From: CM
Date: 1/31/99
Time: 12:44:47 AM
Here we go! Now I can sink my teeth in.
CM
******************************************************
"I may not wave a gun, or carry a badge. But I still work with them. They're doing right, by their People, and by the Mother. I do the same, no matter the name, we're all the same," Mangela intoned. Stepping closer to his boy, he put a firm, dark hand on Rollie's shoulder.
"Oh," was Rollie's weak response. He had, for a moment, thought maybe the old man had either caught a fever or flipped his lid.
"Look around you Sonny Boy," Mangela's voice echoed. "There's magic, everywhere in the world. You feel like you're being drained, but all energy is given by the Mother in the first place." As he spoke, his words and his thoughts wrapped around Rollie.
His vision began to fog and Rollie softly swayed back and forth. Images of the world, the Outback, New York and LA. The Rockies, China, India, the depths of the ocean and the heights of the Himalayas. Images and energy from around the world flooded him. Whale calls and a didgerido pulsed in his ears.
The world was speaking to him, opening up to him. Rollie smiled as he communed with the planet. Not as acid washed hippies attempted to do with chemicals, but with the power and wisdom of a People older than time.
"You feel it... The planet gives you strength, Rollie. She'll give you all you need and that ten times over. She knows your heart, and she knows your plight. Don't give in to fear... She needs you, we need you-"
"I need you."
Rollie awoke from his vision, finding Mangela standing before him, smiling as broadly and brightly as ever. And holding a blanket, and carrying a doleful expression, was Angie. The fading moonlight casting a silver glow around her. Rollie, fresh from his communion with the Earth, smiled as brightly and warmly as ever before.
'He's back!', her heart called out. Stepping hesitantly closer to him, she wrapped the blanket around his shoulders. Stroking his cheek, she was sorry about interrupting the ritual, but he'd been gone for almost three hours.
"Angie, sweetie..." Rollie whispered, her face just a breath from his. She rubbed his arms through the blanket and smiled. They were together again.
Rollie's smile welcomed her and gently she closed her eyes. Without thinking, without knowing, Rollie lowered his own head. His insight was stronger than ever, as well as his resolve. Flush with new found energy, he pulled Angie against him. Her body pressing upon his, his breath mingling with her own. Nothing would spoil this perfect moment.
************************************************
Or will it!
You tell me,
CM
From: Eileen
Date: 1/31/99
Time: 10:31:25 PM
I had forgotten how much fun the RR could be, so I am going to take another turn (and now maybe Peggy and FX Phantom won't have any more attacks over this)
"Rollie..." was all that Mangela said. It was low and deep that sort of sounded more like a rumble that a word. The older Australian wasn't looking at the young couple (he had no doubts about them--but now. The Timing wasn't quite right). He was in fact looking at the mansion. "Them people are going to be looking for me. They knew I would be coming here, coming to you. You are the only one that can help me and Mother Earth. Sonny boy, if you ever had a good idea in that blessed mind of yours, tonight is the night to get one."
"Why would they come to you? How do they know you?" He was no longer looking at Angie, but at his adopted father. Unfortunately, he was able to feel what Mangela was thinking about the timing. 'But at least it will happen' he thought to himself. With a deep sigh, Rollie continued, "You still haven't given me a reason why they would be after you. AND you are going to give me a straight answer this time, Mangela, or I swear I will not help you. Got it?"
"Dingo." was all the man said.
"Dingo...my father? Dingo? What in God's name has that man done now? I don't believe him. He probably has no clue what is going on and is out giving someone the shaft...."
"Rollie, your dad is here. In fact, he is at the loft. He's the one that was able to get some kind of address on this guy. He *is* worried. Maybe you should ask Mangela what Dingo has to do with this before you go yelling at your dad." Angie lectured. It wasn't often that she would stick up for Dingo, but when he deserved it she did. 'Funny, I think that I am the only one that does'. She was still standing close to him and giving him the look that meant she was not going to back down from a fight.
"OK, seeing how Angie thinks my father is NOT doing anything wrong, why him? What is going on?"
"Nothing, just trying to help me." Mangela put up his hand to stop the questions that were looming in Rollie's mind, ones that were threatening to pour out any second. "You keep forgetting I know that man many years. He is my mate, after all. I needed help and he gave it to me. Now the two of us are under fire, shall we say? But let's go get your dad and he can tell you some more. I am a bit hungry too. Sheila, is there anything to eat at that loft?" and he quickly walked back to the house.
The two fx wizards just watched as he walked back to the house. Turning to face each other, Rollie said "Looks like we have no choice but to follow him back."
"Yeah, ok, fine but back where, Rollie? That is what is scaring me."
Next!!
From: FX Phantom
Date: 2/1/99
Time: 10:54:45 PM
Movin' on up the ol' fan-fic hill...yay!
***********************************************
Mira, pacing and glaring at the three men in front of her yelled furiously "I can't believe that you LOST her!"
Francis quickly stepped forward "hey, hey..what about yo--"
Mira nearly grabbed Francis by the throat "Don't even think about it Gatti"
"But, you were here too." He whispered under his breath
Dingo stepped forward "No ones to take the blame here..I don't think we coulda seen her if we'd been staring right at 'er." Dingo swiped the sweat from his brow as Francis rubbed his chin completely perplexed.
As Mira was about to question Dingo a shrill ring filled the room causing everyone to jump.
"Its the phone people" Mira yelled as nearly everyone re-holstered their guns. "Hello?...She's not here right now, can I take a message?" Francis shrugged and re-faced the others soon, they were in a heated debate yet again.
Mira's face slowly dissolved into a look of fear and shock "wait a minute! Wait a minute..what do you mean--....Alright, T-thank you...I-I--I'll let her know." Mira slowly hung up the phone and wiped her hand across her mouth before she faced the three men.
Angie slowly followed Rollie, carefully watching his every
move. He looked better. Somewhat. No, not somewhat..very little.
Angie sighed..she didn't care what anyone had said. If she hadn't
been so damn preoccupied with her own stupid problems none of
this would have happened.. Rollie wouldn't have been walking
alone that night, he wouldn't have gotten so sick, he wouldn't
have collapsed...and he wouldn't be here. It was all her
fault...and she would do anything to correct it.
********
Lets keep this little fan-fic train moving up the hill..we can do it! I know we can, I know we can.
From: Peggy
Date: 2/20/99
Time: 4:14:30 PM
Angie followed Rollie and Mangela as they seemed to drift through the early morning hours. She had the surreal feeling that someone could look straight through them, never guessing three people were there. She wondered what Marty was going to think when he found them gone. She wondered what Dingo had to say about this. She wondered if her life would ever be normal. Looking at the back of Rollie's head as he padded silently behind Mangela, she thought - Not while I'm friends with Rollie Tyler. As long as the Aussie remained a part of her life, it would never be normal. But... Did it matter? Could she give him up to have a normal life? Never! She almost cried it aloud in protest. Besides, what was normal? She pulled her wandering thoughts back to order and focused her attention on Rollie, making sure he was doing all right, that he wasn't overdoing it or was straining himself. Rollie didn't need more stress. He'd had enough. She had to take care of him.
