[]Backup 2] Economics 101, a Novel, ch_09 -- In the Islands

[JMR201802100930: backup of http://free-is-not-free.blogspot.com/2016/08/economics-101-novel-ch09-in-islands.html.]

[JMR201804071908: edits]

He was quite insistant that you would need another room, but we did not believe him.
-
He was quite insistent that you would need another room, but we did not believe him.

--

Why don't you go check your accomodations?
-
Why don't you go check your accommodations?

--

About two weeks into their stay on the second island, they they wrote letters to professors they had been talking with at Harvard and Berkeley, detailing their work to that point and the adjustments they were making to their approaches with both research and service.
-
About two weeks into their stay on the second island, they wrote letters to professors they had been talking with at Harvard and Berkeley, detailing their work to that point and the adjustments they were making to their approaches with both research and service.

--

"We appreciate your forebearance."
-
"We appreciate your forbearance."

--

[JMR201804071908: end edits]

[JMR201804031323: edits for Xhilr.]

There is a large city about an hour to the north, which has a major airport.
-
There is a large city about a chit to the north, which has a major airport.

--

At the last layover before they reached the main island, the five of them met with the first counselor to the President of the district of the Church which nominally included the islands to which they were going.
-
At the last layover before they reached the main island, the five of them met with the first counselor to the president of the district of the Church which included the islands to which they were going. (Nominally included, since there were no actual Church operations in those islands at that point.)

--

Visiting teachers are assigned from the Relief Society, and home teachers are from the priesthood quorums. In the less fully organized branches and wards, they sometimes had couples assigned to be both at once. It wasn't official policy at the time of this story, but it is sort of semi-officially allowed now.
-
Visiting teachers were assigned from the Relief Society, and home teachers were from the priesthood quorums. In the less fully organized branches and wards, they sometimes had couples assigned to be both at once. It wasn't official policy at the time of this story, but it would later become a recognized practice.

--

I have letters for you from them.
-
I have letters for you from them here.

--

Wait a minute, you say?

Okay, I have a small confession. This is not just a slightly alternate history, this is a different planet.

But there are lots of parallels that I have taken the liberty of translating to artifacts of your own world's history.

"Mormon", for instance. Their Church has a similar history to the Mormons of (ahem) our world, and they believe in a Savior/Messiah with a name cognate of "Jesus" ("God is help") and a title cognate of "Christ" ("Annointed").

(And the prophet who abridged their new world scripture was named a word that seems to be a bi-lingual pun on "more good" and "eternal love", pointing to having a hope of literally following their Savior as they progress from grace to grace, thus, "Mormon" is not exactly a bad translation.)

And their Jesus teaches of repentance and redemption, of salvation by faith on His name, and the idea that the Creator of their universe is a friend, not an enemy, to His children. Thus, Christianity is a good fit for the broader religious context, as well.

(And there history is filled with cases of religion being perverted to ill purpose by those who prefer power to faith, just like ours.)

There are other differences, beyond the ones which necessitated this aside about the parallels. But the differences shouldn't be too surprising. Policy should reflect the historical and social context.
-
Wait a saichi, you say? (Or a minute. Three saichi.)

This is, indeed, a different planet. These are not Mormons. The epithet, and the name of the ancient prophet and the scripture from which the epithet is derived, is "Ehyephoot".

The official name of their Church may translate well as "The Church of Jesus Christ for the Saints of the Latter Days" or "The Church of Yeshua Messiah for the Believers of the End Times" or something. There may be many parallels which I depend on in telling this story, but it is not the organization with which you are familiar in your world.

Different world, different history, different social context, no matter how much is similar. Policy reflects the needs of the social context, so I must beg you to bear with the things you find odd.

Pretty please?

--

Bobbie and Karel looked in surprise at the first counselor together. He smiled reassuringly.
-
Bobbie and Karel looked together in surprise at the first counselor. He smiled reassuringly.

--

You both have been missionaries, and you understand that the happiness of these people is God's only concern."
-
You both have been missionaries, and you understand that the happiness of these people is a very high priority for God."

--

He's a good man. But if they don't get along, he'll help them find other arrangements.
-
He's a good man. If they don't get along, he'll help them find other arrangements.

--

Bobbie and Sister MacVittie insisted they could walk, so they spread the luggage across the four taxis, and everyone walked the fifteen minutes to the bungalow.
-
Bobbie and Sister MacVittie insisted they could walk, so they spread the luggage across the four taxis, and everyone walked the three punji to the bungalow.

--

"Oh, I like him. I think he likes me. But it's hard to get his attention when he spends most of his time on the main island."
-
"Oh, I like him. I think he likes me. But it's hard to get his attention when he spends most of his time flying around the islands."

--

"Quickly!"
-
"Quickly! She'll know what to do."

