Rothline

I began learning and working with HTML (HyperText Markup Language) in 1999 at the now defunct company, BuyItNow.com. I was hired at BuyItNow.com as a Data Entry Specialists. However with the knowledge I gained from the Computer Based Training program at DecisionOne for Microsoft Office and other software, I applied for and was promoted to Software Instructor within the first month at BuyItNow.com.

HTML is the foundation of any Website Design. While HTML is static the development of HTML for a User Interface which will be utilized in a dynamic website is useful.

I officially started using and maintaining data in SQL Server 2005 around April of 2006 for an environmental consulting company called White Buffalo Environmental. White Buffalo Environmental was in the process of developing an online site tracking service called SiteDataSystems.

I had experimented with image editing as far back as 1998 by using Windows Paint. However, my professional experience with PhotoShop and Fireworks began at Transco Supply while editing product images for that company.

Currently I use Paint.NET for many image editing products and I have used the GIMP. The most extensive use of any image editing program was while I worked at Transco Supply and Sunbelt Sports.

I learned and used ASP while working at Sunbelt Sports. I had redesigned the website to be database driven with ASP and Microsoft Access. I worked on this site for approximately two years and brought the site from being static to being dynamic.

The site contained the front end view for customers and a back office view for employees to add, edit or delete product information. There was also a module for inputting and tracking purchase orders.

I have been learning and using ASP.NET with Visual Web Developer while at White Buffalo Environmental. Both wbeweb.com and sitedatasystems.com where written in ASP.NET.

While wbeweb.com I designed and developed myself for While Buffalo Environmental, the other site sitedatasystems.com was designed and developed by a different developer. I did however assist with the SQL on SQL Server 2005 that holds the data for sitedatasystems.com. I also helped the other developer as needed with sitedatasystems.com.

My career was changed for the better when I got a job at DecisionOne as a Sales Assistant in April of 1998. DecisionOne offered a Computer Based Training program for its employees at that time. I took advantage of it. I spent the time needed to review all of the tutorials on Microsoft Office as well as other software programs. I had limited exposure to computers before that time.

My first introduction to databases was through this CBT on Microsoft Access. For whatever reason the concept of databases clicked with me almost instantly. I was in awe with how a database worked, amazed that I understood databases and immediately recognized the unlimited possibilities.

One of my first self assigned projects was to design an Access database that would generate the monthly sales report. This database made it possible for the Sales Manager to go from spending two days trying to put the monthly report together to spending only an hour with the Access database to generate and print the reports needed.

I learned about computer hardware maintenance and repair from the technical school at the NCR headquarters in Dayton, Ohio. I was hired by Permond Solutions Group a subsidiary of NCR (National Cash Register) in January of 2002. The Permond Solutions Group is now known as First Line Technology.

I learned how to build, repair and install computer components and systems for both residential and commercial customers. I also learned how to provide on site troubleshooting and repair for point of sale terminals for various retailers.

“There’s another door up here,” Mark hollered. At the bottom of the concrete staircase was his friend Dave. Mark and Dave had just managed to pry open an old wood door to find a narrow staircase. Dave exhausted from prying had stopped to rest while Mark went up the stairs to investigate.

“Check it out,” Dave commands as he starts the climb up the stairs.

“Alright,” Mark says. He tries to open the door. “This one is locked too” he informs his friend.

“Okay, I am on my way” Dave responds.

Mark steps back and prepares to give the door a swift sturdy kick to see if he can get it open. “We’ve got to get out of here” he whispers to himself. As he bolts forward the door comes open and he stumbles full speed through the doorway. Catching his balance he looks back towards the door. The dimly lit area reveals a human figure holding a pistol aimed at him.

“What the–” Ka-Blam! A bullet pierces his forehead and he collapses.

“Adara Sweeny kills computers,” Logan Sharp informs his new Assistant Technician Gilbert Irving. “She is infamous for her daily calls to I.T. She is the most incessant person at committing operator errors,” Logan explains as they approach her office.

“I’m so sorry I had to call you again this morning,” She offers an apology. “You’re such a sweetie for coming right over first thing this morning to fix it for me.”

“I do what I can,” Logan answers. “By the way, this is our new I.T. guy, Gilbert Irving.” Logan tells Adara and then turns to Gilbert and says, “Gilbert this is Adara Sweeny, the Admin for Mr. Graham.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you,” Adara says and offers Gilbert a handshake.

“It is nice to meet you,” Gilbert shakes her hand.

Justin Graham, the president and CEO of Baxton Distribution Center enters the office. He is approximately five foot five in height with a slender build, squinty eyes and a grating voice.

“Good morning,” Mr. Graham says to Logan. “I knew I would find you in here, early in the morning.” He gives Adara a smirk.

“Be nice,” she says.

“Good morning, sir,” Logan responds.

Mr. Graham glances over at Gilbert and says, “You must be our new Techie. Welcome aboard, I am Justin Graham.”

“I am Gilbert Irving. It is a pleasure to meet you.” The two men shake hands and then Mr. Graham turns his attention to Logan.

“Listen, Logan,” says Mr. Graham, “come by my office when you are finished fixing Adara’s computer I have a project for you.” Mr. Graham gestures towards Gilbert and adds, “And bring the new guy along, you will need his help for this.”

“Yes sir. I will be there shortly,” Logan answers. Mr. Graham exits the office.

The office of Mr. Graham is directly across the hall from the office of Adara. Logan and Gilbert sit in leather chairs waiting for Mr. Graham to finish a phone call. After the call Mr. Graham turns his attention to Logan and Gilbert.

“Gilbert you started just in time. You are going to see my Mansion,“ Mr. Graham informs. “That is the good news. The bad news is I had an intruder this weekend. Being the old fool that I am, I never thought of putting up electronic surveillance in my home. That is about to change. My project for you, Logan and you, Gilbert is to install a security system.”

