“A Psychotic Time”
A Fictional Thriller
Any names or familiar events are purely coincidental!
Story by and told by Winston Roy
Page one and Two Narration by Winslow B.
Page One
This story begins on a cold night in Hell; or better known as Hull Quebec, on Wellington Street; in the old part of the city.
Back when Hitler was doing his thing, our dad Joseph Batezlinger I was told in his 'wisdom' expounded that Hitler was on the right track mostly in eliminating as many Jews as possible.

That was my brother’s first exposure to racism! And even at a young age it was unsettling for him. My brother Jbo told me that Mom said, “If you talk like that in public Joe; you might end up in a concentration camp yourself!” These are the words that he clearly remembers.
Formerly known as Mr. Joseph Batezlinger but has changed his name to Bates because of his Nazi connection; Joe was waiting for his wife Annie Church to deliver her third born bastard child at home. Oh they were married they just never had the marriage blessed. The Doctor that was helping with the delivery was on his third drink of hooch that was served up by Mr. Bates; my father to be; a chemist who worked as a part time bootlegger for Curley Leduc the proprietor of the place where Mr. and Mrs Bates were living at the time; with two other children, the First born: Brother Jbo Bates
Second born: Brother Duncan B. Bates; the B. stands for bastard!
The first face that I saw when I came out was that blurry eyed face of Dr. Busyneck!
I was born with a clubbed left foot kicking and screaming down a house full of drunks;
I was just trying my best to get a kick at that drunken bastard doctor who just helped me into this frigging world.

I was born on the first day of January in nineteen forty-two when Winston Churchill came to Ottawa; Churchill being a fighter so my parents called me Winslow because I looked something like Churchill; when I was born; well he had more hair than I did.
When it became clear the Munich agreement had failed and war was coming,
King's primary concerns were to maintain national unity and to assert Canada's position as an independent country.
After Britain declared war on Germany, King announced that the Canadian Parliament would decide on what Canada should do. Parliament was recalled, and, on September 9, gave its approval for entering the war. The next day, September 10, 1939, one week after Britain, Canada declared war on Germany.

And in time some sixteen years later; a war also would be declared as a war that was unmatched by any hell that ever could be. Our sister Glendora B. was born two years after my entrance into this hell; by making her appearance in much the same manner that I did.


Page two

We bought an old house and moved into this hundred year old four bedroom clapboard house on the outskirts of hull; in the late forties our parents opened up a Bed and Breakfast place and also a bait business during the fishing season.
Dad was a little cheap when it came to buying new furniture; so they decorated the house with some old stuff from the nineteen-twenties that Dad bought at yard sales.

The both of them found cheap labour by putting the bunch of us kids to work!
Brother Jbo is a wiz when it comes to anything to do with electricity so he gets busy putting in outlets and any other electrical things that needed doing; our Brother Duncan B. likes to make things shine so he gets right to the job of polishing the old furniture; making the old junk look just like new, why you could see your face in the table when Duncan B. was through with it!

My area of expertise is counting; I’d count everything in sight; while stomping my foot to get the circulation going, so they gave me the job of counting the worms into cans of twenty-five’s and fifties; to make the selling part operate a little faster. Our sister Glendora B. could handle a carving knife real well; so she got the job peeling the spuds for supper, Oh man the first thing that she did was get those freaking eyes out of them little devils!

Dad was a pharmacist when he could stay sober for any length of time; so he was really good at mixing things, he mixed himself a drink and sat the glass right down on the freshly polished table. Mom got a hold of the bucket and mop and began to clean the old dump from top to bottom; but before she got finished with the first room, dad hollered, “Hey Annie get yourself down here and join me in a drink!” Then mom yelled back, “Hey Winslow B. if you’re finished counting them worms, get the hell up here and start swinging this mop.”

Well now while the two of them were swilling down the booze; we were busy getting everything ready for the grand opening of the Bates Bait Shop and Bed and Breakfast the very next day! This is pretty well how the place was run over the next few years, we kids never got to see the light of day, when we weren’t picking worms at night we were busy running the place!

There was no time for school for any of us; oh dad did send away for some correspondence courses to home school the whole bunch of us.
Jbo got some courses on electrical stuff; Duncan B. got a decorating course; our sister Glendora B. took a few food preparation courses and I took a course on worm farming.
And this pretty well takes us to date in nineteen fifty-eight and to the place where the next stages of events begin to unfold!



Page three

It is mid July in a little town called Castleman, on the Ontario side when the Teacher: Miss Bertha Martingale; affectionately referred to by her students as Miss Birdie; Miss Bertha Martingale gets into her pride and joy a 1946 Pontiac streamliner four door sedan; Miss Birdie is looking for a new teaching position in Hull, Quebec; as she had lost the last teaching job because she refused to apply corporal punishment; in the local school that she was working in; it just wasn’t her way to treat children or the way of teaching school lessons.
Miss Birdie taught grades from one to grade three in a small two room school house in Castleman, Ontario for the past three years. But it was time for Miss Birdie to look for greener fields.

It was late in the afternoon as the old Pontiac pulled out of the driveway of the small cottage type house where Miss Birdie rented for the past three years. She took one last look then she headed down the old highway on her way to Hull, Quebec.

No one would ever guess that this car is twelve years old; other than by the style; the car was in pristine condition and drove like a dream. When Miss Birdie set out the weather was a little unsettled and starting to cloud over; but the rain hadn’t yet begun. Just as the Pontiac streamliner four door sedan entered on the inter-Provincial bridge a bolt of lightening lit up the evening sky; and it began to rain buckets and made it hard for Miss Birdie to see where she was going.

She slowly made her way through Wrightville and to the old Chelsea road; where the car came to an abrupt stop along the shoulder of the road! While trying to restart the car three or four times; Miss Birdie noticed a lit sign just a short distance away; reading “Vacant One Room” It didn’t seem like the car was going to start; there must be water in the distributor or something?
So Miss Birdie made her way through the pouring rain along the path that leads her to the Bates Bait Shop B&B.
She could see through a large front window where a jarringly dimly lit but clear silhouette of someone was cast on the wall within, as to seemingly suggest a second person in the room!



Page four

As Miss Birdie entered she was surprised to see a man so young sitting at the front counter and stomping his foot; he looked up from counting out the worms and asked her, “How many night crawlers do you need?” Miss Birdie replied, “Oh I didn’t come in for bait; my car is stalled on the road from too much rain and I need a place to stay for the night!”

“Well Winslow replied you’re in luck Mrs. Ah..?” “It’s Miss, Miss Bertha Martingale.” she replied in a soft throaty voice. Winslow said, “Put your name right here on the register book Miss Martingale; the room’s got a nice comfy bed and the room is ready and waiting just for you.”

Then Winslow asked, “Where did you leave the car Miss Martingale? My brothers and I can push it into our garage and try to get it going in the morning.” “Call me Birdie! And that would be too much to ask of you and your brothers it’s raining pretty hard out there you will all catch your death.”

“No trouble at all; we spend hours and hours; out in the rain picking them night crawlers, Miss Birdie.” replied Winslow. “Just call me Birdie! And okay if you do not take no for an answer I’d be appreciative for all your kindness to a damsel in distress.” said Birdie.

Then Winslow asked, “Have you had anything to eat? My sister Glendora could fix you a mean sandwich and make a cup of tea to get rid of the dampness from your bones.”

Without waiting for a reply Winslow call’s out to the back room, “Hey Glendora we got ourselves a hungry customer that came in from the rain; fix up one of your special plates and a nice cup of tea and set it up in the dining room.” Birdie asks “Could I use your restroom to freshen up a bit? I’m a little damp around the edges!”
Winslow replies, “It’s right at the top of the stairs Miss Birdie; you can’t miss it; just go right ahead on up and get yourself all dry; the meal and a cup of tea will be ready for you when you come down to the dining room.”
With that Miss Birdie heads up the red carpeted stairs and enters the small bathroom and closes the door behind her.

Page five

Winslow went back to the kitchen to give Glendora a hand with the meal;
while Jbo and Duncan B. went out to park the car in the garage at the back of the house.
The rain hasn’t let up in fact it’s raining harder now as they make their way to the old 1946 Pontiac streamliner four door sedan; Jbo Utters, “Give me a hand to push the car; we can leave it in the driveway for tonight, there’s no more room for another car in the garage.” Duncan B. said, “I’ll just throw a tarp over it to stop any more water from getting to the motor.” Both Jbo and Duncan B. stand silently in the pouring rain; while watching the worms crawl out and slither about in the framed worm beds in the lower garden.

Meanwhile back inside the house; Miss Birdie had just finished freshening up and is about to go downstairs to the dining room when she hears a shrill woman’s voice coming from the front room; “You know that I don’t like strangers in my house! How many times do I have to tell you that? You never pay any attention to me Winslow!” “Don’t worry about it Mother Miss Birdie will be gone by the morning.” replied Winslow.

Winslow came out of the front room and locked it behind him then he asked Miss Birdie, “Are you ready for a nice hot meal? Everything is set up for you in the dining room.” Miss Birdie inquires, “Is your Mother not well?”
“Winslow replies, “Both Mother and Father have not been well for a real long time; but we all do our best to take care of them as best as we can!

We better get to that hot meal and tea before it gets cold Miss Birdie!” As they head down the stairs; Miss Birdie said, “I couldn’t help notice just how spotless everything in the house is and all the old fashion furniture! It’s all so charming; did you have someone decorate it for you?”

Winslow replies, “Our brother Duncan B. has a flair for it; he knows all the right colours and accessories to put together so they all match just perfectly; Duncan did take a few home courses on decorating Miss Birdie.”
They enter the dining room where a perfect table with fine china and the best silverware has been set by Sister Glendora B. it was more than sandwiches and tea; it was a full course meal. Miss Birdie said, “Please Winslow won’t you join me at the table? I don’t get the chance to have dinner with someone very often! I would like to get to know you better!”

Page six

They both sit at the table and Miss Birdie starts to eat the meal set prior to her sitting down; as an old Marconi radio plays soft classical music in the background; Winslow sat nervously stomping his left foot under the table.
Miss Birdie asked, “Do I make you nervous?” Winslow replied, “No Miss birdie; why do you ask?” Well she said, “Your foot is not in time with the music.”

Winslow explains, “Sometimes when I sit too long my foot goes to sleep; so I have to wake it up.” Miss Birdie replies, “Well you just go and wake that foot up whenever you want to!” They made a lot of small talk over the next thirty minutes then Miss Birdie asked, “Do you know if there are any schools around here that might be in need of a teacher?” Winslow replies, “We all could use some tutoring if you have any time to spare!”
Then he said, “There must be some of them Schools left if that son of a bitch Duplessis hasn’t screwed that up along with the rest of the province of Quebec! It’s like we are all living in the ‘Dark Ages’ here in Quebec;
legend has it that Union Nationale troops would arrive in rural towns armed with whiskey, food and appliances in exchange for votes. Those lousy frigging bastards should be shot!”

Miss Birdie said, “Calm down Winslow I don’t want to upset you and have you blow a gasket; I’ll check in the phone book tomorrow.” Winslow responded by saying, “Corruption, blackmail and political immorality are all trademarks of the Union Nationale and Maurice Duplessis’s time in office. None of us had too much book learning; and it had a lot to do with those bastards!”

Miss Birdie could see that this was a touchy subject; so she asked if her bed was ready, “I’m a little weary after the day I’ve been through and I’d like to go to bed now.”
Winslow said, “Of course you are tired Miss Birdie; what could I be thinking; our sister Glendora B. will be more than happy to show you to your room, It’s a real soft feather bed and I’m sure that you will have a good nights sleep and be as fit as a fiddle in the morning Miss Birdie.” Miss Birdie replies, “Thank you so much for everything that you have done and you try to get a good rest as well; I’ll see you in the morning.”


Page seven

“My work isn’t over yet Miss birdie; I still have to tend the worm farm before I get any sleep, they haven’t had their evening meal yet! And I also have to take care of mother and father; they can’t do anything for themselves, the two of them are like little babies.”

Just then Glendora B. came into the dinning room to gather up the dishes. “I’ll show you to your room Miss Birdie; its room number one at the top of the stairs.” Said Glendora B. and with that they were off to the bed room on the second floor.

Winslow put on his raincoat and hat; and left by the back door, when he got to the end of the yard he called out to his brothers, “Did you get the new worm bed dug out?” Duncan B. replied, “I got the hole dug out it’s close to six feet deep but with all the water in the hole it’s hard to tell exactly!” Jbo said, “This rain seems like it’s never going to stop; maybe we should call it a night.”

Then Jbo asked, “Did you take care of mother and father?” “Not yet!
But they’re not going anywhere on a night like this.” Just as the words came out of Winslow’s mouth; a bolt of lightening struck a tree real close in the lower part of field behind the house.

Duncan B. said, “Lets get inside the house; that was a little too close for comfort. Jbo agrees, “Tomorrow is another day and with any luck; another dollar; I also have to get Miss Birdie’s car going.”

As they walk back to the house; Winslow said, “I hope Miss Birdie gets a good nights sleep; then he went on to ask Jbo did you workout all the bugs on that automatic door locker?” “I’m getting close; I think that I got the wires crossed but I’ll get it.”

Sometimes the guys would just talk until the early hours of the morning; but today was a very busy day for everyone and they called it a day.
Miss Birdie watches the guys from the bedroom window as they return to the house; and then she gets into the large feather bed, hoping to get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day trying to find a job.

Page Eight

Winslow unlocks the door to the bedroom; where mother and father are waiting to be taken care of before they retire for the night. Winslow asks, “Did the two of you have a good day? If you want anything you better speak up now!” Then Winslow said, “The poor dears are already sleeping!”
Winslow then calls it a day and goes to bed.
Miss Bertha Martingale got up early and was off job hunting; she said to Glendora B., “Tell Winslow that I’ll see him tonight if the room is still available.

“Winslow’s Days of Mediocrity”
It was time for a change of pace.
When Winslow awakened the next morning it was just one of those days when everything seemed to be pointless, the type of day when you ask yourself, “Why did I even bother to get up this morning?”

Then he came up with an answer to the question, make some changes in his life, do something different get out and enjoy life to the fullest.
After giving a little thought on how he would spend the day, doing something that would break this funk that he’s in, Winslow thought, “Why don’t I rent a boat for the day, when you’re out on the water it’s a great place to think and have a bit of solitude.”
Winslow asked his brothers, “Would it be alright with you guys; I would like to take the day off.” Jbo said, “You have time coming to you, why don’t you take the rest of the week off.” Duncan B. said, “Go for it Man!”

He started feeling better already; it will be a great way to end the week just relaxing. Winslow said, “I’ll pack a lunch, rent a boat and escape life’s mediocrity! The place I want to go is Lake Champlain! I’ve been told that the view over sparkling Champlain waters to the carved grandeur of the Adirondacks is an awe-inspiring one.” Then he went on to say,
“I hear, its wall on wall mountain barriers are massed high against the western skyline, shutting in the gleaming stretch of the Inland Sea that Champlain discovered of the Old World. that long before then knew the glide of birch canoes and the thrust of Indian paddles as they lovingly kissed the water. This is what I want to do today and make it last forever!” said Winslow! After breakfast Winslow went to the garage.

Page nine
“The getaway”
Winslow describes his trip.

I think I’ll use the old Ford for the trip; it’s in top shape. It was midmorning the next day when I reached Lake Champlain; the weather conditions were perfect for a day on the water. I asked the man for a rowboat I told him that, “I’m not in a hurry to get anywhere.” He said, “Good choice!” and suggested an Island spot that might be of interest to me. I thanked him, and now I’m on my way for what I hope will be a day to remember!
After rowing for about an hour I could see the Island that the man told me about, I began rowing in that direction to get a closer look.
I’m enjoying every aspect about this day, why didn’t I do this long before now? Maybe the next time I’ll bring Miss Birdie along she’d love it here!
As I approach the island, there was something a little strange on the shore.
And I looked beyond the shore I could see what appears to be something human like, coming out from the trees. I don’t think that it could see me out here on the boat; I don’t want to take any chances so I’ll wait until nightfall before approaching the shore.
I lie down in the boat, and I covered myself with a tarpaulin and waited for the sun to set; the gentle motion of the waves in the warm afternoon sun quickly rocked me to sleep.
After what seemed to be no more than a blinking of an eye, I heard the sounds of grunting and the boat being hauled over gravel this woke me up.
I cautiously peeked from under the tarpaulin, and saw something pulling the boat up on the shore.
The moon was waning; the only thing that I could see is a silhouette of a large creature like man, and I’m not sure what’s going to happen next!
So I threw back the tarp and jumped up, I screamed loud as possible hoping to frighten the creature away. This only infuriated him and with one punch he knocked me back down in the boat,
Now I’m in a semi conscious state as the creature carries me into a cave.
I thought to myself, “Is this how my life will end? In a rat-infested cave with a large shaggy creature having me for his supper!”
The creature puts me down on the ground taking great care not to hurt me,
he then fumbles with a kerosene lamp hanging it above a makeshift table.
On that table is a checker board with a game in progress.
The creature grunts and speaks two words, “Your move!”


Page ten

Looking at the checkerboard I could see that any move on my part would end the game, by him jumping and removing my last checkers.

I don’t know what’s at stake here but I have the feeling that I have to win this game in order for me to survive; I turned the board around and said, “You go first!” Without hesitation he made a move.
I thought to myself, “I’ve got you now.” I quickly jumped all his checkers and started to laugh.” The creature asked, “Why are you laughing? I won we were playing giveaway!”

I said, “Okay smart guy what exactly did you win?” He answered, “Lunch, I hope that you brought lunch with you, it might be a long time before another boat comes by!”

We walked back to the boat to get the basket of lunch that I had brought for my time away from the life of mediocrity at the Bates bait shop and B&B. We sat on the beach and ate and we talked into the early hours of the morning. He told me why the Island is his home.
He said, “I had a few days coming to me about ten years ago, and I never went back I like it here.”
And then he asked, “Don't you remember me Winslow? My name is John I stopped by the Bates Bait Shop and B&B about ten years ago you were about six at the time."

He was not a creature; just a regular guy like me trying to enjoy life and make the best of it. I thought for a moment and said, “This might be what I’m looking for, are there any other caves on the Island?”

He laughed and said to me, “This is a one Man Island find your own!”
Like most of the people that I knew would do, I headed back to the mainland and back to my old job and the life of mediocrity at the Bates bait shop and B&B. This ends Winslow’s description of his trip.
Now it’s back to business!
Winslow drove all night and through most of the next day before arriving back home; when he entered the house; everyone waited anxiously to hear all about his trip to Lake Champlain! But they will have to wait until tomorrow.
Page eleven
“Back to business”

Winslow had a real exciting time and was tired so he went right upstairs to his bed. The Bates Bait Shop B&B is in good hands; even Glendora B. could sling a mean worm; when she wasn’t out in the kitchen slinging hash!
The Teacher: Miss Bertha Martingale; affectionately referred to by her students as Miss Birdie; just pulled up in Her pride and joy; her 1946 Pontiac streamliner four door sedan that Jbo managed to get going for her.
Miss Birdie is still looking for a new teaching position; so far without much success in the Hull, Quebec; region; but she is not ready to give up.
The place is a bit quieter this time as Miss Birdie enters the front room; she then taps gently on the counter bell and waits to be served.
The drapes that separate the bait shop from the rest of the house; slowly open and Duncan B. pokes his head through the opening and asks, “Can I be of service to you Miss Birdie?” “Oh you gave me quite a start!” said Miss Birdie; placing her hand to her mouth. Then she asked, “Is the room still available; I don’t have any place to stay tonight.”

