Small Fires, Little Pools

Chris: Hi, this is Chris. We're just about to have a time of wonder, adventure, and excitement. Would you like to join us? Then get ready because you never know what'll happen when you have an adventure in Odyssey.
Brock Peterson: This is Brock Peterson from Channel 10 News. I'm standing in front of Odyssey Community Church, one of the most respected houses of worship in the city. Until last night, that is. Last night, it became a target for vandals. With me is George Barkley, the interim pastor of the church. George, can you give us an idea of the extent of the damage?
George Barkley: Well, most of it you can see for yourself. We've got broken windows, including a very expensive stained glass window. Spray paint all over the side of the building, smashed eggs smeared on the front steps. The broken glass also damaged some pews in the sanctuary. It's a real mess.
Brock Peterson: Do the police have any leads on who is responsible for this?
George Barkley: No, no leads.
Brock Peterson: Do you know who might be responsible?
George Barkley: I have my suspicions, but it wouldn't be right to talk about them.
Brock Peterson: What will you do now?
George Barkley: What else can we do? We'll start cleaning up. The church is insured, so that's not a problem. I know the members here will pitch in and help out. It just doesn't make any sense. Why vandalize the church?
Brock Peterson: Why indeed? Earlier today on the steps of City Hall, I spoke with Mayor Tom Riley, who attends this church, about what happened here. He conceded that this isn't an isolated incident.
Mayor Tom Riley: Well, Captain Quinn of the Odyssey Police has told me there's been an alarming pattern of mischief, vandalism, and other petty crimes on the rise lately in Odyssey. But attacking a church is certainly the worst.
Brock Peterson: How are the police dealing with this problem?
Mayor Tom Riley: Well, they're certainly looking into it. I understand they're going to be stepping up their patrols and, of course, the City Council will support them in any way we can. We are taking this very seriously. We don't want this sort of thing in our town.
Brock Peterson: That was Mayor Tom Riley. Well, we can only hope that the stepped-up patrols the mayor spoke of will put a stop to all of these incidents. But for now, and for the people of Odyssey Community Church, it seems the vandals have won. Brock Peterson, Channel 10 News.
Jack Allen: No, no. No, don't. Don't do it. Stop. Please stop. Don't, don't, don't. Another dream, an awful dream. What time is it? Quarter to six. Might as well get up. Get a hold of yourself. Who'd be calling this early in the morning? Hello?
Officer Phelps: Mr. Allen?
Jack Allen: Yes?
Officer Phelps: This is Officer Phelps, Odyssey Police. You're the manager of Whit's End, aren't you?
Jack Allen: Yes, I am.
Officer Phelps: Well, we're in front of your building right now. There's been an incident.
Jack Allen: Incident?
Officer Phelps: Yes, sir. You'd better get down here immediately.
Jack Allen: I'm on my way. No, no, it can't be. This is unbelievable.
Officer Phelps: Mr. Allen?
Jack Allen: Yes?
Officer Phelps: I'm Officer Phelps. Looks like your building was hit by the vandals last night.
Jack Allen: This is really unbelievable.
Officer Phelps: Well, now, I know it's upsetting, but from what we can tell, it looks worse than it really is. The messy stuff is actually the easiest to fix. It's basically just garbage strewn around the lawn and some ripped-up bushes and flowers. Your real problems are the spray paint across the front and the broken sprinkler heads in the lawn.
Jack Allen: Jack? Tom, what are you doing here?
Mayor Tom Riley: Oh, we called the mayor right after we called you. We knew about his close association with Whit's End and thought he'd want to know about this too.
Officer Phelps: Excuse me, gentlemen, that's for me. Dispatch, this is One Baker 12. I read you, over.
Mayor Tom Riley: Would you just look at this place? I really cannot believe this.
Jack Allen: I know, it's awful.
Mayor Tom Riley: Where's Jason?
Jack Allen: He's out of town on business. Jack, are you all right? No, I'm not sure that I am. Listen, I know this is terrible, but it's just paint and garbage, no broken windows like the church. It's okay, Jack, we'll fix it.
Jack Allen: No, that's not it.
Mayor Tom Riley: Then what's wrong?
Jack Allen: This was in my dream.
Guest (Female): Now on the Adventures in Odyssey Club, Jane and Olivia are worried.
Jane: One of us definitely needs to address the whole Zamrin thing.