--

On the Sabbath, the chief and his consort, and the shaman and his concubine, came to observe their meetings, making the hut a little crowded. They expressed neither approval nor disapproval after the meetings were over, remaining to listen and talk for a bit, then going to take care of other business.
-
On the Sabbath, the chief and his consort, with the shaman and his concubine, came to observe their meetings, making the hut a little crowded. They expressed neither approval nor disapproval, remaining after the meetings were over to listen and talk for a bit, then going to take care of other business.

--

Sabbath. Day of Rest.

As I have mentioned, they have a week of seven days. Seven days approximates the period of their nearer moon, which could partially explain why they have a seven day week in spite of their general standardization on powers of two. But not fully.

--

In the evening, there were more ceremonies.
-
In the evening, there were more ceremonies, which Karel and Bobbie were requested to attend.

--

But when Karel traded for a beaded reed curtain to hang between them, the family indulged them in that much.
-
But when Karel traded some materials for a beaded reed curtain to hang between them, the family indulged them in that much.

--

But  their host family did not take offense.
-
And their host family did not take offense.

--

And on the last island, they were again not allowed to stay with separate families. Again, they put up a curtain.
Lest you misunderstand, they were able to develop good relationships with the islanders on both the third and fourth islands, but, on the subject of where they stayed, the islanders just smiled and were insistent.
And lest you should find fault with the islanders, according to the traditions they lived by, Karel and Bobbie would have been guilty of no sin had they given in to temptation and crossed the curtain.
-
And on the last island, they were again not allowed to stay with separate families. The shaman and the shamaness were their hosts. And again, they were allowed to put up a curtain.

Lest you misunderstand, they were able to develop good relationships with the islanders on both the third and fourth islands, but, on the subject of where they stayed, the islanders just smiled and were insistent.

"Do you understand?" one woman asked Bobbie one day on the fourth island, while they were working with several other women, collecting breadfruit for a communal feast. "It is not just that we can see the connection you and Karel have. Under our traditions, if you were alone, you would be required to entertain men."

"Really? Then I am glad you insisted we stay together."

The shamaness said, "Our island is not as progressive as some. I hope your reports will not speak ill of us for it."

"Should I not mention this?"

"No," the wife of the chief said, "just please don't judge us ill for it."

"Can I discuss this with Karel?"

"Maybe. I suppose it would help to talk more about it rather than less."

The next day, the chief, the shaman, and a small group of other men met with Karel.

One of the men said, "We understand that Bobbie knows that there are two reasons we have for asking you to stay together."

"She mentioned that she had heard something about being required to entertain men if she were not with me."

Another explained, "We have not had a brothel on the island for a generation. Bobbie is independent."

"She is that. You know it is a valued trait in our culture?"

"In ours," the chief said, "many were calling her wanton. Some of the women wanted to send you both away your first day, without waiting for a plane to take you."

"We appreciate your forebearance."

The shaman said, "That you hold hands at night speaks well of you. That's something we can understand."

The chief added, "You see, we try to avoid situations in which male-female relationships would cause problems. Such problems cause wars."

Karel nodded. "Understood."

That evening, after Bobbie and Karel discussed their day's research, Karel told Bobbie what he had learned.

Bobbie grinned and reached for his hand. "Should we radio for Wycliffe to come take us to a temple?"

The shamaness looked up from her chemistry work. "That would be counter to your course."

--

"It has been our pleasure. Don't wait too long to get married."
-
"It has been our pleasure," the shaman said.

The shamaness added, "Don't wait too long to let your legal records enable your realities."

--

Bobbie and Karel carried part of their luggage out of the hut that served as the airport building on the last island towards the plane waiting on the beach.
-
While Wycliffe loaded fuel from the supplies shack into the plane, Bobbie and Karel brought their luggage to the beach.

--

They loaded the last of it, Karel helped Bobbie climb in, and they waved a final goodbye.
-
They loaded the last of it, Bobbie let Karel help her climb in, and they waved a final goodbye.

--

[JMR201804031323: end edits for Xhilr.]

Previous: Fifth Semester, Getting Ready for the Islands

Table of Contents

Now we thik we know how Karel and Bobbie got to the islands without getting married. But let's go ahead and get a glimpse of how things went in the islands.

---

Orson Hyde University campus is nestled against the foothills of a very long mountain range. It is a part of small city that sits between a lake and the mountains.

There is a large city about an hour to the north, which has a major airport. It was this airport at which they said goodbye to their families and left in the company of the MacVitties, after completing their preparations at the university.

During the trip, Bobbie did not pay much attention to the men giving her the eye. She noticed some of them, but she didn't pay much attention.

In the passenger cabin after one layover, she said, "Karel?"

"Yeah?"

"Have you noticed the guys looking at me?"

Karel replied, "Have you noticed me noticing some of the women around? Sometimes a guy gets distracted."

"Are you trying to make me jealous?"