Logan and Gilbert glance at each other.

“Logan, before you object please note that I have arranged for your other Techs to cover your workload here at the company. Also, I have a Rep from the security company that will meet with you at the house. I have arranged accommodations for you and the new guy to stay a few nights and help me get this project finished as soon as possible. And yes I am willing to pay overtime. So, do you have any questions or concerns?”

“Where is the mansion?” Gilbert asks.

Keetonville is a small rural community in Rogers County, Oklahoma. Keetonville is on a hilly terrain known as the Keetonville Hills. The main road that travels through the community is called Keetonville Road. This area contains thousands of wooded acres and only a few homes and ranches. Keetonville is home to some of the oldest and richest families in this northeastern area of Oklahoma.

People who live here want privacy and usually own several acres of land. There are several gravel and dirt roads that lead off of the paved Keetonville road. There are no names and no maps that identify these roads. And that is the way this community likes it. An aerial view of this area may reveal a few homes and maybe a few pieces of dirt and gravel roads but this thickly wooded area hides most.

Justin Graham owns the home known as the Baxton Mansion. This mansion is on land known as Baxton Acres. Mr. Graham inherited the house and land from his business partner and brother-in-law Samuel Baxton who had disappeared before the end of the twentieth century. Rumor has it that Baxton got mixed up with some bad people, possibly the mafia, and stepped on some toes. Then he was gone.

The Baxton company car arrives at the tall iron gates in front of Baxton Acres with passengers Logan and Gilbert. The driver, Otis Conroy, presses a button on his console and the gates open.The car enters and travels a distance through a wooded area. There are trees everywhere, a gravel road and an old well. As they get deeper in, the trees begin to block out the sky and everything starts to look dim.

“I bet it is dark as hell at night.” Gilbert says.

“I believe it.” Logan agrees.

“It is,” Otis confirms.

The car comes to a stop at a large circular drive in front of a three story stone structure that looks a city block wide.

“Welcome to Baxton Mansion,” Otis says.

“That’s no mansion,” Gilbert says “That is a freaking castle!”

Logan opens the car door, steps out and looks up at the mansion. “It is beautiful,” he comments.

“It is gorgeous,” Gilbert says upon exiting the car. “So why is the company and the mansion named Baxton.”

“I don’t know” Logan answers staring up at the large structure.

Otis now out of the car walks around to where they stand. “The Baxton Mansion was built in the early 1900s by the Baxton family,” Otis says. “The mansion stayed in possession of Baxton family members through the years. Recently the last known heir has disappeared. That heir was Samuel Baxton who started the Baxton Distribution Company with Mr. Graham.”

“Interesting,” Gilbert responds.

“It is,” confirms Otis. “Follow me inside,” he instructs and I will introduce you to Mr. Cody Devon, the representative for the company, Home Control Security.”

After the introductions Cody takes Logan and Gilbert to his working area where the equipment is located. “Look over here,” Cody says and points to some papers on a work table. “The Home Control System is a home security system with mega features.” Cody picks up a console that looks like a small flat panel monitor. “These control panels,” he says “attach to the walls in the various rooms and bathrooms through out the house. You can control the alarms, cameras, lights, temperature and televisions. You can also surf the internet, check your bank account or download porn.” He points in the general direction of the remaining panels on the table and says, “These are the security locks to the castle. And the key to the kingdom is the master password. Do either of you know the master password?”

“No” Logan answers

“Don’t know,” Gilbert informs.

“Not a problem becasuse I do know. Let’s get started. First we will install the Controller. If you will,” he says handing some papers to Logan “review this plan and lighting scheme.”

Logan takes a hold of the papers and Cody gestures toward a door. They start walking in that direction, open the door and walk down some concrete stairs into a three car garage.

“This is the Controller closet,” Cody points to the closet. “Inside this closet is the breaker box where the main circuit enters this home.”

“What’s that door over there?” asks Gilbert pointing.

“That’s the door to the basement,” Cody explains. “The basement is off limits.”
Mr. Graham had a delicious dinner catered into the mansion. Logan and Gilbert enjoyed the opportunity to relax around the formal dining table. They along with Cody gave Mr. Graham an update on their progress. Mr. Graham was pleased that the installation was moving along smoothly. After filling up on pizza the exhausted Gilbert exucsed himself and annouced he was going to bed. Logan also claimed he was tired. It was a long day of pulling and pushing cables and equipment throughout the house. Mr. Graham bid them goodnight.

Gilbert feel asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow. He had been asleep for several hours when he heard a whisper. “There are people down there. Can you help us?” the whisper said. Slightly awakened by the odd dream Gilbert shifted his body and tried to go back to sleep.

“There are people down there. Can you help us?’ The whisper was louder this time.

Gilbert opened his eyes thinking that his dream seemed too real. He stared into the darkness and saw nothing. Then next to his ear he heard it again.

“There are people down there. Can you help us?”

Startled and scared Gilbert raises up and turns on the lamp next to his bed.

“Oh my, this is one of those realistic nightmares” Gilbert tries to reassure himself. Fortunately, Gilbert’s room had a control panel. Although not everything was setup and although Cody only gave Gilbert and Logan user passwords, Gilbert was still able to log in. There were a few cameras working on the system. Gilbert could see the hallways, kitchen, den, dining room and the garage.

The garage looks different. Gilbert looked closer at the panel.

“The basement door is open” he said out loud. “Maybe it’s just a wine cellar. That’s why it’s off limits” he tries to convince himself.

“That’s were the people are” a whisper voice said.

