Chapter One: The Murder

"Finished! No complications or stupidity, nothing except "off" the body and then move on!" He murmured to himself as he surveyed his handiwork. No challenges, no problems, just a final solution. The beautiful and young body lay lifeless at the bottom of his feet, a rag doll devoid of all life and willfulness that she once possessed.

"She was a beauty, I'll give her that," smiling as he spoke. He continued, "Sad, that her fatal flaw was being too confident." He kept murmuring to himself; for it confirmed the power within him.

"I hate it when a woman becomes too ambitious and controlling! She knew it was dangerous; she knew that I liked women who obeyed! I warned her, didn't I? But, from the beginning, she never listened. Well, her usefulness was coming to an end, anyway." As he gazed once again at the lifeless body he sneered, "Chow Lenore. Too bad you screwed it up but I will remember your sensual qualities-they will help keep me warm at night!"

Remembering how it used to be with her, his face softened with memories of sensual pleasure but just as quickly, the handsome face gave way to an aura of evil and foreboding that flowed from his second story townhouse window and off into the warm summer air.

Before disposing of the body, he decided to have a smoke. The act of fury and emotion brought on an undeniable and unquenchable desire for a cig. Sex and violence were potent emotions that needed to be fed an anti-toxin. Violence always gave him the same kind of feeling; it was like making love to a woman. There was the foreplay of action, the build up of emotions and then the releasing of fury. Power and control were an aphrodisiac that was just as compelling as eating and breathing. At least he thought so. As he inhaled deeply on the foreign cigarette, he reflected on his life of murder.

He was only nineteen when he killed his first victim. Even now, there were stirrings of dark passion in his heart, thinking about his first kill. Time had flown; it had been a little over twenty years ago when it happened. How fast the years had flown! So much had happened since then. The first victim had been someone he had known for only a year. Jim Nolan had been one of the few people he had trusted and liked. He loved him like a brother, maybe even more than a brother. Jim was his friend until he found out that Jim had information that could destroy him. That long-ago memory of Jim stirred uneasy feelings deep within him. Emotional pain was not something he felt comfortable with. Giving pain to others; however, was much more pleasurable. As he sat hunched over on a large, comfortable sofa inhaling deeply on his cigarette, he observed with interest as her body began to darken and stiffen. As he watched, he heard her "death rattle." It was over; she was finally gone.

Not far from his building-an apartment building across the street from him-- lived an elderly lady who just witnessed what she thought was a murder. She couldn't be sure because her eyes were still blurry from a sinus headache and sore from a recent removal of cataracts. But, from where she stood, it looked like someone had been murdered. What should she do? The police in her area always seemed so indifferent to older people's needs. She decided that she would go back to bed and give the matter some thought. Her dog, Lady would give her comfort and peace---something she needed now desperately. A woman her age, after all, had to watch her blood pressure.

Chapter Two-The Park And a Surprise Visit

The park was a great idea. The morning sunshine along with a refreshing cool breeze made the walk a tonic Edna sorely needed. Here and there scattered throughout the park, were children with their parents, laughing and having fun like most families do; it was a happy scene. The scenery gave her peace and joy. Lady, her beautiful collie, was having a great time sniffing out the trees, bushes and grass areas, seeking out squirrels or other available game. To Lady, the park was alive and abundant, with creatures great and small. For Lady, who was approaching middle age, exciting events like these were to be treasured and relished, for they didn't happen often-especially living with an aging master like Edna who seldom ventured out.

With such a gorgeous day before her, Edna wondered why she was allowing herself to get so upset with last night's experiences. After all, maybe her eyes were playing tricks on her. As the day wore on, last night's event seemed nothing more than a bad dream. For all she knew, it could have been nothing more than her vivid imagination or maybe the man and woman were trying out some new, sadistic sex game. Some people did odd things; she wasn't that old or prudish to know that! Edna was fast forgetting last night's episode, with help from a neighbor she met just days ago. The woman lived in her apartment building and was full of life. Linda was a pretty woman, bordering on beautiful. Edna guessed that she was around 40; with auburn hair and the bluest eyes she had ever seen. She was good company, always laughing. Their friendship began almost instantly.

