Fire Book One

Having triplets was certainly changing the Harris family. (And the Harris family was certainly changing the triplets.) Linda was alternating the breast feeding of the babies, so they were getting bottles two-thirds of the time. Lee was happy to give them a bottle, that is, when Martha and the boys would give him the chance.

Samuel was making frequent visits that he claimed were to check details on the plans for the new school, but he was really the Haven spy on the babies. The plans were finalized, and construction was almost ready to begin. The contractors had done very well in completing the Harris' house, and, with final approval, they would happily begin working on the new school buildings. Samuel had told them it needed to be completed before school started in September.

Lee, as principal, studied the plans and couldn't find anything else to change to make things better. 'Philip' had run simulations of class changes, and had even designated which class rooms should be for what classes. Lee now grinned, as he said, "Well, Samuel, I can't find anything to change that will aggravate 'Philip' any more. I like what he has done for my office and the advanced math class I will teach. Has Tom seen the bottom line on the costs?"

"He didn't even blink an eye when I told him. He even recommended a few additions that 'Philip' hadn't thought of. This is going to be beyond a state-of-the-art school. You will be able to stay at home and do your job as easily as at the school. Even teaching your class. This stuff is amazing."

"So, exactly when do you start?" Lee asked. "Don't you need to have approval from the County to begin construction?"

"Oh, we have it. Mr. Richards had the State and Federal folks there. Since they were raving about how well designed things were, that poor Raymond Sooker kind of had to sign off on the project. I'm sure there will be more problems, but that one was taken care of."

"What State and federal folks?" Lee asked, trying to think of who would be there.

"You know Tom. The State folks just happened to be here negotiating with Haven Enterprises for some high tech computer system. The Feds were here doing their annual inspection of the plant." Samuel's grin was almost ear to ear.

Lee laughed. "So, our hero had some guests that had nothing to do with the project intimidate poor Mr. Sooker. That is beautiful."

"Oh, he just asked if they would like to see the site. He didn't ask them to do anything. Yes, it was a beautiful thing." Samuel then went back to answer Lee's other question. "Oh, ah, construction actually began last week. The foundations are in for the gym and stadium. We pour them for the main buildings, starting tomorrow. I wanted to verify that there were no more changes," Samuel answered.

"Are both the lower grade and upper grade buildings going to be ready in September?"

"They'd better be, or some contractors are going to be very unhappy. They did a great job on your house and the County Sheriff's Office and Jail. Sheriff Henry already has plans for the third floor when the School Board Administration is out of business."

"I sure am glad Tom's my friend and not my enemy. He's building us a school big enough for every student in that county and half of this one. If he is successful, things will be very interesting. I'm looking forward to the State's audit of our facilities. I'm sure they will try to have us shut down. Probably try to get the Feds into the act, too."

"Don't worry, he's planning on it."

"Now, that scares me!" Lee laughed.

"It should scare the School Board."

"Well, what they don't know will hurt them." The two men laughed at Lee's comment.

* * *

A few days later, Tom knocked on the door to Lee's office. "Come in. Have a seat, Tom. What brings you by, this morning?"

"Several things, actually."

* * *

The rest of the week went quickly. Friday was a beautiful day, and although cold, it was clear, and there wasn't a lot of wind. Samuel arrived at the Harris' just in time to share some of Martha's pancakes and link sausages. Samuel loved it when things 'come together'. When the boys left for school, and Linda went to her office with the triplets and Lou, Samuel took Lee to see the progress on the school. There were construction workers everywhere.

Lee was awestruck by what he saw. The gym and stadium were well along the way. The brick work had begun, and would resume if the temperature rose above forty degrees (Fahrenheit). The steel work was nearly complete on those structures. The main two buildings had the steel done on the first floor and the second floor was beginning. Samuel handed Lee a white hardhat that had PRINCIPAL written across the front. Lee grinned as he put it on. "If someone drops a load of bricks on me, it's your fault."

Samuel grinned and put his white hardhat on and it had BIG BOSS printed on it. "Don't worry, the good guys always wear white hats." They began their tour of the facilities. Lee was amazed at all the activity. There were plumbers, electricians, carpenters, brick masons, technicians from 'Haven-On-Line,' and security people watching everything. Samuel explained that each classroom was going to be as state of the art as was possible, and was to be capable of adding things, as they were developed. All building and safety codes were being met and exceeded.

