HERON BABY ISLAND

Robert H. Cherny

Authors Forward: This novel has been prepared in two formats. photographs. The second format is straight text. The PDF is rich with full color

Even the PDF format leaves something to be desired in terms of the quality of the photographs. The original un-cropped high resolution JPG images are available either printed or on a compact disc from bbphotoworks.etsy.com. I hope that in whichever format you choose to read this book that you enjoy it. Bob Cherny

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HERON BABY ISLAND

Robert H. Cherny

CHAPTER ONE
OWW! NATALIE, watch where youre walking! Stu Greene! What are you doing hiding behind that bush! Did I step on your foot? Yes, will you be quiet? Stu looked up. Natalie Marshall was one of the prettiest and sought after girls in school. Girls at her social level didnt usually talk to guys at his. Still, at the risk of offending her, he had other things on his mind. That black bird in that tree looking at us is a snail kite. There arent many of them around here. Theyre mostly in South Florida, and dont often get this far north into Central Florida. Its a significant sighting. Are you taking his portrait for the yearbook? Natalie asked sarcastically. Ignoring her tone, Stu replied, If I can get close enough. Don't scare him away. Sorry, I was texting my mom to tell her I would be late from school, Natalie whispered. I didnt mean to step on your foot. Its not like its such a long walk. Cant she wait until you get there? Stu asked snidely. No, she huffed. Oh, look, he tipped his head. Natalie tipped her head as she made eye contact with the bird. What does that mean? Stu glanced at her long enough to smile. Hes thinking. He hasn't figured us out. Stu lifted the camera to his eye and braced the long lens with one hand and his elbow on his bent knee. The camera clicked three times. Page 2

HERON BABY ISLAND Did you get him? Can I look? Natalie asked breathlessly. In a minute. He's moving his wings, Natalie said. Oh, he pooped! He's going to fly. Back up! Why?

Robert H. Cherny

The bird hopped up, stepped off the branch, and spread its wings. Stu stood and tracked it with his camera, clicking off a frame every second or so. He stepped back and stepped on Natalie's foot. She squealed, and the bird flew away. Sorry, I didn't mean to scare it. Natalie said. It's okay. We can look at the pictures now. Stu smiled proudly. He held the camera so Natalie could look in the display. Wow, you got so close. You can see the feathers on his head. Natalie frowned. He looks mean. But hes not mean, Stu smiled. He's a snail kite. Snail kites are only mean to snails. Thats all they eat. Thats why you dont see them this far north. They go where the food is. Oh, look, you got one with his wings spread all the way out. I can see the color under his wings. How pretty. How did you do that? I caught the light. If he turned the other way, we would have seen shadow. Its luck. It's not all luck. You were waiting for him. I scared him away. Im sorry, Natalie said. He's been in that tree every day after school for a week. There must be snails in the schools retention pond. And you come every day to take his picture? Natalie asked in disbelief. Will you come back tomorrow? I got the picture I wanted, Stu said proudly.See, this one showing the coloration under his wings. I bet Mr. Daniels I could get the picture. What did you bet him? Natalie asked. If I got the shot, I wouldnt have to cover the dance club show next week. Somebody has to shoot it for the yearbook. Not me. Samantha likes that stuff. Shed enjoy it, Stu assured her. Natalie paused and then said, Ive seen Samanthas pictures posted next to yours in the art room. I like yours better. Samantha does nice stuff. I dont like most of her work, but that doesnt mean its bad. Page 3