Gilbert jumped back, startled. The voice was barely audible. It could have been the voice inside his head. He could still be dreaming. Or maybe there was someone in his room. Gilbert was now spooked by this incident real or not. One thing he knew for certain. He was not sleeping alone tonight. Gilbert grabs his pillow and blanket. He walks across the hall to the room where Logan is sleeping. Gilbert climbs into bed with Logan and covers up.

“What are you doing?” Logan asks awakened by the intrusion.

“I had a very bad dream” Gilbert answered.

“What are you, seven? Go back to your bed” Logan commands.

“I’m scared. I need your emotional support” Gilbert says.

“Okay, but you better not touch me” Logan demands.

“Don’t worry, you’re not my type.”

The next morning Gilbert tells Logan about his strange dream. They decide to check out the basement and manage to open the locked door. The basement turns out to be a concrete staircase that leads down to another locked door.

“Another basement?” Logan wonders.

“Probably a wine cellar” Gilbert suggests.

Logan and Gilbert use a fiber camera to push under the door. They connect the camera line to a laptop.The dimly lit area does not reveal much at first. They push the cable further. The laptop screen displays a tunnel.

“Maybe it is a wine cellar” Logan says.

Cody and Otis sit in the private home office of Mr. Graham. They watch on the computer monitor as Logan and Gilbert try to unlock the second basement door.

“Curiosity kills the cat” Otis says.

“Gilbert is expendable” Cody agrees “but Mr. Graham wants no harm to be brought to Mr. Logan Sharp.”

Logan gets the second door unlocked. He and Gilbert push the door open.

“It is tunnel,” Logan says as he shines a light into the area.

“Let’s check it out” Gilbert says.

Logan and Gilbert walk to the end of the tunnel and find a creek and a boat dock. The creek flows down a cavernous corridor. Above is a light. Logan looks up.

“Look” Logan says. “I bet that is the old well we saw outside the mansion.”

“There’s nothing here” Gilbert says. “No wonder it is off limits.”

Logan and Gilbert press their way through the cavern corridor. To their surprise they find people.

“We come in peace,” says Logan as the large group surrounds him and Gilbert.

“I am Samuel,” informs Samuel “my name is Samuel Lackey. We are survivors of the end times.”

Logan and Gilbert glance at each other with a puzzled look. Logan then speaks up and asks.

“How long have you been down here?”

“Since before the age of Y2K” Samuel says approaching the two men. “We brought shelter, food and supplies before the end of the millennium hit and destroyed the earth.”

“You have been down here since…uh…the year 1999?” Logan asks with surprise.

“That was nearly a decade ago” Gilbert says.

“Yes,” says Samuel we left the surface of the doomed earth in the Fall of 1999 before the destruction of Y2K.”

Logan being amused tries to hide a smirk, “Y2K came and went and did not even turn off a single light bulb.”

“Didn’t turn one on either,” informs Gilbert.

“Blasphmy!” yells Samuel. “We know of earth’s end.”

“Samuel,” says Logan “the earth’s surface is still—“

“In complete destruction” demands Samuel.

“The surface is fine” says Gilbert.

“Not possible” says Samuel.

“Ah, we’re from the surface,” says Logan “and its fine.”

“Blasphmy!” yells Samuel. “Why do you tell my people these lies?”

“You know, Logan,” says Gilbert “I think it is a good time for us to go.”

“I agree” says Logan. He waves to Samuel and the people. “It was nice meeting all of you but it is time for us to go now.” He turns to leave.

“How do we know you will not return in our sleeping hours to harm us?” Samuel asks.

“Because we ain’t coming back” Logan explains.

“That is not good enough” Samuel says. “You must pass the purity test.”

“Are you going to give us a drug screen?” asks Gilbert.

“Something like that” Samuel answers as he motions for some of his people to grab Logan and Gilbert.

“Hey what are you doing?” demands Logan as his legs and arms are secured behind him.

“Get off me” yells Gilbert.

Logan and Gilbert are pushed up towards Samuel. Some servants bring a cage with a cloth on it over to Samuel. Samuel pulls the cloth off and hands it to the servant. Inside the cage is a snake.

“Oh, darn” says Gilbert. “This is not good.”

“You can prevent the bite of this venomous beast by being a pure soul.” Samuel informs as he brings the snake closer to Logan and Gilbert.

“I hope he isn’t referring to virginity” Gilbert whispers to Logan.

“We are pure souls you can trust us on that one,” Logan asserts as he tries to struggle free but the people have him held so tightly he cannot even budge.

“I trust” says Samuel “but I must also verify.” He brings the snake closer to Logan. “Reach out with your hand.”

“Uh, no,” says Logan but the people force his hand and arm out in front of him. Samuel moves the snake closer to him and Logan flinches unable to watch.

Ka-Boom! A shot is heard. “Let ‘em go” demands Otis holding a pistol in his hand and shining a bright light towards the people. The people start to reach for some of their weapons but Otis and Cody point their guns at them. “Not a good idea, folks. I can see you but you can’t necessarily see us” threatens Otis. “Now let our friends loose or big daddy gets the first bullet.” Otis points the pistol at Samuel’s head.

“Let ‘em go” orders Samuel. The people do so. Logan and Gilbert quickly run over to where Otis and Cody stand.

“Thanks goodness you guys got here in time,” Gilbert says. The four of them leave the area and return to the Mr. Graham’s boat dock.

“Basically these are just bunch of superstitious rednecks hiding out in some home made cavern since the fall of 1999 thinking the world had come to an end on the eve of December 31st.” Mr. Graham theorizes. “Evidently they like being down in their little cubby hole and have no desire to come out. I think we can make this profitable. You see you’ve always got to think about the profit aspect.”

“What are you thinking, Mr. Graham?” asks Logan.

“I am thinking Web cam” he smiles at his seemingly brilliant idea. “And not just one but several, hung out all over their place. Outside of their view of course. We can then advertise a website showing ‘The Cave People’ or ‘People Underground’—“

“The Underground Society” suggests Gilbert.