They made it back for lunch. Linda listened, as Lee filled her in on every detail. There was a counseling center set up that would be staffed by a licensed psychologist overseeing the guidance counselors. Linda was excited that there was going to be real counseling in the new school.

'Philip' had to comment to that. 'I will allow only the very best for my children. Any child in that school will be one of my children.'

Linda replied, "I'm proud of you, 'Philip'. You really are looking out for the kids, and I have to love that. Be careful, I wouldn't want it to get out that you are a big mother hen."

Lee made a motion as if he were ducking under the table for cover. "Jeez, Lee, don't be such a wuss."

'Harrumph! I suppose I should be glad you didn't call me cuddly.'

"Mushy, maybe, but never cuddly."

'Harrumph!'

* * *

At 2:30 that afternoon, Lee arrived at Haven to pick up the boys and make sure everything went well. All the teachers said everything was good and wished him a wonderful weekend. Mitch and Travis were ready to go, but Andy and Jimmy were nowhere to be found.

Lee was getting concerned, when Mitch solved the problem. "Hey, 'Philip', where are Andy and Jimmy?"

'They have just finished talking to, or rather listening to Dr. Turnman and are heading up to Jimmy's room to collect his things for the weekend. They will be arriving at your location in approximately three minutes and 26 seconds.'

"Thanks, 'Philip'," Mitch said, grinning.

Lee resisted looking at his watch and timing them. He could understand how irritated Linda got with him. In three minutes flat the boys arrived. ('Harrumph, they ran most of the way.')

Andy and Jimmy climbed into the very back seat in the van. Mitch called 'shotgun' and climbed into the seat next to Lee. The trip home was fairly quiet. All the boys were hoping Aunt Martha had some nice hot cookies waiting for them. Somehow, they never tired of her chocolate chip cookies. When they entered the house, they knew their hopes were met. The smell was absolutely heavenly. The rush to the kitchen was a mini-stampede.

When they entered the kitchen, Martha stood there armed with her spatula. "Hold it right there!" The four boys slid to a halt. "Take your backpacks to your rooms, wash your hands and get Lou." They predictably disappeared, as if by magic.

Andy and Jimmy were the first back, since the twins went to get Lou. When the elevator opened, Lou's squeals of joy were heard, as Mitch and Travis pushed him into the kitchen. "CUK CUK! LOV ENT MARRA CUK CUK!"

That earned some laughter, and, of course, Lou got a big hug and the first plate of cookies from Martha. The boys really enjoyed the snack, then cleaned up the table and put their plates in the dishwasher. Mitch, Travis and Lou put coats on, and went outside to play with Max and Ginger. Andy and Jimmy went up to Andy's room.

* * *

At the dinner table, Andy and Jimmy were grinning from ear to ear. The triplets were sleeping in their triple wide stroller, next to Linda. Mitch was helping Lou with his dinner and trying to keep Travis from stealing his pork chop. Nick sat watching the scene of family bliss. He felt he had missed out, not having any children. He hadn't said anything to Martha. She, after all, had raised her kids and was now a happy grandmother.

Meanwhile, Martha was observing the same scene, thinking about the youngster in her future. Well, maybe not a baby, but a little one who would really need her. She and her Grandfather were preparing for Tym. They were creating a room for him that any boy would be happy with. There were lots of personal touches from Shorty, to remind Tym of how much he was loved.

Lee watched and gave Travis 'The Look,' as he was about to fork a bite off Mitch's plate. That ended that for tonight, anyway, maybe. For dessert, instead of Martha's cookies, Nick had made a 'Strawberry Cake.' He had gotten the recipe from a friend in Tennessee. Everyone raved about how good it was. Linda made a comment that it was fit for the Queen.

* * *

The weekend went well. Andy and Jimmy would seem to disappear for hours at a time, but they weren't in Andy's room. They were overheard talking about the Civil War times. Lee offered them the use of his teacher editions of history books he had received so far to review for the new school. They borrowed a couple and soon disappeared.

Mitch, Travis and Lou spent their time playing outside with Max and Ginger, and a couple of sessions in the rehab room helping Lou do his exercises. Lou spent the rest of his time drawing, and some of his pictures were absolutely amazing. There was one subject he seemed to prefer, a beautiful blond teenager. When asked who she was he grinned and said, "Mu-er." They hadn't really figured that one out yet.

