[stylist] the writer/reader relationship

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

Here here, Anita.
 
Bridgit
 
> From: stylist-request at nfbnet.org
> Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 10
> To: stylist at nfbnet.org
> Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2010 15:14:02 -0500
> 
> Send stylist mailing list submissions to
> stylist at nfbnet.org
> 
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> stylist-request at nfbnet.org
> 
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> stylist-owner at nfbnet.org
> 
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of stylist digest..."
> 
> 
> Today's Topics:
> 
> 1. Re: the writer/reader relationship (Anita Adkins)
> 
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Sat, 09 Oct 2010 16:13:15 -0400
> From: "Anita Adkins" <aadkins7 at verizon.net>
> To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [stylist] the writer/reader relationship
> Message-ID: <7BB70C942B9047DC908228828731B7E8 at AnitaAdkinsPC>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
> reply-type=original
> 
> Hello,
> 
> What you say is well said. Audience opinion does matter. Sometimes, to 
> write on what what we want to write, we must dig for our audience and also 
> dig for how to reach that audience. What I mean by that is that if you are 
> writing about horses, you should publish your articles in magazines and 
> other publishing venues that specificly focus on horses. If you prefer to 
> write about writing, then places that focus on writing, such as this email 
> list and other writing magazines, would be the place to display your work. 
> For my Blindness Blog, I would not just tell everyone I know about it even 
> though it is interesting to me because not everyone will care. In fact, 
> some blind people don't even care. I must focus my attention on advertising 
> to those who work in the blindness field and to those who are blind. So 
> audience does matter. Also, in order to be an effective writer, one must be 
> able to welcome criticism in both one's writing and in one's outlook on a 
> subject. To me, writing means presenting the most objective viewpoint 
> possible, and I must leave out any feelings of personal insult when I come 
> to the writing table. Also, I must realize that just because I feel 
> strongly about a subject does not mean that others do. Have a great day, 
> everyone. Anita
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Bridgit Pollpeter" <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
> To: "writers division" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Saturday, October 09, 2010 2:56 PM
> Subject: [stylist] the writer/reader relationship
> 
> 
> >
> > Brad,
> >
> > You're right about that. Readers are the ones who determine the success 
> > of any story. I wonder how others feel about this.
> >
> > As writers, what is our responsibility to giving the public what it wants? 
> > Whether it is fiction, poetry or non-fiction, readers may have a differing 
> > opinion, interpretation or level of interest in a piece no matter the 
> > writers intent.
> >
> > At what point do you decide to chuck it? Or when do you give into public 
> > opinion, or when do you say screw it and write what you want? It is a 
> > precarious relationship that needs to be dealt with care and caution.
> >
> > As writers, we can't be so caught up in our own material, ideas and egos 
> > to ignore the response of readers. If I write something and nine times 
> > out of ten I get similar feedback, I need to consider this and perhaps 
> > revise my work. Everything is clear to us as the writer, the creator of 
> > our material, but it is not always clear to readers. If something isn't 
> > working, it isn't working. We always have to be mindful and ask 
> > ourselves, "Why will others care about this?"
> >
> > Especially in non-fiction, I think. In memoir, personal essay, 
> > autobiography and biography, it is our life or the life of some one we 
> > care about or ideals and opinions we hold too, but what makes others care? 
> > Why do others want to learn about some one or something other than 
> > themselves? As the writer, it is our responsibility to take this into 
> > consideration when writing. How do we do this?
> >
> > These are some of my ideas:
> > First, despite popular belief (and popular consumption) sensationalism 
> > does not always make for a great story. Shock value is what it is. A 
> > shocking or scandelous story does not always offer anymore value than what 
> > is at the surface.
> >
> > Second, find a universal; how can others relate or identify? Find a 
> > common truth, and work towards creating a rich story. A story, whether it 
> > is fiction or non-fiction, has depth and is working to accomplish more 
> > than one thing.
> >
> > Don't be overly emotional, but simply tell a story. Use language, form, 
> > style, voice to express emotions and ideas. Unless you're Russian, heavy, 
> > emotive writing does not always work to our advantage *smile*
> >
> > Playing with form and structure can really help a story find its audience. 
> > Try differing POV's and tenses and attempt a non-linear plot. Sometimes 
> > these aspects can make or break a piece.
> >
> > So why do you care? What are others thoughts and opinions on the topic?
