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Furry Children

Toy exited, and Cujo and Tim sipped their coffee. Somehow Toy knew that Veronica rarely drank. It was fattening, and she was a lightweight anyhow. "Tim, you're from Detroit, huh?" said Cujo, presently. "Uh huh. The Motor City." said Tim. "I'm from San Francisco." said Cujo. "Really? I wasn't aware of that." said Tim, pleasantly. They sipped more coffee. "Hey Cujo, what do you think the Yin & Yang means?" said Tim. Cujo regarded Tim narrowly. Was this another of the racist barbs that Tim Versace was famous for? Apparently not. Cujo could tell by Tim's reaction that he meant no offense, he was just trying to learn. 'This is a start', thought Cujo. He opened his desk drawer, and pulled out a small bttle of Jack Daniels. Everyone on the Mile knew that Tim Versace was partial to good whiskey- after work, not before. Cujo put the bottle to his lips and took a swig, practically gagging, then handed it to Tim. Tim gestured toward Cujo, and took a good swig himself, then set the bottle on the desk. Cujo arose, went to the marker board, drew a yin & yang symbol, and said "Yin & Yang can mean many things. Remember that its not the symbol, but what it represents to you. To me, the yin & yang means family. See, we all come from our family. Also, the Yin & Yang symbol means to me that we can always do more with less, if we are in harmony with our family and the people around us. But thats just me." Cujo sat down, and took the small bottle of JD, took a minute swig, and handed it to Tim. Tim took a generous swig. Apparently Cujo had put some thought into this oriental symbol, Tim realized. "Tim, what do you think the Yin & Yang symbol represents?" "Oh, I really wouldn't know. I wouldn't want to offend you by acting as if I knew." said Tim Versace sincerely. He had already got in enough trouble for one day. "No offense at all, Versace. What do you see when you look at it?" Tim Versace thought for a moment, and took a look at Veronica. Her look was clear- 'Try not to fu%& this up, Tim.' Versace cleared his throat, and thought to himself 'Screw it, just be honest.' "Cujo, when I first looked at it, I thought about my childhood." "Really? Show me." Cujo said, gesturing to the marker board. "That's alright, Cujo. No offense." "No really, Versace, I'm interested." Tim arose and went to the marker board. He pointed at the Yin & Yang. "First off, its round, like a basketball. I always played a ton of roundball when I was a kid. And see, its white and black. In my neighborhood, the white and black kids basically intermingled in one location. On the basketball court. We didn't dislike each other, don't get me wrong, but the basketball court was where we hung out together." Cujo leaned back in his chair, put his hand on his chin, regarded Tim Versace, and nodded slowly.
— August 26, 2009 8:22 a.m.

Furry Children

Veronica took Tim's hand, and they walked onto the Toyota dealership lot, toward the showroom. Veronica had heard of their receptionist. They called her 'Toy', and the rumor was that she was incredibly beautiful, with a wonderful disposition. Cujo sidled up to Tim Versace and said "Cash for Clunkers is done, but we got a major clearance event lined up. What do you think about our line up?" "Damn good cars, Cujo. They practically sell themselves. I like the new Celica GT. Its got looks and performance. What about the Celica Supra?" "Its not out yet. Theres no word from the factory." "That'll definately move some units." said Tim, now on more familar ground, which was just what Cujo intended. Sales is a stressful job, but Cujo always made it look easy. His secret?- he listened. Cujo's philosophy was that if he could ascertain what the customer wanted, a deal could be made. They entered Cujo's office. It was a small desk, comfortable chairs on both side, and a white markerboard on the side wall, which Cujo would use to diagram deals, and brainstorm. Cujo sat behind his desk. Tim and Veronica sat on the other side, and Toy entered. Tim forced himself not to look at her, because Vedronica was there. Toy set a coffee service on the desk, and cermoniously poured coffee for all three. Also on the tray was a bottle of Bailey's Irish creme liquer. Cujo gestured, and Toy poured him some Bailey's. Cujo gestured toward Tim, he nodded, and Toy poured him a dollop of Bailey's in his coffee. Tim then smiled at Toy, but not lasciviously. .
— August 26, 2009 8:21 a.m.

