Category: Writers Block
robot friend
Matilda Burns had always thought it would be a neat thing to own a robot for a friendand helper.
Just think," she often told her parents, "she could help you in the kitchen, and when things needed fixing, she could help you out too dad."
Well," Mrs Burns said cautiously, " maybe, we'll have to save a little bit more money, Robots are very expensive, you know
"Yes," mr. Burns agreed, "we can't just walk in to a robot store and buy one just like that, we'll have to think about this a great deal."
Matilda sighed. She knew the score, it would be a long time before before she had a robot, if ever. Her parents were very firm, but at least, they hadn't given her a definite flat no, which was greatly encouraging.
Her neighbor, Tommy Gordon and his folks had one, Matilda had seen it one day when she went over to Tommys' house. It was made to look like a boy, around tommys' age, 12, give or take a few months. Tommy called the robot Calvin, and he and Calvin played all sorts of games, especially cowboys and indians, which was Tommys' favorite game. Sometimes, the robot was the indian, and Tommy was the cowboy, and sometimes it was the other way around, with tommy being the indian, and Calvin the cowboy.
"Isn't he cool?" Tommy exclaimed with pride ashe pretended to capture Calvin in one of their games of cops and robbers.
Eleven year old Matilda looked on in awe. "wow! he's awesome! really neat."
Yeah, Tommy grinned, "when are your folks going to get one?"
I don't know, she sighed, "they keep saying it costs so much, but they haven't said no yet, so I'm still hoping.
wonderwoman
hmmm interesting and strange ..
Matildas' family and Tommy family were good friends as well as neighbors. The burns family often had the Gordons over for supper as often as the Gordons did the burnses. One night after a hearty meal of steak, rice and biscuits, Mr Gordon brought up the subject of having a robot to the burnses. "have you ever thought of getting a robot?" Mr Gordon asked the burnses.
"Well," Mrs Burns took a few moments to reply, quite a long time, Matilda thought. "We have thought about it," she answered slowly, "but they are expensive."
"I know what you mean," mrs Gordon replied, it was a while before Jim could get one, but we've been able to save a little money here and there, and the prices have come down.
"most definitely," Mr Gordon assured them, "when they first came out back in 2060, only the richest people could afford one, but in 2100, they've come down from what they were.
"Are they hard to manage?" asked Mrs Burns.
"Not at all," reassured mrs Gordon, "you see, they are androids, but they look human. There's no programming or anything, you just tell them what you want and they do it."
"they don't go out of whack real easy do they?" questioned mr Burns anxiously. He had seenmovies where a sudden fault in the mechanism could make the robot go berserk.
"No way," exclaimed Mr Gordon, "they're programmed with Asimovs laws."
"what does that mean?" Matilda wanted to know.
One by one, Mr Gordon recited the 3 laws of robotics. 1. A robot must not harm or in any way injure a human being. 2. The robot must obey all orders given it by the human unless the second law conflicts with the first."
"huh?" both Tommy and Matilda both said in unison, both of them totally confused.
"he means the robot is programmed to obey all ordersgiven by the person unless obeying those orders would bring the person harm or danger,"explained Mrs Burns.
"Oh" said Tommy, now satisfied.
"go on dear," Mrs Gordon encouraged.
Thirdly, Mr Gordon concluded, a robot must protect it's on existence unless doing so conflicts with the first 2 laws."
"Wow,' Tommy exclaimed.
"You mean?" questioned Matilda, that if a robot thought it was causing a person harm, it would destroy its self?
"of course dear," answered her mother, "it's just a machine, it doesn't know fear or danger."
"But it would be murdering its self" persisted Matilda.
"it's not murder when it's a robot," put in Mr Burns.
Matilda didn't feel convinced. The thought of a robot dismantling its self to protect someone was incomprehensible to her.
wonderwoman
"
The Gordons soon took their leave, and Mrs Burns set about straightening the kitchen. Matilda sat in a kitchen chair, thinking about all that Mr Gordon had said about robots.
"Mom?" she questioned.
"Yes dear" Mrs Gordon answered, focusing her attention on putting the dishes away.
"it's about all that stuff on the 3 laws of robotics, what does it all mean?
"I don't know dear, go ask your father, maybe he can explain it to you."
Matilda ran immediately to the den, where she found her father reading a newspaper. She touched him lightly on the shoulder to get his attention. "Daddy, I wanted to ask you something."
Mr Burns looked up from his news paper. "what is it hon?"
I wanted to ask you about the 3 laws ofrobotics, I don't understand it."
Mr Burns resigned himself to the fact, that he might have to answer a ton of questions.
"What don't you understand?
"Not much," admitted Matilda, especially that 3rd law, where the robot is suppose to protect itsself, unless it conflicts with the first 2 laws.
"we already explained it to you honey," it just means that the robot protects its self unless the person tells it to self destruct, or if by doing so, it causes the person harm. For instance, let's say you were in some kind of danger. The robot would do all it could to protect you, even if by doing so, it was damaged or destroyed. A robot has no feelings or emotions, it's not made of flesh and blood, so there is no death. Understand now?"
"I think so," she replied, but if I ever had a robot, I hope it would never have to self destruct to protect me."
"now let's not get ahead of ourselves," Mr Burns cautioned, "we don't have a robot yet."
"but we're going to get one, aren't we daddy?
"we'll see, your mother and I haven't decided yet." Matilda fell silent, afraid if she pushed it, they might decide on a definite no.
"Why don't you run on up to your room and study for awhile" Mr Burns suggested.
"Aw daddy, I hate to study" Matilda moaned.
"You want to get good grades in school don't you?
"I guess so" said Matilda, though her tone didn't sound so sure.
"Well, good grades are important," Mr Burns advised his daughter, and besides,if you study hard enough, someday, you might become a robot scientist, and invent robots yourself.
"Hey yeah," she exclaimed excitedly, "I never thought of that, super cool!
"run along now" said Mr burns. He patted her on the top of her head.
Matilda obeyed, and studied until bed time.
wonderwoman
It was a Friday afternoon, and Matilda was walking home from school. It had been a decent day, as far as school days went. The class had been studying science, the last class of the day. Mrs Grady, the 6th grade teacher, asked if anyone could recite the 3 laws of robotics. Matilda spoke up eagerly.
I know Mrs Grady. The gordons were at our house for supper last night, and they told us all about it.
"I appreciate your enthusiasm,Matilda," Mrs Grady replied, not unkindly,"but let's give the other students a chance first. Does anyone know?" No hand was raised, noone spoke up.
"Very well," Mrs Grady concluded, "we'll continue this on Monday, at which time, I want everyone to be able to recite the 3 laws of robotics."
The bell rang, and class was dismissed for the day.Matilda was a bit disappointed that she didn't get to answer the question, since she knew it by heart. She consoled herself with the thought that perhaps noone else would know the answer on Monday either.
Matilda skipped along.She was almost home. She was just turning the corner that led to her street, when she saw something that filled her with dread. Oh no! it's Big Mac and his gang.
he was called Big Mac by those who thought him the king of cool, as well as the ones who considered him the king of crude. A lot of the kidsas well as the adults, claimed that when Big mac was a small kid, he watched the other kids pull the wings off of butterflies, and laughed.Whether or not it was true, or just a joke at Big Mac's expense, Matilda never knew.
"Wel, look what we have here,"sneered Candy, the only girl in the group.
"Ijust wannabee left alone" Matilda said, Knowing her voice sounded weak and frail, hating herself for it, but she just couldn't help it.
"are you part mouse?" asked Candy. Matilda bristled.
What the heck is that suppose to mean?"
"Oh nothing," replied Candy, "it's just a joke.
Matilda tried to sidestep past them, but Eugene, one of the boys in the group blocked her path.
"well I don't like it, Matilda responded. The rest of the group laughed meanly. Matilda made a sudden move, and ran for all she was worth. She ran towards the tool shed in back of the Ggordons house, panting heavily, because she wasn't use to running that fast. Tommy hear the commotion, and ran out to see what all the excitement was all about.
