight! Akira realized looking at his watch in horror. How did I sleep so long? Of course, not all of it was spent sleeping, but still...I better check on the girls, he thought, getting his phone out and making the call.

"Hello?" Hanna answered.

"Hanna it is dad," Akira said.

"Daddy? Where are you?" Hanna asked. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, yes I am fine. I will be there soon to explain," Akira replied.

"Are you sure you are fine? You sound strange, Daddy," Hanna said.

"Yes, I am alright, I assure you," Akira said as Mika moaned in her sleep again. Akira winced.

"Who was that?!" Hanna asked.

"What?" Akira answered, wincing again.

"I head a woman Daddy. What are you doing?" Hanna asked, agitated.

"Oh...yes, that would be...Mika," Akira replied, shaking his head.

"Mika? Who is Mika?" Hanna asked.

"She...I will...explain when I get there," Akira said. "I have to go now. See you soon!" Akira added, quickly flipping the phone shut.

Sweat formed on Akira's brow. What was he going to say? He still had to call Jim about the killing of Yukio and his men. Well, not all of them. Some were missing. There had been less on duty than normal. Perhaps Ryu would know why.

"Come, Mika, we must go," Akira said, softly.

Mika opened her eyes, smiled and kissed Akira. Then she blushed the way she did, which drove Akira wild. Through superhuman effort, Akira somehow managed to stop himself.

"Later," he whispered, holding Mika close. "Let us get a hotel room, mika," he smiled.

Mika smiled back as she moved reluctantly away from Akira to sit up front. She went through her purse putting on some more lipstick as Akira drove. Akira did his best not to look at her too much so he could concentrate on the roads.

When he arrived at the Marriot he grabbed the two backpacks in one hand and Mika's hand in the other. Akira was in luck, as the honeymoon suite was open. He paid cash and took Mika to their room. A busboy tried to grab the backpacks, but Akira waved him off.
They had just entered the room when Mika began kissing Akira.

"Wait. Wait," Akira said, laughing. "First you must meet my daughter. We will have plenty of time later for that. Do you wish to use the restroom first?" Akira asked.

"Yes, thank you," Mika replied, bowing.

Akira bowed back, which surprised Mika. She hurried to the bathroom. She sure does not speak much, Akira thought, smiling. I do hope Hanna likes her. Akira's smile faded. He wasn't very good with words.

He recalled seeing the report on Mika that Ryu had done. She was 38 but she looked no older than 25. Married once with no children. Her husband was deceased, apparently murdered. What was his name?
Akira wondered. Oh yes, he had intended to question Ryu more about the shoddy report which had no more information. Akira made a mental note to do just that. Strange that Mika's husband was murdered too, he thought.

Mika returned a few minutes later and Akira led her to Hanna and Annie's room. Akira knocked hesitantly and waited a few seconds.

"It is me, Hanna," He said.

The door slowly opened and Hanna lowered her gun once she saw Akira. Mika's eyes widened and so did Hanna's.

"It is alright," Akira said, instinctively wrapping his arm arounfd her and holding her closely. "Mika, this is my daughter, Hanna. Hanna this is Mika."

"I am pleased to meet you Mika," Hanna said, bowing.

"The honor is mine, Hanna-san," Mika said softly, bowing in return.

"Please, excuse me," Hanna said, pointing to the gun. "We had an intruder ealier."

"I...I understand," Mika replied.

"Intruder? Where?" Akira said, looking around.

"He, or she was on the balcony, Daddy. I think I shot him. Annie was out there, and I got scared," Hanna said, hugging Akira. "Annie just...walked towards it."

"Shh, it is okay, you did well," Akira said, patting her on the back.

Who could it be? Akira thought. No one knew they were here.

"Can you describe the intruder?" Akira asked.

"Well, I didn't see its face. It wore a hat and raincoat. The hat was the kind those men in old movies wear," Hanna said.

Mika gasped, a look of terror on her face.

"What is it Mika?" Akira asked.

"He...he is a demon!" She said nervously. "He...killed all of Master Yukio men. The screams! The men screamed and he said nothing...killing them all easily. Master Yukio tried to shoot him, but he...he was too fast! He is not human! I...I hid in the closet and Yukio grabbed his sword after he ran out of bullets. And then...then Yukio he screamed. I think he recognized the demon. He said...he said..." Mika said, crying.

Akira held her and reassured her.

"I will protect you Mika," he said. "No man or demon will hurt you as long as I draw breath. Shh. What did Yukio say? Please, explain. Take your time."