"Maybe, but I was really just thinking that beauty draws the eye. You distract me, too, you know."

Brother and Sister MacVittie studiously ignored this conversation. Their son smirked quietly to himself.

"Telling me I'm beautiful again."

"Just telling it like it is."

"Heh. Thanks. Well, anyway, guys used to hit on me a lot."

"You've mentioned that before."

"Now it seems like I can mostly ignore them before they get that far."

"That's a good thing."

"I'm sure part of that is because I'm with you and don't seem unattached."

Karel cleared his throat.

"And I've gotten into the habit of dressing down a bit."

"When you doll yourself up, you're just gilding the lily."

"Give me a break."

Sister MacVittie leaned across her husband's lap and said, "He's just telling you the truth."

Bobbie looked at the back of the seat in front of her. "I know I am cursed with good looks. But that's actually kind of what I'm trying to talk with Karel about."

"I guess I'll keep my nose out of things."

Professor MacVittie thought it was the better part of valor to stay out of things, too.

But Bobbie was no longer just talking to Karel. "Something's changed inside me. I used to be like a deer caught in a car's headlights when guys looked at me. Now it doesn't mean that much to me. And I think that means guys mostly don't feel as motivated to hit on me."

Karel said, "Mostly. But I've warned a few off, so far."

"And you've missed a couple."

"Yeah. but I'm trying."

"It's okay. I was able to warn those guys off, myself. And I don't feel upset about it any more."

Professor MacVittie finally spoke up here. "That's an important thing. I hadn't realized you were struggling so much with that."

"Guys are generally more civilized at Orson Hyde University."

"Not all that civilized. I think I have said some things I have to apologize for."

"No, you've never offended me."

"I'm glad of that."

Sister MacVittie asked her husband, under her breath, "Pray tell, what is it you think you might have to apologize for?"

He replied, as quietly, "Complimenting her on her looks without thinking how she would take it."

"Oh, that's all." She squeezed his hand.

---

At the last layover before they reached the main island, they met the first counselor to the President of the District of the Church which nominally included the islands to which they were going.

"I have been authorized to form a traveling branch of the Islands, and to call the two of you to preside over the Island Traveling Branch, Karel as the branch president, and Bobbie as the Relief Society president. Do the two of you accept these callings?"

"Sure."

 "Yeah. Uhm, Yes."

"This means you are authorized to hold your meetings and so forth."

"Okay."

"Your branch is a dependent branch, so you will need to coordinate some things with the parent branch, district, and mission presidencies, as described in the handbooks."

He gave them addresses and long distance phone numbers to contact them by.

"Your own home teachers and visiting teachers are assigned out of the parent branch until and unless better arrangements can be made. They happen to be your parent branch second counselor and his wife."

---

Visiting teachers are assigned from the Relief Society, and home teachers are sent from the priesthood quorums. In the less fully organized branches and wards, sometimes they have couples assigned to do both at once. It wasn't official policy at the time of this story, but it is sort of semi-official now.

---

"I don't expect that they will actually be able to come visit you here in the islands, but you can keep contact by mail. And they have told me that, if there is an emergency, you can call them collect."

"If we can get to a phone." Karel commented.

"Radio can be patched in. And you will be in their prayers."

"That will be helpful." Bobbie nodded, swallowing suddenly.

"Since this is the district, the mission president has authorized me to authorize the two of you to perform baptismal interviews. The district president has authorized you to perform all non-temple ordinances, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, Karel presiding and Bobbie assisting, as necessary, as explained in the manuals."

---

Wait a minute, you say?

Okay, I have a small confession. This is not just a slightly alternate history, this is a different planet. Lots of parallels that I have taken the liberty of translating to artifacts of your own world's history.

"Mormon", for instance. Their Church is one with a similar history to the Mormons of (ahem) our world, and they believe in a Savior/Messiah with a name cognate of "Jesus" ("God is help") and a title cognate of "Christ" ("Annointed One").

(And the prophet who abridged their new world scripture is named a word that is a pun on "more good" and "eternal love", pointing to having a hope of literally following their savior as they progress from grace to grace.)

And their Jesus teaches of repentance and redemption, of salvation by faith on His name, and the idea that the Creator of their universe is a friend, not an enemy to His children.

And there are a few differences, such as the ones I just mentioned. But maybe it shouldn't be too surprising. Policy should reflect the historical and social context.

---

"Now, in addition to my calling as first counselor in the district, I am first counselor in the temple presidency for the temple for this district."

"Oh." Bobbie blinked.

"Be happy to have you visit if you decide you have reason to get up that way."

"Understood." Karel nodded.

"I know you've heard it before, but it will be to your own benefit, as well as the benefit of the Church, that you set the best example you can for the people of these islands. You both have been missionaries, and you understand that the happiness of these people is God's only concern."

Bobbie and Karel both agreed.

