Lost fic: Constant Daze 18/24
Title: Constant Daze - Part Eighteen (Charlie)
Characters: For this chapter - the whole band, Penny, Boone and Claire
Pairing/s this chapter: nothing specific mentioned, but the usual suggestions
Word Count: 2264
Rating: NC-17 overall for the whole fic. PG for this chapter
Warnings: Through-out the fic there is quite a lot of casual sex, and unsafe sex by today's standards. Please bear in mind this is set before AIDS awareness hit in the eighties, and condoms were seldom used by homosexuals at the time. Some of the attitudes expressed are not very accepting, to say the least, but these are not a reflection of my own beliefs. Note, some violence suggested in this chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't own Lost or any of the characters; I make no money from writing this, but I had an awful lot of fun making it up!
Beta: The always helpful siluria; thank you, my love!
Author’s Notes: Rock band AU written during S4 of Lost. This may go some way to explaining some of the characters' appearance and personalities. This story is set in the mid-seventies; way before cell phones and computers ruled our lives and before music was even on CDs, let alone downloadable online! Constant Daze is an up-and-coming band in a similar style to Bad Company.
This Chapter: Charlie and Desmond begin to wonder if the band has a future.
Beautiful banner made by janie_tangerine
Previous Chapters:
Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six
Part Seven | Part Eight | Part Nine | Part Ten | Part Eleven | Part Twelve
Part Thirteen | Part Fourteen | Part Fifteen | Part Sixteen | Part Seventeen
This Chapter:
I've got to kick away these blues
Got to get on my rock'n roll shoes
I'm leaving in the morning
I'm heading for the promised land
Oh baby; look out over there
'Whiskey Bottle' Bad Company
The mood of the last San Francisco concert was strange. Charlie couldn't figure it out. Jack and Sawyer's usual antagonism towards each other was even worse than usual, and Sayid and Boone were somehow involved in it too.
The music was incredible though and the gig went fantastically, including the new songs that Jack and Sawyer had brought to this tour, but the on-stage glowering and other interactions had to be seen to be believed. Off-stage was even worse.
Jack and Sawyer hadn't spoken all day, as far as Charlie could tell-which wasn't so unusual-but Jack looked dreadful and he didn't seem to be talking to Sayid or Boone either. Sayid looked as cool as ever, and although he and Sawyer were on speaking terms, a lot of it was arguing. When Charlie happened to notice them, Sayid was suggesting they play the new song they'd written together on stage tonight for the first time, but Sawyer-looking towards Jack when he replied-refused point-blank. Sayid argued some more, but Sawyer was like a brick wall, glaring at his usual collaborator with more vehemence than normal and telling Sayid in no uncertain terms that he needed to 'bide his time', although there was considerably more swearing involved than those three words.
Boone seemed pale and subdued, barely looking anyone in the eye as he flitted through the place like a lost soul. Charlie caught him gazing wistfully at Jack at one point; it was like things had gone backwards between them and he was in a worse position than when Jack had ignored him. Now, Jack flicked hurt looks in his direction occasionally, but said nothing.
In fact, the only people Jack seemed to have any words for were the girls, and by dint of association, Charlie and Desmond. At first, Charlie didn't say anything much, but at the after-party when Jack was clearly avoiding Boone and throwing daggered looks toward the other two, he and Desmond decided words might be necessary.
Between the two of them, they managed to corner Jack.
"Tell us there is going to be a band after this tour, oh beloved leader," Charlie started off, casually enough.
"What? Someone say there wasn't?"
"It's not quite like that, brother," Desmond said, "but going by the increased tension around here tonight, Charlie and me have been wondering."
Jack shook his head, flicking yet another angry look in Sawyer's direction. Charlie glanced over to see Sawyer flirting sexily with not one but three pretty girls. He was whispering into one's ear, and then turned to grin at the other two as they bounced happily in front of him. Charlie let his gaze pick out Sayid, who was chatting up another dolly bird nearby, and then looking towards Boone, was somewhat surprised to find him in Ben's company. Ben looked as smug as ever, saying something that Boone didn't seem too pleased about, as he scowled angrily in Jack's direction.