“The Redneck Retreat” submits Otis.

“The Hillbilly Hole” gleams Gilbert.

“Shouldn’t we tell the authorities about this” says Logan.

“Logan, you have popped on our party” complains Mr. Graham. “You’re not thinking about the profit factor.”

“Okay, how about ‘Hole in the Ground’?” Logan suggests.

“We’ll work on the title later. For now let’s get some cameras set up.” Mr. Graham orders.

Logan and Gilbert get the cameras setup. They then view the underground nation on the computer monitors. The equipment and cameras allow them to view most of the underground nation from many angles. There is audio as well as video although the audio is splotchy.

Their website successfully displays the 24 hour broadcast of a nation below. They are able to market merchandise such as t-shirts, mugs, cups, etc. on the website advertising their 24 hour show.

Unfortunately the success of the website is cut short by the broadcast of a brutal murder. Some viewers think that it is a hoax but Mr. Graham and crew know all too well that the incident was real. They immediately take down the site and an investigation begins by the police.

The police investigate but find no body. The interview the leader of the group but to no avail. The attacker was not identifiable on the video tape of the murder.

Logan Sharp finds out about a large package being shipped overseas. He investigates and finds out the destination of the package and informs the police. The local police intercept and find the dead body of the victim.

Logan is told by Mr. Graham that he acquired the house because the original owner did not pay taxes on it. Logan and investigates this and finds out that it is not true.

Logan questions how the people could have lived underground for so long without having an adequate food supply. Mr. Graham tells him not to worry about it.

Logan comes to believe that Mr. Graham is responsible for what he believes to be a hoax and for the murder. Logan cooperates with the police in the arrest of Mr. Graham.

After the police arrest Mr. Graham and leave the premises of the home, Adara tells Logan that she will give him a ride home.

“Do you mind if I take a few minutes to kill?” Adara asks Logan as she lights a cigarette.

“No not at all,” he says. “Take your time; it’s been a tough day.”

“Thank you” she says taking a drag and then exhaling the smoke “I do appreciate it.”

“I think you missed your calling” Adara says to Logan.

“Really,” he says “what calling is that?”

“You seem to have a knack for thinking like a detective,” she informs.

“Well, thank you for that compliment,” he says.

“You know when I was working as a substitute teacher in the late 1990s, there was this father talking about how the world would come in an end on December 31, 1999. He claimed he was burying guns, ammo and food underground in an old school bus. He stated he was going to take his family underground and stay there until it was safe to come out.”

“Do you think he actually did that?”

“No, he didn’t but he gave me an excellent idea.”

“He did?”

“Yeah, he even helped me work on the idea for over a year. It’s too bad he had to die.”

“He’s dead?”

“Yep he is the victim that was murdered online for everybody to see on a camera that some geeky I.T. guy placed where it was not suppose to be and then did not tell anybody about it.” Adara pulls a gun and points it directly towards Logan’s head. “The jerk wanted more than his fair cut of the profits. Oh, I guess you did not figure it all out did ya, I.T. boy?”

“Not exactly. I think a missed a clue.”

“It is interesting how you can put all the pieces together and figure out must of the puzzle but missed the central piece. The bitch with the gun.” She cocks the trigger.

“Adara!” He yells and then jumps and rolls before she can take her shot. The bullet bolts by and he starts to run for the woods.

“Where do you think you are going?” She yells, aims and pulls the trigger.

Logan feels a pain strike his arm by his shoulder and he see blood splatter from his arm. He quickly jumps down and crawls into the trees and tries to take cover. Another shot is fired but misses.

“Oh, Mr. I.T. boy” Adara says and chases after him trying to get a clean shoot.

Logan dives into the creek, holds his breath and swims to cover while Adara searches and waits for him to surface. Anger when she cannot see him she fires a few shots into the water. Logan carefully crawls through the mud and grass to keep cover as he watches Adara look for him. He finds a stick and carefully sneaks away and far behind Adara.

He then carefully and quietly approaches her from behind. When he is close enough he takes a deep breath which she hears and as she turns to shoot he swings the stick, hitting her in the head and knocking her out. He then grabs the gun and turns to go to the car.

He notices Gilbert and police officers approaching.

“You could have saved me a lot of trouble by being here a few minutes earlier,” Logan complains.

“Sorry,” Gilbert says. “Did not know about the villainous female until it was too late.”

As Adara gains consciousness a police officer places handcuffs on her.

“My face is bleeding you schmuck,” She says “Couldn’t you at least have the courtesy to give me medical attention first and stopping the bleeding?”

“Sorry, Ma’am,” the officer says, “I’m not a paramedic.”

“Why don’t you arrest him” she kicks at Logan “He’s the abusive jerk hitting women with sticks. Isn’t that like against the law or something?”

“Not when you are trying to kill him, ma’am.” The officer explains and shoves her in the police car. He then calls for an ambulance.

The End

Some people dislike left over pizza. Lex Reason loves it. Lex believes left over pizza is great for breakfast, lunch, dinner or as an anytime snack. This evening he is microwaving a slice of pizza for a snack. The backdoor to Lex’s home is in the kitchen.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Lex is startled out of his mind as he turns to look at the backdoor. Uncle Earl is banging on the door and peering inside with a look of urgency. Lex darts to the backdoor and yanks it open.

“What are you doing?” Lex yells angrily.

“Somebody stole my home,” Earl answers.

“Earl, I don’t have time for this. You need to go home and get sober.”

“Lex, I am serious,” says Earl. Earl has disturbed Lex a few too many times during his drinking binges. Therefore Earl tries to calm his frustrated nephew by calming asserting, “This is not a drunken delusion. My home is gone. I really do need some help on this one, Lex.”

