The Maltese Cube (Chapter 11)

What happened in Chapter 10

Mac pumped Lisa for information. Lisa tells him how she and Newton met, and how he managed to get the Maltese Cube while on a trip to Cupertino. Lisa also tells him Newton’s current address. Mac tells her to stay at the his apartment and block the door while he goes to try and find Newton.

Chapter 11
Just like Mom’s Apple Pi (WAP! For the pun)

Since it was still early (anything before 9am is early for me), I headed to my favorite coffee shop for something to eat. Also, this place had one of those old fashioned telephone booths, which afford a little privacy. I wanted to call that User Group that Sherlock had mentioned to me yesterday.

While I still didn’t think that Bell wanted to know more about this Apple Company, maybe this would help me to understand what all the fuss was about.

I hollered out my order to the waitress and grabbed the cup of coffee she almost automatically put down in front of me when I came in.

I searched in my pockets for the scrap of paper I wrote the number on and dug some change out. Dialing the number, I listened to it ring a few times before a cheerful female voice answered.

‘Washington Apple Pi, this is Beth. How can I help you?’ the voice said.

I decided to play it cool. Many people don’t respond well to a gruff tone and I needed this woman’s help.

‘Hi Beth. I’m thinking of joining your organization and I wondered if you could supply me with some information?’

‘Well, I can try. What questions do you have?’

‘I understand you cater primarily to computers made by this company called Apple.’

‘That’s correct sir. We help users with any questions they may have about their Apple II, Apple II clones, Apple III series, and the Macin’¦’

‘Sounds good Beth. What kind of services do you provide?’

‘We’re the premiere Apple User group in the DC area(1). We have experts in just about any computer field you need information for. We refurbish donated computers to give to schools who otherwise couldn’t afford it for their students. We also provide classes on most of the major software packages that are available for Apple computers. We put out a Journal six times a year filled with reviews and commentary on all things Apple. There’s our twice a year Garage Sale where you can pick up new and used hardware and software for great prices, AND our famous Tuesday night clinics(2). You bring in your machine, and for a reasonable donation, our knowledgeable experts can probably get you up and running again.’

I cut her off at that point. It was clear that these people knew what they were talking about. Sherlock was right when he said these Apple Users loved to talk about their machines.

‘OK Beth, you’ve convinced me. How do I sign up?’

‘Let’s start with some basic information. Do you want to sign up via the Web?’

The web? I thought Sherlock said these guys were above board. Or maybe I just misunderstood her.

‘Beth, can you send the application to my home address?’

‘Certainly sir. If I could just have your name and address?’

‘Last name is Tosh, first name is Mac.’

There was silence for a moment after I gave her my name. Then, I heard her giggle. I generated many responses over the years, but this was the first time I could recall giggling.

‘Let me guess. Middle initial is N?’

The woman must know Sherlock. ‘How did you know that?’

‘Lucky guess. Look sir, I’m very busy and I don’t really have time for games.’

I had made her mad in some way that I didn’t understand. I needed to get this back on track somehow.

‘I won’t take up more of your time Beth. Just send that with my name to 4509 West Bogart Way, Casablanca Apartments(3), Room 12.’

‘Yes sir, I’ll be sure to send that right along.’

I thanked her for her time and hung up. It was becoming obvious why so many people felt devoted to these computers. Everything I had heard so far convinced me that Apple must be doing something right.

After all the complaints I had listened to over the years from people fed up with their PC’s, it’s a wonder why anyone used anything else? Gluttons for punishment maybe. There was no way Bell or any other PC manufacturer was going to inspire this type of commitment to their machines(4).

So, without a doubt, he also wanted the Cube. After eating my breakfast, I walked out of the coffee shop and headed down the road to Newton’s current abode.

Notes for Chapter 11

(1) Apple Pi, the premiere user group in the DC area ‘“ This is true. The ‘Pi’ is a great organization with many more valuable resources than the few I mentioned here. It is known nationally.

(2) Tuesday Night Clinics ‘“ This is one of the most amazing things about joining Apple Pi. Bring in your broke machine, and the people there will try to fix it. Most times succeeding (Let’s face it. Some machines cannot be fixed, but if there is a way, these guys will find it).

(3) Bogart Way, Casablanca Apartments ‘“ More of my obsession with old Humphrey Bogart Movies. If you enjoy classic cinema, take the time to rent some of his work. You won’t be sorry.

(4) Bell’s commitment to quality ‘“ Dell PCs, they ain’t bad, but they’re still PCs. You never hear much about PC clubs committed to one manufacturer. I wonder why?