Later, the two women found a nice spot underneath a tree and sat down to rest. Edna carefully tied part of Lady's leash around the leg of a picnic table so that Lady could rest near her. Looking at the cloudless but gorgeous blue sky Edna said out loud, "It's too beautiful a day to be worried. I'm going to be happy today!"

She continued, "I just love spring, don't you? It is the absolute fulfillment of all the hopes and dreams we have, struggling through the gray days of winter! I just love it!"

"You're right! I couldn't have said it any better. The beauty and wonder of spring is just....well.....pure genius! And, they say there is no God. Just look around ya, I always say. It really gripes me when I'm with people who don't even notice the beauty that is right in front of them! Most people just want to talk about money, cell phones, VCR's and computers; when right in front of them is the beauty of this great earth! I guess there are none so blind as those who cannot see." Linda had a habit of getting on her soapbox now and then, Edna thought, but what the heck, she was often on target.

"Oh look, Edna shouted. Look how fast those squirrels are going, and with those huge nuts in their mouths! How do they do it? That little one over there must have at least two under his tiny chin. And, look how he's eyeing Lady. He's trying to edge her on! I'll bet he's wondering if Lady is going to go for it. It's O.K. Mr. Squirrel, Lady is bound and gagged. She can't do you any harm, now!"

Lady's long leash had been carefully tied around the leg of the picnic bench and she seemed oblivious to the challenge of the day. "Gather ye nuts while ye may," Edna shouted to the squirrel. No sooner had she finished the sentence when Lady suddenly got inspired and bolted free from the picnic table. Within seconds she gave chase to the now, extremely frightened, squirrel.

"Lady, come back! Lady! That's enough now, come here!" Edna always got nervous when Lady ran free. She was an older dog and didn't know her limitations. Like her owner, Lady just didn't know when to stop. She still thought of herself as a vital, strong and young puppy.

Lady, oblivious to her master's call, had only one thing in mind, getting that squirrel! It was the chase that really got her excited...She felt young and free, just as she did when she was much younger.

Just as the squirrel began to see his life and his newly acquired nuts flash before him, Lady's quest for the squirrel was interrupted by another squirrel, who dashed right in front of them both and then turned and ran in another direction. Lady, not knowing which squirrel to choose, decided to go after the second one. Running at top speed, Lady soon began to lose momentum; however, her motivation returned and she charged on. Soon, the squirrel and Lady came to a small creek deep in the park. A nearby tree gave the squirrel escape and Lady's breathless chase was over.

It wasn't long before Edna and Linda caught up with Lady and then quickly Edna took the lease and attached it on to Lady's collar. "Bad dog, Lady! This better not happen again for a long time. I'm not as young as I used to be!" Edna knew; however, that she couldn't stay mad at Lady long, especially when lady looked so tired and defeated. Edna went on, "Oh well, no harm done. Isn't that right, Linda?"

Linda was out of breath but replied, "What a run! I haven't run like that since college! For a big dog, she can sure do it!" Lady looked at Linda with a quizzical look; she didn't like the word "big." And so, she gave an admonished look to Linda. Linda went on, "It's too bad she didn't get what she wanted but I'll say one thing for her, she sure tried!" Once again, Lady looked like she understood the praise that was given and gave Linda a forgiving look; her tail began wagging with happiness and acceptance.

As the two women began walking towards the center of the park, Edna noticed a man walking purposely in their direction. He was sporting a huge grin on his face but for some reason the grin looked artificial. It was a pleasant, easy smile but it didn't seem to be appropriate, or real.

Edna's anxiety continued to rise when she recognized the man. It was the man she saw through her window the night before. At least, it looked like him. It was dark, but the profile...yes, it had to be him!..... "Oh no, she thought. He's walking right towards us! I must stay calm, and I must put on my mask of disguise."

"Well, Hi Linda,! Small world isn't it? How are ya doing? Well, aren't you the lady of leisure today! What is it this time, Love? Husband away and the little mouse at play?" His confidence was disarming and disturbing; so Edna quickly looked away-focused on the activities in the park.

"Why Brent, you old dog! You can relax...Hubby's at work and I'm talking a walk with my new neighbor, Edna. And, I'll have you know that I'm being a very good and proper lady, today. By the way, what's with Lenore? You two are always together. Are you playing the field now? Please tell me, darling, is the romance dying?" Linda played the tease, a little too well, Edna thought.