Duncan B. replied, “Don’t you worry about it Miss Birdie Don’t you worry about a thing; we kept the room for you; Have you had anything to eat? Glendora is just setting the table for supper.” Birdie said, “This is supposed to be a B&B; you all are too kind to me.”

Duncan B. replied, “Oh don’t you be a silly goose Miss Birdie; even though a birdie is a goose! We would do anything for you Miss Birdie.” She is amused and giggles at the humour that Duncan just bashfully displayed; as she signs her name the book. Then Miss Birdie replies, “I’d be happy to pay you for the extra meal Duncan B. I know that everyone here works hard to make a go of the business.” Duncan B. acquiesces, “I’ll just put it right here on your tab and you can settle it with Winslow tomorrow; just go right into the dinning room and make yourself comfortable Miss Birdie; Glendora B. is tenderizing a fine section of meat that Jbo trapped for supper.” Birdie asks, “Is there time before supper; for me to use your restroom to freshen up a bit?” “Oh yes Miss Birdie; take your time we’ll give you a call when the table is set.” When Birdie reaches the top of the stairs; she hears a muffled sound coming from what appeared to be the front room where Mr. and Mrs. Bates spend most of their time behind a locked door.

Page twelve

Birdie is overcome with curiosity and moves a bit closer to the front room. As she stands silently in the hall; the sound that was heard becomes clearer.

Mother screams, “I’m tired of talking to you about that woman; get rid of her you stupid little bastard!” Then the next voice that Birdie hears is that of Winslow’s reply, “Now Mother if you keep talking like that; I’m going to put you in the nursing home!” Mother replies, “You know how upset I get when there are strangers in the house Winslow B. . .” Winslow tells Mother, “The Parish pastor Père Daleau will be here for a visit to see you tomorrow Mother; so you better get some sleep; “How about you Father can I get you another glass of the medicine that you like so much; what’s the matter did the cat get your tongue Father?” Winslow inquires.

Then Birdie step back from the front room and quietly treads softly to her room. She is amazed at the calmness and timbre of Winslow’s voice; as he takes care of his ageing parents. Birdie looks out the window for a brief moment; and catches a glimpse of Jbo and Duncan B. they’re working feverously at digging a huge hole in the worm bed at the farthest part of the back yard. Then Birdie continues getting herself ready for supper.
Sitting at the well set table: Birdie greeting, “Good evening everyone!” They all replied, “Good evening Miss Birdie!” Birdie speaks, “What a great looking table you’ve set Glendora; I must repay you all for your kindness.

Glendora B. replies, “None of us never knew a teacher before; and it’s nice to have a real lady like you sitting at the table.” Birdie answered, “Well thank you Miss Glendora; may I suggest when I have time in the evenings; that is if it’s alright with everyone here, I could give school lessons by tutoring all of you at home.” Everyone sat in silence. “Well what do you say? It would be a reasonable way to pay you back for all your kindness to me.”
Birdie added.

Jbo said, “You set it up Miss Birdie; we accept your kind offer; we all need some schooling.” Then Birdie asked, “Would next week sometime be okay with everyone?” They all replied with one voice, “We would be happy to attend your class Miss Birdie. She added, “So then it’s a deal; I’ll get the books and everything else that we will need, it will be just like a real school room at home.” Glendora B. Asked, “Do you like the wild duck Miss Birdie? Jbo trapped them at the lake.” Birdie replied “The duck is delicious!”


Page thirteen
“The parish priest”

The Parish pastor: Père Daleau dropped by for a regular visit with Mrs. Bates; shortly after the meal was over. Winslow said, “You just missed out on a good meal Father Daleau; if you like I could pour a cup of coffee for you and Mother while you have your little visit.” The Pastor replied, “That would be nice; how is your Mother doing anyway?” “Well Father I’m sure that Mother will fill you in on all the day to day details!” Then Winslow asked, “Would you mind carrying the tray upstairs? I’m not much of a maître d'hôtel father.” When they got to the front room Winslow unlocked the door and stood to one side and said, “You better wash her mouth out with soap Father; Mother’s been doing a bit of swearing for the last week or so!” Then he added, “Have a good visit Pastor; Father hasn’t said a bad word in months you won’t have any trouble with him!” Father Daleau lectures, “God knows what he’s thinking and your Father will still have to ask forgiveness for his thoughts my son!” Winslow questions, “If I’m your son; would that not make me a righteous bastard Father? Have a nice visit Pop! Let me know when you’re finished with mother; so I can lock them up for safe keeping.”
And with that Winslow with a large grin on his face; went downstairs. Winslow told Duncan B. about his exchange of words with the Parish Priest. And Duncan B. replied, “When he’s done with Mother; send him out to the backyard; I’d like a word or two with that holy bastard myself!” Duncan B. started for the backyard. Father Daleau’s sermon from the worm mound may have to wait; rain began to fall. Father Daleau made his way to the end of the yard; he called out, “Duncan B. where are you? Winslow said that you would like a word with me.” A shadowed figure came out from behind a bush; and with one firm swing of a metal object the pastor was face down in a fresh dug hole in the worm bed. The person mumbled, “See you in hell you son of a bitch! I’ll say goodbye to mother for you.” Then firmly pushed on the shovel and sank it in deeply then began covering the priest with earth. When the hole had an abundant amount of earth; the person said, “Have a good meal my little wigglers!” and disappeared back in the shadows! Meanwhile Duncan B. was back at the house, he ascended the stairs he went to the front room taped lightly on the door; and said, “Father Daleau asked me to tell you that he will see you next week ‘mother!’” with that Duncan B. turned in for the night.


Page fourteen

Winslow went out to the backyard to check on the worm beds to see if they need any water or anything else in the way of care. He noticed the freshly turned soil in one of the beds. ‘Oh good’ said Winslow, “I see that Duncan B. finally finished that worm bed.”

On closer inspection he could see a piece of paper that had been torn in shreds and scattered about the ground. Winslow picked up one of the shreds and realised that it was part of a page from a prayer book. The words on the small piece of paper read, ‘Atone sinner’ he rolled the paper between his fingers and thumb turning it into a small projectile and flicked it into the worm bed. He then noticed part of the priests garment on the surface.

Winslow put his hands over his mouth and said in a muffled voice, “Oh my God; Duncan B. what have you gone and done to Father Daleau! Winslow began to rake the bits of paper; working them into the ground; while muttering to himself, “I know that he was an ass hole Duncan B. but this time you went too far! I don’t know what we can do to cover this up.”

Almost in disbelief Winslow went back to the house to have a talk with Jbo and Glendora; to tell them just what had happened out in the worm bed. When Winslow walked through the kitchen; Glendora had just finished cleaning up the last pan. She looked at Winslow and said, “You’re white as a ghost Winslow! what’s wrong? He replied, “where is Jbo?

I have to tell you and Jbo about something that happened and it’s not good news.” Glendora said, “Jbo is working on the car, I’ll go to the garage and get him.” Winslow replied, “I’ll go with you; I don’t want Miss Birdie or anyone else to hear what I have to say.”
The three of them sat in the old Ford out in the garage; as Winslow filled them in on the event that had just transpired. They talked through most of the night, trying to figure out what would be the best way they could help
to cover up the murder for their poor sick brother Duncan B...
Jbo Said, “I always knew that Duncan B. was a little bit shy and different but I never thought that he was capable of doing anything like this!” Winslow replied, “We know it’s not his fault, mom and dad are to blame for this; they drove him nuts! It’s a small wonder that we’re not all as nuts as Duncan B.!”
Page fifteen

None of them could even come close to understanding the scope or the magnitude of what they had uncovered about Duncan B. on that night in question. Jbo being the eldest at the tender age of twenty said, “We’ll have to come up with a perfect plan, without leaving any loose ends that could point in Duncan B.’s or our direction.”
They meticulously went over the entire area where they thought the murder had taken place; trying their best to cover up any evidence of the crime.

When Jbo was sure that everything possible had been done, they all went back to the house to get ready to deal with the daily routine of bait shop business. Winslow asked, “Do you think that we should have a talk with Duncan B.?” Jbo replied, “Yes when the time is right I do want to ask him a few questions about last night.” Glendora said, “I’ll get breakfast started, while you guys open the shop.”

Duncan came down the stairs with a big smile from ear to ear and announced, “I had a great sleep last night and I’m famished! What’s for breakfast?” Glendora said, “Eggs Duncan B. lots of eggs.” Duncan B. said, “Well it’s a sunny day; I’ll have mine sunny side up!” Then Duncan B. asked, “What’s the matter with everyone? You all look like hell this morning, didn’t you guys get any sleep.” Then while humming a tune Duncan B. started setting the table.

Glendora got the coffee pot ready and started cracking a dozen eggs into a large cast iron pan. Jbo said to Winslow in a whisper, “Everything seems too normal I’ll have that talk with him right after breakfast.”

They all sat in silence at the table with the exception of Duncan B. he just kept on talking about what he was going to be doing for the rest of the day. Just then in walks another smiling face Miss Birdie she greets, “Good morning everyone! Am I late for breakfast?” she asks.

Duncan B. replies, “No Miss Birdie you’re just in time; the plate is in the oven; I’ll get you a cup of coffee.” Miss Birdie asks the other three, “What’s the matter guys did you not sleep well last night?” Winslow answered, “Not very well Miss Birdie; maybe tonight will be a better night!

Page sixteen

Miss Birdie said, “I think that I got the teaching job; they asked me to come in for an interview this morning. I’ll pick up the school supplies that I need for our tutoring sessions; so we can get it on the way.” Duncan Asks, “Is part of the school supplies a leather strap?” Miss Birdie replies, “No my silly one; it is definitely not a part of the supplies! My way of teaching is painless.”

Jbo said, “Dad always used his belt to knock sense into Duncan and the rest of us.” Then Jbo added, “The only belt he uses these days when he can get it is a belt of whisky.” Duncan asked, “Do you guys remember when dad whipped the belt out from his pants when he was chasing after Winslow? Dad’s pants fell to his feet tripping him down the flight of stairs; and he broke his friggen leg.” Jbo replied, “How could we forget a treasured moment like that Duncan?

By now everyone is in a much better mood. “We have a great picture of his badly twisted leg in the family photograph album!” said Winslow.
Glendora asked, “Would you like to see the picture Miss Birdie?” “You guys are awful; laughing at your father’s misery! Anyway Glendora I don’t have time right now maybe later. Oh my gosh, is that the time already?
I have to get going I don’t want to be late for the interview.”
With that Miss Birdie rushed out the door.

Jbo Asked Duncan, “When you have a minute; Winslow and I would like to have a talk with you about last night we are really concerned about you.” Duncan replied, “We can talk while we work on the worm beds!” “Okay Duncan; that’s one of the things that we want to talk to you about.”

As Glendora sat behind the counter; Jbo and his brothers made their way to the lower backyard to tend the worm beds; and also to try to find out what caused Duncan to go completely bonkers on the previous night.

When Jbo questioned Duncan about the murder! Duncan said, “Are you guy’s nuts I didn’t kill anyone and I most certainly did not kill Father Daleau! He asked them again are you guy’s nuts? You really must be nuts if you think that I could be capable of something like that!” Jbo said “Well if you say that you didn’t do it; then who in the hell did?


Page seventeen
”A numerous amount of unidentified cadavers!”
Jbo and his brothers started an extensive search of the backyard; hoping to uncover any clue that would help them find out who the murderer is that killed Father Daleau and solve the mystery. Jbo said, “We won’t leave one worm bed unturned; we’ll check all thirty of them.” Each of them got a shovel and began to dig where Father Daleau was believed to have met his fate.

It didn’t take too long with the three of them digging to uncover the body of the priest. When they examined the body; Winslow noticed that the back of the priests head had a deep circular impression that probably killed Father Daleau. Winslow asks, “What kind of a weapon or object would make a mark that looks like that?” Jbo replies, “It’s a very clear circle; so it rules out a lot of things that could have been used.”

Duncan said, “We better cover him up for now; until we can piece some of the clues together.” Winslow started to dig up the second worm bed and found some bones and bits of clothing that had been there for some period of time. Jbo said, “I think that we might be dealing with a serial killer, it might be a good idea to call the police.” Duncan concurs, “Yes man we don’t want to be accused of tampering with the evidence.”

Winslow suggests, “If the police ask why we were out here digging; we’ll just tell them we were digging for worms and uncovered the cadavers!
Jbo agrees, “Yes that’s what we were doing! And adds, “I wonder just how many stiffs are out here anyway?”

Winslow replies, “Well we have thirty worms beds; so far it’s one for one, but the beds are big enough to hold four or five cadavers in each of them.” Jbo said, “Good God I hope not Winslow; that would be a hell of a lot of stiffs.” They all returned to the house to let Glendora know what they had found in the worm beds; before they would do anything else.
When they entered the shop; Glendora was serving a customer from the U.S. these people were regular customers; that had been coming to the bait shop for many years. One of the fellows asked Jbo, “Has there been any excitement around here lately?” Jbo answered, “Excitement in a bait shop!
I don’t think so.” The guy said, “Well it would help to liven things up a bit around here don’t you think?” Jbo answered, “Yeah it’s a little dead I guess!”
Page eighteen

After the Americans took off down the road Jbo said let’s close up shop for the day; we don’t want any more interruptions today. Glendora replied, “Isn’t it a bit early to close it’s only three o’clock?” Jbo said, “I know but we have to talk and get some things sorted out before we call the police.”

Glendora replied, “Call the police why would you do that and get Duncan in trouble?” Jbo said, “Don’t be silly, Duncan didn’t kill anyone! There are two bodies out there for sure that we know of and maybe a hell of a lot more than that.” Winslow went on to explain in full detail to Glendora about the murder of Father Daleau and the deep circular impression that probably killed him.

In a horrified voice Glendora said, “Oh my God it must have the cast iron pan!” Jbo questioned, “Did you murder Father Daleau with the iron pan?” “No not me I would never do anything like that! But I put the pan of gravy out on the porch to cool; and when I went to get the pan, the gravy was gone. The pan was empty but there was some red stuff on the bottom so I scrubbed it clean. That’s what I was doing when Winslow came in last night.”

Jbo Asks Glendora, “Didn’t you wonder where the gravy went?” She replies, “I thought that you guys were playing a trick on me; and with all that’s been happening I forgot about it.” Jbo summarizes, “Well If Duncan or you didn’t do it and Winslow or I had anything to do with it; then who in the hell did?” Winslow inquires, “Why don’t we compare the cast iron pan with the head wound and see if they are a perfect match; then we’ll decide what to do from there.”

Jbo asks, “What pan did you use Glendora?” She responded hysterically, “I didn’t kill him Jbo!” Jbo said, “What I meant was what pan you used for the gravy?” Glendora said sobbingly, “Come to the kitchen and I’ll show you.”

Glendora held up the cast iron pan in front of her to show her brothers the pan in question. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that this is the pan that killed Father Daleau. Now the sixty-four thousand dollar question is what they are going to do about all this evidence that is pilling up against them?
Page nineteen

While they all sat in the kitchen trying to figure out the best way to proceed with the ever mounting situation that they find themselves in; someone is pounding on the front door. Jbo goes to take a look from the shop window and sees a priest at the door. The priest continues to franticly knock with both his fists. Jbo calls out, “Okay, Okay; I’m coming; don’t break the door!”

When Jbo opens the door the Priest asks, “Did Father Daleau stop by here last night?” Jbo replies, “He was here; please come in father.”
The priest continues to tell Jbo that Father Daleau didn’t come back to the church and how he is worried that something might have happened to him.

Jbo asks, “Please sit down father; I’m afraid that I have bad news to tell you.” The priest questions Jbo, “Did Father Daleau get hurt; will he be okay?” Jbo put his hand on the priests shoulder and tells him that Father Daleau is dead!

Then Jbo said, “We were just about to call the police when you came knocking on the door.” The priest asks, “Can I see him? Someone should say a prayer over him.” Jbo answered, “Certainly Father but I must caution you it’s not a pretty sight!” They all head out to the worm bed in the lower backyard so the priest can give Father Daleau a last blessing. After the prayers were said; they all stood in silence and looked out at the thirty worm beds that were spread out like graves in a graveyard.

The Priest turned to the Young Bates kids and introduced himself, “I’m Père Armand; I don’t remember seeing you kids at church!” Jbo replied, “When our mother was well she used to take us; but that was years ago we don’t have the time for church; taking care of mother and father and running the business.” And added, “And speaking of business; we better make that call to the police before any more time goes by.” Père Armand said, “I’ll stay here by Father Daleau and wait for the police.” Jbo replied, “Sit on the bench in the shade under the trees Father Armand; if you would like anything Glendora will bring you something to drink.” “A hot cup of tea would be nice and God bless you.” replied the priest. Duncan said, “I’ll wait with you father; just in case that nut bar comes back; if he does I’ll give him a whack with the shovel.”


Page twenty
The police report

When Jbo called the police; to report what had happened; at the Bates Bait Shop and B&B; the police responded by sending four cars at full speed with their sirens going. And eight burley cops jumped out with their guns drawn; and came running up to the house as if a crime was in progress.

Winslow said, “Everyone hit the Goddamn floor I think those stupid cowboy cop bastards are going to shoot at whatever moves!” Just as he said that; one of the cops kicked the door opened and shouted, “Freeze don’t anyone move or I’ll shoot.” They all stood there frozen on the spot; with their hands held high up in the air; none of the Bates kids wanted to give the cops any reason to try out their guns.

After the usual Quebec Gestapo cop type search for weapons; the police officer in charge asked, “Who made the call to report a crime in progress?” Jbo answered, “I made the call; I told the officer on the phone that we found a dead body in the backyard!” Then Jbo added, “Tell your guys to put their guns away before someone gets shot!”

The officer replied, “I’ll give the orders when to put the guns away kid! Okay you can put the guns away now.” Jbo asks, “Are the cuffs necessary officer?” The officer replied, “When the crime scene is secure we’ll take them off kid; now sit down and shut up while we search the place for clues.”

The police cordoned off the whole property to make sure that no one could possibly escape their net. Meanwhile Duncan and Père Armand are still sitting on the bench in the lower backyard; waiting for the police and unaware of what’s going on in the house.

Duncan asks Père Armand, “I wonder what’s taking the police so long to come and see the dead body?” Père Armand replies, “Maybe we should go to the house and find out what’s happening my son.” Just as they stand up one of the cops bellows, “Don’t you bastards move a muscle or I’ll shoot the liven’ shit out of you!” Duncan said, “I think he means it father; you better do what he says and put your hands up!”


Page twenty-one

Duncan and Père Armand are cuffed and marched back to the house to be interrogated by the Quebec Gestapo. Meanwhile back at the house on the second floor; two of the burly cops kick down the front bedroom door; where Mister and Mrs. Bates are sitting in wheelchairs.
One of the officers forewarns, “Don’t make a move I’ve got you covered!”

Mrs. Bates curses, “You stupid Goddamn friggen bastards! Why don’t you just shoot us instead of trying to scare us to death.” The old girl might be somewhat restricted in mobility; but she makes it up by knowing just the right words to choose when it comes right down to dealing with stupidity. Mister Bates on the other hand: sits silently in his chair gazing dagger eyed at the police.
Mrs. Bates continues cursing, “Knock the Goddamn gun out of his F***ing hand Joe! Come over here you coward bastard son of a bitch and I’ll kick the liven piss right out of you!”
The officers keep their distance as the cursing increases; one of the officers calls for backup, “We have two more up here and we need assistance in the front bedroom.” Mrs. Bates throws her shoe and knocks the gun right out of the officer’s hand; the gun fires when it hits the floor; the bullet ricochets off the Quebec heater taking out the light fixture and one of the front windows.