> >
> > Bridgit
> >> From: stylist-request at nfbnet.org
> >> Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 8
> >> To: stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2010 05:49:25 -0500
> >>
> >> Send stylist mailing list submissions to
> >> stylist at nfbnet.org
> >>
> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> >> stylist-request at nfbnet.org
> >>
> >> You can reach the person managing the list at
> >> stylist-owner at nfbnet.org
> >>
> >> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> >> than "Re: Contents of stylist digest..."
> >>
> >>
> >> Today's Topics:
> >>
> >> 1. Re: sense of murder (BDM)
> >>
> >>
> >> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> >>
> >> Message: 1
> >> Date: Sat, 09 Oct 2010 05:48:26 -0500
> >> From: BDM <lists at braddunsemusic.com>
> >> To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> Subject: Re: [stylist] sense of murder
> >> Message-ID: <6.2.3.4.2.20101009054622.02b3f008 at www.braddunsemusic.com>
> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; format=flowed
> >>
> >> That is what I've found from my own and other's
> >> countless evaluations, the reader, or listener in
> >> case of songs, get what they get no matter what we think they'll get.
> >>
> >> Brad
> >>
> >>
> >> At 11:46 PM 10/8/2010, you wrote:
> >>
> >> >Brad,
> >> >
> >> >It is always good to hear from people when it
> >> >comes to writing. If readers don't like
> >> >something, it doesn't really matter what the
> >> >writer thinks. I'm not a detective fiction
> >> >writer, nor do I wish to be! *smile* I
> >> >appreciate your interpretation. The nice thing
> >> >about this forum is that us writers have a
> >> >chance to defend and clarify our intentions, but
> >> >at the end of the day, it is what the public wants! *smile*
> >> >
> >> >Bridgit
> >> >
> >> > > From: stylist-request at nfbnet.org
> >> > > Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 6
> >> > > To: stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 19:41:28 -0500
> >> > >
> >> > > Send stylist mailing list submissions to
> >> > > stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > >
> >> > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> >> > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> >> > > stylist-request at nfbnet.org
> >> > >
> >> > > You can reach the person managing the list at
> >> > > stylist-owner at nfbnet.org
> >> > >
> >> > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> >> > > than "Re: Contents of stylist digest..."
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > Today's Topics:
> >> > >
> >> > > 1. Re: no more mystery (Pat Harmon)
> >> > > 2. Sense of murder (Bridgit Pollpeter)
> >> > > 3. Re: Sense of murder (BDM)
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> >> > >
> >> > > Message: 1
> >> > > Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 15:11:28 -0400
> >> > > From: "Pat Harmon" <pharmon222 at comcast.net>
> >> > > To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> > > Subject: Re: [stylist] no more mystery
> >> > > Message-ID: <000901cb671c$9c696850$bab15144 at default3gx6vng>
> >> > > Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> >> > > reply-type=original
> >> > >
> >> > > The mystery concerns the mistake! You have
> >> > received an email meant only for
> >> > > my daughter. Oh, I am sorry!
> >> > > ----- Original Message -----
> >> > > From: "Pat Harmon" <pharmon222 at comcast.net>
> >> > > To: "Jennifer Harmon" <jennifer.harmon at SourceMedia.com>
> >> > > Cc: "NFBnet Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> > > Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 12:19 PM
> >> > > Subject: [stylist] no more mystery
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > >I went to bed with the "pewter" on my mind,
> >> > although it did not cost me any
> >> > > >sleep. Foolish not to look below. There is was, the little figures I
> >> > > >love. Memories are endless.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Perhaps the housecleaners moved them. I don't know. They are best 
> >> > > > on
> >> > > > display. I thought maybe they were in your apartment, but I had no
> >> > > > recollection of that. My mind creates tales.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Now, I am searching for breadcrumbs. Eleanor gave me a recipe for
> >> > > > cauliflower. It was out on the counter, and it is the biggest I've 
> >> > > > ever
> >> > > > bought.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > I am hoping to hear from the newest Grandma I know! I might have a 
> >> > > > ride
> >> > > > to Mahwah occasionally. A fellow Lion has a daughter there. Maybe 
> >> > > > that
> >> > > > could work out.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ah, luck shall be with me for new flooring tomorrow. Then, I must 
> >> > > > walk
> >> > > > gingerly across it
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Did I pay for your latest hairdo? There was a bill and the name had
> >> > > > something to do with coiffures. It was two hundred or so.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > How Do you spell pewter anyway? I'm feeling spelling impaired!
