Caching for Life

Caching For Life
 
By
 
Lloyd W.Alexander
 
 
It was spring and he was sitting in front of the window gazing at the flowers beginning to bud in the beds around the outside of their yard. Soon he knew it would be time to be mowing again and weeding. He liked it and found it to be relaxing. He enjoyed the outdoors and had always been active in sports back in the day. He knew he had slipped a little as he looked down at the little belly that he had grown over the last few years. He figured at 35 years old he could have a little belly and that was okay as long as it wasn’t a “dickie do”. He chuckled at that expression and had always found it to be funny. “What are you laughing at?” said his wife Anna from the other room. “Oh nothing, nothing at all” he replied yet still with a smile on his face. She peered around the door the door frame and gave him a soft warm smile, “Come on, tell me Frank.” He looked at her with admiration and told her what he was laughing at and she asked him “What is a dickie do? Are you playing on myspace again!!” He looked sheepishly at her, “ah no, no myspace here!! A dickie do is when your belly sticks out farther then your dickie do!!” They both broke out into laughter. She winked and blew him a kiss as she went back to the kitchen to finish supper.  It was nice to be getting along so well now and he thought to when it had no been so wonderful.

It was only a year ago that they were getting back together after being separated for a few years. He had thought maybe the grass was greener on the other side of the fence only to find out it was still grass and he liked the other grass much better. He was active and Anna was not but they met then married when they were so young and, well, dumb. Things like that didn’t matter and she was oh so beautiful back then and sweet. His heart skipped a beat just thinking about the times they had back then. Everything was great and then she put on a little weight while he remained active by playing volleyball and ice hockey. They began to drift apart and he met other women who had the same interests. He tried and tried to get her to be more active but she began to pull away from him and then put on some weight. The distance grew and before he knew it after 12 years together he wanted a break. She didn’t want it but really had little choice. He knew now he was wrong and while he had fun for those 2 years there was always something missing. None of the other women were Anna, they all came up short somewhere that she did not. The one place she came up short was a place that maybe they could work on as well. So he approached her and they worked on things. Got back together and now they were so happy. He regretted the separation as he knew he hurt her deeply. He could not imagine his life without her now. She was his other half in every way.

“Frank, supper is ready.” He rose from his spot in his computer chair by the window. As he entered the kitchen he paused and looked her up and down. She caught him and adjusted her shirt, gave it a tug to try and pull it down. It seemed all women did that as they grew older. Pull the front and then the back like the shirt all of the sudden would cover more than it had or somehow snuck up on you. He smiled and she smiled back knowing she was being foolish. Her hips and things were bigger than when they met but she was healthy and had become active as of late. They worked out together at the local gym. She knew Frank was getting in great shape and looked at the other women there but she also knew that he really only had eyes for her now. She made him pay for the separation already. She had been deeply hurt but the pain was eased by his deep affection and love for her. Things were so much better now for both of them. As he walked towards the table she was happy to see his limp was all but gone. He had surgery on his knee after twisting it during a hockey game six month before. She knew it had killed him inside to be stuck inside and not be as active as he liked all winter. He was better though and she would do her part to get him outside. It would be god for both of them and maybe now she could even keep up with him. She smiled at the thought and he looked at her “ Hey!! You smiling at my dickie do!!” They both laughed as he gave her a kiss on the cheek before sitting at the table. “You know this fine food you cook is what is giving me one of those!! Remember the early days when you couldn’t even cook toast without setting off the fire alarm?” He said. “Ofcourse, but lets not go there Frank. Just enjoy what is in front of you” she said to him. He pointed to the little tv in the kitchen and told her he thanked all the chefs on the cooking channel for his fine meals. She kicked him under the table and he looked back but did not say anything else. They ate their meal with a little back and forth chatting. It was Friday night and they agreed to go catch a movie later that evening. There was some new adventure movie out that they were going to see as it was getting rave reviews by the critics. She told him to go play on his computer and she would clean up. He smiled like a little kid at Christmas and went off towards his room. She knew he would be appreciative of the gesture and also knew he would not hesitate to take her up on it either.

He sat in front of the computer and was using “stumble upon it” to find sites on the net that you normally would not find but matched the criteria you set. He had recently added hiking to the list of interests after the doctor gave him the okay to begin putting the knee to the test. He pressed and came across “hiking-net.com” and explored it for a few minutes before moving on again. This time he landed on a site that looked interesting called “geocaching.com” and began to read some of the articles. It talked of treasure hunts for adults that were challenging to the mind and also good for some exercise. They were good for the whole family as well. He kept reading and became more interested. It said you needed a gps unit but he did not know what that was so he wrote it down to look it up after. He opened the FAQ section of the website and slowly read it………..

Frequently Asked Questions About Geocaching
If you don't find the answer you're looking for here, ask it in the forums!
What is Geocaching?
Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for gps users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a gps unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they get something they should try to leave something for the cache.
How do you pronounce Geocaching?
You pronounce it Geo-cashing, like cashing a check.
Are there any other names for Geocaching?
The GPS Stash Hunt, Global Positioning Stash hunt is interchangable. Geocaching has become the standard for the game, however.
The word Geocaching broken out is GEO for geography, and CACHING for the process of hiding a cache. A cache in computer terms is information usually stored in memory to make it faster to retrieve, but the term is also used in hiking/camping as a hiding place for concealing and preserving provisions.
So what's the big deal? You gave me the coordinates so I know where it is. Seems pretty easy.
It is deceptively easy. It's one thing to see where an item is, it's a totally different story to actually get there.
What is a GPS device?
A GPS unit is a electronic device that can determine your approximate location (within around 6-20 feet) on the planet. Coordinates are normally given in Longitude and Latitude. You can use the unit to navigate from your current location to another location. Some units have their own maps, built-in electronic compasses, voice navigation, depending on the complexity of the device.
You don't need to know all the technical mumbo jumbo about GPS units to play Geocaching. All you need to do is be able to enter what is called a "waypoint" where the geocache is hidden. We're working on a section to help you set up your own GPS unit to play. In the meantime, feel free to ask questions in our online forums .
How do GPS devices work?
If you're interested in finding more information about Global Positioning Systems, check out GPS: The New Navigation by PBS. They have an excellent Shockwave and/or web page that explains how GPS works!
So if I have a GPS unit, someone can track where I am (and where I'm going)?
No! GPS devices do not actually broadcast your location. The satellites using radio frequencies actually broadcast their own position. Your GPS unit takes that information to figure out where you are (triangulation).
Unless you have a tracking system implanted by aliens, you should be safe from the satellites above. As an extra precaution, however, you can put aluminum foil on your head to deflect the "gamma" beams.
How much does a GPS unit cost, and where can I get one?
GPS Units can range from $100 to $1000 depending on the kind of capabilities you are looking for. The author uses a Garmin eTrex , which runs for around $100, and can get you to within 20 feet of any geocache (depending on the location). The next step is one with a built-in electronic compass, has topographic maps, more memory, etc.
For more information, check out our guide to purchasing a GPS unit for Geocaching .
You can usually find GPS units at any boat supply store, and some camping stores keep GPS units on hand. You can also purchase them online through Amazon.com and camping supply companies.
A good, basic GPS unit is the Garmin eTrex GPS, or Magellan GPS 315 .
How do I use a GPS unit for Geocaching?
If you need to get a basic instruction on how to use a GPS unit, try the book GPS Made Easy : Using Global Positioning Systems in the Outdoors .
To play, you'll need to know how to enter waypoints into your GPS unit. We're currently working on instructions for each particular GPS unit. In the meantime, your GPS should come with instructions on how to enter a waypoint. If you have any problems, try the online forums . There's always someone to help.
What are the rules in Geocaching?
Geocaching is a relatively new phenomenon. Therefore, the rules are very simple:
1. Take something from the cache
2. Leave something in the cache
3. Write about it in the logbook
Where you place a cache is up to you.
This is neat! How do I hide a cache?
Click here to read a brief tutorial on how to place your first cache .
What is usually in a cache?
A cache can come in many forms but the first item should always be the logbook. In its simplest form a cache can be just a logbook and nothing else. The logbook contains information from the founder of the cache and notes from the cache's visitors. The logbook can contain much valuable, rewarding, and entertaining information. A logbook might contain information about nearby attractions, coordinates to other unpublished caches, and even jokes written by visitors. If you get some information from a logbook you should give some back. At the very least you can leave the date and time you visited the cache.
Larger caches may consist of a waterproof plastic bucket placed tastefully within the local terrain. The bucket will contain the logbook and any number of more or less valuable items. These items turn the cache into a true treasure hunt. You never know what the founder or other visitors of the cache may have left there for you to enjoy. Remember, if you take something, its only fair for you to leave something in return. Items in a bucket cache could be: Maps, books, software, hardware, CD's, videos, pictures, money, jewelry, tickets, antiques, tools, games, etc. It is recommended that items in a bucket cache be individually packaged in a clear zipped plastic bag to protect them.
What shouldn't be in a cache?
Use your common sense in most cases. Explosives, ammo, knives, drugs, and alcohol shouldn't be placed in a cache. Respect the local laws. All ages of people hide and seek caches, so use some thought before placing an item into a cache.
Food items are ALWAYS a BAD IDEA. Animals have better noses than humans, and in some cases caches have been chewed through and destroyed because of food items in a cache. Please do not put food in a cache.
Where are caches found?
The location of a cache can be very entertaining indeed. As many say, location, location, location! The location of a cache demonstrates the founder's skill and possibly even daring. A cache located on the side of a rocky cliff accessible only by rock climbing equipment may be hard to find. An underwater cache may only be accessed by scuba. Other caches may require long difficult hiking, orienteering, and special equipment to get to. Caches may be located in cities both above and below ground, inside and outside buildings. The skillful placement of a small logbook in an urban environment may be quite challenging to find even with the accuracy of a gps. That little logbook may have a hundred dollar bill in it or a map to greater treasure. It could even contain clues or riddles to solve that may lead to other caches. Rich people could have fun with their money by making lucrative caches that could be better than winning the lottery when you find it. Just hope that the person that found the cache just before you left a real big prize!
Can I move a cache once I find it?
Unless there's a note in the cache containing instructions on moving it to a new location, don't move the cache! Responsible cache owners check on their caches occasionally and would be alarmed to find theirs missing.
An alternative would be to have a hitchiker, which is an item that you can move from cache to cache. An example of this is a candle that has travelled from Australia to Arizona, and a Mr. Potato head that leaps from cache to cache. All you need to do to create a hitchiker is to attach a note to it for folks to move it to a new place.
You can also purchase a Groundspeak Travel Bug , which is a hitchiker you can track through this web site.
Are there any variations in the game?
YES! We strongly encourage it, actually. Geocaching is a game that constantly reinvents itself, and the rules are very flexible. If you have a new idea on how to place a cache, or a new game using GPS units, we'd love to hear about it.
He then called Anna in and had her read it as it sounded fun, maybe something they could do together. They had talked about finding something outside to do this summer and had considered kayaking but it was expensive to get a pair of kayaks and then lesson plus safety equipment. This though seemed fun and not overly expensive to him. She sat on his lap and read the page. He slowly slid his hand up under the back of her shirt to caress the soft smooth skin of her back. She breathed deep as she loved his touch still after all these years. She had never wanted another man, he had always satisfied her and she wanted to please him as well. She said it sounded like fun and something that they should do but what did a geocache treasure hunt really look like…. He slid his hand around her slowly taking it away from her body to reach for the mouse. He clicked on a few pages and brought up a cache page for them to look at….

Traditional Cache

GC512E
 

 Navigation
 log your visit
 watch listing
 ignore listing
 bookmark listing
 send to phone
 


14 user(s) watching this cache.

This is a Regular cache.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Inventory
There are no Travel Bugs in this cache.
See the history
What is a Travel Bug?

 
 
Liberty Ships at Bug Light
by C5B [profile]
User's Web Page
N 43° 39.313 W 070° 14.114
UTM: 19T E 400394 N 4834320
E 1.6mi from your home coordinates.
or convert to NAD27 at Jeeep.com
Click icon to download:

Read about waypoint downloads
In Maine, United States [view map]
Hidden: 4/25/2002
Use waypoint: GC512E (what's this?)

Make this page print-friendly (no logs)

Print PDF: No Logs 5 Logs 10 Logs

Please note: To use the services of geocaching.com, you must agree to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.
(ratings out of 5 stars. 1 is easiest, 5 is hardest)
Difficulty:   Terrain: 
Terrain is flat with paved walking trails until you reach the cache hiding spot. This spot has the best views of Portland harbor.
There's lots of history at the location of the cache. Originally I included a few pages of historical information, but there is now a historical area at the park with the same information, so be sure to visit and check out this interesting piece of WWII history!
Cache is VERY WELL HIDDEN, but its easy to get to. Be careful when retrieving/hiding this cache as there are likely to be non-geocachers in the area. On some occasions, you may need to work out a strategy with caching partners, but problem solving is part of the fun, right? (This area wasn't this busy when the cache was originally placed... it's becoming a popular spot to visit)
Camera Status: New Camera 10/03/04
Log Status: Log Book #3 (10/03/04)
Additional Hints (Decrypt)
Decryption Key
A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z
(letter above equals below,
and vice versa)
yynj nrf (Decrypted Hints)


Find...
...other caches hidden or found by this user
...nearby caches of this type, that I haven't found
...all nearby caches, that I haven't found
...all nearby waymarks on Waymarking.com
...all nearby placenames
...all nearby benchmarks
...all nearby hiking trails from Trails.com


For online maps...
Geocaching.com Maps
Google Maps
MapQuest
Microsoft MapPoint
Yahoo Maps
Rand McNally
Topozone
Terraserver
Tiger Census Maps


Logged Visits (377 total. Visit the Gallery (68 images))
Warning. Spoilers may be included in the descriptions or links.
Cache find counts are based on the last time the page generated.