"Look," Jack said, spreading his hands placatingly, "As far as I'm concerned, everything is the same as it was. Sayid…" His voice seemed to stick on the name as he frowned in the man's direction, then recovered and went on, "Sayid's working out well as guitarist and we're all writing… We should be able to go into the studio as planned in a couple of months. Touring again… well, that can wait for a decision, but everything's cool, okay?"
"I know it's none of my business, Jack, but what's going on with Boone? One minute you're all lovey-dovey; the next he's the enemy? If we've noticed… others might too. Is it something to do with Sawyer and Sayid?"
Jack's expression went steely. "You're right, Charlie; it's none of your business. I'm not about to discuss my private life with anyone." He gave them both a hard look and strode away.
Desmond scratched his head, looking at Charlie in a bemused way. "Guess that tells us where we stand."
"Yeah," said Charlie, gulping at the drink he held. "Nothing's changed, then."
~//~
Towards the end of the after-party, when Charlie and Claire were saying their goodbyes, Charlie looked around to see who was left. Jack was sitting in a corner with Ben, frowning deeply as he listened to their manager. Sawyer had gone off about an hour earlier with two of the girls he'd been chatting up earlier. No surprises there; whatever had been going on between him and Sayid was obviously just a fling. Sayid had also left with a girl-just the one though, Charlie was almost pleased to note.
Boone had been sitting with Penny and Desmond for a while now, and Desmond caught Charlie's eye as he looked in their direction, desperation painting his deep brown eyes. Charlie rolled his eyes at the way Penny was holding Boone's hand and whispering something to him, and murmured to Claire he'd just be a moment. He made his way across the room as Desmond stood up and met him halfway.
"Oh, Christ, brother, save me?" Desmond asked. "She's gonna invite him to spend the night with us; I know it."
Charlie blinked and focused on Penny and Boone again. "Surely she's not thinking you'll-"
Desmond cut in. "No, she bloody-well isn't! It's just that he's had a falling out with Jack and doesn't want to go back to his room tonight. That's where he's staying. You know Penny… she's a sucker for him and… well, she's just offering him a place to crash for the night. But I know what'll happen; I'll spend the night on the couch and she'll be cuddled up with him in our bed, comforting him and offering advice; then there will be reconciliations in the early hours or something equally as bloody stupid. Can't you and Claire take him?"
"Not on your Nelly!" Charlie laughed, "You're not worried she'll try and convert him while you're sleeping are you?"
"No, I bloody am not! More like, if she can't convince him to go see Jack, she'll be thinking maybe we should all expand our horizons. Well, no, not really; don't think Pen'd do that. She knows I'm not interested." He glanced back at his girlfriend with furrowed brows before continuing, "But I can't imagine I'll get a lot of sleep, to be honest. I'm shattered though… and we're on the bus again tomorrow.
"Come on, at least Claire wouldn't be whispering to him all night, would she? He'll be on the couch in your room, surely?"
"We haven't got a couch," Charlie told him honestly. "Think we got the bargain room this time around." He shrugged, feeling for Desmond's plight but unwilling to take Boone off his hands. "Sorry, mate. Looks like you might be stuck with him unless you can get Jack to see sense. What happened with Jack, anyway? Did he say?"
Desmond shook his head. "No, it's weird. He keeps giving Sawyer and Sayid daggered looks when he's not sending moony love-darts in Jack's direction, but he won't say anything about it."
Charlie rolled his eyes and gave Jack a curious look. He was still deep in conversation with Ben, although his eyes strayed to Boone as Charlie watched. But Charlie could see Claire gesturing at him and he knew it was time he took his leave.
"I don't think I want to know," he decided, "especially if it involves Sawyer and Sayid. Anyway, mate, good luck with the room-mate, and I'll see you on the bus tomorrow."
"Thanks, mate," Desmond said, with about as much cheer as a wet dishrag.
~//~
The next morning didn't seem to have changed matters much. Charlie and Claire arrived at the bus shortly before it was due to leave. Desmond plodded out looking exhausted some minutes later, with Penny and Boone following together shortly thereafter. Des lit up a cigarette as soon as he cleared the building, inhaling deeply and closing his eyes in pleasure. Charlie grinned and waited for Desmond to join them.
Claire said hello to Des and gave Charlie a kiss before wandering over to talk to Boone and Penny. Desmond leaned against the bus next to Charlie and heaved out a sigh.
"You look tired, mate. You can crash on the bus at least. Did Boone tell her anything?"