Furry Children

"What do you have to say for yourself, Versace?" demanded the head honcho from Detroit. "I was just trying to move some units, that's all." "Thats the same B.S. excuse I get from dealerships around the country. You're a kink, Versace. A well dressed kink." "Yes, sir." said Tim Versace, quietly. "Don't let this happen again, you hear me?" "Yes, sir." "Alright. And hey, Tim-" "Yes?" CLICK. The call ended. Tim Versace sighed and put his cellphone in his pocket, giving Veronica a look. No sooner did he do that than the phone rang again. Versace checked the incoming call indicator- it was Tim's Los Angeles Mercedes body man, Ben. He took the call. "Yeah Ben, what's up?" "Tim, I got the color match for the Mercedes limo, but there's something I think you should know." "Fill me in." "That limo has unique color code." "Unique how?" asked Tim Versace. "Unique as in there's only one painted that color. The Mercedes factory had it painted in Dusseldorf." "You're kidding me." said Tim Versace. "Nope. Not only that, the chauffeur of that limo is a test driver for Mercedes security limos. He trains chauffeurs for some of the richest people in Hollywood." 'Oh, s%$t.' thought Tim Versace, rubbing his eyes. "Okay, well special order the paint from Germany right away." "You got it. Tim, can I ask you a question?" "Yeah." "What the hell is going on down there?" Tim Versace sighed. "Just trying to move some units, Ben. Just trying to move some units." "Okay, then. But be nice to that guy, huh?" said Ben. "Sure." The call ended and Tim Versace's shoulders drooped. He was feeling very deflated. Veronica didn't say anything. They started walking again, when they heard a voice. "Hey, Versace." Tim turned around. It was Cujo. "Come on in, I want to buy you a cup of coffee. Where you been?" Tim Versace's mood brightened immediately. Maybe it wouldn't turn out to such a bad day after all.
— August 25, 2009 8:08 a.m.

Furry Children

Kato was in the limo, checking out a scene from the new action flick 'GI Joe' on the limos flat screen. Kato loved the movies. Before his grandfather found him, Kato would sneak into the movie theater, and snatch egg rolls from movie goers, drink half empty sodas, and scrunch up in a seat, to watch a movie. His favorites were martial arts films. The movies provided little Kato with a picture of the world at large. Now that he was a man, and had achieved some of the things he had only dreamed of as a child, he still loved the movies. Meanwhile, Tim Versace and Veronica were moseying down the Mile of Cars, passing by the Toyota dealership. Tim looked over into the showroom, and sure enough, there he was - Cujo, Tim Versaces arch nemesis. Tim had given him his nickname, because Cujo was doggedly persistent, even rabid in his pursuit of car sales. Cujo would stay until after the dealership closed, working a deal. Cujo would get to the dealership early, examine inventory, make notes, then stretch out and do exercises. Versace thought he was nuts. Tims cell phone rang. He looked at the incoming call indicator- GM Detroit. 'Oh, Sh*t.' thought Tim Versace, showing Veronica who was calling. "What are you going to do?" asked Veronica. Tim shrugged, and took the call. "Hello?" "Versace you fu*&ing dirtbag, you're fired!" Click. Versace hung up on him, and handed the phone to Veronica, saying "Soften him up." The phone rang again immediately. Veronica answered, saying "Tim Versace Enterprises, may I help you?" "Give him the phone!" "Tim Versace Enterprises, this is Tim." "Versace, I have a report that you've been street racing. Is this true?" "Well...." "Thats a yes or no question!" "Yes." Tim admitted. "And who were you racing?" "His names Kato." "Oh, really? Is he a martial artist?" asked the executive. "Of course. Hes Asian. All Asians are martial artists." said Tim Versace matter of factly. On the phone he could hear the executive sighing, as if Tim Versace were stupid. "Where is Kato now?" "I don't know. I sideswiped him and I think Don Wall pulled him over." "Don Wall, huh? Is that a cop?" asked the executive. "Yeah, hes a motorcycle cop." said Tim Versace. "For what city?" "City of San....Diego." Tim replied, finally wondering to himself what Don Wall was doing in National City. 'Oh sh&*.' thought Tim Versace again. He looked up and Cujo was staring at him intently from the showroom, then shook his head slowly, like as if Tim was such a dummy.
— August 24, 2009 8:36 a.m.