Linda and Lee spent time together, at least as much as the triplets would allow. The boys were looking like identical twins and only Linda, Lee, Martha, Mitch, Travis and Lou could tell them apart. Linda was thinking that her family was big enough with six boys and a girl. Lee was wondering how he was so lucky to have such a wonderful family. It was less than a year ago that he had thought his life was empty. Well, it certainly wasn't empty now!

* * *

The Cub Scouts had their annual Blue and Gold Banquet. The second year Webelos were bridging up to the Boy Scout Troop. Mitch and Travis were both imagining crossing the bridge next year.

After the ceremony the new Scouts were taken aside and told a little more about the troop and what was expected of each boy. They were told of the summer camp plans and that they were included. The troop was planning something different this year. They were going for two weeks. The new guys would be in the Baden Powell Program the first week and would be able to work on merit badges the second week.

Neal told them all about the fun they would have in the Baden Powell Program. Andy described the merit badges they would be able to work on. Everyone was very enthusiastic when they left. Lee was considering going or at least signing up as a committee member of the troop. After all he would have three of his sons in the troop next year.

* * *

Early the next Monday morning Samuel was awakened by 'Philip'. 'Samuel, we have a truck with "Sooker Building" on the doors making a delivery at the school site.'

To say Samuel was fully awake is an understatement. He was up, dressed, and out the door in record time. By the time he reached the site, the truck was gone. Samuel pulled his truck up near the office section of the new building. Here, his laptop could pick up the wireless that had been installed already. "'Philip', let me see the video, please." Samuel watched as things were unloaded from the truck. Several pieces of structural steel, bags of mortar mix for the brick masons, boxes of electrical wire, paint and other miscellaneous items. Samuel got out of his truck and searched the back until he found his cans of orange spray paint. He then would watch a section of the video and go mark the offending material. He was just finishing as the first contractors were arriving. When most of the supervisors had arrived, he explained what had happened, and the offending orange marked materials were to be removed from the site, taken to Nick Regnad's office where he could run tests on them, and under no circumstances were any of them to be used.

Samuel arrived at the Harris' home just as they were getting up. Nick answered the door and led the way to the kitchen. Martha smiled at Samuel as he entered the kitchen. "Just in time for breakfast. As usual, your timing is perfect."

"Thanks, Martha. I've been working since three, so this is kind of like lunch." Samuel sat at the island in the center of the kitchen and smiled as Nick put a mug of steaming coffee, fixed just as he liked it, in front of him.

Nick sat next to Samuel. "So, what has you working so early?"

Samuel groaned. "The 'Stupid Sookers,' of course. They had a truck deliver an assortment of materials that they generously added to our inventory. 'Philip', being the ever vigilant, woke me up, and I raced over there. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived, they were gone, but good video by our friend allowed me to mark the additional supplies, and they will be transferred here for you to check out and let me know what was wrong with them."

"A P.I.'s work is never done," Nick sighed.

Martha replied, "Thank you, Samuel, that will keep him out of the kitchen." All three laughed. Suddenly, as if by magic, all the boys appeared. "Sausage works almost as well as bacon to get them moving."

The elevator doors were heard and Lee and Linda wheeled the triplets into the kitchen. Lee was a bit surprised to see Samuel. "Good morning, Samuel. Is there a problem, or are you just here for Martha's breakfast?"

Samuel grinned as he replied, "Yes."[Ughh another 'Pat' answer] While Martha kept up a steady supply of pancakes, sausage links, and scrambled eggs, Samuel explained what had happened overnight. Lee was totally incensed that they would try something like this.

When Samuel was done, Lee asked, "What do you think is their next move?"

"Since they left this stuff on the top of the supply piles, I expect inspectors on site Thursday or Friday. They want us to use the bad material and use it to shut us down." Samuel grinned. "I guess they are going to have a bit of a surprise."

Lee stood. "I'm going to go change into work clothes, and I'm returning to the site with you." That morning Lee was seen everywhere on the site. His anger at what the Sookers were trying to do fueled his energy level to the maximum. By noon, all the supervisors and most of the workmen knew who he was.

Lee arrived at Haven just in time to get his lunch before the kids went back for seconds. He joined Tom and Leo at the adults' table. Tom was grinning at Lee when he commented, "I know Neal can be dangerous, but a hard hat won't help."

Lee took off the hard hat. "I've spent the whole morning at the new school site. The Sookers, as usual, have been up to no good. The mere fact that they would even try something that could endanger the workers, or even worse, the kids, infuriates me."