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Smile, Hobo! It is Fabulous Frrivolous fantastic fine foolish 
> >> > > > fortunate
> >> > > > Friday!!
> >> > > > _______________________________________________
> >> > > > Writers Division web site:
> >> > > > http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
> >> > <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
> >> > > >
> >> > > > stylist mailing list
> >> > > > stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> > > > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
> >> > > > for
> >> > > > stylist:
> >> > > >
> >> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/pharmon222%40comcast.net
> >> >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > ------------------------------
> >> > >
> >> > > Message: 2
> >> > > Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 16:01:35 -0500
> >> > > From: Bridgit Pollpeter <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
> >> > > To: <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> > > Subject: [stylist] Sense of murder
> >> > > Message-ID: <BLU0-SMTP14770D8490E77334B390489C4500 at phx.gbl>
> >> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
> >> > >
> >> > > Brad,
> >> > >
> >> > > To address some of your points:
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden is a recluse in that he does not develop intimate relationships
> >> > > with people until meeting Salma. He goes through the motions, but
> >> > > never emotionally or mentally connects with anyone. Salma provides a
> >> > > deeper friendship than he has cultivated so far.
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden begins by tapping along the brick building which sounds
> >> > > differently from tapping against the glass door. This is a 
> >> > > description
> >> > > of how we use a cane. No one sighted who has read this was confused 
> >> > > by
> >> > > it. If writing for a blind audience only, it would not make sense, to
> >> > > me, to include these descriptions at all since we know how we do
> >> > > things. On the other hand, having an audience who may not have
> >> > > exposure to blind people and/or their skills, they would wonder how a
> >> > > blind character does certain things. We all know how people have 
> >> > > simple
> >> > > questions for us so it seems like these descriptions would be more
> >> > > appreciated by those who do not know how a blind person acts or 
> >> > > thinks.
> >> > > Plus, making Ayden blind (which he was not originally) readers will 
> >> > > need
> >> > > to know certain things. Like I can't just sit my blind character at a
> >> > > computer and expect some people to understand this.
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden leaned across the table looking straight in the direction where
> >> > > Sheriff Jenkins sat. "I thought Henry was a catch. You know, a lawyer
> >> > > from a wealthy family."
> >> > > "He was a playboy. Always was, never changed."
> >> > > Eache of these is its own para. When action is included with dialogue
> >> > > in a para, it is attached to the speaker. Since the first para begins
> >> > > with Ayden, the following dialogue is attached to Ayden.
> >> > >
> >> > > Again, so far sighted readers have appreciated the descriptions 
> >> > > dealing
> >> > > with things specific to blind people. Most people have no idea what a
> >> > > slate and stylus is even when looking at one. It makes sense, to me,
> >> > > to give a brief description of visually what it looks like while at 
> >> > > the
> >> > > same time explaining how one uses it.
> >> > >
> >> > > Salma's comment about figuring out the case without technology is
> >> > > clearly sarcasm. During this whole portion of dialogue, Salma is
> >> > > reaching impatience with Ayden for not picking things up quick 
> >> > > enough.
> >> > > She shows her playful side so this comment does not seem to fit into 
> >> > > the
> >> > > serious considering her attitude with everything else. Also, it is
> >> > > common knowledge that people use to conduct life without all the
> >> > > technology we have now, so I assumed readers would get it. And the
> >> > > following "Ayden smirked at her," kind of gives one a clue that they 
> >> > > are
> >> > > joking with one another. Accessible is in italics which means Ayden 
> >> > > is
> >> > > stressing the word playing along with Salma's sarcasm.
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden and Salma are not from this small town. There are numerous 
> >> > > places
> >> > > throughout where they talk about being from a city and Ayden mentions
> >> > > not having visited here often. Regardless, people in a town of 10,000
> >> > > still use phone books and the like to look up contact info.
> >> > >
> >> > > Alice was in love with Henry and he died before they could resolve 
> >> > > their
> >> > > relationship. When she sees Ayden, who looks just like Henry, she is
> >> > > presumably thrown off guard and utters this before she knows what she
> >> > > is doing.
> >> > > It does not seem that unnusual for a person to remark on the uncanny
> >> > > resemblence a person might bear to some one else they knew. People
> >> > > constantly come up to my sister to tell her that her daughter is the
> >> > > spitting image of her.