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Stu paused as he thought about Samanthas pictures. She works hard. Sometimes I think she works too hard. Its not that tough. For you maybe, Natalie argued. With digital cameras, its not as difficult as it used to be with film, Stu replied. But you still have to know what youre doing. Stu shrugged. A little. Mostly its keeping your eyes open. The snail kite passed overhead, and Stu tracked it, squeezing off a dozen shots. Wow, did you get any good ones? Natalie asked. No, sun was in my eyes, theyre just silhouettes. Can I see anyway? Sure. Stu ran through the pictures he had just taken. Natalie pointed at the cameras display. I like this one with his wings dark against the light clouds. Would you print me a copy? Yeah, sure. Really, you like that one? Yeah, its kind of dramatic, Natalie affirmed. Sure, Ill print it for you. Thanks. Hey, we need to go or your mother will be mad because you're late. Stu picked up his camera bag and backpack. Natalie lived a quarter mile away from Stu. Even though the subdivisions backed up to each other, the one Natalie lived in was newer and much nicer than the one where Stu lived. Stu walked by her house on his way to school cutting through her subdivision. Stu did not want to get between Natalie and her mother. He had met her mother and was wary of her. Doesn't your mother wonder why youre late? Natalie asked out of curiosity. She knows about the snail kite. Shell want to see the pictures blown up. Do you take a lot of bird pictures? Some, Stu said quietly. After we stop at my house, can I come over and look at your pictures? Sure, Stu answered in surprise. Having someone of Natalies social standing ask to come to his house was a shock. Natalies mother was standing by the front door. Youre late, young lady. Youre supposed to call me if youre going to be late. Page 4

HERON BABY ISLAND I sent you a text. Didnt you get it? When did you send it?

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When I left school, you know they dont let us use our phones at school. Stu stepped up in Natalies defense in spite of his aversion to facing her mother. Its my fault, Mrs. Marshall. I was taking pictures of a snail kite and I asked Natalie to stop so she wouldnt scare it. Its my fault shes late. Really? Mrs. Marshall sounded skeptical. Show me the pictures, she demanded. I can show them on the cameras little screen, but if you come over my house I can show them to you on the big screen in our living room, Stu offered. The one in the camera will be good enough, Mrs. Marshall replied tersely. Stu held the camera and showed Mrs. Marshall how to advance the pictures. When she got to the one Natalie asked Stu to print, Natalie said, Thats my favorite. You shot these today? Mrs. Marshall asked. Less than an hour ago, Stu replied. These are very nice. Mrs. Marshall peered at the little screen intently. Thank you. If you didnt mind, could Natalie come over and well look at these pictures on the big screen. Mom, may I? Is anyone home at your house? Mrs. Marshall asked suspiciously. My mother usually gets home from work before I leave school, Stu said. My sister should be there, too. Be back in time for supper, Mrs. Marshall said sternly. Yes, Mom. Thank you. Youre welcome. Stu and Natalie chatted about some of the other pictures Natalie had seen displayed at the schools art show and in the art class room as they walked. Mom, I'm home! Stu called as he opened the door. Stu, come back in the kitchen! Stu dropped his camera bag and books on the table and motioned for Natalie to follow him. Stus mother looked up hearing two sets of feet coming in her direction. Oh, hi Natalie, how are you? Fine, Mrs. Greene, thank you. Page 5

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That was an exciting game the other night. I saw you jumping up and down every time your brother scored a basket, Stus mother said. Jasons having a good year, Natalie agreed. He misses Danny. He was glad you came to the game. Well, even though Danny graduated and we no longer have a son playing on the team doesnt mean we dont still care about his former teammates. Did you see the article on Jason in Sundays sports section? Mrs. Greene asked. He has a dozen copies. Natalie chuckled and turned to Stu. Did you take the picture? Yes, he replied. How did they get it? Natalie asked. I sent it to them, Stu answered. Do you do that a lot? Natalie asked. I send them pictures and they pay me for what they use, Stu said with a shrug. Keeps him in ink and paper, and pays his monster cell phone bill, Mrs Greene said. Natalie said, Stu took pictures of a snail kite and I wanted to see them blown up. Mrs. Greene smiled. Download to the computer in the family room. Natalie, would you like something to drink? Yes, thank you. Stus mother returned with soft drinks. Stu ran through the pictures he had taken of the snail kite as well as a few he had taken earlier in the day of soccer practice. As a yearbook photographer, he always carried his camera. He took a lot of teasing over it, but he rarely minded because he always got the picture he wanted sooner or later. Stu looked to his mother for approval. She had been an art major before deciding to teach elementary school These are nice, she said, but you have better. I know you worked hard to get these, but they need serious cropping before you can use them. But I won my bet with Mr. Daniels. I dont have to shoot the dance club show, Stu said proudly. But you didnt bet with me. Your sister is in that show, and you will shoot it. But, Mom! You need the practice. Itll be good for you. Aw, Mom! Would you like to discuss this with your dad? No, Stu huffed. Ill shoot it.

