Consideration

Even through the disorientating fog of slumber, Brian could sense, more than hear, the THUMP THUMPING echoing in Kay's room. As the fog began to dissipate in his mind he realized that the pulsating noise was actually the throbbing of his head. That discovery was quickly followed up with the unmistakable panic that precedes bile and, in turn, vomit rising up through the esophagus. With a burst of speed worthy of an Olympian, and none of the grace, Brian quickly threw himself out of the Purple Patterned comforter and rose-coloured silk sheets. With nearly heart beats worth of time to spare Brian's mouth managed to park itself directly above the room's small waste basket. Once he was quite certain that everything he had digested the night before had finished exiting his body, Brian casually wiped his mouth on the sleeve of his shirt and climbed back into bed.

"Baby?" Kay's overly chipper voice echoed in through the cracked door. Brian limply brought his arm up near his face to try and discern what time of day it might be. He was assuming that Kay was going to yell at him for being passed out in bed all day. Much to his surprise his watch was AWOL. "Sweetheart," Kay's growing voice and the distinct shuffle of her slippers on the hardwood told Brian that she was almost at the door. He quickly flipped his body toward the nightstand to try and read the clock, hoping for a miracle that would reveal it was a "reasonable" time of morning. The nightstand, or what was left of it, was mostly smashed on the floor, and the digital clock was lifeless, its cord pulled out of the wall. A pained sigh exited Brian's nose, as he tried to calculate some defense to his slack-assery. All that came to mind was that the overly familiar THUMP THUMPING was not just Brian's head pulsing, but the noise was softly echoing through the room as well.

"Honey Bucket?" Kay called as she swung the bedroom door wide, and strode into the room. "Are you still in bed?" As she asked the question she put both of her hands on her hips, and cocked her head in an overly adorable fashion. Brian wanted the conversation to segue from his drunken laziness to the noise reverberating through the room, but somehow the words failed to make it from Brian's brain to his mouth.

"Well, uh, I -" Brian muttered. Kay's stern face broke into a wide grin, and she giggled.

"What-EVER. Get up, you promised me we'd go walking downtown today." Brian had no recollection of any such promise, although even in his stupor he knew better than to try and argue the point. "C'MON!" She pouted playfully as she slapped the edge of his feet.

"Kay," Brian began slowly, trying to fully prop himself up in her bed. "I know I promised you, Baby, but can't we just hang here today? I'm still so tired!"

"Tired?" Kay's head cocked back to the side, and she shot him a grimace. "Brian Francis McConnell, what you are is hung over!"

"But I, er-" Kay's hand shot up interrupting his clumsy rebuttal.

"If not STILL drunk! Now get up, get dressed, rinse the puke out of your mouth, and meet me downstairs in ten minutes." Kay's back was already to Brian by the time she was finished, as she headed back toward the door. Brian let his head flop back down unto the bed, and launched into the possible options that would maximize his time spent sleeping.

"AND!" the edge in Kay's voice made his head rocket back up and lock in an upright position. He could see that Kay had leaned back into the room from the hallway. "IF you ARE NOT downstairs in ten minutes, then I'm going to send Callista up here to persuade you." She shot him a sugary sweet smile and a horribly foreboding wink before disappearing from view. Brian's head rolled back unto the pillow, and his eyes slowly shut. No sooner were they closed then a terrifying image of Kay's overweight amorous roommate Callista flashed through his mind. With an air of disgust and resentment, Brian tried to force his eyes closed. Again the image assaulted him.

"Fine, fine," he muttered rolling slowly out of the bed, "I'm up!"

When Brian finally made it downstairs, he was greeted by the sounds of giggling coming from Callista and Kay, who were sitting on the couch in front of the television. Brian could not discern what they were giggling about, but had a strong suspicion that he was better off not knowing. He did his best to ignore the whispering and guffawing, and crossed the room to his green sneakers. Before he even managed to lace up the first shoe, he discovered that the snickering was causing the throbbing in his head to worsen. Almost as if she could sense his misery, Kay's whispers exploded into full laughter. The urge to attempt some clever sarcasm flashed through Brian's mind, but it just seemed like too much energy. Instead he just snatched up the remaining sneaker in his left hand, and clumsily stomped outside through the front door. The resounding laughter that followed him was radiantly audible, even after he let the front door slam behind him.

As his hands fumbled with the laces of the first shoe, Brian realized that he was tempted to be angry about the laughter. By the time the laces finally conspired with him to allow themselves to be tied, Brian realized he was too tired to really be mad. In fact, he was guessing that the image of his disheveled self stumbling down the stairs was fairly comedic. He dropped into a crouch, and began to tie the other shoe. Before he had even finished his second attempt, the front door flew open, and Kay practically skipped out onto the porch.

"Are you ready, Mister Attitude?" Kay chirped with an obnoxious amount of zeal.

"Well," he muttered, glancing down at his untied shoe, "Sure, let's go." Dismissively he stood, and made the conscious decision that sometimes it is not worth the effort to tie both shoes. If Kay noticed, she made no comment. She just slid her hand into his, and gently pulled him down the porch. Kay did a prance a half step ahead of Brian, dragging him as she moved. Brian was secretly grateful, because her little maneuver allowed him the luxury of paying no attention to where he was going. He let his mind comfortably zone out, while they walked. Almost immediately he felt, on the edge of his mind, the answer to what the Thump Thumping was up in Kay's room. Before he had the chance to further explore the topic, Kay ruined the silence that Brian was observing.

"Can ask you a question?"

"Huh?" Brian responded, disappointed that she was going to make him pay attention.

"I want to ask you something, but do NOT get mad at me, okay?"

"Huh?" Brian offered again, "No. What?" Brian's mind was moving slightly slower than his mouth. "I can't promise that something won't upset me. If I get upset, then I'm upset. You know?" Brian paused to sort out what else was bothering him about Kay's Panzer Tank subtlety. "AND, you just asked me two things. Come to think of it, I'm already upset too!"

"C'mon," Kay easily dismissed, "How much do you remember about last night?"

"Is this the actual question? The one that can't make me mad?"

"Yes, Silly, what do you remember?"

"I remember fun," Brian rhetorically spat, still slightly resentful that he was talking about nonsense rather than tending to the serious work of figuring out the source of the noise. "There was lots of drinking, and people, and it was fun. You were fun!" Brian added the last part on the fly when Kay shot him a look of dissatisfaction.

"Fun?" the tone signaled to Brain that he had fumbled his response. "Brian you don't remember anything, do you?"

"What? C'mon Kay, I remember last night."

"Do you remember hitting on Georgina?" Brian guessed that the look on his face must have clearly telegraphed his answer, because Kay just kept going. "Do you remember getting into a fist fight with my cousin? No? How about when we played Drinking Jenga and you decided that you needed to insult and berate everyone at the party?"

"Wait, I remember that, I pulled 'movie quote'! I was just quoting The Big Lebowski!"

"No, you idiot!" the switch to a hard edged tone caught Brian by surprise. "I'm talking about the part of the evening, maybe a half hour later, where the game ended because you made Missy and Franny cry."

"Oh, um, I guess I don't really remember that."

"Brian," alarms sounded in Brian's head as Kay's voice became gentle and saturated with sweetness, "No one thinks you're more fun than me. I swear. But there are limits, you know, and lately things have been going a little far."

"Kay, you're making a huge deal about one party!"

"Oh Really? Then this wouldn't be the third time in two weeks that you have forced someone to leave my house crying?"

"The only crying I remember was that time the bat flew at Missy, and that wasn't even my fault!"

"First of all, you pushed her into the living room with the bat! And second of all, you laughed for nearly twenty minutes because she was upset. How is that not your fault? Huh?!"

"Fine. Whatever, it WAS my fault. But that was only once. Who cares, it was just Missy. Geezum Crow."

"Brian," Kay sighed loudly and long. Brian could see that the conversation was far from over based on the glint of seriousness in Kay's eyes. "That was one time. Last night was two time. The party last Sunday, when you broke all of Callista's plants, was three. Three times in two weeks."

"Hmmm," Brain responded genuinely surprised. "I broke all of Callista's plants? I wondered what happened to them. Interesting."

"You are totally missing the point. You get too drunk, you get mean, and you don't remember it the next day. It isn't cool, Brian. You're stressing me out and you're pissing off my roommates and my friends. It needs to stop."

"Kay, you have to admit, sometimes your friends are a little over the top." Kay stopped short where she was standing, and pulled her hand out of Brian's grasp. Although oblivious when he made the statement, Brian suddenly realized that the wrong words just exited his mouth.

"Are you saying my friends deserve the ridiculous treatment you give them? That they're asking for it, or something?! What is wrong with you? Seriously!"

"Kay," Brian responded softly, trying to retake her hand in his, "That's not what I meant."

"You need to be aware of what you're doing, and you need to be aware of what you're saying. It is NOT okay for you to mistreat people. Especially MY friends." Brian wanted to respond, but had enough sense to keep his mouth shut. He knew that Kay was not finished. Past experience taught him that she was just regrouping during a dramatic pause. After a few more solid beats, she continued.

"You need to make sure that you are not going to be out of control. I cannot stand you being mean." The look on Kay's face cut into Brian in a way that he was not anticipating. He knew that he got out of control on occasion when he drank, and he did not really care. The fact that he harangued Kay's friends made it more funny that tragic, by his way of thinking. And yet, standing in the suburban sidewalk faced with Kay's look of anger and disappointment, he found himself regretting his actions. He actually found himself wishing that he would find a way to be better for her. He knew that he had to convey that sentiment to her. If for no other reason, than so that she would know he understood what she was saying, and that he was willing to set aside the bullshit for her. The opportunity to put his thoughts into words was lost when Kay's cell phone began to chime from her purse. She gave Brian one last stare, coupled with a sigh, then answered her phone.

Brian tried to maintain his composure, but was secretly relieved that Kay had taken the phone call. He did not want to say anything that was going to further disappoint her, and was grateful for the chance to gather his thoughts. Watching as she turned away from him on the phone, Brian was struck with a deep appreciation for Kay, and the various things that she did. He thought about the way that she spoke to him, the way that she always made situations twice as enjoyable as they would normally be, and even the way that she called him on his shenanigans all left Brian feeling grateful and impressed.