"H-he said, "no! It cannot be! I will kill you!" And the demon laughed. I have never been so afraid! He laughed. And...and Yukio, his face, the blood left his face. Yukio tried to fight but the demon laughed and Yukio knew...he was about to go to...hell. Then Yukio tried to make a deal...foolish...one cannot make a deal with death. Then he...he screamed as it dawned on him...this demon would kill him. Period. After...after the demon killed Yukio he turned and looked at me. I thought...it was over. I wept, and he...he reached his hand out to me. I screamed and closed my eyes, praying! When I opened them, he was gone and you were there. He appeared briefly after you arrived. Then he was gone again. Why did he not kill you?" Mika asked, hugging Akira again.

"Because he isn't a demon," Annie said, sitting up in bed. "And Akira has honor."

"Annie, you're awake!" Hanna exclaimed, rushing over to examine her.

"A demon would've killed you both," Annie continued, pointing at Mika and Akira.
"No, he is an angel," she said, smiling.

"Mika this is Annie, Annie, this is Mika," Akira said, pondering what the girls said.

"I am honored," Mika said, bowing.

"I too am honored," Annie replied, bowing her head.

"Please excuse, Annie-san," Mika said. "How do you know he an angel?"

"I...just do," Annie replied. "In here," she said, pointing to her heart.

"I hope you are right," Akira said.

"Were you not relieved when Yukio was killed?" Annie asked.

"What?" Mika asked looking shocked.

"Yes, I know, dear. Yukio can never hurt you again," Annie said. "You see, Yukio killed your husband so he could have you."

"Y-Yukio killed my Kaito? How...how you know this?" Mika asked, as Akira helped her sit down.

"I've been investigating Yukio for awhile. I work for the CIA," Annie said.

"What?! You work for the CIA?" Hanna asked, checking Annie's forehead for a fever.

"I'm sorry. I meant to tell you sooner. It's just that, so much has happened. Please understand my friendship with you is not an act. In fact, I intend to quit the CIA. I've had enough," Annie said.

"Does Jim know?" Akira asked.

"I should probably tell him, huh?" Annie said, smiling.

"Th-thank you, Annie-san. Now I know the truth," Mika said, bowing and then weeping quietly into Akira's chest.

"Why would the CIA be interested in Yakuza?" Akira asked.

"Because the Yakuza is receiving shipments soon. Shipments that incudes...sensitive Chinese equipment that the CIA wants. Equipment that is a clear and present danger in the wrong hands," Annie said.

Akira raised an eyebrow and took out his cell to call Jim.

"Hello," Jim answered.

"Jim, this is Akira. We need to talk, it is urgent," Akira said.

"Okay, where?" Jim asked.

"The Marriott. Call me when you get here, and I will meet you in the lobby," Akira said.

"Roger that. I'll be there in about 20 minutes," Jim said.

"Shipments? Yukio sent some men earlier to help receive shipments in Long Beach," Mika said. "He said the GrandMaster would be there."

"That explains why there were fewer men than normal," Akira said.

"When, Mika?" Annie asked.

"I do not know. Soon, Annie-san," Mika said.

"Thanks, Mika-san! Annie exclaimed.

"Ryu will know more," Akira said, calling Sensei.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

"What!" Sensei answered, on the tenth ring.

"Sensei, it is Akira. Do you have Ryu?" Akira asked.

"I thought I turned this damn thing off," Sensei grumbled. "Yes, but he is tied up at the moment."

"I need you to extract some information from him," Akira said.

"Extract you say? The man is a babbling mess. He is incoherent and frankly, just plain nuts," Sensei said.

"What? Why? What did you do?" Akira asked.

"Nothing, other than bring him home. Tadeo tried to feed him but he keeps slobbering. Mentioned something about a demon," Sensei said.

"A demon? You mean that was not you?" Akira asked.

"No, it was not me. Apparently he saw the demon, or whatever before I got to him," Sensei said.

"Did you contact Toshiro?" Akira asked.

"Yes, I did. Strangely enough he was not in Tokyo when I called. He is in San Francisco with the GrandMaster himself. That is all my contact knew," Sensei said.

"The GrandMaster?" Akira asked.

"Yes, I would like to know more myself. I am told he is a prisoner. More than he was at any rate. I was planning on going up there to find him, you want to go?" Sensei asked.

"The GM is going to, or may be in Long Beach. He is expecting some shipments there. Something far worse than drugs," Akira said. "I need to know where to go in Long Beach. Ryu would know where, if you can get it from him."

"I will call you back. This may take awhile," Sensei said. "What is wrong, Akira. Something happened there that has disturbed you."