> >> > >
> >> > > I established early on that Salm and Ayden live across the hall from 
> >> > > one
> >> > > another. I did not clarify the point that they were or were not 
> >> > > living
> >> > > together, but I do make it clear that they are dating.
> >> > > So far, a lot of people have enjoyed this aspect of the story since
> >> > > Henry was a bit of a cad. Sort of a redemptive quality in a sense.
> >> > > I wanted their relationship to happen quickly. They are in this
> >> > > situation together and subconscience feelings begin to rise to the
> >> > > surface. Most mysteries include a love element anyway.
> >> > > FYI, my husband and mine's relationship happened quickly like this.
> >> > > *smile*
> >> > >
> >> > > First, no this is not a conclusion, but I purposefully meant to place
> >> > > suspicion on Alice, Henry's lover, Sheriff Jenkins and Nick, Ayden's
> >> > > father. It is clear in the end that Ayden is not done looking into
> >> > > Henry's death, but it takes a reprieve. Plus, Ayden is not a 
> >> > > detective
> >> > > so he may not have the same obsession to finish a case especially if 
> >> > > he
> >> > > felt he knew some of the answers.
> >> > >
> >> > > I probably won't continue this story since I merely wrote it for a
> >> > > class, but Ayden is a character I have been working on for a couple 
> >> > > of
> >> > > years. I may deal with him again, but not in the context of a 
> >> > > mystery.
> >> > > I'm too focused on non-fiction right now to develop a fiction
> >> > > unfortunately.
> >> > >
> >> > > Bridgit
> >> > >
> >> > > -----Original Message-----
> >> > > From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] 
> >> > > On
> >> > > Behalf Of stylist-request at nfbnet.org
> >> > > Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 12:00 PM
> >> > > To: stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 5
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > Send stylist mailing list submissions to
> >> > > stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > >
> >> > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> >> > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> >> > > stylist-request at nfbnet.org
> >> > >
> >> > > You can reach the person managing the list at
> >> > > stylist-owner at nfbnet.org
> >> > >
> >> > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific 
> >> > > than
> >> > > "Re: Contents of stylist digest..."
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > Today's Topics:
> >> > >
> >> > > 1. detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some language,
> >> > > alludes to sexual content (Bridgit Pollpeter)
> >> > > 2. Re: detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some language,
> >> > > alludes to sexual content (Priscilla McKinley)
> >> > > 3. Re: detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some
> >> > > language,
> >> > > alludes to sexual content (Joe Orozco)
> >> > > 4. Re: detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some
> >> > > language,
> >> > > alludes to sexual content (Robert Leslie Newman)
> >> > > 5. Re: detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some language,
> >> > > alludes to sexual content (BDM)
> >> > > 6. no more mystery (Pat Harmon)
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> >> > >
> >> > > Message: 1
> >> > > Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2010 21:05:39 -0500
> >> > > From: Bridgit Pollpeter <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
> >> > > To: writers division <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> > > Subject: [stylist] detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some
> >> > > language, alludes to sexual content
> >> > > Message-ID: <SNT136-w5394EB83769ED4F1912F90C4500 at phx.gbl>
> >> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > Hey guys,
> >> > >
> >> > > I'm taking a detective fiction class this semester for an upper lit
> >> > > credit. We had to write detective shorts and I thought I would share
> >> > > mine with you. Keep in mind that this is not my genre and also, I 
> >> > > wrote
> >> > > it in about a 12-our time span. Yes, I'm a procrastinator! *smile*
> >> > >
> >> > > It was fun though so enjoy.
> >> > >
> >> > > Bridgit P
> >> > >
> >> > > Sense of Murder
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden sat in his father?s leather wingback chair rolling a large key
> >> > > between his fingers. The metal key had been cold, but now was warmed 
> >> > > by
> >> > > his hands. He gripped the key in his palm and rubbed a thumb across 
> >> > > the
> >> > > rough , rusty surface. Three weeks ago, Ayden had merely been
> >> > > researching the mysterious death of his grandfather for a book he was
> >> > > writing. Now, he sat among items wondering if his grandfather had 
> >> > > been
> >> > > murdered. Ayden?s father, Nick, had found Henry, his grandfather, 
> >> > > lying
> >> > > at the bottom of the staircase in his home. Nick never spoke about 
> >> > > the
> >> > > incident after reporting it to the police. He would not speak to 
> >> > > Ayden
> >> > > about Henry?s death either, but he was allowing Ayden and Salma to
> >> > > search through any items Nick kept. No one had been sure what 
> >> > > happened.