"We have to go!" Kay said simultaneously flipping shut her phone and breaking Brian's entire train of thought.

"What?" Brian said, still grasping for a way to work his feelings into the conversation.

"I guess Lisa's boyfriend left her at the Mall. He just left her there! Can you believe that? What kind of tool leaves someone at a mall?"

"Slow down. Lisa's at the mall?"

"NO! She was ditched at the mall, by Mike. Supposedly he dropped her off at the door, because he was going to go park, and he drove off. He just left her there."

"Um, alright," Brian said hesitantly.

"Not alright! We have to go get her!"

"Right now? I thought we were going to walk downtown. Something about ice cream and shoe shopping, remember?"

"I know, but we can't just leave Lisa. She needs us."

"But, right now? What if we just walk and get some ice cream? We could finish talking, maybe? And then go get Lisa."

"Brian! What if it were me at that mall? Huh? Would you want to make me wait while you got ice cream?"

"That's ridiculous! I am way too considerate to ditch you at a mall."

Kay did not answer right away, which Brian took to be a sign that she was considering the ice cream plan. Brian was really hoping she would go for it, so that he would have the opportunity to try and explain how much he felt for Kay. He even started a mental checklist of points that he wanted to make sure he clearly expressed to her. Right about when he got to the fourth item on his checklist, Kay let out a small laugh. Brian put the list on hold, and moved a half step closer to Kay.

"You know what," Kay said softly, "Forget it. I'll go get Lisa myself." Without making eye contact, or any sort of personal interaction, Kay moved passed Brian. She accelerated into a brisk pace back in the direction of her house.

"So, I guess I'll just hang out in bed till you get back?" Brian asked hopefully.

Over her shoulder, Kay called back, "Don't be here when I get back."

The Least Complicated

The heavy oaken front door of the well aged brownstone soundlessly opened inward revealing a nervously smiling couple. They were both nicely dressed in clothes that I imagined had to be fashionable by some set of standards that well exceeded my means. In addition, the gentleman’s ensemble had a way of complimenting what his wife was wearing, and vice versa. It came off with a subtle flair that refused to be categorized as ostentatious, but, at the same time, demanded that almost anyone, even myself, would notice. As it stood, I found myself tempted to share my observation with a healthy dose of vomit, as was often my response to anything that came close to falling into the ‘cute’ category. Before I had a chance, however, the lady’s hand snaked out and snatched up mine in a flash, which, as she drew my right hand away from the safety of my side, also managed to shake free my preoccupation with being sick.

“Good afternoon, Sir!” she exclaimed loudly in a shrill voice that was a little higher than I expected. In addition, something about the way her mouth formed the word, ‘Sir’ rubbed me completely the wrong way. Not that she said it with a condescending tone, and I would have expected, but something about it was not right.

“It is so good of you to come on such short notice!” she continued, disappointingly unaware of my overly critical analysis. All the while her hand steadily rocked mine up and down. When she finished speaking, she let the handshake falter, although she still clutched firmly to my hand. The thought flitted through my mind that she could be an empath trying to emotionally read me through the physical contact, but I dismissed the paranoia just as quickly as it appeared. I had endured enough run-ins with psychics and empaths, and I was attuned enough to know when I was being read. As it stood, I let myself assume that her demeanor was on account of her being awkwardly nervous.

“Yes,” the gentleman finally chimed in, having the social grace to disconnect me from his wives’ grasp. “Thank you for coming. Won’t you please come in?” His voice was more akin to my expectations. It had a deep timber with a firm tone. I stood, for a few seconds, drinking in the sight of the two people standing in the open doorway. I wanted to be sure, before I stepped over their threshold, that whatever service they might ask of me, I would want to help these two people. Even if they were not empaths, that did not eliminate them from my very long list of nasties. I let my mind relax, and drunk in the emotions that they were radiating and hue of their auras. For the most part I’m shit when it comes to empathy and reading, but I knew enough to get by. The truth of the thing is that knowing enough to get by was sort of my standing motto.

“Sir,” the gentleman asserted, shaking my concentration, “Sir, would you like to come in?” There was clear hesitation in his voice, and I could tell that he didn’t know fuck all about what I was trying to do. “Your acquaintance,” he continued, “Mister Barriston assured us that you would be more than willing to help us out.”

That was the rub, right there. Mister Nicky Barriston was certainly not an acquaintance of mine. No acquaintance of mine has the pull to call me up out of the blue and insist, as a personal favor, that I help out a couple of friends. The truth of the situation is that Nicky is my sister’s husband. More to the applicable point, he is a sergeant with the Federal Beaureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. On multiple occasions Mister Nicky Barriston has gone out of his way to offer up precious aid to me in some of the random situations that I find myself neck deep in. Even if it weren’t for the obvious quid pro quo of the situation, I still would have come simply because he’s married to my sister.

Of course, standing there in front of the gentleman, having him wield the name of my sister’s husband like a bloody cricket bat left me more than a little annoyed. Nevertheless, it was par for the course when dealing with the social elite. And that is why, even without a clear read on the fashionable couple, I begrudgingly smiled, nodded my head, and stepped over the threshold into their house. Not so much because I fully trusted them, but because they seemed transparent enough to be harmless. That and the fact that I wanted the gentleman to kindly shut his mouth.

The second I was firmly both feet inside the foyer, I felt the all too familiar pit of regret and warning strike in my lower intestines. I made a slow fuss of checking my shoes, and while I did I began to go back over the couples emotions and auras. By the time I had my left New Balance unlaced, I was fairly certain that she was agitated and nervous, and that he was feeling impatient and upset. I wasn’t clear what the context was for any of those readings, but I mentally jotted the sensations down for future review.

“So, um, Mister John, is it? Tell us, how does this work exactly?” I let my gaze and my mind slowly focus again on the physical plane around me, and found myself making eye contact with the gentleman. His eyes were solidly locked on mine, but his body was jumpy and agitated. His fingers bobbed nervously, and his toe was practically ready to vibrate through the floorboards. Thankfully, none of that gave me any indication that he, or his wife, were any threat to me.

“For starters,” I answered with an intentional slowness to my cadence, “It is NOT Mister John. It is just John.” I gave a hard look over at the woman, and then let my eyes settle back on the gentleman, hoping that my pregnant pause was carrying enough weight to make my point absolute. Names are a funny thing, especially to those who dabble in magick. I knew that the two dimwits in front of me would be hard pressed to pose any threat to me, but years of working with mystics and paranoids had led me to a fairly heavy handed routine.

“Okay, sure, John it is,” the lady finally responded, breaking the silence of the gaze I had initiated between the three of us. I could see that look in her eye that betrayed her desire to shake my hand anew. My palm quickly slid into the tight pocket on my canvas shorts. Now that I was squarely within their domicile, I was reticent to allow further physical contact. When it was clear that another handshake was out of the question, the lady turned and softly elbowed her partner. “John will be fine, right Richard?” The gentleman immediately nodded his agreement, and took the lady’s hand into his own.

“Of course, of course. John is just fine. Completely fine. So, John, please, can you tell us how this is going to go? What can we expect?”

“Well,” I answered slowly, trying to attune myself with my surroundings. “Before we get to involved with anything, why don’t you describe your problem to me.” As I maintained the slow cadence, I tried to give off an air of clinical routine to my statement. The truth was that I would be hard pressed to care less about whatever they thought their problem might be. Instead I was more interested in acclimating to the interior of their spacious brownstone.

Houses are a funny thing. I like to think of them in terms of clothing. Some houses are gaudy and flashy and uncomfortable, just like some outfits. But there are other houses that tend to be an easy fit or practical. The bottom line is that every house is different, and the sort of house a person lives within can say a lot about the person. Ordinarily I have a sense of the person from their house within minutes. Oddly, I was more than two minutes inside the brownstone, and I was not really getting a sense of anything. I pushed my senses and tried to hone my focus on what I was experiencing, but still found myself picking up a lot of nothing.

“We’re pretty sure it all started shortly after that,” the gentleman droned on with his explanation of the supernatural. “Isn’t that right sweetness?” The lady’s head began to feverishly nod in agreement. He continued on about some neighbor and an incident that simply must have been the start of everything. It took everything I had not to scoff out loud at the gentleman’s deductions and connections. In my experience, there were two things that were always true about a mystical issue with non practitioners. The first was that they would have little to no valuable information about anything relevant, and the second was that listening to their boring rot was bound to be the hardest part of the job. My usual M.O. in a situation like this would be to poke around the house, while they jabbered on, but these two had not yet offered to let me do any poking.

My attention managed to stay with the droll account for almost a minute before my eyes caught a glimpse of movement deeper in the house. My head reflexively snapped to attention in the direction of the movement, and my eyes began to scan left and right over the area. Both the gentleman and the lady attentively turned to try and spot what had caught my attention, although I’m not sure they saw anything at all. If they did see it, they made no indication whatsoever. Truthfully, I could barely see it at all, even using my peripheral vision.

A fuzzy shadow floated about three feet off the ground, through the living room and halfway down a narrow hallway. At first I thought it might be a strong aura of someone else in the house, but there was a feeling emanating off it so strongly that even sixty feet away I knew it was not coming from another person. I absently took a step in the direction of the glow, but it immediately faded from view.

“John?” the lady asked tentatively. “Is everything alright?” For nearly a minute I kept my eyes scanning from side to side hoping for another hint of what I had seen, before I finally gave up.

“What’s that Love?” I switched into a quicker cadence, and tried to convey an air of flippancy. “Sure, sure, yes ma’am, everything is right as rain. Just thought I recognized that glorious vase!” I immediately moved past the two of them into the main living room. With my right hand I indicated a fair sized porcelain vase resting on top of a wide based pillar near their fire place. “My great uncle, the good lord rest him, had one that looked almost identical! But I can see now that this one is a little different.” Before I gave either of them a chance to respond, I moved deeper into the house, in the direction of the mysterious glow I had spotted.