Compassion is a weakness. Lex knows. He is inflicted with it. If Lex could just lose a few ounces of compassion then just maybe his Uncle Earl would go pester one of his other nephews or nieces.

“I am eating a slice of pizza before I go anywhere,” Lex asserts.

“Pizza,” Earl says with interest.

The headlights from Lex’s car shine across Earl’s property. There is no home. There is only an indication that a mobile home once resided at this property. Earl glares at Lex.

“Look at that. This is my place but there is no home. I am drunk or what?” Earl just could not resist the temptation of sarcasm.

“Did you sell your home when you were drunk?” Lex asks.

“No,” Earl answers.

“Did you lose the home in a poker game?”

“No.”

“Is there any reason anybody would think that you either sold or gave them permission to take your mobile home?” Lex tries to cover all of his bases.

“No,” Earl answers. “My home should be there. There is nothing I have done to make someone think they could take my home.”

“Alright,” Lex says. “Let’s check into this.” Lex grabs a flashlight from the backseat of his car.

“Aren’t we going to call the cops?” Earl asks.

“Yes,” Lex answers as he steps out of the car. He turns on his flashlight and starts scanning the yard. “I know Officer Jim Anderson at the police station. I will give him a call, here in a second.” Lex walks across the gravel drive towards the road. “It looks like there are some large tire tracks here. I am guessing it would take a large truck, a semi or something big to pull the mobile home.”

“Yeah,” Earl says.

“Looks like these tire tracks leave the property and turn left on the street.” Lex takes out his cell phone and starts dialing a phone number.

“This is Jim,” Officer Anderson says when he answers his cell phone.

“Hey, Jim this is Lex. Sorry about calling you on your cell phone,” Lex says.

“Not a problem. What’s up?”

“I have an unusual situation with my Uncle Earl,” Lex says.

“Every situation with your Uncle Earl is unusual,” Anderson comments.

“Well, this time his mobile home is missing,” Lex explains.

“Is he drunk again?” Anderson inquires.

“Actually, yes he is. However his home really is missing. Even drunk I doubt he could manage to misplace his home.”

“I will be there before long. In the meantime give Action Jackson Tow Service a call and see if he knows anything about a mobile home being moved recently,” Anderson says.

“Action Jackson Tow Service at your service. This is Jackson speaking,” Jackson says when he answers the company phone.

“Jackson, this is Lex Reason,” Lex says.

“Hello, Lex Reason,” Jackson says.

“I am calling to find if any mobile homes have been moved today. My uncle’s home has disappeared,” Lex explains.

“No, we did not move any mobile homes today,” Jackson answers.

“However, there is a mobile home for sale over at Leacock Lounge.”

“Thank you,” Lex says.

“That’s my home,” Earl says as he and Lex approach the Leacock Lounge. Lex parks his car in the small parking lot near the bar. Lex and Earl get out and walk over to the mobile home. It is Earl’s home with a for sale sign posted on the front door. Lex uses his cell phone to call Anderson and inform him about having found Earl’s mobile home.

“Earl, you owe me some money,” Reggie Leacock says as he steps out of his bar. “Approximately $1500.00 but you can settle your debt for $1000.00 or lose your home.” Reggie walks towards Lex and Earl.

“I don’t owe you a thing,” Earl asserts. “I don’t know you.”

“Reggie Leacock. I own the bar,” Reggie says. “And I do know you. You tip the girls but you don’t pay for your drinks. Your tabs are bigger than the Lone Star state. It’s time to pay up.”

“He owes you money for drinks?” Lex says angrily to Earl. “I knew this had something to do with drinking.”

“Lex, don’t get mad at me,” Earl says as he gestures towards Reggie. “He stole my home.”

“He tips the girls with cash but pays for the drinks with checks,” Reggie tells Lex. “The checks were bogus. And he convinces the girls to start tabs.”

“Why didn’t you take him court?” Lex asks. “Why steal his-”

“I don’t have a liquor license,” Reggie explains. “And the girls provide services other than drinks.”

“What kind of services?” Lex asks.

“Services,” Reggie asserts.

“You’re running an illegal operation and-”

“I don’t pay taxes either,” Reggie interrupts.

Lex chuckles and says, “You steal a man’s home because he does not pay for your illegal services?”

Reggie pulls a pistol from his suit jacket and aims it at Lex and Earl. “You laugh without considering the obvious. I don’t obey the laws. I just expect payment for services rendered.”

“Whoa! Whoa! Let’s not get crazy,” Lex begs.

“Can I write you a check?” Earl asks.

“No,” Reggie yells. “But you can sign this title over to me.” Reggie pulls an envelope from his jacket pocket and tosses it to Earl. Earl misses the catch. The envelope falls to the ground. Earl leans down and picks it up. He opens the envelope and sees the title to his mobile home.

Earl asks “How did you find that?”

“Just sign it,” Reggie yells.

“The home is worth more than $1500,” Lex informs.

“Look at my face,” Reggie says. “Do I look like-”

“Okay, I understand,” Lex says.

Anderson arrives, aims his pistol and yells to Reggie, “Put your weapon down now and step back. Put your hands on your head.”

“I am not in the jurisdiction of your town,” Reggie asserts.

“I don’t care,” Anderson responds. “Now drop your weapon.” Reggie turns his gun towards Anderson.

“Bad idea; Now drop your weapon,” Anderson yells.

Reggie takes aim. Anderson fires his gun twice. The bullets pierce Reggie’s chest. Lex and Earl jump back from where the body of Reggie lays. Anderson approaches Reggie with his pistol still aimed at him. He turns Reggie over and handcuffs his hands.

“Isn’t he dead?” Earl asks.

“Don’t know. This is standard procedure,” Anderson responds and then radios in for an ambulance.

