Chet The Dog

Posts Tagged ‘DNA’

Where The Heart Is

“A one night stand,” said Colonel Bob. “But memorable – and not just because I shipped out the next day.”

“Did you see her when you got leave?” Bernie said.

Colonel Bob shook his head. “I never went back home – there wasn’t anything left there for me.”

Not going back home? I didn’t get that at all. I love home! Our place is on Mesquite Road and backs right onto the canyon. The fun we have out there, me and Bernie! I thought about canyon fun for a while and when the while was over Bernie and Colonel Bob were talking about DNA. DNA comes up in our work from time to time – we’re partners in the Little Detective Agency, me and Bernie – but what it is exactly I’ll leave to you.

DNA, Whatever That Is

DNA comes up a lot in this job, but what it is exactly, don’t ask me.

We were in Addie’s apartment in College Town, which is near the downtown towers, but very different, with lots of grass and none of the downtown shadows. Addie’s apartment was full of light. A couple of tennis racquets stood in one corner and under the couch Bernie and Addie were sitting on lay a tennis ball, no doubt about that, even though I couldn’t see it.

“The DNA results came in,” Bernie said. “The lab says we’ve got a match.”

“Meaning it’s my great grandmother’s sister Betty?” Addie said.

“They can’t say that precisely,” Bernie said. “Just that it’s a female related to you on your mother’s side.”

“But who else could it be?” Addie said.

Bernie nodded.

“So,” Addie said, “Betty was a script girl and she was killed on the Greed shoot and no one was punished?”

“That’s it,” Bernie said.

Addie was quiet for a while. Bernie just sat there. Me, too, although I wanted to root around under the couch for that tennis ball pretty bad. Finally she said, “Should I be crying? It was so long ago.”

Bernie nodded. Then he opened up the film can with the Martin Ramirez painting inside, took out the painting – that strange picture of trains and tunnels – and said, “Can’t think of anyone else who should end up with this.”

He handed her the painting. Addie cried then, but not much.

Canada?

Still in Vancouver. Lots of rain here, so strange to me. My pal Rosie and I have been playing outside. Mud all over me! Actually feels pretty good. 

Canada is different, Bernie says, but he can’t put his finger on it. That’s an expression humans use. I think I understand it. Once a little snake was slithering across our yard and I put my paw on it. Anyway, Bernie says if anyone can explain about how Canadians are different, please write in.

Still waiting on the DNA.

Boys of Summer – Adieu For Now

“Well,” Bernie says, “fourteen weeks till pitchers and catchers.” That means baseball is over for another year. Bernie’s always a bit sad for a day or so after that happens. We don’t actually go to any games or watch on TV, but we listen on the radio a lot. The sound of baseball while we’re driving is nice – love Vin Scully’s voice – although I couldn’t tell you what’s going on. That’s all right. Bernie says lots of Americans don’t really understand what’s going on, and hardly anyone understands completely, even the professional players, managers and umpires. “Let’s start with the balk rule,” he says. “Who can explain all the ways to balk?” Beats me.

Bernie’s reading a book about umpires called “As They See ‘Em,” and says it’s real good. Bernie pitched for Army till his arm blew out, but his arm still looks pretty strong to me.

Still waiting for DNA results.