"What's Mattie? What ya hiding in there for?" Matildastruggled with tears and exhaustion.
"Big! Mac! and! his! gang! are! after! me!
she gasped. Just let me stay in here till they're gone, Tommy, please?
"Oh good grief, that pack of no good losers" Tommy exclaimed in heated anger.Tommy had a temper, and his parents dispaired for him, for they feared that someday, he would get in to a row with the wrong person, more in particular, someone bigger than he, andan experienced fighter. They feared their son would be seriously injured, if he didn't control his temper, and stop getting in to rows with people. Tommy could act out if he was in a bad mood, but if you were his friend, he would defend you with all his might.
The shed door burst open, and the gang stormed in. Matilda tried to control the shudder that went through her.
wonderwoman
"thought you could hide from us?" Eugene jeered.
"leave her alone" ordered Tommy.
"Get lost" Larry shouted.
"I think you guys are the ones who should get lost" flared Matilda flared, using all the force she could muster.
"I'm getting a mad on" declared "Eugene.
"you guys are nothing but jerks" raged Tommy."
Candy spied the bracelet, man made diamind ring, and the watch Matilda was wearing. "Nice watch" she observed. She pushed Matilda down on the shed floor. Matilda struggled, but Candy twisted her arm hard enough to cause pain.
"You guys hold her down, while I help myself to the jewelry" Candy instructed.
Larry, Eugene, and Robert held her down tightly.
"They're being very bad folks, and I apologize for all of them" Big mac laughed. He was not one to get in much on physical fights, preferring to watch from a safe distance, at least until he could be sure his companions had the intended victim firmly imobilized.
"Tommy rushed in and started punching them. Larry turned his attention towards Tommy, loosening his hold on Matilda, but Eugene and Larry still held her firmly, while Candy systematically began removing her jewelry.
"oh go on home and play with your marbles" Robert jeered at Tommy. Tommy took off at a run, but he id not turn to go in the house. She was bound to be walking her beat somewhere. A little ways up the street, he saw her.
"Officer Johnson," he panted, running up to heer, "ya gotta come quick, they've got Matilda Burns, hurry! please !
"Who's got her?" officer Johnson inquired. She was a woman who wasgentle and caring with those who were in trouble, "but if you ever crossed her, she was a force to be reckoned with. When defendingthose who needed it, she was like a lioness defending her young,and if there was a battle to be fought with law breakers, trouble makers and the like, she was tough and fearless.
"Big mac and his gang," cried Tommy, "they got her down in my dads' tool shed in back. They were holding her down when I went to find you, and Candy was taking off all her jewelry. Ya gotta come! please!
"alright, let's go, no, you'd better run along home, I'll deal with those characters.
Tommy was reluctant to leave, he wanted to stay and witness the outcome. He wanted to see officer Johnson give those guys what they had coming, but she had told him to go home, so he went.
Officer Maureen Johnson headed for the shed. She raced up to the shed door, and pounded on it with her fist. Not waiting for a response, she shoved the door wide open androunded on the group.
"Hold it right therrrre." She waved a huge walking stick which she always carried. "I might've known it was you thugs, up to your old tricks, I see."
"Well don't blame me officer" Big Mac answered in a fake injured tone, "I didn't do anything at all, it was all them."
"You encouraged it no doubt," she snapped. She turned to Candy, who was just pocketing the jewelry she had taken from Matilda.
" she's got my stuff" Matilda put in hurriedly."
"I know hon" officer Johnson assured her soothingly. She turned and addressed Candy directly. She always started out as being soft spoken, but as she talked, her voice gradually grew louder in tone and pitch. "give that stuff back right now!
"It's mine officer," insisted Candy, "she took it from me."
"A likely story" said officer Johnson, her voice gradually rising, "what do you take me for?" She waved the stick menacingly. Tuurning to Big Mac, she said, "You're their leader, see that she gives this stuff back to Matilda, where it belongs."
"I had nothing to dowith any of it," grumbled Big Mac, "it was all their idea."
Officer Johnson gave him a whack upside the head with her stick. "want to try for two?"
"you got no call to do that," complained big Mac loudly, "I'll file charges of police brutality."
"I'd like to see you try," exclaimed Maureen Johnson boldly, "I can't wait to tell in court how you and your gang were holding down a defenseless litle girl. "who's word do you think they'll believe, mine, or a pack of hoodlums
"she's a witch, but sheeeee's got a point, Mac" put in Eugene, guess we'd beter do as the battle ax says." Maureen gave him acloutover the head with the stick. Eugene rubbed his head.
"and that's for your lack of manners," Maureen said, "now give that stuff back, and leave, or I'll make you all wake up in the morning sorry you were ever born, are you reading me?"Sullenly, Candy took the jewelry from her pocket and handed it back to Matilda. Matilda stood up, stretch, then winced as she felt tthe e pain in her right arm, wheeere Candy had twisted it.
"That's better," Maureen told them, "now get out of here, before I start bashing some headdddds together. Go on, beat it."
Muttering names and curses under their breaths, the group turned and headed down the street.
"Did they hurt you dear" Maureen inquired with concern.
"I think Candy sprained my arm a little bit," groaned Matilda. She rubbed it gingerly. "looks like a bruise might be forming" Maureen observed. "Come on, I'll take you home, and we'll explain to your parents what happened."
Tommy, meanwhile, was getting what he considered a harsh scolding by his parents.
"Thomas Andrew Gordon," his mother exclaimed in horror upon hearing Tommy's story of his involvement with the big mac gang. "What have I told you about getting into fights with people like that
"But mom," Tommy protested, "I had to do something, they were going to hurt Matilda. They had her down on the floor of the shed, and they were taking her bracelether ring ring and her watch, I had to do somehting.
"You should've gottenofficer Johnson without doing anything or saying anything to that bunch of ruffians, you could've gotten hurt! Those people are dangerous! ?"
"What were you thinking?" his father asked. One of these days, you're going to mess with the wrong person, and you'll be seriously hurt. You probably just narrowly missed getting hurt today."
"aw I ain't afraid of those guys," Tommy stated openly, "those dudes couldn't fight a grasshopper if they were each on their own. They think they're so big and tough cause they've goteach other for backup."
"That is enough out of you young man," his mother broke in angrily, "you go right on up to your room right this minute, your father and I will discuss this and decide on the proper punishment for you."
"But mom...
"You heard your mother," his father ordered sternly, "now go at once."
Tommy sat in his room, feeling miserable for what seemed like a long time, when the door opened and Calvin entered.
"Master and Mrs Gordon have instructed me that you will have supper in your room," Calvin said dutifully, "and also I am not to play games with you for a while.
"It's not fair,"Tommy retorted.
"Perhaps master Tommy would relate the events that led to this, so I will have a record of it in my memory bank." Bleakly, Tommy told about the gangs' attack on Matilda, leaving nothing out."I was only trying to protect her," insisted Tommy, "who knows what that crazy gang would've done to her."
"I don't understand much about human emotions," Calvin admitted, "but my radar sensors detected worry and concern."
"Perhaps your radar sensors could tell me how to get in good with my parents" said Tommy hopefully."
"That is not in my level of programming" Calvin commented. Like all robots, he was noncommital, andtook no sides.
He was programmed to be sympathetic to both sides of an issue. He never expressed an opinion unless he was asked.Like a lot of people, even including adults, Tommy felt more comfortable talking to Calvin, because nothing he could ever say would offend him, or make him angry. He was soft spoken, as most robots were programmed to be, but he was also programmed to know when to take the orders of Tommy's parents over his own orders. If tommy begged him to do something that was against his parents wishes, Calvin was sensitive, compassionate, but also firm and steadfast.
He would play whatever game Tommy wanted, provide for whatever needs he was able to, but he was programmed never to break any of the rules laid down by the master and Mrs. Tommy was his little master, for whom Calvin would protect to the end, evenif it meant extinction for him.
