JC: Ed Biggers
Part 3: Accretion
Chapter 18
By
Lazlo Zalezac
Copyright (C) Lazlo Zalezac, 2004

The library was one of the most impressive rooms of the entire 
house. The architect had designed the room to be one of the largest 
in the house, even larger than the poolroom. Floor to ceiling 
shelves lined the room with other shelves that were half height 
arranged at right angles to the wall. The conference table was 
capable of seating twenty people along its length. A large globe 
occupied a corner of the room.

Most of the books on the shelves represented the interests of the 
occupants of the house. Physics, Geology, Mineralogy, Medicine, 
Nursing, Martial Arts, and Security filled the greater part of the 
library. There were technical journals on racks near one end of the 
room. There were also books that were of a more general interest 
in the library as well, including an extensive section on history, art, 
and literature.

Remembering an article in one of the journals, Ed wandered into 
the library intent on finding it. After looking through several 
journals, his search was interrupted by the sounds of an argument 
from the conference table.

"No, he had to know. At that time, there was a known infiltrator in 
their organization," shouted Walt.

"The times article quoted him as saying that he suspected it and 
included the possibility in his plans!" shouted George.

Ed looked around the bookcase and saw Walt and George seated at 
the conference table surrounded by books gesturing angrily at each 
other. It looked to him like the men were very angry with each 
other. 

In a louder voice, Walt retorted, "He had to say that. If he said that 
he knew, then he would have compromised his sources."

This was the first argument that Ed had heard in the house and he 
was concerned that it might escalate to violence. Walking over to 
where the two men were seated, he asked, "Is everything okay 
here?"

Both men stared at Ed with puzzled expressions on their faces. 
Walt asked, "Why wouldn't it okay?"

"You were shouting at each other angrily," answered Ed surprised 
at their puzzlement. They had been gesturing wildly and shouting 
at each other.

The two men started laughing at the idea that they might be angry 
with each other. Walt answered, "We were arguing about whether 
Colonel Harris knew the battle plans of the enemy."

George added, "It's a rather interesting question and one that we 
are trying to find supporting evidence for one way or the other. 
The historical record is a little sketchy on that point."

Frowning, Ed asked, "So why the loud volume?"

"That's just how we work," answered Walt. 

"So you are working on something?"

George answered, "There isn't too much to do when we aren't 
working around the house, so we've started collecting material for 
a book on military history. Right now, we are working on military 
engagements in the first half of the fifties."

Nodding, Ed decided that if the two men were passionate about the 
subject and their passion came out as volume, then he could live 
with it. He suggested, "Why don't you call up some of the people 
involved?"

Walt asked, "Why would they talk to us?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Ed answered, "Well, most of them are 
retired. Why wouldn't they want to fill some time discussing their 
military careers?"

Walt and George looked at each other with surprised expressions 
on their faces. They had not even considered that as an option. 
George said, "That would be original sources and make our book a 
little different."

Walt nodded thoughtfully and said, "We could even visit a couple 
of VA hospitals and get interviews there. I'm sure some of them 
would be happy to tell us about their experiences."

As the men began to get excited about the idea, Ed walked away 
satisfied that nothing was wrong between the men. They were 
arguing with the passion that comes from having a common deep 
interest in the same subject. He understood that feeling all too well. 
Returning to the journals, he returned to searching for the article 
that he had read earlier. It took him about twenty minutes to find it 
and when he left the little alcove, he noticed that Walt and George 
were gone. 

Taking the journal with him, he returned to his room and the office 
upstairs where he could read the article in peace and quiet. When 
he had finished half of the article, the phone rang. Picking it up, he 
answered, "Hello."

"Hi, Ed. This is Kim." 

"How are you doing? I haven't heard from you in a long time."

There was a long pause and then she said, "I'm fine. I just wanted 
to let you know that Calvin proposed to me last night."

Ed sat back and said, "Congratulations, Kim. I hope you said yes."

"I did."

"I'm so happy for you. Calvin is a really nice guy and I'm sure that 
you'll be happy with him."

"I'm glad you feel that way. I'm really sorry about that mess with 
Matt. I never did thank you for not making more of scene with 
him."

"Kim, you're a good friend and I truly love you. I only want the 
best for you. I think you found someone really great."

"Thanks, Ed."

"I hope that I get an invitation to the wedding."

"Of course."

There was a pause as Ed considered his real concern. Finally, he 
asked, "Will you continue to be my assistant?"