Anderson tosses some keys to Lex. He asks Lex to get a blanket from the trunk of his car. Lex does. Anderson covers the body with the blanket. A few moments later an ambulance and some more police cars arrive. Lex calls Action Jackson Tow Service to request having the mobile home returned to the property of Earl. Anderson is informed that he will be put on a paid leave while the shooting is investigated. Lex thanks Anderson for his help. Earl decides it is best for him to stop drinking.

“A liar can lie but may not be a thief,” asserted Rex Lewis as he drove the van of colleagues to a cabin on Gallagher’s Ranch.

“So a thief can thieve and lie, but a liar can only lie,” Daniela surmised.

“I believe that is correct,” said Rex. “A lie is an easy sin. But stealing takes more…”

“Disrespect for the law,” Lance Reid said.

“Yeah, something like that,” Rex agreed.

“What about a killer?” Omar Abraham asked.

“A killer can lie and steal,” asserted Rex. “Killing takes more disrespect for the law than lying or stealing.”

“So why are we have this strange conversation?” Fifi Minnelli asked.

Arthur Gallaher, the owner of Gallagher’s Treasures had a current problem with merchandise and money disappearing from his retail stores. The best solution would be to buy a surveillance system but Gallagher did not like to spend money even if it meant catching a thief. Gallagher thought he could resolve the issue by taking his management team on a company retreat to his thousand acre ranch. Gallagher started the strange conversation by asking if a liar can be a thief.

“I started Gallagher’s Treasures nearly a decade ago and did all of the managing myself,” Arthur Gallagher informed. “As the company has increased in size, I have had to rely more and more on my management team. That is you guys…and gals.”

Arthur pointed to Omar Abraham. “Omar Abraham has been my Accountant ever since the company started. I trust him with my money, my heart and my soul. Fifi Minnelli is the Accounts Payable Manager. Gavin Mallard is the Purchasing Director. Tanner Fairhold is the Warehouse Manager. Daniela Jordan is the Shipping and Receiving Manager. Lance Reid is the Sales Floor Manager.”

“The problem is that we are losing merchandise and money. That is not acceptable. We have to work together to solve this problem. We cannot have departments blaming other departments for the losses. It is imperative-”

“Sir, we are here,” Rex informed as he brought the van to a stop near the cabin.

“Thank you,” Gallagher responded. “Okay before we depart for this weekend company retreat each one of us, including myself, must relinquish our cell phones and any other communication devices. There is a phone for emergencies in the cabin.”

Those who had cell phones gave them to Rex, who placed them in a box by his seat. Then each one grabbed their suitcase and followed Gallagher into the cabin. The dining room and kitchen were in the middle of the cabin. The emergency phone was on the back wall near the tables in the dining room. The men’s quarters were on the North side of the cabin. The women’s quarters were on the South side of the cabin. Gallagher ordered his managers to get settled in and then join him by the campfire area. As everyone began to disperse Gallagher asked Omar to remain for a second.

When the two were in the dining room alone Gallagher asked Omar to keep track of Tanner. Omar agreed to watch Tanner. Gallagher believed Tanner was a thief. Gallagher’s ulterior motive for the weekend retreat was to expose Tanner.

After settling in, the group started a campfire. Omar watched Tanner who had a conversation started with Daniela. Gallagher was telling stories about his service in the Marines. Gavin handed out sticks and marshmallows.

“Gallagher thinks the thief is one of us, doesn’t he?” Lance said to Omar.

“Yes, he does,” Omar answered.

“I think he is right,” Lance said. “The person is not in the warehouse, though.”

“Lance, what would you know about it?” Omar asked as he turned to watch Tanner and Daniela. “You stay out on the sales floor all day.” Tanner and Daniela had disappeared. Omar quickly looked around the campfire area but did not see Tanner or Daniela. He stood up abruptly. “Excuse me for a second,” he said to Lance.

Omar knew which direction Tanner had gone but he lost sight of him. He carefully glanced around the wooded area from the top of the hill. It was dusk and would be dark soon. He wanted to follow Gallagher’s instructions but he doubted he could see much in the dark. He heard noises in the woods and tried to focus on the location of the sound. Then he heard a shrieking scream. It was Daniela. She was screaming and running to camp.

“Tanner is dead,” she said in a panic when she saw Omar.

“What?” Omar asked. “Where is Tanner?”

“At the bottom of the cliff,” Daniela answered. “He must have lost his balance.”

“Gallagher,” Omar yelled as loud as he could. The whole group heard him. They could all tell this was an emergency. They followed Gallagher as he ran to Omar.

“What is it?” Gallagher asked.

“Tanner fell off a cliff,” Omar informed.

“Where is Tanner?”

Daniela pointed towards the cliff. Gallagher turned to Gavin and asked him to grab a flashlight from the kitchen. Omar stayed to calm Daniela who was sobbing. A moment later Gallagher, Gavin, Lance and Fifi found the body of Tanner beneath a cliff. Fifi touched Tanner’s neck with her index and middle finger.

“There’s no pulse,” she said. “He’s dead.”

“Gavin, run back to the cabin and call for help,” Gallagher instructed.

“Yes, sir,” Gavin said and ran to the cabin. Gavin arrived at cabin, swung the door open and leaped into the dining room towards the phone. Only the phone was no longer there. Gavin looked at the place on the wall where the phone had once been. He moved his hand across the wall and felt the telephone plate. It was true; the phone was gone. He searched the kitchen cabinets and drawers. The phone was not found. Gavin ran back and told Gallagher.

“The ranch house is several acres away,” Gallagher said. “Let’s put Tanner’s body in the cabin. The rest of us will walk back to the ranch house and call for help.” Gallagher instructed Gavin and Lance to go get some sheets from the cabin and bring them back. Fifi kneeled down next to the body to inspect. She noticed foot prints near the body.