> >> > > Lucy, Ayden?s grandmother, had been present too when Henry?s body was
> >> > > found. The police recorded the death as an accidental fall. Many
> >> > > silently pointed fingers at Lucy though. Lucy had grown distraught
> >> > > during the past few months before Henry?s death. Friends and family
> >> > > reported that she had been distracted often or in an irritated mood.
> >> > > This was unlike the warm and tender grandmother Ayden had grown up 
> >> > > with.
> >> > > When Nick found his father?s body, Lucy had gone wild, screaming, 
> >> > > unable
> >> > > to leave Henry?s lifeless body. Eventually Nick placed her in a care
> >> > > home. Here Lucy had reached an almost catatonic state until she too 
> >> > > had
> >> > > passed. Gossips spread the news, sweeping far and wide. Lucy was 
> >> > > crazy,
> >> > > they said. She went mad, she killed her husband. It was juicy, just
> >> > > what a small town needed. The police never looked into the 
> >> > > possibility,
> >> > > but Lucy died with a scarlet letter attached to her memory. Ayden 
> >> > > could
> >> > > never believe that Lucy would hurt anyone. Lucy had been fond of 
> >> > > Ayden,
> >> > > guiding him, encouraging him. ?You?re so full of potential, Ayden. I
> >> > > can see fire in your eyes,? she used to tell him. When Ayden lost his
> >> > > vision, Lucy had been the one person who supported him, still
> >> > > encouraging. For years, though, there had been whispers of foul play,
> >> > > but no one ever spoke about the rumors. Vague insinuations were the
> >> > > closest anyone came to mentioning ?murder.? Ayden, though, had never
> >> > > played by the rules. His mother referred to him as the ?black sheep 
> >> > > of
> >> > > the family? whenever she threw a dinner party. Ayden never felt like 
> >> > > he
> >> > > fit in his family?s world of snobbish dinner parties, elite country
> >> > > clubs and preferential treatment at most Ivy League universities. He
> >> > > had already been a disappointment to his family before a car accident
> >> > > left him blind. Seven-years later, Ayden had come to terms with his
> >> > > blindness, but his family accepted him only out of duty. His father 
> >> > > had
> >> > > been clear when saying, ?This condition of yours is not suitable for 
> >> > > the
> >> > > courtroom, but the firm can take you on in a capacity for research,
> >> > > perhaps. Maybe a paralegal position will be suitable.? Ayden was not
> >> > > able to live with this attitude hanging over him. After completing 
> >> > > his
> >> > > bachelor?s in literature, Ayden took up a career writing for any
> >> > > newspapers or journals that accepted his entries. Writing for a small
> >> > > literary journal allowed Ayden to work on his novel which had turned
> >> > > into a fictionalized account of his grandfather?s death. Asking his
> >> > > father for any information about his grandfather?s life, was the 
> >> > > reason
> >> > > Ayden now sat in his father?s study. He found more, he thought, than
> >> > > his father knew about though. ?So what?s next?? Salma asked. Salma
> >> > > lived across the hall from Ayden in his building. They had become
> >> > > friends, and Salma now was helping him research his grandfather?s 
> >> > > life.
> >> > > Tapping the key in his palm, Ayden said, ?I?m not sure. This letter
> >> > > says a lot.? Ayden closed his eyes thinking on this letter. It was
> >> > > evidence, even if circumstantial, that suggested, if Lucy knew about 
> >> > > it,
> >> > > she could have killed Henry. There was a pause then paper crackled
> >> > > before Salma spoke. ?It?s pretty clear from this letter that your
> >> > > grandfather was having an affair. I wonder if we can figure out these
> >> > > initials, A. W.? Ayden shut his eyes thinking, trying to remember 
> >> > > anyone
> >> > > he had ever met with A. W. for initials. ?I don?t know,? he sighed. 