After more discussion, he sent them on their way, with the blessings of God.

And they flew on to the main island near where they would be doing their research.

---

"Yo. You must be the professor and family and students."

"Sheldon MacVittie. Would you be Zedidiah?"

"He's Zedidiah."

"Hi." Zedidiah raised his hand in greeting.

"I'm Wycliffe."

"Good to meet you."

"Yeah. Likewise. Luggage there?" Wycliffe indicated the trunks and other luggage stacked neatly at the edge of the tarmac, where the MacVittie's son was keeping an eye on it.

"That's our stuff," Bobbie confirmed. "Do we have too much?"

"It should fit in one go, right, Zed?"

"Yeah. A little tight, but it'll be okay for a short hop."

Karel started chuckling as Wycliffe examined him and Bobbie.

"Wycliffe, do you mind?" Bobbie was also chuckling.

"Just wondering if I dare make a pass at the prettiest lady I expect to ever see in these islands."

"You just did." Bobbie laughed.

The MacVitties kept a watchful eye, amused, but ready to take action. Karel didn't seem worried.

"Wye, not the paying customers." Zedidiah looked up from the mental calculations he was making about how the luggage might fit in their plane.

"She yours?" Wycliffe asked Karel.

Karel shook his head. "She is her own, but I wouldn't try taking liberties with her."

Wycliffe grinned. "I'm not sure whether I'd be more worried about your response or hers if I did."

Karel and Bobbie both laughed.

"Wye! Knock it off!" Zedidiah stopped his examination of the luggage and came back. "I must apologize for my partner."

"No offense taken," Bobbie was still laughing. "An open pass is a bit refreshing, even if I'm not planning on picking it up. I'll be a bit too busy. Sorry."

"Understood. 'Though I'm not quite sure how you two fit together."

Bobbie and Karel looked at each other, amused, and Wycliffe watched them.

"Leave it alone, Wye, and help me figure the luggage out."

"Yeah. Lemme help you work that out."

And both of them went over to the luggage and started measuring pieces with their hands, talking about where to load them in the plane's cargo area.

"Do you think we can trust them?" Professor MacVittie asked.

"I think so." Bobbie replied.

"He's not entirely harmless," Karel pursed his lips to one side. "But I get the feeling he isn't one to take advantage of people. Just says what he thinks."

"I think I agree," Sister MacVittie said.

Wycliffe went into the building, and Zedidiah returned. "We're pretty share we can take it all in one trip. If not, we have a friend or two who would be willing to fly the rest out with the mail or something. But you'll need a couple of taxis to where you're staying tonight. Wycliffe has gone after them, and for someone to take care of your paperwork."

"You took care of a place for us here?"

"No, the islanders did. We told them about you and they decided where you'll stay. That's the way they work. You can walk there, but the luggage can't, and that's why you'll need the taxis. Ah. Here comes Officer Paalo."

An islander approached them from withing the building. "Hello! Welcome to the islands."

"Officer Paalo can stamp your visas."

After introductions all around, Officer Paalo counted their pieces of luggage without bothering to look inside, scanned quickly over their immunization paperwork, took notes in an official-looking logbook, and gave them visa stamps in their passports.

"Oh. You're not married?" he asked, handing Karel and Bobbie back their passports.

"No, ..." Karel replied.

"Not engaged?"

'No." Bobbie replied with a shake of her head.

"Then I should ask. We were under the impression you two would be staying together. Wycliffe informs us that we may be mistaken."

Karel looked at Bobbie, and she just closed her eyes.

"Uhn, that would not be appropriate," Karel said, reaching out to reassure Bobbie with a pat on her arm.

Bobbie opened her eyes. "Definitely not."

By that time, Wycliffe had returned with not two, but four taxis.

"Change of plans. The bungalow they 

"When they found out your students would not be sleeping together, they decided to change your ac

Professor MacVittie introduced himself and gave them contact information for the university and requested to be contacted immediately if anything untoward happened while carrying Karel and Bobbie from island to island.

Then Wycliffe and Zedidiah introduced them to Officer Paalo, who stamped their visas as a representative of the government and gave their luggage a cursory check, and took care of other such necessary paperwork.

And Karel and Bobbie went over their schedules with Wycliffe and Zedidiah.

The MacVitties spent a couple of days vacationing while Karel and Bobbie made contacts, learned a little more about the islands, and reviewed their preparations.

Then Zedidiah flew the five of them to their first island, which was close by. Zedidiah and Wycliffe generally flew without co-pilot, saving the weight for cargo.

On the first island, Zedidiah introduced them to Nazoru and his daughter Hanaka, who were fairly comfortable with foreigners and with English, and could serve as intermediaries if necessary.

Nazoru and Hanaka offered to let them both stay in their hut. They were surprised and somewhat amused that they wanted to stay separately.