“It’s alright if I take a look around, right?” I called back over my shoulder, refusing to wait for an answer before I moved deeper.

“Well, I-,” the gentleman called after me, which was abruptly interrupted by the lady.

“Don’t you want us to finish telling you about the incidents?”

“It’s all about frame of reference,” I called back to them, nearing the spot in the hallway where I had seen the glow. “I’m more of a visual learner, really. Once I’ve got a lay of the land, so to speak, those accounts will mean so much more!” I could not see them well enough to know if they were buying the crap I was selling, but I was too far committed to back out now.

In a profession like mine, assuming you are generous enough, or crazy enough, to deem what I do a profession, there are a lot of hunches. I have always been a firm believer that there is no such thing as luck or coincidence. If you have the focus and the practice being attuned to yourself, then your hunches will always prove to be rooted in relevant data. Of course, sometimes a hunch is as simple as the fact that this tosser managed to drag me out of my comfortable reclining chair on a Saturday afternoon. And even though that would not qualify as a coincidence, it also does not register as particularly relevant. Those thoughts flashed through my head as I spewed nonsense to the couple in the hall, who, for whatever reason, left me with a terrible taste in the back of my throat.

I pushed all of those thoughts aside, and tried to focus on the area in the hallway where I was standing. Within a half a dozen even breaths, my senses were bombarded with feelings of anxiety and despair. Fighting off the initial surprise of having such a strong reading after receiving nothing in the entrance, I let myself sink into the emotions, and tried to accumulate a sense of who they were coming from, or why. My mind slowly absorbed the feelings, and I took care to sharpen my focus and remain objective amidst the tumultuous chaos. A sense of identity was starting to form on my conscious, as were various visual smatterings, when, suddenly, everything went blank. I evened my breath, and meticulously kept rising shock and panic in check, while I tried to redouble my focus. All I was met with was a numbing sense of nothing.

“John,” the lady said, surprising me by placing a hand on my arm. Somehow she had crossed the room without me hearing her. “Why don’t you let us finish telling you about the incidents here in the house? Hmmm?”

“Yes,” the gentleman chimed in. He too had crossed the floor without me noticing. My brows furrowed and I found myself wondering if I was losing it. “It won’t take too much longer, I assure you.”

I tried to figure out a polite way to brush them off long enough to get a better read on whatever I had sensed, but I was suddenly feeling completely drained out of all my energy. I knew I could come up with something to buy me a few more minutes of snooping space, but it seemed so clear to me that the best way to go would just be to patiently hear them out, and then go from there. In fact, I figured that they might even have some valuable information that would help me understand what was happening in the house.

“Why don’t we just step back out into living room, and finish talking about it?” I found myself nodding in agreement to the lady’s words, and let her gently guide me by the arm back toward the spacious living room. After two steps, I reflexively glanced over my shoulder back at the spot in the hall, hoping that I would catch another glimpse of the emanation. As I looked, my arm slid free of the lady’s tender grasp. The second that I was no longer in physical contact with her, I felt a sharp stab of nausea lance through my insides. I was struck by the oddness of my decision to casually listen to the two people’s accounts, and I felt an all too familiar pinprick of anxiety creep up the back of my neck.

“We tried to do this the easy way,” the lady said, her voice growing higher in pitch as each word hissed from her mouth. Her hand snaked out and latched unto the front of my shirt. In complete defiance to logic, and the laws of gravity, her frail figure leaned back and lifted me clear off the ground. I found my breath ragged and hard to catch as the fabric of my shirt dug into my armpits. With as much strength as I could gather, I pulled both of my feet up and in, then I rocketed both limbs straight out into the lady’s chest. I can only imagine that the sight was fairly ridiculous as I flew through the air four or five feet before hitting hard unto the floor.

“I cannot believe that we were so strongly cautioned about this pathetic human,” the gentleman’s voice cut through the haze that was threatening to overtake me. I desperately groped both of my hands against the floor trying to secure some sort of stable purchase. I looked down and realized that a large portion of my shirt had torn free when I made my escape attempt. Much worse than the torn shirt was the set of lacerations running along my chest coated in some sort of dark ichors, and oozing blood. I tried to figure out how the slashes could have caused her hand to bleed so badly on me, and then I realized that the blood was mine.

Waves of light-headedness and nausea rolled over me, and I firmly felt the desire to curl up close eyed. It occurred to me that I was being played by some sort of overwhelming despair, and that if I did not up my game immediately I was going to be easy prey. The whole situation was quite mortifying and ridiculous, and I had been blind stupid enough to walk right into the midst of it. Even the shame and self pity I was currently feeling, I realized, was probably a by-product of the despair that the gentleman or lady were emanating. And, of course, it would probably be the last thing I felt and thought as they ended my life.

Now that I had a certain perspective on the situation, I could even sense the emotions pouring off the duo, and crashing down on me like wave after wave. Even though the raw emotion certainly lacked the potency to do permanent damage to me, it left me completely helpless while they physically picked me apart piece by piece. The temptation to laugh at the obviousness of the trap was not wasted on me, even if I lacked the will to act on it. I pushed myself and managed to mentally weigh my options, and found that there was really only one viable plan under the circumstances. Wallow in my overwhelming feelings of self pity and despair that these creatures, whatever they truly were under their human form, were drowning me with until I died. It was not a great plan, but even the thought of anything else seemed to strike jolts of physical pain through my body.

“Just do it, and end him,” the gentleman’s voice was almost unidentifiable at this point, and I dearly wished that I had lingered just a little longer in that doorway.

“Fine,” the lady’s reply was in a tone and pitch almost identical to the gentleman’s gravelly voice. I managed to rock my head back so that I could watch her approach. Even the way that her body moved had taken on an alien-like quality. Her hips seemed disconnected, and the legs, assuming that they were still actually definable as legs, swung way out to each side as she advanced. It gave me the impression of a drunk alien cowboy. That realization was followed by the understanding that my life was about to end at the ‘hands’ of said drunken alien cowboy, and my soul was probably in jeopardy to boot. As much as I wanted to resist, I knew that I was doomed, and that understanding brought with it a serene acceptance. After all I had certainly had a good run, and there were few regrets worth mentioning. The more I reasoned out the comedic inevitability of the situation, the more calm I found myself.

The lady’s taloned fist came at my midsection hard, and as much to my surprise as to hers, I managed to roll hard to the left. Her claws slammed hard into the wall where I had been, slashing deep into the drywall.

“What have you done?” the gentleman’s voice hissed. At this point the only way I could differentiate between the two of them was based on location. Not that it probably made any difference which of them had assumed which form, but my mind continued to categorize them. By the time the lady had her dainty fist removed from the cracked and badly dented drywall, I had already begun my cantrip. It was a simple one, but also one of the last things I figured they would figure on me doing. As the lady side-stepped in my direction, she proved my figuring to be one-hundred and ten percent correct.

The gentleman apparently saw it as the lady activated the cantrip, because he hissed the second before it was triggered. Not that it did any good to either of them as the lady’s body began to shake and finally dropped to the ground. I would love to believe that the lady was screaming in agony, but the sensible part of me knew that the cantrip wouldn’t have hurt anything but her pride. As her form finally stopped bubbling, I could clearly see that she had reverted to the human disguise she had started out as. Her own look of befuddlement and horror almost gave me cause to laugh out loud. The truth is I started with a hearty chuckle, but immediately checked it when I saw the gentleman leaping over the lady. I changed my laugh into a simple whistle, which caused the lady’s now human again form to slide across the floor in my direction. Another simple cantrip, but in my dispensed state simple was all I seemed capable of pulling off.

Her body half slide, half rolled across the floor in a snap, and the gentleman’s chitenous foot came down on to of her hip. The claws on the back of the foot tore into her flesh, and this time I was rewarded with screams of pain. The momentary hesitation from the gentleman, as he looked down to assess the damage done to his compatriot was all the break I needed. I pulled a piece of chalk off my belt, and sketched a hard circle around me. As soon as the line was drawn I could feel my will and reasoning return in spades. Each little sigil I sketched was accompanied by a chain of Latin. When the fourth sigil was done, I knew that I had the Mother Fuckers right where they had wanted me. As if the gentleman had sensed my cue, a taloned hand tore into the wooden floor in an attempt to damage my circle.

“You’ll still pay, you have my promise!” the gentleman spat as a second hand tore up floor board. I gave the tosser my finest Shit-eating grin, and gave my crotch an inviting tug to seal the deal. The gentleman almost seemed to fume steam, as both hands pumped up then shot down at the floor. With talons extended it was clear that a waggle of both hands would cause the protective circle to shatter. I think that the germ even paused to smile at me. I tried to feign fear, in order to better sell the ruse, but mostly just got ready to watch the shenanigans hit the fan. Both hands flexed up, destroying my protective circle, and in the process, triggered my ward of banishment.

It was hard to truly enjoy, because the broken circle meant waves of despair rolling over me again. Fortunately it also meant that the two dog-lickers slowly melted into a pool of de-pixelated trash. An intense exhale later, they were gone, and I collapsed unto the ravaged floor. I was almost sure that I was going to pass out, that is, right up until I felt, or maybe saw, I’m not positive, the faint amber glow of some aura thicken all around me. It came out of no where and quickly accumulated all over my body like dew on early morning lawn. I looked up at the two figures looming menacingly overtop of me, and could clearly see now that neither were human. They both had dark blotchy patches to their skin and face, and there were unusual growths about their temples and shoulders that looked to be a cross between bone formation and spindly vines. The two of them converged and attacked.

At first I thought that I had worked the banishment incorrectly, then I realized that I was watching them attack a young girl. And that what I was seeing was more like a spectral after-image. I tried to focus my thoughts, to determine how recent the death was, or how rooted the girl’s ghost was to the location. Instead I found myself vomiting up food I didn’t even remember eating. All in all, I was dead on about the day involving vomit.