Linda eased up on her questions and said, "Well, I'm being very rude! Edna, I would like you to meet our neighbor across the way, Brent Tyler. I'm sure you've seen him coming and going in that black corvette he drives so fast! He's been in our neck of the woods about a year now, isn't that right Brent?" For someone not having lived in the area long, Linda seemed to know a lot about Brent Tyler. Edna made a mental note to remember that fact. Might come in handy; one never knew...

Brent looked ill at ease then said, "I, ah...yes. That's about right.. He looked uncomfortable at the question, his confidence began to wane. 'I've moved so many times in my career that it's hard sometimes to remember exactly where I'm at!"

Diverting attention from himself to Lady, he replied, "Pretty dog! Look at all that hair, would ya! She must be awfully hot on a day like today. It's got to be close to 85 degrees." As he continued commenting on Lady, Edna noticed that he was giving Linda some kind of signal with his eyes. Edna mused, "these two are more than just neighbors. Yes, there's more to this relationship than meets the eye." She continued on, "this was no chance meeting. This was planned."

The longer the conversation continued, the more uncomfortable Edna felt. Brent and Linda were trying to hide a closeness that was quickly being revealed. They leaned toward each other and began touching each other-first on the shoulder and then gently caressing the face. Linda seemed to be enjoying the exchange but nervous that her neighbor was watching and observing. Edna was in a circle of confusion that was neither enjoyable nor understandable; she desired to move on.

It felt like a set-up and Edna wanted no part of it. It was like attending a play and not knowing what was going on, but knowing that you didn't want to stay and see the end. "Perhaps the two were having an affair," she thought. What she saw last night and now these two at the park began bringing on symptoms of a panic attack and Edna's heart began to race. She was about to interrupt and say that she had to be going, but Brent chirped up seconds later and said that he had to get back to work.

"Got to be going, ladies! Only have half an hour for lunch and time goes fast. See ya later, Linda. Nice meeting you, Edna. So long for now." On that note Brent walked away at a rapid pace and soon was sitting high in his sleek, black corvette. He flashed a million dollar smile and then burned rubber. Well, Edna thought, if he did do that horrible thing last night, he was one fine actor!

"What a man! Isn't he something? If I weren't in love with Jay Goldstein, I'd give Lenore something to worry about! Ah well, can't blame a girl for dreaming, huh?"

Not knowing how to reply, Edna said "He's a fine looking man but the few times I've seen him outside, he always looked like he was in a dark mood. But, he was all smiles today; and I'm sure those smiles were for you, my dear. A word of advice from an old woman? Be careful. He's attractive on the outside but he could be dark on the inside."

Edna continued, "I have known two very handsome men in my life. Both had everything-money, power and prestige. But once I got to know them, I found out that there was nothing inside of them but greed and selfishness! When these men didn't get what they wanted---a beautiful woman, money or a fancy job, they were vicious and cruel. Believe me, when that darkness came out of them, it erased anything good I ever saw in them. It was terrifying and dangerous to be around them. Be careful my young friend. All is not what it appears to be on the outside!"

"What a thing to say! No offense, but I have to take exception to what you just said. Brent is a great guy! He has an important job with the government and is highly respected. He's just a flirt, that's all. I met him a couple of months ago through my friendship with Lenore. She works with the government, too. They've been close for several years. She usually comes to see him on the weekends. You've probably seen her. She's got gorgeous red hair and a figure most women would die for!"

Linda went on to say in a very assertive voice, that only a handful of people knew what Brent did for the government. It was hush-hush job at US Central Command. Linda went on to say that she probably shouldn't have giver her the inside story about Brent but she felt that Edna could keep a secret and she wanted her to know that Brent was a good guy..

After she finished talking about Brent she said, "Why don't you come back to my apartment? Maybe you and Lady would like to have lunch with me? I make a mean meatloaf sandwich!"

Feeling a bit irked with her new friend but also tired and hungry she replied, "Well, I guess so. Are you sure it wouldn't be too much trouble?"

"Heavens no! It'd be fun. I get so lonely when Bill is gone on business. It would be wonderful to have you and Lady over. Let's go!"