Cache Logs
 April 11 by bamhikers (73 found)
What an absolutely beautiful spot! Was able to take some nices photos of the lighthouse which I'll upload. TFTC! TNLNSL.
[view this log on a separate page]
 April 10 by ekimrewog (7 found)
yea we found it...(ekim/tnilc) found it at lunch time as we work in the area (agt) nice spot...a.k.a mike
[This entry was edited by ekimrewog on Monday, April 10, 2006 at 5:19:09 PM.]
[This entry was edited by ekimrewog on Monday, April 10, 2006 at 5:21:00 PM.]
[view this log on a separate page]
 March 31 by UncaBee (88 found)
Came here with PepperMom from Ft Willams cache, it was after 6 and starting to get dark. Good thing we had the flashlight, PepperMom almost grabbed a hold of a great big spider during our search. There were a few skateboard muggles around but they stayed down at the other end. A few people out for a walk. I found this one as we started at the coords and worked our way in opposite directions. Good hide.
Took calculator, left yellow glo-stick.
Thanks
7/9 day, 7/19 wkend

[view this log on a separate page]
 March 25 by Y2KSillins (87 found)
What a great spot. Commanding views of Portland Harbor. Many people out and about today, so we had to time our retrieval carefully. We also walked down to check out the Liberty Ships display. TFTC.
[view this log on a separate page]




They looked it over and then looked over a few more. It really looked interesting and certainly some looked like adventures. Some harder than others and some easier. Some hard puzzles and some interesting places to go. She asked what they needed to try it. He said he wasn’t exactly sure but would look more. She smiled and said you get what we need but look later as she slid her shirt off revealing her breasts to him. “How about we skip the movie?” Anna said and Frank did not need to hear that twice as he let go of the mouse to tend to his wife’s needs.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
They began in the computer room and the trail of clothes ended near the bedroom. It had been a playful and fun session as that too had changed since they reunited. Things had gotten a little spicier in the kitchen and in the bedroom. They appreciated each other more and making love was so much more of a couple thing now. She was in the shower as the plan was still to take in a movie that evening. He followed the trail of clothing they had shed backwards down to the computer room and pulled up the geocaching site and read a little more about other cache hunts. He was very excited to learn about what he needed so he could get started as soon as possible. She called from upstairs that he could have the shower now. He went and did his thing and she put on her make up. They decided to take the SUV rather than her sedan which they usually took when going into town for an evening. They eased out of the driveway and began to make their way to the city where the movie theatre was located. They were talking about hiking and how neat it was to know there were things hidden around them and places they had never seen in their own are that they would now find and get to explore. He glanced at her for just a second, she screamed, he quickly turned his head and saw it, a deer in the road, he jammed his brakes and the big vehicles’ anti-lock brakes pulsed but did not seem to be slowing quick enough to miss the deer which was frozen in the road. He turned the wheel hard and the Explorer turned and its weight shifted with the sudden turn. He was now headed off of the road and the deer was no longer the issue. The soft shoulder caused the vehicle to lean in one direction and began to feel like it would flip over. He quickly turned the wheel in the direction of the weight shift hoping that it would catch up with itself and not flip. He got lucky as it settled and stopped just feet from trees in the woods. Neither said a word for a moment as you could hear them breathing anxiously and see the beating of their hearts in their chests. Finally he let out a sigh and reached over to touch her. As soon as his hand touched her, she burst into tears. He put his arm around her and comforted her. He told Anna it would be fine and not to worry. Anna looked at Frank and said “I know Frank. I just don’t want to lose you. I mean we are so happy and ready to have our family now. This just made me realize how fragile it all is, this life. It is hear and then gone. I just want us to live happily ever after now Frank. Is that too much to ask?” He rubbed her back and told her he loved her now and forever. “Anna we will be together till we grow old and gray. Nothing can separate us now, nothing.” They unclipped their seatbelts and just held each other tight. Tighter it seemed then they ever had before. Frank got out and looked at the SUV which had done its job well. It looked fine and he decided to try and back it out of the ditch. He slid it into 4 wheel drive and the Explorer worked its way back out of the ditch without to much effort. They decided a movie was not really in the cards anymore and went home. They picked a movie out of their little collection and cuddled on the couch. It was a much needed change from the adrenaline rush of the drive towards town. She wanted, no needed his comfort after that event. She had something to tell him but would wait for the right time and now was not it. She needed to make sure first anyway before sharing. It could change their lives forever.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Frank was up before Anna the next morning and made her breakfast in bed. She was awake and could hear him in the kitchen but had a feeling he may do something like that as he often did on the weekends. He treated her like a queen and she was so happy, so in love with him. He came in and found her sitting up smiling at him with the blankets tugged up just under her breast to give him a little show as a reward for being so kind. Frank smiled and pretended to drop the tray at the site of her awake. He then straightened up and brought her the delicious breakfast he had just made for her. “Anna, this is brought to you without the help of any cooking shows!!” Frank offered. She looked at the bacon, eggs, toast, and coffee before looking up at Frank and saying “I can tell as it would have looked a little prettier.” “Anna as long as it tastes good then you need not worry how it looks. I mean for men, we eat it, no matter how it looks”, Frank said with a big smile as he patted he belly. He told her he would be back in a little while as he was going to go get a gpsr unit and the other stuff they needed to try geocaching. She said that was great and she looked forward to it but he needed to remember she would be gone to a bridal shower this afternoon so if he could not make the little kid in him wait then he could go without her on the first one. Frank turned and headed out the room but paused before leaving, “Anna I love you with all my heart. Thank you for loving me.” He then turned and left the house. He hoped in the Explorer and drove into town past the area they had skidded last night without incident today. He arrived at the local West Marine and talked with a sales clerk who offered some solid advice on a gpsr unit. Frank decided he liked the Garmin Etrex Legend CX and read the spec sheet on it before finally deciding on it.
Pack more detail into your adventure with the eTrex Legend Cx and eTrex Vista® Cx. Garmin has added removable memory to these pocket handhelds, making it easy to pack light and add maps on the go.
The eTrex Legend Cx is loaded with the same popular features found in the eTrex Legend C, including sunlight-readable color and advanced GPS routing capabilities — all in a waterproof design. In addition, it comes with a blank 32 MB microSD card for storage of optional map detail. Download maps directly to the card or purchase microSD cards preloaded with MapSource® Topo and inland lake maps, BlueChart® marine cartography, and City Navigator™ street maps.
eTrex Legend Cx's features make it a mainstay among outdoor enthusiasts:
32 MB microSD card for MapSource data gives you the versatility of adding highly detailed maps
256-color, sunlight-readable display makes it easy to distinguish map details and see where you’re going
Support for English, Spanish, Portugese, and French languages.
Automatic route generation, off-route recalculation, turn-by-turn directions with alert tones, and icon-driven menus for finding points of interest (when combined with Garmin’s optional MapSource® CDs) navigate you safely to your destination
Longer battery life for more hours of outdoor enjoyment
Mini-USB port for fast, convenient download of map data from Garmin’s entire library of optional MapSource CDs using a PC
You won’t miss a thing when you take this rugged, lightweight, easy-to-use handheld out hiking, biking, boating or even geocaching.
Garmin part number: 010-00440-00
Suggested Retail Price:
$321.41 U.S.D. (for domestic US market only)

He talked with the sales clerk about maps and a larger card to store more maps. Frank liked his toys and was not shy to spend some of his hard earned money on them. He never wanted to be doing something and wish he had gotten that extra little piece but didn’t because of money. They both had good jobs as she was a teacher and he was a counselor. He had learned that his time away from his practice was precious and time with Anna was even more precious. He also wanted to make sure if they were going into the woods that he would be able to find his way out easy enough and also have enough on them to be safe too incase something unexpected delayed them. He was very good at thinking ahead and planning for any problem. In fact he prided himself on remaining calm when the shit hit the fan. He knew others would often panic but not Frank. He was like a lighthouse in a storm. Never swayed by the fierce storm and something you could always count on to lead you to safety. So he purchased the newest and largest memory card. It was 1 gigabyte in size and could hold all of the U.S. in detail with room to spare. He was amazed as it was the size of his thumbnail but it could hold details such as streets, restaurants, hotels, parks, and really anything. The unit itself could map a route for you if you told it the start and the end. If you went off course then it recalculated a new course for you. He was amazed by this technology. He purchased a map called City Select for North America and Topographic Map set of the U.S. so he could see some trails and height of the route before heading in a direction. So he had everything he needed from West Marine and decided to drive up to LL Bean in Freeport which was only about twenty minutes away. He wanted to try the new gpsr but he needed to unlock the maps or something the clerk told him. So his new toy sat in the bag on the front seat as he began to pull out of the store driveway. He enjoyed the drive listening to the local country station on the way. He arrived at LL Bean and went into the hiking section. He grabbed some new boots for himself and also for Anna. Then he grabbed two back packs with one have a camelback in it for water. The other a regular back pack. He grabbed a hand held compass just incase the batteries died in the gpsr or if it didn’t work under heavy tree cover plus it was another toy as he grabbed the most expensive version that came with a wind gauge and barometer. Frank didn’t know how to sue them but they looked fun anyways. He grabbed a couple water bottles and a first aide kit. He browsed the store and anything else he could think of he believed they already had at home. So he cashed out and drove home quickly, this time with the gpsr sitting on the dash. It wasn’t on but he had an imagination, he needed one to help his clients sometimes. He had always wanted to be a spy or secret agent and decided he could have fun with that fantasy without harming anyone during his geocaching adventures, or atleast the ones he did alone as he wasn’t sure if Anna would want to play along. He arrived home and she was gone but had left him and note to have fun and be careful. She knew he would not wait and would be gone as soon as he could to try this new adventure. It was how he was and she loved that about him. He still got excited about things like a little kid and would get the most out of it as well. Frank made the most of his life and she was thankful as she benefited by being dragged along on his new adventures. Eventually if she did not like it then she could do her own thing but she always tried it now to see if maybe it was as fun as Frank thought it to be.

He raced into the computer room, fast forwarded through the steps he felt he did not need like a normal man and then had everything all loaded. He picked his first couple of geocaches to try and plotted them in the gpsr. To his joy and surprise one was within walking distance. So he printed the cache hunt and took off with gpsr in hand. He followed himself on the screen as it led him towards the co ordinates of the cache. This one had a couple different parts to it. He was excited as he walked the streets near his home. He felt a little odd but didn’t care as he trudged along with the garmin in one hand, a digital camera in the other, and papers sticking out of his pockets. He went through the adventure and found his first cache after a little bit of trouble. He decided he needed to share this experience and his fun with others. He went back home and found a site for Maine Geocaching and read the forums. He wrote and posted his first experience under “The Hunt” section of the forums.

My first geocaching experience, escaping the muggles, and finding the cache!!
Alright I fired up my multi-purpose spy guide (er GPS) and had my attache case (my folder) in my hands as well. In my pocket was my weapon of choice (my digital camera) as I headed down the stairs to begin my first assignment (er first cache hunt). I decided to hoof it instead of taking my supped up spy vehicle (Ford Explorer). So I trekked up and down towards my destination. I followed the track to the spot my informant would leave my next tip on my hunt. It was a long and tiring journey with many, many challenges (about a 1/4 mile from my home on nice city sidewalks). As I approached the spot I changed my appearance (put on a hat, it was cold out) and followed my tracker right to the information I was looking for. I gathered the information and then went forward just a bit to ponder what it meant (I couldn't do the math in my head). I entered the new code in the multi-purpose spy unit and then eagerly followed its tracker towards the target. I new I was close and I could feel the sweat building on my forehead (hat was too warm) in anticipation. My heart beat picked up (I couldn't find the thing, up a walkway, down a walk way). According to my tracker the target was only feet from my last location but I had covered a 1/3 of a mile in hot pursuit (walking back and forth). Just when I thought I new where to look a muggle appeared out of nowhere and I used my chameleon button to change my color (scared the crap out of me and turned me from out of breath red to scared as heck white!!). After I avoided that close call I decided to look around under some shrubs and then decided maybe I was not cut out to be the next 007 (I don't know how to drive a stick). So I took a seat on a wall and was pondering my future without the exciting life of a spy. I looked down to my left and noticed that something just did not fit what I had seen thus far. I almost sat on the darn target. I moved the rocks carefully incase it was a booby trap (never know what is under a rock). Low and behold it was the black case with the green radiation logo (geocaching label). I slowly opened the case and took apart the unit. To my amazement it was quite packed. I had no info to leave behind so I tnlnsl and put it back knowing that I had completed my first assignment and 007 may have to watch out because the new Agent 99 WAS ON THE CASE. I took the grueling trek home, uphill (both ways mind you) and through a blinding snow (flurries). I returned to my mansion (house) where I was greeted by my servants (a couple cats) with eagerness to hear about my adventure (they needed food).

First find was in Harborview.... 3-15-06

LWA11

He loved Maxwell Smart and decided to play a little using references from the show in his writing. He used LWA11 as his name tag for the site. It meant Love with Anna and his favorite number of 11. He then had some lunch and came back to see if anyone read his entry.  And to his surprise and amusement some had read it and made comments.
03-16-2006, 01:14 AM

LaughingTerry
Bruised & Battered
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Starks
GPS: Garmin etrex Legend
GC Name: LaughingTerry
Posts: 52



I can't wait to read some of your logs. I love it when a new cacher comes equipped with a sense of humor built in. LOL With an attitude like that you will have a ball geocaching.

And thanks for the chuckle.
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#3
03-16-2006, 06:18 AM

Mainiac1957
Let's go caching!!
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Brewer,ME
GPS: Garmin Map 60cs & Vista
GC Name: mainiac1957
Posts: 625


Well done!
I remember my first time. But alas, that was a few assignments ago. Hope you manage to come meet us folks at the upcoming event in Litchfield. I'll be having a CITO event up in Bangor in May, but we don't get but a few willing to travel from Portland and beyond. Keep up your sense of humor, and remember that you are doing this for fun. Some get way to serious at times.
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#4
03-16-2006, 06:26 AM

Trezurs*-R-*Fun
....of course
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Albion, Maine
GPS: Garmin eTrex Vista C
GC Name: Trezurs*-R-*Fun
Posts: 258



HeHe....keep up the good work 99, uh LWA11. Have fun!!


Happy Caching!!!
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Why do we geocache, Because we can!!!

He loved them and then he came across one that was different from the others and he was not sure how to take it but decided it was likely just in good spirited fun as he was playing and thus this guy probably was as well. It just seemed odd to him, felt odd.

03-16-2006, 05:31 PM

Hiram357
The venerable and august
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Waterville, ME
GPS: Garmin 72, Foretrex 101
GC Name: Hiram357
Posts: 806



I'm sorry but that cache wasn't meant to be found. The swag in that cache was meant for only certain eyes. That kind of sensitive information can not be leaked....... we're going to have to kill you now. Please calmy escort yourself to the mobile command center where we will dispose of you properly....
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He wanted to go find some more but the Bruins were on soon and Anna would also be back before long. He couldn’t quite make up his mind. Frank decided to stay and just read up some more on the adventures of others. And maybe surf the net as well to see what was out there about geocaching. The time flew by and before he knew it Anna was walking through the door and the Bruins game was almost over. He was hooked already and knew she would be as well, or atleast he hoped so. She saw the gleam in his eye and knew he had gone geocaching. She sat in a chair beside him in the computer room where he told her what he had done and all about his adventure that day. She read his story and laughed, told him he was a fruit cake. She asked him what muggles were and he told her that they were anyone around who was not a geocacher. He had read that sometimes they see you and go look for what you were doing after you have gone. Sometimes they find the cache and steal it. So to protect the fun for others you are supposed to try and not be seen. Anna told Frank she was looking forward to going the next day with him. He loved hearing that and told her they should go out to dinner to celebrate his first find. She laughed and off they went to dinner. As Frank was driving he couldn’t help but think back to the odd response that had been left. He decided to try again to let it go but he knew inside that he shouldn’t so easily.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Frank happened to pick a restaurant with a cache nearby to try as he knew there would be a wait for a table. Anna should her head as he told her what he wanted to do right then. He pulled out the gpsr and a piece of paper from his pocket. He promised he would be right back. She reached for him and pulled him close, “go do it but look like a spy and take me like a spy when we get home.” He pulled back and she slid her hands down the front of his chest. He slid his down her back over the opening in her dress. He felt her skin and no longer wanted to go search for anything as he had what he wanted right here now. She pulled him close again “ go on 86, 99 got you covered. Trust me I got your back…. Mmmm..I got your back.” She patted him on the ass and he turned towards where the gpsr was leading him. He looked around and read the hunt sheet. He found what he was looking for and pretended to be just looking around to play the part for her. He took out his digital camera and snapped a pick of the clue so he could finish the puzzle back at home. He walked the other way, started to sprint across the street when he got a twinge in his knee that made him stop suddenly. He limped to the sidewalk and she met him there. There eyes met and she could see the pain in her mans eyes. He was hurting but trying to play tough, it was the hockey player in him and she hated it. He had been cut before with a stick above his eye but would not stop playing to go to the hospital. It was just a Men’s League game and the cut ended up requiring 12 stitches. He has a scar, a sexy scar but he would not leave the game. It would be a sign of weakness and he never showed weakness. She saw it a couple times at home when they were trying to patch things up but this was a tough man. She could see it in his eyes now that he was trying to be tough. She put his arm around her to make it look like she wanted him to hold her but it was the opposite as she tried to take some of his weight so he could ease the burden on his knee. She told him they could just go home but he insisted they go in and have a nice meal. He won the battle and hobbled into the restaurant as there buzzer went off to tell them their table was ready. It was an enjoyable dinner for both as this was their favorite restaurant in the Old Port. They finished up and went home.