Tom said seriously, "Yes, I agree. 'Philip' updated me on the situation. I have plans for handling this, and I think the old powers are going to take quite a fall."

Lee could easily see the determination in Tom's eyes. This was 'protect the kid mode' to the maximum. "I'm behind you completely. If there is anything you need for me to be doing, let me know."

"Actually, Lee, I just need you to be the principal, and do your job. I don't want you to know my plans because that could open us to conspiracy charges. Well, actually we will probably be accused of that, anyway, but, as long as you can honestly say you were not a part of any plan of action, then all is well. They have the burden of proof, and of course, there is no proof."

Lee felt much better after lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon visiting with the students as they worked on their lessons. Andy, Mitch and Travis were happy to ride home with their dad.

* * *

It was the middle of the next week that the inspectors from the state arrived. Samuel had 'Philip' alert Lee and Tom. Lee arrived when the inspectors were checking the steel. In a good 'teacher voice' that could be easily heard by the inspectors, Lee said to Samuel, "This is ridiculous! We are using the best materials available and we exceed code standards on everything."

Samuel answered, "Yes, sir, but evidently someone has reported we are using substandard or even illegal supplies."

"Who would do something like that?" Lee asked innocently. NOT!

"I guess someone who thought they could profit from us being closed down." Samuel noticed the inspectors were definitely paying attention.

"I thought we were paying top dollar to our contractors and suppliers," Lee said.

Samuel nodded. "Indeed we are. One of the advantages of being a private school. We didn't have to bid out the jobs and take the cheapest. That's where you run into the problem. The suppliers try to cut costs with cheaper, inferior materials. I don't want anything to do with that kind of business."

The inspectors now moved on to another area. Lee grinned at Samuel. "I almost want to tell them where the things they are looking for are right now."

"Tempting, very tempting. Mr. Richards wants to keep that little secret, for now. Let's go see what the inspectors are up to now."

By the time the inspectors left, they were very irritated. They found none of the things that the complaint had specifically listed. They found that in every instance the code requirements were exceeded. Even on things that were not specifically covered by codes, only the best quality available for those items were used. Samuel heard one of the inspectors comment as they were leaving, "I wish my wife would move here. I would love my kids to go to this school."

* * *

Travis had a wonderful idea for one of the items he had seen in his vault in Zurich. He began talking with kids in his classes about what the new school's mascot should be. He told them about the Mercedes Lackey stories and what the Heralds and Companions were and what they did. Soon the whole school was on board with idea of being the HAVEN HERALDS.

Lee was impressed with this idea, also. He had been wondering just what they were going to do with the full size white marble statue of horse and rider. He checked with Samuel and a change was made in the foyer of the school to be sure it would support the weight of the statue. Also the doorway was redesigned to allow for the statue to be brought into the foyer.

Now they just had to figure a way to sneak the contents of that vault out of Switzerland and into the United States without the Russians finding out. Little did he know, a couple of brothers were already plotting to do just that. (Harrumph!)

* * *

By the time school was out for the summer, the new building was nearly finished on the outside and work was continuing at a furious rate inside. It looked as though completion might just be ahead of schedule. The Troop had raised enough money at the retirement ceremony for Mr. Eddie Richards, or Major E. Richards, USMC Ret., that everyone was going free. Mr. Little had even made arrangements for those who wanted to stay a second week for more merit badges. Almost all the new guys were staying the second week, and it now seemed most of the older scouts were, too.

Dr. Turnman had volunteered to be camp Medic, provided he could still cover his rotation at the hospital. Tom was planning on attending the two weeks the boys would be present and the little ones could stay with Alice and Ed. The boys would get to return home the middle Saturday night, since the camp staff were all gone anyway.

Lee had wanted to go, but with Mitch, Travis, Lou and the triplets, and the construction on the school, he just couldn't afford the time. He did plan on visiting when he could bring Linda and the kids, if possible. He was interested in seeing how well the staff coped with Adam and his problems. If they could accommodate his needs then Lou could probably go, too, when he was old enough to be a Scout.

Andy and Jimmy were spending as much time together as was possible. Their relationship was developing, and to those watching closely, it was showing all the signs of being a real long term relationship. The boys were being realistic about the obstacles ahead, the biggest one being the college years. Andy would be going to college when Jimmy started his sophomore year in high school. Then after only one year in college together, Andy would graduate. Talking about such things now gave them time to develop their plan for those trying years.