Mira glared at the three men in the room and started to pace. Lovely. Not only was Rollie missing, Angie had disappeared and NOW she had bad news for her friend. This wasn't fair. Why couldn't Angie have a little peace and quiet? Why couldn't SHE have a little peace and quiet? Mira wondered, never considering the irony of a sworn police officer wanting some peace and quiet. Well, she couldn't pass on the news to Angie without knowing where Angie was. So, they'd have to find her... And find Rollie... And....
The men watched the pacing woman warily, their nervousness clearly imprinted on their faces. None of them wanted to face Mira Sanchez's temper at the moment.
Dingo frowned thoughtfully. Mangela had followed him here,
despite the problems he already had. So either Rollie was in
extremely DEEP trouble or... Somehow, Mangela's troubles had
found its way to his son's doorstep. Knowing Rollie, he suspected
the latter. Just the type of trouble to find his son. He
considered the three law enforcement officers uncertainly. He was
never the type to get along with the law, though Rollie seemed to
have no such problem. Could they help? Should he trust them with
what he knew? He shifted slightly, wishing Mangela was there.
Wishing that he was far away. VERY far away!
From: Peggy
Date: 3/3/99
Time: 8:28:40 PM
Once upon a time, I said I wouldn't do this ever again. I make this pledge to myself when the Round Robin I started died a premature death. It lingers still, feeling lost and alone on Megan's website. Poor thing.
The FX Phantom started *this* Robin and, dang it!, it's too good to let languish like it is. You are probably all wondering what I'm babbling about - It's this. *I* posted the last part to this Robin and NO ONE has posted a peep since. I am VERY DISAPPOINTED in all of you! I now find myself in the unwelcome position of *breaking* my pledge and posting another part back to back. Here is more. Now, get off your duffs and *WRITE*!!!!
~*~*~*~*~*~
Dingo fidgeted and started to wander around his son's home. He
gawked at some of the things that Rollie had scattered around. At
first, Michael watched him suspiciously, but soon tired of it.
After all, the Aussie con man was just walking around and looking
at things. He didn't go near the door and since there wasn't any
chance that he was going to disappear like Angie, the local cop
turned Fed wasn't particularly interested. Mira snapped at
Michael and soon Frank found himself
playing referee between the two ex's. The elder Tyler watched
them bicker sadly and sighed. He wished he wasn't here. He wished
Rollie was here. He wish he knew what Mangela was doing, if
Rollie was all right, if Angie was safe, if... if... if... It was
giving him a headache!
A sound, almost nonexistent, touched his ear and he turned to look sharply in the direction it came from. He almost spoke at the sight of Mangela, but the aborigine made a gesture indicating the need for silence. He waved his old friend over to join him and both slipped out through the hidden door.
Dingo almost cried aloud when he saw his son. His joy quickly gave way to shock. Rollie looked awful and he gently hugged his exhausted offspring. As he felt his son's weight settle against him, he found his eyes locked with Angie's worried ones. She had every right to be worried. Bristling with unaccustomed paternal instincts, Dingo started to pounce on Mangela verbally. A sharp glance and gesture stilled him and the threesome found themselves obediently following, Rollie being helped by Angie and Dingo. Soon they reached a park and disappeared into a stand of trees just as the sun touched the horizon. It found no trace of the four people who entered the wooded area just moments before.
From: Peggy
Date: 3/13/99
Time: 7:24:40 PM
Okay, I've had a couple say they don't know what way to take this. T even claims he killed it. Well, I don't think so. Here's my pitch. I hope it gives the rest of you something to... sink your teeth into? <The hound grins wolfishly, showing very large, pointy white teeth> Do me proud, FXers!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The silent group settled into the heart of the cluster of bushes, gone to ground in the growing light of day. They were hunted. They had to be wary and careful - very, *very* careful. Rollie curled up with his back to a tree and pulled the blanket more closely around his shoulders. He searched the faces of his two fathers. He'd never considered it odd that he should have two of them, it was just something that was. Now, *both* of them had brought trouble to him. Trouble that he'd found a fragment of, all by his lonesome. He glanced at Angie, feeling sorry for the dangers and problems they were heaping on her shoulders. She didn't need this. But she was as deep in the middle of it as he was, all because of him. *That* wasn't something he could blame on Dingo *or* Mangela. It was all his fault - again. He looked back to the two older men and took a deep breath. Time to find out... "All right, just *what* the *bloody* hell is going on here?!?"
Mangela looked at his sonny boy, then at his mate. He gave a slight nod of his head, prompting Dingo to answer Rollie's question.
Dingo shivered ever so slightly, then began to speak rapidly. "There are some people, some very nasty type of people. They came to the Yamatji in Docker River, claiming to want to help them with their claims against the government, claiming to want to help the earth."
"What claims?" Rollie tilted his head back, puzzled. As far as he knew, the People around Docker River had *no* claims pending with the Australian government. They'd managed to put together a life they enjoyed and didn't particularly care about the governing types as long as they were left alone.
"That's just it, Rollie. *We* had no claims and no desire to file any. If we did, it might attract attention *we* didn't want. We also didn't understand what they meant about 'helping the earth'. The Mother needed no help there. What did they want? What did they mean? All they were doing was stirring the young ones up. So, I asked Dingo to do some checking."
Dingo nodded. "What I found wasn't exactly what I expected, you know?" He squatted down in front of his son, so they would be eye to eye, wanting him to *know* this was the truth. "They're a rich lot, I'll give them that," he shrugged, "but that's all. More than a few rocks short of a full load. *They* were interested in getting rid of the pestilence of humanity that was infecting the earth. *They* thought that the People could help them. *They* wanted to make a sort of... Noah's Ark in the heart of the Outback, where no one would question what was happening."
"Yeah, but *who* are *THEY*?" Angie blurted out, tired of dancing around the edge.
"William Thomas Petry the III. Madelane Franklin. Jason Xavier. Paula Almsbury." Dingo ticked them off on the fingers of one hand, reciting the list of names in a quiet, dead voice.
Rollie boggled at the list of names, every one of them familiar to him. Petry was old money, *very* old money. He'd inherited a fortune made in transportation and just built it bigger. Franklin was an oceanographer, some claimed she would be the one to take the place of Cousteau, except she went beyond even the actions of Greenpeace when it came to protecting the ocean and the environment. Xavier was a producer with a name for making 'movies with messages'. Almsbury... He frowned deeply.
"I know Petry, Franklin and Xavier," Angie pulled a face, remembering Xavier's pictures, "but who is Paula Almsbury? I don't recognize her name."
"That's because Paula Almsbury is a recluse, Ange. A very beautiful, *filthy RICH* recluse." He tucked his chin down against his chest. "You know how those jokes float around on the web about Bill Gates taking over?"
Angie nodded, puzzled by the apparent non-sequitor.
"With her, it wouldn't be a joke."
She stared at her boss as if she'd never seen him before. "How do you know that? How do you know about her?"
"Because once upon a time, she had someone drop by and try to hire me away from Manny." He closed his eyes at the memory. "I had a really hard time getting them to take 'No' for an answer. Almsbury is *not* used to being denied." He opened his eyes and stared at his family. "She was crazy then, I have a feeling she's even crazier now."
Dingo and Mangela nodded solemnly in unison.
Angie frowned, "Why don't I remember this? Her?"