In the excitement the other officer’s gun accidentally goes off shooting himself in the foot; then the bullet continued through the floor taking out the downstairs front room light fixture. Officer down was the call from the cop upstairs!
Two more cops carefully climbed the stairs with their guns ready.
Mister Bates had fallen from his chair and was stretched out on the floor; while Mrs. Bates wheeled her chair kicking and cursing towards the downed officer. “Your not so brave now you coward son of a bitch” as she rolled over his injured foot.
Mrs. Bates somehow managed to retrieve the gun that she had knocked out of the first officer’s hand and she was firing it off in all directions. The unarmed officer still standing made a running retreat out of the room and down the stairs bumping into the two officers on the way up, sending all three of them down the flight of stairs with guns a blazing.
It’s a wonder that no one was killed in this free for all on that day back in nineteen fifty-eight.

Page twenty-two

Mrs. Bates finally ran out of ammunition and threw the gun out the door and yelled, “You’ll never take me alive coppers!” I think the old girl had blown a fuse with too much excitement for one day. After getting off to a bad start the officers finally got back control of the crime scene. The injured officer was removed from the house to have his shot up foot taken care of at a local hospital.
Glendora asked, “If you take off my cuffs officer; I’ll make some coffee for everyone, it might help to calm everyone down!” The officer agrees, “Take the cuffs off everyone with the exception of Mrs. Bates until her tranquilizers kick in!”

Everyone sat around the table while the police waited for the coroner to collect the body of Father Daleau and gather up all the evidence from the crime scene.
Miss Bertha Martingale just pulled up in front of the Bates Bait Shop and B&B; she got out of her car and approached the officer. She asked, “What is going on here, I know the Bates; are they alright?” The officer replied, “Everyone inside is fine! What is your name?” Miss Birdie told the officer her name and asked if she could go in and see them.

The officer Detective sergeant Levine told Miss Birdie that she would have to wait until the questioning was over before she could talk to anyone in the house. Miss Birdie told him that she was staying at the B&B and didn’t have any place else to go to. The officer told her that if he were to let her in she would have to stay in her room until they questioned everyone.

Miss Birdie agreed to the conditions and entered the house; on her way through she could see everyone sitting around the table. This is her first time to catch a glimpse of Mister and Mrs. Bates; the two of them sat silently and unresponsive in their wheelchairs.

Even though she was anxious to tell everyone about landing a job at Saint Jean Bosco School; Miss Birdie climbed the stairs and went to her room. Glendora asked the officer in charge for permission to make supper; and also if she could bring Miss Birdie her supper. The Officer Detective sergeant Levine said, “Yes It’s going to be a long day; so we might as well have something to eat while we sort everything out.”

Page twenty-three

When questioned; Jbo gave his account of the events that had happened on the night in question. He told them about the cast iron pan and about the gravy that Glendora put out on the porch to cool; and when she went to get the pan, the gravy was gone.

Jbo also mentioned that the pan was empty but there was some red stuff on the bottom so she scrubbed it clean; and that’s what Glendora was doing when Winslow came in last night.

He also told Officer Detective sergeant Levine how they compared the cast iron pan with the head wound on Father Daleau to see if it would match; and it did so then they decided what they would do from that point on. The officer asked Jbo, “Why did you wait so long before calling the police?”

Jbo replied, “We were afraid that we would be blamed for the murder of Father Daleau! But when we found body number two; it all became too much to deal with and then we called the police to report the crime.”

The Officer Detective sergeant Levine said, “None of you are in the clear yet; when our investigation has been gone over completely, then and only then will we have a much clearer picture of what’s been going on around here.”

Then sergeant Levine warned, “I don’t want anyone here to tamper with any more of the evidence; that is a crime in and of itself, ignorance of the law is not an excuse when you break the law.” Jbo asked, “How long will the investigation take?” “As long as it takes!” replied the officer.

Jbo reminded officer Levine that they are just young kids and have a business to run; and also the complete responsibility to care for each other because their mother and father are not well. And every day they can’t work is money lost to feed their family.
Sergeant Levine told Jbo that, “The Bait shop will remain closed until all the evidence in the crime scene is gathered from the worm beds and logged.
It might take a few weeks; everything depends on just how many bodies we have to deal with.” The officer also informed Jbo that, “An officer will be on guard in the yard to keep the evidence secure; what you can do is run the B&B. That is the best I can do for you!”
Page twenty-four

When the officer Detective sergeant Levine left the house; Jbo held a family conference so they could have a discussion on how to proceed with the B&B.
Winslow said, “Mother and father need far too much care for us to deal with; so why don’t we put them in an institution and free up one room to rent.”

Jbo agrees, “I think that is a good idea; after mom’s last episode with the police; it should be a breeze getting her committed!” Duncan said, “Both her and dad; they’re a matched pair and shouldn’t be broken up, the two of them belong in the nut house!” Then he added, “The both of them haven’t been entirely the same; every since dad mixed that bad batch of hooch back in forty-seven.” Jbo replied, “They were seeing more than pink elephants on that trip; I think that stuff fried what ever was left of their brains!”

Winslow suggested, “You know what guys; the front room is the largest one of all; we could change the décor and rent it out as a honeymoon suite, we should get a lot more money for it.”

Glendora said, “If Miss Birdie would like to stay for a while; that would be a steady income we could depend on.” Jbo suggested, “It’s been a long day: why don’t we all get supper ready and we can continue our plan after we’ve all had a good meal; Winslow why don’t you go and give Miss Birdie a call for supper, she must be famished.”

Glendora said, “I have two chickens cooking in the oven; who wants to toss the salad?” Duncan replied, “I’ll do it; I’m the man for that job just tell me where you want it tossed!”

They all went out to the kitchen to give Glendora a hand preparing supper. Mister and Mrs. Bates were back upstairs in the front bedroom; safely locked up for everyone’s protection.

When the supper is served; everyone sits at the table and can’t wait to tell Miss Birdie all about what happened at the Bates Bait Shop and B&B. But Glendora insists that before any news of the day is told; everyone should relax and have their supper first!



Page twenty-five

Meanwhile out in the backyard the police are carefully sifting through the first worm bed; looking for clues. Other than Father Daleau’s body; the worm bed didn’t hold many clues to help the police solve the crime.

The police would move to the next worm bed; the same place where on that dreadful night Winslow started to dig up the second worm bed and found some bones and bits of clothing that had been there for some period of time.

The search for clues has just begun, the police have twenty-nine more worm beds to uncover and meticulously sift through before they can start to build their case.

On close inspection by Officer Lacombe when he looked in the second worm bed; he found what appeared to be a pocket from an old coat in the pocket is a small bottle labelled Bay Rum, a favourite drink consumed by the down and out bums that live in tumble down shacks by the train tracks.

After a lot of careful digging in worm bed two, Officer Lacombe found a skull that appeared to have been fractured; possibly by a small axe or a hatchet. Now the sun is starting to set and with daylight fading the police call it a day.

As the police drive away from the Bates B&B, they can see the flickering candle light through the dining room window, where everyone inside is enjoying a hot meal. And they also appear to be having a good time.

Detective Sergeant Levine said to Officer Lacombe, “They better enjoy their freedom while they can, it’s going to be short lived! I think that they’re guilty of something; I just don’t know what that is yet!”

Meanwhile inside the house; after supper was over, Miss Birdie has told everyone about landing a job at Saint Jean Bosco School. And they told her about the murder of Father Daleau, and filled her in on the rest of the particulars about the last couple of days. Miss Birdie asked, “How are you going to manage without the bait shop?” Jbo replied, “The police can only stop us from using the worm beds; we can get the worms using other sources.” Winslow added, “We can pick worms on the golf links!”
Page twenty-six

Jbo said, “Don’t worry Miss Birdie; we’ll manage somehow, we always have and it will take more than a few murders to stop us!” Miss Birdie replied, “I know that if anyone could overcome these hurdles; it would be the four of you; and I’ll help all of you in anyway that I can!”

Glendora said, “That sounds like you’ll be staying with us for a bit Miss Birdie!” Miss Birdie replied, “I would like nothing better than to do that Glendora; I kind of like the lodgings here.” Glendora said, “Good then it’s settled; one room is no longer vacant, I’ll hang a sign on the door with it saying occupied by Miss Birdie our teacher!” Then she asked, “how many C’ in occupied Miss Birdie?”

Miss Birdie went right into the teacher mode; showing Glendora with a pencil and paper how to go about sounding out the word phonetically.
In some ways at fourteen Glendora was an adult; but when you look closely into her eager to learn eyes; she was nothing more than just a child.
In actuality when you think about it; all the Bates children assumed an adult role and a very large responsibility when they were much too young.
Glendora sat at the kitchen table; printing out the words on the sign, with Miss Birdie guiding her along the way.

Miss Birdie said, “You are doing just great Glendora; I can hardly wait to start our tutoring class with you and your brothers.” Glendora asked, “Would it be alright with you if I could I think of you as my big sister? I don’t have anyone to talk with about girl things; you know; such things as love Miss Birdie!”

Miss Birdie extended her arms and said, “Come over here sweetie and give your big sister an overdue hug; I need a sister too because I’m an only child.” This was the first time that Glendora could ever remember being hugged in all of her fourteen years while growing up and taking care of her family.

Miss Birdie said, “I think that we are all going to get along just fine Glendora; just you wait and see. Glendora responded, “When I grow up I want to be a proper lady just like you Miss Birdie!” “You already are a lady Glendora; you really are a perfect little lady sweetie; now let’s go hang up your sign on my door.” replied, Miss Birdie.
Page twenty-seven

Meanwhile out in the backyard where one of the two police officers that are guarding the worm beds; Officer Hall hears something moving in the cow pasture below the fenced off yard. He calls out, “Halt in the name of the law; who goes there!” ‘No one answers.’ Officer Hall calls to his partner, “John get over here and cover me I’m going over the fence to check out the lower field.
As Officer Hall moves down the field with caution; he gets broadsided by a large fast moving creature; the impact sends Officer Hall soaring through the air and he lands face first in a load of cow shit! Officer John asks, “Are you alright Jim? What in the hell was that son of a bitch of a thing?”

Officer Hall tries to speak but he can’t because his mouth is full of cow shit. All Officer John can say is, “Son of a bitch! Jim what in the F**k was that? Officer Hall gets to his feet and upchucks a whole load of cow shit all over his partner John. “Oh for f**k’ sake Jim; that stinks!” said John.

Officer Hall and his partner make their way back to the fence and the safety of the crime scene; both of the officers returned to their car and called headquarters for back up. Officer John asks his partner, “Do you think the Bates would let us clean up a bit?” Officer Hall replies, “Let’s go ask them; I sure could use a cup of coffee to get rid of this taste of cow shit from my mouth!”

The officers go up to the house and gently rap on the door; they hear a voice from in side the house, “Who is it? asks, “Winslow.” Officer Hall replies, “It’s the police! Could you give us some assistance young man?”

Winslow opened the door and saw two sad and pathetic facial expressions on the officers; standing there all covered in shit! Winslow said, “Stay right there I’ll get you a basin and some soap!” And then he asked, “What in the hell did you guys do roll in it?”

Officer replied, “Yeah kid it was something like that; now could you please hurry up with that basin!” Winslow said, “Please; that’s the magic word I’ve been waiting to hear; a basin for each of you, coming right up Officers.”
Winslow asks, “Glendora could you please bring a couple of basins and some soap? These poor Police Officers are full of shit!”

Page twenty-eight

Winslow goes out to where the Officers are cleaning up and offers a bottle of mouthwash to Officer Hall; the Officer said, “Thanks kid I owe you one!” Winslow replied, “We get it by the case for the B&B; it said on the bottle extra strength, I hope it works on cow shit!”

Officer Hall reiterates, “Thanks I really mean it kid! No amount of spitting will get rid of that cow shit aftertaste! With that Officer Hall empties the complete contents of the bottle into his mouth and starts to gargle like nothing that anyone else has ever set eyes on before.

No sooner than Officer Hall finished a bottle; he would ask if he could have another one, “I’ll pay’ya for it kid! How much do’ya want a bottle?” Winslow replied, “It’s on the house officer; when you guys finish cleaning up, how does a nice hot cup of coffee sound to ya!” Officer replied, “You are a life saver young lad; a real life saver! Did anyone ever tell that before?”

Winslow answered, “No I don’t think so; but I have been called a smart mouth kid before!” Officer Hall laughs, “Ha; ha, you’re a good kid; and I think a smart one too; you’re all right kid don’t let anyone ever tell you any thing different!”

Winslow offers, “My sister Glendora cooked a couple of chickens for supper; I think there’s enough left for two sandwiches if you would like to have them with your coffee.” Officer Hall smiled and took Winslow up on his proposition.
Both Officer Hall and his partner Officer John sat on the back porch and had what they described as, “The best gall darn chicken sandwiches in all of Hull; and the coffee tastes like another cup!” Glendora asks, “Could I top up the coffee for you Sir!” Officer Hall responds, “Why yes thank you little lady; I’m afraid that I can’t say no to a good cup of coffee!” Winslow asks, “What were you guys doing in the cow pasture anyway?” Officer Hall replies, “I heard a strange sound coming from there.” Winslow said, “Oh that must have been old Sally; she comes up to drink at the trough early evening then she has a little nap in the long grass; you must have spooked her.” “Sally?” The Officer questions. “She’s an old cow; a nice old cow!” Said Winslow.

Page twenty-nine

Just about this time the backup arrives as the two officers go back to their post and recommence guarding the worm beds. Officer Hall walks over to the car and tells the two officers, “Sorry to bring you guys all the way out for here for nothing; everything is under control now!” One of the Officers asks, “What in the hell is that smell?”

Officer Hall replies, “Don’t worry about that it’s only old Sally she don’t smell too good; but she’s a nice old cow!” The Officer said, “I guess after a bit of time goes by you don’t notice it as much!” Officer Hall added, “You can get used to anything! Well okay then everything is fine here I better get back to work; I’ll see you guys later.”

As the police car drove away; a sound was heard from the lower pasture.
It was poor old Sally making a long mournful taunting moo, as if to say; step cautiously and have a good night Officer Hall.

Meanwhile inside the house; the Bates kids are about to call it a day; Duncan is sketching out a plan for the honeymoon room and Glendora is getting the kitchen ready for tomorrow, Jbo is perched on the back kitchen roof as he surveys the lower field; to see if there is anything out of the ordinary going on.
Winslow is counting out the worms for tomorrows bait customers; and he takes a break to bring some tea and the medication for mother and father. He listens outside the door as poor Mrs. Bates is in her bed; cursing at Mister Bates, blaming him for everything bad that has happened over the last twenty years; while he just lies on the bed and gazes at broken light fixture on the ceiling.
For the last year Mister Bates has not spoken an audible word!
He continues to look at the ceiling and mutters, “Do you still love me my little Annie Church?” Annie replied, “Yes I guess do I still love you my best friend Mister Batezlinger!” and then Annie added, “I saved up the pills and put them in the tea; it shouldn’t take much longer, I left a note for the kids, try to go gently into the night my love; and I’ll see you on the other side.” Annie makes her way to Joseph’s bed and lies down beside him. Annie said her last farewell, “Good night sweet Prince!” Joseph replies, “Good night my Princess.”
Winslow slowly walks away from the bedroom door; and goes down stairs into the bait shop to continue counting worms.
Page thirty
“The note”

The next morning: Winslow calls everyone together and tells them about what he had heard from outside the front bedroom door last night; he wanted them to be forewarned, he didn’t want them to just walk in and find their parents dead.

Jbo said, “We should all go in at the same time and say our goodbye.” Winslow unlocks the door and the four of them enter the room; Glendora said, “Mother is holding a note in her hand; would you read it to us Jbo?”

Jbo gently takes the note from their mothers hand and begins to read it,

“To my dear children; your father and I have taken the cowards way out, we are sorry for the way things turned out in life; we both did wrong by all of you and we hope that you can find it in your hearts to forgive us.”
The note was simply signed, “Mother.”

Jbo places the note back in her hand and said, “I hope that you both found peace!” Jbo turned to his brothers and sister and said, “If we are finished here; I’ll call the police.”

Winslow remarked, “I think that this way is best for everyone; mother and father would not have been very happy living in the nut house.”
Glendora said, “I’ll go and tell Miss Birdie about mother and father.”

Duncan said, “Life goes on for us; we all have work to do.”
He then went down to the kitchen to get the coffee going and start breakfast.
It was all part of the way they brought themselves up: if they didn’t do the work who in the hell would do it.

When the Police arrived at the Bates Bait Shop B&B; everyone was at the table, eating breakfast. Jbo said to the Officers, “The two bodies are in the bedroom upstairs!” Then he added, “The coffee is ready if you guys would like one; just help your self to a cup, oh yes mother is holding the suicide note in her hand just in case you’re wondering what happened to the both of them.” Then Jbo finished his coffee and got up from the table.
He added, “We have a customer looking for bait so if you’ll excuse me.”
Page thirty-one
“final resting spot”

Everyone sat around the table while the police waited for the coroner to come and collect the two bodies; Detective Sergeant Levine said, “I know that this must be a terrible time for the bunch of you; and I want to extend my deepest sympathy to all of you.

I just have one or two questions and I’ll leave all of you to morn your parents.” Jbo came back to the kitchen and said, “I’ll take your questions.”
Detective Levine asks, “Were your mother and father down in the dumps; you know maybe just a bit sad here lately?”

Jbo replies, “The only time they were happy was when they were drunk!” then he added, “They haven’t had a drink of booze for more than a year; so yes you could say the both of them were a bit sad!”

Detective Levine said, “Well young Mister Bates I guess you are the man of the house now; I don’t have any more questions to ask, so I’ll leave you and yours and let you take care of the funeral arrangements.”
Detective Levine extended his hand to Jbo and said, “If you need any help with anything this is my number; you can give me a call, I’ll do what I can!”

Jbo asks, “Are the police making any progress with their investigation on the murder of Father Daleau?” Detective Levine replies, “Its going a bit slow but we hope to rap it up as soon as possible.” Jbo said, “Well then Detective; I’ll let you get to it, we all have a lot of work to do.”

The Bates children had more than their share of things to get done; but then again they were not just ordinary kids, even at a young age they undertake any and all challenges and manage somehow to come out on top.

After the funeral service was over; they brought their parents ashes home, Jbo decided when the police were finished with the investigation; that their mother and father would like nothing better than to have their ashes scattered over the thirty worm beds to be their final resting spot.

For now the two urns would be stored under the counter; for safe keeping at the Bates Bait Shop and B&B.

Page Thirty-two

The police have been searching the worm beds for a week and have uncovered ten bodies in different stages of decomposing; some could go back as far as ten or twelve years or around the time when world war two ended. It seems like it will go on for some time yet; they just keep digging them up and hauling them away.

For the last two days the three Bates brothers sit on the bench in the backyard watching the long established worm beds being destroyed by the police, one after the other.

Winslow said, “All of our work is going down the drain; the beds will never be the same!” Jbo agrees, “It seems like it was all for nothing; I think this will go on until the last bed is turned over.”

Duncan suggests, “Why don’t we do a bit of detective work on our own; maybe we can solve it ourselves!” Both Jbo and Winslow agree that this might be the only way they are ever going to get on with operating the Bait shop; and have some sort of resemblance to a normal life.

Winslow suggests, “Let’s ask the Officer that is working today if he has found anything out of the ordinary; and maybe we can take it from there.”