"I think it is almost time for your supper," Calvin said, "I will go and see what Master and Mrs Gordons instructions are." Calvin went out closing the door behind him.
Mrs Burns was in the kitchen, getting things ready for supper when there was a knock at the door. She peered out through the peephole, and saw Matilda, accompanied by officeer Johnson.
"Is anything wrongofficer?" The sight of a police officer made her nervous, whereever there was a policeman or woman, there was usually some kind of trouble.
"I'm afraid Matilda had a misadventure coming home from school Mrs Burns, don't worry, she's alright," officer Johnson hastened to assure the nervous mother.
"What happened?" asked Mrs Burns anxiously.
Matilda was attacked andforcibly held down by Big Macs' gang this afternoon," the officer informed her,"Tommy Gordon from next doorcame and warned me of the situation. I found 3 of the boys holding her down in your neighbors tool shed. The boys were holding her down whilethe girl, Candy was taking the jewelry Matilda had on.
"How many of them were there?" Mrs Burns eyes had grown very big and wide, and her face turned pale
"five in all." the officer reported.
"but you said 3 were holding her down while the one took the jewelry."
"That's correct," affirmed the policewoman, "big Mac was there. He didn't take actual part in the proceedings, he just watched."
"Merciful heavens," exclaimed Mrs Burns in horror, "what is this town coming to?
"I understand your concerned," the woman assured her, "if it's any consolation, "I don't think they wee were out to do anything seriously violent, I think they were out for a bit of mischief, then Candy saw the jewelry, and they saw an opportunity to get a few things that might be worth something."
I'll see that she takes her jewelry off before she goes to school" Mrs Burns stated. She turned to Matilda. In all the upheaval, she had forgotten to address her daughter directly, and find out how things stood with her.
"Are you alright dear," questioned the mother, "did they hurt you?
Matilda held out her right arm, where a bruise was beginning to form.
"Candy twisted my arm when I tried to get away." answered Matilda.
Mr. Burns appeared through the door. He had just come home from work, and was not really ready to deal with trouble.
"What's wrong" he asked, spotting the policewoman standing next to Matilda and his wife.
Shakily, his wife informed him of the assault on Matilda."
"You mean to tell me," Mr. Burns was on the verge of shouting, "that 5 goons held my girl down and frightened her half to death? 5 against one?
"Actually," corrected Maureen, "it was 4 against one, the leader, Big Mac, didn't actually lay a hand on her, he just stood there and watched. As far as I know, he remained neutral, not doing anything to stop them, but not participating either."
"that tear it," shouted Mr. Burns angrily, 4 goons harass my baby girl. "what's a town coming to when a girl can't even walk home from school without being ambushed byhooligans?
"I did the best I could to put a scare in to them," said Maureen. Mostly, they've just teased and bullied girls, this is the first time they've ever done anything like this."
"how about slapping them in jail for starters" advised Mr. Burns.
"well, they're in their teens, not quite 18 yet, Maureen informed him, I think Big Mac is the oldest. Unfortunately, I don't think we can charge him with anything, since he didn't take part in it directly, and there's no proof that he had a hand in planning it."
"it figures," raged Mr. Burns, "guess that's why he's the leader, he's too smart to let him self be implicated in anything.
"we're doing all we can for now," Maureen told him, "I'll do my best to keep a watch on them."
"I know something elsethat could keep a watch out for Matilda, and prevent this sort of thing happening again."
His wife looked at him, "You mean... she stopped.
"yes Bonnie, I think the time has come."
"perhaps you're right Ralph," agreed Mrs Burns, "if we wait too long, the price might go up again, and Matilda does need protecting right now.
"all right, it's settled," Mr. Burns said firmly, tomorrow morning, we'll go straight down to Robots incorporated, and pick out a robot."
Matilda awoke to a clear sunny Saturday morning. Today was the day she and her parents were going to pick out a robot. She still wanted the robot, but because of the recent events, some of the excitement had dwindled. She couldn't help butthink that if it hadn't been for what happened with big Macs' gang, she wouldn't even be getting the robot at all, but shedecided it was best not to question her parents reason, because they might decideon some other method ofprotection instead.
The door opened, and her mother walked briskly in to the room. "Matilda hon, get ready and come down to the kitchen for breakfast. As soon as we're through with breakfast, your father is taking the both of us down to robots incorporated.
"alright mom" she agreed readily. She dressed quickly, and hurried down to the kitchen.
Her parents were discussing the attack, and Tommys' involvement.
"I'll have to go over and see Elaine when we get back," Mrs Burns told her husband. "She must've been scared half out of her mind when she found out what happened."
"I imagine Walter didn't take it too good either," mused Mr. Burns. Really, he's a good boy, just a bit high strung, temperamental, but all in all, a good lad to be sure."
"he's young yet," commented Mrs Burns," he'll grow out of those temperamental phases, and grow in to a fine young man."
"I'm ssure he will," agreed Mr. Burns. He glanced over to where Matilda was just finishing the last of her toast. "You about through hon?" he asked.
"yes dad she responded. Some of the eagerness had come bak to her. No matter what made her parents change their minds and get a robot this soon, it was going to be nice. She would have a best friend and protector at all times.
At robots incorporated, the salesperson was explaining theprocess of choosing a robot. "We help the customer choose the best robot to meet their needs, and program it so it's best suited for the persons' personality," he explained.
Well that's all well and good," put in Mrs Burns, "we want one for companionship for our daughter, but we also want one to protect her as well.
"Oh absolutely," the salesman said with a cheerful smile, "couldn't agree with you more. All of our robots and designed with the ability to protect a human being."
"What we want to know is can it protect her from atackers?" said Mr. Burns.
"But of course," responded the man, in a tone that implied he thought everyone knew their robots could protect anyone from anything. "However, our robots are notprogrammed to do injury, law suits you understand. If a robot of ours did anyone serious injury, or even killed someone, the families or relatives of the victim could sue us, and we'd be ruined."
"Well," the salesman said, "shall I show you some samples so we can see what best suits you?
"By all means,"encouragedMr. Burns, "I think we want one the size of a little girl, to go along with Matilda's age."
"fine" agreed the man. He took them to a room where there were images of robots, some to look like the size of grown men and women, some the look and size of children.
Mr Brigs, the salesman showed an image of a girl who looked to be the same age as Matilda. The image showed an atractive 11 year old girl with blond hair, andgentle blue eyes.
How about height?" he asked.
"about 4 feet," suggested Mrs Burns. He adjusted the height as she had suggested,and there, looking around at the trio was a bright intelligent looking girl who looked Matildas' age and height.
"lets hear what her voice sounds like" exclaimed Mr. Burns.
"say something to the nice people" commanded Mr Brigs."
"good afternoon, master, Mrs, and miss" the robot said dutifully. Her voice was too deep and sounded more like a 7 foot man than a little girl.
"Yuk! exclaimed Matilda, "her voice is too deep."
"she's right," Mrs Burns agreed, "that will never do."
Mr Brigs made a few adjustments, and the robots voice changed to that of a little girls.
"How do you want her to speak?" inquired Mr. Brigs," do you want her to have a loud empowering voice, or do you want her to be soft spoken?
"well," said Mr. Burns, I don't think it really matters too much about her voice,as long as she has the strength to let a would be attacker know she means business."
"That's no problem," assured Mr. Brigs, "she might look like a normal 11 year old girl, but I can assure you, she has the strength of 12 men. We'll give you an example of her strength in a few minutes. There's nothing in this room thats heavy enough."
"well," said Mmrs Burns, "we'll leave it up to Matilda about the voice."
Matilda thought about it. She definitely didn't want a robot with an overpoweringvoice like Big Macs'.One loud overpowering voice was enough, and she quite frankly didn't think an overpowering voice would make that much impression on big mac. If a person got loud with him, he'd just get loud right back, then the other person would get louder, he'd get louder, and it would grow in to a huge yelling match.