Ultimately, it was decided that Bobbie would stay with Hanaka and Nazoru, and they found another family for Karel to stay with.

And they found a family for the MacVitties to stay with, as well.

Nazoru and Hanaka introduced them to many of the people on the island, and Karel and Bobbie got to work and met more. At first, they just let the islanders teach them how they lived. Then they started helping out when they could see ways they could help.

They compiled their notes in the evenings, being careful to change names and otherwise keep the private information private. They found it worked best to go over their data with the families they stayed with, for accuracy, and also to assure that the private information was kept anonymous and private.

Again, the MacVitties stayed out of the way, leaving the work to the students. Their job was simply to be there if they needed help. On the other hand, they were also interested in the island life, and spent most of their time learning how the islanders lived. Professor MacVittie took some notes of his own, but refrained from recording details that might be private.

Towards the end of the week, they got together to compare notes. Other than that, they spent as much time working separately as together.

Sometime during the first week, one of the islanders came to Karel looking for medical help. One of the children had cut her leg. They were surprised when he deferred to Bobbie, insisting that he be there even though Bobbie did the actual cleaning and bandaging up.

They asked about the usual procedure, and the islanders explained that the village elders had already prayed over the wound. But they knew that foreigners did some other useful things, so they had asked.

The next time, Bobbie and Karel had the parents come, and let the parents perform their traditional first aid. Bobbie showed them a few more small things they could still do when she and Karel were gone.


Nazoru and Hanaka joined their first Sunday services, watching with interest. Afterwards, they asked Bobbie and Karel about their beliefs. They continued to join the services for the whole month, and continued to ask questions.

Other islanders also visited during the later Sunday services.

After two weeks, Zedidiah came to pick the MacVitties up. They were sad to go. (And the family they had been staying with was sad to see them go so soon.) Professor MacVittie took Bobbie and Karel's initial reports back to the university with him, with some letters home, and to Dan and Kristie and other friends.

During the month on the first island, Bobbie and Karel participated in the birthing of two babies. Again, they let the islanders teach them what they usually did, trying to avoid teaching them things they would not be able to continue after they left.

And then Zedidiah picked them up and flew them to their next island, introducing them to islanders who would help them get started before he left.

And Zedidiah took their reports and other mail with him to send on.

---

And that was pretty much the way it went on each island.

Except that on the third and fourth islands Wycliffe picked them up. The distances were longer, and Wycliffe had more experience with long distances.

While they were on the second island, they wrote letters to professors they were talking with at Harvard and Berkeley, detailing their work to that point and adjustments they were making to their approaches.

A plane came in after about two weeks, and they sent those letters with the pilot.

On the third island, they got enthusiastic responses from their respective schools, both hinting at the possibility of assistant professorship positions.

On the last island, having become accustomed to their work, they had a little time, maybe once a week, to spend together walking on the beach and talking. Not wanting to tempt each other, they focused on their work and refrained from even holding hands.
 

---

"Got everything?"

"Double and triple checked."

Bobbie and Karel were pushing their luggage out of the hut that served as the airport building on the last island, to the plane waiting on the airstrip.

"I'm gonna miss these islands."

"Me too. In some ways it seems like I've been back on my mission."

"Sans companion?"

"No, not really."

Karel and Bobbie looked at each other. Wycliffe must have missed the meaning that passed without words between them in that look.

"I've been silly."

"No you haven't."

"I wish I could just ask Wycliffe to let us fly back by ourselves. I really want to talk with you all by ourselves."

"Would you be okay navigating over ocean?"

"True. The weather's different, and you have to depend more on instruments."

"And, of course, it's their plane, not ours."

"Do you think those two joke about us?"

"Listening to their chatter on the radio, yeah. Does it matter?"

"Guess not."

"Let's get our luggage on the plane."

"Hi, Wycliffe! Good to see you again."

---

And now we know enough to continue with the story.

Table of Contents

Next: Bobbie and Karel -- Changing Priorities

---

The previous backup for this chapter is here: http://joel-rees-economics.blogspot.com/2016/08/bk-economics-101-novel-ch09-in-islands.html.

(There is no second draft of this chapter yet.)

[Backup] Me and Mrs Jones

[JMR201803011255: edits]

I continued to wait, looking around the once familiar room.
-
I continue to wait, looking around the once familiar room.

--

The was only one person besides me who was there both times.
-
There was only one person besides me who was there both times.

--

She was being vague. Then, being sure I could see through the door, she imitated a hairstyle I would recognize.
-
Her words are vague. Making sure I can see through the doorway, she imitates a hairstyle I recognize.

--

The reason Georgette and I are have been separated for three of the eight years we have been married.
-
The reason Georgette and I have been separated for three of the eight years we have been married.