"I'm not sure if that would be a good idea. I am a one man woman 
at heart and I found my man."

"I know you are. I can keep the relationship purely professional, 
but if you don't feel comfortable with it then don't worry about it. 
I'll accept what ever you want to do."

"Calvin hinted that he would love it if we could work together," 
said Kim with a nervous tone in her voice.

"I can see where that would be a great team. With your survey 
experience and his mining expertise, you two could really provide 
a great service to mine owners."

"That's kind of what we were thinking."

"I don't want you to feel obliged to me in any way. Do what you 
think is best, okay?"

He could almost hear the smile in her voice as she replied, "I knew 
you would understand. Do you want me to help train a 
replacement?"

Laughing, he said, "First I have to find a replacement. That won't 
be easy."

The two chatted for a little while and then hung up. Ed sat back 
remembering all of the times they had gone hunting rocks in the 
past. There had been the excitement they shared when they made a 
rare find. Making love after the sun went down and waking up to 
make love in the morning. He was going to miss her, but she had a 
right to have the best life available to her. 

Picking up the journal to finish the article, he stared at the page for 
several minutes before throwing the journal onto the desk. He got 
up and left his room feeling a need to get out and do something. 

Strolling down the dusty street, Ed noticed Maria was out in her 
yard harvesting the pears off the prickly pear cactus growing in her 
front yard. Ed headed over to her side of the street and leaned 
against the fence looking at her. Concentrating on her work she 
didn't notice him. He waited until she wasn't touching the cactus to 
announce his presence. "Hello Maria."

Surprised, she looked up and exclaimed, "Ed! It's nice to see you."

Smiling, he pointed at the cactus and asked, "Making some Prickly 
Pear Jelly?"

"Of course, I do that every year."

"Would you teach Marguerite how to make it?"

Maria laughed as she asked, "Where do you think I'm cooking up 
this batch?"

"Don't I feel foolish."

"Don't feel that way. A lot of the women are getting together to 
make the jelly and you guys have the biggest kitchen around. We 
used to make it at Maria's Restaurant."

Ed shook his head. There were so many things that went on in this 
little town that he didn't know about, that there were times he 
wondered if he actually lived there. He said, "I had no idea."

Maria looked at the surprise on his face and said, "Don't feel so 
bad. The women in this town have always lead a somewhat 
separate life from the men."

"I guess so. I just didn't realize that it was so extensive."

Maria looked over at Ed for a minute and then said, "Rosa came 
home really happy last week."

Always interested in hearing about Rosa, Ed asked, "Oh, did 
something good happen to her?"

"Yes, someone made her very happy."

Frowning at the idea that Rosa might have found someone other 
than Maria and her husband, Ed asked, "Who?"

Maria giggled at his reaction. Seeing that he was worried, she said, 
"You know."

"No, I don't."

"You silly man. It was you. Don't you remember that she spent the 
night with you last week?"

Ed remembered that evening very well. In a way, he was almost 
jealous of Carlos, as she was almost insatiable in bed. He had 
never met a woman that enjoyed anal sex as much as Rosa. 
Embarrassed at being so dense, Ed answered, "Oh, I didn't think I 
made her that happy."

"She was positively glowing when she came home."

"Oh, I had a wonderful time with her. I was sad to see her go 
home."

"My turn is next week," replied Maria with a wink. She had felt Ed 
should have gotten both her and Rosa the same night. After all, Ed 
had introduced them and made their marriage possible. She had 
changed her mind upon seeing Rosa after the night with Ed and 
decided that she wanted him all to herself for one night.

"I'm looking forward to it," replied Ed. The fact was that he didn't 
know the schedule and Cathy would inform him a day or two 
ahead who would be coming over. He had set aside that evening 
every week just for that purpose.

Maria smiled, "So where were you headed?"

"Down to the bar. I felt like having a wimp drink."

"Run along. I'm sure that Shirley would enjoy seeing you. I've got 
to finish picking so that I can show up at your place on time," said 
Maria. She glanced down at the bulge in his pants wondering if 
Rosa had exaggerated the size of his cock. At least she would 
know next week if Rosa had been exaggerating.

Ed wandered on down the street and into town. The Sheriff was 
heading to his car and waved to Ed. Returning the wave, Ed 
crossed the street. It was hot this time of year and very few people 
were outdoors. The heat didn't really both Ed; he was used to it. So 
long as you drank plenty of fluids and didn't over-exert yourself, 
the heat wasn't much of a problem.