> >> > > As
> >> > > Ayden and Salma leafed through pictures and notes, they had found an 
> >> > > old
> >> > > copy of Wuthering Heights. Ayden remembered the year Henry had given
> >> > > the third edition book to Lucy for Christmas. Lucy had sat unwrapping
> >> > > the gift, then exclaimed, ?Oh,? before looking up with tears in her
> >> > > eyes. Wuthering Heights had always been her favorite novel. Lucy had
> >> > > been the one person to encourage Ayden to follow his dream and take 
> >> > > up
> >> > > writing instead of joining the family law firm. ?You?re meant to 
> >> > > follow
> >> > > your own path,? Lucy had told Ayden once. Twenty-years later, Ayden 
> >> > > and
> >> > > Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of the book. Ayden touched
> >> > > the thick, but stiff piece of paper and held it out to Salma to 
> >> > > inspect.
> >> > > She told him the letter appeared old, but not as old as the book. A 
> >> > > few
> >> > > of the torn edges of the letter were turning yellow. The letter was
> >> > > simple as she read:
> >> > > Henry, my love,
> >> > > I can not wait to see you again. I hoped and when I saw you coming 
> >> > > down
> >> > > the road, my heart leaped. I still feel your touch. How much longer
> >> > > must we wait? Please, my darling, give me what I ask before it is too
> >> > > late.
> >> > > Love, A. W.
> >> > > ?What now? Where do we go next?? Salma asked.
> >> > > Ayden held the rusted, copper key up in front of him. ?We visit the 
> >> > > old
> >> > > Templeton mansion.? The Templeton mansion was the Victorian home 
> >> > > Henry
> >> > > and Lucy had lived in for years. The family still owned it, but it 
> >> > > had
> >> > > sat empty for years. Ayden thought that maybe more secrets were 
> >> > > hidden
> >> > > within the walls of the Templeton house, eager to be discovered.
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden sat in the car as Salma drove. Neither spoke as Ayden?s fingers
> >> > > slid across the pages on his lap. Reading his Braille notes, Ayden
> >> > > wondered where to start once they reached the small town where his
> >> > > grandparents and father had grown up. Henry had started a small law
> >> > > firm in town, but eventually it grew. Henry and Lucy had moved when
> >> > > Nick had been ten. Nick never spoke about his childhood though. Ayden
> >> > > really didn?t know much about his family?s past. Lucy and Henry had
> >> > > moved back to their old house once Nick took the firm over, but Ayden
> >> > > had rarely visited the home. After Henry had died, Lucy, unable to 
> >> > > cope
> >> > > with his death, had moved into an upscale nursing home in the City, 
> >> > > and
> >> > > Nick left the house untouched. The house had sat empty now for ten
> >> > > years. As the car slowed, Ayden looked up at Salma. ?Are we there??
> >> > > ?Yes. What?s our first stop?? ?I?m figuring this out as we go along.
> >> > > I guess the police station.? Salma was silent before saying, ?You 
> >> > > okay?
> >> > > I know your dad wasn?t happy.? Ayden had questioned his father about 
> >> > > the
> >> > > letter, but Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling Ayden, ?Leave 
> >> > > it
> >> > > alone. We don?t dig up family history.? Ayden tried to coax Nick to 
> >> > > say
> >> > > more, but the subject was closed. ?Yeah. I wish he would have told us
> >> > > more. Explained something,? Ayden said. ?Maybe he just wants to keep
> >> > > your family secrets, well, secret. Some people don?t like giving out
> >> > > info about anything.? ?I just feel like he knows more than he?s 
> >> > > letting
> >> > > on. Mom just played dumb too.? ?We?ll find something. Don?t worry.?
> >> > > Salma was always reassuring Ayden. She had become a constant in his
> >> > > life. The only real constant he had. She had shown up one day,
> >> > > knocking on his door, holding a dish in her hands, offering Ayden 
> >> > > some
> >> > > home made enchiladas. That had been the beginning of their 
> >> > > friendship.
> >> > > They had spent many nights talking until three in the morning and
> >> > > hanging out on weekends. Salma was the one connection Ayden had to 
> >> > > the
> >> > > outside world. Once moving away from his family, he had become a
> >> > > recluse of sorts. He showed up to the office for work, attended
> >> > > cocktail parties required for work and even dated a couple of girls, 
> >> > > but
> >> > > Salma was the one person he truly felt comfortable with. Her 
> >> > > infectious
> >> > > way of always looking at things positively seemed like a novelty to
> >> > > Ayden. She could always make him smile. When he began writing the 
> >> > > book
> >> > > about Henry, Salma had offered to assist in anyway she could. ?I?m
> >> > > really glad you?re here,? Ayden said.