The Full Story of Anastasiya Krasnoweikina

So, what is to follow is the email exchanges between me and Anastasiya Krasnoweikina. Basically this IS the International Date Scam that I have become a "victim" of. Basically desperate American Men get emails from International Women (in my case "Irish"). The emails stregthen in intensity until the "international woman" manuvers the conversation to a point where "she" asks for money. The following is the first portion of the letters from my "Irish Girlfriend". I have not changed any of the grammar or spelling. Some of the formatting was slightly altered.

____________________________________________________________________

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 (Email from ASY. Email #1)

Hello.

I have seen your letter in my mailbox! Thanks for the interest. I am curious how you get my email address? I'm not sure who you, but I'm very interested new acquaintances. I'm lonely young lady, if you dont mind, we can continue correspondence.

Hope you have answered me on my letter!

Tell me a little about you... Who you, than are engaged, why you have decided to write to me? Where do you live? I live in Ireland.

I can see your picture?

Mon, 3 Dec 2007 (Email from ASY. Email #2)

Hello.

I am very glad that you have answered to my letter. Thank you that you have found time for answer.

I shall hope you will write in the following of the letter more about yourself.

I will be very grateful to you also if you will send me your pictures. So o.k. let me tell you about me know. I live in Ireland. At me blue eyes, dark hair.

I hope you are not disappointed very much, because I not the blonde or red. Many people deride blondes for their stupid (my opinion- color of hair does not influence wit), but many men like blondes (for stupid or for beauty?). Many men like beautiful but silly women. Who is your favorite? I would like to know your opinion. Joke, you can not answer, if not want.

I'm 29, my birthday is on the 2 of March 1978. When yours? My growth - 171 cm 5 feet 6 inches. My weight - 54 kg- 115 pounds. I am single, never married with no children. How you? But I am looking to meet a men for a serious relationship, hopefully one day get married and have a family. Those that know me respect my intellect, enjoy my sense of humor, and can always count on me to lend a hand where needed.

All people have various tastes and interests, but I sincerely hope that my picture and my appearance will be pleasant for you. But if my appearance doesn't conform to your tastes and interests, I will understand you, of course. If you are not interested in the further correspondence with me, let me know.

You have very much interested me, probably this female curiosity?

(smile) I hope to get hear from you and some more information about you to better find out you.

I shall wait your any answer ...thanks for the email.

Thu, 6 Dec 2007 (Email from ASY. Email #3)

Hi

I have not received from you, letters some days. I have offended you, or you do not want to correspond with me? If you any more are not interested in me, please let me know if you do not wish any further correspondence. If you answer me several words, and again will disappear, better do not write to me. I do not want to be a bother.

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 (Email from ASY. Email #4)

Do you received this my letter?

******************************************************************

Hello.

I am very glad that you have answered to my letter. Thank you that you have found time for answer.

I shall hope you will write in the following of the letter more about yourself.

I will be very grateful to you also if you will send me your pictures. So o.k. let me tell you about me know. I live in Ireland. At me blue eyes, dark hair.

I hope you are not disappointed very much, because I not the blonde or red. Many people deride blondes for their stupid (my opinion- color of hair does not influence wit), but many men like blondes (for stupid or for beauty?). Many men like beautiful but silly women. Who is your favorite? I would like to know your opinion. Joke, you can not answer, if not want.

I'm 29, my birthday is on the 2 of March 1978. When yours? My growth - 171 cm 5 feet 6 inches. My weight - 54 kg- 115 pounds. I am single, never married with no children. How you? But I am looking to meet a men for a serious relationship, hopefully one day get married and have a family. Those that know me respect my intellect, enjoy my sense of humor, and can always count on me to lend a hand where needed.

All people have various tastes and interests, but I sincerely hope that my picture and my appearance will be pleasant for you. But if my appearance doesn't conform to your tastes and interests, I will understand you, of course. If you are not interested in the further correspondence with me, let me know.

You have very much interested me, probably this female curiosity?

(smile) I hope to get hear from you and some more information about you to better find out you.

I shall wait your any answer ...thanks for the email.

Asy

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 (Email from ASY. Email #5)

Hello!

Sorry, My name is Asy. I get your answer! You don’t forget about me and it is really pleasant for me! I really was glad. Many thanks.

I very much love cinema. I very much love the American films and I love many American actors. I very much love historical films. For example: Gladiator, Brave Heart and the Patriot. Mel Gibson the fine actor. He very much is pleasant to me. I love films the Sixth Feeling, The Rainman, One flight above jack of the cuckoo, Carried away by the Wind, the Magnificent Seven, the Godfather, Marmot day and more many other films. All to not list. I like Bruce Willis, Mel Gibson, Sean Connery, Al Pacino, John Travolta, Kevin Costner, Nicolas Cage, Samuel L. Jackson, Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Demi Moore, Rosanna Arquette, Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves. I love tragedies and comedies. I love mysticism and horrors. I love a fantasy. In any genre there are fine films. The main thing for me that film was clever and substantial. I do not love silly films.

We have a difference in the age of. For me age doesn’t matter but I didn’t know if it problem to you? I like mature men. Age shouldn’t be important, so long as the maturity level is there and both people share common interests and enjoy each other’s company. I like independent men that know what they want. I need the right man to fill the empty space in my life, a man who is searching for the right woman to help complete her. I have never understood why I haven't been able to find my better-half. Probably not there searched???:)Never know as where will find.

I shall continue the story about me (In replacements, I want from you same). I of 50 the Pole, 50 the Irish. I live in small provincial village named Carrigaline, (near to city Cork). Tell more about place where you live? I live very small country. More in detail you can find out on the Internet, I can be not in a rate of all events. The city and rural life very much differs. But I love a place where I live. I have never traveled outside of my own country.

I work as the trainer fitness. You know that this such fitness? These are exercises for women with elements of dance. I love my work it always holds me in the sports form. Well, I will tell you more about my interests. I like various types of music. I like to listen to classical music. I like Dire Straits. But my favorite is Pink Floyd. They are not similar to anybody. It is a great band. I like Robbie Williams, Madonna and many others.

My mum has died when gave birth to me. The daddy has died 2.5 year ago of a cancer. The daddy very much loved mum, he could not marry any other woman more. Therefore I haven’t got any brothers or sisters. Now I live alone, I

have no any other family. I have no family anymore and it really oppresses me. I always recollect my family. you meet your family often? I very much want to return that time when I had family. So I completely devote myself the job. I really love it. It is interesting job, my job is my hobby. I very much very much love water and to float. I also love a ski, a bicycle, and walks on the nature. I spend a lot of time on open air in mountains, I love nature, and it calms and enfeebles me. How do you entertain, you like nature? I have no computer of a house, I write to you from my work, and I can’t write you every day. I hope that it won’t be a problem for our correspondence.

What you do for the work, it is interesting, you like it?

Despite the fact that I work much, I’m really buxom and many-sided person, but I live in small village and there are really few amusements.

One picture of me with the girlfriend, another I in sport hall on work.

I wait for your letter.

Sat, 8 Dec 2007 (Email from ASY. Email #6)

Hello Michael!

I don’t know where to begin… But I will try. I do hope that we will continue to write and that we can get to know one another better.....

I didn't know your e-mail address until you sent it to me. I only responded to your message. The Internet is sometimes very mysterious. Apparently when you emailed to someone, it came to me automatically or erroneous. I saw your picture, and you look beautiful, I very much loved your picture.

What’s the weather like in your city? Now weather in my village cool. But I love it… I like all four seasons. I enjoy swimming, sun-bathing and camping in summer. In winter I often go skiing. I like cycling - I’m a very sporty

person. Sports bring health and beauty. I do my best to live a healthy life - I don’t smoke, reject drugs out of hand but I permit myself to have a glass of wine or champagne on very special occasions. I’m have very quiet and counterbalanced character. I am very slow to anger and am rarely upset with anyone or anything. I believe life is too short for bad feelings. What kind of character do you have?

What else can I tell you about myself? I am sociable person and any surrounding conditions very quickly becames close and dear for me. Because actually the full comfort to soul brings not surrounding world, but feelings, reciprocity, presence in a life of dear person. What else to tell.... I always very much get tired on work. And though my work is not heavy physical work but like any trainer, I am in constant concentration and movement. I am always waiting weekends with impatience. Weekends are the only one possibility for me to get a rest and to get new forces. Weekends I spend variously.

Sometimes I want simply to rest in my house. I live alone in my house. It is the house of my parents I have the one-room house with a toilet and kitchen. I like my house - small and cozy. On weekends I always clean house properly. I like purity. And though I always try to keep clean my house, all the same, always in the weekends I find what work to make in an house. But when I want really to relax I listen to music or read books. I like to read books especially historical novels. I like to spend time with my female friends. I have two best lady friends.

When we meet, the air is filling with laughter. We like to walk and to talk; we go to cinema and walk in the park. I like very much to spend time in nature in the open air. I live not very far away from the sea, I like the sea very much. In the past life probably I was the mermaid or a fish:))

And I hope Michael you are not angry with me that I talk to you about it? It is my life and it is a part of me. And how you would learn me more if I would not tell you it, really? And I as well would be glad to learn more about you. Your life is very interesting to me.

I hope that you understand my English. Irish my native language. I can both write and speak English. But on your letters, I have noticed English differs from American colloquial. Sometimes I cannot understand some your words, but I completely understand the general sense of your letter. Tell me, do you understand everything that I want to say?

I only hope that you would love my Polish - Irish accent that I have without any doubts.

I with impatience shall wait your answer.

Sun, 9 Dec 2007 (Email from ASY. Email #7)

Hi Michael. You waited my letter, I your much.

Our correspondence is young, but I start a like receive from you letters. You had awakened my interest, I know we have never seen each other, but I have a good feeling about you. I couldn’t find a really interesting and worthy man in my little village. Why can you not find a woman now where you live?

I do need good contacts and manly attention - just like any other woman. However, I don’t have it here......The things that all women value the most are attention and understanding. I’m a usual woman with usual desires which you managed to approach so gently and elegantly. I love your sensitivity. Thank you for it.

