Sex, Lies & Crazy People. John Hickman

86Positive thinking

      Chapter 87Disasterville

      Chapter 88No plan B

      Chapter 89Kryptonite

      Chapter 90Lower than low

      Chapter 91Being punished

      Chapter 92Not feeling the love

      Chapter 93Another tragedy

      Chapter 94Needing a job

      Chapter 95Surviving the Harewood Hotel

      Chapter 96Working on instinct

      Chapter 97Out of the woods

      Epilogue

      Photos

      About the author

      Notes to the reader

      Books by the same author

      DEDICATION

      To everyone who has read Tripping Over and contacted me asking, “What happened

      after you found a hotel your Dad could buy—without any money?”

      To Carole, my wife of 50 years, who says being with me, was nothing like she expected, but has been interesting. Thank you for always being there for me as my closest friend and

      confidant. You were my guiding light through those dark times, when we went backwards financially - but in sunshine.

      To Sara and Mark, our children, all my love to you forever. Thank you for your belief in me.

      HISTORICAL ACCURACY

      As author it has been my choice to write under my own name. Other names have been changed out of consideration for relatives I have been unable to contact. The writer acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of narrative non-fiction, which have been used without permission.

      The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorised, associated with,

      or sponsored by the trademark owners.

      To the best of the author’s intentions this work is a faithful rendering of the facts as remembered by him.

      As stated, SEX, LIES & CRAZY PEOPLE is a work of narrative/creative non-fiction. This is a true story as remembered by the author and by his family; Dad, Gran, Gramps, Pandy, and Carole.

      I have had remarkable clarity with most of the story. Where memory has failed or a gap has been discovered of which I was unaware, the tone has been recreated with the

      general content for dramatic flow.

      ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

      My story is neither the beginning nor the end but somewhere in between.

      It happened in some places I would rather forget, but like the phantom itch from a long ago amputated limb, it remains.

      People who contributed to this book have had to wait a long time to see it appear.

      Sadly, for some it has taken too long. Many have died before publication. The author hopes he has done their memories justice. We live a while only to die sooner than we planned.

      Carole, my wife, is appreciated as always for her patience in tolerating what has become my obsession. She has been a model of calm and reassurance with her recall of our family folklore. She knew my dad, Bill, for more than thirty years.

      To our daughter Sara Jayne, it was your artistic genius that led me to complete my book. Your contribution benefited me in so many ways. Our journey together with Sex, Lies & Crazy People became my greatest pleasure, and your insights saved another tottering sequel. Together I’d like to think we put the fun back into being dysfunctional. Thank you, Sara.

      My story editor, the irreplaceable Tricia Eban, who gave her time unselfishly, kept me focused and never gave up on me. Tricia prevented my story from becoming a boring diary of events and toilet humour jokes Her many valuable suggestions and changes allowed my voice to come through.

      Sincere posthumous thanks to Gran, who encouraged me to write with my first

      Remington portable typewriter. Presented on my tenth birthday, it was an expensive gift in 1955 at £6 from Whiteleys department store, Bayswater, London.

      John McMaster, good friend and literary mentor gave many valuable suggestions and clever, intuitive input, which has improved the telling of my story.

      To my fellow scribes at Palm Lake Resort Writers’ Circle who have put up with my

      obsession over the years; you know who you are – thank you.

      And to the unique In House Publishing Team;

      Ocean Reeve; In House Manager and head consultant made the management of my

      processes enjoyable from our first meeting to the published book. He has a natural flair, which comes from his love of what he does.

      Linda Daniel; In House Editor proved honest and sincere. Her integrity throughout stayed true. Consistent and fair she easily brought the best out of details I’d missed.

      Kevin Palmer; In House head designer, take a bow for hitting the nail on the head (apologies for the cliché) with the design of the cover. You’re a genius.

      Dylan Maybury; Ocean’s In House prodigy and sponge who absorbs everything and anything and creates new branches from the tree that is In House Publishing. This multi-tasker extraordinaire missed nothing and is to accompany me on our marketing journey.

      Guy Kirk; In House IT legend and ultimate In House hole-filler. Guy covers all bases and takes immense satisfaction with building my online presence and eBooks.

      Acknowledgement of photographs:

      Sara Jayne Hickman

      Carole Hickman

      John Hickman

      Pamela (Pandy) Twinning

      Logan Shire Council

      Queensland Newspapers

      The other photographs are attributed to unknown photographers.

      Other sources:

      News of the World

      Daily Mirror

      Daily Telegraph

      The Times

      Daily Express

      Wikipedia

      L. Ron Hubbard

      John Hickman 2014

      Chapter 1

      Fact or Fantasy-1965

      Dad was seated at the breakfast table reading the News of the World. I glanced at the

      headline; US troops in Vietnam.

      “Pleased I’m not there,” I said.

      “Talking of Vietnam, have you noticed our grass is long enough to hide the Vietcong?”

      “I’ll get onto it.” I drained my cup. “This week’s been a bit hectic.”

      He reloaded his pipe. His voice became sensitive like an undertaker helping a grieving relative to select a coffin.

      “You and I are about to build an empire together.” He paused to strike a Swan Vestas match to his pipe. “Big things have small beginnings;” he said between puffs, “we’ll be an unstoppable team, you and I.”

      I nodded. But the boy