Once they arrived he hobbled in and pretended to look around slowly like a spy expecting someone to be hidden in the house would do and then he slowly moved until he got to the computer room. He told her he need to send an urgent message but he needed her to get some wine and meet him in the Jacuzzi to play the part of a married couple for the spies that were undoubtedly watching them right now. He told her they needed to put on a show. He finished the clue and solved the puzzle as she went about getting the wine and heading to the Jacuzzi. He quickly wrote a little playful half truth story called The Director and posted it on the geocaching Maine site. He was curious about any responses he would get but that would come later as he now wanted to just be where she was and feel her next to him.
The Director
 
I was sitting in my spy vehicle trying to remain out of site of any muggles that may be searching for me. I was feeling quite fulfilled (just ate lunch) at the moment. I was confident in my safety from the muggles (started to doze off) when a man in blue knocked on my window (wasn’t supposed to be parked there, oopppss). He advised me it was time for me to get on with the mission (move it or get a ticket). So off I went…

A man with a past was the mission today. Find this mystery man and find out what his story is all about. So I was off cruising downtown Portland with my spy guide (gps unit) and attaché case (my folder) at the ready. As we were going downtown we noticed that there a lot of young muggles (concert at the Civic Center tonight) which would increase the danger level greatly (one might run out front of me, crazy kids) for this mission. Now feeling it was critical to remain on target (follow the co-ords) and at a steady pace( don’t want another visit from the man in blue). Our spy guide lets us know we are close but we decide to circle the block again (can’t find a place to park). The next time around we park the spy vehicle and feed the man (meter) to protect it from the men in blue.

We pause to make sure it is safe (a lot of traffic) before continuing the mission. We see the target and step in front of him freezing his advance (it is a statue). We look around and see no muggles on our tail and snap a picture of the man. Then we advance to the bushes where we were told we could find more of the story. So we hunt and hunt for the clue and amazingly when we take a break from hunting and lean on the post (a tablet with the story of the corner on it) we discover the clue. We have just found the key to unraveling this mans past. We take out our spy cam and snap another shot as we want to avoid the muggles (uhm, forgot my folder in the car). Back in the spy vehicle we decide to pack up and head for central (the apartment) to solve this in top secret (warmth).

At central we sit in our favorite spy chair and are greeted with warm welcomes from my colleagues (my cats). We unload our spy camera into the spy machine analyzer (your everday pc) for further analysis. We zoom in on the cryptic words (a little bird poo to read through) on the plaque. We are looking for the answers but these answers are all wrong (don’t worry, I was in the right place) as this is a story about a man and a corner that was named after him. Is doesn’t tell us about our frozen man with a past.

So we scratch our head (had an itch) and it suddenly clicks that maybe the clue lies in finding out more about how this man ties into this corner. So we search on analyzer for the important data. We try the master fail safe (er Google) and we get a hit (actually a few). We decipher (uh, which link has what I want) the meaning of this information the analyzer has shown us. We see what we are looking for and we know this man’s past now. So we send the information onto the THE BOSS (virtual cache owner) for approval.
We have done it!! Another mission in the books for 99!!

Wait, is that the spy phone with another mission!!??!! I can’t seem to answer the ring with my shoe!! (maybe cause you are not really agent 99).
 
He made his way to the deck and then by the Jacuzzi he asked her if he could join her. She said certainly and splashed him. He slipped out of his clothes and left only his boxers on as he slid into the warm bubbling water. He wanted to play so he sat opposite of her. He sipped his wine slowly and savored its taste. He looked at her and told her she was not a very good actress. She asked why not and told him he was the one who sat way over there and she had not instructed him to do so. He said he knew that but a good seductive wife would have slid over to him to make him desire her by her closeness to him. Right then he felt her foot sliding up the inside of his thigh until it reached his groin and she massaged him. He smiled at her and tilted his head back. She took her foot away and he looked over at her, Anna said “a good spy always seduces the woman, makes her his, can you make me yours?” He tried to slide over to her but she would slide the other way. He winced in pain and she stopped, he had her. He reached for her and touched her shoulder and pulled her to him. She playfully smacked him when she figured out he was playing with the wince. He slid his hands down her side and was surprised to find no traces of clothing anywhere on her upper torso; she slowly rose out of the water to expose her breasts to him. He pretended not to care as he slid his hands down further and found she was also not wearing any panties. He smiled and got a twinkle in his eyes. She knew then she had caught the spy and slowly kissed him. They tangled in the water and made love in the Jacuzzi. Not caring if anyone could see them.
 
A pair of eyes were watching them from the darkness but they did not sense it. He did not want them to sense it quite yet. Time for that would come soon enough indeed. For now he was content to watch and learn.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Before heading to bed Frank decided to check the forum and see if there had been any responses to his latest story. He found a few……..
03-19-2006, 01:35 PM

bhansenme
Donating Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Cape Elizabeth, Maine
GPS: Garmin 76CSx & VistaC
GC Name: kayakerinme
Posts: 145


LOL... You really should try Mission Impossible (GCR9Q9) over at Fort Williams.

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache...9-e30dabf53c0c

 
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#3
03-19-2006, 04:08 PM

Hiram357
The venerable and august
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Waterville, ME
GPS: Garmin 72, Foretrex 101
GC Name: Hiram357
Posts: 812



would you believe I can fire 10 nuclear warheads with my GPS??? how about 1??? A guided missile perhaps?? I am the agent!!  
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#4
03-20-2006, 01:37 PM

Haffy6
Haffy6 who else?
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Fairfield, Maine
GPS: Garmin Vista
GC Name: Haffy6
Posts: 1,109



Today's Cacher.......here http://www.todayscacher.com/
Is always looking for some good stories and this would fit the bill. I bet if you submitted it they would likely put it in the next issue. Give them a try.
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Just smile it won't crack your face







He noticed another one from Hiram357 that seemed odd compared to the others but he still was just quite unsure of how to take this guy. He didn’t bother to respond to him and figured if he just ignored him that he would go away. He also submitted a story to the todayscacher site just for the fun of it. He then hustled off to bed so he could watch some tv with Anna. He loved being near her naked body and feeling her skin on his skin.

The next morning it was time to do laundry and chores around the house as was usual for a weekend. Frank started his day off with a coffee and a look at the morning paper online. He enjoyed the Press Herald and especially the editorials. He checked his email and had received one from Hiram357. He wasn’t sure how he sent him mail but guessed it was somehow from the geocaching sites. He shrugged it off and opened it to find a link. He clicked on the link and it took him to a cache hunting page. There was a new cache listed for downtown and it was unrated for difficulty but it seemed like it would be hard and the person who hid it thought so as well. Hiram357 didn’t say anything in his email so was this something he did for new cachers or was this a challenge or something? Frank considered it for a minute and then decided who cared as all he wanted to do was go find it. He wanted to be the “first to find” and take the prestige of saying he found it before anyone else could do so. He was competitive and Hiram357 was only getting his juices flowing. So he printed out the cache hunt page…..

Traditional Cache

GCV197
 

 Navigation
 log your visit
 watch listing
 ignore listing
 bookmark listing
 send to phone
 


6 user(s) watching this cache.

This is a Micro cache.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Inventory
What is a Travel Bug?

 
 
Lady Victory
by GeoMaine [profile]
N 43° 39.435 W 070° 15.545
UTM: 19T E 398474 N 4834575
NE 0.7mi from your home coordinates.
or convert to NAD27 at Jeeep.com
Click icon to download:

Read about waypoint downloads
In Maine, United States [view map]
Hidden: 3/23/2006
Use waypoint: GCV197 (what's this?)

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Please note: To use the services of geocaching.com, you must agree to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.
(ratings out of 5 stars. 1 is easiest, 5 is hardest)
Difficulty:   Terrain: 
Erected in 1891 in Monument Square this late 19th century bronze statue was placed to commemorate the veterans of the Civil War.
About the site:
Though her official name is “Our Lady of Victories” she’s now best known as being the “Patron Goddess of Portland” as she stands high above the square in the thriving commercial and arts district of Maine’s largest city.
Also currently the largest statue in Portland, she is essentially a statue of the goddess Nike and modeled after Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and war.
Fully restored in 1998, this statue was also added to the National Register of Historical Places in that same year. The official listing is to your right.
About the hide:
Better plan on bringing your ‘A’ game when you come for this micro-hide; those not in top form need not attempt this cache! Stealth, cunning and low profile geocaching are only some of the skills you are about to put to the ultimate test...
Best put: statistically, this is the busiest place in Maine to have a cache!
Hidden in plain sight, you will not have to pry off anything or remove anything to reveal the cache. Be sure to bring a pen!
Your fellow geocachers have offically rated this as a three and a half star cache; enjoy!
 
- Lady Liberty in 1891 -

Portland Soldiers and Sailors Monument
(added 1998 - Object - #98000308)
Also known as Our Lady of Victories
Jct. of Congress St. and Federal St., Portland
 
Historic Significance:
Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer:
Hunt, Richard Morris, Simmons, Franklin
Architectural Style:
No Style Listed
Area of Significance:
Architecture, Art
Period of Significance:
1875-1899
Owner:
Local Gov't
Historic Function:
Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function:
Monument/Marker
Current Function:
Recreation And Culture
Current Sub-function:
Monument/Marker


Additional Hints (Decrypt)
Decryption Key
A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z
(letter above equals below,
and vice versa)
Pna'g svaq vg? Lbh'ir orra n onq yvggyr trbpnpure! Fvg va gur pbeare naq guvax nobhg jung lbh'ir qbar. (Decrypted Hints)


Find...
...other caches hidden or found by this user
...nearby caches of this type, that I haven't found
...all nearby caches, that I haven't found
...all nearby waymarks on Waymarking.com
...all nearby placenames
...all nearby benchmarks
...all nearby hiking trails from Trails.com


For online maps...
Geocaching.com Maps
Google Maps
MapQuest
Microsoft MapPoint
Yahoo Maps
Rand McNally
Topozone
Terraserver
Tiger Census Maps


…………it could not come out of the printer fast enough for Frank. He grabbed it and headed to tell Anna. She looked at him and told him to go as she wanted to get some laundry done but that they could go later that day and find some together. She promised him that it was a date as she really wanted to try it out but wanted to be able to relax and know she did not have a lot to do when she returned home that evening. He told her he understood and loved her as he grabbed his keys on his way to the door. He hoped in the Explorer and drove to the downtown location of the cache.

The phone rang shortly after Frank left. Anna made her way to it and looked at the caller id but all it said was “Maine call 207”. It did not list the number but it was from within the State so she picked it up. “Hello” Anna said. “Hi, this is Eric from West Marine. I am looking for Frank,” he said. “Frank has gone out for awhile, can I take a message?” “Sure I am calling because I forgot to offer him the extended warranty yesterday on his gpsr unit purchase. And we here ay West Marine like to focus on making sure the customer is satisfied.” “I will let him know. Actually maybe we will stop by as we are going geocaching later today. I think you got my husband hooked on this stuff with all the toys you sold him,” Anna confessed.  “Yes, well, I know how fun it is as I have done it for many years now and have pretty much done them all. Some are real tricky and I love the thrill of those.” “I will be doing my first later today and I am looking forward to it.” “Oh, where are you headed for your first?”  “I think Frank said something about a Quarry Cache or something like that, not really sure.” “I am sure wherever it is you will have a great time. I have a customer here needing my help. Please tell your husband to stop by and sign up for the warranty. Thanks for your time” Eric said as he hung up the phone. Anna put the receiver down and thought it was odd to get such good customer service now a days but it was nice. She wrote the message down on the sticky note and stuck it on the fridge. Then she went back to doing her laundry.

Frank parked near the Statue and plopped some coins into the meter. There were a few muggles around so he tried to figure out his best plan to look at and around the Statue without looking like he was in fact looking for something rather than admiring the Statue. He decided to walk around the perimeter and see who was doing what and who maybe either a cacher or who may be nosy enough to watch him. He picked out a few to keep his eyes on and then went towards the Statue. He sat on one corner and looked around for something small and out of place. Was it under a rock? Under the grass at the base of the monument? He looked and looked before moving to each corner. He had sat at all four corners before going to a bench to think it over and figure out the hint. He read and re-read the cache hunt page. Then he went back. He noticed a piece of black tape inside the black framing of the light stand on this corner. He decided to poke it, it moved, and that made him want to reach and grab it but he could not as someone was watching him. He moved away from the stand and back towards a bench. He turned and the man was moving towards him, straight towards him. Frank felt a strange sense of uncomfortable ness as the man neared Frank who was now sitting on the bench. Thoughts began to race through Frank’s head and scenarios began to play out. Then he chuckled and looked down as he realized he was getting caught up in the geocaching game and turning this man into something that he wasn’t able to be. Frank saw the shoes stop in front of him and looked up. The man was there now and had stopped. Frank’s heart pounded with anticipation of either fight or flight. His muscles tensed and the man seemed to see that as well. He reached in his pocket and Frank stood up quickly. The man pulled out a little black object from his pocket and Frank immediately moved sideways creating a little distance from the man and also some room to move between the two of them without the bench behind him. Then Frank looked again at the object now dangling from the string. He recognized it and felt a little foolish as he saw the gpsr unit. The man said” I didn’t mean to scare you. I just saw you here and looked like you were doing the same thing that I was doing. Sorry. My name is Mike but they call me Hiram357.” Mike stuck out his hand and Frank shook it. “I am Frank and yes, I am looking for the same thing. I am LWA11.” “NO, a newbie right here and the one who writes so well!!” said Eric. Frank smiled and said thanks. Eric asked if he found it yet and Frank said he believed he did and then they went over and picked it out using each other as decoys. They signed the little log. Frank said it was nice to meet him and was ready to leave as Eric just gave him the creeps. Eric asked “Do you want to hook up and cache sometime? I really think I can show you a thing or two with all of my experience.” Frank did not know what to say and offered as bland a response as he could, “sure that sounds great. Let’s do that. Catch you later.” He turned and walked away. Hiram357 though felt slighted and watched Frank all the way to his Explorer before turning and leaving.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Frank was eager to go home and tell Anna about how small this cache had been. And tell her how hard it had been to be sneaky with all of those people around. He wasn’t sure if he would tell her about meeting Eric as it may turn her off to the game. In fact, he knew he would not tell her as he wanted this to be enjoyable. He smiled as he remembered how camping was supposed to be enjoyable as well. Despite the fact that Anna had grown up in Greenville Township, which was in Northern Maine at the foot of Moosehead, a place that had more wild animals than people around she was still afraid of the wild animals. The tent they had brought with them was big and plenty of room for probably six people anyway but it had been just the two of them. It was all fun until she realized the zipped was broke and the tent would not close all of the way. He assured her they would be fine but no, Anna made sure the cooler and anything else she could find went in front of the door of that tent. A knife, a lantern, and Frank by her side was still not enough to convince her that the bears were not going to come thru the opening in the door. Maybe a mouse or a squirrel or something like that but not a bear. She got angry at him for teasing her but it was entertaining to him to see her go from white to red, from scared to angry in just seconds. The next morning after a night of little sleep and what sleep they did get was on the hard ground because Anna thought it was the best place for the tent. They packed and left for home. Frank remembered that when they got home he set the tent up in the yard and stayed there but Anna refused as she thought he did it to just make fun of her, he knew she had been right. He laughed out loud now as he pulled into the driveway.