“May I see the flashlight?” Fifi asked Gallagher.

“This isn’t a crime scene, Fifi,” Gallagher asserted.

“Actually, I think it is,” Fifi said. “The flashlight, please.” Gallagher gave her the flashlight. She analyzed foot prints that lead to and from the body and up the hill. “Mr. Gallagher,” she said. “Look at this. These foot prints are not from us.”

“Those foot prints are probably Daniela’s,” Gallagher suggested.

“I doubt she wears a men’s size 12,” Fifi declared. “These are big prints.”

“What’s up?” Gavin asked when he and Lance arrived with the sheets.

“Fifi found foot prints,” Gallagher answered. “Alright, let’s move the body and then head for the house.”

As the group began their walk to the ranch house Fifi asked Daniela what happened when Tanner fell. Daniela said they were taking a walk through the woods. Tanner claimed that he needed to urinate. He walked out of sight. Then a moment later he hollered. Daniela ran to see what had happened. That was when she saw his body at the bottom of the cliff.

“Did you walk down the side of the cliff to the body?” Fifi asked.

“No, I ran back to camp,” Daniela reported.

“Was there anyone else around?” Fifi asked.

“Not that I know of,” Daniela answered.

“Did anybody else walk down the side of the cliff near the body?” Fifi inquired.

“Officer Fifi,” Gallagher said. “I appreciate your good intentions. However, sometimes an accident is just an accident. So let’s stop the investigation. We have a long walk ahead of us. It may take us an hour or several hours. So let’s reserve some energy.”

An hour later the group stopped to rest. After a few moments of rest Gavin broke the silence.

“Why would any one of us want to kill Tanner?” Gavin asked. “It was the warehouse that keeps getting blamed for missing merchandise and paper work. If anything, it would have been Tanner that would have motive to kill one of us.”

“You don’t think it was Tanner who was stealing from me?” Gallagher asked.

“Did you think Tanner was stealing from you?” Gavin asked.

“Yes,” Gallagher answered. “I was certain. I just could not prove it.”

“It was not Tanner, Mr. Gallagher,” Gavin asserted. “Tanner had starting keeping shadow copies of all the paperwork. He was tracking the thief. I had started doing the same in my department.”

“I started keeping shadow copies also,” Daniela informed.

“So according to Gavin and Daniela; Tanner, Gavin and Daniela are innocent of any wrong doing,” Gallagher concluded. “So what about Lance and Fifi?”

“What about Omar?” Lance answered angrily.

“Omar is innocent,” Gallagher asserted. “He would never do harm to me or my company.”

“That is bogus,” Lance said. “He has just as much potential as any one of us to do harm.”

“Well if that is your theory then you will need to put me on your list of suspects as well,” Gallagher suggested.

“That is a good point,” Lance agreed. “You thought Tanner was a thief. Now that is motive.”

“I asked Tanner to keep shadow copies,” Omar informed.

“That does not make any sense,” Gavin asserted. “You are the one who always throws a big stink about missing paperwork; acting like someone killed your mama or something.”

“So I came up with a plan,” Omar asserted.

“Omar, you are not smart enough to have a plan,” Gavin suggested.

“Oh, screw you-”

“Guys,” Gallagher yelled. “Let’s not fight.”

“Gavin is correct,” Lance said almost without realizing it. “Tanner was detailed oriented. He was a problem solver by nature. Omar would have never thought of having shadow copies. That was a Tanner thing.”

“So Omar is a liar?” Daniela asked.

“But is he a thief and a killer?” Fifi asked.

“I am neither a liar, a stealer nor a killer,” Omar yelled.

“Okay,” Gallagher interrupted. “Enough. Everyone just shut it up and take a deep breath. This is not doing any of us any good at all.”

The group sat silently for a few moments.

“Tanner knew who the thief was,” Lance said. “That is why he is dead. He was going to expose him or her. He found something.”

“You don’t know that,” Omar said. “You’re just guessing.”

“If Lance is correct,” Gavin said. “Then the evidence may be with the body.”

“Whoa. Whoa. We’re not going back to the cabin,” Gallagher asserted.

“The cabin is an hour away,” Lance said. “The house is what; an hour away? Two hours? Three hours? Nobody knows.”

“Yeah, but who is going to tell the authorities about the dead body?” Gallagher asked.

“Not everyone has to go back to the cabin,” Lance said. “Some of us can go the house and-”

“No,” Omar said. “The killer could be any of us. It could be you Lance, wanting to go back and remove the evidence.”

“I am not the killer and Omar is not the killer,” Gallagher declared. “This much I know. So we are going to go to the house and call the police. The rest of you can do as you wish.” Gallagher stood up. Omar stood up.

“Bye, Bye,” Omar said as he and Gallagher began their walk towards the house.

“Guys, I just cannot go back to the cabin, knowing-,” Daniela sniffed trying not to cry. “I just-”

“I understand,” Lance said sympathetically. “We will make our best effort to find out what happened.”

Lance, Gavin and Fifi arrived back at the cabin about an hour later. Exhausted from their walk they collapsed into the chairs in the dining room. They sat silently for a moment breathing and relaxing.

“Let’s go check the body,” Gavin suggested. So they did. They found nothing. The body was gone. Smoke started to flow into the cabin.

“What is going on?” Lance yelled from fright.

“Let’s get out of here,” Fifi yelled and ran to the front door. Fifi tried to push the door open. It was locked. Gavin saw Fifi struggle with the locked door.

“Look out,” Gavin said as he ran towards the door and tried to kick it open. The door stayed shut.