"Buggered if I know, brother. I tuned out early on, but still didn't sleep much."
Before much longer, Sawyer appeared, and he and Charlie got into a discussion about the songs Charlie had been working on while Des closed his eyes where he stood. When Sayid came out a while later, Sawyer stiffened slightly, but carried on the conversation with Charlie. Sayid flicked a cool look at Sawyer without speaking and moved to where Boone and the girls were.
There was some kind of disagreement going on there, which Charlie didn't want to get involved in, but Sayid obviously wasn't as reluctant. Sawyer turned to watch too as Sayid's words carried across the space between the two groups.
"We're on our way back to LA now and it really does seem pointless-not to mention more expensive-for you to find a separate way to get there now. I have no objections to you being on the bus, especially since you were invited..." He directed the last sentence towards Jack who was just arriving. "I doubt anyone else will mind either. Am I right, ladies?" He managed what Charlie thought seemed like a genuine smile, although Jack's frown was anything but friendly.
Sawyer, next to him, was frowning too, and let out a low curse before stalking off around the corner of the building. Sayid glanced at him as he left but no one said anything about it. The girls were all agreeing with Sayid and trying to get Jack to confirm how welcome Boone still was.
"Look," Jack said, holding his hands out placatingly as he focused on anyone but Boone. "I... I asked Boone to come along and if everyone wants him on the bus, he should be on it. Just because we have... an issue... doesn't mean he shouldn't go the rest of the way. I know I'm not the only reason he's been on tour with us, anyway."
At that, Jack gave Boone an incredibly hurt look, before turning away, blinking hard. He headed in the same direction Sawyer had gone. Boone looked about ready to cry too, Charlie thought, his cheeks flushing pinkly and his long dark lashes making him look prettier than ever.
"Okay," he murmured to Penny, and Charlie stopped watching at that point as a loud argument erupted around the corner.
Desmond's eyes burst open and he and Charlie exchanged a look before taking off in the direction of Sawyer and Jack's raised voices.
"I didn't ask him to get onto the damned bed! He was there when I walked into the room; ask Sayid!" Sawyer shouted, shoving Jack.
"You didn't exactly walk away though, did you? Just have to ruin things for me, every chance you get, don't you? Why? Why can't you just let me have something good for once?" Jack pushed Sawyer back as Charlie and Des ran forward to try and split them up.
"We coulda..." Sawyer started, but stopped, shaking his head and glaring at Jack as Charlie and Des held them apart. "Let go," he growled at Charlie, shaking him off and stalking away.
Charlie frowned, unsure what that was all about. He watched with a confused expression as Sawyer disappeared. Boone appeared, rounding Sawyer carefully and looking at Jack in something akin to terror. "Jack..." he breathed, "Please?"
Penny was right behind him, and she scowled at Jack angrily. "I don't care what you think he did, Jack Shephard. You could at least listen to his side of things before you give him the cold shoulder. Before you say anything," she said, holding up a hand and not letting him interrupt, "he hasn't told me anything. Whatever the problem is, it's between you two, but if you won't even talk to him, how can you work it out?" She stood there with hands on hips and glared at Jack, as if daring him to argue.
Boone, for his part, looked extremely embarrassed, but he gave Jack a hopeful look as Charlie and Desmond stood warily by. Claire was back by the corner of the building, trying to see what was happening without looking too obvious, but Charlie couldn't see Sayid anywhere and briefly wondered where he'd gone.
"Come on, boys," Pen ordered, "Time we left these two alone. Des!" She practically yelled Desmond's name and he jumped, snapping to attention and quickly making his way back to the bus with her.
Charlie brought up the rear, collecting Claire on the way and exchanging confused looks with her. Despite himself, he was dying to know what the hell had happened the other night now. As they rounded the corner, it was hard to resist, but somehow he managed not to look back over his shoulder to see what was happening with Boone and Jack.
A quick glance towards the bus confirmed that Sayid had already staked a place on his own near the back, but his face was turned away so it was impossible to judge his mood. Sawyer was nowhere to be seen though, and Charlie couldn't help but wonder what on earth would happen next.
Despite the raw energy that took the band so high on stage, after seeing this latest drama begin to unfold, Charlie began to doubt whether Jack's assurances earlier were actually worth anything.
