Mana in the Modern World non illustrated version by R. McCullough

Jack shows him a receipt from the FBI for the 50
cal. Blackwood asks, “But why a 50 cal?” “You never know what might
come in handy someday,” answers Jack. “Besides, it looks great in
its airtight cabinet.”
    Deputy Benson, licking his lips and, with
obvious envy, quietly whispers to Blackwood, “We should seize it
too.” “Shut your pie hole Benson,” replies Blackwood also quietly,
“We’re not here for something like weapons, especially as he has
that FBI receipt for it!” Jack, on overhearing this, wonders just
what is really going on here; and just what are they here to seize?
As they go back down the stairs Jack decides to set the lock on the
concealed door and make sure the deputies do not see where it is
located. ‘Something does not seem right’.
    After showing the third floor with its
exercise equipment and workshop they take the elevator down to the
basement where he shows them his extensive basement photography
studio and then back upstairs to the first floor. When they
expressed surprise at the elevator and Jack said, “Some of the
bedroom stuff and props were heavy so the elevator made practical
sense. Especially as it did not add all that much to the overall
cost.” In the open living area he shows his photography computer
system. “This is my personal computer which I use for my
photography hobby so I located it here on the first floor for
easier access,” Jack says proudly. “I have some computer geek
genius friends that keep the system continually up to date with all
the latest goodies. Sometimes before it is available on the
market.”
    They seemed very interested in his
photography hobby and they ask to look at some of his pictures so
he shows them how to look thru the files. Asking if they would like
a soda Jack goes to the kitchen and brings everyone a cold RC. He
excuses himself saying, “Look the pictures over and let me know
when you are done.” Laughing he says, “In case you are wondering,
yes, I have model releases on file from all the people in the
photos and all are at least 18, each with photo ID for proof. Just
no copying and don’t get sticky fingers as they are all
copyrighted!”
    A bit later the deputies come into the
kitchen area and Benson asks, “Why did you seem to emphasize when
you called it your personal computer?” “Well, I have two complete
setups, one for my photography hobby and another for …..business.”
replies Jack.
    After another half hour or so looking at
pictures they ask to see the room behind the hanging silk rug that
surprisingly has an eye scanner in the door. He refuses and tells
them that they cannot have access as that is the computer system
for his contracting business and is very private. This makes them
even more suspicious and, concealing their suspicions, thank Jack
for his cooperation and leave. They leave thinking they have enough
to get a search warrant. Benson says to Blackwood, “He is hiding
something.” “Yeah, he sure is,” Blackwood replies.
***
Warrant minus
    Deputies Blackwood and Benson come back three
days later and, about two or three minutes after they arrive,
Ranger Stone drives up. The deputies are serving Jack with a
warrant which allows them to search everywhere including the
computers and most specifically that locked room and its computer
files. Plus the right to seize anything that might constitute child
pornography. They have also brought along two young computer geeks
with a small van to load any confiscated material.
    As Jack begins reading the warrant he quickly
realizes it is an almost ‘seize whatever you want’ warrant that may
possibly contain inappropriate children material. Plus anything
that indicates sale, purchase or distribution of said materials, IE
- banking papers and check books. ‘Hum, must have found a very easy
judge.’ Finishing reading the rather open warrant Jack now realizes
what Benson and Blackwood were talking about several days ago.
    Ranger Stone then asks, “What’s