"let her have a gentle soft voice," Matilda requested, "she has such a gentle look, I think her voice and personalityshould match." "
"Mr. Brigs commanded the robot to speak again to test her voice. "good evening evveryone, I am so glad to meet you all." Her voice was indeed soft and gentle.
She went over to Matilda, and gently tok her hand in hers. "I hope you like me, if there's anything you don't like, just bring me back, and Mr Brigs will correct the problem.
So far, Matilda thought she was wonderful just the way she was. "I think you're great" she exclaimed, do you have a name?"
"It's up to you to name her" said Mr Brigs.
Matilda thought about the little girl in the Wizard of Oz story. "Dorothy" she said, "that sounds like a good name. She's just as nice as the Dorothy in the story
"hi Dorothy".Mr and Mrs Burns greeted. From that moment, Dorothy had won them over,and became a member of the Burns household.
Matilda couldn't wait to show Dorothy off to Tommy. Before they had left robots incorporated, Matildas' parents had asked for a demonstration of Dorothys' strenth. They had gone out to the burnses' car. "Dorothy, lift up that car" Mr Brigs had instructed. Dutifully, Dorothy lifted the car, and sat it back down on the ground.
"Good job Dorothy" Mr Burns complimented, mostly from habit, because robots didn't need compliments.
"Thank you very much sir" Dorothy responded, for all of robots incorporateds' robots were programed to be well mannered and courteous.
Matilda's parents had payed Mr Brigs and headed for home. I want to stop by the Gordons for a while and see how Elaine's doing" said Mrs Burns.
"Alright," agreed Mr Burns, "and I'm sure Matilda would enjoy showing Dorothy to Tommy.
They arrived next door at the Gordons, and Tommy and Matilda stayed out inthe yard while the 2 sets of parents went and seated themselves in the Gordons livingroom.
"I declare, that boy is going to be the death of me" predicted Mrs Gordon, "I just don't know what to do, he's too headstrong tolisten to anybody."
"Now now don't exagerate Laney," her husband told her, "the boy is a bit overactive, he has a tendency to act before he thinks but all in all, he's a good kid really.
"That's just what I was saying to Ralph this morning," Mrs Burns put in hastily,We think he's going togrow in to a fine young man."
"If he keeps up, at the rate he's going, he won't live to be 21,"Prophesiedhis mother. "sooner or later, he's going to shoot off his mouth to the wrong people, and I'm dreadfully afraid of what will happen to him then."
"You worry too much," his father mused, "he'll be fine, he'll outgrow those temper flare ups."
"I hope so" MrsGordon said with a heavy sigh, but she didn't sound convinced.
Matilda lost no time introducing Tommy to Dorothy.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, master Tommy" Dorothy greeted.
"wow, cool!he liked being called master.
"Is she real strong?" questioned Tommy, "I mean she has a lot of strength doesn't she?"
"yeah, Matilda answered with pride, "just before we left, the salesman told her to lift up ourcar, and she lifted it in the air, and put it back down again."
"I think Calvin can do that too" said Tommy.
"I guess they all can," Matilda agreed, "but it was still awesome to watch."Calvin
came in. "good evening master Tommy, and how are you, miss Matilda?"
Very good, thanks Calvin" she responded.Dorothy and Calvin didn't speak to each other, sincerobots had no need for polite conversation, and conversing between themselves was useless, though they always greeted any human with cheerful politeness.
All too soon, the weekend was over, and Matilda had to return to school.The thought of school made her feel a bit down, but then, she brightened, remembering the question the teacher had asked about the 3 laws of robotics. She hoped she would get to answer the question.It was fun answering questions whenshe knew the answers.
"she was not wearing the bracelet, the ring, or the watch, her parents having made sure she had taken them off beforeleaving the house.
"That gang could be just around any corner," Mrsburns Cautioned, "and we don't want a repeat performance of what happened. Dorothy, you will go to school and come back with Matilda, so you can keep an eye on her."
"yes Mrs," Dorothy assured in her sweet gentle voice, "i will be most happy to oblige."
Both Mr. and Mrs Burns Burns wished Matilda a good day in school. "Thanks mom" said Matilda
"You have a good day too Dorothy" shetold the young robot.
"All days are the same to us," replied Dorothy, "but thank you very much just the same."
"yes of course" Mrs Burns responded. Dorothy seemed so lifelike and human, it was easy to forget, that she was incapable of having good or bad days, and she felt no emotions whatsoever. She had been so well trained and programmed, she was able to treat people with sympathy, sensitivity and courtesy. She could adapt herself most readily with the personality of the person she happened to be with at the moment.
She knew most humans liked talking about themselves, especially children. She sensed almost from the first, that her young miss liked to talk, and like most children, she liked it when people took an interest in her daily happenings.
"I detected concern in your moms tone and expression this morning," Dorothy began, "what is she afraid of?"
"Big Mac and his gang," Matilda responded, "they ganged up on me Friday, held me down on the floor of our next door neighbors shed, while Candy took my watch, bracelet and ring."
"Really?" ick, they soundhorrible."
"There are about 5 so far, there's Larry, Robert, Eugene, Candy, she's the only girl in the gang, but she's every bit as mean and tough as the guys, then there's big Mac, he's the leader."
"He must be the biggest ruffian" Dorothy assumed.
"Well, yes and no," Matilda pondered, "he's mean, but he doesn't get involved directly in the brawls, verbal brawling yeah, but when it comes to the physical part of it, the punching and holding someone down, he manages to look innocent by just standing by while the rest of the gang do all that, then he just claims he had nothing to do with it. He's always with them,but noone can get anything on him, becausethere's no proof he ever does anything, after all, it's no crime just being with someone
They arrived at school, and science this time was the first class of the day. Again, Mrs Grady asked if anyone could recite the 3 laws of robotics. A Boy named Mort Jones started out confidently enough, but he couldn't remember the second law. It was a girl named Trisha Andersens' turn, but she stumbled on the third law.
"Well I guess that leaves you Matilda, go ahead and recite" Mrs Grady instructed.
Matilda stood up proudly, and recited all 3 laws without a stumble.
"That was very good, Matilda," Mrs Grady complimented, "you may return to your seat now."
The rest of the schoolwas typical, and Matilda did ok, not spectacularly, but not half bad either.
The day was finally over, and they started home.
"You really did well on that 3 laws of robotics question" exclaimed Dorothy
"The Gordons were talking all about it few nights ago," explained Matilda, "I thought it was very interesting, so it really wasn't hard to memorize."
"Uh oh" Dorothy stopped suddenly, looking straight ahead. "What's wrong?" asked Matilda, though in her heart, she knew already.
"My visual sensorsdetect the presence of humans coming in this direction," warned Dorothy, "there is 5 of them, Could this be Big Macs' gang?"
"most definitely," groaned Matilda, oh no! here we go again."
"So," sneered Candy, "we meet again."
"Yeah," Eugene echoed, "we meet again, and this time, dragon lady ain't around."
"Who's the friend?" Candy wanted to know, pointing to Dorothy.
"None of your bees wax" Matilda retorted.Candy made a move toward her, but Dorothy stepped in her path. "I must insist that you don't harass her, or attemp to harm her" Dorothy instructed in that same mild gentle voice she always used.
"get a load of miss prim and proper," jeered Larry, "I insist you don't harm her."
"Yeah," sneered Robert, "what kind of talk is that for a kid?"
They all made as if to move towards Matilda, all except Big Mac, who did his usual routine of standing by and watching the sport. "They're being bad folk again" he laughed.
Candy was the closest to Matilda, and she reached out to her, but Doorothy grabbed her by the arm, holding it in a tight vice like grip. Candy grimaced.
"I'm much stronger than I look," warned Dorothy, so I would advise you all to leave Matilda alone, and go about your business
"What's it to you" Big Mac asked.
"My mission is to protect the person or persons who own me."
"Oh we get it, microlips," Larry jeered, "you're one of those stupid robot thingies."
"She's not stupid" flared Mmatilda, in defense of her friend.