She saw him coming up the stairs and thought maybe now would be a good time to talk to him about her news which was turning into her own little secret. She felt guilty for not letting him know as it affected both of them. It affected the rest of their lives but she was afraid that maybe the timing wasn’t right and that maybe she would wait a little longer. Their eyes met as he walked through the door into the kitchen. She smiled and wrapped her arms around him. “So how was your adventure my spy man?” Anna asked. Frank quickly responded “oh Anna, you would have loved it, people everywhere and I had to be stealthy, sneaky, secretive, but I found it!! It was so much fun and it was so small Anna.”
Anna interrupted him, “I know what size it is big guy.” She said and then laughed. He patted her on the ass “Hey now, really, it was about half the size of a business card but I found it.” “Give yourself a little credit now Frankie the spy as I know it is a little bigger than that!!” she said and could barely contain her laughter. She was having fun and she watched Frank throw his hands in the air as if to say I give up!! He hugged her tight and told her he loved her so much. And then asked her “Do you want to go camping?” Anna tried to push him away but he held her tight. She bit his ear just enough to let him know she was playing but he was pushing it. She asked if he was ready for their trip this afternoon. He said he wanted to eat and then quickly post a story and then they could go. She asked what to put in the bags for the trip. He said snacks, water, and whatever else she felt like as it was only a few miles off the road. So it would be fun and not too tiring.
Frank went to the computer room and Anna made lunch. She loved him so much and didn’t want to ruin his fun with her news but she couldn’t keep it to herself much longer. She had to tell him, he deserved to know.

Frank pecked at the keyboard and then submitted another fun story of his spying. He knew he added some thing and took some away but it was for fun.

Saving Lady Victory
Saving Lady Victory!!
 
This mission was explored in two prior visits with an Agent in training (a friend I am trying to interest) and then my fearless (ok maybe not so fearless, the wife) fellow Agent 99. At the second scouting we met two other agents and discussed the possibilities (froze our butts off and saw nothing) of saving the beautiful Lady Victory. So with all the prep work done we got a good nights sleep (after I warmed up!!).

The next morning we headed out for a dirty mission (laundry time) and I quickly knew I needed to break off (Didn’t want to do laundry) and help Lady Victory. Agent 99 gave me an odd look (where do you think you are going!!) and I explained the importance (I am hooked already, sorry, break out the ten step program) of Lady Victory to Portland. So with the backing (she was turned around) of my partner, I took off for Lady Victory.

I parked the spy vehicle around the corner to keep it out of sight of the muggles. I strolled up to muggle central and it was quiet but within minutes muggles were gathering. Them seemed t be waiting in two strategic spots and I was worried for my safety so I slinked by the first spot (a bus stop) with no trouble. I stayed as far away from the second as I could because I knew it would not lead me to anywhere but trouble(it was across the street at the library and not in my search area). The muggles entering this location all seemed pretty anxious to get into their building (it was cold out still) and get on with their work.

I was anxious to get started on my assignment before any trouble (the wife tracking me down) could brew for me. I walked with my head down (hoping upon hope to find something out of place) to try to look inconspicuous to the muggles. A well worn muggle approached me (a homeless man) and then spoke to me (wanted some money). I thought I was a goner at that point and put on my best muggle face (handed him a dollar) which must have worked as he left quickly with a smile.

As step by step went without finding the way to save Lady Liberty I was becoming discouraged (getting really cold). Just when I thought it could get no worse Agent 99 pulled up in her sleek spy vehicle (ah, a ford escort!!). She approached with urgency (was that steam coming out of her head and fire out of her eyes?) and I became concerned (fight or flight, fight or flight…hhmm). I stayed (fight or flight= froze) and waited for her intelligent wisdom (ah, sure). She informed me that her mission was off and spinning but she needed to return soon to make sure it was going well and the transfer happened smoothly. She offered to go get us something (hot chocolate) to blend in with the muggles better and off she went to spy central (D&D).

As she left I was concerned that I may not be the one to help Lady Liberty and decided to sit on a corner and ponder why I was so useless tot his lovely Lady. As I sat in a deep trance I was becoming one with the Lady to try and feel what was different about her or her surroundings. I was taping into the Jedi way I was taught in spy (SW 1-6) school. Then I awakened suddenly (fire truck went by, loud!!) and had a burst of energy (needed to find this or pee my pants). Then just as I was ready to pack it in and head for home with an empty heart (log a DNF) for not helping Liberty I saw something in the corner of my eye (a piece of hair?). I inspected and there it was, the key to saving Lady Victory was right before me in PLAIN SIGHT!! I entered the information to save her but now needed to put the spy info back in place for the next Agent to further the cause. I knew this would be tricky and when Agent 99 returned we decided on a strategy (stand here honey). Then confident the muggles had no idea what was about to happen I acted with the speed of a frozen ninja!! I slipped it back into place and then we embraced (we are married so embracing is foreign and reserved for special occasions, like geocaching!!) like regular muggles to throw them off the trail. We headed back to her mission (time to fold the laundry!!).

As he was finishing his wife arrived with a tray that had his lunch on it. He saw a cold glass of diet soda, a turkey sandwich on rye bread, and a couple pickle slices. He smiled and looked her up and down…. “Are you for after?” She smiled, turned away from him and just before she left the room turn to him, raised her eyebrows and gave him a little shoulder shrug with a wink. He almost put the plate down then and headed for her now. His PC chimed to let him know that he had knew messages waiting for him. So he clicked open the program and browsed thru the list of emails, junk, junk, answer it later, then he froze as he saw another from Hiram357. He was not sure he wanted to open it and thought maybe it would be best just to delete it. His finger dangled over the delete key and then he decided he should open it.

LWA11,
ahhh, many a sad times has my geo-days been ruined by the wrought and foul task of lies....fortunatley they have more honest cachers out there than you. You met me and I met you. Together we made a find but was that all that was found? One more chance you get and then you will run afoul.
 
Hiram357
There's 3 kinds of people in this world, those that can count, and those that can't. Did I mention that I am 1/2 Irish and 3/4 polish.
 
 
Frank re-read it to try and figure it out. Was this guy crazy? Was he playing? What was his damn deal anyway? Frank closed the mail program and decided he was done writing about his adventures if this was the stuff he would have to deal with for having a little fun. So he looked up the quarry cache and printed the page.
Traditional Cache

GCJWJ7
 

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Quarry Cache
by ktaadnman [profile]
N 43° 42.963 W 070° 20.672
UTM: 19T E 391690 N 4841214
NW 6.2mi from your home coordinates.
or convert to NAD27 at Jeeep.com
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In Maine, United States [view map]
Hidden: 7/3/2004
Use waypoint: GCJWJ7 (what's this?)

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(ratings out of 5 stars. 1 is easiest, 5 is hardest)
Difficulty:   Terrain: 
This cache is an old granite quarry just off a powerline in the Prides Corner area of Westbrook.
Park at the Prides Corner Congregational Church. Cross the street and start up the access road to a substation. Please don't park on this access road. I want the power company to be able to get in there if my power goes out. Follow the trail to the right just before the gate. Then follow the powerline and your GPS. You will walk about 0.65 miles. Notice the drill and wedge marks on the rocks from the quarrying operations as you get near the site.The cache is a little on the small side so please keep trade items small. It is a white Marshmallow Fluff container with a red cover. Started with a note book and pencil, "Say No to Drugs" button, matchbox car, cloth keepsake bag, goodie bag of rubber erasers, Jayco camper patch, blanket pin and a Six Flags stretched penny.
Additional Hints (Decrypt)
Decryption Key
A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z
(letter above equals below,
and vice versa)
Haqre ebpxf ng onfr bs ynetrfg cvar gerr. (Decrypted Hints)


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He sat for a second just thinking about the email and rather Anna needed to know or not but decided that she did not after a little thought. He went down stairs and they decided to have their fun later and go caching before it got later in the day. They gathered their things and headed to the Explorer. They headed to the cache site.
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 They arrived at the site in Westbrook. They parked across the street from the start of the trail in a Church parking lot. It was almost empty except for two other SUV’s and one yellow station wagon that looked like it was from the 1970’s as it had the wood paneling on the side of its’ yellow frame. They parked and slowly got there gear together and checked the gpsr and the direction it said to make sure they were starting in the right area. They headed across the street and towards the trail which was a dirt road leading through some pine trees towards a power sub station. Frank looked at Anna and was not sure if he ever saw her looking quite this outdoorsy in her life. She had on nice tight fitting jeans that covered the top part of her new LL Beans hiking books. Her jacket was a red windbreaker from Beans they had purchased the year before for walks around their neighborhood. She had her backpack on in which she carried the maps, compass, and first aid kit for this trip. She was even wearing a baseball cap and he knew she hated wearing those, always.  She looked quite cute he thought and was excited to begin this adventure with her. He handed her the cache hunt pages as she would be good at the clues. She was much better than he was or ever could be with those, as he seemed to have a little trouble reading between the lines. He was good at black and white but always tried to make the gray areas fit into either black or white. It worked well with his clients and also in his life but was tough in figuring out puzzles that were meant to live in the gray areas of our minds. Anna took the papers and took a look at them to see if there was anything they needed to get them going. She told Frank that it appeared that the only clue had to do with where the cache was hidden so he needed to be the man and lead them there first off. She loved how he looked in his faded blue jeans and his grey Maine Black Bears sweatshirt. He had a windbreaker tied around his waist. He had his Boston Bruins hat on and with his sunglasses sitting on top of the hat. He turned towards her and caught her checking him out. He smiled and gave her a hug. His backpack shifted as he leaned towards her. The water inside of it had shifted and sighed and he struggled to put it back in its place of comfortableness on his back. They reached a little gate and he slid under while she simply walked around it and then continued down the path towards the power sub-station. They were barely down the path but things were already changing around them as the noise of the street faded, the sound of birds and even crickets became more profound with each step. Also increasing was the humming sound coming from the power lines overhead. They reached the end of the road and the sub station was closed behind a chain link fence. The gpsr pointed straight thru the station but it was obvious to take the path that led o the right of the station and followed the lines cut through the woods. The path became more of a path than a road as more and more shrubs of various height made it more narrow. It eventually was wide enough for an atv or two but not much else. They walked and as they left the station area it became even more secluded. They were now following a trail along the power lines and heading away from the main road. They could no longer see houses or hear traffic. The trail was starting to become muddy in spots and this certainly slowed their travels. The gpsr though was telling them to keep moving that way. So Frank kept walking and tried to pick out the easiest route through the rocks sticking up in the path and the mud. He could tell Anna was slowly not liking this part of the trip and when she looked up only to see a decent sized hill before them she sighed. Frank turned and asked what was wrong. Anna said nothing but he could tell she was unhappy at the moment. The slowly made their way up the hill and noticed there was something odd at the top of it. With each step it became a little clearer that is was an old car just left to rust on top of the hill. As they reached the top of the hill Frank took off his pack. He set it on the ground and made sure Anna, who was still making her way up the hill was fine. He gave a hand to help her to the top. They admired the view as it seemed you could see for miles up the lines. The trail was not a thing of beauty but was still very different than any hike they had taken together. They took a brief break and had some water. Anna made cookies for the trip and they had a few of those as well. They sat on a large boulder and Anna was fidgeting with her boot laces. Frank could tell she had something on her mind and was hoping she would just let it out but it appeared that would not be happening soon. Frank got up and walked over to the beat up car and was trying to figure out what it was in its past life. He guessed it was an old gremlin but could not be sure. He tugged at the door to try and open it but was having no luck. Anna began to speak, “Frank, you know I love you right?” Frank kept tugging and replied “ofcourse I know that Anna, and I love you as well.” She sighed “I have something I have to tell you and it is big. It will change our lives Frank. Can you look at me?” Frank’s heart pounded a little faster as he turned towards her and was unsure of what was going to come out of her mouth. His eyes met hers and he knew it was serious. That whatever she was going to say deserved his full attention. He walked over towards her and sat beside her on the boulder again.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Frank put his hand on her shoulder and told her no matter what it would be okay. She could tell him anything. Frank took her hand and said “Anna I love you and I am here for you. Here for us. Please tell me what it is.” Anna let her head fall forward and fell into Frank’s arms. He held her tight and knew now not to say a word until she did, that his job right then was to comfort her, to hold her until she was ready.

He could see them from the trees and wondered why they had stopped on top of the hill. Where they giving up? They couldn’t, they had to go to the quarry.  He needed them to go to the quarry.

After a few minutes had passed Anna sat back up and looked at Frank. He smiled back at her lovingly. It seemed to her as if it was the right time and she could tell him. He needed to know after all. “Frank this will change our lives forever but you need to know, I need to tell you.” “Anna just tell me, I can handle anything as long as I have you. We can get through anything together. I just wa…” “Anna interrupted him, “Frank I am pregnant. We are going to have a baby!!” Frank looked at her and it seemed as if time had stood still at that moment. His heart skipped a beat or two. “Frank? Frank?” Anna was becoming nervous and then Frank grabbed her in his arms and pulled her close. He kissed her and then jumped off the boulder. He started waving his arms in the air and doing some odd looking dance. “What are you doing?” asked Anna. Frank went over to her and took her hands in his, “I love you and I am celebrating!! We are going to have a family!! Us, we, I am going to be a daddy!!” He jumped around a bit more before she interrupted his party. “Frank lets go find this cache!! Then go home and celebrate!! So let’s go spy boy.” Frank turned and smiled at her as he thought to himself just how lucky he was too have her and things were just so different know. He could not be happier. They packed everything up and helped each other with the backpacks. And set out on the trail towards the cache site. Anna no longer was bothered by the mud or the hike as a weight had been lifted. She thought he would be okay with it but figured you never know until you know after you tell them. He was happier then she ever could have imagined and that made her even happier then she had been when she found out. He would make such a good daddy.
Frank paused and starred at the gpsr, he was at a point where the trail forked and the cache appeared to be in the middle somewhere. They decided to take the side trail as it was something different. It would be something new to see rather than the power lines and rocks that lined the main trail. This one looked less traveled as well and that could mean it was wrong but Frank figured it was worth a shot. They started down the trail which was softer under their feet as it was mostly just the ground and a few flat rocks. The brush was gone for the most part now and the pine trees grew thicker with each step and the bright day slowly faded to a grayer looking one under the canopy. Anna felt a little uneasy but decided it best not to say anything as Frank knew what he was doing and this was supposed to be a happy time anyway and thus letting him play would be better than questioning him. She had the bear spray in the backpack and thought about taking it out to ease her own mind but decided that it would give Frank too much ammunition to tease her with and left it in the backpack.  They kept moving towards the cache location and now where with in 200 feet according to the gpsr. There was a clearing ahead and they walked towards it and were amazed as the trees parted near the end and opened into a quarry that seemed to have been abandoned long ago. They both just stood amazed at how this was here in the middle of nowhere. The rocks scattered about where so smooth and you could tell a machine had worked them over a long time ago. They almost forgot about the cache as they looked around and admired the beauty of this place.

They were there now and so was he but not in a spot where he could be seen yet, oh not yet he thought but so soon, so very ,very soon he would be seen. He wore dark clothes to blend in with the green trees, plus a mask to hide his face, and had hidden his atv just a short distance away. The short trailer attached to it was going to be put to good use soon. He knew they did not know about the other way to get to the quarry and also knew nobody came here anymore except a few cachers once in awhile. This was the perfect place and he knew it. He also knew that they were coming here!!  He pulled out the piece of paper that had “Quarry Cache” written on it and smiled.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
He brought his attention back to Frank and Anna. He was right where he needed to be if Frank did as he expected him to do. He believed Frank would go down into the quarry and leave Anna up at the top so she would not have to make the long and sometimes slippery walk into the quarry where the cache was hidden. He knew if Frank was down there and Anna was up here that he would have plenty of time to do what he wanted without worrying about Frank. Frank and Anna were slowly walking as they looked into the pit of the quarry. They were coming closer to him and he felt the adrenaline start to flow. He felt his heart rate begin to rise and his anger festered as well.