~//~//~
Part Nineteen
Wall Street Journal
Characters: For this chapter - the whole band, Penny, Boone and Claire
Pairing/s this chapter: nothing specific mentioned, but the usual suggestions
Word Count: 2264
Rating: NC-17 overall for the whole fic. PG for this chapter
Warnings: Through-out the fic there is quite a lot of casual sex, and unsafe sex by today's standards. Please bear in mind this is set before AIDS awareness hit in the eighties, and condoms were seldom used by homosexuals at the time. Some of the attitudes expressed are not very accepting, to say the least, but these are not a reflection of my own beliefs. Note, some violence suggested in this chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't own Lost or any of the characters; I make no money from writing this, but I had an awful lot of fun making it up!
Beta: The always helpful siluria; thank you, my love!
Author’s Notes: Rock band AU written during S4 of Lost. This may go some way to explaining some of the characters' appearance and personalities. This story is set in the mid-seventies; way before cell phones and computers ruled our lives and before music was even on CDs, let alone downloadable online! Constant Daze is an up-and-coming band in a similar style to Bad Company.
This Chapter: Charlie and Desmond begin to wonder if the band has a future.
Beautiful banner made by janie_tangerine
Previous Chapters:
Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six
Part Seven | Part Eight | Part Nine | Part Ten | Part Eleven | Part Twelve
Part Thirteen | Part Fourteen | Part Fifteen | Part Sixteen | Part Seventeen
This Chapter:
I've got to kick away these blues
Got to get on my rock'n roll shoes
I'm leaving in the morning
I'm heading for the promised land
Oh baby; look out over there
'Whiskey Bottle' Bad Company
The mood of the last San Francisco concert was strange. Charlie couldn't figure it out. Jack and Sawyer's usual antagonism towards each other was even worse than usual, and Sayid and Boone were somehow involved in it too.
The music was incredible though and the gig went fantastically, including the new songs that Jack and Sawyer had brought to this tour, but the on-stage glowering and other interactions had to be seen to be believed. Off-stage was even worse.
Jack and Sawyer hadn't spoken all day, as far as Charlie could tell-which wasn't so unusual-but Jack looked dreadful and he didn't seem to be talking to Sayid or Boone either. Sayid looked as cool as ever, and although he and Sawyer were on speaking terms, a lot of it was arguing. When Charlie happened to notice them, Sayid was suggesting they play the new song they'd written together on stage tonight for the first time, but Sawyer-looking towards Jack when he replied-refused point-blank. Sayid argued some more, but Sawyer was like a brick wall, glaring at his usual collaborator with more vehemence than normal and telling Sayid in no uncertain terms that he needed to 'bide his time', although there was considerably more swearing involved than those three words.
Boone seemed pale and subdued, barely looking anyone in the eye as he flitted through the place like a lost soul. Charlie caught him gazing wistfully at Jack at one point; it was like things had gone backwards between them and he was in a worse position than when Jack had ignored him. Now, Jack flicked hurt looks in his direction occasionally, but said nothing.
In fact, the only people Jack seemed to have any words for were the girls, and by dint of association, Charlie and Desmond. At first, Charlie didn't say anything much, but at the after-party when Jack was clearly avoiding Boone and throwing daggered looks toward the other two, he and Desmond decided words might be necessary.
Between the two of them, they managed to corner Jack.
"Tell us there is going to be a band after this tour, oh beloved leader," Charlie started off, casually enough.
"What? Someone say there wasn't?"
"It's not quite like that, brother," Desmond said, "but going by the increased tension around here tonight, Charlie and me have been wondering."
Jack shook his head, flicking yet another angry look in Sawyer's direction. Charlie glanced over to see Sawyer flirting sexily with not one but three pretty girls. He was whispering into one's ear, and then turned to grin at the other two as they bounced happily in front of him. Charlie let his gaze pick out Sayid, who was chatting up another dolly bird nearby, and then looking towards Boone, was somewhat surprised to find him in Ben's company. Ben looked as smug as ever, saying something that Boone didn't seem too pleased about, as he scowled angrily in Jack's direction.
"Look," Jack said, spreading his hands placatingly, "As far as I'm concerned, everything is the same as it was. Sayid…" His voice seemed to stick on the name as he frowned in the man's direction, then recovered and went on, "Sayid's working out well as guitarist and we're all writing… We should be able to go into the studio as planned in a couple of months. Touring again… well, that can wait for a decision, but everything's cool, okay?"