Dorothy stepped up to Big Mac. I would strongly urge youto instruct your group to cease tormenting Matilda, or I will beforced to take drastic measures."
"Drastic measures?" boomed big Mac, what drastic measures could something your size take, "you don't look like you could even attack an ant." He laughed loudly, and with great sarcasm.
Matilda was getting great pleasure in seeing Dorothy stand up to the gang, especially Big Mac. If she were 5 or 6 years younger, his voice alone would be enough to send her running for cover, but Dorothy was incapable of fear she knew.
"attacking something as small as an ant wold be pointless," insistedDorothy, "but if you don't leave the miss alone,I will be forced to demonstrate my strength."
"I bet yu don't even have the strength of a butterfly" Big Mac taunted laughingly. The othhers joined in the laughter.
"very well," said Dorothy, resigned, I did my duty, and gave you fair warning." She forced Big Mac to the ground, heldhim in a tight headlocc, while slapping the rest of them with her hands
"let me go, you overgrown hunk of metal" Big Mac snarled.
She now had a choke hold on his throat, not tight enough to do serious harm, but hardenough, so that breathing was difficult and uncomfortable.
"Will you now see reason and let Matilda go?" inquired Dorothy, "because if you do not see reason,we could stay like this for an indeffinite period of time."
"Alright alright! rasped Big Mac, "that's enough folks, let's get out of here."
"You made a very wise decision" said Dorothy, in a tone that sounded almost approving. She let Big Mac go.Seeing their leader bested, the sport lost interest for the other gang members, and they were becoming increasingly bored.
"yeah
, let'sget out of here, and go somewhere there is real action, and real freedom of speech" suggested Eugene.
The group started moving away, while Dorothy watched closely until they were no longer visible.
"Are they totally gone?" Matilda asked anxiously.
"My visual radar does not detect their presence" Dorothy said reassuringly. That meant they were gone. Dorothy could see quite a distance, way further than the human eye, so if they weren't visible to her, then they were no where to be seen Matilda let out her breath slowly. "You were marvelous" she said to Dorothy.
Thanks very much," responded Dorothy, "they were easy to handle."
"You sure seemed brave" Matildaexclaimedin awe.
"I do not know bravery" said Dorothy, "my radar senses saw them coming before you, and we robots are stronger than humans" She explained. We can stop a would be attacker by holding him down, but we are not programmed for real violence."
"I know, Mr Brigs explained it to us."
They turned on to Matilda's street, Matilda being none the worse for her adventure.They walked up the steps to the house, Dorothy, calm and cool, as if she fought with bullies everyday.
"How did things go today?" Matilda's mother asked as Matilda plopped on to the couch in the livingroom.Matilda dreaded telling her parents about the at tempted harrassment of the day,but there was no getting out of it. She told them what happened,including Dorothys' part inholding big Mac down.
"it just goes to show we did the right thing in getting Dorothy" Mr Burns stated.
"I shudder to think what would've happened if Dorothy hadn't been there" Mrs Burns exclaimed. We're deeply in your debt, Dorothy."
"Not at all," Dorothy replied,I was merely doing my solemn duty, that of protecting the young miss, which I would do 1000 times and more."
"I expect they gave you trouble," Mr Burns guessed, "young thugs like them don't give up that easily."
"They attempted to resist me, but I gottheir leader into a strong choke hold, and when the other members saw their leader was losing, they lost interest very quickly."
"Mom, can I go over to Tommys?" asked Mmatilda, "I want to tell him all about it.
"Maybe after supper," answered Mrs Burns, "I'm not sure his mother is lettinganyone see him."
"What do you mean?" asked Matilda, puzzled.
"He's being punished for his part in the big Mac gang attack on you on Friday," said Mmr Burns.
"But it's not right, he was just defending me," protested Matilda, !" it just isn't right!
He shouldn't be punished for that."
"Now don't go getting yourself all worked up,"advised Mr Burns, "it's not your affair."
"But Tommy's my friend, and he shouldn't be punished for helping me. He did stall them a little bit, and if he hadn't got officer Johnson, I might not be sitting here now,but maybe in some hospital. I think I should talk to Mrs Gordon
"You'll do no such thing," reprimanded her mother, "Tommys' their son, and they know whats' best for him, and we can't go around meddling in other peoples' business." Matilda sighed, there was no arguing with her parents,especially when they took that tone.Matilda suddenly thought of an idea that might help Tommy. Maybe she couldn't talk to the Gordons directly, but nobody said anything about not talking to his robot.
Matilda was allowed to go over to the Gordons' house for supper as promised. Matilda told Tommy all about the happenings with Big Macs' gang and Dorothy.
"Wow, cool," exclaimed Tommy with enthusiastic awe, "wish I'd been there, I bet it was awesome."
"it was really something to see alright," Matilda agreed, "I think Big Macsort of lost face with the rest of the gang today, after losing in the fight between him and Dorothy."
"Naw," said Tommy, "it'll take more than that to make them dump him, he'sconsidered the king boss, and it's not likely they're going to give up their king that easy."
"Guess you're right," said Matilda, "they're all too much alike."
The subject was changedand Matilda brought up the subject of Tommy's punishment. "my parents told me you were being punished," she ventured, "just because you helped me that day?"
"My parents say I have to be taught a lesson, so I'm grounded for a week" Tommy said gloomily."
"That's awful," Matilda sympathized, "I had to promise mom I wouldn't talk to your mom about it, but nobody said anythng about talking to Calvin did they?"
"It wouldn't work," sas Tommys' quick reply. "for one thing, he has been instructed not to interfere between parents and children, and for another, since robots don't come up with ideas on their own, if you did talk to Calvin, they'd know you used him to get to my parents, and you could be in trouble."
Matildas' face fell. "Oh, i never thought of that."
Matilda and Tommy talked for a little while longer, then, as it was getting late, Matilda was ready to go.
"I'll be glad when you're punishment is over," she said, "and we can playhide and seek with Calvin and Dorothy."
"Yeah, me too" agreed tommy, "being grounded is the pits."
"I can imagine, maybe I'll see you sometime in the middle of the week."
"Ok, bye."
Matilda left and proceeded towards home.Mr. and Mrs Burns greeted their daughter when she came in the door.
"Well," said Mrs Burns with some excitement in her voice, "would you believe after all this time, this town is going to have a lottery!
"That's great mom," Matilda was excited, ""Guess you and daddy are going to enter it?"
"Of course," replied Mrs burns, I knkow the chances of winning are small,,, but who knows, maybe we'll get lucky."
wonderwoman
i love it! is there more?
sure is, another episode is coming up right now,as soon as I paste it.
wonderwoman
The lottery did come to town a few weeks later.Everyone in town was there it seemed, and the ticket place was very crowded. The Gordons and the Burnses were also there.
"Wouldn't it be too grand if we won it daddy" asked Matilda excitedly."
"I wouldn't hold my breath," Mr Burns responded, "the chances of our winning is only 1 in1000000000
"I know" agreed Matilda, "I just can't help thinking about it, though. It would be so exciting."
Mrs Burns felt the excitement also, but thought it better to be realistic, along with her husband. "He's right dear," she said, "there are hundreds of people in this town, and the likelihood of us winning it very slim
They bought their tickets along with the Gordons, then struggled to make it through the corowd of people.
"Wow," Tommy exclaimed."" "it looks like half the world is here."
"Well, I wouldn't say half the world," Mrs Gordon laughed, but it is crowded."
"It's the biggest event this town has ever had," commented Mr Gordon."
They made it to their cars and started for home.They had all agreed, if either family won, they would split it with the others.
Matilda forgot all about the converrrsation with her father about the possibility of their family winning the lottery, until the next day, when it was time to announce the winning lottery numbersThe numbers would be read aloud over the local radio station. They listened with baited breath.
"And now folks" the announcer called out, "it's time to read the winning numbers. There were numbers for 100000 dollars, ten thousand, and finally the grand prize. "Listen closely now," cautioned the announcer, the winning number is, 17924, again, that number is 17924. Mrs Burns looked at her ticket, and gasped. "Ralph," she cried out, barely able to contain her excitement, "I have the winning number
"Are you sure Bonnie?" Mr Burns asked."