Jbo said, “Oh good it’s Detective Sergeant Levine that’s on the job; I’m sure that he’ll talk to us.” When the Detective looked up from the excavation; he saw the three brothers standing side by side and he said, “It’s the three musketeer’s how can I help you guys today?”

Jbo replied, “We were just saying that if anyone can figure this crime out; and solve the mystery it’s Detective Levine.” He responded, “Okay guys what would you like to know?”

Duncan asks, “Have you found anything of any great significance that might lead you to the killer?” The Detective replied, “Nothing well-defined; but I did find a war medal but no other clues so far.” Winslow said, “Well we better not bother you any longer; and let you get back to work.” Detective Levine said, “Okay guys now you keep out of trouble!”
The Bates brothers went back to the house to plan their next move.

Page thirty-three
“shanty town”

There’s a place down by the train tracks where the Bates children used to pick peat moss on the hillside; they were very young the first time that their father took them there.
Back in those days the moss was plentiful; you could strip it from the rocky hillside from dawn to dusk and never pick it all,
The moss resembled a mile long green blanket. Just above the hill there were some small huts and tumble down shacks where the bums lived.

Mister Bates would go and have a visit and maybe a little mid afternoon drink; while his kids picked the moss. One of the chaps that called that place home; was a veteran of world war two, this man was Turkish.

He once told Mister Bates that he disarmed and captured twenty Germans single handed! Then he would point to the medals on his tattered old army jacket and say “I got des’ one’s because I kill dat’ dirty-son’s-a-bitch!” and then the Turk would say, “If hi’ don’t like dat bastard hi’ kill him with an axe!”

Winslow recalls, “Do you guys remember that Turkish guy that Father used to drink with in shanty town?” Jbo replies, “Yes I do! I think he was a little nuts.” Winslow adds, “I wonder if he still lives down by the tracks; maybe we should check it out, he’s crazy enough to be our killer!”

Duncan said, “He was the guy that lived in a dugout in the side of the hill.”
Jbo replies, “Yeah he’s the guy we’re talking about! He could be our guy.”
Winslow suggest, “I think that there is a bottle of father’s old wine in the cellar; we should take it along as a gift to make him wag his tongue.”

They went back to the house to get the wine; and let Glendora know what they had planed to do, if the Turkish guy still lives down by the tracks.
Jbo told Glendora, “If we don’t get back by noon get in touch with Detective Sergeant Levine and let him know what we’re up to; but we should be back long before noon.” The three brothers got the wine and they were on their way down to shanty town; to try their best to catch a demented killer.
Shanty town was only about one mile from the Bates Bait Shop and B&B.


Page thirty-four

The Bates brothers walked along the old factory road and followed the train tracks until they came to the place on the hillside where the bums assemble their shacks. The trees and underbrush had filled in over the years and made the shacks hard to see from a distance; so the brothers would have to climb the moss covered hill in order to get a better look.

Jbo was a real good climber and made it to the top first; he motioned to his brothers to keep climbing and when they all reached the top Jbo pointed in the direction of the dugout spot in the hillside that they were looking for.
The opening of the dugout was covered with a piece of galvanised roofing and camouflaged with hanging moss.

The Turkish man sat in front of the hovel; he was holding a long twig and stirring the embers of a small dying fire. The man looked up without raising his head; and motioned with the twig for to the kids to enter into his domain.
Jbo held out one of the bottles that contained wine; and offered it to the Turkish man.

Duncan B. tightly clutched the other wine bottle; that only had grape juice in it for them to consume. Jbo said, “I don’t remember your name.” The Turk replied, “I am Salamo! Who in the Fuck are you?” Jbo answered, “We are Joseph Batezlinger’s kids; do you remember him?”

The Turk replied, “Yes I remember that crazy son-a-bitch! I don’t see that big Fucking bastard for a long time now, how is that son-a- bitch anyway?”
Jbo said, “Joseph died a few days ago; he wanted you to have this bottle of wine so you could have a drink for him; to wish him well and send him on his way!” Salamo replied, “That’s too bad he died; he’s good son-a-bitch! I drink for Joe and I see him in hell someday!”

Then Salamo added, “Well, don’t stand like fucking assholes! Sit and have drink with me just like your father the chemist used to; he was smart son-a-bitch, too bad he’s dead!” Salamo raised the bottle to his mouth and drank half the wine without taking a break; he then placed the bottle on the ground and let out a long breath, “Ahh haa that’s good; Joe knew the best fucking wine to buy, I’m gona’ miss that crazy bastard son-a-bitch’s wine!
The three Bates kids pass the wine bottle with grape juice; each of them took a swig and said, “To Joe that crazy son-a- bitch!”
Page thirty-five

They sat around the fire and every so often Salamo; would turn whatever that disgusting thing was that he had cooking for his lunch. Salamo used a long twig to hold what looked like skinned rat that popped and crackled over the opened fire pit.

Salamo held this burned bit of meat under his nose and said, “Dis Son-a bitch is ready for eating; would you guys like to taste dis Fucker!”

Jbo replied, “No thanks; we have to get back to the house, our sister is making us a meal and we should get going.” Salamo replied, “You don’t finish your fucking wine yet; are you sure that son-a-bitch Joe was your Goddamn father?”
Jbo responded, “There’s no doubt! Like father like son-a-bitch! We’ll drink the wine on our way back home; there are a few more bottles of Joe’s wine in the cellar, we’ll bring them by if it’s okay with you!” Salamo replied, “You bring dat son-a-bitch good wine and I drink it.”

The time was getting on and they had to get back home before Glendora sent the Police to look for them. On the way back to the house Winslow remarked, “It’s too bad we didn’t get a chance to look in the dugout; to see if there are any clues that might prove that Salamo is are killer!”

Jbo replied, “It might take more than one or two bottles of wine to get Salamo intoxicated to the point where he passes out; and give us a chance to take a good look around.” Duncan pointed out, “there must be at least a dozen cases of wine in the cellar; the next time we’ll make sure that we have enough wine to knock him out for a week.”

As the three brothers hasten up the old factory road; they can see a lot of dust made by a car at the top where the road meets the highway, as the car gets closer, Winslow said, “It’s the police; I guess we’re a bit late in getting back, Glendora sent out the Cavalry to save us.” The car comes to a stop; and Detective Sergeant Levine steps out and asks, “Did you guys have a good walk this morning? Your sister was worried about you!” Jbo replies, “Yeah sisters are like that Detective Levine; they worry about nothing!”
Detective Levine warns, “Don’t go poking your nose in where it don’t belong boys; it’s a bad world out there and you wouldn’t want to loose your nose!”
Page thirty-six

The Detective got back in the car; and said to the three brothers, “Leave Police business to the police; we know how to deal with these hardened criminals! I don’t want you guys getting hurt trying to do my job!” Then he added, “If you do find out anything give me a call and I’ll check it out; now you better get on home and let your sister know that you’re okay.” Jbo saluted and said, “Yes sir! See you later Detective.” The police car turned around and pulled away; raising a cloud of dust on the old factory road.

Duncan asks, “When do you think we should go back again and visit with Salamo?” Jbo replies, “As soon as possible we don’t want that ‘dirty-son-a-bitch’ to get away with murder! Do we?” Duncan answers, “Fuck no!”
Jbo replies, “Watch your mouth little brother; you’ve been hanging around with too many drunks and bums like Salamo!” Winslow adds, “Yeah brother you don’t hear me talking shit or using words like that! Do ya?”
Duncan asks, “Why don’t the two of you join the priesthood and become a couple of friggen psalm 23 singing I will fear no evil priests!
You could wear a dress it would look good on the both of you assholes!”

Oh my yes; the Bates boys were typical brothers in every sense of the word;
But they wouldn’t let anything happen to, or come between them or their sister!

When they got back to the house; Jbo told Glendora that they were sorry for taking so long and causing her to worry; then he went on to explain that getting Salamo drunk wasn’t all that easy a task to do, and they are going to give it another try tomorrow.

Winslow asks, “What’s the matter with this afternoon? I’m sure that Salamo could use another good bottle or two of father’s son-a-bitch wine! I’m up to it if you are father Jbo; I think we could find a couple of black dresses in the old trunk, and maybe we could serve Salamo some bread with the wine!”

Duncan replies, “I don’t think that old Salamo is a Catholic son-a-bitch!”
Jbo said, “Okay; Okay! Guys that’s funny but let’s not get carried away! We have some serious stuff to do the next time we visit with old Salamo!”
Winslow has already retrieved two more bottles of wine from the cellar and put them in a paper bag and sits them on the kitchen table; then he asks, “What’s for lunch Glendora; do you have anything to go with red wine?”
Page thirty-seven

Winslow might be the youngest of the boys; but he never lets that hold him back in the slightest when a good idea comes to him! Winslow heads up stairs and checks out the medicine cabinet and finds what he’s looking for; he returns to the kitchen and raises his hand, holding a small bottle of pills and announces, “These will knock that fucker out!”

Jbo asks, “What are they?” “Sleeping pills ‘Jbo’ they’re ‘sleeping pills’ to put in the wine and knock that fucking son-a-bitch out; right out of this world until the sun comes up tomorrow! Don’t you think that it’s a good idea Jbo?” answered Winslow.
Jbo replies, “Okay Winslow; I have to admit that’s one friggen good idea that you came up with this time; yes sir, yes I do, it’s one friggen good idea that you have!”
Duncan asks, “How many pills do we put in each bottle? We don’t want to kill that dirty old basket son-of-a-gun do we?” Jbo laughs and tells Duncan, “If you want to call Salamo a bastard! That’s okay by me Duncan.”

Winslow suggests, “Okay I have one more good idea; and then I’ll take a break and give my brain a well deserved rest, what we should do is only put the pills in the first bottle that we give to Salamo; the way that he pours the wine down his friggen gullet we shouldn’t need the second bottle! That fucker will be out like a light!”
“Yeahoo! Goddamn that son of a bitch! of a Salamo bastard!” Duncan replied. Jbo ignored Duncan’s barrage of swear words.
Jbo said, “I’ve got to hand it to you Winslow that’s a brilliant idea; now let’s go and have some lunch, we have a lot of work to do before nightfall.”

After lunch the Bates brothers ground up the pills with a pestle and bowl from their father’s chemistry supplies that hadn’t been used for many years. Duncan said, “Father would be happy to see his things being used to make a great liquid remedy to help someone get good nights sleep.”
Jbo replies, “It’s too bad he couldn’t stay sober; it is a real shame because he was a good chemist back in the good old days when he first started out.”

Winslow asks, “Does this look fine enough to blend in with the wine?”
Jbo replies, “It looks good to me; add a bit of the wine to the bowl and mix it a bit more, then pour it into the bottle and give it a bit of a stir and the potion is ready to provide the restful sleep of seraph!”
Page thirty-eight

The brothers set out one more time to find out once and for all; if Salamo is the sequential cold blooded killer that the police are looking for.
The afternoon sun is more intense as the boys make their way down the old factory road, Winslow points out a perfect mirage down at the end of the roar, almost where the roar meets up with the train tracks. Duncan said, “If we hurry up we’ll get to see the one twenty-three coach train; coming from Montreal.” The boys quicken their pace and pick up a little bit of speed under the noonday sun.

This time Jbo brought his fob watch to keep track of the time.
Winslow made it an absolutely sure thing so that there would not be any mistakes when it came to giving Salamo the correct wine bottle. He put on a triple six on the one ambiguous bottle containing the sleeping pills and on the other two bottles, one six for the grape juice and two for the plain wine.
When the brothers reached the end of the road, they sat in the field under the cool shade of an apple tree while they waited for the one twenty-three train to go by.

Duncan plucked a bright green apple from the tree and asks, “How long before the train comes through, Jbo?” Jbo looks at his watch and replies, “Any minute now, if it’s on time.” They could hear the distant sound of the whistle as the train crossed over the Gatineau River train trestle just a couple of miles down the track. The boys got to their feet and ran down to the end of the road and counted the cars as the train went by.

Once again the Bates brothers followed the train tracks until they came to the place on the hillside where the bums assemble. Jbo climbed and made it to the top first, Duncan and Winslow were toting the wine bottles and they were right behind him. When the boys stood at the top of the hill, Salamo the Turkish man sat in front of his hovel pretty much in the same place where he was when the boys left this morning.
This time Salamo greats them with a big grin, “Welcome lads I don’t think that you come back so soon. ‘Come; sit down! I made good strong Turkish coffee!” Jbo asks, “Wouldn’t you rather have some of Joe’s son-a-bitch wine?” Salamo replies, “I don’t drink that damn shit in hot sun, it makes me crazy like son-a-bitch mad dog!” Then he adds, “I keep that fucking wine for when sun goes down.”

Page thirty-nine

Salamo pours four coffees into small tin cans and asks, “You want sugar and canned milk or you drink it black like shit?” They answer, “Black like shit.”

Winslow takes a mouth full of the coffee and spews it right back out! And asks, “What in the fuck is this bitter shit? It doesn’t taste anything like any coffee that I’ve drank before!” Salamo chuckles, “That coffee make you strong like fucking bull! Drink’ drink before coffee gets cold.” Salamo urges.

The boys could see that their perfect plan that they came up with had a few kinks and wrinkles that might need a little bit of ironing out.

They undoubtedly didn’t plan on spending the whole day with that crazy son of a bitch Salamo! Jbo said, “We have a lot of work to get done before supper, we can’t let our sister do it all.”

He then gave the triple six bottle of wine to Salamo and said, “Enjoy the wine it’s a Joe special after supper sweet red wine, I know that Joe would want you to keep this one for yourself!”

Then Jbo gave Salamo the other bottle with the two sixes on it and said, “This one is also a good wine but not as good as the other one.
If you want to you can share this one with a friend it’s up to you.”
They all bid Salamo farewell and the Bates brothers headed for home.

On the way back home the Bates brothers try to figure out a plan for returning later in the day, sometime after supper when the sun starts to set and the day begins to cool a bit.

Jbo said, “I know that it’s a bit dangerous going at sundown but we’ll keep our distance and use our ears to hear if there is any thunderous snoring coming from Salamo’s hut, if not we’ll return home and try another time.”

They all agree to the new plan as they arrive back home, a bit earlier than they had originally planed.

But then again, we all know the one about the “The best laid plans of mice and men!” Don’t we? “Do often go astray!”
Page forty

Glendora was surprised but also pleased to see her brothers back so early! She inquired, “Did you not find Salamo this time?” Winslow replied, “Oh we found him alright, he was in the same spot where we left him!” Then Glendora inquires further, “Well did he drink the wine?” Jbo responds, “Are you kidding me? Salamo does not drink wine in the afternoon! He’ll have it with his scrumptious gourmet rat meal at supper time!”

Her brothers tell Glendora about their plan for returning later in the day, sometime after the supper hour when the sun starts to set and the day begins to cool off and hopefully then Salamo will drink the wine!

A patrol car pulls up in front of the Bates Bait Shop and B&B. Officer Lacombe and Detective Sergeant Levine get out of the vehicle and come into the Bait Shop.
Jbo greets, “Hello Detective Sergeant Levine, how many night crawlers do you need today?” The Detective replies, “Don’t be coy with me boy!” Then he asks, “What did you guys find out today on your little walk after lunch?”
Jbo inquires, “What are you cops doing following our every move through out the day?”
The Detective replies, “Not every move, only the times when you seem to be trying to do our work for us! So I ask you again, what did you find out?”

Well Officer Jbo replied, “The thing that we found out is that Salamo doesn’t drink any wine red or white, in the afternoon! So I guess that he’ll have the wine with his scrumptious gourmet rat meal at suppertime!”

Officer Lacombe comments, “It makes sense to me, Sergeant Levine I’d have the wine with my supper! I prefer the red wine myself.”
Detective Sergeant Levine suggests, “Why don’t you wait in the car while I finish up with my questioning the young lads, Levine!” Then he adds, “The Goddamn white wine goes with the friggen rat! Everyone knows that!”

Officer Lacombe acquiesces, “I’ll wait in the car for you Detective Sergeant Levine because too many cooks spoil the consommé as it goes!”
Detective Sergeant Levine gives Lacombe a dirty look and a hand gesture. “Okay’ okay I’m going Detective!” Said Officer Lacombe, and with that he went out to the patrol car, leaving Levine to his own devices.
Page forty-one


Detective Sergeant Levine said, “You can save your self a whole lot of trouble if you and your brothers work with us on this one Jbo. If you and your brothers are going back tonight it would be wise of you to tell us!”

Jbo replied, “Okay then I’ll tell you what’s happening tonight, I gave the triple six bottle of wine loaded with sleeping pills to Salamo and told him to enjoy the wine it’s a Joe special an after supper sweet red wine.”

“With any luck at all Salamo will be fast asleep when we get there and we’ll keep our distance and use our ears to hear if there is any thunderous snoring coming from Salamo’s hut, if not we intend to return home and give it a try some other time.”
Detective Sergeant Levine suggests, “I’ll have a car pick the three of you up after supper and drive you to the closest location possible and give you guys backup.” Then he added, “Don’t go it alone guys it’s far too dangerous, if Salamo is the killer that we’re looking for, now promises me that you’ll do it my way.”

Jbo agrees, “Alright Detective Levine I know that this is the best way to go about it! You have my word on it, we won’t make a move without the police being involved.”
Detective Sergeant Levine replies, “Good then it’s settled we’ll see you after supper.” Sergeant Levine comments, “I better go and see what Lacombe is up to out in the patrol car, before he thinks that I forgot all about him or shoots something! He’s a good guy just not too smart.”

Winslow asks, “Will Officer Lacombe be coming with us?” Sergeant Levine replies, “He has the night off, I think that Officer Hall is on duty tonight. Okay then I’ll see you around supper time and we’ll take it from there.”

After Detective Sergeant Levine left the Bait Shop, Jbo said “Well guys I hope that they don’t screw everything up and scare Salamo off with their sirens going and guns a blazing just like the cops do in the movies!”

Duncan adds, “Yeah ‘cause it will be our asses that are left hanging out on the line to dry if they screw up the operation.”
Page forty-two

Jbo tells his brothers about a backup plan just in case that anything does go horribly wrong when they approach Salamo’s dugout with the daylight waning after sunset.
Jbo explains, “I’ve been working on this battery powered device to use in the worm beds to get the worms to come to the surface when they get zapped.

I think that with a few adjustments I can boost the electric current so it could knock a man unconscious.” Then he went on to say, “We could set it up before we get too close to Salamo’s dugout and if he should chase us, we would backtrack and hit the switch when he’s in between the contact points; even if it doesn’t knock him out it should slow him down a lot and give us a chance to escape.”
Winslow replies, “I think we better tell Detective Sergeant Levine and if he goes along with your idea then the police could give us a hand setting it up.”
Duncan has the same opinion as Winslow and adds, “We don’t want to piss off Sergeant Levine any further than we have or give him any surprises! He’s already warned us a few times and we don’t want to end up in the clink!”
Jbo agrees, “I guess you guys are right, anyway the police would have more batteries at a higher voltage to choose from, I’ll show them the device and tell them how it works and let them decide whether they want to use it or not.”
Later that day just before supper Miss Birdie arrived at The Bates Bait Shop B&B, when she entered Miss Birdie was greeted by Winslow, “Hi Miss Birdie how was your day at school?” She replied, “Teaching at Saint Jean Bosco School is so much better than the one in Castleman.
I have all the school supplies for our tutoring class; would tonight after supper be a good time to start?” Winslow responds, “I’m sorry Miss Birdie we’ve already made plans for tonight and we can’t change them, but if you can set it up and have everything ready to go for tomorrow, I think that we’ll be available to hit the books. Then he went on to tell her, Duncan polished an old desk for you, I hope it will be okay, we can sit at the old kitchen table.”
Miss Birdie said, “I am sure that it will be fine Winslow; I’ll set everything up in the back kitchen where we will get a nice breeze and lots of sun light from the west that comes in through the French windows.”
Glendora overheard the conversation and told Miss Birdie that she would be free for the first lesson.
Page forty-three

Winslow remarks, “Well Miss Birdie I hope that you don’t find all of us too stupid to teach, we have a whole lot of catching up to do!” Miss Birdie replies, “I’m sure that all of you will do just fine, and don’t ever refer to yourselves as being stupid I think that all of you are very bright and all of you will be good students!”
Winslow said, “The one thing that I know for sure is that I don’t want to be in the Bait business for the rest of my life its okay but I want to do more than that and I’m sure that my brothers and sister also want more out of life!”

