Prologue

At a recent meeting of the Harmeswood Men’s Breakfast Club there was the usual deep discussion of current events and other major issues affecting this great country. One of the members lamented the fact that some of America’s greatest defenders of truth, justice and the American Way were seldom mentioned in our history and in civic classes.

He was, of course, referring to CPA’s and their efforts to make this country great.

Too often the lament went that those in the CPA profession are thought of as geeks or nerds. Certainly, an erroneous assumption! Part of the problem in that area derives from the names of two early CPA heroes. As everyone with even a minimum of the history of this country knows that I am referring to Wishy Geek who in the 1920’s broke up the evil Popcorn Cartel. Then there was Johan von Nerd and his work a few years later in crushing the ice block monopoly. While their names have lived on in an unexpected fashion, these two are only a scant reminder of the various heroes in CPA legends.

Nevertheless, the fact remains that these legendary heroes along with many others have been forgotten and their great works not remembered. Modern literature has not bothered to bring forth their deeds even in fiction. Rather, the concentration is on so called “private eyes” with out of control libidos. Thus, this modest attempt in fiction (while based on true stories) will attempt to bring to the forefront the valiant efforts of American CPA heroes.

It must ne noted that this story could not have been written without the righteous input of our own noble CPA, (sorry identity secret). His long experience and background proved invaluable to this true life tale and provides accuracy and credibility.

Chapter I

Brick Strong flexed his 6’ 4” 245 pound muscular body and decided that he was done fooling around with the Doomsday Devil. Picking up the Devil he slammed him to the canvas and pinned his shoulders in an easy and efficient manner until the ref completed the count.

Rising to his feet, he acknowledged the ovation of the crowd cheering the undefeated World Wresting Champ, Brutus Beefcake. Brick was not fond of that name, but knew that it protected him from his secret identity, Brick Strong, CPA. As long as phone booths and his glasses were available, he knew that no one would suspect. While many feared him as Brutus Beefcake, he knew that it was nothing compared to the fear generated when Brick Strong appeared on the scene to begin an audit. CEO’s would quake in their boots when Brick showed up, and would place their most attractive assistants (some hired for the day) in his way. Brick was, or course, pure of heart and paid them no mind. He just thought of the love of his life, the gorgeous Judy Goodgirl, and proceeded to work his way to the heart of the matter.

Later the next day, Brick was in the office of Carbon Dioxide, INC. He knew that the president of the company Thorgard Slime was up to something, but he had not discovered what it was yet. True he had only been there for an hour, but a good CPA normally had a good handle on the issue in that time.

Scratching his luxurious head of hair, while contemplating his next move, he noticed one of Slime’s secretaries motioning to him. Going over, she glanced around and handed him a note. Proceeding to a secluded spot he opened the note and read, “Mr. Strong, I never thought I would meet such a famous CPA hero in my lifetime. Even though I work for Mr. Slime, I am a believer in truth justice and the American Way. I would suggest that you go to Warehouse 13 and look in the furthest reaches in the NE corner and you will find some books that might interest you under some sheepskin seat covers. God bless you, Mr. Strong. Sincerely, Janice Lovely”.

Telling one of Slime’s assistants that he was going to an early lunch, Brick left the building and headed for Warehouse 13. He easily found the NE corner (using the GPS found naturally in a CPA’s brain), but then he stopped short in dismay!

(Return to this area for the next exciting chapter of Brick Strong, CPA. What will Brick do as he finds the dazzling Vice-President, Veronica Goodbody sitting on the books he wants and refusing to move! Can his unparallel CPA brain achieve his goal?)

Barry Evans is a Villager.