Tired but relaxed from the walk, the two walked from the park to the main sidewalk entrance; Lady walking on Edna's left. In ten minutes they were at Linda's apartment, all happy to be able to rest for awhile. Linda made some meatloaf sandwiches and Edna's anxieties of the day began to fall away. It felt good relaxing and having something tasty to eat. Edna was fond of meatloaf; her husband always said that she made the best....

Edna admitted to her hostess that the lunch was great but later in her apartment, it felt good to be alone. The morning had been tiring, especially the surprise visit from Brent. He was an engaging person but what she saw the night before made the meeting unsettling and scary. Here she was, doing it again---ruminating.

She was recalling the fear she felt when Brent caught her eyes. He reminded her so much of her old flame, Donald Gold. How tragic that affair ended. So much greed, so much deception. She began wondering if Brent saw her at the window last night. She felt a shiver go up her spine and then travel down to her legs; a feeling of weakness took over. In the future she would have to be much more careful; for he appeared to be a methodical and meticulous man. And evil, she thought.

As evening settled in, she found herself in her favorite recliner, once again remembering the day's events. It wasn't long before Lady sauntered over to her, shaking her tail slowly and letting it be known to Edna that she had to go outside and do her business. Gotta go, huh Lady? It's only nine o'clock. You're a bit early tonight, aren't you? Well, O.K. Let's go." Wagging her tail as if to say "that's right," Lady and her master ambled over to the back door. Everytime that Lady had to go outside, Edna smiled to herself and thought, I'm sure glad that I live on the first floor. Makes it a whole lot easier, with the clean-up and all." Outside, darkness was spreading like a thick fog. She opened the back door, walking slowly and carefully, with Lady following. Slowly but surely, Lady found her favorite spot and proceeded with her nightly ritual. As Edna turned around and faced the four-story building across the street, she saw something she shouldn't have seen.

Across the street on the second floor, in Brent's apartment, a light signal was coming out of the corner of his window. The signal was aimed at Linda's apartment. Linda lived on the second floor, directly above Edna's apartment. Edna couldn't see anyone inside Brent's apartment, only shadows and the small light. Edna could see that it was a signal. She looked toward Linda's apartment; it looked dark and empty. "Hmmm...she thought. Wonder what's up"

Minutes later, she and Lady went inside. She looked up again and noticed that the flashing light had stopped.

Later as she prepared for bed, she thought about the signal. This whole thing with Brent and Linda was getting stranger by the moment. Walking over to the living room window, she decided to have one last look. Just enough to satisfy curiosity. She would be careful; after all, she didn't want to witness another incident. Carefully she edged over to the window and slowly lifted the edge of the sheer, blue curtain.

Except for the soft glow of a half moon, darkness covered everything. In Brent's apartment she saw only shadows and reflections from a small dim light. The signaling appeared to be over. Down below in Brent's parking lot, it looked like a trunk door to a car was being opened. She could see the tiny light in the trunk. She squinted her eyes a bit more and saw that it was Brent's corvette. She looked carefully and saw that Brent was standing by the trunk. "What was he doing?" she thought. It looked like he was putting something very big and cumbersome in the trunk. She could tell that he was struggling.

As he finished putting the cumbersome object into the trunk, he looked slyly across the street in Edna's direction. Quickly she backed away from the window. "Not again," she thought. 'This is looking too much like 'Rear Window.' I'll bet that poor woman's body is in the trunk! Oh dear, I don't like the looks of this, Lady. I don't like the looks of this, at all!"

Edna's anxiety quickly spread to panic; for it looked like he saw her at the window. His movements became jerky and hurried. The cold stark reality facing her was that this man across the street had killed a woman and had just placed her dead body in the trunk of a car...his car!

She felt certain that the woman in the car was the one she saw in the window, the night before. The woman was murdered and she saw the whole thing!

Bloody and hardening from death, Lenore was no longer a problem to Brent. But, disposing of her body would indeed be a problem... Lenore had been much more than a lover to Brent, she had been a spy and had been found out. The penalty for that was always harsh, swift and violent.