Miss Birdie replies, “I’m sure that all of you will be successful at whatever business enterprise you might try if you have the right tools to work with.”
Then she added, “I’ll do my best to teach you and all I ask of you is to try to do nothing less than your best.”
Glendora said, “All Winslow needs is someone to take the time to show him how to do something once and he gets it, I think that Winslow will be your best student!” Winslow replies, “Yeah right; the next best to Glendora, she’s the smart one in the family, but thanks anyway sis.” Then Glendora said, “Thank you big brother for such a nice complement, for that I’ll give you a bigger piece of meat pie. Supper will be served in fifteen minutes.” “Sounds good sis; I am sure that you’ll like the meat pie Miss Birdie, it’s only one of many that she cooks but definitely one of the best meals by Glendora.”
Miss Birdie replies, “I look forward to the pie as much as I do our first lesson tonight Glendora, I just have to freshen up a bit before supper and I’ll see you in the dining room.”
Detective Sergeant Levine and Officer James Hall, arrive just in time before the meat pie is put away and Glendora asks, “Would you officers like a slice of pie and a coffee?” Sergeant Levine answers, “If it isn’t too much trouble, it sure smells good!” When the officers finish the pie and coffee, Jbo tells them about his backup plan using a battery powered device to zap Salamo with just in case anything goes wrong when they approach Salamo’s dugout. Sergeant Levine said, “That’s pure genius Jbo, we have a bit of time before we go; let’s go out in the backyard and set it up so we can try the device out to see how it works.” After Detective Sergeant Levine and Officer James Hall, helped Jbo to set the device up in the backyard. Sergeant Levine said, “We’re going to need someone to walk past the contact points so we’ll know for sure if it works.” Then he added, “It’s too bad that Officer Lacombe isn’t here today he would volunteer for the job!” So it’s up to you Jim!”

Page forty-four

Officer James Hall said, “Anything Lacombe can do I can do better!” Then he added, “Just let me know when you’re ready.” Jbo said, “Any time now Officer.” Officer James Hall started to run as fast as he possibly could to get past the contact points. Detective Sergeant Levine was holding the switch and waiting for the signal from Jbo. “Hit it now!” Jbo screamed.

When Levine hit the switch it was a sight to behold, Officer Hall’s cap flew off his head as his hair stood straight up in the air and then he began to shimmy and vibrate violently as he let out a blood curdling scream and hit the ground with a sickening thud. Levine asked, “Holy shit Jim are you alright?”
Officer Hall was still shaking and couldn’t get back on his feet and bit the dirt for a second time. “Son of a bitch! That is one hell of a weapon Jbo!” Said Levine. Jbo said, “You can turn it off now Officer Levine it did its job.”

And then he asked one more time, “Are you okay Jim?” Officer Hall replied, “What in the hell happened and what was that Goddamn thing anyway?”

Jbo answered, “I call it my super duper worm blaster! Maybe we can turn down the power a little bit after all we don’t want to kill anyone with it!” Sergeant Levine said, “Shit no Jbo we don’t want to turn it down, this thing is great just the way it is! Lets load it in the car Officer Hall.”
Officer Hall responded, “Give me a few minutes Levine, I’m still a bit unsteady on my feet.” Jbo said, “I’ll give you a hand with it Detective Levine, while Officer Hall takes a few minutes to gets his bearings.”

The time was getting on and they didn’t want to be late in setting up Jbo’s battery powered device. The three Bates brothers sat in the back of the squad car, in a very short space of time they would have their chance at doing some real detective work.

The patrol car inched its way down the old factory road as not to generate too much dust and hopefully to take Salamo by complete surprise.
The car made a left turn on a side road that ran parallel to the train tracks and came to a stop. Sergeant Levine said, “Everyone sit tight while Jbo and I get everything set up.” When the device was set up the three Bates brothers moved slowly but surely in the direction of Salamo’s dugout.
Sergeant Levine and Officer Hall, did backup.
Page forty-five

As they got within fifty feet from the dugout Winslow whispered, “I don’t hear any sound at all coming from inside the dugout.” Jbo replied in a whisper, “I don’t hear anything either and I think the jig is up.”
Duncan gradually worked his way closer to the dugout and pulled back the section of carpeting that Salamo used for a door, and he said, “I don’t see anyone inside; Salamo must be out for his constitutional, and then he said to Winslow, “Go and tell Detective Levine that Salamo isn’t in the dugout and to bring a flashlight so we can get a better look inside.” While Winslow made his way back to where the Officers were, Jbo and Duncan stood guard at the dugout.

After Winslow explains the situation to Detective Levine and Officer Hall; Levine tells Hall, “I’ll Keep an eye on this end with my hand on the switch in case he shows up, you go back with the lad and check out the dugout and see what you can find out!” When they arrive back at the dugout Winslow asks, “Still no sign of Salamo?” Jbo replies, “He didn’t show up here;

I think that it’s safe to take a look inside!” Officer Hall gives an instruction, “Stand back there where it’s safe lads I’ll go in and take a look see.” Just as Officer Hall stepped inside the dugout; he heard a loud scream that appeared to be coming from the place where Detective Levine was keeping guard.

Officer Hall said, “Stay right here lads I’ll go and see what in the hell is going on back at the car!”
Meanwhile back at the car; Levine is fending off a skunk that is hell-bent on stinking up the police operation that’s in progress! Levine shouts, “Get away from me you stinking son of a bitch!” Officer Hall is running at top speed when he gets to the point where the device is set up for Salamo.

Detective Levine hits the switch to zap the skunk and both the skunk and Officer Hall get a large blast of electricity and he cartwheels arse over tea kettle in the direction of an already perturbed skunk and lands face down with his arms extended on either side of the skunk! Well sir I think that this skunk had more than enough for one day and gave it his all when he started to spray. Officer Hall begged, “What in the hell are you waiting for? Shoot the Goddamn skunk Levine!” “I can’t get a clear shot off at that bastard, Jim your head’s in the way!” Levine fires off a couple of rounds in the air.

Page forty-six

The skunk manages to keep enough toxic perfume in reserve for Detective Levine; he is blinded by the spray and is now firing his pistol in the direction that the stink is coming from and hoping to hit the skunk and not Officer Hall. The skunk had enough fun and scurried off into the underbrush before Levine gets lucky and hits something with all his shooting.

Officer Hall is slowly being electrocuted on the electrically charged ground, when the Bates brothers return to where the trap was set for Salamo. Jbo said, “Don’t shoot Detective; it’s only us!” He then goes around the contacts and shuts off the power to the device.

Winslow suggests, “Let’s call it a night before someone gets killed!” Duncan and Jbo agree and Jbo said, “If I were Salamo I’d be miles from here!” And, the three of them start walking back home.
Detective Levine asks, “Don’t you lads want a ride?”

Winslow replies, “No thanks Detective; the air is fresh and it’s a nice night for a walk, so we’ll see you later.” They didn’t take the time to see if Officer Hall made it after his shocking experience.

Meanwhile at a higher vantage point on the top of the hill,
Salamo can’t hold back the laughter any longer. He sits on the ground and tears of joy run down his tired old face as he curses, “Goddamn son-a-bitch of-bastard I don’t see anything that funny in Goddamn long fucking time!”
Then he adds, “Now is good time to drink Joe’s fucking wine; it’s too bad you dead and fail to see this fucking good time Joe, I drink this wine for you my crazy friend!”
Then Salamo looks at the bottle and reads, “triple six; it must be special blend by crazy Joe.” Salamo sits in the underbrush drinking the wine and gently drifts off into a sleep of long lost dreams.

The investigation of Salamo would have to wait until another time.
Detective Levine and Officer Hall; stunk to high heaven and went back to the police station for a badly needed shower and a change of uniform.
On the way home Jbo said, “The next time we check out old Salamo we’ll go it alone!”


Page forty-seven

Duncan said, “During all the excitement I managed to slip inside the dugout for a quick look; and I saw an old steamer trunk with a padlock on it.”
Jbo asked, “Are you sure? It was pretty dark in there!” Duncan replied, “Yeah I’m sure that’s what it was; it’s like as you know when it’s dark we continue to pick worms at night when the flashlight batteries run low and we can still see them!”

Winslow said, “Just call us cat eyes Jbo; we adjust to the dark.”
Then Jbo exclaims, “We have to get a look see inside that trunk guys!” And he adds, “We might have to win Salamo over again with a regular supply of wine; if Salamo saw us with the police he might not trust us.”

Duncan replies, “If Salamo did see us; we could tell him that what happened to the police was due to our outsmarting them!” Winslow agrees, “I think the whole police fiasco could somewhat work in our favour, now all that we need is a better plan before we try again.”

When The Bates brothers arrived back home the Police had just discovered another fresh body in one of the worm beds. Winslow went over to ask the officers if they knew who the poor soul is this time.

Officer John is the cop on duty and he replies, “No we don’t know for sure; the poor bastard is missing a leg and I from what I could tell a part of the horn is also gone!”
Winslow questions, “A part of the horn is gone, what in the hell are you talking about?” Officer John replies, “A cow kid; it’s freaking a cow!”

On closer inspection Winslow said, “Oh shit she looks familiar I think that it’s old Sally!” “She always comes up to drink at the trough early every evening then she has a little nap in the long grass.”

Winslow asks, “Who in hell could do such a thing to a defenceless cow?” Officer John replies, “It takes all kinds of hard-hearted bastards to make up this world kid; it takes all kinds of bastards!” Officer Lacombe is in the truck that is removing the cow. Lacombe calls out to Officer John, “Do you want the side of beef with a missing leg John?” Officer John replies, “Let’s first see what the butcher can do with it Lacombe then we can divide it up!”

Page forty-eight

Winslow talks to himself, “This whole day has been nothing but total bullshit!” And then he adds, “How in the hell did someone kill old Sally with two frigging cops watching the place almost twenty-four hours a day?”

Then he suddenly comes to the realisation that there is much more too this ongoing crap than meets the eye.
Winslow said, “I better talk this over with Jbo and Duncan to see what they think about it because the more I think about it, things just don’t add up!”

When Winslow talks to his brothers they too are a bit puzzled by the total lack of any clues found by the police over the last month. Jbo said, “The police don’t seem to be any closer in solving any of the murders that have taken place from either the past or the most recent murder of Father Daleau.”

Winslow adds, “I think that we have been looking in all the wrong places and if we don’t go about it in a different way none of the murders will ever be solved!” Duncan suggests, “I think that it’s time to watch the police a little closer, we could take turns watching from the back roof.”

Jbo agrees, “Yes I think that’s a good plan, if anything strange goes on we’ll have a great view and nab the bastard whoever it is!” Then he adds, “I don’t know about you guys but I’m starting to rule out Salamo for now.”
Everyone agreed and put their new plan into action, Jbo took the first watch for the duration at supper time.

Glendora brought him a tray of supper, so he wouldn’t miss anything that’s happening in the yard below; they just don’t want to leave anything to chance. Miss Birdie and Glendora said that they would keep an eye on the front and side yard in order to cover all the bases.

Jbo set up a series of flood lights that would turn night into day if anyone tried to do anything under the cover of darkness. The Bates Family was ready for just about anything and everything that came their way.

The police were changing to the evening watch; Officer John and his partner are finished for today and are being replaced by Officer Hall and Detective Sergeant Levine. Jbo signals on the intercom to put everyone on guard.

Page forty-nine

Jbo announces, “New cops on the property.”
Winslow responds, “Eyes on the ground are watching! Do you copy eyes in the sky?” Jbo replies, “I’ve got the volume down real low but I hear you clear as a bell! Winslow.” Then he adds, “Do you remember what switches to pull if we need the flood lights?”

Winslow replies, “I’ve got it covered don’t worry about it Jbo; Just don’t go and fall off the roof!” Jbo asks, “What’s Duncan up to?” Winslow replies, “Duncan is getting a few zees so he can take the next watch.”

Jbo said, “Okay little brother keep your eyes open we don’t want to miss anything.” Winslow answers, “You’re talking to cat eyes on the ground; over and out eyes in the sky!”

It didn’t take too long before the police raised a red flag as far as Jbo was concerned; the Officers were removing something that appeared to be a little suspicious from the trunk of the patrol car so Jbo used a pair of binoculars to get a better look at what exactly what they were up to.

Jbo watched as the Officers drag a large bundle down to the worm beds in the lower backyard and they drop it in a previously dug hole and start covering it up. Jbo counts the worm bed frames and makes a note so he can find the precise location where the bundle was buried.

Now as the sun begins to set in colours much more than in red beyond the trees in distant fields where rural areas and bustling city meet and their immoral deeds are covered up by Officers; who have sworn by all that they hold holy to uphold the law; the deed is done!

Officer Hall and Detective Sergeant Levine level out the ground in the worm bed and then go back to sit in the patrol car. Jbo calls on the intercom to let everyone know what he saw from the back kitchen roof. Then he signed off with, “Eyes in the sky on guard!” Winslow said, “They change guard at midnight Jbo that gives us about one hour before the next cops show up!”
Then he adds, “That should give us enough time to check it out and set up the Worm zapper just in case we might need it.” “Cat eyes on the ground over and out!”

Page fifty

Jbo takes a break and comes down from his roof top perch while everything is peaceful out in the yard. Jbo said, “The two of them are still sitting in the car so I thought that this would be a good time to get the worm zapper ready to put out after midnight.” Winslow asks, “Do you want me to go out on the roof?”
Jbo replies, “No it would be better if you give me a hand with the device; someone else can keep an eye on them from down here.” Miss Birdie offers, “I’ll do it Jbo; I can see them in the car when I’m sitting at the dinning room table, but they can’t see inside the house with the lights out.”

Jbo replies, “Just push the red button on the panel if you need us; it will cause a light to flash out in the garage.” “Okay let’s get to work Winslow; we don’t have a lot of time to make all the changes on the zapper so it will be powerful enough to knock those bastards out cold.”

Glendora asks, “Would you like a cup of coffee Miss Birdie?” Birdie replies, “That sounds good Glendora; why don’t you join me in the dinning room we could both keep an eye on the police.”

Jbo and Winslow go down the stairs that lead from the back kitchen to the garage below and get right to work on the Police zapping device.

Winslow asks, “Do you have to change it from the way it was set up for Salamo?” Jbo answers, “I just want to get a few more volts out of it; just enough so they don’t get up right away; I might even use the sprinklers at the same time for a much better conduction.”

Winslow replies, “Just as long as it doesn’t kill the frigging bastards like they killed old Sally; I guess that a little extra voltage should be okay!”

Jbo said, “I miss old Sally but I don’t think that the world would miss or cry for too long over a few bad dead cops!” Then he adds, “Hold these wires in place Winslow, while I solder them; I think this is the only change that I have to make and it will be ready all I have to do is check out the voltage.”

When they put it to the test it had an ample amount of power maybe even enough volts going to knock out a frigging horse!

Page fifty-one
Pure evil
Jbo said, “I’m going to have myself a few winks; I’ll set the alarm clock for eleven, maybe you should do the same Winslow I have a feeling that it’s going to be a long night!”

Winslow remarks, “Yeah I think Duncan had the right idea he’s already got himself an hour of sleep; we’ll have to fill him in on what’s been going on with the cops!”

Jbo said, “Lets go and tell Glendora what the plan is; she can get some sleep right after the cops change shifts.” Glendora and Miss Birdie are still vigilant at their dining room window post when Jbo and Winslow return.

After Jbo fills them in on the plan Miss Birdie offers, “I’ll keep Glendora company until bed time; tomorrow is Saturday so I don’t have to get up early.” Jbo replies, “Okay Miss Birdie but if you need help with anything don’t think twice about it just wake us up.”
Miss Birdie agrees with the plan; so Jbo and Winslow are off to get a little shut-eye.
Meanwhile out in the patrol car: Officer Hall and Detective Sergeant Levine are contemplating their next move. Levine remarks, “What in the hell was Lacombe thinking about when he let the lad know that they were taking the Goddamn cow to the butchers?”

Hall replies, “You know Lacombe he’s an idiot; his main problem is just that he doesn’t think before he shoots off his mouth!” Levine suggests, “Well he better smarten up or he’ll end up in one of the Goddamn worm beds like some of the other loose tongue bastards did!”

And then he adds, “I know that you were pissed off at the Goddamn cow Hall but you didn’t have to kill the fucking thing! Did you?” Hall replies, “You know me Levine; I don’t take no shit from no one, not even from a fucking cow Levine; not even a cow!”

Levine warns, “Well everyone better smarten up before we all end up in fucking trouble I’m talking about something a hell of a lot worse than fucking cow shit; Goddamn it Hall use your head! The lads are young but they’re not stupid Hall!” Hall replies, “Maybe we could scare them Levine!”

Page fifty-two

Levine suggests, “Its guys like you and Lacombe that fucking scare me Hall! From now on you don’t make a move without asking me first; now do you have a problem with that Hall?” Hall replies, “No sir I don’t you’re the boss Levine!”
Hall asks, “Who’s on the next shift?” Levine replies, “Another couple of jerk-offs Officer Dème and Officer Plouffe they’ll be here around one o’clock until seven in the morning.” Hall said, “I trained those two rookies myself so they know the drill.”

Levine replies, “They better keep in line if they know what’s good for them.” Then he adds, “I’m tired of dealing with screw ups! The force just isn’t the same as it used to be Hall; they’re all a bunch of do-gooders trying to deal with criminals!” Then he ends, “Maybe it’s time for me to get the hell out of law enforcement; there are too many nice guys in the department these days; it just isn’t the same!”
Levine gets out of the car he looks up at the clouding over sky and remarks, “It’s going to rain before the night is over I can feel it in my bones!” Hall asks, “Do you want me to go and get a couple of coffees and something to nibble on?”
Levine replies, “Yeah sure get me two of those pastry things with that artificial cream shit and strawberry jam in it, do you need a few bucks?”
Hall responds, “That’s okay you get it the next time.”
Officer Hall drives off leaving Detective Levine standing there as the rain begins to come down in buckets. He goes to the front of the Bait Shop hoping to get out of the rain, he sees a sign in the door window; closed for the day.
Meanwhile inside the house,
Miss Birdie and Glendora were keeping a close eye on what was going on outside and Glendora said, “One of the Officers is still out there in the rain, should we ask him to step inside?”

Miss Birdie replies, “No I don’t think that we should Glendora, the Officer out there is Levine and out of all the officers on the case I don’t trust him most of all, it’s something about his cold gray eyes that frighten me!” Then Birdie adds, “When Levine spoke to me I had a feeling that his voice epitomizes that of the devil’s I think that he could be pure evil!”
Levine knocks on the door.