Furry Children

Can I buy you a drink? asked Kato, relaxedly. "Yeah, sure." said the Jet. Then he sauntered over to the bar and sat beside Kato. "BARTENDER! My usual!" exclaimed the Jet. The bartender emerged from the darker recesses of the bar, trembling visibly. He poured a cup of the very best tea, then delivered it on a saucer. He looked at Kato helplessly. "Where's my chaser!?" demanded Jet, standing up. "Please, Kato. We don't want more trouble." Kato just looked at the bartender even more piercingly. The bartender shuffled over to his fountain and poured Jet a large cup of water. The Jet took the glass of water and splashed it on the prostrate bouncer's face. The bouncer awoke, shook his head, saw the Jet, and scurried out of the bar without so much as a peep. The Jet went back to his seat. Kato saw everything, but showed no emotion. Instead, he asked "Jet, don't you want a beer?" "I would like to drink a beer, but when my father came home drunk, he abused my family physically. He made me go get beer on credit, then I have pay the tab by working for the store.So I don't want to make my fathers mistakes." Just then, an even bigger bouncer, with a club in his hand walked in and said "Jet, you know we don't have a problem with you. But every time you show up, you scare our customers. I ask you formally, please go, Jet. Then tomorrow, maybe you are not so mad, and can be welcome." "Are you sure?" asked the Jet. "Yes, I'm quite sure." answered the bouncer with quiet determination. BLAMMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Jet had backhanded his teacup into the bouncers face at near supersonic speed. He dropped clutching his mouth, and whimpering.
— August 17, 2009 9:29 p.m.

Furry Children

"You know what else?" asked Mystery Man. "No, what else?" responded motorcycle patrolman Don Wall. "Kato afraid of the cops." "He's what?" "No bulls%*t. He scared a the cops." said Mystery Man. "Why?" asked Don Wall. "Because, when Kato was young boy, he always run from the cops. He scared the cops going to catch him." explained Mystery Man. Don Wall did have to admit to himself that he sensed a certain amount of apprehension from Kato, but this was a revelation. "Thats hard to believe." said Don Wall. "Its true." said Mystery Man. "Well, why don't you go speak with him for a moment." Don Wall decided to play this incident as a domestic disturbance. Have the squabbling parties speak with each other, and observe their demeanor. He had no intention of getting into it with Kato. It was obvious he was some sort of GI Joe. Mystery Man stalked over to the new Camaro. "Get out of the car, Kato! The cop going to arrest you now! He going to write you a ticket, and take you to jail! He want your autograph, Kato, on his ticket!" cried Mystery Man. Kato looked in the rearview at Don Wall, who slouched slightly and innocuously. Katos eyes widened as he listened and looked, in case there was back up on the way. He emerged from the vehicle. "Go talk to the cop, Kato, so he could handcuff you!" said Mystery Man. Kato knew there was no way one police officer was going to catch him, and had a good feeling about Don Wall. Yet the plain truth was that police gave Kato the willies. The obvious choice was to make for the Mercedes limo, jump in and hunker down. It was practically impervious. Kato knew, because he was a test driver for Mercedes security limousines. What made him comply was Don Wall's motorcycle. Kato remembered when he got his first bicycle, and what a joy it was to ride. He wanted to know more about Don Walls motorcycle, so he walked over to Don Wall, while removing his sunglasses.
— August 11, 2009 9:23 a.m.

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