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HERON BABY ISLAND Show Natalie the pictures you took at Viera. Whats Viera? Natalie asked. It's a wildlife refuge near Melbourne, Stu answered.

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How do you get there? Natalie asked. You can't ride your bike that far. Dannys college won't let freshmen have cars on campus, so I get to take his on weekends until he comes back for it. What kind of bird is that? Natalie asked. Great blue heron. Look at how big its wings are! Natalie said in awe. Stu smiled, Yeah, they're big birds. They viewed pictures Stu had taken at refuges and gardens all over Central Florida. Stu, these are awesome, Natalie said in amazement. Theyre okay. I mean when you look at some of the stuff people like Ansel Adams did, its not really that great. Stu was embarrassed with Natalies praise. Dont let him kid you. Were proud of his photography, Stus mother said. Stu, weren't you going to Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge tomorrow? Do you think Natalie might like to join you? Do you want to? Stu asked, turning to Natalie. Let me ask my mother. I have to be home for dinner soon anyway. Stu, go with Natalie and you can talk to Mrs. Marshall. Sure. Stus mother had called Natalie's mother by the time the two teenagers arrived. Natalie was clearly in no hurry to go home. They stopped every time some flitty little bird passed by and Natalie made Stu try to identify it. Mrs. Marshall said she was not entirely comfortable with the idea of Natalie spending the whole day with Stu. Mrs. Greenes call had helped some, but as little as she might like the idea, Natalie was old enough to make up her own mind. Even so, she hedged before she decided to let Natalie go. Finally, Mrs. Marshall said, Jason is in the regional basketball tournament at the university sports complex tomorrow night. We promised you would be there to cheer. Mrs. Marshall, what time is the game? Stu asked. He is scheduled to play at seven. I can bring Natalie directly to the game if you like. That will be fine. Page 7

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Stu thought for a moment and said, Natalie, the best time to catch the birds is early in the morning. The people that are really into this get up at dawn, but where I want to go there are birds all day. Still, the morning light is best. I'll see you about eight. That okay? See you then, Natalie said.

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HERON BABY ISLAND

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CHAPTER TWO
STU PULLED INTO THE MARSHALLS DRIVEWAY precisely at eight. Natalie came out wearing a big brimmed hat. She tossed a bag in the back seat. Once Natalie had closed the door, Stu teased, You'll scare the birds with that hat. Oh, sorry, I wanted to stay out of the sun. Whats in the bag? Maybe you can go to the game all sweaty and stinky, but Im not. Its a change of clothes. Stu handed her a camera. What's this for? It's my old camera. You can't take pictures without a camera. But I don't know how to use it. Natalie said confused. Turn it on with this switch. Point it out the window. Look through the view finder. Press down on the silver button under your right index finger. Now look at the screen. Does that look like what you saw in the view finder? Yes, Natalie said brightly. You know how to use the camera. Stu pulled out of the driveway. But what about all these fancy wheels and stuff? Natalie asked. Page 9