Page fifty-three
The perfect shit storm

“Tap-Tap-Tap!” Levine calls out, “Open the door it’s the Police!” Glendora replies, “We are all out of bait and we’re closed for the day, if you want a room there are none available try again tomorrow.” Levine demands, “Open this Goddamn door or I’ll kick it open.”
Miss Birdie speaks, “You have no reason or right to talk to anyone like that Officer Levine, and if I were you I’d leave before you do something stupid; now get out of here while you still can! Do you hear me Officer Levine?”
Meanwhile: Officer Hall is at a small restaurant in Wrightville, and is talking to Officer Dème and Officer Plouffe. Hall said, “I think its time for Levine to retire from the force, he hasn’t got the stomach to get the job done any longer! Then he adds, “Tonight is Levine’s last night on the job if I have anything to say about it.”
Officer Plouffe replies, “We’ll see you about midnight to give you a hand.”
Officer Hall takes the bag with the coffee and snacks and said to the man at the cash register, “Put it on the cuff!” Then he heads back to the Bait Shop.
Officer Plouffe went to the cash and said, “Put ours on the same cuff.”
Meanwhile back at the Bait Shop:
Glendora hits the panic button on the panel; to alarm her brothers of the danger outside. Then a whole series of sirens and bells go off and the house lights up like a Christmas tree and then, Glendora pushes the button that reads ‘defend the door’ ‘and’ Officer Levine is hit with enough electrical energy that threw him back ten feet from the door.
He lands flat on his ass in a puddle; Levine sits there in shock with his mouth wide open and is unable to speak. Miss Birdie calls out, “Do you want to see what round two can do Detective?”
The three Bates brothers get there just in time to see round two as Glendora hits the button, that’s when the shit actually hits the fan! Jbo had rigged a high powered pump from the septic tank that could blow a large amount of shit in a short space of time.
As the putrid crap left the nozzle pointing in Levine’s direction the smell became unbearable; Detective Levine is still sitting in the puddle with his mouth opened wide as the shit covers him.
Miss Birdie calls out, “Officer down and out!” Winslow adds, “Do you need back up Officer Levine?” Duncan yelled, “Get the hell off our property you dirty son-a-bitch of a shit-covered bastard!” Jbo said, “Switch it over to reserve septic tank two, here comes Officer Hall in the patrol car.”

Page fifty-four
The clean up

Officer Hall gets out of the car and slowly walks to where Levine is sitting. He asks, “Are you okay Levine?” Then he adds, “Well I think you are in a whole lot of shit that’s much worse than cow shit Levine; do you want a bit of the coffee to get the taste of shit out of your mouth huh; what’s that? I can’t hear you do ya want the fucking coffee?” Then Officer Hall points his gun at Detective Levine.

Officer Hall asks, “Do you have anything to say in your defence Detective Levine?” Levine has no reply he’s still in shock with his mouth wide open and is unable to speak a single word.

Hall taunts Levine by asking, “Did the cat get your tongue Levine? You had a lot to say earlier about Lacombe and me, now would you like to change your testimony or do you want to let it stand as the truth and nothing but the truth so help you God!” Then he adds, “I guess its time for one more body in the worm bed and also its time for a new boss!”
Jbo can tell by the sound of Hall’s voice that he doesn’t have a second to spare if he wants Levine to live and face Justice in court and not by Officer Hall’s thirty-eight Police Special!

As Hall cocks the hammer of the gun, Jbo hits the button that reads,
‘Reserve septic tank’ as the second round of putrid crap and crud left the nozzle at a much higher velocity than the first blast of shit, the nozzle was pointing in Hall’s direction and hit the target. The disgusting smell of crap became even more unbearable than it did the first time around!

I’m not too sure what it was exactly that happened next, it might have been a lot of the methane gas that was released at a high rate of speed from the septic tank and Officer Hall’s gun going off at the same time that caused a small bright hot flash explosion that scorched everything in a fifty foot circle.

The two Officers sat stock-still on the ground facing each other in total silence as the bits of putrid crap still rained down from high above them.
They both were covered from head to foot with hot half-baked shit and crud that sizzled and steamed as it was cooled by the falling rain.



Page fifty-five

Never before that day or ever since has there been a shit storm on record as far as I know that could have even come close to matching the perfect shit storm that happened back on that rainy September day in nineteen fifty-eight!

Before the air was clear and the possibility of other bad cops showing up, Winslow called the police to report a fresh body that was dumped in the worm bed earlier that night; someone who they believe was assassinated by a bunch of rogue cops.

When Winslow made the phone call and spoke to the desk Sergeant, he made it very clear that the police should only send someone who didn’t have any connection to Detective Levine or any of his squad of officers.

After Winslow made the call, Glendora told Miss Birdie that she was surprised by how brave she thought Miss Birdie was. Birdie replied, “You and your brothers were the ones who showed a lot of bravery and courage Glendora!”
Jbo waited outside for the police to show up and kept an eye on the two Officers still sitting on the ground.
Because Officer Hall and Detective Sergeant Levine were totally encased inside a blanket of crap they both only suffered minor burns from the hot flash explosion, they survived the ordeal to face criminal charges.
They were arrested and charged with the murder of Father Daleau, they were also held as murder suspects for all the bodies that were discovered and yet to be uncovered in the worm beds.

The two rookies Officer Dème and Officer Plouffe who were next in line to guard the crime scene were called in and questioned by the Captain and then were removed from the case, after they gave their side of the story about the type of unlawful things that had been going on for many years by Detective Levine and his bunch of rogue cops.
No one could be sure just how deep the corruption went on the force, there would have to be a complete internal investigation; in order to remove the long list of the bad cops like Detective Levine and Officer Lacombe and also his partner in crime Jim Hall from the Police force.

Page fifty-six
Clean up two

Back at the Bait Shop and B&B Jbo and his brothers are trying their best to clean up all the crud in the front yard before the sun comes up. Jbo is using
an old discarded pump-er truck from the Fire Department in order to have enough water pressure that would flush the crud down the hill to the lower pasture, and with any luck the stench from the crud would die down.

Miss Birdie turned in for the night, and Glendora had more than enough excitement for one day and made her way to bed.
Four Patrol cars pulled up in front of the Bait Shop,
Jbo directed the Police to the worm bed where the last body was buried.
Detective Sergeant Lachance was put in charge of the investigation.
The new officer didn’t take too long to start documenting all the evidence; the last body that was buried in the worm bed is identified. His name is Jack White a local business man.

Jbo turned on the flood lights to make it easier for the police to look for the bodies and any other evidence in the yard that might be found.

Both Officer Dème and Officer Plouffe told Detective Sergeant Lachance about the protection scam to supplement their wages it was a scheme that Detective Sergeant Levine and his rogue cops were using on the local business merchants on their beat.

When they were questioned about Father Daleau; Officer Plouffe said, “Detective Levine told me that he just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Plouffe added, “The priest was a witness that saw the cops burying a body in the worm bed so Levine told me he had to go.”

Before Jbo and his brothers turned in for the night; Jbo told Detective Sergeant Lachance not to leave the flood lights on for too long because they get very hot and could cause a fire.
Detective Lachance said, “We are just about finished here for tonight you can turn them out Jbo and with any luck we’ll be done by the middle of next week and be out of your way so you can get on with life and your business.”
Jbo replied, “It couldn’t be soon enough Detective Lachance it’s been a long hard month!”

Page fifty-seven
A time to dream

The difficult day finally came to an end for Jbo and his brothers and sister, hopefully as Detective Lachance suggested that they would be able to get on with a somewhat more normal life; well as normal as life can be when you are young and doing your best at trying to live as an adult much before it’s time to do so.
As Jbo gets ready for bed; he looks out the bedroom window and then Jbo watches the ribbons of light that go across the ceiling from the cars as three of the patrol cars quietly drive away from the Bates Bait Shop and B&B, leaving just one car behind to guard the property overnight.

And Jbo the brave and weary warrior knight does fall into a slumber deep behind the guarded castle walls and dreams of Knights and beautiful maidens fair in the enchanting place in dreams called Camelot.

As the sun does rise to greet a brand new day at the Bates Bait Shop and B&B Glendora and Winslow are the first ones up, and start to get breakfast on the go. The rough night and lack of sleep they had shows on their faces, as they both go through the motions of making breakfast for the gang.

Duncan comes bouncing down the stairs with a gleam in his eye and greets them saying, “Good morning! I don’t know about you guys but I had the best ‘Goddamn’ sleep last night that I’ve had in years!”
Glendora responds, “I’m glad to hear that but do you have to use bad language before breakfast?”

Duncan replies, “I’m sorry my-lady! That I offended your virgin ears before breakfast; I should be flogged with a wet rope.” Then he adds, “It’s a beautiful morning and it should be a crime for anyone to be in a bad mood on such a nice day!” Glendora looks at Duncan with her eyes squinted and said, “Well then pitch me in the clink you smart-ass asshole!”

Winslow begs, “Please guys try to get along; you know how it upsets me when the two of you fight!” Then he adds, “You wouldn’t want Miss Birdie to see you fighting would you?” Duncan replies, “I think that you’re a bit sweet on Miss Birdie; aren’t you Winslow?” Winslow replies, “So what is wrong with that, we all have to grow up sometime don’t we?”
Page fifty-eight

Duncan agrees, “Yeah I guess we all have to do that some day but not today!”
He adds, “When I grow up I’m not going to go gaga over some silly girl.”
Glendora puts her two cents worth in, “That’s good Duncan because that will save one girl from a lot of misery!”

Duncan changes the subject, “I better go give Jbo a call it’s going to be a busy day.” Winslow said, “Don’t disturb Miss Birdie let her sleep-in she doesn’t have to teach today.” Duncan teases, “Don’t worry little brother I won’t wake up your girl friend.”

Jbo is on his way down the stairs and on hearing the topic of discussion for the morning tells Duncan, “Stop teasing your brother you know that you would like him to find love and happiness someday; we all want that even little children like you need love!” Then he adds, “We have a lot of work to do today and there’s no time for fighting each other little brother so let’s get to it!”
Duncan gives a half-hearted apology, “I’m sorry guys I was in a Goddamn good mood when I first got up but now I’m sincerely sorry that I did!”

Jbo said, “Good now that’s out of the way lets have breakfast and get back to the business at hand; we have to get the place ready for our Bed and breakfast expansion with the honeymoon suite, the Bait shop will be closed for the season in a week or so.”

Winslow adds, “Yeah and we still have to get rid of the stink out in the yard before we can do anything else, I feel sorry for the cops working out there in the yard!” Glendora calls the boys to the table, “Come and get it before everything gets cold little brothers!”
Duncan leans close to his sister and whispers, “Sorry little sis I’ll try to do better with my bad language in front of a lady like you!”
And Duncan gives her a kiss on the check to show his sister that he really cares about her feelings. Glendora puts more on his plate and said, I like you too little brother, you’re going to make some girl very happy someday and she’ll be lucky to have you for her sweet husband!”

Duncan replies, “I hope so sis and I wish the same for you someday but not today we have too much to do on such a beautiful September day.
Page fifty-nine
All business

It had rained heavily most of the night and pretty well washed a large amount of the crud down the hill to the lower pasture where it would be absorbed into the ground over time.
Winslow went to the worm beds where the police were making a lot of headway gathering evidence to put the rogue cops away for a long time.

Detective Sergeant Lachance dropped by to see how the officers were
doing with their investigation and he told Winslow that he was pleased with the way that things were moving along at a good pace. Winslow asks, “Would the officers like something to eat and a nice hot cup of coffee?

Lachance replied, “That would be great just make out a bill for everything and I’ll pay you for it!” Then he adds, “We don’t want to take advantage of your good nature just because we’re in uniform we want to pay our way.”
Winslow took their order for breakfast and went back to the house to get everything ready for the new officers on the job.

When Winslow returned to the house and gives the breakfast order to
Glendora; he asks, “How much should we charge for each order?” Glendora answers, “You’re better at figuring out numbers; you make the bill while I fix up the trays.”

Miss Birdie is in the dining room and overhears the conversation and offers her help, “I dine out a lot and I’m familiar with the prices on the restaurant menus, could I give you some help with the bill Winslow?” He replies, “We could use all the help we can get Miss Birdie!”
Birdie offers, “There’s one condition if I help you, just call me Birdie!”
Winslow agrees to Birdie’s request and they both sit at the table and make out the bill. When the bill is finished Winslow looks at it and asks, “Do you think we should put a delivery charge on it Birdie?” She replies, “Yes I do there should a charge for any service that you provide Winslow, it’s only good business!” Winslow takes the tray of breakfast out to the officers and hands the bill to Detective Sergeant Lachance and is paid in full!
The day got off to a rough and rocky start for the Bates family but it seems that all the bumps on the road of life are being leveled out one by one as the day moves on.

Page Sixty

With everything under control by Detective Lachance out in the yard and life returning back to some extent as regular routine, Jbo Duncan and decide to begin work on the upstairs front room. Birdie offers to take Glendora out in the car to check out some garage sales to try and get some nineteen twenty’s or thirty’s furniture to decorate the room.

Winslow’s job would be to take care of the Bait Shop for the afternoon.
It was shortly after lunch when Winslow saw a familiar looking character crossing the road towards the Bait Shop.
It was Salamo; he comes into the village to buy his supplies of canned goods and shaving lotion! Salamo enters the shop and greets Winslow, “Hello you son-of-a-Joe how’s it going for you sons a-bitches?” “Not to bad; you old bastard!” Winslow replied. Then he asks, “What brings you to this part of town Salamo?” He replies, “What in hell do you have for me Joe’s little son-a-bitch?”
Winslow said, “Worms you old fucker! Do you need any worms or did you just come here to give me a hard time?” Salamo laughs and said, “What happened to our son-a-bitch friend Detective Sergeant bastard Levine?”
Winslow answers, “That bastard’s in jail where he belongs.” He then adds, “What do you mean by our friend?”
Salamo replies, “I serve in de army wit dat dirty son-a-bitch Levine; I learn him every-ting how to do dee hand to hand combat.” Then old Salamo turns his head to the side still keeping his squinted eyes concentrated on Winslow! Then he said in a quiet voice, “He learn how to kill like dat, ‘Salamo snaps his fingers.’ Then he adds, he kills without making noise, but he no can kill so good like Salamo!”

Winslow said, “I know what I have for you it’s just what the doctor ordered, I’ll be right back don’t leave it won’t take me but a minute!” Winslow goes down in the cellar to get a bottle of wine. He thinks to himself, “If Salamo is in the mood to talk; this should help to get more of the words out of that dirty son-a-bitch!” Winslow returns to the shop and said, “Come to the kitchen with me and we’ll have a drink of Joe’s son-a-bitch wine!” Salamo replies, “Now you talking fucking Turkey Joe’s bastard son!”

Winslow turns on the intercom in the kitchen so Jbo and Duncan can hear his conversation with Salamo; while they work in the upstairs bedroom.

Page Sixty-one
Loose lips sink ships

Winslow said to Salamo, “Sit down make yourself comfortable I’ll get a couple of tin cups to drink the wine from just like they used in the army!”
Winslow got two tin cups from the cupboard he filled his cup three quarters full from a wine bottle filled with grape juice.

He sat the empty cup on the table in front of Salamo and poured the wine to the brim and said, “I drink to the army and every good bastard that ever served in it; to your health!”

Salamo replies, “To Goddamn soldiers!” Then he drinks the wine down in one long drink he wipes his mouth on his sleeve and slams the cup on the table. Winslow still has the bottle in his hand and pours another cup for Salamo.

Then Winslow asks, “Tell me more about our mutual friend Levine;
has he kept in touch with you after you left the army?”
Salamo replied, “I see dat son-a-bitch last week; he bring me my money.”
Winslow questioned, “Oh did Levine owe you some money?”
Salamo answered, “Dat son-a-bitch He pay me for work I do for him!”

Meanwhile in the upstairs bedroom: Jbo and Duncan can hear every word, but the intercom is not set for a both way conversation.
Jbo said, “I think that Winslow is on to something, but I hope he doesn’t push Salamo too far.” Duncan replies, “Me too; pay close attention in case he needs our help!”
Winslow asks, “What kind of work did you do exactly for Levine?”
Salamo taps his cup on the table, “Come on fill up de cup!” Winslow pours more wine. Salamo drinks it down and softly whispers, “You know de kind of work dat I do de best my little son-of-a-Joe!” Then Salamo gets up from the table gives Winslow a smart salute and said, “See you and your brothers down by de tracks sometime soon, don’t forget to bring de son-a-bitch wine my friend!” Salamo picked up his knapsack flung it over his shoulder and left the Bait Shop as quickly as he did when he came in.
Winslow asks over the intercom, “Did you guys hear everything?”
Jbo keys the microphone, “Not everything but we did hear enough to tie him to Levine!” Duncan asks, “How much wine did you drink little brother?”

Page Sixty-two
Tit for tat

Winslow answers, “I didn’t drink any wine but if you two join me I’m ready for something after that little close quarter episode with scary old Salamo.”
Jbo said, “I know what you mean I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him!” Then he adds, “Now that we have this information I guess that we should share it with Detective Lachance.”

Duncan agrees, “Yeah the Police get paid to take chances, and they also have guns to shoot the bastard!” Winslow said, “I’ll give Lachance a call and tell him about Salamo’s visit, and he can take it from there!”

When Winslow made the call and told Detective Lachance about Salamo Lachance asked, “How do I go about finding him?” Winslow replied, “He has a dugout on the hillside by the tracks not too far from the old factory road,”
Then Lachance asks, “Do you know where it is exactly?” Winslow answers, “He has been in the same spot for years, when we were kids our father used to take us moss picking not too far from where Salamo has his dugout!”
Lachance said, “I’m not going to beat around the bush; if you could show me how to get there it would save me a lot of time, you know the countryside better than I do.” Winslow asks, “If we go along with you wouldn’t that put us young folks in harms way?”

Detective Lachance answers, “We’re not going to take any foolish chances for you guys and you can stay back in the car once we know where to find him!”
Winslow said, “I can’t speak for my brothers I’ll have to ask them and get back to you a bit later today! Okay?” Lachance replies, “I’ll wait for your call Winslow.” After explaining the call to his brothers;

Jbo said, “Here we go again boys! Did you ask Lachance who’s going to give us a hand to get our work done around here?”
Winslow replies, “I’ll ask him that exact question; will they help us if we agree to help the Police to get this case closed and put all of the partners in crime behind bars!” Duncan agrees, “We’ll help them cook Salamo’s greasy goose if the Police use a bit of elbow grease around here to help us get the upstairs room finished!”

Page Sixty-three


Winslow replies, “Good God Duncan did you have to say that? Now every time we have roast goose I’ll picture old Salamo roasting over an open fire on a spit!” Then he adds, “Glendora is a good cook but it doesn’t matter how you spice it I’d still blow chunks.” Duncan agrees, “Yeah I guess you’re right he’d be a tough old bird to chew on no matter how you slice it!”

Jbo asks, “Are you guys finished chewing over the Salamo topic, we have a big decision to make do we help the Police or not?” Winslow suggests, “Why don’t we wait until Glendora and Birdie get back and see what they think about it before we decide what we’re going to do!”
Jbo said, “Okay then we’ll wait, now let’s get back to work Duncan the room isn’t going to get finished by itself.”

Winslow suggests, “The Bait sales are a bit slow so why don’t I give you guys a hand; if anyone needs worms they can ring the bell for service.” He adds, “The only thing that is going fast today is the wine and that customer had his limit for today.”
The three of them agree and head upstairs to finish the work on the front room. Duncan and Jbo painted the ceiling and were just putting the final wallpaper trim on and doing some floor cleaning before the furniture is placed in the room.
Winslow remarks, “You guys did a great job, the wallpaper makes the room look a lot bigger!” Then he asks, “Are the girls getting the curtains today?” Jbo answers, “Glendora said that they were looking for old furniture that is in good condition if possible and if the money holds out they will go shopping for some new long curtains.” Duncan adds, “If anyone can make a dollar stretch a mile or more that would be Glendora!”