He thought back t the days when things were different for him. He had a tough childhood as he was overweight and so was his family. He was still active though and felt he did well in the sports he did try but most of the time he only played those in the neighborhood. He did real well in academics and had wanted to be a teacher but only the good ones seem to get the breaks. Frank was his friend back in the day, back in the West End. They played waffle ball, football, basketball, and hockey together all of the time back then. Frank was awesome even at a young age and he remembered not being envious but being proud of his friend. Frank was the kind of guy who stuck up for you and had your back no matter what others thought. That was back in the day though and his anger rose as he remembered when it was no longer that way. Frank was in high school and becoming popular in a new World while he was still in middle school. That is when it started as Frank had less and less time for his younger friend. He thought of Frank like a brother but that changed when he was a freshman and saw Frank in the hallway and he didn’t even acknowledge him. Frank later tried to apologize and make it right but the pain did not go away and the relationship was never the same, eventually fading away. Frank hurt him worse than anyone else ever had in his life. He was crushed and it festered from heartbreak into anger over the years. He thought it was gone until he saw him a couple days ago. Then it hit him like a ton of bricks and he felt like something in him changed at that moment. He had not recognized him or if he had, he was still to cool for him. He knew he had changed by going on a strict diet of just rice and some Tabasco sauce for taste. He would add chicken once in awhile but it was always rice. He lost a lot of weight and worked out in the gym. He had changed but not enough to not be recognizable. Frank had let him down for the last time. He would play a game now and see how good Frank was at this one, with his rules, and with him being the man in control. He loved the feeling of being in control and this would be the ultimate test of how far he had come from being the little guy to now being the big guy. This would prove it to himself and teach Frank a lesson as well. He grinned as he moved forward towards Anna who was now alone as Frank was making his way down into the quarry.

Frank and Anna had talked about how to get the cache as the gpsr was clearly leading them down into the pit of the quarry near the water at the bottom. They debated as Frank’s knee may or may not be stable but at the same time he did not want Anna climbing around down the quarry either. He would do it and she could watch the stuff which would make his load lighter. He dropped his backpack and gave her a hug before touching her stomach gently causing a big smile on his face. He started to turn away but suddenly felt a deep fear inside him. He turned back to Anna who gave him a quizzical look as if to ask what was wrong. She smiled and waved him onward towards the pit. He almost didn’t go but she obviously did not feel anything like he was so maybe he was just being overly protective already of his expectant wife. He shrugged his shoulders and proceeded down the small twisting path towards the bottom of the quarry. He made sure to take his time and be sure of his footing to not put any sudden strain on his knee. It was slow but he was making steady progress. He would glance up at Anna who would always be smiling back at him.
He crept towards her and was thankful there was a nice breeze here in the opening of the quarry as it made the trees move enough to make some noise when the branches hit. Thus any noise he made under foot was not as loud as it seemed to him. The first crack of the branch under his feet sounded as loud as a bomb going off to him but Anna had not even flinched. In fact, she seemed off in another World all together which would make this that much easier. He pulled a bottle of Ether from his pocket and slowly opened it up. He knew from working on cars in shop class many years ago that enough Ether would make you feel drunk and soon pass out. He dropped the cover to the ground and pulled the white cloth from his pocket and dumped the Ether over it, thoroughly soaking it. He almost coughed at the smell but resisted it somehow. He was behind her know and raised his hands towards the back of her head. His heart was pounding so loud that he was surprised it did not cause her to turn around. He couldn’t see Frank and assumed that meant he was deep in the quarry. Too far away to get back in time to ruin his plans. His hands closed around Anna’s mouth and nose tightly with the cloth in place. She tried to scream and then tried to get away from him but he would only squeeze tighter. He could feel her slipping away and started to pull her towards the area where he hid his atv. They were far enough from the rim that Frank could no longer see them even if he looked up. The fact he had not yelled as of yet probably meant he had not seen his beloved wife being dragged away. He uncovered his atv and laid her on the trailer. She was out now and no longer a threat to give him away. He could concentrate on getting out of there and getting her to his van to continue with his plans. He started his atv and then placed a note on Anna’s backpack which he placed on the ground, then headed for the trail.

Frank looked up and did not see Anna around the rim of the pit but thought maybe she had taken a little walk to look around at this wonderful new spot they had just discovered together. O r maybe she was tired and sat down or more likely with Anna he would return to the top and she would have a nice snack made for the both of them to share. Then the sound of the birds and smacking of branches was interrupted with an atv motor coming to life. He had not heard it approach which was odd but heard it loud and clear now. He yelled to Anna as he wanted to have her in sight while the atv was near. She did not answer and did not come to the rim. He tried again and again as maybe she just could not hear him because of the noise of the fact he was in a pit. The atv engine started to fade as it moved away into the distance. He felt that sudden fear again and yelled for her again. Now there was little reason for her not to answer. He scrambled to the path and upwards as quickly as he could as the fear only built with each step. Each drop of sweat from his face that stung his eyes only seemed to add to the fear. He kept yelling but there was no answer. He was nearing the top but it seemed forever ago he started this return to the top. His heart pounded from fear and from the sudden air his body craved. He smelt something odd, like gas as he neared the top, but quickly dismissed it as just atv fumes. He reached the top and Anna was not there. He spun but could see her nowhere. His pack was their on the ground and there was a bottle next to it. He reached for it and read the label, ETHER, and he dropped it to the ground. Before the bottle even hit the ground he was running in the direction he heard the atv from or where he assumed it came from while he was in the pit. The bottle smashed as it hit the smoothed rocks of the rim. As it shattered so did his knee and he fell hard to the ground striking his face against a rock. He felt the blood immediately begin to flow from the new opening above his eye. It clouded the vision in his eyes. He struggled to his feet and hobbled towards what appeared to be a back pack on the ground. As he got closer his heart sunk. He recognized the backpack as Anna’s and yelled her name over and over. She did not answer but he kept yelling. As he bent to pick up the backpack he saw a piece of paper, it appeared to be a note of some sort. He collapsed to the ground as he began to read the note. He screamed for her but she was gone.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Frank tried to gather his focus and read the letter slowly to make sure he did not miss anything……

Ah Frank!!! Are you missing something? I think you are missing something very important!!! Guess who has it!!! I do Frank!!! I have your lovely wife Anna, boy, she is a hottie Frank. You did well but of course the jocks usually do pretty good don’t they Frank. So here is the deal!!! If you go to the cops and I find out, you can have her back right away. In a body bag!!! Don’t test me as I have nothing to lose here Frank. I will end her life if that is what it takes but I would much rather give her back to you in one piece. You do want her in one piece don’t you Frank. Just think you can have her back safely, relatively unharmed, and all you have to do is follow my instructions. Now that is quite the deal isn’t it? I am good at making deals Frank and now you will see how good I am at playing games as well.

So to get her back you must complete some geocaches Frank. Oh, but these are not your normal cache hunt. We are playing for her life!!! If you fail to complete even one, yes one, hunt then she dies. Cops get involved and she dies, so keep clear of them and do not get caught!! To keep her alive you must complete them exactly as I instruct you. If you mess up Frank, then I will have to do something to your precious Anna. How many times can you mess up before she will die? Only I know that Frank!!! So are you ready to play?

First hunt is as follows, it is a simple test and we shall see how well you follow instructions!!! Go to the Dyer Hutchinson Farm Chain Cache. First, find the cache!! Sign the log book. Then off of the trail you will see an orange tool chest. In it you will find a clue to the next hunt!! Also though you will find something to let you know just how serious I am about this game Frank!!! So don’t leave any finger prints on the orange box!!! Now isn’t this fun!!!!

Frank could not believe his eyes and it seemed like the World around him had stopped as he no longer heard the birds or the trees and no longer smelled the pines around him. All he could smell was Ether and all he could focus on was the paper before him. He was had tears in his eyes and anger in his veins!! He was disappointed in himself, he had failed to protect his wife and that was so not like him. He hated to fail, it disgusted him in everyway. How could he have left her up their in a place they didn’t even know? Why did he ignore those feelings in his gut? He could have prevented this but he was an idiot. Frank rose to his feet and picked up Anna’s bag and then shoved the letter into his pocket. He started to look around for hints or signs of who might have done this but then remembered it didn’t matter, whoever it was had Anna!!! He had to get her back!! He thought about going to the police but knew they would screw it all up for him. He decided he could meet any challenge and after all this one was for the ultimate prize, his wife and their unborn child. Frank made his way quickly back to the Explorer, ignoring his throbbing knee as he went. He needed to rush home to get the co-ordinates for this first part of the game. What the hell could be in that box? Why should I not leave my fingerprints? Too many questions and only one way to find the answers!!!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Frank sped home and was fortunate not to get pulled over by the Cops for driving so fast and so reckless but he somehow got home without any interruptions. It was getting later in the day so he quickly looked up the cache and printed the pages. He grabbed them as quick as he could get his hands on them and flew out the door back to the Explorer. He never noticed his door was unlocked at his home as he was in so much of a hurry to think of anything other than going to the Dyer Hutchinson Farm Chain Cache. Back in the Explorer he threw it in gear and sped out of his driveway and headed down the street before suddenly slamming on the brakes of the Explorer!!! He had forgotten to even look at the cache hunter paper, where the hell was he going? He didn’t even know and he tried to calm himself. He was shaky and sweat appeared on his forehead. His arms were shaking and a tear welled in his eye before sliding down his cheek as he tried to collect himself.  How could he have let this happen? He banged his fists on the dashboard over and over as rage began to take over for the fear and desperation he had felt. A siren blasted behind him and blue lights suddenly filled his rearview. Frank’s heart sunk but his eyes filled with alertness as panic was coming. What had he done and what did this officer want? What if the man who had Anna was watching? So many thoughts raced through his head. The car blew by him and Frank breathed in deeply and sighed with relief. That seemed to help him get set a little more as he now picked up the Cache page and saw it was over near the South Portland and Cape Elizabeth border. He headed in that direction and as he neared the parking spot he realized the field across from the cache was one they had often drove by in the early evenings to see the deer in the field grazing. He pulled into the small parking lot for the Farm. He set the co-ord’s for the cache in his gpsr and headed in the direction it suggested. He so wanted to run but was very afraid of the mud and the tree roots doing more trouble to his already damaged knee. The ground was covered with leaves and pine needles which added to the slipperiness. In some places the walking was slow as he weaved around the pockets of mud that appeared at least ankle deep. He emerged from the tree cover to a clear cut area and the trail continued up the hill before him. He reached the top of the hill and started to go back under tree cover when he noticed something orange ahead in the brush off the side of the trail. His heart pounded with each new step that brought him closer to the orange in the brush. He could not fight it any longer and broke out into a trot towards it. He just had to know what it was and what was inside of it. He neared it and it looked less and less like a box. He was now only feet away and could tell it was a piece of orange raincoat but it appeared to have something else attached to it and he knew it did not fit where it was or the way it laid in the brush. It had been shaped so that from the direction he was coming that it would look to be a box or something square and orange until you got close. He knew it was meant for him so he looked closer and there was an envelope with his name on it. He carefully grabbed it and looked it over before deciding it was okay to open it. He slid out the piece of paper that was attached and read the message.

Well, well, how did I guess that you just might want to take a short cut Frank? I said to follow my instructions completely and to the letter. Heading for this means that you did not Frank. I will let this be your lesson learned my friend!! Next time Anna will pay for your eagerness and carelessness. So your choice really Frank. Play my way and if you succeed you get her back or play your way and get her back much sooner, in a body bag!!!
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Frank ripped the paper apart in anger!! Who the hell was this guy!!?? He felt like he just wanted to scream but knew it was not wise to do so even if he was in the woods. He did not need the attention it would bring. He looked at the gpsr and headed off in the direction of the triangle in the middle. Soon it led him to an old stone wall that had been used to separate plots of land years ago. Somewhere along the wall or near the wall atleast was a micro cache that he needed to find so he could sign the logbook sign. He decided he would not skip a step and would follow the directions of this insane man and his game. He walked to where the gpsr said he needed to go. And he began to look for the small hidden object. At first he almost started to forget about the other game and focused on this one with fun beginning to creep in before he realized that this was not a game. Not one he wanted to play anyway, or so he tried to tell himself. He was a very competitive person by his nature but this was his wife!!! He looked in the many nooks and crannies of the wall. There were just way too many and it seemed as if every rock was loose as well. He stodd up frustrated and looked at the gpsr again, it had moved, so was he in the right place or was this all wrong!??! Frustration was building as he felt like he was looking for a needle in a haystack as it was already and did not need the gpsr to say the haystack had moved as well. He tried to get a fix on his location but it jumped around as it could not get a solid lock on the satellites in the fading sunlit sky about. He went back to a clearing and got a good lock, then proceeded back into the wall and trees right where he had been before. This time he put the unit next to him on a rock so it could keep gathering info over time to further narrow the spot. He tore through the rock wall and scraped his knuckles on a rock. It was bleeding but he chose to ignore it and kept looking. His frustration was growing and growing with each passing second. He reached for the top of the wall to help him stand up as his legs were becoming numb for being crouched for so long. As he tried to stand the rock slid towards him and he fell backwards into the trees just behind him. He laid there for a minute waiting to feel the pain he thought was sure to follow but it did not come. He sat up and then looked for his gpsr which had gone flying as well. It had landed in the base of the tree where it had rotted over the years. He reached in and pulled it out. As he moved it though he saw something shinny in the bottom of the rot. He thought a piece fell off of the gpsr and he began to worry. He looked at the gpsr but nothing was missing!!! He quickly reached into the rot and scooped out the little metal container that was about half the size of a film canister. It was the cache!! He had found it!! His heart raced as he opened it and pulled out the small piece of paper kept within it. He signed it and placed it back in its little hiding spot. Luck had been on his side and he knew it as he never would have found that if he had not fallen over. He was too consumed with the rock wall and all its hiding places. Now he had to find the orange chest. He began to head back towards the trail and something caught his eye on the other side of the trail, away from the rock wall and the cache. He could not believe he did not see it before as it was right there, pretty much in plain view. He must have been so consumed by his gpsr and the nearing of the cache hiding spot that he never looked in that direction. He was amazed at how he could walk right by something just off the trail that was big and orange. Now he even noticed fresh atv marks leading towards where it lay in the woods. He hurried over to the box and started to reach for it but then remembered he was not supposed to leave his finger prints!! He had not grabbed gloves of any sort and was furious with himself but he knew he did not have time to go back to the Explorer to get some gloves, the light was fading and he could not stand the thought of losing so much time. He decided his shirt would be enough to do the trick. He pulled it over his head and used it as a barrier between him and the clasps on the chest. He slowly opens the two latches before slowly lifting the top up so he could see inside. For all he knew it could be a bomb or something in there to kill him but he had to look because he had to get Anna back, or was it he just didn’t want to lose at anything?
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Frank looked inside the chest and felt his heart race as he recognized the jacket that lay there before him. It was Anna’s jacket and she had been wearing it earlier on their hike. It was torn and muddy. He did not see any blood though and none of the tears went all the way through the jacket as he searched for any signs of good news. He loved her so much and just had to find her and wanted her safe. She was carrying his child and wanted to get her so the stress did not affect her pregnancy. He looked under the jacket in the chest and did not see anything else. There had to be something, some clue as to what he was supposed to do next. This couldn’t be it could it? He pushed the chest over and there was nothing underneath it. He wiped it with his shirt to make sure he had gotten rid of the finger prints. He thought for a minute and decided to check the pockets of the jacket. In the first pocket he found a sandwich baggie. It was sealed but full of hair that appeared to be the same color as his wife’s hair. Fear rushed to the surface and he opened the baggie, sniffed and knew it was in fact HER hair. What did he do to her and was she okay raced through his mind. He opened the other pocket, empty, and then felt the inside pocket. It had something in it. He slipped it out so he could see it and was not surprised to find an envelope in his hands. He opened it and began to read….

