Table of Contents            

Heroes? In which we learn who the hero(es) were. “I go to all that trouble and do all that work and break an ankle and you wind up being the heroine. It just ain’t fair. Not fair at all.” ”I … Read more

And a Child Shall Lead Them In which Niall comes to the rescue, or is it Natalie? “Wake up Niall.” “What?” “I said, wake up. We have to get moving. It’s almost dawn.” “Okay, Steve. Let me get my eyes … Read more

Meet the Mayor In which we see how the other half lives and Natalie saves a life, or two. “I don’t think the mayor will want to kill your friends. He’ll want to question them first. And the woman will … Read more

Going to Town In which Niall, Steve, and Arnie go shopping. Monzano seemed quiet, peaceful, even serene. There were only a few cars on the main street. The primary shopping center included a large sporting goods store so Niall headed … Read more

Field Trip In which Jean, Natalie, and Niall meet some new folks. It was time for their first field trip. Though each of the trainees had lived and worked with payers around them for years, they had never really looked … Read more

Natalie and D.W. In which Natalie tells her side and D.W., . . . well doesn’t. Natalie was annoyed. Here she was trying her hardest to be open and accepting and tolerant and all those good things so she could … Read more

A Real Payer Talks In which a veteran payer tells it like it is. The little old lady in whites, her back straight, her wispy white hair caught up in a bun on the back of her neck, walked with … Read more

Wendy’s Tale In which Wendy reveals her guilt and becomes a true heroine. That night as the group gathered, Niall felt like he was coming home. He looked with fondness upon each of the others. He could recall nice moments … Read more

Return of the Fat Man In which the supply of demand is fedback looping unstably. Or something like that. Niall came into class on a wave of mixed emotions. There was still the warmth of being accepted for himself, warts … Read more