* * *

The summer passed, and the school buildings were completed the first week of August. Lee was surprised that some attempt had not been made to stop the school. He was at the school every day, seeing that supplies were sorted and distributed to the proper classrooms. He was interviewing for the few remaining teaching positions. There was no lack of applicants. Almost all the teachers from the County Schools had applied. Lee was not familiar with them, but he enlisted some help by showing the list to Andy and the boys at Haven. That quickly narrowed the candidates, as the kids let him know who they thought were good teachers and which ones didn't care about the students.

The faculty reported two weeks before the students were to arrive. Lee had the first day with all the teachers in the auditorium. 'Philip' had designed it well, and there really wasn't a need for any amplification. Lee told the teachers how he wanted things to be done. There were a lot of questions, especially from the teachers who had been teaching in public schools for several years.

Lee finally explained things to everyone. "We are a private school. We, therefore, do not have to comply with all the nonsense that is required of the public schools by the State and Federal governments. There are some skills and knowledge that are required by the State for graduation. If we actually follow our curriculum, all our students will take the required examination at the end of fifth grade, and those who don't pass will spend time in a remedial program until they can pass."

"Mr. Harris, are you referring to the test that seniors have to pass in order to graduate?" one of the experienced teachers asked.

"Yes, that is exactly the test I am talking about. I have carefully examined the test, and there isn't anything on it that isn't covered in the curriculum we have developed. Each child will be placed in the grade where he or she fits with the curriculum, not by age. This might be a bit embarrassing to some of the older kids, but we can have a remedial type class for them. After our second year, there will be no child in our school that is passed to the next grade who cannot function at level for that grade. We are here to teach these children to the best of our ability." Lee's sincerity was clearly expressed in his voice and body language.

"What about all the requirements that the State and Federal governments have?" another teacher asked.

Lee nodded and looked around the room. "We are NOT a State school, nor are we a Federal school. We are not, and never will be, accepting funds from either source, to run this school. The cost of this facility was covered by Mr. Tom Richards. There were no Federal, State, or County funds used to build this. The only requirement is that each student needs to pass the high school proficiency exam that they will pass before entering the sixth grade. As long as we can demonstrate that our graduates meet or exceed those standards, we are free to do as we please."

"So, then, what are we to do in the high school classes?"

"I expect most of our eleventh and twelfth grade classes will be college level, and I'm working with our local community college to arrange credit. For those who are not college bound, we have an excellent vocational training program, with several community businesses offering internships to really learn the trade in a real life environment."

"How are the local school authorities going to take this?"

"Very poorly, I expect. There have already been several attempts to derail the project and even an attempt to sabotage the building itself, which could have endangered the students. Rest assured, none of these attempts were successful at all. We are being protected by the same system that is used at Haven Manor. If you are ever given directions by someone named 'Philip', please follow them immediately." Lee saw surprise on some of the faces. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are a new school and a new kind of school. We are making our own rules. The one most important thing for us to remember is that we are here for the kids."

"But, Mr. Harris, we can't just ignore the government."

"In fact, we can. The big threat that most agencies have over school systems is the withdrawal of funds. Since we will not be accepting the funds to begin with, that is a completely empty threat. We will be providing a much better quality education, and the worst thing they can do is order testing of our students. I will allow this with confidence that our students will place better than almost any other school in the nation. I am hoping that we will have a large percentage heading for college, but our vocational alternative is the best I have seen anywhere. If I sound a bit conceited about this program, it is because I have faith that you all are the best teachers we could find and can really challenge these kids to become the very best they can be." There were no more questions or comments, so Lee dismissed everyone to their rooms.

* * Two weeks later, the first day of school. * *

Empty yellow school buses mixed in the traffic of hundreds of parents bringing their children to school for the first day. The buses pulled into the public school complex and the cars went across the road to the Haven School. The new middle school principal, Oglethorpe A. Fastaff, (first cousin to the former sheriff) watched as bus after bus went by. Only one in three stopped to let off one or two students. By the time everyone had arrived, there was a total of thirty students. Mr. Fastaff looked over the group that didn't even begin to fill the auditorium. It could have been a family reunion. He knew every kid there. He had a staff of seventy teachers. This could be very bad. He had the students divide into grade level and had the teachers of those grades take their groups for the first day class orientations.

He went to the office to call his brother, the principal at the high school. "Sid, we don't have more than thirty students and all of them are cousins."