People take my kindness and good big heart edness as weakness a defect in my personality. I like to think that these attributes - my forces. I just wish that I could surround myself with people that I admirer in people. I must say that I admire you Michael, as you seem to know what you want and given. 2 years ago I broke up with the guy whom I had been dating for 1,5 years. He very much loved alcohol and women. The things that pushed us apart were a huge gap between views onto life and a lot of misunderstanding between us. We couldn’t keep on living together anymore, so we had to part. As people say, we couldn’t get on together. If you have ever experienced something similar, you will understand me.

Well, whatever - let’s avoid talking about bad things. Actually, I don’t want to remember anything out of this period of my life. I try to live with a smile on my face and with hope in my heart. I think I can consider myself an optimist. I saw a great deal in my life, and for 29 years I have passed through a lot of vital tests. And I know that I do not need many things to be happy. All I need is a man, friend, soul-mate, love. I live honestly, and it Brings pleasure to me. I know that happiness not requires many things. Likely the main thing that does not suffice me now is love. People without love cannot be happy.

And I speak not only about love between a man and a woman, but also about love to a family for example. I want to fall in love with a man that wants to be with me and love me with all her heart no matter how big a fool I am. I want to be with a man that I can care for and share myself with and know that I am not wasting my time or being unappreciated. I want a man that can find all the best in me and bring these charms out so that I can share them with him. I want to find the man that wants to be my man even after knowing all my faults and imperfections.

I want to find someone that will love me and teach me how to love them, how to care for them, how to make them happy and be able to do this without

breaking my will, my spirit buy to teach me about them and their world with a kind voice a gentle touch with an understanding heart. I want to believe in bright future and - I do believe in it! I always promise myself to do my best to make it so.

That you value in woman? What is your favorite feature on woman? What does a loving relationship mean to you? I have casually removed your the first email, therefore I cannot send you it.

Thank you for sharing your world with me. Even though I don't know you personally, I feel close to you because your writing is putting me in your world. I hope that we can become more than just internet friends. Your emails to me has left a lasting impression on me. I feel like I've know you all my life.

Your writing is so real and I can tell that you are a very fair and sincere men.

Good night Michael.

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 (Email from ASY. Email #8)

My dear Michael!

Today I had so much work that I was afraid that I wouldn't have time to get your letter. And I have to say that it is distressed me. But now I have found free time and I am madly glad to your letter, and glad to answer your letter.

Today I am very tired on work, there were many groups, but in it there is plus, I have earned for today 120 euros : ))) I wish Michael could see my face i have the biggest smile on it right now.. Since I started talking to you, I just can't stop thinking of you. Probably the reason of it my loneliness or something the greater...........

The mere thought of you sends such a warm feeling through my body. My heart and soul are now connected with regardless of where you may be. I have been writing to you for a short period of time yet it seems like I have known you for a long time. I think this is very interesting that we write each other.

Are you grateful to destiny for anything in your life Michael? How often you become tired on your work? Write to me about some other things that you like to do?

Soon Christmas and New year. In these days our village looks like one greater family. In our small village all know each other. All dance sing the canto have fun and fool about. I do not understand as people have fun in greater city, there so much folk??!!! I don't know where is better. Big city is a big traffic, fast rhythm of life, garlands of fires, lightning's of shop windows, high buildings, fountains, cinemas, parks, attractions, theatres. It is wonderful, of course I like it. But our village is a fresh air, a lot of trees and birds, silent and comfortable, cozy, quiet place, no hubris and vanity inherent for big cities. The places are very beautiful.

Christmas time of gifts, the last year my girlfriends have presented me of the big toy lion. I have been shocked by its gigantic sizes. (height 1.5 meters) I have lost the faculty of speech even. What was the best gift you got? Michael how you celebrate Christmas and New year?

I admired you. You are a wise man. I really like how you see things and talk about them.

I should finish the letter because right now I have no time, OK?

Sincerely yours and with best wishes.

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 (My Reply to Email #8)

Hello Asy.

I also was quite surprised and pleased to get your email.

You got over 100 euros in a single day of work? That is amazing. What is the name of the fitness center you work at?

You know that I lived in Cork for almost 8 months while I was going to School? I still have friends there. I wonder, sometimes, if there would have been some way that we might have seen each other. I may have even traveled through your village at some point. Although I am terrible with the names of the places I went while I was there.

I also have thought about you a fair amount. I wondered, when there was a delay in messages, if you had decided to stop corresponding with me. Perhaps because of some detail I revealed in my last email.

I do not know what things Destiny brought me. I honestly don't know. There have been many things in my life that have been unbelievably good, and things that have been unbelievably bad. I suppose I am thankful to Destiny for all of them. The good things and the bad things.

Many people curse the bad in their lives. They feel it is a burden. I think that burdens are quite good sometimes. They allow you to experience things that you would otherwise be oblivious to. They make you stronger and smarter.

The last time I dated a girl was almost two years ago. She and I were together for 7 or 8 months. She left me for my best friend. They moved out west together. It was a very painful situation. I was mad. I was hurt. I cursed the bad things.

Then I came to see that they were happy, and I learned new things about myself and life. It was good. I think that sometimes situations that are filled with dishonesty and treachery still have the ability to carry positive meaning. Although it is hard to see. I think that Destiny is what brings situations like that.

I wouldn't be surprised if Destiny brought us together. It certainly factors into the thoughts I have had about you.

Christmas is a simple thing with my family. My sister and mother and father get together. We watch movies together, and spend time with one another. That is all. This year will probably be a lot like that. I am hoping for a lot of snow!

New Year is usually spent at work. Last New Year I was at a meditation retreat. That was serene.

I am lucky because my work changes all the time. So, I rarely get tired of it. Because I am an independent contractor on projects, every job is new and different. The people change, the assignments change, and the locations change. The only problem is that I don't work as often as I would like to.

You know, I keep thinking about the things you wrote about what you feel love should be. From a couple letters ago. You wrote at great length about what love should be, or what you would like it to be. The thing that I keep wondering about is how perfect your English grammar was in that portion of the email. Ordinarily I can understand your writing, but the grammar is often odd. That whole section had perfect English grammar. How did you do that?

I hope that your day tomorrow is filled with rest and good thoughts. No matter where Destiny takes this correspondence, I hope that you will be blessed with much fortune in your life.

mike

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 (Email from ASY. Email #9)

Michael how are you today, your job? My job was well.

Life is not all work though, I always try to enjoy any situation. I like to laugh but I also know when to be serious . I think life should be lived to the fullest and I would rather have a smile on my face rather than a frown!

What's new happening in your life, possible amusing? Do you like when your friends come to your home or you prefer to go to friends? I very much, but it seldom happen. But I very much love guests in my house. Sometimes I think on what would resemble our meeting? One half me wants to see you in the person (it can only curiosity? I do not know) other half me is afraid, not knowing you completely. Probably I am very cautious because of the last relations. Also a problem of distance. But I would not start such relations if did not think of a meeting. Without a meeting there can not be any future. Now we write to each other and we tell about ourselves. Ours dialogue helps us to learn each other, to understand thoughts, feelings. Our dialogue helps us to express by means of words our sensations, feelings, to tell about life experience, to share the kind moments of a life. It undoubtedly helps us to become big friends and more. I know that when I will feel in my heart that the time for a meeting has come, I with the big pleasure and with happiness will organize our meeting if you would like the same. Probably we can meet in a month or two, can in half-year, all depends on us how quick will go our feeling and desires.

You would like to arrive to me? I understand about it early a speak, only thoughts in my stupid head : ))))) We have chance to start relations in such way, to tell to each other about life, to share thoughts, we can become friends; and the meeting after that would bring much more happiness. I understand that I must have a lot of patience in such relations, but if there is even one chance to find happiness in such way, I am ready to use this chance. Because all problems which can arise in any relations, independently if man and woman live in the next houses or on distance of several thousand kilometers, are insignificant in comparison with happiness that they will find when will understand that they are created for each other.

I want to walk and to feel a strong man arm holds me. I don't want to cook meals only for myself. I want somebody to appreciate it. But I think enough about it, now your letters lift my mood. But anyway, I think that it is impossible to live without dreams and hopes. When there is a dream, the life is filled with sense. Our dreams force us to think, analyze, choose and come to a conclusion. The Faith and Hope are eternal satellites of our lifes. And regardless of what waits you at the end, we remember joy of the victories better, than disappointment and pain of the defeats. Don't you agree?

I'm surprised that I write all this to you. I have never had a man, with whom I felt conveniently in sharing my thoughts. But now I have found you Michael, and I am very glad. Forgive me for my frankness. If I said something superfluous forgive me please.

I am sorry about your past relationship, It really meanly with their side. You have forgiven them, I again admired you. WOW it is probable we really met in carrigaline when you travelled through my village. I remember your face : )


Best Regards to you and your family.

Asy

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 (My reply to Email #9)

I am doing okay. There was a blizzard on Saturday night, and I had to go to work on Sunday and Monday in terrible weather and a bunch of snow. Ordinarily it would not have mattered much, but I am on a audio job in another city. I really have to go to work. Today was much better, although the roads are still pretty dangerous.

I like to have my friends come over to my house. I have a couple friends that I see pretty regularly when i am not working. Although I like to go to their house too. I suppose if I had a choice, I would rather go over to their house.

I would still very much like to see some photos of your house or your town. Just to see if I recognize anything. Could you take pictures of carrigaline and send them to me?

You seem to have thought a lot about us meeting in person. I have to say that I think meeting in person would be an interesting experience. Of course, it is always interesting to see if the expectations that we have constructed in our minds compare to the reality that may be in front of us. All of this made even more interesting by the fact that we have only really communicated via email, which makes it even more possible for there to be miscommunications and false expectations.

If we both reach the point where we feel like it is time to meet, then I would be happy to undertake such an adventure. Once we feel secure in a friendship, and I can put aside some money, then I would certainly love to come and visit you in Ireland! If that is what you would like. Maybe if we reach that point, we could talk on the phone once or twice, to further get to know one another. I would just want to make sure that we were friends, and very much what the other expects. Does that make sense?

Again, you speak very eloquently about companionship and relationships. Your words seem clearer, and you meaning is surprisingly stirring. Why do you suppose that is?

