The following happens between 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

I was surprised to turn around and find Seth Godin in the back of my car holding a very small water gun. To be honest, it wasn’t very impressive and not at all intimidating. I know Seth is into this “small is the new big”-thing, but I don’t think that principle applies during a terrorist crisis involving hostages.

Seth: “The guy with the fake British accent told me to relay this message. He doesn’t like the plot twist involving your son. Instead, he wants you to meet him at the Starbucks located at Douglas and Main Street in Mishawaka at exactly 6:00 a.m. That will give you time to fall asleep, get some rest and blog about your dream sequence. If you don’t do this I may have to unleash the ideavirus.”

Tony: “Why the water pistol?”

Seth: “The guy that hired me said you are one of those fancy hair guys. He said you would do anything to avoid getting water in your hair…something about water mixing with hair gel. That’s why I have a water gun. Believe me–I’m not afraid to use it.”

This was obviously an empty verbal threat. I knew Seth wasn’t going to pull the trigger. For one thing, everyone knows all marketers are liars. Secondly, any reader of my blog knows I’m more of a pomade guy.

Given the choice of trying to find Mark’s deer stand or going upstairs and climbing in bed with my wife, though, I decided to take Seth’s advice. I called the Yellow Cab Company and arranged for Seth to fly home from South Bend Regional Airport. Yes, we have a real airport where planes with jet engines land and take off every day.

After Seth left, I tucked Jacob into bed. The house was completely dark except for the flicker of candlelight emanating from the bedroom at the end of the hallway. Hmmm, I wonder what’s behind that door…