--

We slip in the back of the sportswear shop and I hold my conscience at bay as we lift T-shirts, shorts, and running shoes.
-
We slip in the back of the sportswear shop and I hold my conscience at bay as we lift T-shirts, shorts, sweats, and running shoes.

--

Back in the maintenance access, 'Gette pulls off her shirt, and I freeze.
-
Back underground, 'Gette pulls off her shirt, and I freeze.

--

[JMR201803011255: edits end]

[JMR201802282149: edits]

She waited for a comment.
-
She waits for a comment.

[JMR201802282149: edits end ]

[JMR201802281225: edits ]

And I can't guarantee that they would avoid shooting me, and calling me collateral damage of the war on drugs.
-
And I can't guarantee that they would avoid shooting me, calling me collateral damage of the war on drugs.

--

I hold up two fingers and point to the window, then do cherrytops with my finger.
-
I quickly hold up two fingers and point to the window, then do cherrytops with my finger.

--

I had told her some time ago that the recorder on our police issue phones immediately transmits what it records to the station.
-
I told her some time ago that the recorder on our police issue phones immediately transmits what it records to the station.

--

[JMR201802281225: edits end]


[JMR201802281130: edits before this point]

Beep-beep.
-
Bing-bong-bing.

--

The door opens.
-
The door opens and a vision appears before me. I blink, and the vision fades to real colors, which are still not unattractive.

--

"What is it, then, George?"
-
"The uniform is not just to impress an off-duty nurse, huh? What is it, then, George?"

--

"Can't tell you. They should not have sent me. The office knows it's a conflict of interest. I can't ask you what happened, and I can't even offer advice."
-
Watching her from behind, not-faint echos of memories lodge in my mind. Medium brown hair, but it was once my privilege to run my hands through it. And I shouldn't mention my memories of the rest.

I shake myself. "Can't tell you even that. They should not have sent me. The office knows it's a conflict of interest. I can't ask you what happened, and I can't even offer advice."

--

"I can't answer that."
-
"I can't answer that, either."

--

"Well, I want you to know what happened, even if the office is deliberately trying to get me to waive my rights."
-
"Well, I want you to know what happened, even if the police office is deliberately trying to get me to waive my rights."

--


I don't give in, so she took it up a level four years ago. Manufactured a compromising situation, and even though I didn't fold, it was my word against hers. And she has made it more of a personal battle since then. I have become the thing she can't have, and she can't stand not getting what she wants. Now she is using my estranged wife against me.
-
I don't give in, so, four years ago, she took it up a level. Manufactured a compromising situation, and even though I didn't fold, it was my word against hers.

And she has made it more of a personal battle since then. I have become the thing she can't have, and she can't stand not getting what she wants. Now I understand that she is using my estranged wife against me again.

--

The chief would not allow this, so she must be out of control. Or, ... I am also the only officer on the force not  somewhat under his thumb.
-
The chief would not usually allow going this far, so she must be out of control. Or, ... I am also one of the few officers on the force not under his thumb. He has this thing about things he can't have, too.

--

I have backup I didn't know about down on the street five floors below us. Two more cars that I can see. There should be no need for that. Then I notice the hardware. Subconsciously, I recoil.
-
I see I have backup I didn't know about down on the street five floors below us. Two cars that I can see from here. There may well be more. There should be no need for that.

Then I notice the hardware. Subconsciously, I recoil.

--

I could walk 'Gette downstairs and keep her to close to shoot without hitting me, but I couldn't protect her at the station.
-
I could walk 'Gette downstairs and keep her too close to shoot without hitting me, but I couldn't protect her at the station. And I can't guarantee that they would avoid shooting me, and calling me collateral damage of the war on drugs.

--

"A girl's got her pride." Fortunately, she also remembers I'm on record. I had told her some time ago that the recorder on our police issue phones actually transmits what it records to the station.
-
"A girl's got her pride." Fortunately, she also remembers we're on record. I told her some time ago that the recorder on our police issue phones immediately transmits what it records to the station. The benefits of permanent connections.

--

I point toward elevator, then the emergency stairs and point down.
-
I point toward the elevator, then the emergency stairs and point down.

--

I follow her into the kitchen and let the camera record her putting soy bars and a couple of cans of apple juice into her purse, then casually turn away so she can grab her piece from its drawer, quietly. She also grabs a jacket and two backpacks she keeps as seventy-two hour kits for natural disasters and such.
-
I follow her into the kitchen and let the camera record her putting soy bars and a couple of cans of apple juice into her purse, then casually turn away so she can grab her piece from its drawer, quietly. She puts it in her purse, too.

Why a nurse needs a handgun may be beyond some people, but she has been the target of stalkers in the past, including the recent past. I'm not the only one who thinks she is beautiful.

She also grabs a jacket and two backpacks she keeps as seventy-two hour kits for natural disasters and such.