I am particularly moved by your words about a dream. I find myself compelled, despite my own cynical nature, to agree with you. Dreams do give our lives a flavor and a color that they would otherwise lack. Dreams and hopes are the paint used to fill in the canvas of our lifetime.

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 (Email from ASY. Email #10)

Hi Michael!

As always, I look forward to opening up my mailbox and getting a message from you. It’s really nice that you have found me. You seem to me like a really nice person! I would love to know more. I certainly know what both of us search correctly for the person, I've been very patiently waiting for the right one to come along. I not looking for perfection, just perfect for me. I like honest people because it doesn't keep you wondering.

I seriously looking for someone who can accept me for who I am and someone I can trust, faithful and always think of family, good sensitive, loving and caring, supportive and also has good morals. Honestly, you have definitely caught my attention and I am seriously very interested in you. If you are really serious with me (as I definitely serious with my intentions) and really want take this relationship to the next level someday. This is just to assure each other that we are not wasting each other's time. I am really interested in you and if you like what you see so far...then maybe there is hope for us.....

I think of love in many different ways. It the little things that truely make love work in a relationship. Knowing you can be open and honest with your partner and not worrying what they might think. Knowing that the other person is there to care for you in many ways. Like maybe having dinner ready or doing something special for that person with no reason. Being appreciated for all your efforts to make each other happy. That is another thing being happy with the person. Enjoying being with each other. Looking forward to every minute together and being able to communicate with each other. Having fun and enjoying life. Sharing goals and dreams. Building a future together and knowing you are doing it together. Feeling in your heart is now complete having the right person in your life. Being able to know what the other person wants or is going to say without asking.

What is your best feature? What feature would you change on yourself?

We can speak by phone. But I have no phone of a house, but you can call me in sport hall, I spend there a lot of time. But when I shall have occupations with group, I cannot approach to phone. My occupations last each hour, then 30 minutes rest, I am free and can speak with you 214- 60- 74 code Ireland 353

You can see my village here: http://wikimapia.org/17635/

I will wait your reply as always with anticipation and impatience....

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 (My Reply to Email #10)

You know, after all of the emails that we have sent I realized tonight that I do not even know your full name. What is your full name? It struck me hard, like a physical blow, when I realized that I only knew you as "Asy."

You mentioned that you would love to know more about me. I am certainly flattered. What more would you like to know. Sometimes when I start typing, I get caught up in my train of thought. So if you ask any questions that I do not answer, then please ask them again.

I do believe that your grasp on colloquial English is getting better and better. Have you been practicing? Your letters have contained more and more passages of clearer English.

Also, what you say about searching for someone who is perfect for you, I think that is still a big search. How can you know that I might be perfect for you? Those are big words that seem to be filled with even larger expectations.

Honesty really is the truest mark of any relationship. I personally believe that any relationship that is built on dishonesty is substantially flawed. But, more importantly, the ability to be honest with one's self about yourself is key. Once you are capable of being honest with yourself, then all you have to do is be open and share with others.

So, if I am not serious with you, would this time spent be a waste? Is getting to know one another and becoming friends a waste? Is the anticipation of receiving letters totally wasted if we are not destined to be together?

I would like to pursue this relationship, whatever it may be. I would also like to hear your voice over the phone. And hopefully someday meet you in person. See the streets of your village with you, and make the acquaintance of your friends.

My question is if those things NEVER happen, will all of this be a waste of time?

Let me be clear, what you have shared with me certainly intrigues me. And I am interested in you based on what you have said. But there is so much I do not know. Like your name! Or what your quaint house looks like. Or how you spend your free time. Or what your seventh birthday party was like. Or who was the first person you kissed that made you feel weak. So many things that I will only come to know about you over time. All things that I want to know. All of these things are important to me.

Does that make sense?

mike

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 (Email From ASY, email #11)

Hi, Michael.

I have today fine mood. How yours?

My day brightens tremendously whenever I see an e-mail from you. Ohhh I cannot explain to you in words on how you have made me feel inside over the past weeks. I should tell to you that I have ocean of emotions and sensations which I had no in my heart before. Hope this feeling mutually?

I see your kindness; and all that you want in your life is so similar to what I want. You are a most romantic man, and you are looking for in the life the simple pleasures which will make the soul of any woman a blossoming garden. You are a very funny man, and all your dreams are filled with desire to love and to be loved, to wish and to be desired to woman.

The woman who will win your heart will be the happiest woman. You are able to make a life colorful, varied, funny and romantic. You possess inexhaustible energy. Your heart is filled with tenderness and kindness. You are a man each woman would dream about. I never thought that I meet a man who is so similar to me in desires and dreams. I think the cultural distinction is a wonderful thing. I don't understand Irish men and their culture of dialogue with woman. They are not able to appreciate woman's feelings, her fidelity, love. They do not appreciate sincerity and aspiration of woman to do for a man absolutely everything. The only thing she need - the warmth and caress, which she wants to get from a man.

Probably many men think that any man is a King and a place of any woman – under foot of a true man. Hope you so you do not think? If you have disagreements with lady, can you apply roughness? Are you able to transform quarrel into the peace, pleasure and a smile?

To you probably Interestingly as my days go? At 6:00 rattle my alarm clock. I do not love my alarm clock. Because it so loudly rattle, that each time I jump as scalded. Then go to a bathroom I wash face and clean a teeth. Only then I have completely woken up:) . After cook a breakfast, as a rule strong tea or coffee (more often coffee if it did not end) and a sandwich. Then I go on work, my work to be in 20 minutes from a house. I always go on work on foot. I have very much a flexible hours of work, all depends on groups with which I am engaged. When I come home, I cooking a supper, I look TV and lie down sleep. But some times we go with girlfriend on evening in nearest wood park. In this park many beautiful colors and trees.

In weekend I am with my girlfriends likes to go on a sea beach. I already wrote to you, I very much like water. I much job, therefore I simply would like to lay hours on a beach and to sunbathe (I idler on weekends). I very much like beach volleyball and fool around in the sea. But now cool, we seldom are on a beach.

Where you like to spend your free time and what make?

I think at us with you much common. Reading your letters, I have come to a conclusion, that we search for one and the same objective and desires. I am very glad to this fact. It very much pulls together us. Hope I rights? You are really very interesting to me.

My full name Anastas's (Anastasiya), it in cyrillics, in Irish a written differently, but everyone calls me Asy.

Sincerely and with thoughts about you.

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 (My Reply to Email #11. Sent after email #12)

Hello Asy.

I am so sorry that I did not get to email you more recently. While I was at my parent's for the holidays I did not have access to a computer. I hope that you will forgive me.

How have you been? I got your email wishing me a good holiday! Thank you. I hope that you also enjoyed a good holiday. Did you work over the holiday?

A few emails ago you spoke about a woman's place being under the foot of a man. Is that really what it is like in your village? When I was in City Cork things seemed pretty equal between men and women. In fact, many of the relationships that I saw were very much run by the women! In fact, the only person I ever saw get hit by their spouse was a man who stayed too long at the pub, and was dragged out by his lady.

My opinion is that two people ought to be completely equal in a relationship. They both have tender feelings and valid thoughts, and they both deserve honesty and respect. As far as violence goes, I think that I would only act violently toward a woman who had physically attacked me first. Even then, I'm not entirely sure.

What do you think?

Were your parents from Ireland as well? You mentioned the home that they left you, did they grow up there? Please, tell me more.

I will wait for your letter with impatience

mike

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 (Email from ASY. Email #12)

Hi Michael!

Happy Merry Christmas!!!! Have a glass of champagne for me, as I will for you.

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 (Email from ASY. Email #13)

Hope you had a good Christmas. I had a nice Christmas.

Dear Michael, I’m so happy to talk to you again. And on this, my reason and my heart say me that I should answer by sincerity your constant sincerity. My heart and my reason says me that I should tell what I feel now because it is a part of our friendship and I should share it with you. In my soul, I feel contentment and joy when I think of you. I very much desire that you find it in your heart and are comfortable with sharing your personal feelings with me, I wish to know you on a more intimate level, I truly wish to connect with you on a level that goes way beyond mere correspondence......

I got a hand-written letter from my aunt today - she had sent it a month ago. I don’t know how come it took the mail service so long to deliver it. My aunt is an old woman (she’s 79) - she’s ill and feels really bad. She’s my dad’s sister. She’s very eager to see me - at least once in her life. In her letter she was begging me to come visit her. We’ve never seen each other before because she lives in other country. Thus, I will have to go to the aunt pretty soon. I have taken a vacation for this time.

I don’t know if I will be able to e-mail you from there, but I will try.

I have found my picture where I only 12 years, I hope you will love it. I profound changed?

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 (My Reply to Email #13)

Oh Asy!

I am very sorry to hear that your Aunt is not feeling well. Where does she live? How exciting to be able to see her for the first time! I very much hope that you have a safe journey. I also hope, that whatever you find, they are things to your liking. I wish you much luck.

Were your parents also from where you Father's sister lives? Where ever that is? Or did they live in County Cork all their lives?

If you cannot write to me, obviously I understand. It will be what it is meant to be. Your personal life, and the potential relationship with your Father's Sister is an honorable pursuit! I encourage you to do whatever you might need to do, even if it means we cannot communicate. I want for you to be happy and content with your choices.

I also am very glad for the friendship that we have made. I am oddly grateful that we managed to find each other. Of course, I had preconceived notions when I began to receive your emails, and I can honestly say that conversing with you has been a much more rewarding experience than I would have thought possible.

Right now, I am sitting at my computer and I smile because I am glad that I can share with you my thoughts and feelings. There are times that I want for you to see my smile while I type because I think it is the most sincere smile! There are other times when my smile fades because I know that now the only thing that connects us is our typed words. Typed words that represent our thoughts, transformed into letters that are not able to fully show the depth of what either of us feels. But, at the same time, I realize that the future holds no guarantees.

No matter what comes to pass, I hope that you find a very real sense of fulfillment and happiness.

mikel

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 (Email from ASY. Email #14)

Good day Michael. : )))

My flight to aunt is scheduled for today. My aunt lives in city Elblag. Elblag city be on border of Poland and former Soviet Union. It’ll be my very first trip abroad. Frankly speaking, I’m a little nervous about it. I never flied by the plane. Also I don’t know Polish, but I hope that people in Poland know English or Irish - I hope that I will be able to find my aunt as soon as possible.