"You were at summer camp." Rollie smiled slightly, remembering the gifts that she'd brought them back, made by her in craft shop. "Her... agent?, whatever, came by. Remember Blue's predecessor?"
The blonde nodded, memories of the big, clumsy robot easily surfacing. It had caused more than one disastrous mess for them, until Rollie finally, mercifully, relegated it to the spare parts bin.
"She'd heard about it. She wanted me to make her some robots to... to... control people. She didn't care that it wasn't working properly. She didn't care if it hurt somebody. Mind, she *did* claim it was to be a sort of guard at high security prisons. You know protect the rest of the world from the nastiest of the nasty? Well, I said no, mostly 'cause I liked working for Manny and doing special effects. I thought that would be the end of it." He laughed at his innocent belief. "Two days later, I was 'collected' by two really big... men with very big guns and brought to her penthouse." He shook his head and looked at Angie, his eyes wide with the memory. "Angie, you've never seen anything like it, not even in the movies. I've never seen anything like it, before or since. It was... There were masterpieces everywhere. Ones you'd expect to find in museums, but these were real which made you wonder what was in the museums. And the guards! Big men, complete with perfectly tailored suits and dark sunglasses, with big guns and bigger dogs. I felt like I was in the middle of some action movie and kept expecting a spy to show up or a femme fatale." He sighed deeply. "I wish the femme fatale hadn't shown up. She was beautiful! The most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She asked me to work for her again. I said 'no' again. The look on her face... *Nobody* said 'No' to her, ever. You could see it in her eyes. They were colder than absolute zero. All I wanted was to get out of there! To get very, *very* far away and never, *ever*, think about her again. Then she... she covered all of that up." Rollie blushed deeply. "She tried to seduce me. Ange, I may not have a good track record with women. I know I've made more than my share of mistakes and... She was deadly! Even then I could feel that. Like a black widow. She would have eaten me alive and there wouldn't be anything left of me. I knew it. I started to get the feeling I wouldn't leave there. At least not on my own two feet. Then..." He smiled suddenly and it was like watching the sun come out from behind the clouds after a week of rain. "Manny showed up. I don't know how he did it, he never explained it. But I don't think that had ever happened to her before. It shook her up. The next thing I knew we were both out on the street, away from her and her... security. He never mentioned it again and eventually I buried the memory."
From: Erin B
Date: 3/13/99
Time: 8:43:26 PM
Angie sat silently through Rollie's explanation, wrinkling her nose at his descriptions and fingering her sling. It was times like these when she missed her father the most, and having Rollie talk about him didn't diminish the pain. Once Rollie was finished all four of them sat silently pondering their own thoughts and experiences with this group of crazy people.
The young woman was the first to comment, "So... we have a bunch of filthy rich insane people who want to take over the planet by killing everyone else off. Very cheery idea... The question is, what are we going to do about it?"
Mangela looked at the two injured special effects experts objectively, "Well there ain't much you and sonny boy can do, Bub. What with your arm and him looking like he could hide behind a rake."
Dingo interrupted his friend, "Well, there ain't nothing wrong with either of their heads - and that's the bit they both use the best..."
Rollie and Angie looked at each other, thinking. A smile slowly started to develop on the young Australian's face. The young American recognised an idea in the making and rose her eyebrows questioningly...
**********
Relatively short and sweet for now...
Next please...
From: T
Date: 3/17/99
Time: 7:22:58 AM
Ah, it was taken to a good place! Good girl, Hound, good girl! You get a fic treat!
* * *
"Rollie Tyler what are you thinking?" Angie said slowly.
"Well," he said slowly, "if she wanted me to work for her before, you think she might want me to work for her again?"
The four all glanced at each other. Dingo stroked his chin.
"You could, probably," he said slowly, "but at what end?"
"If I can get in her confidence," Rollie said, "I can find out exactly what's going on. Then we can contact Interpol, or whoever."
"Rollie," Angie said slowly, "this people are sick. Really sick. And powerful. That makes them extremely, extremely dangerous."
"She's right, boy on that point," Mangela said, "but-"
"But," Dingo continued, "we're already involved as it is. One of their plans were already foiled with Rayenshaft being captured and all. They may already know about Rollie's involvement though, because of that."
"I doubt that," Rollie said, "they were pretty much letting Rayenshaft go. It's kind of like the tricks the US and other countries would pull during war. Give the neighbors of your enemies really big guns and turn them loose. They were doing the same thing with that nutcase."
"Which means, probably," Angie said, "Rayenshaft wasn't the only lackey."
"There are others," Dingo said with a nod, "I'd bet anything on it. That's what we've got to find out. We need to know each and every person these people are planning to use in their little take over the world attempt."
"And that's where I come in," Rollie said.
"You can't go in alone," Angie said.
"Who said I'd have to?" Rollie said.
"What do you mean?" Angie asked, looking suspiciously again at Rollie.
"These people are filthy rich, right?" Rollie said, "And want everyone dead. But, they are working together, saving themselves. I'd bet they'd welcome another wealthy entrepreneur into the fold."
Dingo smiled.
"If we can create a false identity for Dingo," Rollie said, "make him a filthy rich, eccentric loon who would welcome surviving an instigated Apocalypse-"
"And Rollie could get in with that woman," Dingo said with a nod, "we'd both be inside, and could watch each other's backs."
"At the same time," Rollie said, looking at Mangela, "I'd bet anything The People could help on this. Find out where their little resort is."
Mangela smiled and grinned.
"Not a problem," he said.
The three looked at Angie.
"Well?" Rollie said.
Angie frowned for a moment, her arms crossed. She looked around slowly at each of the smiling, patiently waiting men. She sighed, shook her head, and chuckled slightly.
"I never could say no to an Australian, much less three of them," Angie said with a smile, "let's do it."
* * *
NEXT!!!!
From: FX Phantom
Date: 3/19/99
Time: 10:06:15 PM
I'm so verry happy that people are finally kicking in.
**********************************
Angie looked towards the loft. "What about them?" she pointed her finger towards the loft.
Rollie rubbed his hands through his hair "well," he sighed "we need the computer access and even some of the equipment in there."
Dingo sat up "I don't know about that Michael guy but, I trust that little lady. She is a feisty one." his eyes sparkled.
"Mira we can tell, and maybe even Francis" Angie looked back at the loft "but not Michael."
Rollie lowered his head, picking at a blade of grass.
Suddenly, a sleek, black car sped up to the loft and screeched to a halt. A burly, tall man ran out and threw something into the door way.
Angie stood up and stepped towards the loft when
suddenly......
*******
CONTINUE PUHLLLLLLEEEEEEZZZZEEEE :0)
From:
Date: 3/19/99
Time: 10:43:01 PM
Rollie pulled Angie away as the man got back into the car and
the car sped away, towards them. As the car disappeared the four
came out of hiding, but were thrown back as an explosion rocked
the street.......
