The Parallel Conspiracy: A Mystery Adventure of Alternate Worlds

by Richard Lori

 

  This book is dedicated to my uncle, Joseph (Giuseppe) Lori. Although he died in 1926 at the age of sixteen, many years before my birth, I have been fortunate enough to bond with him, in some small way, through the few remaining words that he wrote during his far too short life. They have been a constant inspiration and reminder to me that while an old family portrait or a few written words are a mere shadow of the living man that was, they are at least something, even if precious little, to give future generations a sense of what we were and what we believed.

  While he will always live on in the presence of God, may he also now live on in the minds of men.

 

 

  My Old Tin Lizzie

   

  My old Tin Lizzie is really fun;

  although she was born in 1901.

   

  I’m willing to stake this little bet.

  There’s ten thousand miles in that baby yet.

   

  The windshield’s gone and the radiator leaks.

  The fan belt slips and the rear end squeaks.

   

  She shakes the nuts and screws all loose,

  but I get twenty miles on a gallon of juice.

   

  When I can’t get gas I burn kerosene

  and last night I drove home on some Paris greens.

   

  There’s a rattle in the front and a grind in the rear

  and a Chinese puzzle for a steering gear.

   

  Her coils are dead and her plugs won’t fire,

  and her piston rings are tied with wire.

   

  But in spite of this she can pull me through,

  and that’s about all any car can do.

   

  With high priced cars they give you tools,

  some extra parts and a book of rules.

   

  Some wire stretchers and a pair of shears

  are all I’ve been carryin’ for fifteen years.

   

  And if I live to see the day,

  when she falls apart like the “one-hoss shay”

   

  I wouldn’t put her down as being a treasure,

  For the old tin can makes walking a pleasure.

   

  But if “Old Band Ford” stays in the game,

  I’ll buy another by the same old name.

 

  Giuseppe Lori

  1909-1926

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

   

  As any author can attest, all works they create are the sum of a lifetime of experience. Therefore, it is quite impossible to thank everyone who has touched my life and aided me in the ability to write this book. Given that, a few stand out and must be recognized for their contribution.

  First to my parents, Margot and Elmer Lori, I give the most important thanks. Without them, neither this book nor I would exist. The gift of life, which any parents are capable of giving, was never their greatest contribution though. It was the love I always felt from them and their sense of undying faith in me that allowed me to believe I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to. For this, I will always be indebted.

  I would also like to give thanks to my initial editor in chief, greatest critic, best friend and love of my life: my wife, Deborah Lori. I thank her for showing the same faith in me as my parents, even when I sometimes lacked it in myself. She never pushes or nags but launches me onward nonetheless just through her unwavering knowledge that I can do it.

  Without the editing skills of Mark Hooper, this book would be far less readable than it is. Therefore, I would like to express my gratitude to him for all his hard work and for completing the edit ahead of schedule.

  My appreciation to Bill Boettcher for finding the last few errors during his read of the book. His encouraging words meant a great deal to me, and he is deeply missed by all who knew him.

  Lastly, I thank my daughter, Anna Eisenbraun, for her final proofread of the novel. It was a rush at the end as all the final pieces fell into place. I am grateful for her long hours to complete the work.

 

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

   

  Richard Lori has immersed himself in technology for over thirty-five years, first as a hobbyist in Amateur Radio and then with a career in computers and networking. He has worked in diverse industries including the computer service, telecommunications, urethane manufacturing and real estate industries. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carthage College and has certifications in computer repair, networking and security.

  Rich was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he has remained a life-long resident. He is married to his wife, Debbie, and is “Pappaw” to five grandchildren. When he is not writing in his spare time, he is gardening, reading or staying up to date with the latest technology podcasts. He is also a member of a non-profit group that is working towards the restoration of the historic Kenosha Theatre.