Brent Tyler, better known as Omega to a selected few, was a spy for Germany and mastermind of an underground movement known as PROTECT. He, along with others in Europe and the United States were planning and engaging in a resurrection of The Third Reich, with help from the ever-growing and unsuspecting, Information Super Highway, a.k.a. The Internet. The goal, was by the year 2008 to take over all communications---televisions, telephones, computers-books and magazines---and thereby control all movement, buying and selling of everything and everyone.

Few people were aware that George Orwell's "1984" nightmare of "big brother" had not only become a reality but a finality to everything decent and good. Most had become numb to the War in Iraq and Afghanistan and the ever-rising oil prices and were unable to see the destiny right in front of them! And, that destiny would be death and total destruction!

Planning this gigantic venture was extensive, thorough and totally evil. Like aliens from another planet, the program had been and still was, insinuating itself into all walks and avenues of life. People in authority, placed strategically in high and low places were indoctrinating children and young adults with the help of the media and computers and programming them to take over the minds and behavior of children and adults, everywhere.

Much of the program was a lot like Hitler's Youth, programs that insinuated lies into the people's lives-beginning at the moment of birth, so that when they would hear a truth, they would come to see it as a lie and vise versa. So many unknowing government programs had opened their doors to the likes of Brent and his followers-only to be deceived and later to deceive.....

With headquarters in Germany and Austria, Brent was primed and ready for his final role, leader of The New World-head of The Fourth Reich. There would be no need for Republicans, or Democrats; no other leaders in the world would be needed or wanted. Brent had it all!

Seeds of dissent that he and his followers had been planting for years, were beginning to ripen into quiet and unseen acts of anarchy and deception. He smiled as he thought, "Who would have thought that something as benign as Day Care Centers and local YMCA's would help create and sustain my plan? Too bad those day- care doubters and detesters of liberals ideas, weren't heard. Yes, too bad and now, its too late!" The fruits of dissention had ripened and Brent, like Hitler, now was about to have everything he ever dreamed for!

Of course, it was to his advantage and part of his plan, that only a few knew that he was the illegitimate grandson of Adolf Hitler.

From age five, he obsessively read all of the books he could get his hands on concerning his infamous grandfather. For years he studied and analyzed those books and from them learned how to take control of a country and its people. He read books on Stalin, Lenin, Napoleon and others of evil repute. He knew and was early trained on how to achieve power and control over others. He knew that he would not fail-where others in history, did.

It seemed that he had everything he needed to achieve his goals---money, power, knowledge and a thorough understanding and appreciation of how to use the media, to his advantage. He would prevail; of that he was sure! His knowledge on how to wield power was absolute and refined.

His informants were constantly telling him that underground movement in countries around the world, even the United States, were moving quickly toward his plans of world government. Millions of children were being brainwashed in schools, social programs, watching mindless T.V., computers that were not being monitored, and violent video games, that were turning many into monsters-monsters who were constantly disobeying their parents and others in charge. So many of these programs were fronts for his New World Order.

He smiled when he thought how easy it all was; especially when so few children were attending schools. The schools were in chaos, with violence and incompetence; they were just a breeding ground for indifference and illiteracy. The chaos in the military also gave him opportunities for cunning ideas of success and monetary gain. It made him feel satisfied and superior; knowing that the United States was no longer respected as a world power and that leadership in the U.S. was now whitewashed and neutral. There clearly, day by day, was a hunger growing everywhere for someone to show the way, to be a "leader."

As he drove in the stillness and darkness of night with Lenore lying cold in the trunk, he murmured, "I'll take care of you, Lenore and then little Miss Edna, I'll take care of you! You both are but a speed bump in my long and prosperous life!"

It was about an hour later before he reached the river. It didn't take long before he found a place to dump the body. It was a lovely, quiet and hidden spot near the river's edge. Pulling over to the side of the road, he opened the car door and got out. It was around midnight and there was no traffic on the road. Opening the trunk of the corvette, he lifted the body out. It was heavy and difficult to handle. Carefully he went over to an incline leading to the river. Heaving the body to his chest he pitched it into the warm waters. The splash was loud but ended quickly. He whispered, "So long, Lenore. I'd like to say it's been great fun, but what the hell, it wasn't!

"Now then, there's a nibby old lady who's next on my list." With that, he returned to his car and drove back to his apartment. What Edna wouldn't see or hear that early morning would be Brent sneaking into Linda's apartment.

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