Entering the bar, he was momentarily blinded by the dim lighting 
after the brightness of outdoors. Once his eyes adjusted to the light, 
he looked around the bar to see who was there. It was mid-
afternoon and basically deserted. Sitting at the corner table, Shirley 
was going over her books. Looking up and seeing Ed, she said, 
"Help your self to a coke."

"Okay," he replied as he went behind the counter. After picking up 
a glass and filling it with ice, he used the fountainhead to fill it 
with coke. Even as he did it, he realized that he had become much 
more comfortable behind the bar. He called over to her, "Do you 
want anything?"

"Sure, I'll take a coke."

He fixed another coke and carried it over to her table. She had all 
of her business papers spread over the table. Being careful not to 
set the glass on any of the papers, Ed sat down at the next table. He 
didn't want to disturb her work. She looked over at him and asked, 
"What? Am I not good enough to sit with?"

"I didn't want to disturb you or spill anything on your papers."

Shirley picked up the glass and moved over to his table. Sitting 
down, she said, "I can use the break. Besides, my wife is coming 
over to help me with the paperwork."

Mary was one of Ed's favorite people. She had a special bravery in 
facing the world with a severe burn scar across her face that he 
found attractive. Smiling, he asked, "How is Mary?"

"Oh, she's two months pregnant," replied Shirley with a smile as 
she thought about how happy Mary was about becoming a mother. 
Poor Mary had thought that she would never find a husband and 
have a child. She ended up with two husbands, a wife, and a child. 

"Really? Congratulations are in order. I bet you guys are excited 
about the prospect of little feet running through the house."

"You bet. We are fixing up the backroom here as a nursery so that 
Mary and I can work the bar and take care of the kid. I'm looking 
forward to it."

"What about Linda? She still works here, doesn't she?"

"Yes, she works Sunday nights and all day Monday. That's my 
time off to spend with the family. Mary is going to school and 
works a couple of nights a week so that I get some quality time 
with the men," answered Shirley with a smile. 

"That's great. You look really happy."

"Yes, I am."

Ed was silent for a moment and then said, "I was worried about 
you. Around here, there were only two men that were good enough 
for you, John and Jim. I'm so happy that you found your family."

Shirley still couldn't believe that Ed didn't include himself. Licking 
her lips, she replied, "After you changed, you became the third. 
Now, half of the men in this town are good men and would make 
any woman happy. I haven't had a bar fight in here in ages."

"I guess that is good for profits," replied Ed.

Shirley replied, "It's funny. I don't sell as much beer to each 
customer, but I've got about twice the number of customers. Your 
idea with the sandwiches really helped the most. It doubled the 
lunch crowd."

Ed didn't remember suggesting sandwiches to her, but her voice 
said that she was telling the truth. He said, "I thought that was your 
idea."

Shirley laughed and shook her head. Of course, it made sense that 
Ed wouldn't remember making the suggestion. It was just like the 
business with Manuel. He always gave her credit for turning the 
hauling business around when he had laid out how to price each 
job. She said, "I guess we remember that day differently."

"I guess so."

Sitting there silent for a minute, Ed was thinking about how the 
town had changed over the past few years. He said, "Our little 
town has changed so much. Did you know the woman that owns 
the flower shop opened a lingerie store?"

Shirley smiled and answered, "Yes, I did. She even has sex toys in 
the back."

"Really? I didn't know that."

"Yes, I was one of her first customers. Bought a strap-on dildo," 
she said with a smile. 

Ed blushed at her announcement. It wasn't that he was a prude, but 
he wasn't used to his friends being that open and honest about their 
sex lives. He remembered that day, years ago, when he had 
watched and listened to a woman explaining all about sex toys to 
her niece in the lingerie shop. It reminded him that some day, 
someone would have to do that for his kids. Rather shy, he said, 
"Those can be a lot of fun."

"Yes, they can. Do you want me to bring it Wednesday?"

This was the first time that Ed had heard who was his date this 
week. Blushing, he answered, "No that's okay."

Shirley laughed and patted him on the arm. In a teasing voice, she 
said, "Is big Ed afraid of little Shirley coming at him with a strap-
on?"

Looking at Shirley like he had never met her, he suddenly burst out 
laughing. In a minute he was laughing so hard that he could hardly 
stop. Years ago she would never have teased him like this. It was 
wonderful that she felt she could say and do things like that now. 
Wiping his eyes, he answered, "If little Shirley wants to come at 
me with a strap-on, I say go for it."

