by Donald Hancock

Created on: October 30, 2008   Last Updated: January 18, 2009

INCHY HAS AN ANGEL TOO

Inchy pinchy was the name of a fun game in the childhood of many of our readers. It played a joke on an unknowing player who ended up with lipstick all over his nose. As a result of this game and a child having not only been the recipient of the joke but afterwards having the nickname Inchy added to his own name, we see the beginning of Inchy Holleran, one of the toughest mobsters on the New Jersey side of the river.

Inchy Holleran had a girl, or a "goil' as he called her. Her name was May. Now Inchy was tough as nails with everyone except May. But when May walked in he turned to jello.

On the occasion of which we speak tonight, May had stayed at home to do her hair and Inchy had gone to his "office" to "persuade" some of his customers to "meet their responsibilities". Inchy was a partner in a loan shark operation - a store front finance company that loaned money to desparate people at outrageous rates of interest.

Now May had a "feeling" tonight that Inchy was in danger. She was strongly intuitive and Inchy seldom took her "feelings" seriously. But tonight she called his office and asked him to please come home immediately and leave a note for the customer saying that he would make another appointment later. Inchy hated to do this but he did not want to displease his May, so he complied with her wishes and came home post haste, leaving a note.

On the newscast that evening was a report of a massive explosion that demolished almost an entire block of offices, studios, and small shops. As you might have guessed, Inchy's office was right in the heart of that devastation. Firemen determined that it was totally accidental. It had to do with improper storage of flammables in a paint studio. Fortunately no one was killed or hurt because no one was present in any of the areas at that late evening hour.

Inchy could hardly believe his good fortune. He swore he would never laugh at May's "feelings" again. May claims that when she gets one of those strong urges it is always like a phrase or maybe even a word that she almost hears in her head. It is always like a kind and loving voice. It usually reminds her to do something or shows her some danger or gives her some needed encouragement.

May's mother told her it was her guardian angel keeping her safe. She always believed that it was her angel but never said that to anyone - not even to Inchy - because she was afraid she would be kidded or teased. Somehow this experience was sacred, like being in church, and she didn't want anyone to ruin it by "making fun" of it.

That night as they talked about the incident, Inchy said, "May, do you believe in angels?" May said, "I guess so - why do you ask me that?" Inchy replied, "I just have this great warm feeling all over that the only reason I'm all right tonight is because somebody in Heaven let you know that I was in danger. I think it might have been an angel."

May said, "Inchy, I have always felt that my little "urges" were from my guardian angel. They have always helped me and have never caused me any harm. I am so grateful to them for keeping you safe tonight." Inchy thought that over and said, "I haven't prayed since I was a kid but I'm going to thank God for His angels before I go to sleep tonight." "Amen to that", said May. "I love you so much and I love my angel for watching over us tonight!"

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