From: David
Date: 3/21/99
Time: 12:19:33 AM
Rollie coughed, choked on the dust that floated around what was left of the doorway. The doors were lying on the floor, having taken most of the blast they were buckled, bent out of shape and perforated by the debris that had ripped into the loft. ' Bloody hell, what's going on now?' Rollie called out, then not hearing an immediate response added ' Everyone OK?' ' I'd be a lot better if you'd get off me Rol' Angie replied, voice shaking slightly... thing were going from bad to worse... much too quickly for her liking. ' Sorry Ange' Rollie replied, standing then offering her a hand up ' Dad... you OK?' ' Yeah son, just got one hell of a headache, feels like I've got a three day hangover' Dingo answered, levering himself to his feet ' These bastards sure aren't messin' around are they!' ' We'd better check inside' Angie said, looking at the smoking hole where the doors used to be. ' Where's Mangela?' Rollie asked, suddenly looking around then looking back at the doorway as Mangela's voice rang out ' Sonny boy, you'd better get in here'
From:
Date: 3/21/99
Time: 10:02:40 PM
Rollie followed the voice of his adopted father which led him straight into the workshop.
"Bloody Hell!! They've destroyed it! Everything is...gone. My stuff, Manny's stuff, all of it. The bomb...I can't believe this!" He was looking around the place that he had called home for many years. It was the one stable place he had in his life since his mother died. Remembering his mother, made him look at Angie. "Sweetie, I am *so* sorry that this happened to your dad's place. Maybe we can you know salvage some of it. If we--" but got no further.
"I know it is not your fault, Rol. I just wish that they didn't destroy the photos. They were all I had left of him." She was holding what was left of the photo that Rollie kept on the desk of Angie and her dad. The tears just seemed to come out of nowhere, just like the arms that gave her comfort.
"Angie, didn't you say that there were others here with you and Dingo?" questioned Mangela.
"Yup, me and the girl were here with them coppers. Rollie, I know that you don't like me butting in about your friends. But that Michael bloke, I don't like him. Everywhere I went in this place, he kept watching me; like I would harm you. Nosy little bastard if you ask me." Dingo had noticed Michael watching him and had not cared for it. Since Gatti knew who he was and since Angie trusted him when he first got there, Dingo felt that he didn't have to justify himself to the likes of Michael Lopez.
"Well, Mr. Tyler, we weren't asking you your opinion now were we?" retorted a very angry Michael. He and the two NYPD Detectives were slow to come out of their hiding places. They were able to *just* land behind some of the furniture in the loft. Although they weren't killed, they were damaged. Frank's right arm was hanging at a very unusual angle along with a stretch of blood running from his left knee into his shoe; Mira had a gash running along her forehead and was grasping her side; Michael was limping and seemed to be in pain but anger won out, especially with the remark made by Dingo.
"Lopez, back off. That is my father you are talking to. Even if he isn't here all the time, he has more of a right to be here than you do. So, if I were you, go very slowly with me right now, because I am in no mood for anyone's crap, got it?" seethed Rollie.
"Fine, just tell me what the hell is going on here? Why
are you four outside and we were inside? Why are people bombing
you?"
NEXT!!!
From: Peggy
Date: 3/28/99
Time: 4:18:24 PM
It continues -
"I think you know the reason better than us, Lopez. Exactly how much have you *not* told us?" Angie growled.
"Angie, I'm sorry, sweetie." Rollie whispered the words as he pulled out his cell phone to call 911.
"Not your fault, Rollie. It's not." She hugged him gently, listening to him report the explosion and injuries.
A short time later, they were sitting, huddled together on the curb under the blanket, watching the fire fighters, police and ambulance attendants bustling around, doing their jobs.
Angie sighed. "Well, at least you have a reason to look for a new job now."
"I am so sorry this happened Angie. I never meant for your Dad's place to be blown up."
"Not like it's the first time, Rol. We'll recover. We always do." She lay her head on his shoulder, grateful that he was there. "Besides, now I can go with you."
Rollie stiffened. "No!"
"Yes," Angie responded firmly. "I am not letting you out of my sight, Rollie Tyler. Not now. You and I will both get new jobs with Ms. Almsbury. After all, we need the money to rebuild and I expect she might find my talents handy. They even complement yours." A twinkle appeared in her eyes to the Aussie's amazement. "After all, someone has to program your robots. I think I'm well suited for that position."
Rollie was silent, uncertain what his response should be. He didn't want Angie anywhere near Paula Almsbury, the very thought made his skin crawl. Of course, the thought of *him* being near her made his skin crawl too. He stared blindly at the traffic, trying to think. So it was, he was the first to notice the long black limousine pull onto the street. He blinked as he watched it pull to a stop not far away. The door opened and a man stepped out. A man in a perfectly tailored black suit and tie... and dark sunglasses. The special effects wizard had no doubt that a gun was hidden by the tailored lines of his suit. He swallowed. Angie shifted uneasily at his side, his nervousness transmitting itself to her.
"Such a tragedy, Mister Tyler. Are you all right?"
Rollie cleared his throat and croaked out. "Been better, Mister...?"
"Smith, John Smith. I represent Ms. Paula Almsbury. She would like to make another job offer."
Rollie glanced uneasily at his badly damaged home. "We're
listening, Mister... Smith."
From: Eileen
Date: 3/28/99
Time: 8:12:11 PM
Mr. Smith acknowledged Rollie's statement with a nod, then he continued. "Ms. Almsbury has an office in Chelsea or if you wish you can meet her at her place in Gramercy. The choice is yours; just let me know so that she can arrange her schedule to fit the meeting."
"Um...Gramercy. Chelsea is not exactly me. Neither is Gramercy but it *is* a lot nicer, eh?" Rollie tried to joke with this man. Mr. Smith didn't crack a smile. "OK So, when do we meet?"
The other man pulled a card from his left breast pocket and handed it to Rollie. "This is the number for you to call. One of us will let you know the date and time that you should be there." He moved back to his car and turned to Rollie before driving off, "Ms. Almsbury is going to be very happy to see you again."
Angie glared at the departing car and fumed. "I'll just *bet* she is." she stated under her breath. Turning to see her friend, she noticed that he was just staring at the card that was just given to him. "Hey. You can always back out, you know. There is no law that says YOU have to do this. We have them" nodding over to where Michael, Mira and Frank were talking. "That is why we pay taxes in this city, pretty high ones if you ask me." Tilting her head sideways to get a better look at the wounded trio, Angie smiled. "Mmmmm...maybe you are right. I think you should do it; those three can't even keep track of little ole me, much less a major crime figure like Ms. Elmstree." She flashed Rollie a great smile. Just like the ones she used to give him when they were younger working with Manny. Whenever the director was a pain, Angie used to make up names for them; names only she and Rollie used and THAT smile.
"Yeah, guess so." He was still thinking about her decision to go with him. As much as she was right in the part about him needing someone to program the robots, Angie was still too precious to him to be put in this mess. "But I might think about that part of backing out."
"WHAT?!!?" Dingo had just heard the last line that
his son stated to the young blonde. "You can't do that to
us, to Mangela, to the People. Rollie, they need you. Who else
could pull this off?" He wanted to glare at the young girl
but he knew that she cared for his son and that she only had his
best interest at heart. But she just didn't understand what was
at stake here. "Rollie, me and Mangela need to talk to you.
Now." Dingo started off in the direction of his Aboriginal
friend when he noticed that Rollie was not following.
"Rollie. Now. We have to talk." Although he didn't do
it often, the 'father voice' was used on his son to make him
understand that the talk was important and that time was
important.