"I know it's none of my business, Jack, but what's going on with Boone? One minute you're all lovey-dovey; the next he's the enemy? If we've noticed… others might too. Is it something to do with Sawyer and Sayid?"
Jack's expression went steely. "You're right, Charlie; it's none of your business. I'm not about to discuss my private life with anyone." He gave them both a hard look and strode away.
Desmond scratched his head, looking at Charlie in a bemused way. "Guess that tells us where we stand."
"Yeah," said Charlie, gulping at the drink he held. "Nothing's changed, then."
~//~
Towards the end of the after-party, when Charlie and Claire were saying their goodbyes, Charlie looked around to see who was left. Jack was sitting in a corner with Ben, frowning deeply as he listened to their manager. Sawyer had gone off about an hour earlier with two of the girls he'd been chatting up earlier. No surprises there; whatever had been going on between him and Sayid was obviously just a fling. Sayid had also left with a girl-just the one though, Charlie was almost pleased to note.
Boone had been sitting with Penny and Desmond for a while now, and Desmond caught Charlie's eye as he looked in their direction, desperation painting his deep brown eyes. Charlie rolled his eyes at the way Penny was holding Boone's hand and whispering something to him, and murmured to Claire he'd just be a moment. He made his way across the room as Desmond stood up and met him halfway.
"Oh, Christ, brother, save me?" Desmond asked. "She's gonna invite him to spend the night with us; I know it."
Charlie blinked and focused on Penny and Boone again. "Surely she's not thinking you'll-"
Desmond cut in. "No, she bloody-well isn't! It's just that he's had a falling out with Jack and doesn't want to go back to his room tonight. That's where he's staying. You know Penny… she's a sucker for him and… well, she's just offering him a place to crash for the night. But I know what'll happen; I'll spend the night on the couch and she'll be cuddled up with him in our bed, comforting him and offering advice; then there will be reconciliations in the early hours or something equally as bloody stupid. Can't you and Claire take him?"
"Not on your Nelly!" Charlie laughed, "You're not worried she'll try and convert him while you're sleeping are you?"
"No, I bloody am not! More like, if she can't convince him to go see Jack, she'll be thinking maybe we should all expand our horizons. Well, no, not really; don't think Pen'd do that. She knows I'm not interested." He glanced back at his girlfriend with furrowed brows before continuing, "But I can't imagine I'll get a lot of sleep, to be honest. I'm shattered though… and we're on the bus again tomorrow.
"Come on, at least Claire wouldn't be whispering to him all night, would she? He'll be on the couch in your room, surely?"
"We haven't got a couch," Charlie told him honestly. "Think we got the bargain room this time around." He shrugged, feeling for Desmond's plight but unwilling to take Boone off his hands. "Sorry, mate. Looks like you might be stuck with him unless you can get Jack to see sense. What happened with Jack, anyway? Did he say?"
Desmond shook his head. "No, it's weird. He keeps giving Sawyer and Sayid daggered looks when he's not sending moony love-darts in Jack's direction, but he won't say anything about it."
Charlie rolled his eyes and gave Jack a curious look. He was still deep in conversation with Ben, although his eyes strayed to Boone as Charlie watched. But Charlie could see Claire gesturing at him and he knew it was time he took his leave.
"I don't think I want to know," he decided, "especially if it involves Sawyer and Sayid. Anyway, mate, good luck with the room-mate, and I'll see you on the bus tomorrow."
"Thanks, mate," Desmond said, with about as much cheer as a wet dishrag.
~//~
The next morning didn't seem to have changed matters much. Charlie and Claire arrived at the bus shortly before it was due to leave. Desmond plodded out looking exhausted some minutes later, with Penny and Boone following together shortly thereafter. Des lit up a cigarette as soon as he cleared the building, inhaling deeply and closing his eyes in pleasure. Charlie grinned and waited for Desmond to join them.
Claire said hello to Des and gave Charlie a kiss before wandering over to talk to Boone and Penny. Desmond leaned against the bus next to Charlie and heaved out a sigh.
"You look tired, mate. You can crash on the bus at least. Did Boone tell her anything?"