--

She locks the door behind her, and we go to the elevator. When it opens, we walk in, then I drop my phone. "Careless of me."
-
She locks the door behind her, and we go to the elevator. When it opens, we walk in, and then I drop my phone.

"Careless of me."

--

But she heads up, gesturing me to follow. I throw my nightstick down the down stairs and follow, dropping my pager near the wall on the first landing up, hoping they'll think I threw it there.
-
But she heads up, not down, gesturing to me to follow. I throw my nightstick down the down stairs and follow, dropping my pager near the wall on the first landing up, hoping they'll think I threw it there from below. GPS in those pagers, useful if the officer needs to be rescued, not so useful if he needs to be rescued from his own fellow officers.

--

On the roof, the next building over is only six feet away and at the same level. This whole block is close like that, the only block with tall buildings in this town. She doesn't wait, just runs for the edge. I follow, and check below as I go over the edge. It appears that the officers on the street are focusing on the ground floor, waiting on the elevator. The building after is at the same level, and we clear the edge together. The third building is taller, but there is a fire escape we can reach. Fortunately, the fire door opens from the outside. Safety code.
-
On the roof, the next building over is only six feet away and at the same level. This whole block is close like that, the only block with tall buildings in this town. She doesn't wait, just runs for the edge.

I follow, and check below as I go over the edge. It appears that the officers on the street are focusing on the ground floor, waiting on the elevator. At any rate, no shots ring out from below. The building after is at the same level, and we clear the edge together. The third building is taller, but there is a fire escape we can reach by leaping.

Fortunately, the fire door opens from the outside. Safety code.

--

"There's an underground maintenance accessway that opens in this building," she says. I wave her back from the entrance, but there's no sign of anyone, so we enter the accessway and make our way under the street. Back at surface level, there is an indoor mall, which we enter from beneath. We come up in an employee access hall.
-
"There's an underground maintenance accessway that opens in this building," she says. I know about it, and we find the entrance. I wave her back, but there's no sign of anyone, so we enter the accessway and make our way under the street.

Back at surface level across the street is an indoor mall, which we enter from beneath. We come up in an employee access hallway.

--

Once again on the surface, we cross the mall and walk as casually as we can to the bus terminal. As the bus pulls out, we hear sirens and watch police cars closing in on the apartment building from all sides.
-
Once again on the surface, we cross the mall and walk as casually as we can to the bus terminal.

As the bus pulls out, we hear sirens and watch police cars closing in on the apartment building from all sides.

--

"Me, too."
-
"Me, too. I'm glad I figured out what was going on."

--

"Hang out in hotels in Cincinnati and further east? Watch the news for a week and post incriminating hints to Twitter from netcafes?"
-
"Hang out in hotels in Cincinnati and further east? Watch the news for a week and post incriminating hints to Twitter from netcafes?"

She leans against me, her head on my shoulder, staring out the window. "Well, if this is the end for us, at least we have a little more time to spend together."

-----

    Table of Contents    Next: N

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Originally inspired by a question in the LDS Beta Readers Facebook group, by Cheree Mackay Myatt, on plot elements to get a long-term separated couple back together for a week. She ended up with a list of ideas long enough to consider using in creating an anthology.

[Edit record starts here: http://joel-rees-economics.blogspot.com/2018/02/backup-me-and-mrs-jones.html.]

--

[JMR201802281130: edits end]

[Backup of http://joels-random-eikaiwa.blogspot.com/2018/02/me-and-mrs-jones.html.]

Beep-beep.

I wait for maybe fifty seconds and reach to ring the doorbell again. It feels awkward ringing this bell, but it should. This apartment used to be mine.

The door opens.

"Mr. Jones, long time no see."

"Uh, hi, Mrs. Jones. How have you been?"

"Not bad. Yourself?"

"Well, enough, I guess. Uhm, well, except, look, I'm really sorry about this."

"What? It's not like there's child support you aren't paying."

"I'm not here on personal business."

"What is it, then, George?"

"There's been a complaint. Medicine missing at the hospital. I have to take you in for questioning."

My ex-, or, should I say, estranged wife sighs and turns around. "I'll go get my purse and a jacket. Do you think it'll take long?"

"Can't tell you. They should not have sent me. The office knows it's a conflict of interest. I can't ask you what happened, and I can't even offer advice."

"Can I make myself a little more presentable?" she asks as she picks up her purse and goes into the bedroom.

"Sure."

"I want you to know my side of things."

"Wait." I recite the litany of rights. "Got that?"

"So I'm being accused?"

"I can't answer that."

"Well, I want you to know what happened, even if the office is deliberately trying to get me to waive my rights."

I'm not allowed to stop her from talking, either.

"So get out your recorder and make this official," she adds.

I pull out my standard-issue phone and thumb the recorder app. "It's recording."