I don’t know how long I will be at my aunt’s place - probably a few days or a week. I shall be orientated on situations. I would like to be in Elblag with you Michael and to spend with you several days. I cannot imagine at all how it would be wonderful.

We would learn each other in a real life. We would look into the eyes of each other, we could hold our hands, tell each other silly stories, laugh and tease each other, watch the stars in the night sky and have romantic evening, go to the movie or we could simply sit on a bench in the park, and who knows what else we could do together...

I would be happy to do all this together with you, instead of again be lonely without you Michael.

I shall search for the printer and to print your picture to have you always with me:)))

I shall try to write again as soon as I shall find a computer in Poland.

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 (My Reply to Email #14)

Hello Anastasiya.

I certainly hope that your trip goes well, and that you have met up with your aunt. I can understand you being nervous, but it sounds like you are doing a good thing for her.

I have been working extra shifts this week because of the holiday season. I am anxious for January to come so I will have more time to spend on hobbies and leisure. At least I hope that I will have more time to do things other than work.

Please, tell me about your adventure! Let me feel like I am there with you exploring a new city filled with new adventures!!

mikel

Tue, 1 Jan 2008. (Email from ASY. Email #15)

Hi my Michael!

My flight to Poland was safely. It a really beautiful country. Everything seems to be so interesting and unusual. Most probably, that’s how all first-time travelers feel.

The meeting with my aunt was unforgettable. I was so happy to see my close relatives for the very first time in my life. My aunt is a really joyful and kind old lady. She was very hospitable towards me. If only you could know how happy I was to meet her. Poles are really hospitable and kind. We spend a long time talking with my aunt - she doesn’t know English really good but we understood each other well anyways. My aunt is old - she doesn’t look too good these days. She has troubles walking and has some problems with

her heart - nevertheless she seems to be really joyful. Why I tell to you it?

I feel, we become very good friends and I really enjoy our friendship. I aspire to learn you more and I dare to hope that you too. I do not know, whether is correct I do, but you are truly the type of man I would love to meet once. Probably I hurry events???????

You know what came into my mind… I could also spend a week or two with you. I’m having a vacation, so I will have a couple of weeks to spend more after my visit is over. Would you like to meet me then? I might be able to come to you straight from Poland. It will save my money and time. What do you think about it? Are you ready to meet me? I asked once again, to make sure on 100 percent. I think it the only way we will know if we have true chemistry is if we spend some time together. It would give us a chance to know one another much better.

I think after out meeting, we would together understand if those things which are important for us or not! It is possible to answer those questions only if we will be face to face. Without a meeting we will not find out if we are created for each other or not. Without a meeting we will not find out if ours cultural distinctions are obstacle or on the contrary - a thing recovering life and bringing into a life a variety and aspiration to learn each other in all beauty of our various cultures!

I always want to think that I the courageous woman, but I feel that actually it is not so. I am ready to give my life for the sake of person who are close and dear for me, I am ready to donate my well-being for the sake of well-being of other person but when I think of myself, I often become timid and all my boldness disperses like the fire's smoke. I am often afraid to make something, to take some step simply because of fear that it will be an incorrect step. I am often afraid to ask people about anything simply because of fear to get the negative answer.

In any event I am so happy that I have in my life such a man as you Michael! Thank you that you are in my life! Thoughts about our meeting give me force and energy! I am sure that everything will be perfectly!

I would like to wish you and your family and friends a very Happy New Year. I will wait your letter! Please, write me because I need your letters and support more than ever!

Wed, 2 Jan 2008. (My reply to Email #15)

Hello Asy.

I am most pleased to hear that the meeting with your Aunt goes well. That is fantastic! I can only imagine how nerve racking and frightening it must be to submit yourself, completely and blindly, to a set of circumstances that are well beyond your control! I am really proud of you for making this trip. It is so incredible that you decided, at the drop of a hat, to take a vacation from your work and travel to a country you have NEVER been to before to visit with a family member that you have NEVER met face to face! Your courage and bravery is not only an inspiration to me, but I feel it is legendary!

How long is your vacation? How much time have you taken off from work? Obviously as an Irish citizen you would not need to worry about a Visa, but can you afford airfare to the US? I have been keeping an eye on flights to Ireland, and did some looking for flights from Poland to the US, and it is not cheap! I don't mean to offend you, but are you sure you could afford such a trip right now?

mikel

Thu, 3 Jan 2008. (Email from ASY. Email #16)

I would be overjoyed to receive yours and the letter, and to know that you glad see me in person. That would be incredible. See each other face to face and spend time together. You always know the right things to say, and you are a very interesting person to communicate with. You make me smile deep in my heart and soul.

Michael I want to tell that you are very beautiful for me. I mean, I find that you are not only attractive as a man, I also speak of the beauty that is within you, beauty of your internal world, and alas, this particular type of beauty is very special and rare. Most men have only appearances, but not have beauty inside, and this is where true beauty is. This, is that for me is the most important and significant in all limits of my character, my soul and my consciousness.

Michael have changed me absolutely! I began often to get my hairbrush and to correct my hairstyle! (Smile). I began often to immerse into the world of fantasies so, that sometimes I at all don't hear someone talks to me or asks me about something! (Smile). It is so amusingly, pleasantly and unusually! Every minute of my day I think of you and about our meeting. I so want to put my head onto your knees and to feel your warm hand on my face. For the sake of it I am ready to give off all my forces! I hope you dream and think of me as often as I think of you! (Smile). Tell me that you are dreaming to embrace me at the airport! (Smile)

Write to me 2 or 3 airports close to you for a correct choice, which should I be flying to? Also write in what states and city to be airport. It probably has to be a big international airport. I shall arrive to you at once as soon as I shall settle all things here.

I have flexible the schedule of a vacation, I the trainer. I can cancel my occupations with groups, change time of occupations. I only shall lose money. This much comfortable, not so whether?

I’m sorry but I have to finish the letter now - I gotta go to the pharmacy to buy meds for my aunt.

Thu, 3 Jan 2008. (My reply to Email #16.)

Paragraph in Italics was cut and paste from the script of the Russian Date Scam.

Greetings Asy.

How did purchasing Meds for your Aunt go? I hope that things are going well for you. You certainly sound as though you have adjusted to a brand new city and country with no problems what so ever. Good for you! I suspected, as we spoke more and more via email, that you were the kind of person who had a flexibility of the soul!

Many people fall victim to the classic blunder of getting caught up in the image of something that they construct inside their head. They invest emotionally and mentally into a constructed picture that actually has NO bearing on the true reality. Somehow I suspected that you were the kind of person who would be able to adapt to situations as they truly are!

Every single day makes me want to see you in person. I miss you so much that my patience is on a limit! I'm dreaming of our meeting as sleep! I found that all my thoughts are of you and no more else. I have always dreamed of finding someone really special who would come into my life wholly and uniquely, someone who understands me, someone to share my thoughts and dreams. I have finally found that person. It is so overwhelming the effect of your presence on my soul. You are like no other. Your heart is connected to mine and no one can change that. I love that feeling you give me. If we fated to become single whole, I believe that it will be. I can't wait for you to fill that void in my soul that has been empty for so long. I can't wait for the time of our meeting in reality. that's will be the most wonderful and happiest moment of my life at this world!!! I dream of meeting you. I’m starting to think that my heart will jump out of my chest when I see you! I’m afraid that I can swoon. But I hope that you will catch me before I fall… (LOL) I can’t stop dreaming of our first meet together.

Here are some close cities with corresponding international airports. Probably Chicago is going to be the cheapest option.

-Detroit, Michigan. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne

County(DTW)

-Chicago, Illinois. Chicago O'hare International

(ORD)

-Grand Rapids, Michigan. Gerald R. Ford International

Airport (GFIA)

Many hugs and kisses my Asy.

mikel

Fri, 4 Jan 2008. (Email from ASY. Email #17)

Hi my Michael!

I went to buy a ticket today, I looked flight at January, 10. Cost of the cheapest ticket 975,57 American dollars. But I faced a problem. I have only 315 euros cash, the rest of money is on my Check-book. On my check-book about 5600 euros. But Polish banks don’t service my a banker's checks. I cannot cash a check here. My check is not accepted at the airport as well. I can’t buy a ticket with no cash and come to you. I was confused and upset about banking system in Poland. I have money on my check-book but I cannot exchange my checks for cash anywhere in Poland. I’ve never had much cash with me, I’ve always paid with my check. But Poland is old-fashioned country in this sphere. People don’t use banker's checks here only cash. It’s like Stone Age!!!

I asked the help my aunt, but my aunt has no so much money, she lives on pension, and spends all for medicines. I asked the help my friends in Ireland, they also have no this amount of money. Most of my friends are only paid once a month, but all them money is gone. I did not find anyone that could loan me the money here.

Therefore I want to ask the help you. I know your country is a developed country and Banker's checks are easily accepted throughout the country. Probably you can help me in this situation? You can borrow to me of money for some days? I will give all your money back as soon as I come to you. I need 430 dollars. If you have this money and if you want us to meet, borrow to me of money. I don’t ask you to give me money on always, I ask you to lend it to me for some time. I can freely receive cash from my checks, in your country.

As soon as I come to you, I will give you everything to the last cent. I hope for your understanding and help. I very much want our meeting. If you have such desire please help me, our meeting now in your hands. I have the extremely unpleasant feeling to ask your help. But I cannot simply refuse our meeting because all my money in checks, but I have no cash. Silly situation, I have money but I can not receive my cash here. I understand that for you it is too big sum to lend me. You are not obliged to help me. However I hope you can borrow to me of money. I will give you back all your money at our meeting.

You can help me, you can borrow to me 430 dollars? If you have no money, I shall understand. But it will be very a pity to me that our meeting will not take place in the near future. I never knew, that the damned money can stop me in achievement of the desirable purpose. Trust me I do not want money to get in the way of or our relationship. I do want to be with you and don't take it wrong. Money should not influence our relationship and a meeting.

