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Written by Frank Clynes There was one among us who was a notorious practical joker. His name shall be concealed to protect the innocent, but for the purpose of this story, will be identified as Mr. T. Jimmy Conners Pub was the established gathering place after the 11 PM newscast where studio crew members, engineers and news staff would meet to celebrate their latest escape from the gallows. On one particular evening, the group included Bruce White, host of a WTEV kiddy show, Mr.T, - who wasn't a reporter but played one on TV, Jan Bendiksen - an engineer, Karen Howarth, a secretary from sales, Jim Fitzgerald, a fellow photographer and myself. Closing time comes too quickly when you show up near midnight, but Mr. T invited everyone to join him at a house party in Mattapoisett. As he began describing some friend who had a pool table and well stocked bar in his recreation room, and an open invitation to drop in anytime day or night, I suddenly realized he was talking about our news director. Jack had to do the early morning cut-ins and generally went to bed at 9 PM. Mr. T had pulled some world class stunts in the past, but this was destined to be his masterpiece. The house on North Street was in darkness, but we knocked on the door. When that failed to get a response, the revelers made their way around to the rear of the home and someone peered into a window. It seemed Jack had taken to his bed and was reading a book by a small lamp. Fortunately Uncle Bruce had the foresight to bring a cherry bomb from his VW Beetle and set it in the window planter. A cigarette lighter and short fuse produced the desired effect. A loud explosion rocked the neighborhood and the brilliant flash turned the night into day. It was spectacular!!! Jan Bendiksen led us in a verse of the Star Spangle Banner, then cautiously peeked in the window. Whoever was lying in the bed was now hiding under the bed, but it clearly was not Jack. It was then I remembered that this was the bedroom of his elderly sister, the one with the bad heart condition. Bruce White was the one who first noticed the Mattapoisett police car pulling into the driveway, so we all went out to see if we could be of some assistance. Apparently someone in the household had reported hearing a loud noise. We had heard nothing and were only there visiting friends. Jack then appeared in the lighted doorway in his night shirt, and the officer asked him if he was hosting a party. He said no, so the officer suggested we go home. By that time, Delaney's reputation for hospitality was badly tarnished, so we complied. And best of all, we had not been recognized. But as we were piling back into the car, the officer called out: "Have a good night, and a better day tomorrow." |
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