Winslow asks, “What can I do to help out?” Jbo replies, “Hang the paper in the closet, Duncan will give you a hand while I get started on cleaning up the dripped paste on the floor.”

Every thing is coming along great and the Bates boys are finally getting close to finishing the room so they can rent it out and make a few extra dollars with the Bed and Breakfast Honeymoon suite.
Glendora and Birdie return from the garage sales with the Furniture.

Page Sixty-four

The 1946 Pontiac streamliner four door sedan was overflowing with end tables and chairs and tiffany lamps not to mention all of the odds and ends that Glendora and Birdie found at the yard and garage sales.

Some of the items were perched and tied precariously on the roof rack of the old Pontiac, but they somehow made it without leaving one single treasure along the boulevard on their way back home.
To announce her arrival Glendora does it by ringing the service bell on the counter, not once or twice but three times then three times again.

Winslow yelled, “Hold on to your horses and stop ringing I’ll be right down, what is it anyway a worm emergency?” When he got to the Bait Shop counter Glendora rang the bell once more and said, “Come and see all the great things that Birdie and I bought for the new bedroom! Winslow replied, “Calm down a bit you have to get out and see more of the world Glendora; it’s an amazing place away from home.”

Glendora could not contain her excitement as she jumped up and down and pulled her brother by the arm, “Come on Winslow come and take a look you’re just going to love all the stuff that Birdie and I found!” He replies, “Okay’ Okay I’m coming you don’t have to pull my arm out of the socket Glendora, gees girl I’ve never seen this girlie side of you before!”

Winslow didn’t want to admit it to himself but he liked what he saw in Glendora, she was starting to become a lovely young women, and he also hadn’t seen her this happy in a long time.
Winslow held Glendora’s hand and walked to the car with her to see if he could find out what made this great big change in his little sister.

When Birdie saw them together she remarked, “What a cute picture the two of you make, I wish that I had a camera because no one would believe it was possible for a brother and sister to care so much for each other!”
Then she added, “Well not just any brother and sister you guys are special.”

The three of them started to unload the car and bring their treasures inside the house, even Winslow was pleased and impressed with the things that they bought for such a small amount of money.

Page Sixty-five

After they had all the furniture and other items inside; Winslow told Glendora about Salamo’s visit and the call he made to Detective Lachance about Salamo, he also told her that Lachance requested help on how to go about finding Salamo.
Both Glendora and Birdie were concerned about the boys putting themselves in danger once again in order to help the Police do their job.

Jbo said, “Detective Lachance said that they’re not going to take any foolish chances and we could stay back in the car once they know where to find Salamo!” then he added, “We have to do something to put an end to the never ending investigation and put the murderers behind bars where they belong!”
Glendora suggests, “Why don’t we have supper first and then we could decide what’s the best thing to do.” Birdie agrees, “I think Glendora is right you don’t have to give the Police an answer right now it’s been a long day and you need time to think about it!”
Jbo replies, “You are both right and anyway we don’t get paid to do their work so let them wait for awhile; we’ll give them our answer in the morning!”

Birdie said, “Good now that it’s settled I want to take all of you out for a fancy restaurant supper; it’s my treat!” Then she adds, “I don’t want to hear any excuses go and get yourselves ready tonight is going to be a special time for all of us.”
Glendora asks, “Would you give me some help with my hair Birdie? I must look a mess!” Birdie replies, “You look lovely but I’ll give you a hand to style it a bit different if you would like me to.”

Winslow messes up his hair and asks, “Could you show me a different way to do my hair too Birdie?” As he stands there with his hair, pointing in all directions. Birdie starts to laugh and soon everyone joins in the laughter and has tears of joy streaming down their faces.
Birdie suggests, “Why don’t you go just as you are Winslow they might take pity on you and give you a free meal!” Winslow replies, “Alright then I will!” Birdie said, “Go silly goose and get ready before the restaurant closes.” Then Birdie adds, “You are a funny man Winslow, I’ll call to make to the reservation for a party of five!”

Page Sixty-six

This will be a new experience for the Bates family; they are all going out to dine at one of the local establishments on the boulevard; Birdie thought that one of the best ways for them to learn about life is to experience some of the finer things that it has to offer.
After a bit of sprucing up the boys were all looking very spiffy in their suits and ties and the girls in long dresses, this is going to be an evening to remember.
They all got into Birdie’s pride and joy the 1946 Pontiac streamliner and head off to the restaurant; Birdie is looking forward to this as much as Glendora and her brothers.

When they arrived at the LaSavoy dining lounge; Birdie said to Jbo, “When the meal is over ask the head waiter for the bill, I’ll give you the money to pay it!” Jbo asks, “Why don’t you just pay him it’s your money?” Birdie answers, “The gentlemen always pay!”

They go inside the restaurant Birdie tells the hostess, “We are the Martingale party of five.” The hostess replies “Walk this way I’ll show you to your table.” Duncan and Winslow both try to walk like the hostess and Jbo said to Birdie and Glendora, “You can dress them up but you still can’t take them anywhere!”

Glendora replied, “I think that they spent too much time with Salamo that’s why they act like they do.”
Jbo helped Birdie with her chair. She said, “Thank you sir!” When Duncan saw this he quickly went over to Glendora and gave her a hand with the chair. Birdie remarked, “We are lucky to be dining with well-mannered gentlemen Glendora.”
The room is dimly lit and the table setting is strikingly exquisite and lit by candle light to set the mood for a dining experience and memories that the Bates family and Birdie will surely treasure for the rest of their lives.
When the waiter came to their table and placed the menus in front of everyone, Winslow started to rapidly tap his foot and Duncan said “well sir I thought that old thumper wasn’t going to make it in time for supper!”
Birdie said to Duncan, “Don’t pick on your brother he’s just a bit nervous!”
Then Birdie placed her hand on Winslow’s hand and said, “It’s just a meal sweetie try to relax!” He replied, “I was just counting contentment Birdie.”

Page Sixty-seven

One of the items on the menu is breast of roast goose with an orange sauce.
Duncan points it out to Winslow, “Do you think the orange sauce would help you to choose the roast goose Winslow?” He replied, “It would take a lot more than that to get the image of Salamo on a spit from my mind!”

Birdie responded, “Goodness gracious boys what an awful thought! Then she adds, “Let me suggest the roast beef and baked potato with sour cream.”

Duncan asks, “Don’t they have fresh cream?” Birdie said, “I’ll order the roast beef for everyone, and I’m sure that you will enjoy it. You don’t have to use the sour cream if you don’t want to.”

Birdie made the right choice, the roast beef was a big hit with everyone and the chocolate cake for dessert also didn’t leave them asking for more.
The meal was more than ample for everyone. Birdie asked, “Would anyone like more coffee before we ask for the check?”

Winslow responded, “I don’t know about the rest of you but I’ll have one more for the road.” Glendora asks, “Would you order one for me, I have to use the girl’s room” Birdie said, “Order one for me too; I’ll go with you Glendora.”

On the way to the restroom Glendora saw a familiar face at the cash and pointed him out to Birdie. “It was Detective Sergeant Lachance he was talking to the owner and he didn’t appear to be in a very good mood!

Lachance didn’t see Glendora or probably didn’t recognize her being all dressed up; the both of them tried to get a bit closer to hear what the problem was between Lachance and the owner.

What they heard was Lachance telling the owner that he better have the money the next time or there is going to be hell to pay then he stormed out of the restaurant.
Birdie said, “It doesn’t sound too good Glendora; hurry let’s go to the restroom and get back to tell the boys what we heard!”
Glendora replied, “Lachance is not a good cop he’s the same as Detective Sergeant Levine!”


Page Sixty-eight

When the girls got back to the table the waiter poured the coffee and asked, “Will there be anything else?” Birdie said, “I think that’s all thank you!” Jbo said, “The meal was great you can bring the check now.”
After the waiter left the table Jbo asked the girls, “What’s wrong; the both of you look like you’ve seen a ghost?
Glendora replied, “The man we saw wasn’t dead, he is though to a certain extent dead in my books; we saw Detective Sergeant Lachance asking the owner for money in a threatening manner!” Birdie added, “I’m sure that Lachance didn’t see us standing there, he told the owner that he better have the money the next time or there is going to be hell to pay then he heatedly stormed out of the restaurant.”
Jbo said, “Well that helps me to make my decision, when we get back to the house I’ll give Lachance a call and tell him that Salamo moved to another location and didn’t leave a forwarding address!” Winslow suggests, “Lachance can wait; our dining experience isn’t over yet, the waiter just poured the coffee and I’m going to take my time and enjoy it!”

Birdie agrees, “Winslow is right we don’t have to cut short our evening out and spoil it for everyone, I thought that we might take a nice drive up to the Wakefield Bakery and buy some bread and buns.” Glendora said, “Well I for one think that it is a great idea, it’s a lovely night for a drive and I don’t want the evening to end; I’m not ready to go home yet Birdie.” The waiter presented the check to Jbo and said, “I hope that everything was satisfactory and do come again sir, you can pay me when you’re ready.” Jbo replied, “We will and thank you the meal was delicious!” Jbo looked at the check and said to Birdie, “Oh my God are you sure that you have enough money to pay this bill for everyone?” Birdie replied, “If not I guess we will have to wash a lot of dishes to pay for it.” Then Birdie passed the money under the table to Jbo and said, “This will cover the tip for the waiter, he did a good job and served us well.” Duncan asks, “Do we have to tip the cook too?” Birdie answers, “No Duncan I think that he gets well paid as a chef the waiter on the other hand needs the extra money to get by.” The waiter came to the table to get the small tray with the money on it and Duncan said, “I’m sorry that you’re having a tough time getting by.” And he tosses an extra fifty cents on the tray, the waiter smiles and said, “Why thank you sir! Thank you very much.” Birdie with a red face said, “It’s time to go.”

Page Sixty-nine

It was getting close to seven in the evening when they left the restaurant.
After a bit of kidding tossed in Duncan’s direction by Jbo about his little Faux-pas with the waiter, they were all in the car and on their way for a nice drive to the Wakefield Bakery.

As Birdie makes a left turn north down the Chelsea road, just as she approaches dead man’s curve she sees a patrol car that had been following from a distance that suddenly speeds up and attempts to pass her on the curve.
Birdie gets a glimpse of the officer that is driving the patrol car; it is no one other than Detective Sergeant Lachance trying to force them off the road. Somehow Birdie jams on the breaks and manages to skillfully stop the car dead in its tracks.

But the patrol car shoots right past Birdie’s car and slides off the road rolling over and over in the ditch until it finally comes to a stop upside down with Lachance trapped inside the car. Birdie drives her car off to the side of the road so the car doesn’t get struck from the rear.
She said to the boys, “Go and see if you can help him and I’ll go and find a telephone to report the accident.”

When the boys got to the patrol car they saw a lot of money scattered on the ground; just outside the car was a black bag of twenties and ten dollar bills.
Detective Sergeant Lachance called out to the boys, “Give a hand to get out of here and I’ll make it worth your while guys.”

Jbo replied, “Miss Martingale went for help.” Then he asked, “Did you break anything.” Lachance answered, “No everything seems to be fine, but I need to get the hell out of here now!” he adds, “Get the tire iron from the trunk and see if you can force the door opened.”

Jbo warns Lachance, “You better sit tight there’s a lot of gas spilling from the car and we don’t want to make a spark while trying to pry the door,
the whole thing could go off like a bomb.”
Lachance pleads, “Just get me out of here, one way or the other my goose is going to be cooked when the QPP get here.” He adds, get me out and you can take the case of money its all yours!”

Page Seventy

Winslow said, “Pass your gun out first and then we’ll give it a try Officer!”
Lachance responds, “Oh for fucks sake okay take the gun now don’t go and shoot yourself with the fucking thing!” Duncan pops the trunk and everything falls out. Jbo asks, “Do you see the tire iron?” Duncan replies, “One can opener coming up.”
Jbo said, “I’m glad we drank all that coffee guys, I’m going to need some help wetting the car down so we don’t get sparks!”
The three of them had a good long pea on the side of the patrol car.
Lachance yelled, “What in the hell are you doing you’re pissing all over me.” Jbo replied, “Better piss than sparks and fire Officer!”

Jbo needed a bit of leverage for the tire iron so used a large piece of Police persuasion pipe that fell out of the drunk; the door popped opened and out crawled Lachance from the overturned car. Jbo said, “You better stick to the back roads, now get the hell out of here Lachance before the QPP get here.”
Lachance took off like a frightened little bunny rabbit.

Winslow said, “Stand back boys this bastard is going to blow!” He fired the gun at the gas tank and the sucker lit up the night sky! Winslow then tossed the gun in what was left of the car and said, “Our work is done here brothers lets go and see if we can find Birdie and Glendora, we need a ride home.”

They didn’t get too far down the road when Winslow said, “Now that looks like a 1946 Pontiac streamliner four door sedan to me boys, I guess we don’t have to walk all the way home.

The car pulls up and they hear a soft steamy voice from inside the car, “Are you going our way boys?” Winslow asks, “Where are you going girls?” Birdie replies, “Why the Wakefield Bakery young man, do you want to come along for the ride?” Just as Birdie’s car left and was out of sight the QPP arrived at the scene of the accident.
On the way to Wakefield Jbo told the girls about what had happened back at the scene of the crash! Birdie said, “When I called the Police I told them that there was a single car accident on dead man’s curve but I didn’t give them my right name or tell them that we were involved in any way.”
Winslow said, “I don’t think that Lachance is going to say that he attempted to run us off the road and ended up in the ditch by mistake.”

Page Seventy-one

Meanwhile back at dead man’s curve; the car was still burning when the QPP arrived and they at first thought that the Officer was in the burning car when the heat from the fire set off the remaining ammunition in Lachance’s gun.
When the fire had burned itself out it was clear to see that there was no one inside the car, the QPP found the scattered money on the ground and the black bag with the rest of the money and a book. It was found out later that the book also had a list with the names of business men that were paying the rouge Police for protection.
The book contained enough hard evidence to hang all of the Police involved, Lachance had become the new replacement bag man for Detective Sergeant Levine.
The only name of the people involved that was not in the book is Salamo,
he was entered in the book as the bum.
Birdie and the Bates gang made it to the Wakefield Bakery without any further incident and returned home. Glendora made a pot of coffee to go with some pastries from the bakery that they just could not resist.

Jbo said, “I’m going to give a call to the Police and ask for Detective Sergeant Lachance and see what they say.” When the call was made the officer that answered the phone said, “Detective Sergeant Lachance is on a call; can I take a message?” Jbo replied, “Yes you can tell him that Salamo moved and didn’t leave a forwarding address so he’s on his own, we can’t help him.” The officer asks, “Will there be anything else to tell him?”

Jbo replies, “Yes there is; you can tell him to get a good legal representative when he goes to trial, because he’s going to need one hell of a great lawyer!” The Officer asks, “What do you mean by that?”

Jbo answers, “Ask Lachance that question when he turns himself in!” He adds, “I have things to do, so I’ll let you go so you can do your job Officer!”
When Jbo hung up the phone he said, “Lachance is still on the lamb, so how is the coffee and sweet pastry coming Glendora?” She replied, “Everything is set to go in the dining room but you better hurry before Winslow and Duncan eat everything.” Jbo said “They wouldn’t dare,”
Just as soon as they finished the pastry and coffee there was a knock on the door, Glendora asks, “Who is it?” The answer, “Its Lachance let me in.”

Page Seventy-two

He then adds, “I need some of the money from the bag it belongs to me!”
Winslow comes to the door and asks, “Do you have a gun on you?” Lachance replies, “No kid I gave it to you don’t you remember?”
Winslow said, “Yes I remember that gun! But do you have another gun on you? That’s what I want to know!”

In the meantime while Winslow is talking to Lachance from behind a locked door; Duncan takes a look from the window and he can see a gun in Lachance’s hand, he signals to Jbo standing at the panel that Lachance has a gun.

Jbo said, “I guess that I don’t have a choice.” Then he pushes the button that reads ‘defend the door’ Officer Lachance is hit with enough electrical energy that threw him back twelve feet from the door.
He lands flat on his ass and Lachance sits there in shock with his mouth wide open and is unable to speak.

Winslow opened the door and said, “Cuff him Jbo we won’t need the high powered pump from the septic tank that can blow a large amount of shit in a short space of time, he’s out cold and not going anywhere.”
When Lachance came to they had him cuffed bound and hog-tied sitting on a kitchen chair all ready for questioning. Winslow said, “Your first mistake was not upholding the law that you swore to defend, the second mistake was trying to run us off the road.

Birdie said, “Your biggest mistake was taking on the Bates family that was your downfall, Detective Sergeant Lachance!” He asks, “What did you guys do with the money bag?” Jbo replies, “Oh I think that the QPP must have it by now!” Then Jbo said, “You can ask your friends all about the money down at the Police station when they book you for attempted murder and what ever other charges they can find to throw at you.”
Lachance can see that he’s been out smarted by a bunch of young men and struggles to get free, the more Lachance try’s his anger builds to an uncontrolled rage, “You will never get away with this you little bastards! I am an Officer of the law and the bunch of you will end up in jail!”
Winslow said, “Don’t blow a gasket Officer would you like a drink and maybe we could work something out so everyone would benefit.”

Page Seventy-three

Winslow adds, “I’ll take off the cuffs for now if you promise to conduct yourself in a friendlier manner!” Lachance replies, “Okay guys I know that you are a bunch of smart lads and we can work something out.”
Winslow takes off the cuffs and tells Lachance, “I’ll get the wine if we can talk civilized and make a deal and when it’s done then I’ll untie the ropes.”

Duncan offers, “I’ve got his gun I’ll keep an eye on him while you guys go and get the wine!” Jbo and Winslow go to the cellar and Jbo asks Winslow, “What are you up to there’s no way we’re going to cut a deal with him!”

Winslow replies, “I know that I just want him good and drunk when they pick him up.” Jbo said, “Good thinking Winslow I think that we have a bit of alcool to spike the wine, it will help to speed up the process, when Lachance is drunk as a skunk I’ll call the cops to pick him up off the floor.”

When Jbo and Winslow get back to the kitchen Winslow pours out a large glass of what he calls Caribou and hands it to Lachance. After a couple of sample tastes Lachance said, “Now that’s what I call smooth boys what do you call this drink?” Winslow answers, “It’s a real French drink they call it Caribou because it will make your antlers stand up tall!” Lachance replies, “Well don’t put the bottle away its damn good stuff whatever you call it!”

One drink leads to another and before you know it the first bottle was empty and going for bottle number two. Lachance said “Could you loosen the ropes boys my feet are going to sleep.” Winslow replies, “Yes sir I think that we could do that for you Officer!” When Lachance stood up he asked, “Do we have a deal boys.” Before anyone could answer him, Lachance fell flat on his face on the floor and broke his nose. He was drunker than any skunk that I ever knew.
Jbo called the Police and told them the complete story about what had happened at dead man’s curve and how Lachance came to their house in a drunken rage to finish the job and once again how he was unsuccessful.
Detective Sergeant Lachance was picked up and held in jail on numerous counts of breaking the law.
After such a busy day for the Bates family, it was time to call it a night and
once again wouldn’t you know it; all was tranquil in what was left of the old worm beds.

Page Seventy-four

Meanwhile down by the tracks in front of Salamo’s hovel as he sits by the fire cooking his supper, the fare for tonight is hunters stew. Salamo stirs the smoke blackened pot and he hears someone struggling up the hillside.

