Samuel Augustine was extremely pleased with himself. It had taken him only four months to gain the confidence of the church's elders and volunteer to help with the church's books. Within two weeks he had deciphered the entry codes of every church member's bank accounts, and, credit cards.
Now everything was programmed into his computer. All his bags were packed, all he had to do was press 'enter' and the program would start running. Woon the funds from all the bank accounts would be transferred to his after bouncing around seeveral times so they couldn't be traced.
In a couple of days he would be at his favorite Carribean resort snorting cocaine and visiting the brothel.
As his hand reached for the entry button another hand suddenly closed over it, and held it in a vice-like grip.
"Uh uh!" a voice remarked. "Not this time, computer whiz!"
Samuel looked up to see a 6 ft. tall winged being covered in plush fur except around its face and hands. With its free hand it reached down to his computer and began to type rapidly, going through Samuel's complex codes like they weren't even there!
Finally, the Being pressed enter, and all that Samuel had programmed began to disappear.
"There!" the Being remarked. "I really wish I could do that in my other body! But we still have a problem, don't we? That photographic memory of yours. Even without the computer files you can redo the work in a couple of days. I really regret this, but I guess we've got to dispose of you."
He hauled Samuel to his feet and dragged him to the balcony. "You know," the Being remarked, "the contractors that build these places really shouldn't use substandard bolts in the balcony railings. They might rust through and someone leaning on them fall over!"
He kicked a section of the railing and it sailed off into space. "Sixteen stories," the Being commented, "that should be quite sufficient."
"No!" Samuel pleaded, "No! Please! I'll do whatever you ask! I promise! I won't EVER rip anybody off again. I give you my word! Please!"
"I don't think your word's worth much," the Being answered. "I don't really think you're scared enough yet."
He gave a heave and Samuel sailed off into the open air. As he plummeted towards the ground he prayed "Please, God, please! I'll undo all I've done! Don't let me die like this! Please!"
Samuel suddenly woke up, sat bolt upright in the bed, and looked around. "WOW!" he gasped, "What a dream! So damned real!"
He got up and went over to his computer. Turning it on he stretched. At that moment the phone rang, and he picked it up.
"Augustine Computer Services," he muttered, half awake.
"Good morning Mr. Augustine," came a pleasant sounding woman's voice. "This is Mary Hart down at the recovery center. Rev. Morrison gave me your number. We've gotten a hold of some computers. I was wondering if you could spare a couple of hours a week to give our clients lessons? If they could learn computer skills it might give them a good chance at some decent jobs."
Samuel groaned, "Really," he finally managed, "madame, no offense, but I make my living teaching computers. I charge $75.00 an hour. I don't have the time or, the patience....."
Samuel suddenly looked down. The programming that should be running on his computer was gone! Instead a winged figure flew across the screen. Each time it passed words appeared under it.
I would really reconsider," they said, "remember your promise last night. Look behind you. Next time you could fall ALL the way. I might not bother to catch you. Mrs. Hart is a widow. She has a young son and daughter that could use a loving father. I give second chances, I don't give third ones. The choice is hyours. I'll be here every time you turn on the computer just to remind you if you're going the wrong way.
The lady's speaking to you. You'd better answer."
"Are you there, Mr. Augustine?" the phone was saying, "Are you all right, Mr. Augustine?"
"Yes, yes!" Samuel answered. "I'm sorry. Drifted away for a moment, there. I suppose I could help out for a couple of hours a week, maybe I should return some of what has been given to me."
"Excellent! Excellent!" Mrs. Hart answered. "I will be looking forward to seeing you. Could you come down tomorrow and help us set up the computers?"
"Sure!" Samuel answered. "If you'll excuse me, I just got up. I'll speak with you tomorrow."
"Cetrainly!" Mrs. Hart answered.
Samuel hung up and stared at the computer.screen. "Who are you?" he asked.
The words continued to appear on the computer. "Your best friend," they said, "or, your worst enemy. The choice is altogether yours! I've put some programs into the computer ...instructions on how to raid some bank accounts and where to send the money. Don't worry, the bank accounts belong to the owners of phone soliciting companies. You're helping return what they stole. Gotta go. What is it....friend, or, enemy?"
Samuel smiled. "Friend!" he answered. "I'm not stupid. I suppose a couple of children around wouldn't be that bad!"
"Four or five would be even better!" the computer answered. "Later, friend!"
Samuel continued to smile. "Later!" he said aloud. He walked out to the edge of the balcony and looked down. "Jesus!" he muttered, "Jesus!"