> >> > >
> >> > > ?Yeah, yeah. I?m waiting for my pay check.? Salma giggled as she
> >> > > pulled into a parking stall. ?I think we?re here.? While Salma 
> >> > > dropped
> >> > > coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped his cane along the brick
> >> > > walls looking for the door. Hearing the clink of glass as his cane
> >> > > tapped, Ayden was sure he found the door. ?No Braille, is this it?? 
> >> > > he
> >> > > shouted back to Salma. ?I believe so,? she answered rushing to catch 
> >> > > up.
> >> > > They entered the quiet, almost lazy-like atmosphere of the police
> >> > > station. Ayden moved towards the sound of clacking as some one 
> >> > > pressed
> >> > > keys on a computer keyboard with a practiced efficiency. This, he
> >> > > thought, must be a reception desk. Stepping up to a smooth feeling
> >> > > counter, Ayden said, ?Excuse me.? ?Can I help you?? a woman?s bored
> >> > > voice said. ?We were wondering if we can speak to some one who worked
> >> > > the Henry Templeton case,? Ayden said. The woman stopped typing and a
> >> > > long silence followed. ?Who?s asking?? ?I?m Ayden Templeton, Henry?s
> >> > > grandson.? ?One minute.? A chair creaked as the woman stood. Her 
> >> > > shoes
> >> > > clacked as she walked away. Salma touched Ayden?s arm. ?She had a 
> >> > > weird
> >> > > look when you mentioned your grandpa?s name.? Ayden said nothing, not
> >> > > sure what he was doing there in the first place. The woman?s shoes
> >> > > clacked once more as she returned. Another footstep joined hers, but
> >> > > this person shuffled slightly. The person shuffled towards Salma,
> >> > > saying, ?Hello. I?m Sheriff Jenkins. How can I help you?? Ayden
> >> > > stepped closer towards Salma, extending his arm to Sheriff Jenkins.
> >> > > ?I?m Ayden Templeton and this is Salma Juarez. We have some questions
> >> > > about my grandfather?s death.? There was a pause before Sheriff 
> >> > > Jenkins
> >> > > shook Ayden?s hand. ?Step into my office please.? Ayden followed the
> >> > > sheriff into a room off the main section of the department. His cane
> >> > > swep the inside of the door frame, indicating the width so Ayden 
> >> > > avoided
> >> > > bumping into the edges of the frame. Ayden asked where a chair was 
> >> > > and
> >> > > turned in the direction Captain Jenkins indicated. Once again, his 
> >> > > cane
> >> > > found the chair and sliding the cane across the seat, Ayden 
> >> > > determined
> >> > > where the front of the chair was. Salma?s arm brushed his as she sat
> >> > > next to him. ?Can I get you anything?? Sheriff Jenkins asked. ?No, 
> >> > > but
> >> > > thank you. Salma?? ?I?m good,? Salma replied. Ayden felt a tension 
> >> > > fill
> >> > > the room as the three sat there, not speaking. Sheriff Jenkins began
> >> > > tapping the edge of the metal table in the interrogation room. Ayden
> >> > > twisted his cane between his fingers. Salma bobbed her foot which was
> >> > > lightly kicking Ayden?s shin. ?We?re hoping to learn as much as we 
> >> > > can
> >> > > about Henry Templeton?s death. I?m researching the story for a novel
> >> > > I?m working on,? Ayden started. ?I worked the case. There?s not much 
> >> > > to
> >> > > tell,? Sheriff Jenkins said. ?I know you eventually reported it as an
> >> > > accidental death, but was there ever any evidence suggesting 
> >> > > otherwise??
> >> > > Ayden asked. ?No. We questioned friends and family and there was no
> >> > > reason to believe Henry Templeton was murdered,? Sheriff Jenkins said
> >> > > sharply. Ayden shifted his head towards Salma before saying, ?I know
> >> > > there was-uh-speculation that maybe my grandmother did it.? ?Lucy
> >> > > Baldwin? She never hurt anyone. We were all shocked when she married
> >> > > Henry. She could have had anyone she wanted.? Ayden leaned against 
> >> > > the
> >> > > table looking straight in the direction where Sheriff Jenkins sat. ?I
> >> > > thought Henry was a catch? You know, a lawyer from a wealthy family.?