"I just might take you up on that."

Taking a sip of his coke, he looked around the bar and noticed that 
Shirley had made some improvements in the place. The old 
jukebox had been upgraded, the wood floor had been refinished, 
and the walls painted. She had replaced the tables and put some 
pictures on the walls. The changes had been so gradual that it was 
easy to miss. He commented, "The place really looks good."

Shirley smiled at the compliment and replied, "Without things 
getting broken all the time, I felt it was time to improve the look of 
the place."

"This little town really has changed."

"The average income in this town and outlying area has increased 
by fifty percent over the past four years."

Ed raised an eyebrow wondering if it was the expenditures of his 
household that was responsible. He asked, "Why is that?"

"Believe it or not, it's because the people are taking more risks."

"Huh?"

"Well, with so many group marriages in the area, one or more 
people in the marriage can take a risk to try something new rather 
than worry about getting by. We've had a lot of businesses open in 
the area and most of them have succeeded. People are driving fifty 
miles to come to our town to shop, eat dinner, and have drinks. As 
these businesses grow, we hire people to do the work and so they 
get more money. It feeds on itself."

"I wondered if it was because of the amount of money that we 
spend in the area."

Shirley smiled and shook her head. She answered, "Not really. You 
guys probably spend the same amount of money in town as most of 
the residents. You still buy off the rack clothes and wear them until 
they need to be replaced. Marguerite gets most of her food 
delivered from Phoenix, except for the canned stuff. I guess the 
biggest impact you've had are the donations for public use facilities 
like the library, the police station improvements, and all that."

"I guess the town does have the lowest tax rate in the area," 
commented Ed. He was supporting the drama club and high school 
band with his charity moneys.

"I believe this town has changed in a lot of positive ways since 
John came to town. You know that I don't live here in town. I live 
in a suburb of Phoenix so I can make comparisons. I can tell that 
things become calmer and more peaceful the closer I come to 
town. It's funny, but the people here are very healthy. The women 
are feminine, the men are romantic, and everyone is hard 
working."

"I've noticed that myself," replied Ed. 

"Healthy people are productive. Carlos is on the verge of becoming 
a millionaire because his landscaping company is doing so well. 
Manuel and Joe are both millionaires. Maria is a millionaire. The 
amazing thing is that none of them have moved out of their houses, 
they are satisfied with their lives."

The news about Carlos, Manuel, Joe, and Maria was a surprise to 
Ed. He hadn't realized that their businesses were doing that well. 
He wondered why Joe was still renting the house from him. With a 
great deal of interest, he said, "I didn't realize that."

"Oh, yes. The chamber of commerce sponsors the block party 
music program," replied Shirley with a little pride. It had been her 
idea and the chamber of commerce had immediately agreed that it 
was a good idea. 

Ed smiled as he thought about the music program. It was one of the 
best things that had happened in the area. The entire town turned 
out for that every Sunday night at sunset when the temperature 
dropped to a comfortable level. Since the town didn't really have a 
park, they just shut down the main street to traffic. People would 
show up with lawn chairs and listen to the music. Young and old 
would dance in the street. The high school clubs would sell 
popcorn, cotton candy, and soft drinks to raise money for various 
activities. The entire Carter household attended them with great 
regularity. He said, "I love that program."

"I know. I see you out there dancing with Kelly and Ling all the 
time. It really has brought about a great sense of community. 
Healthy people are very productive people and can bring about 
incredible changes for the better." Shirley looked at Ed considering 
how much he had changed. Once a bully, he had become a nice 
and caring man. In her opinion, Ed was a perfect role model for the 
entire town. 

"I agree with you on that. I'd still be pushing cows and getting into 
bar fights if I hadn't met John. He's an amazing man," commented 
Ed. 

Taking a full drink of his coke, Ed finished it and set the empty 
glass on the table. He had been feeling a little down about losing 
his rock-hunting buddy, but the discussion with Shirley had 
cheered him up significantly. It was funny, but that was another 
effect of the town. People helped people that were feeling a little 
down. 

Winking at Shirley, he said, "I guess I'll see you tonight at sunset."

"You bet."

"Well, I better head back to the house before they start to worry 
about me."

Shirley knew that both John and Ed occasionally snuck out of the 
house to walk around town talking to people. The wives often 
came into town, but their visits tended to be associated with social 
events. She teased, "Wouldn't want them to think that one of the 
women in town kidnapped you and had her way with you."