Olivia: Zamrin? What are you talking about?
Jane: You're kidding. She's got a major crush.
Guest (Female): Especially after they make a discovery.
Jane: What?
Olivia: It's just a bunch of signatures that say Zoe Morris.
Jane: Zoe Morris as in Cameron Morris as in Cam?
Guest (Female): Listen now, only on the Adventures in Odyssey Club.
Mayor Tom Riley: You had a dream about this?
Jack Allen: Yes, this morning. I didn't realize it until just now. You know how dreams are.
Mayor Tom Riley: You mean you dreamed that Whit's End was being vandalized?
Jack Allen: No, it wasn't that precise. I dreamed that a place where I felt very safe and secure was being destroyed. Now that I see Whit's End, I know that it was what the dream was about, or at least was part of what the dream was about.
Mayor Tom Riley: Part? There was more?
Jack Allen: Oh, yes, very strange. I was in a forest and little fires kept popping up all around me. But as soon as a fire sprang to life, a little pool of water welled up and doused it out.
Mayor Tom Riley: Jack, this sounds pretty weird.
Jack Allen: I know. I've been having lots of dreams like that lately too.
Mayor Tom Riley: Maybe you should talk to someone about them, like Pastor Barkley.
Jack Allen: Yes, I probably should. But before I do anything, I have to make this place more presentable.
Mayor Tom Riley: I think you better check with the police first on that. You don't want to clean up any evidence.
Jack Allen: All right, yes. Officer Phelps?
Officer Phelps: Yes, sir.
Jack Allen: Is it all right if I start cleaning up a bit?
Officer Phelps: No, not just yet, sir. We have to take some pictures of the scene first. A photography unit is on the way. They're at a different site right now.
Mayor Tom Riley: What? Another crime scene?
Officer Phelps: Whit's End wasn't the only place hit last night. Finneman's Market also had some damage. If you'll excuse me.
Jack Allen: Finneman's? What in the world is going on around here?
Connie Kendall: Man, what a mess. They must have dumped out every garbage can we have. Hi, Lucy. Hi, Sam. Hey, careful, the lawn is pretty messy.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Good grief, what happened to Whit's End?
Connie Kendall: We had a little vandalism problem last night.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: I saw the news report about the church, and now here?
Connie Kendall: Yeah, and apparently Finneman's Market got it too.
Sam Johnson: Wow, I thought this only happened in big cities.
Connie Kendall: Well, looks like it happens in Odyssey now too.
Sam Johnson: Can we help with the cleanup?
Connie Kendall: No, thanks. We've done everything we can do until the plumber and painters get here. Besides, looks like you guys are going fishing.
Sam Johnson: At Trickle Lake.
Connie Kendall: You're riding your bikes all the way up there?
Sam Johnson: That's what I said too, but Lucy doesn't think it's that far.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: It's not, trust me.
Sam Johnson: Uh-huh, we'll see. Is Mr. Allen around, Connie? He promised to help me with some research for an article.
Connie Kendall: He's upstairs talking with Mayor Riley, and only the employees are allowed inside Whit's End right now. I could go get him.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: No, that's all right, it can wait.
Connie Kendall: I'll tell you what, I'll pass on your message, okay? Then maybe you can talk to him when you get back from Trickle Lake.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Thanks. Do they know who did this?
Connie Kendall: I don't think so.
Sam Johnson: Looks like something the Bones of Wrath would do.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Yeah, but why? I mean, it's pretty extreme even for them.
Connie Kendall: Anyway, we have no proof.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Too bad. You know, it's times like this when I wish I was a superhero. Then I could catch these guys before they do stuff like this.
Sam Johnson: Yeah, that's just what we need. Super Sam! Yeah, right. Some superhero you'd make. You don't even want to ride up to Trickle Lake. Super Sam doesn't listen to criticism. He merely flies like the wind!
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Excuse me, Connie, I have a fishing date with the wind. Bye, Lucy, have fun!
Connie Kendall: Oh, Tom's secretary. He's upstairs, Penny, I'll get him.
Penny: Thanks, Connie.
Mayor Tom Riley: So do you think your strange dream is connected with what happened this morning, Jack?
Jack Allen: I don't know, Tom, I really don't. But it isn't the first time I've dreamed about something that happened. Come in.
Connie Kendall: Sorry to interrupt you, but your secretary's waiting out front for you, Tom.
