Just Like a Glass

 218.

"We are stacking protocols," I announce to the group, "Julie and Harlan at home, getting a solid handle on this mysterious Mr. 38, Drysdale, Mustang and myself on the trail of The Queen, which at this point seems to lead to somewhere in the Northwest, and Davis and Saunders in Vegas with 24/7 eyes and ears on Adelson's white-collar felons." Julie adds that "There is significantly increased chatter regarding a gathering, meeting or confluence of major players happening soon, actions that normally precede some type of large-scale criminal activity."

"The natives are restless," deadpans Davis on the video conference call.

"We need to dial up the urgency on all fronts," I respond, leaning forward into the camera to emphasize the up close and personal nature of the mission's jump-start. I am not against taking the standard safe and secure steps in forcing movement, we can be a touch more aggressive without losing our covers. Do it smart. And be careful. We can make plays while keeping faces in the shadows."

This comes as a positive note as everyone on our group. We are well trained and patently prepared to take it to the street in execution of our plan. As in football, playmakers make plays. The bigger the game the bigger the payoff. "We'll update on Wednesday, same time. Let's step on the gas folks, but keep an eye on the rear-view."

It seems that my sports metaphors are lost on Mustang, a pragmatic scholar, scientist and criminologist. "I've never had time for games," she admits, "Dad took me to a Yankee game once and I read Salinger all four quarters."

I resist the all too easy comeback and change the subject to the current situation, my rehabilitation and firefight procedures. Over the weekend she and Drysdale coordinated the purchase and outfitting of a new wheelchair, what he calls a 'Musclechair,' carbon-fiber with a 10 horsepower assist motor, storage compartments and two hidden holsters, one per side, to house a pair of nine mils and spare clips. The upgrade transfers Mustang's primary responsibility from mover to shaker, powerplant to navigator, a change for which she accepts full responsibility.

Our teamwork is progressing, evolving with every outing, like, perhaps the relationship between a blind man and his service dog, or horse and rider; always works better when the duties are known, understood and rehearsed.

Of this she says, "it is just like the regeneration of damaged axons, nerve fibers. They respond better with cognitive capacity and caring."

"Just like a Glass."