“Let’s check the back door,” Lance said as the smoke started to fill the room. They ran to the backdoor to find it locked also. Lance picked up a chair. He ran and threw the chair as hard as he could against the front window; the only visible window in the cabin. The glass shattered but the chair bounced back into the room. Lance ran and looked at the window. A board was blocking their escape. Lance pushed against it but it did not move. Gavin approached and helped Lance. Together they used all of their strength to push against the board. They managed to move the board just a few inches from the window ceil.

Lance saw Rex standing outside smoking a cigarette.

“Rex,” Lance yelled. “Help us. The cabin is on fire. We’re stuck in here.”

Rex turned and looked.

“Rex, help us,” Gavin yelled.

“I’ll be right there,” Rex tossed his cigarette and started running towards the cabin. Lance and Gavin sat down on a table and sighed with relief. Rex could be heard running passed the cabin.

“Where’s he going?” Fifi asked with concern.

Smoke had filled the room. The flames were eating away at the cabin. Breathing had become almost impossible. Then there was a loud pop and crackle noise. Lance listened for a second. There was another loud pop and crackle.

“That sounds like…” Lance managed to say between coughs.

“Someone is throwing gas on a fire,” Gavin stated.

“Rex, you bastard,” Lance screamed as loud as he could with the little bit of air he could assemble.

“The ladies room has a window,” Fifi informed.

They ran to the ladies room. Lance threw a metal trash can at the window, knocking out the glass. The small window was not blocked. Gavin grabbed a roll of toilet paper and used it to clear the broken glass from the window ceil. Lance and Gavin helped Fifi up to and out of the window.

“You’re lighter,” Lance said to Gavin.

“You’re weaker,” Gavin said to Lance.

“You are correct,” Lance had an idea.

Fifi saw the legs of Lance hanging out of the restroom window.

“Pull my legs,” Lance yelled to her. Fifi grabbed his legs and gave him a good tug. Lance held on to Gavin’s arms. As Lance was pulled out of the window he pulled Gavin with him. Fifi, Lance and Gavin tumbled a few feet. They sat long enough to breathe the fresh air. Lance was exhausted and still coughing but he knew they did not have much time.

“Let’s go get Rex,” Lance said to Gavin. Gavin was more furious than tired.

“Let’s go get ‘em,” Gavin said.

“I want to kick his ass too,” Fifi announced.

Fifi followed Lance and Gavin around the cabin that was now completely in flames. They saw two gas cans lying near the front of the cabin. They also saw a van; a van speeding towards them.

“Look out,” Lance yelled. They jumped out of the way. The van came to a stop after hitting the side of the cabin. The cabin started to collapse. Gavin ran to the van as Rex placed it in reverse and started to back away from the cabin. Gavin reached to open the van door. Rex pushed the door against Gavin and jumped out. Rex then struck Gavin in the chest with a knife. Lance grabbed a gas can and hit Rex on the side of the head. Rex swung the knife at Lance but Lance blocked it with the can, knocking the knife out of his hand.

Fifi ran to check on Gavin who was bleeding severely.

“Get a cell phone,” Gavin managed to whisper. Fifi ran to the van and found the box of cell phones. She found her phone and dialed 911.

Lance hit Rex with the gas can again and the little bit of gas left in the can fell on to Rex. Lance then pushed against Rex. Rex fell against the burning cabin and ignited. Screaming in agony Rex pushed past Lance and ran towards a pond.

Fifi while inside the van saw the body of Tanner and screamed. Lance ran after Rex. Rex dived into a pond. The flames went out but Rex was still in agony. He glanced towards the shore where Lance stood watching.

“Why?” Lance asked.

“Why do you care?” Rex answered.

“Curiosity,” Lance said.

“Tanner found out about me,” Rex revealed. “He saw me taking some merchandise.”

“And he was going to tell?” Lance suspected.

“He wanted his cut of the profits,” Rex said. “I just could not allow that.”

“Well it’s over now. Get out of the pond,” Lance demanded.

“I’m not coming out. I’m not going back to jail,” Rex informed.

“Are you going to stay out there until I leave?” Lance asked.

“Not unless you are coming in to get me,” Rex challenged.

“You’re injured. You need medical attention,” Lance said.

“I’ll live but your friend needs more help than I. How much blood do you think he has lost?” Rex said.

“Oh, crap. Gavin; I forgot about him,” Lance said and ran back to the cabin as fast as he could. Fifi had Gavin in the van holding a shirt against his wound. Fifi had moved the van further away from the burning cabin which had collapsed.

“How is he?” Lance asked.

“He’s alive,” Fifi answered and then pointed to the body of Tanner. “Unfortunately, he is still dead.” Moments later the police, firefighters and paramedics arrived.

Lance was pleased to hear from the surgeons that Gavin would most likely survive. However, Gavin was still in surgery at a Tulsa medical center. Lance as well as Fifi was treated for minor injuries and smoke inhalation. Omar and Daniela hugged Lance and Fifi, pleased to see them alive. Gallagher thanked Lance for his help.

“Rex was a great handy man,” Gallagher said. “He cleaned, he painted, he made repairs and he drove the company van. Unfortunately he turned my company retreat into a deadly one.”

“There’s no way you could have known sir.” Lance said. “By the way, you don’t mind if I take a few days off do you?”

“Lance, take as much time off as you need…uh…with pay,” Gallagher said.

“Thank you, sir. I’ll see you later.”

“Take care, Lance.”

Elias Kelsey has owned his restaurant and bar for over ten years. It was a popular place among the students in the small college town of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Unfortunately it was in desperate need of minor repairs so he was willing to consider what Rex Lewis proposed. Pay him cash and Rex will fix the place up. He can clean, repair, run errands and do whatever Elias needed. Elias felt sympathy for the man. Rex was disfigured, after all, from being burned while rescuing some people from a house fire. Elias believed it was difficult for Rex to get work anywhere else because of his appearance. Rex did not have any identification but Elias felt there would be no harm done by helping a man in need.