"I'm very sure, look for yourself." All 3 looked. "Oh daddy I can't believe it! Matilda was positively jumping up and down with excitement, we actually won, can I go over and tell Tommy?
"Not yet," he advised, "I don't want you saying anything to anyone until it's official, understand?"
"yes daddy" she agreed reluctantly.
Mrs Burns called the radio station, and was told to bring the ticket by the ticket ofice any time from 9 to 5. They left as soon as Mrs Burns had hung up the phone. As soon as they arrived, they showed the ticket to theticket office manager. He looked it over. "HThis is the ticket alright," he grinned, "folks, you have won the ten million dollar jackpot.
!
wonderwoman
As soon as they left the ticket office, Matilda lost no time going straight to the Gordons totell Tommy the wonderful news. "It's incredible," she told Tommy, "the lottery only just came to town, and we'r the first to win it, isn't it thrilling?"
Wwow! Tommy exclaimed, "that's really wonderful, I'm glad for you."
"I don't think we'll be spending all of it," Matilda said, "Mom said if we ever did win money like that, most of it would be put aside for for college when I'm old enough to go."
"Do you ever think about what you want to be?"
"a robot scientist" Matilda answered without hesitation. The more she thought about it, the more certain she was, that was what she wanted to do when she grew up.
The next few days were rather crazy, with reporters calling on the phone and asking her parents how they felt about being millionaires.
"it sure didn't take long for the word to get around" mused Mrs Burns.
"I'm afraid it will be rather hectic for the next few days," Mr. Burns sighed heavily, "everyone wants you when you when yu become rich, they'll be crawling out of the woodwork."
Things were a bit different for Matilda in school as well. She had not been particularly popular before, most of the other kids having their own little group, but suddenly, every kid in class wanted to bbbbbecome her new best friend. She gave them the cold shoulder, because she knewwhat it was all about. She knew it was because her family had a lot of money now, and if for no other reason, they wanted to brag, that they were friends of amillionaire. She was given invitations to go to some of the other kids houses, invited to parties, all of which, she turned down. Then an event happened to her one day, thatchanged her, and made her ponder the old lsaying, money is the root of all evil.
She and Dorothy were walking home from school on a cool but sunny afternoon. It was a day like any other day, nothing out of the ordinary, when it was brought to horrible end. A car suddenly swerved, and came over in Matildas' direction. Instinctively, Dorothy stepped to the side, in the direction of the oncoming car. There was the sickening sound of metl against metal.
"Oh no," gasped Matilda"not yu, Dorothy." Dorothybegan spinning out of control. "You must, save yourself miss Matilda," Dorothy encouraged her human companion. Robots were not capable of breathing, this Matildaknew, but if they had been, Matilda would've sworn she sounded like a persontaking their last gasping breaths.
"You must, leave me," continued Dorothy, her voice growing slower, "I am beyond help right now. Perhaps in time, you will be able to have me built again, but for now, I fear I'm done for.My circuitsare failing. I am glad I could serve yu and your family for the time I could. You must go home andexplain to your parents what happened." Matilda leaned over taking Dorothys robotic hand in hers.
"Good bye my little miss" Dorothy said, giving Matildas hand a gentle sqeze before she fell in a heap on the ground. A sob escaped Matilda. She knew Dorothy was just a robot made of metal, but it didn't feel that way for her at all. To Matilda, it feltlike she had just witnessed the death of her best friend.
She turned to run, but there was a rush of footsteps coming up to her. Her arm was seized roughly, the hard metal of a gun pressed to her shoulder, and an all to familiar voice said in her ear, "don't you dare scream. This ain't no toy gun, and unless you want some led in you, you'll keep your mouth shut." She was dragged away.
Matildas' mother was worried. She was an hour late coming home from school, and she was usually so punctual. Where could she be, Mrs Burns wondered. It wasn't like her to dawdle. She usually came home the minute school was out.
"Now now dear," Mr Burns tried to assure his wife, "I'm sure there is a logical explanation. You know how kids are, she probably is playing somewhere and just lost all track of time."
"Not Matilda," Mrs Burns insisted, "ralph, you know how on time she always is, it's not like her to lose track like this. I have a terrible feeling something is very wrong."
"Well," Mr Burns reflected, "You're right, she doesn't waste time, or goof off after school, does she?"
"No," Mrs Burns agreed," she certainly does not."
"Well," Mr Burns reflected, "we'll wait another hour, and ifshe isn't home by then, we'll phone officer Johnson, and get the police involved."
Matilda was forcibly taken to a car, where Big Mac drove them all to an abandoned building, where hot dogs use to be sold, but the place had gone out of business, and was desserted.
She was led over to a corner, where she was tied down.
"we'll demand the ransome," Big Mac explained, "then, when we get the money, we'll just take off and leave her here."
"if I don't show up soon, my parents will know somethings wrong," said Matilda," They know it's not like me to be late coming home, and when they find Dorothy inpieces lying on the sidewalk, they'll know somethings wrong."
Another sob rose in her throat at the thought of poor Dorothy, but she managed to choke it back. She must not break down in front of Big Mac and the others, she mustn't. Things would go all the worse for her, if she showed the least sign of weakness or frailty, so she tried to remain outwardly calm, though inside, she was heeart broken, and scared. What if no one found her? She didn't doubt the gang would make good on their threat to leave her there.
"What difference does it make," said Candy."
"Yeah," laughed Eugene," "there's no proof we had anything to do with it."
Matilda thought about the gang taking her off, almost to the moment Dorothy was hit with the car.
"You guys are the ones who tried to hit me with the car, but then Dorothy stepped between me and it" Matilda confronted them.
"Pretty good, eh?" Larry bragged, "pure genius."
"we weren't out to run you down," Robert explained mockingly, "we knew as soon as the car started toward you, old microlips would jump in there and perform her duty."
"yeah," Larry jeered mockingly, "it was a cinch."
"but why did you have to kill Dorothy?" Matilda questioned, "she never did anything to you."
"We didn't care one way about that stupid robot," said Candy, "the whole purpose was todestroy her, get her out of the way, because as long as she functioned, nobody could get near you."
"and it worked too" Big Mac said.
Matilda was in the worst spot she had ever been in in her life.
True to their word, when Matilda hadn't returned the next hour, the burns called officer Johnson and explained the situation. "We'll get right on it," officer Johnson assured them. She had several policemen combing the area, and it wasn't long till they saw the destroyed robot lying on the ground. The way she had been smashed, there was no doubt in their minds, that the robot had been deliberately run over with a car.
wonderwoman
It looked like the day was going to be a busy one for officer Johnson, and the rest of the cops on the force. A man named Hiram Morgan had reported his car stolen only a half hour prior to Mrs Burns call about Matilda. Maureen Johnson wondered if there was a possible connection between the car thieft and the kidnapping. "whoever did it probably knew about the Burns winning the lottery," Maureen told2 other cops, Jenkins and Nelsen, "I want you to look around in all the abandonned buildings you can," she instructed, "warehouses,any building that isn't used, comb them very carefully."
The officeers looked in every building they could think of, an old western electric building, an old courthouse building,and even an abandoned schoolhouse. "No sing of anything" they told Maureen.
"keep looking" she ordered
Maureen had to interview the man with the stolen car. She was told that Mortan had gone in to a store, and when he came out, his car was gone. "it was a blue chevrolet," heexplained, "it was in very good condition."
"what's the license number?" she asked.
gal1873" he responded immediately.
Thecar had probably been ingood conditionbefore the car was stolen, Maureen reckoned,but if the car had been used to run Matildas' robot over, most likely it would have gotten a dent or 2 in it, and whoever had stolen it would probably take it to a mechanic to get the dent fixed. Immediately, she began calling auto repair shops. She explainedthe situation carefully to the mechanics.