I was only trying to let you know what is happening to me at the event I came.

My deepest apologies again. Looking forward to any hearing from you.

Yours Asy.

Fri, 4 Jan 2008. (My reply to Email #18)

Oh Asy.

Please don't be sorry. After all, it is not your fault. It is entirely beyond your control.

To be honest $430 is a lot of money to me, and I will have to see what I can do. Perhaps I could borrow some money from my parents. If I can get the money together, how would I send it to you?

mikel

Sat, 5 Jan 2008. (Email from ASY. Email #19)

Hello.

My dear I again was at the airport and looked flights up to you. Now New year Holidays, many tourists fly to the different countries for a holiday and relatives. It is very difficult to buy the ticket somewhere, the prices for tickets also grow. I already spoke you that my aunt lives on border with former the Soviet union. I also looked flights from the Soviet airport. The Soviet airport to be closer to me, also the prices for the air ticket are lower than in Euro Union. I still need in 430-450 dollars, it depends when you will send money. Now NEW YEAR Holidays cost of tickets is more expensive also tickets come to an end. Now the best variant for me to fly from Russian airport. I found out as you can send me of money. An easy and fast way to use " western union ". The agent western union to be in Russian airport. You can send money under this information: Anastasiya Krasnoweikina (my full name), Russia (country). As soon as I shall receive money and shall buy the ticket, I shall write to you full details of flight, I still hope to have the ticket for January, 10 if all tickets are not bought up. It depends, as soon you will send money.

To get the money, I should know:

1 your full name

2 your full address

3 exact amount money

4 confidential numbers (Money Transfer Control Number), which will be given to you, when you send the money. Without this information, I shall be not capable to receive money.

Write to me this information as soon as possible.

Kiss, yours Asy.

Sun, 6 Jan 2008. (My reply to Email #20)

Hello Anastasiya.

I am very sorry to say that I do not have the money yet. I am still waiting to talk to some friends and see what they have to say. It distresses me a great deal that the price of the tickets is going up. I don't suppose there is any point sending the money if there is not enough there for you to buy a ticket. Again, I am very sorry. I am trying.

A piece of good news is that my sister was telling me that she had thousands of frequent flyer miles saved up. Maybe you could use those?

What is the airport in Russia? Is it difficult crossing the border from Poland into Russia?

mikel

Tue, 8 Jan 2008. (Email From ASY. Email #21)

Michael every single day makes me wanna see you in the person.

I miss you so much that my patience is on a limit! I'm dreaming of our meeting as sleep! I found that all my thoughts are of you and no more else. I have always dreamed of finding someone really special who would come into my life wholly and uniquely, someone who understands me, someone to share my thoughts and dreams. I have finally found that person. It is so overwhelming the effect of your presence on my soul. You are like no other. Your heart is connected to mine and no one can change that. I love that feeling you give me.

If we fated to become single whole, I believe that it will be. I can't wait for you to fill that void in my soul that has been empty for so long. I can't wait for the time of our meeting in reality. That's will be the most wonderful and happiest moment of my life at this world!!!

The airport in Russia in the city of Kaliningrad, not a problem crossing the border from Poland into Russia, I not the terrorist, I the tourist:)) I understand your situation of money, I shall wait from you for news, I shall search for a way to arrive to you also.

Many hugs and kisses my Michael.

Tue, 8 Jan 2008. (My Reply to Email #21)

Greetings Asy.

I have been so frantic the last two days trying to get together enough money to send to you so that we could have the chance to see one another. For some time now I have been trying to make a successful living working freelance on film and video jobs. I do okay, but my parents do not approve of this artistic lifestyle. My father, in particular, has been trying to persuade me for some time to give up movie making. He wants me to work in a respectable job. Well, they have offered to loan me the money that I would need to fly you over here if I stop working freelance production. I am having a lot of trouble reaching a decision. On the one hand I really love my work, and what I do. On the other hand if I give all of that up I would have the chance to see you face to face.

What should I do?

mikel

Thu, 10 Jan 2008. (Email From ASY. Email #22)

Hello.

I did not understand your letter, you can help me with the ticket? You can borrow to me of money? If you any more have no money, I should search money somewhere. But I already searched money everywhere, unsuccessfully. I only should know it. I wait your answer.

Asy

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 (My Reply to Email #22)

Hello.

I apologize for my last email. It is probably all for the best that it was not clear to you. Probably meant to be. Like a sign.

My Father did offer me the money we would need to see one another. I told him no. Your email, and a few other factors helped delay my answer long enough for my sister to propose a brilliant plan.

She has 12,000+ frequent flier miles from work. I wanted to give them to you, but I cannot because you are not family. She can give them to me! I can fly to see you!! Won't that be wonderful? What city should I fly into? And when?

mischa

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:09:31. (Email From ASY. Email #23)

Hello.

If you want to arrive to me to Poland, I meet you here. Arrive to me as soon as possible. My aunt lives in city Elblag, but probably you should fly to Warsaw. Or any other big city where is the international airport.

Asy

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:35:51 (My Reply to Email #23)

Hello Asy.

I am so excited that it is alright for me to come to visit you!! I have never been to Poland, and I cannot wait to see the country and your smiling face.

Please, tell me how long you plan to stay in Poland with your Aunt. You have already been there for more than two weeks, right? How much longer are you staying? I worry about how quickly I will be able to get time off work, and arrange my travel plans. I work tonight, and I will speak with my employer about arranging time off. Hopefully we truly are meant to see each other face to face. The honest things I yearn to say to you in person!

mischa

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:14:34. (Email From ASY. Email #24)

Hello.

I do not know how long I shall be in Poland. I already explained you, I have no money for the ticket to you or to come back home. When you can arrive to me?

Asy

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 13:10:46. (My Reply to Email #24)

Hello Asy.

Sorry my reply was so slow coming. I asked for time off from work, but the earliest I can take more than two days off in a row will be late February/ early March.

I have been reconsidering the offer my Father made me to get the money. I don't really want to stop working in the film/video production industry, but I don't want to miss out on the chance to see you. I know that being with one another in person will be eye opening in ways that neither one of us can truly predict. That is something I am quite excited about.

My roommate's girlfriend works at a bank, and she was telling me about direct transfers. If I get the money, I may go down and talk to her manager on Monday.

I hope that you and your Aunt are well!

-m.

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:31:07. (My Second Reply to Email #24)

Hello Asy. I have such great news!!

So, I went down to a National City Bank today and spoke with one of the bank managers. She was telling me that I can have money wired to you directly from your own bank account! With your full name, and the account number, I can have the bank wire you as much money as you need! Isn't that great!

You can come see me OR return to Ireland! She said that they can even wire the money directly to the Western Union at the airport. That a wire transfer is pretty much the same as an account transfer. The only stipulation is that you will need to provide identification when you pick up the money. But an ID or Passport will work fine!

Isn't that great?

-m.

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:43:06 +0300 (Email from ASY. Email 25)

Hello.

I did not understand you. As you can have money wired to me directly from Mine own bank account? I cannot do it how you can? My bank can send only my money for any account. Why you do not want to open the account or simply to send me of money through the western union?

Asy

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 09:26:01 -0800 (PST) (My Reply to Email 25)

Well,

You have money in your bank?

You cannot get money in Poland?

I can get to your money here, and send it to you in Poland.

-m.

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:03:26 +0300 (Email from ASY. Email 26)

Hello.

You cannot get to my money, only I can. I have no cash in bank, only my checks. But my bank in Ireland can exchange my checks for electronic money (not cash), and to send on any other account. From the account it is possible to receive cash. I am already tired to explain you it. I am tired from your inactivity in the help of our meeting. Why you torment me why you simply do not want to help me?

Asy

So, at this point I let her chill for a while. I was thinking about stringing it along even more, then last night (in the spirit of Saint Valentine’s Day) I decided to end it.

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 22:07:37 -0800 (PST) (My Reply to Email 26)

Okay! I am SO sorry for the delay. Please, please,

please forgive me. I know you were upset. And I feel

terrible that you should grow upset over that.

I have $500. Where should I send it?

-m.

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:16:40. (Email from ASY. Email 27)

Happy St. Valentines Day!!!

Michael will you be my valentine?

kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss for you Michael

If you have now 500 dollars, you can send money under this information:

Anastasiya Krasnoweikina (my full name), Russia (country).

To get the money, I should know:

1 your full name

2 your full address

3 exact amount money

4 confidential numbers (Money Transfer Control Number),

which will be given to you, when you send the money.

YOURS ASY.

888888__________888888_

8888888________8888888_

88888888______88888888_

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8888__8888__8888__8888_

8888___88888888___8888_

8888____888888____8888_

8888_____8888_____8888_

8888______88______8888_

8888______________8888_

8888______________8888_

88888____________88888_

88888____________88888_

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2/15/2008 1:54:01 AM. (My reply to Email 27)

Hello Anastasiya.

So, I went today to send you the $500 that I have for you. Along the way I was robbed!

I'm just making a joke! I would never actually send you $500.

I hope, for your sake, that a lot of people have already fallen for this scam, although I don't understand how that would be possible.

Your first mistake was telling me that you were Irish. You probably messed up every detail about County Cork that was possible.

If that wasn't bad enough, you cut and paste portions of your letters from the date scam script! Verbatim!? There was one email where I cut and paste the same script back, and you didn't even bat an eye. I wonder if you can actually read English.

Probably not.

That was another crazy mistake. Your English was primitive, broken and confusing, EXCEPT when you were quoting the script.

I won't lie, I actually had a good time conversing with you. It was fun. I learned a lot about myself along the way. But, I'm not sure how much further we can drag this out.

SO, in the spirit of Valentine's Day, I wanted to let you know I have reported you to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, FBI Cyber Crimes Division, the FCC, the American Embassy in Poland, and the Polish Embassy here in the USA. I have actually mailed certified letters to both embassies with copies of all of our emails. And all the information I know about you.

I figure you deserve a heads up, since you have been SO NICE TO ME!

Yours Truly,

mischa