Salamo calls out, “What son-a-bitch goes dare?” He adds, “If you are son-a-bitch friend come and try de stew, if you not son-a-bitch friend I kill you wit my axe!” The person replies, “I’m a friend of Detective Sergeant Lachance! My name is Officer John; can I come and talk to you?”

Salamo answers, “Where in de hell is Lachance? Dat dirty son-a-bitch said to me dat he bring me my money!” Officer John said, “Just give me a chance to explain, you’ll get your money soon enough.”

Salamo warns, “Don’t try to make de fool of me, when I do da job for Levine he pay me but Lachance no pay me for nothing dat I do for him! Now you tell me why you come here and not Lachance wit my money?”

Officer John explains, “Okay’ Okay first of all He can’t bring your money to you because Lachance is in jail and he told me to bring half of the money to you and to give you the rest when the job is finished! Lachance said that you would know what job that he intended for you to do.”

Salamo answers, “I know my job, you give me de money and you have some of de stew and I take care of de rat bastard for my son-a-bitch friend Lachance!”
Officer John asks, “What’s in the stew my friend?” Salamo replies, “Dare is noting in dare to kill you, I eat dat shit all da time and it make me strong like bull!” Then Salamo said, “Take de bowl I go get you a cup for de coffee!”
Officer John sits looking into the bowl of crap that Salamo gave him and as he stirs it around to help cool it down, Salamo comes up from behind him as silent as death and with his axe he removes one rat from the pack for Lachance.
Then Salamo takes Officer John’s wallet and pays himself for a job completed, he sits down and starts to eat his supper.
Salamo talks to himself, “Dis shit’s not too good I tink dat da meat go bad,
it’s good ting dat he no eat dis shit!” And then Salamo laughs just like the crazy blood thirsty lunatic that he is.


Page Seventy-five

After Salamo finishes his supper, he carries Officer John’s body down to the train tracks and props him up on the tracks in a sitting position facing north to wait for the south bound eleven thirty train from Montreal and heading for Ottawa.
Salamo climbs back up the hill and when he reaches the top he turns and said, “Bo voyages Officer John have a good trip; it was nice to do da job for you!” Salamo heads back to his dugout and turns in for the night.

Back at the Bates Bait and B&B where the Bates brothers share a bedroom, Winslow asks, “Can you guys hear the train whistle? It must be the south bound eleven thirty train from Montreal heading for Ottawa.”

Jbo replies, “Something’s wrong; the whistle is blowing like crazy,
there must definitely be something on the tracks.”
Duncan suggests, “Maybe its Old Salamo he might be hitching a ride to Ottawa.”
Winslow replies, “Yeah he might be going to the Château Laurier for a change of fare.” Duncan suggests, “Maybe some Rat au jus or something equally disgusting or similar to that.”

Jbo said, “I’ll be glad when the two of you start thinking about girls when you go to bed, instead of old Salamo!” Then he adds, “You better get some sleep, we have a lot of work to do tomorrow.”

The south bound train whistles to a screaming halt at eleven thirty-three,
as the Bates brothers drift into an uneasy slumber filled with mixed emotions and memories of the day.
Glendora was fast asleep when her head hit the pillow, but I’m sure that she also dreamt of troubling things for one as young as she, had faced on that frightful day.

Birdie also heard the train whistle and went down to the kitchen to warm a glass of milk to help relax her frazzled nerves, from the near accident that they encountered earlier that evening, as Birdie sat at the kitchen table while sipping warm milk she could hear the sound of sirens coming from a distant road. She takes the receiver off the hook and dials operator,

Page Seventy-six

“Hello operator, could you please connect me to a Mr. Jack Martingale in Castleman, Ontario.” “No I don’t know the number the address is 27 Rockingham; yes I’ll stay on the line while you make the connection thank you.”
“Hello Daddy,’ yes I know it’s late,’ I called to see if you are okay,’ I’m glad that you are okay,’ Yes I’m fine now,’ Well I almost had a collision earlier this evening but we were lucky the other car ended up in the ditch.”

“No Daddy we didn’t get a scratch,’ Yes I know that it’s late and I won’t keep you on the phone too long.” “I met this boy and I really like him,’
No Daddy he doesn’t know that I like him yet.” “No Daddy he’s three years younger than I!” “Yes I know that it’s late and I won’t keep you on the phone I’ll call you tomorrow and we can talk longer, have a good night Daddy,’ Yes I love you too.”

Birdie hangs the receiver on the hook and silently goes up the red carpeted stairs to her room and looks out the window and sees the lights from the train cars as they sit motionless on the track.
The sound of sirens still fills the distant cool night air as Birdie gazes out into the dark night and wonders why the train has come to a stop.
Birdie gets into the comfy bed and gently falls fast asleep.

On Sunday morning September 28 1958 while breakfast was being prepared by Glendora, she was listening to the news on the radio about an unidentified Police officer that was hit by a passenger train just before midnight on the twenty-seventh.

When Glendora heard the news report she went to tell her brothers about it and they knew right away that the location was real close to where Salamo has his dugout on the hillside. They were pretty sure that he could be involved in a homicide, but the hard part now is proving that Salamo did it!

Winslow said, “The last time we put our full trust in the Police and it got us nowhere. So who can we call now?” Jbo answers, “Right now I’m going to have my breakfast and the police can wait or do their best to figure it out.”
Duncan suggests, “Today is Sunday so why don’t we all go to church and ask Père Armand what we should do about this quandary that we find ourselves in.”
Page Seventy-seven

Jbo replies, “I’ll pretend that I did not hear that my little brother!”
Duncan inquires, “What is wrong with my suggestion Jbo?”
“I might be desperate for answers but I don’t think that we’re going to get any help from Father Armand on these matters of what to do or where to turn for help!” Replies Jbo.

Duncan takes it one step further, “Oh I don’t know Jbo these Psalm singers can do some amazing stuff with a bit of smoke and a sprinkle of holy water they can turn a sinner into a saint!”

Jbo replies, “I can see what kind of a day that’s coming my way, so why don’t you do us all a favour little brother go and light up a cigarette and then go soak your head saint Duncan!”
Glendora serves up breakfast just in the nick of time before her brothers decide to go any further than words with their disagreement.

Just then Birdie comes into the dinning room and the tone changes to a much friendlier atmosphere. Glendora asks, “How many sausages do you want with your eggs Birdie?” She replies, “How many does Winslow have on his plate?” Glendora answers, “He’s a growing boy he never takes less than six.” Birdie laughs and said, “Then I’ll only have two I don’t want to grow any bigger than I already am.”

Winslow looks in Birdie’s direction and said, “You could stand a few more pounds Birdie, you’re anything but fat as far as I can see!” Birdie replies, “How can you see anything over that heaping plate of sausages Winslow?”

Winslow face is a bit red as he looks down at his breakfast and asks, “Do you think that I eat too much?” Birdie replies, “I’m just kidding you Winslow, Glendora is right you are a growing boy turning into a good size man so eat your breakfast and enjoy it.”
Then Birdie asks, “Did anyone hear the train whistle last night?” She then went on to say, “It was stopped on the track for the longest time.”

Glendora said, “It was on the news this morning the man on the radio talked about an unidentified Police officer that was hit by a passenger train just before midnight.”
Page Seventy-eight
Sunday picnic
Jbo said, “I knew right away that something was wrong when I heard the whistle blowing like crazy and that there had to be something on the tracks.”
Duncan adds, “I thought that it could have been Old Salamo hitching a ride to Ottawa.”
Winslow replies, “Yeah he could have been going to the Château Laurier for a change of fare like some Rat au jus or something equally disgusting.”
Duncan protests, “Hey little brother that’s my material you’re using, can’t you think for yourself?”

Winslow answers, “I did and I thought that I’d use one of the better lines that you came up with for the first time in a long time!”
Jbo said, “Don’t mind them Birdie, they both have Salamo on the brain but they should be okay once their thoughts turn to thinking about girls!”

Duncan replies, “I think that we all should go to church, because those psalm singers can do some amazing stuff with a bit of smoke and a sprinkle of holy water, they can turn a sinner into a saint! “Maybe they can help Winslow and me with some kind of blessing to heal us.”
Jbo answers, “Oh my poor brother you are not a sinner, you’re just nuts!” And he adds, “If you want to go to church so bad just go and leave us sinners alone so we can all find our own way to hell.”

Birdie suggests, “I think that we all need a break from work today so why don’t we all go on a Sunday picnic down by Leamy Lake, it might put you guys in a better mood.”

Jbo said, “That’s a good idea Birdie because any time now the crap is going to hit the fan if they don’t let it be and we’ll all be sorry. If we can somehow manage to get through this day without any deaths in the family I’d call it successful and a great day,”
Birdie replied, “Good then it’s settled I’ll give Glendora a hand in preparing the food for the picnic basket and all you guys have to do is refrain from killing each other today.”
Glendora said, “The weatherman’s forecast for today is sunny and warmer than normal for this time of the year so how could it not be a perfect day for a picnic at Leamy Lake.” Then she adds, “I’ll bake two chickens and make some potato salad and bake a cake.”

Page Seventy-nine

Winslow said, “Glendora always could handle that old carving knife real well ever since she was a little kid, so she always gets the job of peeling the spuds for supper. Oh man the first thing that she does is getting those freaking eyes out and blinds them little devils!”

Birdie asks, “Don’t you or your brothers ever peel potatoes?” Winslow responds, “I can count the times on one hand and have two digits left over.”
Birdie gets a real sweet look on her face and hands Winslow the paring knife and said, “I’m counting on you now and don’t you go and leave any of those winkers on them spuds sweetie!”

Winslow gets right to it and starts peeling the potatoes and thumping his foot every time he chisels out an eye. Duncan remarks, “You can always tell when old thumper is busy and keeping count of something.”
Birdie asks Duncan, “When is the last time that you cleaned out a chicken?”

Duncan replies, “That’s girl’s work Birdie, my job is chopping wood!”
Birdie asks, “Do you have any wood to chop now?” He replies, “It’s all chopped and ready for burning.”
Birdie said, “Well then you better roll up your sleeves and get your hand up the back end of those chickens we can’t cook them with the guts inside young man!” Duncan answers, “I bet old Salamo doesn’t take the guts out before he cooks his birds.”

Jbo said, “See what did I tell you he has Salamo on the brain and I don’t think that they have a cure for that it’s pathetic.”
Glendora said, “I’ll tell you how to do it and let you know if you’re doing it right or wrong Duncan, it’s not all that hard to do.”

Glendora gives him step by step instructions, “Put your hand all the way inside and then cup your fingers and pull everything out.”

When Duncan gets his hand partly in he said, “Oh god I don’t think that chicken will ever taste the same to me again, this is an awful job for anyone to have to do.”
Birdie tells him, “If a girl can do it then so can you Duncan!” he replies, “I’m going to be sick would someone else take over.”
Page eighty

Birdie was right in her zone when it came to teaching life lessons to her students and she was on a roll this morning. She said, “Some times when I teach my class, the best way to get my message across is by giving them a way to experience it by an example.” And then she said, “But school is out for the rest of the day, class dismissed.”

The rest of the morning was pretty well spent on just getting everything ready for the picnic. Birdie seems to have a way about her, in calming things down before it gets out of hand and all hell breaks loose.

When everything was ready they packed the trunk of the Pontiac streamliner and were on their way for a relaxing afternoon by Leamy Lake.
As Birdie drove down the Leamy road and as she crossed the Montreal train tracks, they noticed a lot of Police farther down towards the old factory road.

Duncan said, “If the cops were any closer to Old Salamo, he could bite them!” Winslow replied, “I think that I’d rather bite into a piece of that gutless chicken,” Birdie warned, “Don’t start boys we’re out to have a good time, so try to get along.”
Jbo asks, “Pull over to the side of the road for a moment. I want to get a closer look to see if they found the dugout on the side of the hill.” Then he asks Duncan, “Come with me to the Train trestle I can’t tell what’s going on from here.” Jbo and Duncan hurried along the side of the tracks and when they got to the trestle it was clear to see that the dugout was undetected by the Police.
Just as Jbo and Duncan were about to head on back to the car, they heard a familiar voice coming from beneath the trestle, , “What Joe’s son-a-bitch son goes dare?” Jbo replies, “It’s ‘Jbo and Duncan’ and then he asks, where are
you Salamo?”
He replies, “I’m hanging under de trestle like son-a-bitch monkey! Are dem bastard cops still near my place?” Jbo answers, “The place is crawling with cops and by the look of things they’re going to be there for a while.” Duncan looks through the ties and can see old Salamo suspended on a rope just like a rock climber.
Duncan asks, “How long can you hang there Salamo?” He replies, “Till dem bastards rot in hell or till dey go home to screw da bitch dog.”
Jbo said, “Well we have to get going so hang in there and we’ll see you later when the cops get finished looking for whatever they’re looking for.”
Page eighty-one

Jbo and Duncan hurry back along the side of the tracks to let the rest of the gang back at the car know what is going on. Jbo and Duncan get in the car and Jbo said, “Lets go and have a picnic guys, this is going to be a great day for us and a long one for old monkey Salamo.”

Birdie asks, “Well tell us what is happening?” Duncan replies, “Salamo found a new place to hangout.” Jbo adds, “You might say for an old guy he’s really well hung!” Birdie replies, “Shame on you Jbo, talking like that in front of your sister and on a Sunday.” Jbo asks, “What did I say that’s so bad?”
Birdie enquires, “You really don’t know do you Jbo?” He answers, “He’s hanging by a rope real well Birdie and Salamo is an old guy!”

Then it suddenly hit him and Jbo’s face turns a bright shade of red and he said, “Oh no Birdie I didn’t mean that he was hung in that way, as far as I know he might not even have one of those!”

Birdie starts to laugh and everyone joins in. Birdie said, “Stop’ please stop Jbo you’re only making it worse for yourself you have the both of your feet in your mouth.”
By this time they reach a turn in the road where the Gatineau River and Leamy Lake come together and Birdie parks her car under the shade of a tree.
Sitting by the water helps to set a tranquil portrait of Birdie and the Bates family while they forget their troubles and enjoy a day at the beach.
Birdie tries to draw them out of their situation by asking each one what they intend to do in the future and she is surprised by Jbo’s answer when he tells her that he doesn’t see too much of a future for him or his brothers and sister.

Birdie explains, “It is a big world out there and I know in my heart that all of you have something to contribute, you are all special in your own way and I know that you can do great things with your life if you try and give it all you have don’t leave anything to chance.

Winslow asks, “How did you get as smart as you are you’re so young and you seem to have all the answers.” Birdie replies, “I don’t have all the answers Winslow but do I wish that I did!”
Page eighty-two
Tears and lemon cake
Birdie went on to say, “I lost my mother when I was only eleven and that was really a difficult thing for me to understand and I asked daddy why this had to happen!” “He told me that sometimes life is just not based on reason sometimes there are no answers just questions and he held me in his arms and said.” “Even though I can’t answer all the questions you might ask, I’ll try my best to be there for you when you ask them my little girl.”

Birdies eyes fill with tears and she said, “That was nine years ago Winslow I’m twenty now and he still calls me his little girl.” Winslow asks, “Could I hold you Birdie? You look like you could really use a hug”

After a long sweet embrace Birdie asks, “Who wants a piece of Glendora’s scrumptious lemon cake?” Well I guess that cake didn’t last too long, when the boys went for second helpings Glendora knew that her effort was worthwhile and the cake was a total success.

The rest of the afternoon was spent on telling jokes and just having the time of their lives doing what young people should be doing on such a great September day or any day as far as that goes.

Duncan asks, “Did you hear the one about the Minister that didn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground?” Everybody started to laugh. Duncan said, “I didn’t tell the joke yet.” Jbo responds, “No you sure didn’t but it was a damn good punch line!”

As the sun begins to set on what could be described as nothing less than a perfect day, Birdie and the Bates family gather everything up and put it in the trunk of the car and head back to the house.

Meanwhile, Salamo climbs from under the train trestle and checks to see if the Police are still roaming about, then he pounds on his chest and screams at the top of his lungs, “I am Salamo strong like bull and I am one smart son-a-bitch!”

Birdie drove up the Leamy road and as she crossed the Montreal train tracks, they noticed an indistinguishable figure standing on the trestle down towards the old factory road and Duncan said, “I could be mistaken but it sure looks like old Salamo to me.”
Page eighty-three
Winslow recalls that day in September


“After what I would call a standout kind of day that Birdie and I spent with my brothers and sister on a picnic at Leamy Lake, I would have to say that it was a day that changed all of our lives for forever.”

“I remember later that night as the south bound eleven thirty train that was coming from Montreal and heading for Ottawa, the train was running on time that night but as I recall the whistle seemed to sound so much more mournful than usual, I don’t think that it was any more than five or six minutes after the train went by when we heard a thunderous blast.”

“We all were having hot chocolate out in the backyard when the horrific explosion happened and lit up the night sky around Leamy Lake.
At first glance it looked like a fireworks display of rockets being launched high in the air but the vibration shook the ground under our feet.
It was about eleven forty-five when we all got into Birdie’s car and drove down the old factory road to see where the explosion took place.”

“The Police were already there and wouldn’t let us get any closer, they told us that the blast caused the entire hillside to slide down and cover the tracks.
We all knew that was where Salamo had his dugout, we also knew that Salamo was a tough old bird but if he was inside at the time of the blast there was no way that he could have survived to tell the tale.”

“Our best explanation of what could have happened was that old Salamo must have had a lot of high explosives stored away in that old steamer chest that caught Duncan’s eye.” “The one thing that we were never quite sure of, who was it that set off the blast was it Salamo or the Police?”
“We all kept a lookout for old Salamo over the next couple of weeks, eager to find out what really took place on that night.”
“The last time that we saw either hide or hair of Salamo was earlier that day of the explosion.”
“My brothers and I went back a few weeks later and placed a bottle of Joe’s Son-a-bitch wine on top of the pile of rubble where Salamo once called home.”



Page eighty-four

“After the rogue Police were prosecuted for their crimes and sent to prison, everything returned to normal at our place.” “Well I guess you could say that it was as normal as possible when all you do is your best to survive from one day to the next!” “We managed to keep the Bed and Breakfast going until the spring of fifty-nine but the worm beds were destroyed from all the digging by the Police and the Bait part of the business didn’t do very well.”

“One of the local business men and the Parish priest Père Armand offered to buy our property, they heard that the new highway would be going through and they thought that they would make themselves a small fortune from their investment.”

“We took them up on their offer and sold the place, after all it didn’t have too many good memories and we needed a larger place with more rooms if we were going to make a go of it in the B&B business.” “Birdie’s Dad Mr. Jack Martingale sold his house in Castleman and moved in with us, he invested a lot of money to give us a good start in setting up a new business.”

“Birdie and her father helped us to find a new place to setup a mountain chalet in White Mountains New Hampshire and we all moved in and spruced the place up with a lot of good ideas from Jbo and decorating by Duncan.” “Glendora caught up on her studies with a lot of help from Birdie’s tutoring and she eventually went on to collage to take up nursing.” “Birdie kept her word and helped my brothers as well, and they also took some night classes in business administration.”

“Mom and dad always wanted to spend their holidays at a mountain vacation spot and never did, so we scattered their ashes on a mountain trail in New Hampshire.”
“But I would have to say that I got the best part of the deal because I married the teacher, and when I don’t have the correct answer Birdie keeps on telling me that I’m going to be kept after school until I get it right!”

“Good Night my little Miss Birdie!”

The End
The Storyman, Winston Roy
October 12 2008