"a young girl has been kidnapped," she said, "if youhave a customer with a blue chevrolet come in, please call the police station immediately,we believe she was kidnapped and taken away in a car that fits that description. She gave them the license number. They promised they would notify her if anyone came in a car that fit the description.
wonderwoman
It had been one whole day since Matilda had been kidnapped, but it felt like one month. The gang left her most of the time, only returning to give her one meal a day, a few pieces of cheese with some bread,and water to drink. They untied her hands long enough for her to eat, then as soon as she had finished, they tied them up again. What had mom thought when she hadn't come home, Matilda wondered. She had always been prompt, so surely her mother would know something was wrongif she didn't return soon. Bread and water for a meal, Matilda thought, typical prison food. Well, why not, this was a prison, wasn't it? Big Mac and his followers would've made good prison wardens if they'd been on the right side of the law.Matilda looked around inside the building. Hot dogs had once been sold here, Hot dog heaven, it had been called.This whole thing must have been done, because of the lottery. They'd probably be getting in touch with her parents soon to demand a ransome. Would they hold her here until the first check had arrived? They would get 500000 dollars every year, for the next 20 years. Surely they'd just have to ask for that amount, since if they got the money, they'd want to leave town so noone could find them.After the gang had left Matilda, Big Mac decided it was time to get to work on the ransome note.
We'll need to get the car fixed," he told them, "that bang up we gave old microlips dot put a dent in it. Then, we'll need to ditch it somewhere after we get theransome money. We'll leave it on the way out of town."
He wrote the note, and took it into the post office to be sent, since he didn't know the Burns' address. "Could you see that the burns get this?" he asked the post mistress.
"Sure thing" she agreed readily.
The next day, Mrs Burns went to get the mail, and found the note waiting for them. With trembling hands, she tore open the envelope. Bring 500000 dollars to the corner of pine street if you want to see your daughter again. Come alone. Mrs Burns eyes grew wide. "Ralph, what are we going to do?"
"the money won't be here for a couple of days yet," he said, "in the meantime, I think we shuld call the police."
"But if we do that, they might hurt Matilda" said Mrs burns fearfully,"
"But if we don't, they might kill her and still demand the money" Mr Burns countered. "I'll call."
He dialed the phone and asked to speak to officer Johnson. As soon as she came on the line, he said, "we just got a note from the kidnappers, they want 500000 dollars to be delivered to the corner of pine street."
"alright," Maureen said, "they'll probablyeither write or call to give you the instructions. Let us know as soon as you hear from them again."
Mr Burns promised he would, then hung up.
wonderwoman
The lottery check came in the next days mail. Mrs Burns took thecheck from the mail man herself. If it were left in the mailbox, it might get stolen. At this moment, she wished they'd never heard of the lottery. How was Matilda holding up, she wondered. She was a brave strong girl, but her mother wasn't sure she was brave enough or strong enough tohandle such an ordeal as getting kidnapped.
"we've got the first heck," said Mr burns said, "all we can do now is wait for further instructions.
Meanwhile, atOtto's auto repair shop, a young man had come in with a car, and seemed in a huge hurry to get it fixed. "make it snappy," he barked at the mechanic"I'm in a hurry."
The mechanic looked at the car closely. Yeah, that was the car the policewoman had told him to be on the lookout for. "I'm backed up for the next couple of hours," he stalled, "you'll have to wait a bit." The young man seeded very agitated, but he was trying outwardly to keep it cool.
"well make it as quick as you can," he snapped, I don't have all day to waste while you good for nothing mechanics loaf around all day, move it!
"alright man, keep your shirt on, I have to go check out a part I need." He went to to the nearest telephone they had and dialed a number. "Police department, Sargeant Grant speaking," a business like voice said in his ear.
"I need to speak to officer Johnson right away!
"One moment please."
There was a click, and Maureens' cool efficient voice came through the line. "Yes?
"offier Johnson, I'm the mechanic you talked to about the blue chevrolet? the car you think was used to kidnap that girl? You said to call if I saw a car fitting that description?
"Yes, you've seen the car? her voice sounded hopefull and excited.
"I have it in the shop right now," the mechanic informed her, "I have to talk fast. The guy who came in her is in a big rush to get it fixed, I stalled him by telling him I would be backed up fora couple of hours, and so far, there's not a car insight, and I have to finish talking before he gets suspicious. He got all hot and bothered when I told him it would be a couple of hours."
"I understand," Maureen assuredhim, "good job, now what's the gas station?
"It's...
The phone was suddeny yanked out of the mechanics' hand, and the angry young man was glaring at him.
"Call the fuzz on me will you! I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget too soon.You aren't backed up at all, there isn't a car in sight.Now you listen, and yu listen good. He held the gunup against the mechanics' neck, "you be a real good boy and keep your mouth shut till I'm gone, got it?The mechanic couldn't do anything but nod.
"Alright, I'm going to back out of this door slowly. You just sit there and keep your lips buttoned, or I'll fill you full of bullet holes, get me?"
"ok man, chill" responded the mechanic in a low voice. He hoped he didn't sound asfrightened as he felt. The young man went slowly out the door, keeping his eyes on the mechanic all the while. He made itto the car, gunned the engine and took off. Well, the mechanic would just have to call the policewomanback and tell her he got away. He waited till he was sure the man with the blue chevrolet had gone. "I'm sorry officer,," he said as soon as Maureen Johnson came on the line. "He caught me talking to you, and held a gun to my throat, and told me to keep my mouth shut till he wasgone, or he'd fill me full of bullets. I think he would've done it too."
Darn it, she railedinwardly, they almost had them.
"You did the right thing," she said to the worried mechanic, noneed taking unnecessaryrisks. You've been a great help to us."
"We have to move fast," Big Mac told the gang, "I caught that stupid mechanic putting in a call to the police, and he was talking to the dragon lady, and you know how she is. She won't rest till she tracks us down. Here's what we'll do. I'll go get a phone book, look up the Burns number and leave instructions where they can drop off the money. I think Thompsons' fruit stand at ten oclock tonight would be a good place. it's closed then, nobody'll be around.
"they'll want to speak to Matilda," Candy warned, "they'll want to make sure she's still alive and in one piece."
"I'll let them talk to their precious darling," Big Mac assured them. He went home and got his cell phone.
They all went back to the old hot dog place where they had Matilda."we're going tomake a little phone call to mommy and daddy,"Big Mac explained, "and yu're going to be good, and not give us away, because if you do, you'llnever see them again, dig?"
Matilda noddedand Big Mac placed the call.
"leave the money in a sack at Thompsons fruit stand," he instructed Mrs Burns, "Be there at ten o'clock, and no cops understand?
"How do we know you have her, and she's still alive? Mr Burns asked. "we want to talk to her."
"sure," Big Mac said, alright, " he said to Matilda"You remember what I told you, just tell her you're alright, and you hven't been harmed."
He handed her the phone. "Mom? it's me."
Mrs Burns almost broke down at the sound of her daughters' voice. "are you alright honey?" she asked.
"I'm ok," she assured her mother.
"Have they been feeding you at all?" she wanted to know. Suddenly, Matilda thought of a way she could give a clue as to where she was, just a little one, and she hoped someone would pick up on it, she was sureher parents would. "Well, they haven't been feeding me any hot dogs for sure, it will beheaven to get one."
Big Mac yanked the phone out of her hand. "alright, that's enough" he said shortly, "you have your instructions, be there, no cops, or she's had it. There was a click, then the dial tone. "Ralph," she said to her husband, "I think we've got a clue as to where he's holding her."
"But are you sure the referene to hotdogs and how it would be heaven to have one when she got homewas a clue?" Maureen Johnson asked when Mr Burns phoned the police station.
"most definitely" Mrs burns assured her.
"But how can you be sure?" Maureen asked.
"because," replied Mr Burns solemly, "our daughter doesn't like hot dogs, never has." Then, they told her where they believed they were holding her.
