the windows or hang a 'closed' sign over the door. Okay, I know that's Hollywood, but a very similar event occurred before my eyes. This is a true story...

About twenty years ago, my wealthy business partner (I'll call him Tony) and his son-in-law and I were headed to Philadelphia for a convention. The car rental agency was short on inventory, so they upgraded us to a Cadillac (a black Caddy). Tony grew up in the Italian quarter of Philly and his aunt still lived there.

So after the first day's meetings, he said he'd drive us to the best Italian restaurant in the old neighborhood, but he needed to stop by his Aunt's house. Tony frequently told us stories about his Uncle owning a few resorts with a (ahem) reputation in Nevada. Neither of us believed him.

We drove slowly down a narrow street of row-houses and parked in front of one. It was nightfall and the lights were turning on up and down the street. His SIL and I decided to wait by the car, so we got out and leaned against the car, still in our suits from the convention.

Suddenly, we both noticed something strange going on. The lights of each house began going out and shutters were closing like dominoes up and down the street. I turned to the SIL and asked, "What's going on?" He was just as surprised as I was. Then I looked around and said, "Look at us... Two guys in Black suits leaning against a black Caddy, while the 6'3" heavy Italian guy was in his Aunt's house, the home owned by the guy in Tony's fake stories."

When he got back to the car, we told Tony  what just happened. He let out a bellowing laugh and said, "You guys didn't believe me, did you?"