Peggy picking up Dan for their date
Dan & Peggy having lunch in London
An evening stroll along the Thames River in London
Dan's Apartment in Albany, CA
At the clerk union hall
Peggy turned to Dan and said, “Do you see this?”
“Why, the dirty bastards—they knew.”
“I don’t understand,” queried Peggy.
“This is some kind of justification to advance the Mustang program. It claims that upgrading the Hurricanes would only provide a marginal improvement to their capability, and that it would be better to give the limited Merlin engines to the Mustang program.”
“Well, that kind of makes sense. Provide the better engines for the newer Mustangs, right?”
“On the surface, you would be right—but look here. Tell me what this means in ordinary English,” he said, pointing to a line projected upon the wall.
“Industrial Contract Value: Substantial.”
“Well, it simply means that the money to make this happen is going to amount to a lot.”
“Right!” said Dan excitedly.
“In other words, the decision was already made to shift emphasis to the Mustangs—not because they were obviously better at the time, though they became better later. But it was made because of this: ‘Industrial Contract Value: Substantial.’ This proves money was part of the decision.
“But what we have is all speculation. Where’s the proof?” Peggy interjected.
Excerpt from The Writer by Arthur Cofresi
Book #1 in The Daniel McAuliffe Series
The Holmes File
Jenny with the landlords
Descending from the platform, after receiving hearty congratulations from Mr. Frenchcroft, he sought to disappear, fit in, and remove himself all at the same time.
He was unconsciously seeking that glass of sherry, as he really needed a drink, but it had proved more adept at disappearing than he. In its place, a club member confined to a wheelchair, being pushed by an extremely attractive young woman, was fast approaching.
* * * * * “
Excuse me,” were the first words spoken by the damaged gentleman, “may I have a few words?”
“Certainly,” replied Daniel. “How may I help you?”
“First off, I enjoyed your presentation immensely. I was struck at how sincerely you portrayed my dear friend, and I wanted to thank you.”
* * * * * *
“My daughter just reminded me of my manners. Please, let me introduce myself. I’m Alfred Grey. This is my daughter, Peggy Grey.”
“I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. McAuliffe,” Peggy offered.
“I’m happy to make your acquaintance as well, and please call me Dan.”
She nodded her reply with a flirtatious smile.
“Now that we have all been properly introduced, may I ask that you sit down. You are an imposing young man, and it would help my disposition if you would lower yourself to spare me the pain of looking up at you.”
Excerpt from The Writer by Arthur Cofresi
After The Speech
The Holmes File
“Say, I bet you’re hungry. Come on, I know a place nearby.”
Nodding, Jenny began to walk with him. They walked a ways, neither one ready to begin a conversation. In silence, they casually strolled along Mission Street until they reached 3rd. Turning right, they continued, passing over the China Basin Bridge until they could see a Tic-Tock fast food joint.
Looking back at her, he said, “Yeah, it don’t look like much, but the burgers are really good.”
She looked back and smiled.
Inside, they ordered burgers, fries, the usual stuff, and found a table near a large window overlooking the channel. A Banana Boat was being unloaded. Boxes filled with green bananas were clinging to a mobile conveyor belt. A string of people outside the fence were watching in anticipation, knowing that once the job was done, they’d be allowed to pick any bananas that fell to the ground.
Jenny watched in amazement and commented, “So that’s where bananas come from.”
Dan couldn’t help but laugh, but he didn’t say anything.
Excerpt from The Writer by Arthur Cofresi
First Encounter
When Lt. Holmes and Sally first met
Jenney's first job by Jack London Square