"Same here. I've got more faculty than students. We need to get the school board on this, and fast! I'll call. The elementary and intermediate are in the same fix." Sid Fastaff replied.

* * Across the street * *

The large auditorium was filled, and some students were standing in the aisles and in the back. Mr. Harris, the principal, stood on the stage with a microphone. "Hello, students of Haven School. We have a better turnout than we expected. I'd like the high school students, grades 9 through 12, to follow the faculty to the gym. Middle school students, grades 6 through 8, follow your teachers to the athletic field. Elementary students, grades 1-5 move up to the front when the older kids leave."

After about five minutes of people moving around, the half full auditorium quieted. "Good morning," Lee said into the mic.

The kids replied with a loud, "Good morning!"

"That was very good. Now, today you get to meet your teachers. Things will be different than school has been for you in the past. Those of you that were in the school at Haven last spring will have some idea how things will work. You need to help the others. We are all here to help you. That applies to the adults and your fellow students. If you see any bullying, either step in and tell the bully to stop, or get an adult. There will be lots of adults around, most of them are parents of other students. Now, to get the day started, let's have the fifth graders move to the back of the auditorium, divide yourselves into groups of ten to fifteen. Teachers will then take the groups to their rooms in the Elementary Building."

After all the students were sorted out, Lee went to the office. It was packed with parents trying to enroll their children. Lee, using his teacher voice, said, "Parents, welcome to Haven School. We will get the registration package to you as fast as we can. I am very pleased with all of you trusting us with your children. Remember, we want your participation in our program far more than tuition. Any skill you have or just time to spend helping will be welcome. One day a week really will cover the tuition. Again, welcome."

Lee made his way through the crowd and into his office. He sat at his desk and turned on his computer. "Good Morning, 'Philip'. Any idea of the head count?"

'Certainly. As expected, we have almost every child that would be attending Valley Schools except for the relatives of the staff members. There does seem to be a good percentage, I estimate 23.435% from your county are also present. I estimate that we are at 82.739% of our capacity. This should allow for class sizes of 12.5 students.' 'Philip' was his usual smug self.

"Okay, 'Philip' but we are not halving any students."

'Harrumph, I did have a few in mind.'

* * *

And so the new school was off to a great start.

THE END

Book One of Fire

Author's Notes:

It was fun breaking tradition and adding a Chapter 24 to a story. Book Two begins after a month of school and everyone still waiting for the reaction from the School Board. Not to get too bored, the whole gang takes a little trip. Enjoy your little vacation.

Str8mayb

Editor's Notes:

I do believe this fills in some gaps that were left between chapter 23 and the first chapter of Book 2.

The reason that we went ahead and posted Book 2, Chapter 1 was that the events that took place there corresponded with events that were taking place in a story by Crackerwriter; "Love At First Bite," which can be found at Crackerwriter.us.

If you haven't read the first chapter of Book 2, now might be a good time to do so.

I haven't made any real comments on the content of this chapter, since our Associate Editor has done a fine job of describing the situation, and anything that I might say would only serve to confuse things. Hmmm, maybe I should make comments. (Just' kidding.)

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Associate Editor's Notes:

What a pleasant surprise to get an extra chapter to this story! Our devious Evil Author has done it again!

It looks as if things are moving fast to get the new Haven School up and operating. Lee is right on top of things, as principal, and Samuel is the good-natured slave driver getting the building finished and ready for the students. It seems that their efforts are paying off, as the first day of school proves to be an unpleasant surprise for the administrators and staff of the County school. All their attempts to sabotage the new building have failed (thank you, 'Philip'!), and the new school is open with a bang. I can hardly wait to see what our Evil Author has in store for us in the next book of 'Fire'.

Aloysius Abercrombie aka Arli J

The Story Lover's Notes:

First of all I would like to know if this entire chapter counts as a FLASHBACK or is it a Prequel?

Second, I guess I have no room to complain as I wrote prequel after something like four chapters of the story had already been posted. So I guess I am in good company.

Third, I have always found Population and Demographic Statistics amusing. Why amusing you may ask? Because they always use statistics like 2.1 per capita or 2.3 children. Now when the talk about point three children are they talking about one in the oven? Or are they counting Fido or Puss Puss? Inquiring minds want to know.

Fourth, Where O' Where is the School Board Meeting? I have my Nomex Fire Suit already.

To those of you beleaguered readers of 'Goos's' stories, I have good news they are being worked on again. One of them should see the light of day very soon.

The Story Lover