"I don't care even if you are my father, don't you ever do that to me again!! You have no right to do that." He was fairly glaring at Dingo by the time he caught up to the pair. They had moved down the block to the corner deli; the excuse was to get tea and sandwiches for the others. "This had better be good. Mangela, I want you to do the talking. If this one starts in, I may just end up hitting him." Rollie settled himself on one of the garbage cans that were sitting in the alley behind the deli.
"OOH!! That is a fine way to talk to your father; I help give you life and here you are trying to end mine. Mangela, have you ever heard such talk?!" Dingo was 'highly insulted.'
"What the bloody hell are you talking about? Dingo, you didn't give me life--you gave me trouble since day one!"
Mangela was used to this. He knew the two men nearly twenty
years or more, he really didn't have the need to keep the track
of time the way the white man seemed to. But just hearing the
banter made him smile...the family was back together and together
they were going to save The People.
"Rollie, Dingo and I have a plan about this Ms.
Almsbury............"
NEXT!!!
From: FX Phantom
Date: 3/29/99
Time: 9:57:20 PM
*twirling around on tiptoes* I'm so HAPPY this is still alive
:-)
**********
Mira squirmed as a slender ambulance attendant wiped her forehead with a gauze pad.
"ouch" Mira growled
"sorry." the attendant stepped back "head wounds bleed pretty heavily."
"Oh yeah?" Mira growled again
"Your going to be fine. You don't need any stitches." The attendant turned and climbed into the ambulance where Francis was strapped into a gurney.
"Frank?"
Francis laughed "...believe this? Have me strapped in for a stupid broken arm. You OK?"
Mira gingerly rubbed her head "I think so."
"Lets go!" the attendant yelled.
Mira stood and watched as the ambulance slowly rolled off. "oh Angie.." She sighed. Mira slowly walked towards the blonde. "I can't do this" Mira thought. She stopped.."but she needs to know now..as soon as possible" Mira blinked back the tears in her eyes and shuffled towards angie.
"Angie." Mira croaked.........
Next chapter!!
From: megan
Date: 4/1/99
Time: 9:27:15 PM
Angie watched after Rollie and his 'two fathers' talking a few feet away. She turned seeing Mira approach. She didn't look happy.
"Hey, Mira. You okay?" Angie asked, as the detective sat down next to her.
"Yeah, just a cut." Mira replied, trying to figure out how to tell Angie what she had to say. "Um.... Angie I need to tell you something."
"What?" Angie asked.
"The doctor's office called after you 'escaped' from the loft." Mira started, motioning to the blonde's injured arm, that she was treated for after Rollie was taken earlier.
"Yeah?"
"Um..... you know how the doctor said he wanted to run some tests but didn't really say why?" Mira asked. She had known Angie was too worried at the time about Rollie and she hadn't been paying any attention to the doctor. "One of the tests came back positive."
"which one?" Angie asked seeing the serious expression on the detectives face. "What's wrong?"
"Angie, you have a tumor." Mira choked out.
Angie sat stunned. She hadn't expected that. She opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. She reclosed it, looking over at Rollie, then back at mira.
"The doctor wants to see you tomorrow, to run more tests. They need to find out if it malignant or benign." Mira told her. Angie still stayed silent. "Angie? Are you listening? I'm sorry."
"Don't say anything to Rollie." Angie finally managed to choke out.
From: T
Date: 4/1/99
Time: 9:45:43 PM
"We're still going to need equipment to get in," Rollie said.
Dingo nodded. He, Rollie and Mangela stood in a group by themselves behind an open ambulance. Michael was busy as the bomb squad looked over the remnants.
"You got any friends you could borrow some things from?" Dingo asked, "We wouldn't need much."
"We still have the van," Rollie said, "and the PDA's."
"All that stuff I'm sure you can handle," Mangela said, "but it's the psychology behind this you're going to have to worry about, boy. This Almsbury, she ain't stupid, I'll bet. She'll see right through you if you don't do this just right."
"He's right," Dingo said, "I can make up a false identity easy enough, with Angie's help. We need to figure out some way to keep in touch."
Rollie took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. Dingo put his arm on his sons shoulder.
"You've got to steal yourself on this," Dingo said, "we fail, we die. You have to be certain."
Rollie glanced over at Angie who sat talking to Mira behind another ambulance. His brow furrowed, but he set his jaw.
"Don't have a choice, really," Rollie said, "I think we'll need more help than just us, though."
"I agree," Dingo said, "I've got a few friends in New York still. At least I think so. I can call in a few favors. For the right price you'd be amazed what kind of help you can get."
"I'm sure," Rollie said, "I'll contact a couple people, some friends of mine, see if I can't borrow some of their equipment. I'll make up some excuse."
"We need to put together one big plan," Mangela said, "and prepare for anything that might come up. These people are bad news. I can feel it. Feels like ants crawling around my skin every time I think of them."
"OK," Dingo said, "go find a hotel. I have some work to do. We'll meet back here tomorrow, say around noon?"
Rollie nodded. Dingo and Mangela left. Rollie turned and began to walk towards Angie. They had work to do as well.
"He wants to do the tests tomorrow, around noon," Mira said, "you feel up to it?"
Angie nodded, then smiled weakly.
"I'm sure you'll be fine," Mira said, "I'm sure of it."
She looked up as Rollie came into view.
"I have some work to do," she said, and headed towards what was left of the loft.
Rollie sat down on the bumper of the ambulance, next to Angie.
"We've got some work to do, love," he said, "and then we'll meet back here tomorrow at noon, with Dingo and Mangela to put together a plan."
"I can't," Angie said, "I-I have to be somewhere."
"Where's that?" Rollie said with a frown.
"Just somewhere," Angie said, getting up and walking away, "don't worry about it. Now what's this work we have to do?"
Rollie frowned, but decided to let it be. He walked up next to her.
"Let's find a hotel," he said, "and we'll go over it."
* * *
Next!
From: Peggy
Date: 4/3/99
Time: 6:28:14 AM
The woman was beautiful as she lounged on the custom made sofa. She appeared far younger than she actually was. This woman was vain about her dark beauty, eyes and hair full of dark fire and highlights, but she was far more concerned with her power. A deadly power which radiated around her. She examined the sparkling champagne in her glass with a gleam in her eyes. "Relax my friend. It has been arranged. Rollie Tyler will have no choice but to accept my offer now."
Paula Almsbury laughed throatily at the squawk from the telephone. The line was secure and she had no worries about someone, say nosey Feds, learning their plans. "Truly! It's all arranged. His home is badly damaged and..." She shed a crocodile tear. "His poor, little assistant is ill. So tragic! A tumor, I believe. Their insurance will not cover treatment, but I will." She purred, reveling in her plans to entrap a man who dared to refuse her. So young then! He'd been so young and dared to refuse her! *HER!* Well, she had the upper hand and she would win this battle and the war. Oh yes!
"Don't be absurd, William! Of course, they won't find the truth. The doctor is mine and he will tell her exactly what I want her to hear."
"Oh no. If she wants to see another doctor, he will recommend a specialist under *my* control. All the possibilities are covered. Have no fear. Rollie Tyler will be *mine*! He will be like a little lap dog curled up at my feet." She gave a terrible laugh. "And if he's a good pet, maybe I'll let him sit in my lap."