Laughing, Ed shook his head. As he was about to leave, he asked, 
"I'm sure that when Kelly, Ling, and Linda find out about Mary, 
they'll want to hold one of those baby bath things."

"Baby bath things?" asked Shirley confused by his statement.

"Yeah, you know one of those parties that women throw for 
women that are expecting a baby."

Realizing that he meant a baby shower, Shirley burst out laughing. 
Chuckling, she said, "You mean a baby shower?"

"I guess. I knew it had something to do with washing."

Shirley was left laughing all alone in the bar as Ed left. Talking to 
herself, she said, "You just have to love the guy."

Taking his time, Ed wandered back towards the house. It was a hot 
day, but he wasn't alone in making the journey home. A number of 
women from town were driving or walking up the street to his 
house. He joined a group of them and talked about how excited he 
was about them making one of his favorite jellies. Reaching the 
house, he held the door open for them and led them to the kitchen 
where the smell of fresh baked bread was almost overwhelming. A 
number of women were already there and Marguerite was 
scurrying around trying to learn as much as she could.

He left them to their work, knowing that they would be having 
homemade bread with jelly as a snack tonight. An idea had come 
to him while talking with Shirley and he decided to check the idea 
with Cathy. She was seated at her desk, working over the family 
accounts. Sitting down, he watched as she finished her current 
calculation. She looked up and asked, "What can I do for you?"

"Do I have enough money to throw a Halloween Party for the 
town?"

A surprised look came over her face as she considered the request. 
She asked, "Wouldn't you rather have it come from the whole 
family than just from yourself?"

The question gave Ed a moment of pause as he considered the 
suggestion. He asked, "Don't we already sponsor the Christmas 
Eve Pageant?"

"Sure, but that isn't a reason why the family couldn't include 
Halloween."

"Okay, I guess I'll bring it up at the next family meeting."

Cathy looked at Ed for a minute and then suggested, "Maybe rather 
than an entire party, it might be better to support a haunted house. 
The town already does Halloween in a big way."

"That's a good idea," replied Ed. He knew that in recent years, the 
town closed off the main street and businesses would hand out gift 
certificates, candy, and small toys to the trick-or-treaters. The high 
school already had a party for the older kids. "Thanks, I'll bring 
that up at the family meeting."

Cathy said, "By the way. I have a question that has bothered me for 
a long time."

"Ask away."

Looking around nervously, she said, "You, John, and Kelly are 
Druids. You serve the Gods and the Goddesses. How come you 
support so many functions associated with Christian holidays?"

It was a good question and one that Ed had never been asked 
before. Smiling, he said, "It's a matter of supporting the spiritual 
growth of people. It doesn't matter to us what God or Gods and 
Goddesses people worship. The key thing is that they have faith in 
a higher authority."

Being a fallen away Catholic, Cathy said, "The priest in town is 
very much against many of the things that are happening in town. 
He's against the same gender sexual activities and the group 
marriages."

The telephone rang and Cathy turned to answer it. She spoke for a 
minute and then transferred the call to the informal living room. 
Once that she had taken care of the call, she turned back to Ed to 
hear his answer.

While she had been on the telephone, Ed had been considering his 
answer. Finally, he said, "He is supporting twenty centuries of 
belief. There's no reason for us to try to change his mind about 
right and wrong."

"Aren't you worried about being targeted by the Church?"

Smiling, Ed said, "I serve the Gods and Goddesses. I must be true 
to them. The priest serves Jehovah and Jesus. He must be true to 
him. If there is to be a conflict between them, we each will do what 
we must."

Leaving behind a very thoughtful Cathy, he wandered to the 
informal living room. Sitting on the couch, a very happy Kelly was 
watching a nature show on the television. Sitting down next to her, 
he rubbed her belly and said, "You look happy."

"I am very happy. I think that being pregnant agrees with me."

Looking over at the contented expression on her face, he said, "Did 
you know that Mary is pregnant too?"

Kelly laughed and said, "I know. Shirley called to let me know that 
you were going to suggest that we hold a baby bath for her."

His face flushed in embarrassment as he replied, "Hey, I knew it 
had something to do with bathing."

Kelly tickled him as she said, "Sometimes you are so cute."

Ed struggled to avoid her tickling and, in defense, started to tickle 
back. The tickle war lasted only a few minutes, but they were both 
grinning by the end. 