HERON BABY ISLAND

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I have it set for what we'll be doing today. When we get there I'll show you how the zoom works, and the camera will do the rest. Is your new camera better? It's faster and it shoots better pictures in darker light, but we'll be in daylight so they're about the same. Stu had decided that they would go to Viera first and then to Merritt Island. He had one specific picture he wanted and he needed the low angle of the light to get it. Normally an hour drive, the drive took a little longer because they stopped a couple of times to get out and take pictures of things that interested them along the side of the road. As they turned off the interstate to the road to the refuge, Stu said, The Viera Wildlife refuge is part of a waste water treatment facility. It will stink when we drive by the sewage treatment plant, but once we get to the wetlands, you won't notice it. They drove up the dirt access ramp to the wetlands' area perimeter road. Stu spotted a great egret lifting off from the pond. Stopping quickly, he leaned out the window and got a half dozen exposures in rapid succession. Wow, that was pretty cool, Natalie exclaimed. There's more like that up ahead. They made their way around the ponds, stopping to get out and take pictures. Stu parked in a wide part of the road and said, Theres lots of activity here. We'll stay a while. They got out of the car. Natalie had gotten the hang of using the camera and carefully sneaked up on an anhinga drying its wings in the sunlight. Natalie collected pictures of snowy egrets, great egrets, great blue herons, and tri-colored herons, but she liked the ducks the best. Stu laughed as he watched her. She made funny quacking noises at the ducks and made jokes about taking pictures of duck butts when the ducks turned their heads down to feed off the bottom. She had taken a hundred pictures when a white pickup truck rolled toward them. The driver leaned out the window. Hey, Stu, how's the shooting? Good, Mr. Trent, I got some nice shots of a kingfisher and a woodpecker. Youve been trying to catch that kingfisher for a month. You sure you got it? He stood there and posed, Stu said. I got a couple of great ones. Do you want to see them? My old eyes dont do those little bittie screens. Blow them up and bring them by. Everyone likes your work. Thank you. Care to introduce me to the young lady? Mr. Trent, this is Natalie Marshall. Shes a friend from school. He turned to her. Mr. Page 10

HERON BABY ISLAND Trent is one of the overseers for the water project.

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Glad to meet you, Natalie said, obviously relieved that they were not only not in some kind of trouble, but that Stu actually knew this man. You know, if your friend Stu here was carrying a rifle instead of a camera, there wouldn't be any birds to see, Mr. Trent said with a chuckle. It's not like that, Stu protested. I know, but theres a lot of your pictures on office walls all over the county. Mr. Trent appeared proud of Stus work. A few, Stu replied modestly. A few dozen you mean. Remember that snail kite I told you about? Stu said, trying to change the subject. Yes. I got him. Stu reached into the car and pulled out a picture. Look. Very nice. Keep it, Stu said proudly. Thanks. Did your dad not make it out of bed this morning? Stu laughed. No, he had to coach practice. The team has a big game tonight. Well, anyone who coaches middle school sports is a saint in my book. Mr Trent turned to Natalie. Stus father and I graduated from Melbourne High together. As much trouble as we got into as kids, you would never have figured hed turn out to be a teacher. From what I hear hes a good one. If anyone knows what kids can do to a teacher, its him, because we did it. Hes a nice man, Natalie agreed. Well, Miss Natalie, its nice to meet you. You been living in Florida long? My dad works for Lockheed. We moved here from Virginia four years ago for some super secret contract. Well, Miss Natalie, dont let Stu kid you. Hes real good with that camera. And I hear hes a good teacher. Good luck shooting. See you later. I need to get back to work. The truck rolled off. You know the nicest people, Natalie said softly. Its the camera. Stu shrugged. It makes friends for me. Most of the people I meet that way are nice. He hesitated and then said, Like you. Natalie paused for a second to blush. offices? Do they really have your pictures in their