From: Eileen
Date: 4/3/99
Time: 8:18:44 PM
Rollie and Angie were just walking away from the mess that had once been the world and workshop of Manny Ramirez. Each one was lost in their own thoughts but Rollie was the first one to voice his.
"Are you mad at me? I mean do you blame me for what happened?" He had his head down, hands in pockets reminding Angie very much of a puppy who was caught being naughty. "This was all that you had left of your dad and now because of me and my obsession with the police...it's gone."
"No. I don't blame you. I knew what was going on when you
started helping Leo." She giggled when she saw the look that
he gave her then continued on, "I never said that I liked
it. I could have left and did something else but I stayed. I
guess at times, it can be fun." Taking a deep cleansing
breath and one last look at the loft from the end of the alley,
"But maybe now, we can make it bigger and better. Who knows?
You can now have a real apartment in there. I think dad once said
that he thought it could be one of the last brewers in the city.
Maybe we could look that up and see if the city will give us
anything. Worth a shot."
The couple walked a few blocks in silence before Angie questioned him where he was going, "Why do you have to get a hotel? I still have my place. You can stay there with me."
"What about Dingo and Mangela? Trust me, if there isn't enough room in the Outback for those two, your teeny apartment will suffer." he added with a smile.
"They haven't lived with me yet. I will make sure they behave."
"I will have to warn them. Where do you have to go tomorrow? I know that you don't really want to do this..."
"Oh, um...no biggie. I have to go back to the doctor. You know, the arm" she waved it for effect. "I guess he wants to make sure it is healing right. I'm not sure how long the appointment will take, so why don't you and your 'fathers' do whatever it is that you want to do and we can meet up later on. OK?" She prayed that this appeased him enough so she could make it through the appointment.
"OK But are you sure that you don't need me to go with you?" he asked her. She didn't look right to him but then he chalked it up to her having a rough day and put it out of his mind.
Silently she said to herself 'Yes, I want you to come with me in case he says what I don't want to hear.' but to Rollie she said "Nah. It's only an arm. What could go wrong?"
From: FX Phantom
Date: 4/5/99
Time: 1:36:20 PM
Angie plucked at a stray thread on her sweater. Thoughts of last night at her apartment made her smile. Now, however she was near terrified. Earlier that morning, she had plastered a smile on her face as she covered up the lie of her own fear.
"Ms. Ramirez? Angela Ramirez?" A voice called.
Angie stood up and looked around. A woman with a small folder stood in a doorway to Angie's left. "Come with me."
Angie followed the woman. She was a bit nervous. She didn't know this doctor. Yet, he came 'highly recommended'."
As Angie entered the office, a stern doctor faced her, shook her hand and sat down. "Ms. Ramirez? As you know, we have found something to be concerned about." The doctor turned and flicked on a light. The chest x-rays we took have revealed a tumor in your right lung." The doctor proceeded to speak. Angie however, did not hear. She became deaf and mute with fear as soon as the word tumor was finally uttered. "I've made an appointment to have the tumor tested for cancer. Ms. Ramirez, I must be truthful." The doctor coughed "in nearly 100 percent of cases like these the tumor is malignant."
Angie covered her mouth and let out a sigh
"I would like you in the hospital tomorrow morning."
Angie sat up "C-can it wait?"
The doctors face blanched "No it cannot. Your life depends on it."
NEXT!!!!!!!
From: Erin B
Date: 4/8/99
Time: 2:19:32 AM
Rollie Tyler looked the Californian drivers license over carefully, "There you go Dad - you're now Wombat Patterson. A rich looney - now, we just gotta finish up your back story. What do you think of..." He was interrupted by the apartment door opening and closing. The two Tyler men turned to look at the young woman that had entered.
The older Tyler muttered, "Bloody Hell..." under his breath as he caught sight of the pale young woman. Rollie didn't pause with the preliminaries - he leapt to his feet, moving quickly to Angie's side.
"Angie - what is it? What did the Doctor say?"
Tears flooded the blonde's eyes as she stared up at her boss, and best friend. They spilled over to as she began, "He... He... He said... Rollie - I... I think I have cancer." Her composure dissolved and the tall Australian hugged the young woman close as she sobbed wretchedly.
**********
Alrightly then, that's it from me for now - rehearsal to go to...
Next please...
From: Eileen
Date: 4/8/99
Time: 10:19:49 PM
The man walked out of the 23 St station; the #6 train just dropped him off to his destination. He kept his head down due to the wind and continued down Park Ave So to 20 St. At 20 St, he made a left; the building he was looking for was the second one off the corner: 7 Gramercy Park South. The doorman came out of the warm confines of the building to give him entry. He received the usual greeting for one who is such an important guest, "Hello, Mr. Leonard. How are you today? Is there anything that I can get for you?" Waving the man off, Mr. Leonard made his way over to the private elevator that headed to the penthouse. He glanced at his watch and silently gave a prayer of thanks; he had made it without being late. Mr. Leonard didn't relish the thought of explaining to his boss why he was late.
He walked into the apartment, called out his greeting and was
told to have a seat. Mr. Leonard walked over to the window that
faced the park and thought 'It's a shame that the park is closed
off to the residents. It is such a peaceful place to just sit and
think.' Looking at the window, he could see the reflection of his
boss, Paula Almsbury.
"William, I trust our plans are in motion. After all,
today was the day that *she* received the news, yes?"
William looked at her. There was no denying that she was beautiful but there was something that he could never define, something that just wasn't...right. On the outside she was gorgeous, but it is the inside that scared him. Acknowledging her presence, he turned around and answered, "Yes, of course Paula. Everything is just as you planned. Our man was given the script and he followed it to the letter." Giving he a very nasty little smirk, he continued, "But then again, you didn't give him much of choice, now did you?" The only response he received was a smirk just as nasty, if not more.
"Anyway, he met her around noon today and broke the *bad* news to Ange--" but was suddenly cut off by the deadly look that Paula gave him. William had made a terrible error. She had given her 'employees' never, ever to mention *that woman* by her name; she was simply The Assistant. "Sorry, The Assistant now knows her troubles have just begun."
"Good. Then Rollie should also know by now and re
realizes HIS troubles are just beginning." She moved over to
the bar, got a cognac and sat down on the stool. "He will
now know what real trouble is since he crossed me."
NEXT
From: Rami
Date: 4/9/99
Time: 10:22:56 AM
William looked at Paula as she drank the cognac.
"Maybe you should quit on those drinks, Paula."
Paula poured herself another to her glass but this time she reached her hand down the bar and took some icecubes out.
"Don't tell me what to do William... all you have to do is follow my orders regarding Rollie and his little assistant."
"I`m sorry but..."
"Don't but me! The subject is closed!"
"OK OK" William said, slightly scared from the woman.
"Yes... finally... I`m gonna break Rollie..." Paula said and threw one icecube into the drink.
"His poor assistant..." Paula continued and threw another icecube into the drink.
"And everybody that will stand in my way!" Paula said in anger and threw the last icecube to the drink.
She picked up the drink and took a sip.
"Well... ugh... I think I should be going now." William said in a shaky voice and took a few steps back.
Paula gave William a smirk.
"Are you scared of me , William?" Paula said and put the drink on the bar.
"Me... Me.. Me? no no!"
