Fifteen
So, our friend the Clone (we learn as we go) and Herring headed toward the lodge. As they stepped inside they viewed an extrordinary sight equal to the 15th century painting "Garden of Delights" by Hiermonyious Bosch. There was food of every kind. Lobster, shrimp, scallops, filet mignon, caviar and a Mr Bemis favorite, meat loaf were all abundant.
The first person to spot the two was Karen K who was serving cake to anyone who wanted it...... "Hi guys where you been?.... You got the banana? hahahahah Did you see Terry and Judy out front isn't it marvelous? The Belt taught them that in about 12 seconds."
"Where is the Belt?" Jef Herring asked.
"Oh, he's in the corner drinking champagne and eating oysters. He is drunk for the first time in his life. Isn't it wonderful. Look how happy he is." As Herring and the Clone worked the crowd they found that the whole crisis was just an elaborate hoax that Polly and The Belt had planned while chatting one day on the internet.
"We just wanted to see if you guys really loved us " The Belt told the Clone as he slapped him on the back almost knocking him over.
"Where's Mr. Bemis?" asked the Clone.
"Right over there, near Lollie.... see her over there on the computer? Right next to her" replied David Block who was the drunkest of all "I got three reasons to celebrate!" he exclaimed.
It's the first anniversary of the forum! Tax season is over! Yipeee! and.... and.... oh damn I keep forgetting the third reason." Mr. Bemis was over in the corner kissing what appeared to be a piece of paper.
"It's the deed to his property." said Bette matter of factly. the Clone ran over to Mr. Bemis and.......... talk about passion, he gave him the biggest warmest hug ever seen and Mr. B hugged the Clone back as best he could but he didn't want to wrinkle the deed.
"WHERE'S POLLY?" asked Jeff Herring.
"Oh she's in the office with Eugene and Pashen. I guess they're working on her or something. They've been waiting fot you." said Bette again.
"Undoubtedly, you need my assitance with young Polly." a voice was heard to say.
Then a hush fell over the group. Herring turned and saw Q, a nattily dressed gentleman in a fur coat. He had a cigarette in his hand fastened to a holder similar to the one Cruella DeVille held in 101 Dalmations.
"No, thanks, Q, let's stick to what we are good at, you stand around and quip about your unrivaled brilliance while I go in and do some therapy...." he said to Q.
"....again." he muttered to himself as he walked toward the office....