"That demon, angel, whatever he is, destroyed Yukio and all his men," Akira said.
"I saw him briefly but he is too fast for me. He may have visited Annie while I was away. She thinks he is an angel," Akira said.

"Hmmm, and you thought that was me?" Sensei asked, laughing.

"Who else could it be? Toshiro?" Akira asked, irritated.

"Well, he could be, but I doubt it," Sensei said.

"Then who else? Is he an angel or demon? A real one?" Akira asked.

"That would depend on who you are," Sensei replied.

"You know something, Sensei," Akira said, suspiciously.

"No, I suspect something, and I know less," Sensei said.

"Suspect what?" Akira asked, rubbing his temples. "Sensei? Sensei? Blast! I lost contact!" Akira said, slamming his phone shut.

"He is not a demon or an angel," Hanna said.

"Why do you say that?" Akira asked.

"Because they do not bleed," Hanna said. "We found a drop of blood where I shot him."

"How do you know angels don't bleed, Hanna? Have you ever shot one?" Annie asked.

"Well...no, I don't think so," Hanna replied.

"Look, I do not care, okay? This is all speculation," Akira said.

"But you wanted Sensei's speculation," Hanna said.

"Yes, that is true, Hanna, and I value yours. I am sorry. I am frustrated. We know nothing about this...person," Akira said.

"Let's eat!" Annie exclaimed. "I'll order. Anyone else hungry?"

"I think Annie is losing it, Daddy," Hanna whispered.

"Yes, I see what you mean," Akira replied.

"After what we saw, you think she might be crazy?" Mika whispered.

"Point taken," Akira said.

"All I mean is, she is so happy. Why is she so happy?" Hanna asked.

"I know! Let's all get something different so we can share!" Annie exclaimed. "C'mon! It'll be fun!"
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Jim got up out of bed and got dressed.

"Do you have to go so late?" Sarah asked.

"Yes, Akira said it was urgent," Jim replied. "Have you seen my extra clips?" Jim asked.

"Third drawer, dear," Sarah answered. "Are you...expecting trouble?"

"No, just want to be prepared," Jim said.

"Please wear your vest," she said.

"Okay, but only for you," Jim replied, kissing her and strapping his vest on.

Just then the doorbell rang.

"Now who could that be at this hour?" Sarah asked.

"I'll get it," Jim said, putting a jacket on over his vest.

Jim strapped on his Baretta 9 millimeter to his belt and wrapped a snub-nosed .357 around his ankle and went to the door. He looked out the peek hole and saw a man standing there, but couldn't see his face clearly.
Jim put a hand on his gat and unsnapped it, then he opened the door. The man was now standing near the streetlight.



How did he move that fast? Jim wondered.

"Hello?" Jim called out, stepping outside and closing the door behind him. It had been raining all night.

The man stood there silently and said nothing.

"Can I help you?" Jim asked, walking slowly towards the man.

The wind kicked up and so did the rain. Jim saw lightning flash in the sky and thunder roared in soon afterwards.

"Jim," the man said.

Or did he? Jim couldn't tell, over the noise of the wind, rain and thunder.

"Do I know you?" Jim asked.

Lightning struck again, this time close by, and Jim was blinded for a moment.
He felt the stranger put something in his hand, but try as he might he could see nothing, still blinded as he was.

"Jim," he said.

"S-stand back!" Jim ordered, placing his right hand on his weapon and backing up.

Jim blinked a few times and could now see a bit. The man was gone without a trace. Jim checked his left hand. The stranger had left a folded piece of paper. Jim walked to his porch and opened it under the porch light. It was an address. An address in Long Beach. Underneath the address it simply said "Dock number three. Tell Akira. Hurry!"

What's this for? Jim wondered, sticking it in his pocket. Jim went back inside.

"Jim?" Sarah asked from the bedroom.

"Yeah," Jim replied, entering the room.

"Who was it?" Sarah asked, putting her .38 special down as Jim entered the room.

"I don't know. He gave me this address and then just vanished," Jim answered.

"What do you mean, he just vanished," Sarah asked.

"I was blinded by the lightning. The man vanished by the time I could see," Jim said.

"Thank God he didn't try to hurt or kill you!" Sarah said, her voice edged with worry. "Please Jim, retire. You have over 30 years in."

"I will, darling. As soon as I solve this case," Jim said.

"Jim, I didn't want to bring this up," Sarah said.

"What?" Jim asked.

"Well, I was talking to Maria, the wife of Lt. Johnson? She told me that he had heard from the Chief that they were planning to force you to retire soon," Sarah said.