"Tell me William..." Paula said and reached her hand down the bar "Is this..." She quickly draw out a gun and aimed it William "MORE SCARY?"
"Ia... IA" William said and walked backwards faster.
Paula slowly walked towards him with the gun aimed to his head.
"Well William... are you scared now?"
"Please no..." William murmured out and then bumped into a chair that was on his way. He fell down on his back.
Paula stood above him and put her long leg on his chest. She grinned.
"If this doesn't scare ya... maybe this will !" She said in a vicious voice and aimed the gun to his eyeball.
"No please no!"
"Say bye bye... William..." Paula said and put her finger on the trigger.
"NOOO!!" William screamed and closed his eyes.
CLICK!
All he heard was a clicking sound. He slowly opened his eyes , cant believe that he was still alive.
"Get up William , I`m just toying with you... The gun isn't loaded." Paula said and walked away from him.
William slowly got up from the floor.
"OK William... proceed to other stage of the plan and then report to me. You can go. Oh! and William..."
"Yes?"
"Doubt my actions again or tell me what to do... Well , I leave that to your imagination and I know you have a big one."
Without saying another word , William stepped out of the apartment, to the elevator.
On his way down he said to himself : "This woman is crazy! Lucky she`s going after Rollie and not me..."
*********
I did my part... who`s next?
From: Peggy
Date: 5/2/99
Time: 8:51:07 PM
Rollie was stunned by Angie's words. Angie? Cancer? How?!? It wasn't... She couldn't... He hugged her closer, his eyes wide and unseeing. He couldn't lose *Angie*! He couldn't... Cancer... cancer... The word ran around and around in his head, incomprehensible, unbelievable, immutable... Cancer. Angie thought... The doctor thought Angie had cancer. Was that possible? He gave himself a mental shake. He knew cancer gave no respect or consideration to age, general health or anything else. But still... This on top of...
"Rollie?" Dingo spoke quietly, not wanting to disturb the two friends, but also knowing Rollie needed to pull himself together. Little Angie with cancer? This was bad. Very, very bad. Perhaps they should chuck the plan of putting Rollie on the inside? Angie would need him at her side, *now* more than ever.
"D--Da--Dad," Rollie rubbed the tears from his face. He hadn't even realized he was crying.
"Son, Mangela and I will deal with Paula Almsbury and her lot. You..."
"Wh--what?" The younger man looked puzzled by his father's words.
"Angie'll need you. We can handle things from here. You gave us a way in." He wanted to say something that would help, but wasn't sure *what* to say or how else to help. The best he could do was give his son a chance to stay with the younger woman.
Just then, Mangela returned and looked at the unhappy group. "Here now. You all look like you lost your best friend. What's up?"
Rollie tugged Angie over to the sofa, sitting down and hugging her. That left it to Dingo to explain to his old friend. "Ang... Angie may have cancer. Rollie'll need to stay with 'er. But it's okay. See. This'll get us in to that lot. We can take from here."
"Cancer?" Mangela's brow furrowed as he sorted out the words. Oh yes. Cancer was that stuff that ate someone from the inside. Their body turned against them. He knew a man what died from cancer. He'd been so frail at the end. Whether from the cancer or the so-called cure, he wasn't clear on. Still... Angie? "Angie?" He squatted down in front of his adopted son and the young woman. "Angie girl, look at me." Reluctantly, the blonde raised her head from where it was buried against Rollie's neck. Mangela reached out a large hand, roughened by life in the Outback and took her smaller one in it. "Look at me, girl. Look in my eyes." He searched, seeking answers and shook his head. "I don't see it."
"You--You don't see what? Mangela, what are you looking for? What're you doing?" Rollie looked at the aborigine in bewilderment. His mind didn't seem to want to work. Angie... Cancer! NO!
"I don't see no cancer."
"Mangela, you can't *see* cancer!" Dingo snapped. Bloody hell! The old goat's gone round the bend. Like they really needed *that* too!
"You can see the traces. If you bother to open yourself up and look. I don't see nothin' but a broke arm. That'll heal."
See cancer? Mangela... Rollie shook his spinning head, then wish he hadn't. Mangela could see...? Oh! It couldn't be... Could it? Suspicion blossomed in the special effects artist's mind. Even Almsbury couldn't... Or maybe she could. "Angie. What's your doctor's name?"
"Cuth--Cuthbert, Henry Cuthbert. Why?" Angie blinked, trying to hold in her tears.
"Don't remember him. How'd you find him?" Rollie asked as he reached for the phone.
"I... A... A nurse at the clinic recommended him."
He reached over and hugged her again. "Why didn't you tell me you weren't feeling well?"
"I..." She shook herself all over. Get it together, girl! Rollie's still not well. You need to hold things together. He doesn't need you all weepy and weak. "I didn't want to worry you. It could have been nothing."
"Now, Angie. Think. I want you to tell me *everything* Doctor Cuthbert said."
Wrapped in Rollie's embrace, feeling the thinness of his body. She laid her head on his chest and listened to the strong heartbeat. "Okay." She took a deep breath and recited as much as she could remember of the doctor's words. He'd been so... so arrogant and cold. A lot of it had gone over her head and she hadn't thought to ask questions.
"You're sure of that? He said you had to be in the hospital tomorrow?"
"Oh yeah. That part came through, loud and clear, Rol."
Rollie dialed the telephone, carefully. Reaching their insurance agent, he asked several pointed and important questions. The answers he received were *not* welcome. It took everything he had not to shout at the woman on the other end of the line. Bloody hell! Bloo-dy HELL! Their insurance would *not* cover Angie's type of cancer, if it *was* cancer. It was rare and not covered by the rider he'd had placed on the policy. Shaking, he hung up the phone and dialed another number. The number for *his* doctor. If anyone could answer Rollie's questions and suspicions it was Sam.
Angie curled up on the sofa, hugging one of the cushions. She watched Rollie, trying to follow his conversations from just his side of it. Whatever the agent had said had put fire in his eyes and color in his pale cheeks, that was sure. Apparently it wasn't good news. Great! What if she wasn't covered? How in the world could she afford treatment if the insurance didn't pay for it? She didn't have *that* much money in savings. She... She could be in debt to the hospital and doctors for the rest of her life! She choked down a bitter laugh, if she *had* a life.
Rollie hung up the phone, very carefully. He didn't want to have to pay for breaking it and he dearly wanted to break *something*! *ANYTHING!* He took a deep breath and looked at Angie with sad eyes. "Well, which do you want first, the good news, the bad news or the *really* bad news?"
"There's good news?" Angie asked, trying desperately to insert a note of humor in her voice.
"Yeah. Sort of... Maybe." Rollie took a deep breath, ran his hands through his hair, then over his tired face. "All right. Good news is, Sam says that type of cancer is real rare and he doesn't see how you could have gotten it. Something about radiation and... I'm not sure I followed all of it. He thinks you should get a second opinion. I've got the name and address for the doctor. He'll make an appointment for you. Today! And we'll both go see her together."
"Oookay. And what's the bad news?"
"If you've got it, our insurance doesn't cover it. Bloody hell! I told our agent I wanted coverage for everything! I..." He slammed a fist down on the cocktail table - *HARD*.
Angie reached out quickly and covered Rollie's hand before he could do it again. "I sort of gathered that. Rol, if this is that rare, your agent - he probably never imagined one of us... getting it."