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HERON BABY ISLAND

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My dad printed some and sold them to friends and some of their friends wanted copies. I don't know how many he sold, but he said it paid for my new camera. They spent the rest of the morning at Viera. Shortly before lunch time they drove toward Titusville and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. They stopped to eat at a fast food place along the way. After lunch, they stood in the restaurants parking lot and Stu said, You want to see a great place to watch a shuttle launch from? Have you come over for a launch? Yeah, my dad and I have seen a couple from here. Grab the camera and we can take pictures in the park. They walked into Spaceview Park from the restaurants parking lot. Natalie spotted a wood stork cruising by overhead and, framing it with one of the space flight monuments, grabbed a couple of pictures before Stu realized what she was shooting at. Stu looked at Natalie and at the bird. He sighted along the path she had shot and said, Nice! Well need to blow those up when we get home. You think so? If you got what I think you got, yes. We can enter it in the school art show. Is it as good as one of yours? You got the shot. I didnt. That makes it perfect. Youre just flattering me. Only a little. One time when I was here with my dad, I caught just the hint of a glow on the big Apollo monument from the sunrise. Its one of my favorite shots. Im glad you like my picture. Stu smiled. Lets go hunt some more birds. As they drove over the bridge from the mainland to the refuge, they spotted wood storks, pelicans and turkey vultures resting on the bridge rails. After they crossed the draw bridge, Stu pointed to the left. Want to hunt some ducks? As soon as Stu stopped the car, Natalie stepped out and stalked the hundred or so ducks, seagulls, terns and other birds that congregated on the sandy beach. Rather than take pictures of the birds, Stu took pictures of Natalie taking pictures of the birds. His long lens made taking candid close-ups easy. She obviously was having a great time chasing the birds around the beach trying to get them to pose for her. When she came back to the car, Natalie stepped through her pictures so Stu could see them. Can I see what you got? Stu blushed and passed her the camera. He was afraid he was being too obvious, but he had liked Natalie from the day she had moved into the neighborhood. Natalie looked at a few shots, blushed, and silently handed the camera back. Her Page 12

HERON BABY ISLAND tentative smile told Stu that he needed to back off a bit.

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They drove for a few miles, and Stu turned off the pavement onto a gravel road. This is Black Point Drive. This is the best time of year to be here. Pretty soon the water level will drop to the point that the birds cant find fish and theyll hunt elsewhere, but for now, theyre here and easy to catch. Its so peaceful, and were so close to the Space Center. I would have thought they wouldnt let us get this close. They close it on launch days. Must be loud when the shuttle goes off. Yeah, must be. When we leave well go where we can see the pad better. I think theres a shuttle out and you can see it really clearly from there. They found a wide spot in the road near a large pond and got out of the car. They did not have long to wait before something happened that made the entire trip worthwhile. A great blue heron lifted off from behind a bush, circled around them, landed at the edge of the pond, caught a fish and took off, flying into the distance. Stu and Natalie tracked it, shooting as quickly as the cameras would let them. Stu quickly scrolled back through the pictures he had just shot obviously pleased with what he had captured. Lets see what you got, Stu said. About half way through reviewing Natalies pictures, Stu said, Stop. Look at the color in his wings. Look how sharp the eye is. See the way hes kind of looking back at you? That is the shot I have been trying to get for a year and you got it. This shot is worth the whole day. Natalie smiled. I guess its luck. Some if it. Not all. This is a great shot. You got some great pictures, too. They spent the afternoon making the slow drive around Black Point Drive detouring to climb the observation towers and talking to tourists. The sun sank low enough that the angle of the light became less conducive for the types of pictures they wanted so they headed back to the main road. Rather than head out directly, they detoured to the manatee viewing platform and watched a pair of manatees slowly parade back and forth in front of the awestruck tourists trying without much success to get good pictures with their tiny disposable cameras. They stayed longer than they should have before leaving. They only got a few minutes at the turnout to take pictures of the shuttle on the pad before they had to leave if they were not going to be late. On the way out, they picked up dinner at a drive-through and headed back toward Orlando and the sports complex. As soon as they hit the main road, Natalie texted her mother to tell her that they were on Page 13

HERON BABY ISLAND their way. Why dont you call her? Stu asked. So she can yell at me?

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CHAPTER THREE
THEY HAD LITTLE TROUBLE PICKING Natalie's family out of the other spectators at the basketball arena since no one else was wearing their school colors. The games were running late and they arrived in plenty of time. Their high school had never made the regional level before and they were not expected to progress past this first game, but that did not dampen either the team's or the fans' spirits. When the game started, it was clear that they were over matched. The other teams players were taller and faster than their players. Still, they played as hard as they could and at the end of the first quarter, they were only eight points behind. The game became rougher in the second quarter. As Stu watched, he was sure he saw the opposing team members deliberately elbow and kick the players from his school. In fact, he became certain that one particular guard targeted Jason. The referee did not seem to notice the abuse their players were taking, but he was quick to call a foul on anything they did wrong. Stu pulled his camera out of the bag at his feet. He was glad he had his new camera. When he covered games for the yearbook or for the newspaper, he took his old camera, fearing it might get damaged by something or someone flying out-of-bounds. He would rather take the risk with his old camera than his new one. Tonight, he suspected that if he was to get the picture he needed, the faster camera would be required. Stu handed his old camera to Natalie. Keep an eye on Jason. Take lots of pictures. The ref's aren't calling the fouls like they should. Natalie looked at Stu in shock. The set of his jaw and the intensity of his expression told her he had seen this sort of thing before. He raised his camera to his eye. Stu collected one carefully composed shot after another. He had taken over two hundred pictures when a fight broke out on the floor, and Jason was in the middle of it. The referee called time-out to break it up and prepared to eject Jason from the game. Page 15