Good job Frank!!! You have found the chest!! Did you find the cache first? Did you take care to not leave finger prints on the chest? Must be careful Frank!! So you have the envelope but did you find the other present I left you? I figured you may want more than the jacket as proof that I have her and that I will harm her if I need too do so Frank!! You can’t keep her hair though. Oh no, nor the jacket…… sorry but they must stay here my friend. For you see what fun is a game if you do not have someone who may just be looking for you? You may try to find Anna but maybe the police should try to find out whom the hair and jacket belongs too!! If they get too close, I will kill her so please make sure you do take care to not leave any evidence of yourself Frank. Well, besides your signature on the cache, lol. They may or may not know about that……. Luck though..that is what the cache part comes into, do they watch the woods or run into anyone after looking at these items? If so, you will be on their list of people to talk too…. How interesting that could be!!! Oh now don’t worry as it is unlikely they get to play in this game just yet my dear friend Frank. They will get a chance to play later. So for now, leave the items in the chest, oh please dump the hair form the baggie, and keep the baggie for yourself!! Tick tock…. You must now go Frank!!! Where you find comfort is where you will find your next clue!! Oh Frank, not that comfort but the one you have hidden from Anna!! Go now Frank.. GO!!

Anna was starting to wake up but was still too groggy to have much of an idea of where she was or what was happening to her. The fear had not yet grabbed her but he knew it soon would. He knew that she would want to scream so her mouth was covered to prevent just that. He thought he was kind though as he put a tube in her mouth so she could at least suck water from a camel bak he had set up near her. She was quite the site right now and he was enjoying it. She was tied by the hands to a couple of beams in the cellar with her feet on a chair so she could not make any noise with either her feet or her hands. She deserved so much more out of life than she was getting from Frank but he had her fooled. He had changed a lot of things and had cleaned up most of his mess from past indiscretions but it was not all clean!! To deserve Anna to take him back it should have all been taken care of but it was not!! Well, maybe it was now. Lol
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Frank tried and tried to make sense of the letter but he could not seem to concentrate. He made it back to the Explorer just after the sun had set and as he climbed in it hit him!! He knew what the letter meant and he prayed that he was wrong. He had that feeling in his gut though that he was not wrong!! This time he wanted to ignore it but could not ignore it. He picked up his cell phone to make a call and dialed the numbers but quickly hung up before the second ring. He shook his head and told himself to be careful!! A call would leave a phone record somewhere and that could be found by someone. He was beginning to feel paranoid about the situation and all of the possibilities that were now before him. He felt so out of control and he hated it to his very core. He was supposed to be in control of everything and shape his life plus those around him. It was a World he had created for himself to live in and now someone else wanted to play the Devil in his World, or maybe he wanted to be both God and the Devil? Frank shook his head to try and clear the thoughts from his mind and refocus on where he was going and what he could say if he was wrong about this being where he was supposed to go. He was nearing her home in South Portland by Southern Maine Community College. She lived in the condo complex there with an awesome view of the water. It had all started innocently when she saw some of his photography at Embassy Suites years before when Frank had it on display in each booth for people to see while they ate their meals in the Café Stroudwater Restaurant. She contacted him via email and asked to see more of his work which seemed honest enough. So he showed her his work and she liked it and spoke of her view from the condo and how he should take a picture from there. So he went to do just that and after coming in from the balcony he was surprised to see her in Victor Secrets, but not much was a secret as Frank remembered, almost with a smile. He had tried to end it when he got back together with Anna but Tracie would have no part of it. She did not care what he wanted as she wanted him and if all she could have was sometimes, it was better than nothing. He so wanted out of it but just could not figure out how to be out of it as she threatened to destroy things between Anna and Frank if he tried and he could not have that. This must be what this freak meant for him to clean up. He pulled into the complex and decided to park out on the side of the building but noticed a spot where the flood light for the parking lot was out so he decided to park there in the dark. He decided to sit and think this through for a minute before moving. If he went in the front door then the security guard at the desk would record his arrival and departure which would not be a good thing even if he used the fake name he always used as it would be on video as well. That would leave a trail and he did not want that either. So he went around to the back door which was accessible only to residents. He had put a hat on and pulled it down to cover his face from the cameras and had put gloves on his hands as well. He took out his keys to find the one Tracie had given him to gain access through this door. He looked and looked but it was gone. Where was it? He did not have time for this crap and he did not want to go out front either. Someone was coming down the hall and he stepped aside, careful not to lift his head, as the teen hurried past him on his cell phone. Frank grabbed the door and scooted inside. He headed up the stairs rather than taking the elevator. Many thoughts raced through his head as he went up the six flights to her floor. He went to her door 612 was about to knock when he noticed the door was not shut all the way and there was music coming from inside. He slowly pushed the door open and walked inside. The radio was playing but not on a station Tracie would ever listen too. She hated country but he could Andy from the Wolf speaking right now. It was all wrong and he could feel it, the fear, building inside of him. He slowly walked towards the kitchen and saw nothing out of place there, no wait, a second look was needed so he looked again and this time noticed the butcher knife was not in the rack where it should have been, so he opened the dishwasher, not there either. His heart now sank. He made his way towards the hall that led to the bathroom, spare bedroom, and master bedroom. He flipped on the light for the spare room and did not see anything so kept going, he did not think he needed to do any double takes anymore as he figured he would find the knife and find someone with it. He made it to the bathroom. He turned on the light and saw an envelope taped to the mirror. He grabbed it and as he pulled it off he noticed a shadow behind the shower curtain. He immediately raised his hand as if ready to fight and then ripped the curtain back in one fell swoop!! His heart sank as quickly as his mind could register what it was seeing!! Tracie’s hands were tied to the shower head and thus she was still upright but she was not standing if any full of life sense. Tracie was dead and it was obvious from the numerous stab wounds Frank could see on her naked body. The knife lay on the bottom of the tub. Frank just wanted to untie her hands and call the police but knew he could not as it would not help him find Anna. He sat on the toilet to gather his thoughts and then opened the envelope. As he pulled out the paper a lone key dropped to the floor. He knew it was the key he no longer had and was looking for moments ago. How did he lose it? How did this guy get the key!!!?? Frank then began to read……

Frank!!! Thanks so much for the key!! I couldn’t have done it without ya my friend. So this is my gift to Anna and you!! What are friends for right!! You can thank me later but first much to do,oh so much to do!! Frank the police will find this body at some point so lets get to making sure there is nothing left for them to tie you to the murder, okay? Take the knife with you when you leave and take it to the next cache. Now take the shower and the bleach, was her real good now Frank. Last time you get to enjoy her body so take your time if you like!! Then Frank you can leave her in the tub!! If you hair or prints are elsewhere in the condo then you can try to clean them but I think you are set Frank as it has been a little while since you have been up here, oh say 6 months!! So you should be fine as she has had others here as well. Oooppss! Did you know that Frankie? You were not her only “special” one.
So they next cache is going to be a real fun one!!! Go back home to find it!! I left you a little delivery in your mailbox!! Enjoy the ride home!!
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15
Frank cleaned up Tracie and did as instructed in the letter and then left making sure nobody saw him sneak out of there and keeping his head towards the ground to avoid any possible contact with the cameras. He climbed back into his Explorer and felt sad inside for the loss of Tracie’s life which was again his fault. He wanted it over but certainly not in this fashion. How did HE know that though? He was beginning to feel like maybe this guy just knew too much about him. He started the Explorer and headed home. As he pulled into the driveway he stopped so he could go check the mailbox. In it he found an envelope and a small parcel. On the outside of the envelope there was some writing, “Frank, head straight from here to these co-ordinates(N 43° 37.478 W 070° 12.712)!! When you are there look for the shipwreck rock. When there turn around and inside what is right behind you will shed light on the next adventure!! Be careful!! No need to go inside your house now Frank, it is time to move!!” Frank sighed as he just wanted to go in and take a quick break to collect himself. He held the parcel and decided to open it there to see what was in it. It was Anna’s jewelry that she had on earlier that day. He twisted hearts necklace, her sapphire stone ring, and her weddings rings. There was no note and Frank guessed this was just a reminder of the fact that this man had his wife. He would somehow get her back!! He programmed the co-ordinates into his gpsr and set out after the next clue. The gpsr was leading him back towards Tracie’s condo but as he neared it the gpsr veered off in another direction. He was headed up along the coastal roads of South Portland and going towards Cape Elizabeth. He tried to think of the shipwreck rock but was drawing a blank. Then the gpsr led him to the locked gates of Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. He needed to get in but could not leave his Explorer here so he parked it down the road near a little post office and then hustled into the pitch black park. He was headed for the co-ordinates but they were not leading him towards the shore. The lighthouse beacon caught his eye and his mind awoke with the memory of writing on the rocks near the lighthouse. He headed towards the lighthouse as quickly as he could; his heart seemed to pound hard with every step. He reached the lighthouse and tried to remember which side the writing was on and then he caught it in the light of the beacon. The Annie C. Maguire crashed here on Christmas Eve in 1886!! This was the rock for sure!! He felt excitement as if he had just found a million dollars!! Frank turned and behind him was the tower of Portland Head Light. Was he supposed to go in there? If so how? Wouldn’t it set off some alarms or something? It didn’t matter as he knew he had to do it, somehow. He walked around looking for some possible way to climb the outside of the tower but there was none he could see. He walked to the door and looked at it. The little window had a sentry alarm sticker on it. His heart sank as he knew he would only have a little time after he broke in to find the clue and then get the hell out before some cop showed up.  So Frank took his jacket and wrapped his hand in it and then punched through the glass on the door. Then withdrew his hand and sliced jacket from the hole he just created. He reached back in and unlocked the door. He hurried inside and even though he did not hear and alarm he had to assume that one was activated and someone would be there soon. He ran up the stairs of the lighthouse tower and open the small door above his head to enter the top of the tower. The beacon was very bright and made it hard for Frank to see but he was able to see the envelope on the floor just out of his reach. He adjusted till he could reach it and then quickly departed the tower. He wanted to read the clue now but was so afraid of getting caught despite the fact only the sound of waves crashing filled the air. He loved the smell of the sea but now was no time to savoir it. He kept moving and finally heard a siren in the distance. He went the long way towards the outer parts of the park. He heard footsteps as the officers passed on the other side of the hill and then he turned to see a flashlight just behind him. “Hold it right there!!! Do not take another step!!!” came from the darkness behind the light.
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16
Frank froze in place and his muscles tightened with fear from the words he had just heard. He lurched forward and smashed the light to the ground!!! And he continued through to the body of the man behind the light. The two of them went crashing hard to the ground with a thud. Frank grabbed and punched at anything that was moving underneath him. He had control of the situation and searched for the man’s flashlight. He found it and put the light on his face, laying still with his face covered the man did not move but Frank knew it was not a cop and it was not a security guard that lay trapped beneath him. There was no fluid reaction from the man to defend himself from the attack which came as a surprise. A trained officer would have been ready or at least reacted to defend and not just to protect himself in the fashion of a turtle as this man had done. Frank swatted the hands from the mans’ face. He knew this face, he knew this man. It was Mike, aka Hiram357!!!! “What are you doing here!?!?” Frank asked. Hiram looked up but could not seem to speak or find the words. He appeared to still be in shock at the events that just happened so quickly. Frank glared at him as he continued to hold Hiram on the ground. “I was doing the same thing you were Frank!! Mission Impossible 2!!! The geocache!! Feels more like a mission at night!!” Hiram357 sputtered. Frank now was the one caught off guard as he did not expect that answer from Hiram, he didn’t know what he expected but a cache at night in the park was not it. The cops at the lighthouse were now beginning to fan out on the grounds of the park. Frank got off of Hiram and said they had to get out of there. Frank knew now that Hiram357 could bring him down by telling the cops he was here in the park. So he told Hiram they needed to get out of there and he would bring him to his car later. That they could continue the Mission after the officers left. It was the only thing Frank could think of at the moment. Hiram’s eyes lit up with the news. He knew Frank and he were just meant to be caching partners. Now he had the chance to prove his worth to Frank as he told him of a short cut out of the park. They hurried out of the park. Hiram did know a shorter and safer way out. They made it to Frank’s Explorer and he offered Hiram a ride as he had been nice enough to help him get out of the park. Plus he still needed to keep him quiet so the cops did not get hold of his name and start asking questions as now was not the time. He asked Hiram if he wanted to go to the donut shop down the road a few miles in the Millcreek area of South Portland. He agreed and off they went leaving Hiram’s vehicle behind. On the ride there Frank tried to figure out what exactly to do with Hiram357. Did he just go back and do “Mission Impossible” with him? Did he hurt him and get him out of the way? Did he tell him and try to get him to understand why he had to keep quiet? Frank was sorting all this out as they drove in silence away from the lighthouse. Mike looked at Frank and then began to speak, “LWA11, Frank, I know you were not there doing the cache hunt. Atleast not “Mission Impossible 2”, so why were the cops after you? You can trust me, I promise.” Frank started to press on the brakes of the Explorer as he turned towards Mike. “What are you talking about? I was their doing the same thing you were Hiram!!”  Frank said. “No Frank you were not as I saw someone walking through the park and decided to follow them. It was you, I saw you break the window to get into the lighthouse. So don’t play games with me. I may not be strong but I am not weak of the mind LWA11!!” Mike was speaking with more confidence now than before. Frank pulled the Explorer off the road. “Mike look here is the deal. My wife has been taken. I am trying to get her back.” Mike looked at him stunned and shocked. He started to say something and then held back. Frank wanted to ask him what as he could see there was something Mike was keeping from him but right now it did not matter. “Mike, I need to get her back. The guy who took her has me doing cache hunts to get clues to that lead to her like a multi-cache. If I don’t do them exactly then he says he will kill her. Can you please promise to keep this quiet? Atleast till I find here? Please Hiram!!” Frank asked with a shaking voice. Mike didn’t say anything but just looked at Frank. Then Mike told Frank that he needed to help him and that should work together. He needed to help him get Anna back. He was good at these things, caches. He could be useful. Frank shook his head no but Mike persisted as he knew he needed to gain Frank’s trust. He wanted to be part of this as this would be the greatest cache hunt in history. He had to have apiece of it and it would be greater than nay first to find he had ever found. Frank looked at him and asked why he wanted to help and what he would be getting out of it. Mike debated on letting Frank in on a little secret that he had thus far kept from him. How would Frank react? He was just about ready to speak when Frank spoke first, “Hiram fine lets do this but you have to stay hidden and out of sight. Does that work for you?” “Yes, Frank it does. Now let’s go get our girl” Mike said. Frank looked at him but decided it was probably just Hiram being excited. He pulled out the envelope and opened it. Hiram smiled and he knew Frank had no idea why he was really smiling.
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17
Anna’s eyes slowly opened and she tried to focus on her surroundings but was struggling. He watched her carefully from across the room. He saw her trying to figure it all out but knew she would still be a bit groggy for a little while longer. He had removed all of her clothes except for her bra and panties which where quite small and thus really were not covering much. He had placed the clothes at the next place Frank was to go in his game. He hoped they would stoke Frank’s anger even a little more as he knew the angrier he was the less likely he was to figure it out in time. He didn’t really want to hurt Anna but would if left with no choice. He really wanted to pay Frank back for the pain he had caused him. He knew by now that the other piece in the game should have entered as well. This would guarantee a few things from here on out and it was better to control as much of this as possible. Hiram’s price was high but it would serve well in the end as everyone would get what they needed from this, well, almost everyone.

Anna moaned and his attention was brought back to her now as she appeared to be more aware now. He spoke to her, “Anna don’t bother trying to scream or trying to get free as it simply is not going to happen. If you struggle you will only hurt yourself and I will not be inclined to help you get your feet back under you. So relax as this will all be over, well sort of anyway, very soon. Frank is looking for you and will be here soon enough. That my dear is when all of the fun begins for Frank and I. You must be excited to see Frank again Anna!! You should know though that he just doesn’t deserve you my dear. You deserve someone else. Someone who will be loyal to you and not ever do anything that could ever hurt you. Frank is not that man Anna!! He did things that could and would hurt you. He did things that did hurt me. Did he ever mention his friend from childhood? DID HE?? I DIDN’T THINK SO ANNA. He hurt me and now I will hurt him. So see Anna this isn’t just for me but it is also for you. He won’t hurt anyone again after this Anna as I will make sure of it.