Mayor Tom Riley: Oh, yeah, I asked her to come and pick me up. Thanks, Connie. Got to go, Jack. I'm preparing a statement for the press this afternoon about all the vandalism.
Jack Allen: Really? Any revelations?
Mayor Tom Riley: No, I just think I ought to give the town some sort of official word, let them know we're on top of things.
Jack Allen: Sounds like a good idea. Thanks for talking with me, Tom.
Mayor Tom Riley: My pleasure. And you be sure and see the pastor soon, okay?
Jack Allen: I will.
Mayor Tom Riley: Bye now. Okay, Penny, I'm coming, I'm coming.
Jack Allen: So long, Tom.
Connie Kendall: See the pastor?
Jack Allen: Personal things.
Connie Kendall: Oh. Lucy and Sam stopped by. Lucy wanted me to remind you about the article you said you'd help her with.
Jack Allen: Oh, that's right. Dale Jacobs called me about that yesterday. I know just the book she needs.
Connie Kendall: She and Sam went fishing up at Trickle Lake, but she said she'd stop by on their way back this afternoon.
Jack Allen: Okay.
Connie Kendall: Are you all right?
Jack Allen: Oh, yes, just concerned, that's all.
Connie Kendall: I know, concerned, frustrated, and angry. One of the really awful things about being vandalized is how helpless you feel. You want to do something about it, but you can't.
Jack Allen: I wish something could be done to prevent it. We were talking about that outside. If only there were some way to counteract stuff like this, or better yet, catch them in the act and stop them.
Connie Kendall: Yes, that would be nice, wouldn't it? Sam says what we need is a superhero, you know, someone to come in and save the day. Maybe he's right.
Jack Allen: No, not a superhero, but a lot of little pools of water.
Connie Kendall: Huh?
Jack Allen: Nothing.
Guest (Male): Hello, plumbers!
Connie Kendall: Well, it's about time they got here. Yeah, we'll be right there! Listen, Connie, could you get them started, please? I have to make a phone call.
Connie Kendall: Oh, yeah, sure, Jack.
Jack Allen: Thanks. I'll be down in just a minute. Could you close the door, please?
Connie Kendall: Oh, right.
Jack Allen: Yes, operator. I need a number in the Connellsville area, please.
Brock Peterson: This is Brock Peterson from Channel 10 News. We're coming to you live from the steps of City Hall where Mayor Tom Riley is about to make a statement about the escalating vandalism around town. And here's the mayor now.
Mayor Tom Riley: Thank you all for coming. I have a brief statement after which I'll take a few questions. As you all know, our town has been struck by a wave of vandalism during the past few weeks. They started out small but have grown steadily in severity, especially during the past few days. The City Council and I are as concerned and stunned by these terrible acts as you are, and we are doing something about them. Now first, with allocated funds, we have set up a special account to help with the cleanup and repair of the damaged facilities. It's not a lot of money, but it will help out. I have also issued a directive to the police department to beef up their night patrols and to form a special task force to find out who is responsible for these heinous acts. And let me assure the guilty party or parties, you will be caught. And when you are, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We will not allow this kind of activity to go on in our town. All right, now I'll take your questions. Yes, Dale?
Dale Jacobs: Do the police have any idea yet who might be behind all this?
Mayor Tom Riley: No, but I understand they are following several leads. Yes, Brock?
Brock Peterson: Mr. Mayor, is the City Council planning to impose a curfew?
Mayor Tom Riley: We have no plans to do that at the moment, but we have not ruled it out. Yes, Mr. Dern?
Brian Dern: Yeah, I think a lot of people would like to know why you waited to act until Whit's End was hit, a place owned by one of your friends. Showing a little favoritism there, Mayor?
Mayor Tom Riley: Mr. Dern, that is such a ridiculous question I won't even dignify it with a response. That's all I have time for now, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you.
Brock Peterson: Well, there you have City Hall's answer to the problem: funds to help with the cleanup and increased police patrols. But one can only wonder, will it help? Brock Peterson, Channel 10 News.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Well, I guess Super Sam isn't so super when it comes to fishing, is he?
Sam Johnson: You just got lucky, that's all.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: I thought you said luck doesn't have anything to do with fishing. It's all skill.