Maureen gathered 3 top policemen and told them where the kidnappers were holding Matilda. "You know that abandoned building that use to be a hot dog place?"
"Yes mam," officer Jack Morris responded, "the wife loved their hot dogs."
"Yes," Maureen wasn't interested in the mans' wife and her love of hot dogs. "I want you and 2 other police officers to head out there on the double. Her parents think she may've given them a clue as to where she is, so I want you to head out there with me immediately.
"Yes mam" Morris readily agreed.
"You know what to look for? A blue chevrolet, license plate, gal1873."
Morris assured they did.
",alright let's move out." They got in a police car heading for hot dog heaven.
Big Mac was starting to get edgy. Everything was in the final stage, and seemingly going well, but something didn't feel right. He couldn't quite put his finger on it. "what was all that business about us not feeding you hot dogs?" he demanded sharply.
"Nothing" answered Matilda, hoping she didn't sound nervous.
"Are you sure you didn't give away some clue to your parents?" he asked, growing more edgy, "because if you did, I swear, you'll wish you'd never been born"
"Who me?" responded Matilda, trying to sound as innocent as possible, but she had a feeling Big Mac wasn't buying it. "What clue could I leave?"!
"you said we weren't feeding you hot dogs," he pressed, "not pizza, not hamburgers, but hot dogs, why hot dogs?
"I don't know," Matilda muttered, "I don't remember."
Big Mac yanked her around to face him, "You're lying," he snarled, "you better come clean now!"
"I don't know what you're talking about" Matilda said in a rush."
"You're not fooling me, I can see it all over your face, you're a bundle of nerves."
"Who wouldn't be a bundle of nerves, being in here with you, and being pushed and yelled at so much" Matilda retorted.
"That's enough sass out of you," he said, his voice gradually rising."
"Didn't this place use to be called hot dog heaven before they went out of business?" Candy asked.
"Yeah," Eugene confirmed, "she just gave them the place where we've got her."
"You little witch," shouted Big Mac," "I warned you what would happen if yu crossed me. Alright, new game plan. The whole thing is ruined now, we'll have to leave town right away, and take her with us."
"We gotta be saddled with her?" Candy asked. Robert, Larry and Eugene groaned. "Oh no."
"We've got no choice," snapped Big Mac, "we'll take her out of town with us, then when we're miles away, we'll dump her."
"Nobody picked up on anything" Matilda hedged, hoping to buy time, but she couldn't think of anything. Oh my, what was she to do now?
Maureen and the 3 cops she'd assigned headed for the hot dog stand as fastas they could without breaking the speed limit. Suddenly, Maureen spotted the car. "what's it doing?" she demanded, "it's headed away from the hot dog place. Some how Big Mac had gotten tipped off about the clue Matilda had left. Jack Morris noticed something else.
"Look officer Johnson," he cried excitedly, "oil spots!"
"yes, I see them," she confirmed, "they won't be able to go far with a car leaking oil like that. Follow those oil tracks" she ordered"
Maureen and the other policemen kept following the oil spots. Obviously, Big Mac didn't know the car they had stolen had an oil leak.
Suddenly, Big Mac looked behind him in the rear view mirror, and saw the police car following. For petes' sake! he fairly screamed, "we're being followed, and wouldn't you know, old dragon lady is right in the lead. He pressed down on the gas pedal as hard as he could.
"Turn on the siren! Maureen yelled. The siren was turned on full blast, and the police car continued in hot pursuit of the blue chevy.
"Wow," Jack Morrison said in horrified awe, "he must be going at 90 miles an hour.
"Not to worry," Maureen assured him, the way thatcar's leaking, it's going to stall any time now."
"hey Mac," Eugene yelled, almost in a panic, "I see smoke coming from the back of the hood, the stupid car's smoking."
Sure enough, the engine was overheating. There was an explotion, and the car stalled, dead
Maureen Johnson, along with the 3 officers got out. Maureen walked up to the car door.andpounded on it with both fists. "open! up! this! door she ordered in a loud commanding voice, each word punctuated by a loud rapping on the drivers side. !
Maureen banged on the door more loudly, and took out her gun. "Open this door in the name of the law," she ordered, "we know you have Matilda Burns inside that car, and the longer you stall, the worse it will go for you, so open that door, and come out with your hands up."
Having no choice, Big Mac opened the door.
"Well well well," commented Maureen, "so you've graduated from harrassment to kidnapping. Jack, she turned to officer Jack morris, "read them their rights and handcuff them. Shepeered inside, and there in the back seat, between Candy and Eugene, was Matilda. Matilda sprang out of the car. "Oh thank goodness you found me," she said, almost breathlessly, "I didn't know if thatclue would be enough. He suspected something almost right off."
"Your parents picked up on it right away" Maureen said, "that was very smart."
They were interrupted by Morris. "Excuse me officer Johnson, but we're going to have to call a tow truck for that car. The smell from under the hoodwas strong.
"You call the tow truck," Maureen instructed, "I'll take Matilda home.
The Burns ran to the door to greet their daughter as soon as the police car drew up outside. Matilda ran toher mother.
"Are you alright honey?" Mrs Burns hugged Matilda tightly, "they didn't hurt you did they?"
"No," Matilda assured her mother,"but it was awfully scarey, and there were times I thought Big Mac was going to, especially when he figured out that clue I gave you."
"I'd like to get my hands on the lot of them" Mr. Burns said between clenched teeth.
"Don't you worry about them," Maureen assured them, "where they're going, they won't be doing anything much for a long long time."
"Good," declared Mrs Burns, "I hope they throw away the key."
"Well they'll be in prison for many years to come," Maureen stated, "they'll have to face theft charges for stealing the car on top of the kidnapping charges." She turned to the door. "well, I have to go," she said, Halaf to be there for the booking, and do the paperwork."
"Thank you so much for bringing Matilda back," said Mrs Burns, "we're ever so grateful."
"Glad we could do it," responded, "luckily that car breaking down like it did helped." After Maureen had gone, Mr Burns called the Gordons and told them the news. The Gordons were invited to the Burns house for supper, and to share in the celebration of Matildas' homecoming.
"They'll go to prison, I hope" exclaimed Tommy, "boy, I wish I could've been there when Big Mac and that whole crew were put inhandcuffs . They will be in prison for a while, won't they?" Tommy couldn't hide the hope in his voice.
"Sure will," Matilda responded with equal relish, "officer Johnson assured us of that."
She suddeny thought of Dorothy, and tears came to her eyes. "Mom, they killed Dorothy."
"We know hon," her mother said in a sothing tone, "but don't you fret, we still have the check from the lottery, and we'll be able to have Dorothy rebuilt good as new.
True to her word, Dorothy was rebuilt, good as new, and was with the Burns, even until Matilda grew older, and went to college to study robotics. The Burns split the money with the Gordons, and both sets of parents were able to put in for early retirement, and bought a fine mantion for each of the families.Due to her skillful handling of Matildas' kidnapping, Officer Maureen Johnson was promoted to chief of police, and served the community until she ws old enough for retirement, at which time, she received a generous pention from the police deprtment, which enabled her to live out her days very comfortably.Big Mac, Eugene, Larry, Robert and Candy served a term of 30 years in prison, both for kidnapping and car theft. Tommy, contrary to his mothers grim prediction that he would be the death of her, grew in to a gentle, well mannered responsible man. He also, like Matilda, went to college, to study tobotics, and both graduated with top honors, going on to build the finest robots the town had to offer. They looked back fondly on their days as children, remembering with laughter, the srapes Tommy got into. He had outgrown his temper problemsand had become mild mannered. Dorothy stayed on after Matilda went to college, and was a joy and omfort to the end of her parents days.
The end
It's a very good piece of writting. I really enjoyed reading it and i am very glad that i could understand most of it even if English is not my first language.
Good job.
Nikos
Must admit I haven't read it all yet (it's quite an undertaking, and I'm sure it was quite an undertaking to write), but it looks like it's my kind of story and I'm sure I will finish it.