"Four times in the last two weeks, I've found some patient's prescription in my purse. The first time, I didn't find it 'til I got home. But I called immediately and told my boss and the physician in charge. Since then, I've checked my purse every day before I go home. Three more times, and each time I took what I found to whoever was in charge at the time before I left."

She waited for a comment.

"You know I can't say anything here."

"The third and fourth time, I checked my purse after I took it out of my locker, and there was nothing there. Then I checked it again after I changed clothes, and there it was."

I continued to wait, looking around the once familiar room.

"The was only one person besides me who was there both times. I think you know her." She was being vague. Then, being sure I could see through the door, she imitated a hairstyle I would recognize.

Julia Gomez. The chief's daughter. The reason Georgette and I are have been separated for three of the eight years we have been married. I have no kind words for the woman, but I can't say so. Not under the circumstances. 'Gette knows, anyway.

Something clicks in my brain.

Chief Gomez runs his unit like a fiefdom. He keeps the force under his thumb, by hook and by crook. One mistake, and he uses it to blackmail you. If he can't catch you at something useful enough, he sends his daughter to do his dirty work.

I don't give in, so she took it up a level four years ago. Manufactured a compromising situation, and even though I didn't fold, it was my word against hers. And she has made it more of a personal battle since then. I have become the thing she can't have, and she can't stand not getting what she wants. Now she is using my estranged wife against me.

The chief would not allow this, so she must be out of control. Or, ... I am also the only officer on the force not  somewhat under his thumb.

I go to a window and look outside, being careful not to disturb the curtains or show my face.

I have backup I didn't know about down on the street five floors below us. Two more cars that I can see. There should be no need for that. Then I notice the hardware. Subconsciously, I recoil.

I could walk 'Gette downstairs and keep her to close to shoot without hitting me, but I couldn't protect her at the station.

Walking into the bedroom, I say, roughly, "Can't wait forever for you to put on your pretty face. Nobody at the station'll be persuaded anyway."

'Gette looks up at me in surprise. I hold up two fingers and point to the window, then do cherrytops with my finger. I turn sideways as her eyes go wide, and do a charade of shooting with rifles.

"No use delaying things."

"A girl's got her pride." Fortunately, she also remembers I'm on record. I had told her some time ago that the recorder on our police issue phones actually transmits what it records to the station.

"Okay, one more minute."

It is also fortunate that, with the phone on my belt, the camera is at such a level that I can keep my gestures out of the viewfield. But I can't risk too many more clues, and we are probably out of time. I point toward elevator, then the emergency stairs and point down. I think that racing the elevator down is our best chance.

She makes some finishing touches and puts her makeup away. "Let me get some snacks, just in case it takes a while."

I follow her into the kitchen and let the camera record her putting soy bars and a couple of cans of apple juice into her purse, then casually turn away so she can grab her piece from its drawer, quietly. She also grabs a jacket and two backpacks she keeps as seventy-two hour kits for natural disasters and such.

"I'm ready."

I lead, so the backpacks won't be picked up by the camera.

She locks the door behind her, and we go to the elevator. When it opens, we walk in, then I drop my phone. "Careless of me."

I turn the camera facing the wall and leave it there as she steps back out, and then I follow her. She hands me one of the packs. When the door is safely closed we both break into a run for the stairs.

But she heads up, gesturing me to follow. I throw my nightstick down the down stairs and follow, dropping my pager near the wall on the first landing up, hoping they'll think I threw it there.

On the roof, the next building over is only six feet away and at the same level. This whole block is close like that, the only block with tall buildings in this town. She doesn't wait, just runs for the edge. I follow, and check below as I go over the edge. It appears that the officers on the street are focusing on the ground floor, waiting on the elevator. The building after is at the same level, and we clear the edge together. The third building is taller, but there is a fire escape we can reach. Fortunately, the fire door opens from the outside. Safety code.

Inside, we run down the stairs. I follow her into the basement.

"There's an underground maintenance accessway that opens in this building," she says. I wave her back from the entrance, but there's no sign of anyone, so we enter the accessway and make our way under the street. Back at surface level, there is an indoor mall, which we enter from beneath. We come up in an employee access hall.

"Your fashion sense sucks."

"I do stick out, don't I? I think you should change, too"

"There's a Team Captain."

We slip in the back of the sportswear shop and I hold my conscience at bay as we lift T-shirts, shorts, and running shoes.

Back in the maintenance access, 'Gette pulls off her shirt, and I freeze.

"We never did finalize the divorce. Get changed."

It takes me a minute longer to change, and we stuff our clothes in our packs.

Once again on the surface, we cross the mall and walk as casually as we can to the bus terminal. As the bus pulls out, we hear sirens and watch police cars closing in on the apartment building from all sides.

"I think I'm glad I read your mind back there."

"Me, too."

"What'll we do?"

"Hang out in hotels in Cincinnati and further east? Watch the news for a week and post incriminating hints to Twitter from netcafes?"