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Stu jumped up and ran to the coach. Call time-out! Look at this. He showed the coach a picture of the opposing player's fist impacting Jason's face. I need to get my computer! The coach called time. Natalie continued to take pictures of the referee and the player from the other team. It appeared as if the referee was being less than impartial. Stu returned with the computer and displayed the pictures. After looking at the images, the referee said, I don't see anything in there that should make me think your boy should not be thrown out. I do, Natalie said. They uploaded her pictures to the computer and displayed a sequence that clearly showed the ref with his arm around the player who had punched Jason. They were obviously laughing about something. Still doesn't mean anything, the referee said. We'll see what the sports editor at Channel 7 thinks, Stu said. You wouldn't dare, the opposing coach shouted in Stus face. Already did, Stu said, smiling broadly and taking a precautionary half step back. The tournament officials arrived and reviewed the pictures. They greeted Stu's assertion that he had uploaded the pictures to the television station with stony silence. They huddled for a moment before addressing the referee. You are relieved. Please leave the building. They turned to the player and said, You are evicted from the game. Please leave. Now, let's finish the game. Jasons team still lost, but at least the replacement referees gave them half a chance. As Stu, Natalie, and her family exited the arena, Stu said, Take the camera and open the flash. When we get outside, point it at the first thing you see and pop off a picture. Why? We want them to think were taking their pictures to upload to the television station. Did you really upload those pictures? Not then, didn't have time, but I did during halftime. I tethered my laptop to my cell phone and sent in the pictures. Isnt that expensive? Yes, but if I want my pictures used, I have to get them in fast. For sports photos I dont have time to get home and upload if I want to make the nightly sports wrap-up. So, you bluffed them, Natalie said. Yes. Natalie laughed. Just like we're bluffing them now. Yes, cause if we dont, were going to get the crap beat out of us. Page 16

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Natalie heard the firm tone of the voice of experience in Stus comment. The facial expressions of the other team were hostile as Stu and Natalie took frame after frame. They did not relax until they reached their cars and were out of the parking lot. Monday morning, the story was all over school. At the end of second period, the schools principal called Stu and Natalie to his office. The coach was there. Have a seat. Principal Underhill glared at Stu. Stu Greene, why cant you be more like your brother? He was never any trouble. Channel 7 Sports called this morning asking permission to run the story from Saturday night. I understand you had something to do with that, young man. Yes, sir, we did, Stu replied with as much humility as he could muster. I did not give them permission, and neither should you. I don't condone the other team's behavior, but I do not believe in trial by the media. I know you like that sort of thing, but I dont. There are proper ways to punish wrong doers and plastering the pictures of juveniles in the media is not it. Principal Underhill was not known for passionate outbursts, but clearly the activities of the other night had upset him. Yes, sir, Stu said cautiously. However, Principal Underhill said as he regained his composure, I understand you got some great pictures. I would like to see them later. Principal Underhill reached back to his credenza and pulled out a video camera. I suspect you know how to use this. Stu looked at Natalie. Yes, sir, I do. Good. Effective immediately, you will go with the team and shoot all the games with this camera and any others you care to bring with you. You are the official team photographers. But sir, I don't have a way to get there. I am sure we can find room for you on the team bus. Room for both of you. After they left the Principals office Natalie asked, What did he mean when he said that you like that sort of thing? Its not the first time my photos exposed a cheater, Stu said. You do that a lot? More than I care to.

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