She could not believe her ears as the man spoke. He sounded so familiar but she could not place the voice and certainly not the face. Why was she here and what did he mean by what he said to her? Where was Frank and was he okay? She was unable to move and was very sore and she also felt nearly naked. She could tell her hair had been cut as well and tried to make sense of it all but simply could not. She wanted to scream and to fight back but couldn’t do it. She just looked at him as he smiled at her and then turned to go back to something. Something over at the sink but she could not see what he was doing. She could see a saw on the floor and the floor appeared to be wet as well.

Meanwhile, Frank opened the envelope and held it between Hiram and himself. The letter said “Ah Frank good job!! Since you are reading this we can assume the cops have not found you yet and you made it through another challenge. Can you make it through just a few more and claim your prize? Or will you fail and I claim mine? Time for the deciding is growing short so let’s get going before it is gone. There is a cache called the ”Stroudwater Cache” which will bring you to the Portland Trail system on outer Congress Street. Get there soon as when the light comes there will be others and if you do not collect all then the officers just may get the call. Then we will have a problem and you will have lost. So run Frank, oh sorry, you can’t can you!! On the trail you will find things that you will recognize that will lead you yet closer and at the end of the trail you will find your next clue up where the birds rest after soaring above. So go now…go go go my friend Frank.”

They looked at each other and then Hiram spoke, “Frank, I know where this cache is and can take us right there. It isn’t that far from here so we can make it before others get there. “Frank looked at Hiram and smiled, “Hiram that is just awesome, you are a big help, let us get going!! “ Hiram smiled at Frank and extended his hand for the keys. Frank felt uneasy but nodded and let Hiram get in the drivers seat. It was not what he wanted but he did not want to offend Hiram now as he could get him there quicker. He hated giving up control but it was only an Explorer and only for a moment. They got situated and Hiram felt a surge of power as he stepped on the gas and headed towards Stroudwater.
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18
The Explorer pulled into the small parking lot at the head of the trail and Frank knew Hiram was a blessing as he would have still been looking for this with no time to be doing so. The sun was starting to rise and he needed to get out on that trail. They exited Explorer and Frank followed Hiram towards the trail and then down a steep set of wood and earthen stairs that seemed to take them down forever. Once they reached the bottom they turned on a flashlight and Hiram pointed out how close they were to the river. They would need to be careful as a wrong turn could lead to a very wet step!! They moved slowly down the trail as the sounds of the birds slowly started to increase with the rising of the sun. Ahead on the trail they saw something hanging in a tree. Frank took the lead now shoving past Hiram to get there and walked fast without the flashlight towards the tree. He could tell as he got close that it was a pair of jeans and they had something written on them, down each pant leg. He was right under them now but could not easily reach them. He looked around on the ground and found a stick; he hooked the pants and pulled them down. Hiram stood near but did not say anything as his heart began to race as he also read what was one the pants and knew who they belonged too. Frank grabbed the pants, held them up, and began to read. Down one leg it said “Why me?” and down the other “FRANK!!!” in capital letters. He looked closer and it was written in what appeared to be blood. He turned towards Hiram and showed him the pair of pants. They exchanged looks but not words and then Frank turned back towards the trail, slowly walking forward. He did not know what to make of the pants but knew he had to go forward. Did Anna think he was involved in this or did she even write that? Was it her blood? He was worried and just wanted to get on with it. They stumbled along in silence as the birds became louder and the World began to wake up. Hiram grabbed Frank’s shoulder and spun him around violently. Frank jumped and almost swung but saw Hiram was not even looking at him but looking up above them. Frank slowly looked up fearing what he would see next. It was Anna’s shirt and it was in tatters. Frank searched for another stick while Hiram just stared at the shirt as if it still had Anna within it. Frank grabbed a stick and swung at the shirt but could not get it. He decided to just leave it and move on but as he started to move down the path Hiram spoke softly to him, “Frank we can’t leave this here, uhm, you shouldn’t leave this here. Someone will wonder what it is and if there is blood or something on it then they will call the police. I am sure you do not want that. “Frank shook his head in agreement and looked for a longer stick. He was finally able to get the shirt down after about five minutes of effort. He picked it up and didn’t take the time to look at it but just moved on. Not more than 100 yards form the shirt was another object and this one was at eye level so it would not be missed!!! It was a bra, a Victoria Secret lace bra, the kind Anna loved and Frank just about fell to his knees as he was horrified at the thought of her nude somewhere and maybe even being hurt. He needed to find her, he had to find her, he was beginning to lose his focus, and just wanted to get to her. He snatched the bra and moved on a few steps before pausing. He turned towards Hiram who looked as white as a ghost and was wobbling. He fell to his knees and began to sob. Frank did not understand but did not have time for this kind of behavior. He told Hiram to get up and stop crying!! “Let’s go find this damn clue and go get Anna!!!” Those were the words Hiram was looking for apparently as he made his way back to his feet and urged Frank onward. Hiram knew he was gaining more and more of Frank’s trust and he needed every bit of it he could get. He wasn’t even sure it would be enough in the end. Frank was moving quickly now as you could see better with the sun becoming brighter. He noticed an object in the trees just off of the trail and moved towards it, closer and closer with each step. As he neared it his heart pounded and his anger rose as he recognized this piece of clothing as Anna’s panties, a silk thong also from Victoria’s Secrets.  They were up in a tree that would have to be climbed in order to retrieve them. Frank did not stop and went to the lowest branch and tried to get up the tree. He tried to push with his legs to get more leverage but his knee gave out and he fell to the ground landing with a solid thud. Hiram checked on Frank and then walked to the tree and started to climb. He knew the way up this tree or so it seemed to Frank as Hiram was to the panties in seconds without much effort. Hiram tossed the panties down to Frank. And then pulled out an object, Frank could not see what it was as Hiram was still mostly turned away from him. He could tell it was dark and small but not much else. Hiram smiled as he slowly turned towards Frank who was still on the ground rubbing his knee with the panties a few feet away.
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19
Frank stared at Hiram as he turned and then smiled when he saw the ammo container. He knew it held another clue and would get him closer to saving Anna. He struggled to his feet and stood under the tree as Hiram opened the container. He waited below anxiously and then Hiram dropped the envelope down to him. As Hiram replaced the cache container and began to climb back down Frank opened the letter and read it.

“Frank, do you have some new clothing to wear now? Hurry up my friend as Anna’s looks quite cold but mmmmm quite delicious too!!! So now it is time my friend for this to near its end. So Frank are you up to the task as you have been so many other times in your life or will you fail to someone you thought of as a lesser man? Time will soon tell!! So to get to this place you need to go back in time my friend. This is where we used to hang out and play sports in the day. Oh what a time it was Frank. Then you got to be the big man on campus and I didn’t matter anymore. DO you remember the place you lost your virginity Frank? You trusted me with that and that is where you may lose Anna!! We wait for you in this place…..will you get here in time? Who wins this game? My long lost friend!!! You will never forget me again as long as you live Frank. We are waiting. Hurry she is cold.”

Frank’s hands were trembling and he stood up without saying a word to the approaching Hiram. He turned, dropped the letter, and then began to run towards the Explorer at the end of the trail. His knee hurt and his heart pounded but he ignored it and kept going. Hiram grabbed the letter and ran after Frank calling to him to slow down but knew that was not going to happen. Frank fell ahead of Hiram as he tripped over a stump on the side of the trail. Hiram slowed as he saw Frank fall and tumble but surprisingly spring back to his feet as if it were a planned maneuver. Hiram noted the quickness and determination with which Frank was running. The light made it much easier to get out then it was to get in and the added adrenaline certainly helped Frank. They reached the Explorer and Frank was climbing in and started it up. Hiram reached the door an opened it and started to get in. Frank turned to him, “Hiram, thanks but you need to stay behind on this as I do not know what is going to happen next. I appreciate your help and we can hook up to do some real caching soon.” Hiram settled into the seat and closed the door ignoring Frank’s words. He turned to Frank and shrugged his shoulders as he said “I am in this LWA11, let us finish this together. Let’s go save her shall we!!”
Frank decided arguing would only waste time. He started the Explorer and drove towards town as his mind raced over what he had read in the letter. He knew where he used to play those games and ofcourse he knew where he lost his virginity but he could not figure out who HE was and he wanted to know. He knew he needed to go back to his old neighborhood in the West End of Portland to the house he grew up in on the small side street off of Danforth Street. He knew exactly where to get but still tried to figure out what to expect. He only minutes away and he just did not know what to try and prepare for when he arrived. They neared the street and Frank parked at the top of it to not give away his arrival. He could see the house which was now even more dilapidated then when he lived in it, in fact it appeared to be boarded up from what he could tell. Frank had always been kind of embarrassed by the apartment building as a child. He never had friends come over or stay over as they would see too much for comfort. It dawned on him then that whoever this was that had Anna had to be someone from the neighborhood and the only one he trusted here was Eric. It couldn’t be him though as he just would never be able to do something like this and he hadn’t seen him in so many years. Why would Eric be so upset? Sure they drifted apart but that stuff happens. Frank decided to focus on how to get inside and soon enough he hoped he would have Anna safe and then they could worry about who had done this to them. Frank told Hiram that he thought it best that they go around back and sneak through the back yard to get in the house without being seen. Hiram agreed and they walked down Danforth Street the short distance to State Street and then headed down an alley towards the back of the apartment house on Tyng Street. The hole in the fence was still the same as it had been when Frank was a kid but just seemed a little smaller to him as he squeezed through it. As they neared the house Frank whispered to Hiram,”you really do not need to come in here. I can take it form here and you can go call the police.” Hiram shook his head in disapproval and motioned with his hand for them to go forward and then put his finger to his mouth to let Frank know he thought they should be quiet. In reality though Hiram just wanted to get inside before someone saw them outside sneaking around the apartment building and wondered what they were up too. It was a small neighborhood and likely had a bunch of nosey people. There would be enough attention soon enough but now was too soon. Frank neared the back door and had a feeling that he was being watched but did not see anyone in the windows as he scanned them and just decided that he was feeling paranoid. He reached the back door and found it to be slightly ajar and the boards that blocked the other entrances were laying on the ground by this one. He felt uneasy as he slowly opened the door with Hiram a step behind.

Eric watched from one of his many little cameras throughout the apartments. He knew this place very well from his childhood but now that he owned it he was sure he knew things even Frank would not know about it. The building was cheap since it was going to be torn down but he could not let those memories just go like that. He had to have a say in how they were destroyed and would not just let them be taken away, he would not let them be shattered like he had been so many years ago. And when he saw Frank at the store and Frank did not recognize him the pain resurfaced and an idea for the apartment building came to him. He thought maybe they could fix it up together but he didn’t even recognize him. He would pay for that now!! Mike coming to the store and looking at GPS units and complaining about a newbie using the name LWA11 helped form the plan currently unfolding. Mike, aka Hiram357, knew Anna from growing up just like he knew Frank. Anna and he had dated but she left for the bigger city and he stayed behind in the small town. He liked the life but could never get her out of his head. She was the love of his life. So when he saw the newest geocacher and looked closer at the name, he knew who it was and wanted to get closer. So they could be together forever, just like they had said back in high school. It could be true now. Eric and Mike talked for hours before the plan was hatched but here it was and they were about to finish it off. The web cams broadcast from each room gave him an edge on Frank!! He saw Frank slowly entering the rear of the building and smiled as he saw Hiram only a step behind. Thus far everything was going as planned. He swore he could hear Frank’s heart beating above him.

20
Frank took the first few steps cautiously as he looked around the hallway. He wasn’t sure where to look but then decided he would try the bedroom up stairs where he had lost his virginity. Slowly he walked up the stairs with Hiram only a few stairs below. His heart was beating fast and he was beginning to sweat from being anxious. He reached the landing of the second floor. He started to open the door. A sick feeling came to his stomach before he even entered the room. The door now open he could smell something odd but was unsure of what it was that was in the air. He took a few steps and saw that the floor was covered by something and it was obviously fresh as it was very wet. He turned to Hiram and shrugged his shoulders. Hiram said, “it smells like paint thinner to me but it doesn’t look like someone is going to be repainting these walls.” Frank recognized the smell after Hiram said what he thought it was and then looked around the room. The room was in bad shape with the walls torn apart and the floor had holes in the wood. The place was falling apart. They moved down the hallway slowly but not as slow as before as the thinner was strong and only get stronger as they pushed down the hall. Frank pushed open the door that used to be for his parents bedroom, the room was empty. He then came to the spare room which was also empty. He came to a closed door that led to his old room. He was feeling a little woozy from the paint fumes and he turned to let Hiram know this was his room but Hiram was gone. He wondered where he had gone but dismissed it quickly, too quickly, as Hiram had likely just needed fresh air. Frank slowly turned the handle and entered the room. As he pushed the door open he quickly realized this was different than the other rooms. This was part of where he was supposed to be and his heart sunk as he saw a bed and a large lump under a white sheet, as he neared the sheet tears welled in his eyes. The sheet was stained with blood, fresh blood. It was the size of a woman’s body. He knew it was her and fell to his knees shaking. He saw a knife on the floor that was covered in blood. He thought about picking it up but didn’t want to get his prints on it and implicate himself. He made his way back to his feet as anger started to take over. He had to find who killed his wife but he had to see her first. He had to give her one last kiss. To touch her skin one last time and then, then he could go get this bastard!!! He pulled the sheet back and froze as he saw her. He could not believe his eyes and shook his head to try and get the image to register, to make sure he was seeing what was really there and not some flashback to earlier in this sick game. The image remained the same as Frank was staring at Tracie. She lay before him naked and dead just as she was before. How did she get here and why? Frank heard a whoosh behind him as the room suddenly became filled with light!!! The thinner had been ignited and was traveling towards the room he was in!! He ran for the door and crashed through it. The flames shot out the doorway but did not follow him as he tumbled down the stairs. He landed down at the bottom with a thud and felt pain everywhere. Above he could see the fire reaching out of the room he was just in and the smoke was filling the hall slowly. He could feel the heat growing as well. He tried to get up but his foot was caught in a hole at the bottom of the stairs. He struggled to try and get it out. Where the hell was Hiram!!?? He could use his help now. He freed his leg and then heard screams coming from below him. He knew it was Anna!! She was alive and here!! Frank was hurting but he had to move as the heat was growing and he knew it was likely the fire was spreading. He stood and went around the corner to the door that led to the cellar. The screams were coming from down those stairs.
21
Frank rushed down the stairs knowing that there was another way out if this one became blocked. He could still get Anna out through the cellar door that led to the yard. He rushed down the stairs and the screams became louder and he also heard others voices yelling. He was halfway down the stairs when the stairs were suddenly gone. He plummeted to the cement floor below landing on his feet which quickly gave out as they tried to absorb the punishing of the concrete from such a height. He banged his head solidly on the concrete floor and immediately everything went spinning. Blood was oozing from a fresh wound, his knee was throbbing even more now. He looked in the direction of the screams and could see three figures. He was trying hard to focus but the blow was a heavy one and he knew he was lucky to still be conscious at all. One of the figures started to move in his direction and slowly came into focus as he neared. Frank’s heart sank as he saw Eric coming towards him, it was his childhood friend. How could he be responsible for all of this? Why? He was starting to be able to focus now, slowly. He still though could not make out the two distant figures just yet though. Eric now stood before him, “Frank my friend, welcome home. Do you like what I have done with the place? Your friend Tracie just moved in upstairs and complained about the cold, so I turned on the heat. Pretty nice of me eh. I just wanted everyone to be here and be happy Frank. I wanted it to be the way it should have been!!! I bought this place so we, yes we, could fix it up together Frank. No, you had to ruin everything though. Wasn’t it enough to ruin things back when we were kids? Why now as an adult?” Eric was waving his hands and stopped talking when he was interrupted by a scream from Anna. He turned and yelled, “Hiram!!! You got what you wanted, now take her and get out of here. Be long gone!!!” Frank’s heart sank as he learned of Hiram357 betraying him and he struggled to try and get up as he focused and saw Hiram pulling Anna with him out of the cellar. He could tell she was fighting him but was just too small to be able to get away. Soon they were gone from sight and all that could be heard was the roar and crackling of the fire which was coming closer. Pieces of the building began to fall. Eric leaned closer to Frank, “It should have been us against the World Frank. You changed that and only made it worse. Tracie was my girl you ass and then you messed that up. Didn’t recognize me in the store either did you Frank!!” Sirens were approaching from the outside… Eric stood and kicked Frank repeatedly. Frank knew he had to do something or he would die here in this house. Anna would be gone forever, he would have failed her. He lunged for Eric just as he had turned to leave the cellar, pulling him down to the floor. Eric seemed surprised and this allowed Frank a brief advantage as he threw blow after blow down on Eric but Eric suddenly bucked and flipped Frank to the floor. He jumped on him and began to throw his own flurry of punches!!! Frank was no match for Eric’s furry and was slowly fading from this battle.