"Buggered if I know, brother. I tuned out early on, but still didn't sleep much."
Before much longer, Sawyer appeared, and he and Charlie got into a discussion about the songs Charlie had been working on while Des closed his eyes where he stood. When Sayid came out a while later, Sawyer stiffened slightly, but carried on the conversation with Charlie. Sayid flicked a cool look at Sawyer without speaking and moved to where Boone and the girls were.
There was some kind of disagreement going on there, which Charlie didn't want to get involved in, but Sayid obviously wasn't as reluctant. Sawyer turned to watch too as Sayid's words carried across the space between the two groups.
"We're on our way back to LA now and it really does seem pointless-not to mention more expensive-for you to find a separate way to get there now. I have no objections to you being on the bus, especially since you were invited..." He directed the last sentence towards Jack who was just arriving. "I doubt anyone else will mind either. Am I right, ladies?" He managed what Charlie thought seemed like a genuine smile, although Jack's frown was anything but friendly.
Sawyer, next to him, was frowning too, and let out a low curse before stalking off around the corner of the building. Sayid glanced at him as he left but no one said anything about it. The girls were all agreeing with Sayid and trying to get Jack to confirm how welcome Boone still was.
"Look," Jack said, holding his hands out placatingly as he focused on anyone but Boone. "I... I asked Boone to come along and if everyone wants him on the bus, he should be on it. Just because we have... an issue... doesn't mean he shouldn't go the rest of the way. I know I'm not the only reason he's been on tour with us, anyway."
At that, Jack gave Boone an incredibly hurt look, before turning away, blinking hard. He headed in the same direction Sawyer had gone. Boone looked about ready to cry too, Charlie thought, his cheeks flushing pinkly and his long dark lashes making him look prettier than ever.
"Okay," he murmured to Penny, and Charlie stopped watching at that point as a loud argument erupted around the corner.
Desmond's eyes burst open and he and Charlie exchanged a look before taking off in the direction of Sawyer and Jack's raised voices.
"I didn't ask him to get onto the damned bed! He was there when I walked into the room; ask Sayid!" Sawyer shouted, shoving Jack.
"You didn't exactly walk away though, did you? Just have to ruin things for me, every chance you get, don't you? Why? Why can't you just let me have something good for once?" Jack pushed Sawyer back as Charlie and Des ran forward to try and split them up.
"We coulda..." Sawyer started, but stopped, shaking his head and glaring at Jack as Charlie and Des held them apart. "Let go," he growled at Charlie, shaking him off and stalking away.
Charlie frowned, unsure what that was all about. He watched with a confused expression as Sawyer disappeared. Boone appeared, rounding Sawyer carefully and looking at Jack in something akin to terror. "Jack..." he breathed, "Please?"
Penny was right behind him, and she scowled at Jack angrily. "I don't care what you think he did, Jack Shephard. You could at least listen to his side of things before you give him the cold shoulder. Before you say anything," she said, holding up a hand and not letting him interrupt, "he hasn't told me anything. Whatever the problem is, it's between you two, but if you won't even talk to him, how can you work it out?" She stood there with hands on hips and glared at Jack, as if daring him to argue.
Boone, for his part, looked extremely embarrassed, but he gave Jack a hopeful look as Charlie and Desmond stood warily by. Claire was back by the corner of the building, trying to see what was happening without looking too obvious, but Charlie couldn't see Sayid anywhere and briefly wondered where he'd gone.
"Come on, boys," Pen ordered, "Time we left these two alone. Des!" She practically yelled Desmond's name and he jumped, snapping to attention and quickly making his way back to the bus with her.
Charlie brought up the rear, collecting Claire on the way and exchanging confused looks with her. Despite himself, he was dying to know what the hell had happened the other night now. As they rounded the corner, it was hard to resist, but somehow he managed not to look back over his shoulder to see what was happening with Boone and Jack.
A quick glance towards the bus confirmed that Sayid had already staked a place on his own near the back, but his face was turned away so it was impossible to judge his mood. Sawyer was nowhere to be seen though, and Charlie couldn't help but wonder what on earth would happen next.
Despite the raw energy that took the band so high on stage, after seeing this latest drama begin to unfold, Charlie began to doubt whether Jack's assurances earlier were actually worth anything.
~//~//~
Part Nineteen
Wall Street Journal