"Is that so?" Jim replied. "Johnson is a weasel, but he's probably right about that. I have to solve this case, Sarah, I just gotta," Jim said, hugging his wife.

"I know, dear, I know," she said. "Hurry, then. You may not have much time."

"I will. I'm tired too, Sarah, but I made a promise. At least now I know who killed Mack's family. I just don't know why, and I can't prove it, yet. I'll call if this is going to take long," Jim said, kissing Sarah and heading for the door.

"Be careful!" Sarah called out.

"Always," Jim said, closing the door.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Akira looked at his watch, for the upteenth time. What is keeping Jim? He wondered.
He's ten minutes late. He looked at Annie, sitting on her bed and smiling. He was glad Annie was so happy but he didn't understand why she was so happy. Hanna checked her for a fever again. Mika lightly touched his arm and he took her hand in his.

The door buzzed. "Room service," a voice said over the intercom.

Akira got up and answered the door after looking through the peephole. He could smell the food. Akira opened the door, his other hand on his gun. The man rolled the food in, and Akira gave him a 100 dollar bill.

"Thanks!" The young man said, as he left.

"That was fast," Hanna said, checking the trays.

"It smells yummy!" Annie said.

Akira's phone rang and he flicked it open. "Yes?"

"I'm here," Jim said.

"Everything okay?" Akira asked.

"I had a...visitor. He gave me something you will want to see," Jim said.

"I'll be right down," Akira said.

Mika was at his side immediately.

"It is okay, I will be right back," Akira said.

"No! Do not leave me! Please!" Mika begged, clutching Akira's arm.

"Very well. Stay close," Akira said.

What could he say? After all she had been through? Akira left with Mika in tow, and hurried to the elevator. He arrived in the lobby without incident, but he remained wary.

"Jim," Akira said, approaching him. "Good to see you."

Jim nodded. "Good to see you, Akira," Jim said, shaking his hand.

"Come, we have a room," Akira said. "This is Mika. Mika, this is Jim, a friend."

"Pleased to meet you maam," Jim said, nodding his head.

"I am honored, Jim-san," she replied, bowing.

Jim bowed back and Mika bowed again. Jim bowed once more and Mika bowed again.

"Okay, let us go," Akira said.

Back in the room Akira began to explain everything, but Annie cut him off.

"Hi Jim!" Annie waved enthusiastically, eating fried chicken. "Are you hungry? We got fried rice, chicken, a salad, steak, baked potatoes, pork chops, ribs..."

"Look Annie, they brought real butter," Hanna said, cutting Annie off.

"Thanks Hanna! That will go great on my baked potato!" Annie said.

"We will join you soon," Akira said. "Drink?"

"Yes, I could use one," Jim said. "Just a shot of whiskey will do."

Akira prepared Jim's drink and poured himself some sake.

"In memory of Mack, who I know is watching over us," Jim said raising his glass in a toast.

"Hei!" Akira said, clinking his glass against Jim's and drinking his sake.

"You saw him too?" Annie asked, her mouth full of chicken and potatoes.

"What?" Jim asked, choking on his whiskey.

"Annie has...not been all here," Akira whispered.

Jim nodded and smiled at Annie.

"What's wrong with her?" Jim whispered back.

"A strange...man visited her while I was gone. Out on the balcony. Hanna may have shot him and he...vanished," Akira said, uncomfortably. "That, along with Mack's funeral may have...messed her mind up."

"I...see," Jim said. "I too had a visitor who vanished, after giving me this," Jim said, showing the paper to Akira.

Akira quickly read it and shook his head.

"I also saw perhaps the same man. He killed Yukio and all of his men. He spared Mika, however. I only saw him for a brief moment, and he was gone," Akira said. "I have never known a man to move that fast."

"I told you, he's an angel," Annie said, now eating pumpkin pie. "Ooh look, whipped cream!"

"Yes, well...be that as it may, he appears to be helping us," Akira said, pouring himself another drink.

"What about this address?" Jim asked.

"I think we should check it out. Mika overheard Yukio sending ten of his men to help the head of Yakuza obtain a shipment, or shipments in Long Beach. Annie says she is CIA and that the shipments are..." Akira said.

"A clear and present danger!" Annie blurted. "Really bad bad bad stuff."

"You're CIA?" Jim asked.

"Only until the end of this mission," Annie said. "This is very good chicken. You want some?"

"No thanks, Annie, I ate earlier. What are these shipments?" Jim asked.

"Chinese," Annie said. "That reminds me, fried rice! I trained for hours to use chopsticks."