Outside Anna was struggling with Hiram as he tried to put her in his car which had been left here before Eric dropped him off at Fort Williams to wait for Frank to arrive. He knew he needed to get her in the car and get out of there. He was going to take her away and they would be together forever. That was the price, the price for making sure that ass of a man named Frank lost this wonderful woman. He had helped lure him here and keep him ahead in the game. Keep him from the cops. Anna kicked for all she was worth and wiggled free from Hiram as she knocked the wind out of him. She ran with her hands tied towards the oncoming rescue vehicles!! Hiram began to give chase but quickly changed his mind as blue lights were right behind the red ones. He turned to get himself out of there as quickly as possible. He jumped in and started his car and threw it in reverse to get out of the driveway. He backed straight into the path of the fire truck arriving in front of the house right at that moment. The fireman never saw the car backing out as he was looking at the building which was fully engulfed and starting to fall apart. He hit the little car in front of him squarely in the drivers’ side door. Hiram never saw it coming and was knocked unconscious by the snap of his head by the impact.  He lay motionless across the front seat of his car.

Anna made it to the fire truck, “Help me!! Help there are still people in the cellar!! Hel….” As she collapsed beside the truck into the arms of one of the firemen. He radioed that there were still people in the cellar even though he doubted anyone could still be alive in that place. There were fighters and now police officers tending to Hiram in the car.
 Firefighters were battling the blaze and trying to get into the cellar. Two firefighters ignored their Lieutenants orders and went into the cellar to search. Inside they fought the heat, smoke, falling parts of building, and were able to find a body which they brought out. It was a man and he was barely alive. They gave him oxygen and rushed him to the ambulance. Anna was already on her way to the hospital as well. Hiram was still stuck in the car but soon would be on the way as well. The firemen withdrew from the building and fought it from a distance, mostly to just keep it off of the other buildings. Soon it collapsed and all that was left was for them to drown the flames which they did slowly.
The ambulances arrived at the hospital and Anna was awake and alert as they wheeled in the other stretcher, she leaned to get a view. Her jaw dropped as she watched them roll the stretcher by her and into a room of waiting doctors.
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22
The firefighters were finally able to free Mike from his car and place him in an ambulance. An officer rode with him because of the City’s truck being involved in the accident. They also had some questions for Mike about the things they found in his car that did not make much sense such as ripped clothes with what looked like blood on them. He would have to answer some question as they wondered if he had anything to do with this fire that appeared suspicious since the building was condemned and just recently purchased. They wanted to know why he was there. Hiram looked up from the stretcher and saw the officer sitting on the small bench next to the EMT. He did not like the looks of the situation. His mind raced on ways to clear himself. He did not know what Anna would say though and that was the card he could not predict. He felt like he needed to get out in front of this crazy situation. So he looked at the officer and began to tell him the story as he knew it. The Officer nodded as Mike talked and talked about this crazy plan and what his involvement was in it. He left out that Anna was supposed to be his prize and hoped she would leave that out as well. The Officer was not sure what to make of all this and decided he would see what the doctors had to say about the condition of this man first before he went anywhere with it. The ambulance pulled into the lot and backed to the emergency doors. They slid the stretcher out and made their way towards a room. As they passed the first room, a woman was crying just outside the doors, and then she spoke softly with her voice sounding as beautiful as ever to Mike. “Mike, Mike is that you? Are you okay?” asked Anna. Mike nodded but did not say anything as he was unsure what to make of her apparent kindness. She walked beside the stretcher and moved closer to it. Their eyes met and he knew she was not going to let it go so easily. She swung hitting him in the face and the other fist was following but the Officer grabbed her before it could land. “You are a jerk Mike!!! What you did was wrong….just wrong!!! How could you do that Mike? How? Why?” yelled Anna. Mike lifted his head so he could see her, “Because I love you.” Then disappeared into the emergency room where the doctors were waiting for him. Anna had turned and headed back towards the doors to the other room where they were working on Frank. He was alive and breathing but badly beaten. He had some burns and smoke inhalation as well but was expected to be fine. Then were just checking him for breaks and stitching up the cuts that needed it. She felt an arm on her shoulder and it sent chills through her instantly. She turned quickly only to see the Officer standing beside her. He asked if they could talk about the fire and what she knew pertaining to it. Anna looked straight in at her man as she told what she knew but started from the beginning. Suddenly the Officer began to feel like this might be much bigger than anything he had ever imagined and maybe the man who was hit by the fire truck was actually telling the truth for the most part. He thanked Anna and told her he would need to talk to Frank as well when he was able to be seen. He asked if she knew where the other man she said held her was or if he made it out of the fire or if he was still trapped inside. She told him she did not know and did not care as he was gone.

The Officer radioed back to the station and filled in a supervisor who patched him to a detective. The story was making its way to the people that needed to know and they were headed to the fire scene to look for another body. Another detective was also headed to the hospital to get these stories first hand.

Mike was checked out quickly and put in a soft collar to treat him for a muscle strain in his neck but other than that he was okay. They still had to wait for the scans to come back before he would be released, released into police custody most likely the nurse told him as an Officer was outside the door waiting for him. Hiram knew he could not getaway and only wanted to get out of this without a lot of jail time. He knew he had been wrong but he did love her but it was obvious that she did not love him so he would move on. Tell the truth and just move on, got back to the small town life. He closed his eyes as he dreamt one last time of how everything should have been in his perfect World. Another nurse entered the room and walked towards Hiram. The nurse had a pillow in his hand and when he reached Mike the pillow was put over his face instead of under his head. Hiram tried to fight but had little strength and soon was gone from consciousness and then not long after he was gone from life. The nurse put the pillow under Mike’s feet and left with his head down so the Officer standing guard would not see the face did not match the tag on his white coat. A man came around the corner yelling he had been mugged, that his ID badge was taken too and then pointed straight at Eric who shoved the Officer hard and ran for the exit. He was gone before the Officer could recover his balance and he had not even a clue as to what the man looked like either. Eric ran back to his truck and quickly drove off. The Officer went in to check on Mike and saw him sleeping. So he went back out and talk with the nurse to find out what had happened.

Inside Anna had seen Eric running and ducked into the room with Frank. She went to his side and he smiled as he grabbed her hand. She bent and kissed him gently on the lesser of the bruised cheeks. She decided to not tell him about Eric being alive just yet. He needed to get more strength first.
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23
Frank was all bandaged but very sore and now even had crutches to deal with for his knee which was swollen. He had no idea what happened in the cellar as al he could remember was Eric flipping him and then beating on his face. After he went black he had no ideas about how he had gotten out or where anyone was at all. He was excited to see Anna but also felt ashamed as he was not the one to save her, she did that her self. He had failed her and yet here she was right here with him. Loving him as she always did and for the first time he truly knew how lucky he was to have her and not the other way around. He had loved her and cherished her but now he understood she was a gift. He was truly a lucky man. A Detective met them as they were leaving and offered to drive them home as long as Frank would answer his questions. Frank agreed and said he would answer anything and so would Anna. They went to the detective’s car and headed off for their home. Frank and Anna answered the questions and the detective was satisfied with the answers and said it was likely he would need to ask more soon. That there were still questions that needed to be looked at and then probably re-asked of them to make sense. He dropped them off at the bottom of their driveway and Frank steadied by Anna hobbled up the driveway to their home. Inside Anna made Frank lay on the spare bed in the room on the first floor. It was meant for their aging parents to use form time to time but it would work great until Frank could get back and forth from the upstairs bedroom. Frank lay on the bed and Anna sat next to him. They talked and talked about the events of the day and tried to piece things together but they were just too tired for that now. So they decided to talk about the surprise of the baby that Anna had told him about earlier. It was refreshing to both of them to think about that future.

Outside a pair of eyes watched from a distance as the car pulled up and dropped the pair off. He saw Frank was hobbled and smiled as he knew that he had done a solid number on him in the cellar. The firefighters’ saving Frank was just pure luck and nothing else. Anna getting away from Hiram, well that was out of his control but now Hiram was taken care of for good. He could not have him talking and now he would not. This could all still work out and he would be free from all of the accusations that were sure to be flying and pointing towards him. Frank would still get the wrap for this and he would make sure that Frank was not done paying yet!! NOT YET!!!
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Back at the hospital, A doctor had just discovered that Hiram was dead and told the Officer standing guard. The test results revealed no injuries to cause the death and the Officer looked over the scene and remembered that the man who had stolen the nurse ID badge had come from this room. He looked for any obvious evidence and the only thing he remembered was that the nurse had carried in a pillow. He called for the Detectives to come to the hospital for this possible murder. The Detectives at the fire scene were going over Hiram’s car when they received the call from dispatch. The pieces to the puzzle just seemed to be slowly coming clearer but something was still missing. The Arson investigator called them over as he had found a body in the ruins of the building. It appeared to be a female but was badly burned and only tests would confirm for sure. The detectives had been expecting to find a body but not that of a female. This threw them off a little and added to the list of questions they where needing to find answers to in this complex case. The arson investigator told them there were no other bodies in the building and this one had likely been on the 2nd floor where it appeared the fire had started. The Medical examiner was going to do an autopsy as soon as the body was picked up. The detectives decided to pay Frank and Anna another visit to see what they had to say about these new developments in the case. What answers would they have and would they make sense or implicate Frank? The Detectives headed for the car.

He decided that now was the time to pay his visit and headed from the shadows towards the rear of the house. Eric wanted to settle this and get away before something else could go wrong. He would make it look like Frank had killed Anna and let the police fill in the pieces to fit in whatever way worked for them. He approached the back porch and slowly walked up it. Not fearing being seen as Frank couldn’t go anywhere and he doubted Anna would leave him alone. As he reached the door he peered inside and saw her sitting at the table with the TV on. Her head was on the table in her hands. He thought she may be sleeping but did not know for sure. He slowly turned the knob to the door and found it unlocked. He smiled as he thought luck may be on his side now. He opened the door and eased inside as Anna never moved. She must have been asleep and he was thankful for that as he did not want to struggle with her and with Frank. He inched towards her and withdrew a knife from his coat. It was just a small knife but it would do the trick as he planned to slice her throat and then place the knife in Frank’s hands before he took off. He was reaching for Anna when he saw something move out of the corner of his eye. It was too late to move though as the crutch came slamming across his head with a hollow thud. He stumbled sideways and grasped at consciousness. Sparkles emerged before his eyes as he struggled to stay on his feet. Another blow as Frank hobbled closer and swung harder. Anna was awake now and grabbed whatever she could find and began throwing it at Eric. Frank swung again but this time Eric managed to grab the crutch and hold onto it. He pulled hard and the crutch was now his and he tossed it aside. He looked at Anna and laughed as she continued to throw things at him. He stepped towards her and swung the crutch catching her in the upper torso. She stumbled and then fell to the floor knocking over a tray cart as well. Frank moved as quickly as he could to get between Eric and Anna as another blow from the crutch just missed her.  Eric saw Frank nearing and swung the crutch in his direction hard and fierce. Frank blocked it with his forearms but felt the pain from the blow. He struggled forward hoping to get too close for the blows to have as much force behind them. Eric sensed this and dropped the crutch and lunged at Frank. They collided with violence and force throwing them both into a tumble to the ground. Frank was at a huge disadvantage from his previous wounds and Eric began to pummel him yet again but Frank was okay as long as it was him and not Anna. He deflected as many blows as he could with his arms. He yelled for Anna to get out of there and go to the neighbors, she started to head for the knife rack as the doorbell rang. She changed directions to go to the door and as she did Eric grabbed her by the arm and began to pull her towards him. He creamed as loud as she could and was heard by the detectives who stood at the front door. They pounded on the door but did not get a response….. They began to try and get inside. Frank began to throw punches at Eric to try and get him to release Anna but it seemed to be in vain as Frank just did not have the strength. Anna swung her foot into Eric’s groin and he crumbled. She was free and began to move towards the door but Eric somehow grabbed her foot and pulled hard. Anna fell hard to the floor and smacked her head solidly knocking her form consciousness. One detective tried to get in the front but the door was not giving so he smashed to the window to be able to begin unlocking the door. The other detective ran around to the back and was slowly coming up the stairs to the back door that he saw wide open. Frank was still trying to somehow get Eric to focus on him and not her. He grabbed Eric by the balls and squeezed as hard a she could and did not let go. Eric yelled and turned his attention back to Frank. He pummeled him and then remembered his knife. He jabbed it into Frank’s stomach and then withdrew it. He raised it again and as he started down he heard the detective yell to him to freeze or he would shoot. Eric did not listen and stabbed Frank again. He did not get a chance to withdraw the knife as the detective shot him in the chest. Eric’s body shuddered from the bullets power. He wobbled and fell forward onto Frank and the detective called for his partner who finally had been able to get inside to call for rescue.  He moved over to Frank and Eric…. Moving Eric off of Frank. They both still had a pulse and then he checked on Anna who was now trying to get up.

The ambulances arrived and ferried everyone to the hospital. Frank underwent emergency surgery to repair the damage from his new wounds. He would make it but would be in for a lengthy recovery. Anna was treated for a concussion and now waits for Frank but she was not alone as the detectives were getting the other pieces tot his puzzle.  Eric was still alive as the shots had missed anything major and he would live. He in fact was already out of surgery and in a room that was being guarded by two officers. Anna asked about Mike and the detective told her what had happened to him. She had tears come to hear eyes as she did not want that to happen to him. She didn’t feel the same as he did anymore but the history was still there. He had a place as a friend in her heart still and she was sad he was now gone. The detectives left Anna to wait for Frank as they headed back to the station to put the finishing touches on their report and then place charges against Eric.

Frank was brought from recovery to his room and Anna was there with him. As they rolled down the hall they passed two officers standing outside of a room. Frank was in and out of consciousness from the pain killers they had provided for him. Anna had slipped out and into a room down the hall.

Eric looked up and saw the nurse before him. He had asked for more pain medication and he assumed that is what she was putting in his IV. The nurse looked up and their eyes met. Anna stood silently as she watched Eric fade from this life and into the hell that awaited him. She stood up for her man and she would have his baby. She slipped back by the two officers who were busy checking out her legs and shake of her ass. On the way in all they could focus on was her blouse which had a button missing in just the right place. Anna knew they would not be looking at what they should be and used it to her advantage. Guys were after all predictable. She then went back to Frank and slipped back into her own clothing. She pulled up a chair right next to Frank’s bed and finally laid her head down to sleep. She and her baby needed it.

Eric’s was found to be deceased and the cause was an overdose of pain killers. The investigation was extensive but the nurse was never found and the Officers could not identify Anna as the nurse. She had never shaken her ass like that, ok once before, that was how she got Frank after all. Now she would have him forever.