Sam Johnson: And I was right because I picked out your spot, and that's why you caught as many fish as you did.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: But you also picked out your spot and you hardly caught any. What happened to your skill then?
Sam Johnson: Well, I was using it for you.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: What?
Sam Johnson: Really, since this was your first time fishing, I wanted it to be a good experience for you. So I chose a spot where I could scare all the fish over to your hook.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: I think you scared them all over to my hook when you fell in.
Sam Johnson: For the last time, I didn't fall in, I stepped in.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Yeah, up to your neck.
Sam Johnson: I don't want to talk about this anymore.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Whatever you say. Hey, is it my imagination or have we been walking for a long time?
Sam Johnson: I was just thinking the same thing. Well, I know we locked up our bikes around here somewhere.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Yeah, but we should have been there by now. Okay, let's stop and get our bearings. I remember that boulder from this morning.
Sam Johnson: Yeah, we rode right past it and across this little clearing and over to that big tree and that's where we locked them. Sam, the bikes aren't there.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Oh, man, oh, man, you got to be kidding me.
Sam Johnson: Now just calm down, maybe we chained them to another tree.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: No, it was that one right there. I remember.
Sam Johnson: Yeah, I do too. I can't believe this. Somebody stole our bikes!
Bob: Can't get enough Adventures in Odyssey? Then go behind the scenes with the official Adventures in Odyssey podcast. I'm Bob, producer of the Adventures in Odyssey Club.
Jesse: And I'm Jesse, editor of Focus on the Family Clubhouse magazine. We're the podcast hosts and we're excited to show you all the fun behind your favorite episodes. When you tune in, you'll learn more about the actors behind your favorite characters. Hey, there's Connie!
Katie Leigh: Hi, this is Katie Leigh, the voice of Connie. Welcome to the official Adventures in Odyssey podcast.
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Guest (Male): How often are the writers' meetings and how many albums do you plan to have?
Jesse: There's a bunch more stuff we haven't even mentioned. So what are you waiting for? Peek behind the curtain by listening to the official Adventures in Odyssey podcast.
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Chris: All right, we're back. This is the Crying Brian Dern Show and we're talking about Mayor Riley's press conference earlier this afternoon at City Hall. With me in the studio is former mayoral candidate Bart Rathbone. Bart, what do you think of Riley's performance?
Bart Rathbone: Well, I'll tell you, Brian, I think Riley needs glasses because it's real obvious to everyone else around here that this town is facing a crime wave, the likes of which has never been seen before in this town.
Brian Dern: And I couldn't agree with you more. Not only did he completely avoid my question about favoring Whit's End, but he side-stepped all the other questions too.
Bart Rathbone: And all that stuff about setting aside funds to help with the cleanup of the damaged facilities? Just where is that money coming from, you might ask? From our back pockets, that's where! The very idea of him using city funds to help people!
Brian Dern: And that big pronouncement about starting up a special police task force to look into these crimes. You know what that is, don't you?
Bart Rathbone: Of course.
Brian Dern: What?
Bart Rathbone: It's a smokescreen! It's all smoke and mirrors to divert our attention away from the real problem confronting this city: lack of leadership!
Brian Dern: Yeah, what you said. This sort of gross incompetence in dealing with the problem just proves what a mistake we voters made in putting this man into office in the first place. I mean, this sort of thing never happened before Tom Riley was elected.
Bart Rathbone: Good point, Brian. I think everyone would agree that this situation calls for dynamic leadership. We need someone, someone very special to turn this town around.
Brian Dern: Right. And another point I want to make is please, no more points.
Sam Johnson: I just can't believe it.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Well, it's happened, so you have no choice. Hi, Sam, Lucy, how's the fishing trip?
Sam Johnson: Terrible.
Connie Kendall: Uh-oh, what happened?
Sam Johnson: While we were catching fish, someone was stealing our bikes.
Connie Kendall: What? You're kidding.
Sam Johnson: You think we'd kid about a thing like this? We had to walk all the way back into town.
Connie Kendall: Well, did you talk to the police yet?
Sam Johnson: We just came from there. They said they can't really do anything except keep a lookout for them. This is terrible. I sure wish I knew what was going on around here.
Connie Kendall: I am so sorry, you guys. Can I get you anything? Some water, please. Coming right up. Lucy?
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: No, thank you. Is Mr. Allen here?