Rollie took a deep breath and kissed Angie's hand. "I know. I know. I..." He closed his eyes and shook his head, trying to get rid of the blinding rage that seemed to want to take control of him. He wasn't used to this much sheer *anger*! And what was worse, he didn't have a target to aim it at. He couldn't hit cancer!
"So what's the really bad news?" What could be worse than having cancer and no coverage? Dying? Okay, maybe that was worse, but still...
"I..." Rollie looked away. "I... If I'm wrong... I don't want to get your hopes up." He looked at Angie with hollow eyes. "Or scare you half to death." Dingo and Mangela watching both of them silently, eyes full of worry.
"Tell me, Rol. It's okay. Just... tell me." Whatever it is, I want to know. Her blue eyes spoke eloquently to her best friend.
"I think Paula Almsbury may be behind this."
"WHAT?!?" Angie jerked up and away. "ROLLIE! Are you *crazy*? How could she give me cancer?" She looked over at Dingo and Mangela, worried. Quickly she focused back on Rollie.
"I know. I know it sounds crazy. And I don't think she gave you cancer. I *think* she may have gotten your doctor to *say* you had it." Rollie threw his hand up. "Let me finish. I... I know I could be wrong, but..." He licked his lips. "It makes sense in a sick sort of way. Paula Almsbury could buy almost anybody she wants. Now, the workshop is bombed, practically putting us out of business, at least for a while. *You* get a doctor's report saying you have a rare form of cancer which just *happens* to not be covered by our insurance. *I* get a new offer from Almsbury to come work for her. This, despite, my blunt refusal before." He looked over at his fathers, then back at Angie. "What do you want to bet that *she* will cover your treatment?" He buried his head in his hands. "It's like everything has been pushing me toward accepting this job offer. I... I'm sorry, Angie." He looked away and finished softly. "Looks like I put us in the fire again, luv."
From: FX Phantom
Date: 5/9/99
Time: 8:15:37 PM
Im hoping this continues
Paula Almsbury crushed the small glass within her hand, a look of fury upon her face. "I want you to send him over their doctor NOW dammit. I don't care how much it costs, or how many people you have to kill just get it done now." She paced within the room, completely unaware of her now bleeing hand. "I should just send someone to shoot that little bitch." Alsmbury stopped cold. "No, no...i'm just moving to fast. Yes. I'll get Horton to convince that other doctor, and anyone else within...I'll change blood tests, hire a special x-ray tec...and ohhhh Mr. Tyler, You'll be sorry that you ever doubted. I'll make that little assisant of yours suffer. HA! She'll be on her death bed...then see if you can refuse me."
Short, but something to tempt you?
From: ?
Date: 5/28/99
Time: 8:48:22 PM
Rollie fidgeted anxiously while he waited for Doctor Betsy Hightower to finish Angie's exam. He didn't like to wait, but he *really* didn't want to be waiting right now. He jumped up as the door to the hallway leading to the examination rooms opened.
The nurse called to him. "Mr. Tyler?"
He nodded nervously.
"If you'll come with me?"
He followed, anxious and worried. The nurse let him into an exam room and left. Doctor Hightower was looking over something on a clipboard. Angie sat on the exam table, trying to appear normal, but she was in one of the worst states Rollie had ever seen her in. The only time that he could recall her being worse than now was when Manny died. Rollie walked over to her side and took her hand in his, giving it a squeeze. Angie managed a shaky smile.
"Well Dr. Hightower, what's the verdict?"
"I still need some test results to find out, but... Well, look here."
Both of the FX artists paled considerable, certain of bad news. They looked at the clipboard. There was a medical chart with Angie's name on it, but on top of that was a note.
Rollie's eyes widened as he read it. -A man came by yesterday. He threatened to have my medical license revoked and provide proof to welfare that I was an unfit mother unless I informed Ms. Ramirez and you that she did indeed have cancer. I don't want anything to happen to my children, but I can't violate my oath by letting you believe this. Unfortunately, I don't know what to do. I have no way to disprove that man's accusations.-
Rollie and Angie looked relieved. Relief however, quickly turned to a deeper worry. Somehow Paula Almsbury must have found out about Angie seeking a second opinion. But how? If they'd been bugged, she and her colleagues might know all about their plans. And how to deal with this? He looked deep into Angie's beautiful eyes and then over at the worried doctor. She was afraid and rightfully so. Almsbury could and would rip her family and career to shreds to achieve her goals.
The Aussie reached over and grabbed the doctor's pen. He quickly scrawled a new note. -We have to go along and pretend Angie has cancer. We need time to deal with this. That will buy us the time.-
Doctor Hightower's eyes widened at his words. She accepted the pen back and wrote another note. -But how? We have to make the treatment look real. I can't treat a healthy human that way! It would violate my oath. It's too dangerous!-
Rollie shook his head and grinned. Angie grabbed the pen before he could. -Leave it to us. Illusion is what we do best. So give us the bad news, Doc.-
Reluctantly she nodded and glanced toward the door. She licked suddenly dry lips and spoke. "I'm sorry, Ms. Ramirez, Mr. Tyler. I can't be positive until I see all the test results, but my preliminary exam *does* indicate that Ms. Ramirez has the cancer that Doctor Cuthbert diagnosed. It is imperative that treatment begin immediately."
.....
Next!
From: #
Date: 5/28/99
Time: 9:23:15 PM
"We'll get through this Ang," Rollie said, "don't worry."
"I know," Angie said, "I just can't believe this."
"Treatment must begin immediately," Doctor Hightower said, "I'm sorry. I'll begin scheduling you for chemotherapy. Hopefully, we've caught it in time."
"Thank you doctor," Rollie said.
Doctor Hightower walked away. Angie pulled out her PDA, and Rollie did as well. She sent a quick instant message using a stylus:
"How do we do this?"
Rollie wrote a reply.
"You still have that equipment from Brain Eaters III?"
Angie nodded. Rollie wrote some more.
"Good. That's all we'll need."
Angie nodded. Rollie, inside, thought quickly. Their plan of infiltration, now this. It was all happening too quickly. How had this all started anyway? A mad man with plans to kill everyone in New York, a group of rich eccentrics, there was something missing. There was some piece of the puzzle that didn't fit. Where would they get their equipment? The man power? Rich yes, but that rich? Something didn't fit. And what of the crazies they were recruiting? Were there more?
Questions, questions, questions. What Rollie Tyler needed, was answers.
* * *
"Everything's been taken care of William," Paula said with a sigh, "don't worry."
Paula set the phone down. William Petty III could be a difficult man. They all could be difficult. But the one thing they all had in common...that was an agreement that the world, mankind, in it's present condition was too dangerous to continue on. Cleansing was needed. And they were the ones to do it.
There were very few things in the way. A few members of Interpol and the CIA had been dealt with. Idle rumor meant nothing. The one man from the secret service when she'd been in Washington, he was no longer a concern. There were many rungs on a ladder. They all had to be stepped on to get to the proverbial top. The top of the food chain, that was.
Now, left, was making sure all would go as she wanted. Rollie Tyler. Strange how such a seemingly insignificant man could irk her so. But then again, she was used to getting what she wanted. Paula Almsbury always got what she wanted.
* * *
Next!