“PLUMB IT UP” 

A fictitious story based on true events

By Adan Torres

 

 

Introduction

 

Since the dawn of civilization, man’s primal need to migrate has never changed. The way early nomads moved from one home to another, seemingly, has been the easiest of process. The early man had no need to establish boundaries picking up and moving whenever the time called for it but as man evolved and cities grew, the quarrels for possessions began and along with it, their solution.

 

In the mid 2000s most people were unaware of the bubble which surrounded the housing market. Huge Financial institutions were financing risk-laden loans which, with increased foreclosure rates in 2006 and 2007,would cause the bubble to suddenly burst, Contributing, if not being the sole cause of the great recession of 2009. No, most Americans were still enjoying a steady economy, spending money as if it would not run out . Properties were bought and sold with relative ease and comfort. Without hesitation, owners would add and expand to their dwellings or businesses. Sparing almost no expenses, their quests for perfection, for pleasure or necessity, was of little concern and with so much invested in their abodes, the need to protect and determine all that was theirs became a must. Yes, in cities large and small across this great nation, business was plentiful.

 

Which brings me to Chicago, the location of our somewhat true story. Here, in the great city of wind and its seemingly peaceful suburbs lies the secret underbelly of the housing market. The Civil Engineering field is a prestigious one. A healthy mix of brain and brawn. The perfect field for ego and perfectionism , where the mind can not tolerate a single hundredth of an inch out of place…… But to every profession, there are the ones who do the dirty work. The explorers of this great wide open land. The ones who hike through forests and battle the elements. The ones who duel with the beasts of the terrain and the dangers of its human inhabitants. Yes, the hero’s of this great story who follow in the footsteps of our forefathers , George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham  Lincoln…Dan Aykroyd … With every sale and every foreclosure, they will appear.. With every building permit and every and any disputes amongst neighbors, “They” will be there. Never seen but always visible they are hidden in plain sight. A group of men masked in the shrouds of proud professionalism of the engineering world. They Come, they measure, they survey. If you listen with keen ears you may hear these men of mystery, these settlers of neighborly grievances. You may hear…..their call……

 

“Plumb it up!” 

 

 

 

“ Plumb it up” he said attempting to gain a clear sight on the prism. “Hold it steady!…..Plumb  it up , Joe, Damn it!”  Still looking through the instrument he now refocuses down the plumb rod viewing his half-witted rookie partner. “Damn it! Wake up stupid!“ He yelled. “What the hell is wrong with you?! Who the hell falls asleep standing up?! I swear you have got to be the dumbest Rodman I’ve ever worked with.”  Ting screamed. 

 

“Hey man, you need to stop coming at me like that ‘pa , Puerto Ricans don’t take shit like that.” Joe fired back. 

 

“You’re not Puerto Rican. What, were you born there? No, You were born in Chicago“, he said sarcastically. “Ha ha, have you even ever been to Puerto Rico?” Ting said again. Ting a confident man at 5’6” and 225lbs.  . His  accent sometimes making it hard to understand.

 

“Whatever man, I’m awake now so stop yelling at me! Damn man, you spit when you talk all nasty and shit” Joe said while wiping off his face. “..and that Diet Coke and Newports got your breath smelling like ass, ‘pa!” 

 

“Their Marlboro Menthol stupid.” Ting said now looking down at his notes and punching numbers on his calculator.

 

“Why is it taking so long man“, whined the rookie, wiping his forehead.

 

“Why is it taking so long” Ting quickly mocked. “Wha- why? are you hot?” he said chuckling. “you have shorts and a t-shirt on. Look, I’m wearing jeans and I’m not complaining.”