Connie Kendall: Oh, no, Lucy, he isn't. Here you go, Sam. But about half an hour ago he got a phone call and when he hung up, he said he had to leave. He left some books for your article up in the office.
Lucy Cunningham-Schultz: Well, at least I've got that. Come on, let's go up and get them.
Sam Johnson: Hang on, Lucy. Whit's End. Uh, yeah, as a matter of fact, he's sitting right here. Hold on. Sam, it's for you.
Sam Johnson: Me? Who is it?
Connie Kendall: I didn't ask. Here.
Sam Johnson: Thanks. Come on, Lucy, let's go. Okay. I'm really sorry. Hello?
Butch: Sam Johnson.
Sam Johnson: Yes, who is this?
Butch: That's not important. If you want your bike back, come to the Wonderworld Treehouse.
Sam Johnson: What?
Butch: The Wonderworld Treehouse. And come alone. Got it?
Sam Johnson: Yeah, but who is this? And how do you know about my bike? Hello? Hello? The Wonderworld Treehouse, huh? Okay. Hello! I'm here! I came alone like you said! Hello? Is anybody here? Great. Not only do I get my bike ripped off, I fall for a sick joke.
Butch: This is no joke. Don't move.
Sam Johnson: Where are you?
Butch: When I want you to see me, you will.
Sam Johnson: You the guy I talked to on the phone?
Butch: I'm him.
Sam Johnson: Well, where's my bike?
Butch: Safe. They both are. And if you want them, you better do what I say.
Sam Johnson: All right, all right, I'm here, aren't I?
Butch: Yeah, you're here. Okay, turn around.
Sam Johnson: Nice mask. Last time I saw that kind of getup was at Halloween.
Butch: Funny. But you better knock it off if you want to see your bike again.
Sam Johnson: Okay, okay. So where is it?
Butch: Follow me.
Sam Johnson: Wait a minute. How do I know you won't take me out and rob me?
Butch: You don't.
Sam Johnson: Then why should I follow you?
Butch: Because it's the only way to get your bike back. What'll it be?
Sam Johnson: All right, I'll follow.
Butch: Good. But not too close. Otherwise, I'll take off and you'll never see your bike again. Now let's go. All right, this is it.
Sam Johnson: Okay, how original.
Butch: Ever seen it before?
Sam Johnson: No.
Butch: Then I'd say it's original enough. Both bikes are in the cave under a tarp.
Sam Johnson: Thank you very much! Hey, get off me, what are you doing? Finding out who! Hey, no, not the mask, not the mask, don't. There, got it. Butch!
Butch: All right, so now you know. You better keep it quiet.
Sam Johnson: You stole our bikes? Why?
Butch: I didn't steal them, it was a mistake.
Sam Johnson: Mistake?
Butch: I tried to talk them out of it, but I couldn't. They wouldn't listen.
Sam Johnson: You tried to talk who out of it?
Butch: No one. Look, it doesn't matter, you got your bikes back, now take them and go.
Sam Johnson: No, not until you tell me what's going on. Are the Bones of Wrath behind this? Are they responsible for all that stuff that's been going on?
Butch: I don't know what you're talking about.
Sam Johnson: Yes, you do. Why do you hang around with those guys? They'll only get you into trouble.
Butch: Look, I brought you here for your bikes, that's all. Now you've got them, I'm out of here.
Sam Johnson: Butch, wait! What? You don't have to hang around with those guys anymore. Don't you remember when we were friends? We had good times together, didn't we?
Butch: Yeah, we did.
Sam Johnson: We can still have them, Butch. We can have good fun. Don't go back with them. Come with me.
Butch: I'll see you around, Sam.
Sam Johnson: Butch! At least he gave back the bicycles. Whoa, hey, let go!
Chris: What happened to Sam? Will he be all right? Is Butch working with the Bones of Wrath? Are the Bones responsible for all the vandalism going on around town? Who was Jack calling, and how is it tied into his strange dream? What in the world is happening here? So many questions. And the only way to get any answers is tune in next time. Meanwhile, if you want to write and tell me what you think is going on, I'd love to hear from you. Just send your card or letter to Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Or in Canada, write to Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4G3. And when you do, ask about how you can get your own copy of today's episode. It's called Small Fires, Little Pools. That address again is Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. Small Fires, Little Pools was written and directed by Phil Lollar. Our production engineer was Bob Luttrell, and our executive producer, Chuck Bolte. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.