Hanna walked over and whispered. "She is getting less lucid."

"Chinese what?" Jim asked.

"I'm not supposed to say," Annie replied, eating the rice. "But you are my friends, right?"

"Of course we are, Annie," Hanna said, walking back and patting Annie's shoulder.

"Bio weapons," Annie said. "Try this rice, Hanna."

"Bio weapons. Is this info reliable?" Jim asked.

"Yep," Annie said. "It's so dangerous it's coming in three seperate shipments, to be combined later. That's what I heard, anyway. Did he talk to you?"

"What? Oh, yes he said my name," Jim said.

"I think he was going to talk to me before Hanna shot him," Annie said.

"I am sorry, Annie, but it looked like he was attacking you," Hanna said.

"That's okay. He's alright," Annie said, smiling.

"What do you want to do?" Akira asked.

"I'm going to Long Beach," Jim said. "To verify this information."

"I will join you," Akira said. "But you three will stay in the car," Akira ordered.

"What kind of car do you have?" Jim asked.

"A cadillac," Akira replied.

"We'll take your car then," Jim said. "I got a shotgun, do you have anymore weapons?"

Akira smiled. "We only have to make one quick stop, and I can get you just about anything you want."

"Good," Jim said. "We don't have time to go through official channels. God, I hope all of Annie's information is accurate, or I'm in a lot of trouble."

"If we survive, that is," Akira whispered.

Jim nodded and sighed. "I gotta call my wife and let her know I'll be late for breakfast," Jim said.

"You can eat with us!" Annie said. "Try a pork chop, Jim. Hey look! Easter eggs! Happy Easter guys!" Annie exclaimed, giving everyone an Easter egg.

"Do not give her a gun," Hanna quipped.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

The valet brought the caddy around and Akira gave him a nice tip, and something extra to watch Jim's car.

"I call shotgun!" Annie said, getting in the passenger seat.

"I'll drive," Jim said.

Akira, Mika and Hanna got in the roomy back. Annie lit up as they began to pull out.

"He's back!" She shouted, pointing as they passed an alley. "Stop!" Annie ordered.



Jim stopped and looked, while Annie jumped out of the car and ran towards the man.

"Annie wait!" Jim shouted, but she didn't hesitate.

Akira cursed and got out as did Jim, both pulling their heaters out.
Annie flung herself onto the man they had all seen earlier, hugging him and showering kisses on him.
The man appeared to be shocked at annie's behavior, not sure what he should do. After a few seconds he hugged Annie back.

"It's you! I knew it! I knew you would be back!" Annie said, weeping. "I brought you an Easter egg, see?" She said, giving the man a blue easter egg.

He looked at it as if it were something he had never seen. Or something he had never noticed.

"Annie," he said, his voice gravelly and barely audible.

"Yes! You remember!" Annie said, overcome by her emotions.

Akira and Jim lowered their gats but didn't put them away.

"Your call, jim," Akira muttered.

"Who are you?" Jim asked.

"I...am not sure," the man said.

"You're Mack, silly!" Annie said, holding on to him.

"Yes. I am...Mack," Mack said.

"What the hey?" Jim said.

"It is not...possible!" Akira exclaimed. "Allow us to see your face clearly."

"The light, still hurts my eyes," Mack said. "Do not attack me," he said, taking his hat off and removing his sunglasses. Then he stepped into the light, squinting.

"Oh my God!" Hanna shouted. "You are...Mack!"

Hanna ran by Akira and hugged Mack.

"I am so sorry I shot you," she said, crying.

"Only a graze," Mack said, shrugging and putting his sunglasses and hat back on.

"How?" Jim asked, putting his gun in it's holster.

Mack stood there as the girls hugged him and kissed him.

"You have to be more specific," Annie said. "He's been dead awhile, you know. It's not like he just knows everything."

"Aye...I was...dead," Mack said.

"How did you come back to life?" Jim asked, shaking Mack's hand. "Damn, it's good to see you Mack!" Jim added, giving him a hug.

"Jim," Mack said, smiling. "Aki-ra," Mack said, pointing to Akira.

"Hello, Mack-san," Akira said, bowing.

Mack bowed in return.

"I...do not know," Mack said, slowly. "A choice...I was given...a choice. Hard...to speak."

"That's okay, Mack, you'll get your voice back," Annie said. "Don't ever leave me, you hear?" She exclaimed, crying into Mack's chest.

"O-kay," Mack replied. _____________________________________________________________________________________




"What do I do with this?" Mack asked, examining the egg.