> >> > > ?He was a playboy. Always was, never changed.? ?Who did you question
> >> > > about his death?? Salma broke in. The sheriff?s chair creaked as he
> >> > > leaned back. ?Well, of course Lucy and her boy Nick. They were there.
> >> > > Found his body and all.? Ayden shot the sheriff a questioning glance.
> >> > > He was talking like he had forgot who Ayden was. ?Then there was 
> >> > > Zelda,
> >> > > the housekeeper, and Avery Mayer, he came around about once a week to
> >> > > help Lucy with the lawn. She loved her garden. Her roses won prizes
> >> > > around here,? Sheriff Jenkins continued. ?Anyone else?? Ayden asked.
> >> > > ?Oh, his work associates, but Henry was retired so they didn?t see 
> >> > > much
> >> > > of him anymore. Alice Whitley, she had been his personal secretary 
> >> > > for
> >> > > years. She still did stuff part-time for Henry.? Ayden had pulled out 
> >> > > a
> >> > > three-by-five plastic device that had six rows of cells containing 
> >> > > three
> >> > > holes on each side of the cells. A pop-pop-pop sound was made as 
> >> > > Ayden
> >> > > poked a pointed awl-like object called a stylus through the holes as 
> >> > > he
> >> > > took Braille notes. ?Are any of these people still around?? ?Not
> >> > > everyone had the same opportunities as the Templeton?s to leave town.
> >> > > Other than Henry?s work associates, I think most of them still live
> >> > > around here. At least the one?s who are still alive.? ?Is there
> >> > > anything else you can tell us? Was there anything strange you 
> >> > > noticed?
> >> > > Any evidence that suggest something other than an accidental tumble 
> >> > > down
> >> > > the stairs?? The sheriff laughed. ?I know you city folk like to dream
> >> > > up seedy happenings in small towns, but Henry Templeton?s death was
> >> > > nothing more than an accident. Nothing dark about it.? ?Thank you for
> >> > > your time,? Ayden said extending his hand again to shake Sheriff
> >> > > Jenkins?s. Sheriff Jenkins sighed. ?Look, don?t go digging anything 
> >> > > up.
> >> > > Just let the dead rest.? Salma?s bracelet tinkled as they stood. ?We
> >> > > understand. I?m just trying to find things out about my grandfather 
> >> > > for
> >> > > the book. You know, no stone uncovered,? Ayden said. ?Are you two
> >> > > married?? Sheriff Jenkins asked. Ayden, confused by the switch, 
> >> > > replied,
> >> > > ?No.? The sheriff chuckled. ?Like your grandpa, I see.? Ayden 
> >> > > blushed,
> >> > > but Salma said, ?Ayden is nothing but a gentleman. Clearly something 
> >> > > he
> >> > > did not pick up in this town.? ?I know the kind of men the 
> >> > > Templeton?s
> >> > > are,? the sheriff said. Unsure of what to do, Ayden turned to leave. 
> >> > > ?At
> >> > > least he has a better chance of touching what you have been admiring
> >> > > this whole time,? Salma snapped. She turned quickly and Ayden felt a
> >> > > rush of breeze as she left the room.
> >> > >
> >> > > Out in the car, Ayden apologized.
> >> > > ?I?m sorry. I didn?t know what to say.?
> >> > > ?It?s okay. He was a pig.?
> >> > > ?I didn?t realize-?
> >> > > ?I know, its okay. Where to next??
> >> > > Ayden could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone. ?The house, I
> >> > > guess.? As Salma pulled back out into the street devoid of traffic,
> >> > > Ayden wondered why she had told Sheriff Jenkins what she had. Was it
> >> > > simply said in a moment of anger, or was there any truth in her 
> >> > > words,
> >> > > he thought. He has a better chance of touching what you have been
> >> > > admiring. For the first time, Ayden thought of the possibilities with
> >> > > Salma.
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden stood before the house remembering the bright blue it had been
> >> > > during the few visits he had made during his childhood. The house had
> >> > > always stood out even among the street full of bright, cheery houses
> >> > > complete with emerald lawns and award winning gardens. The Templeton
> >> > > house had a wrap-around porch with a veranda to the back opening onto 
> >> > > a
> >> > > large lawn complete with a British garden. Its three stories reached
> >> > > majestically towards the sky.
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden now gripped the rough, wooden railing of the house. The feel of
> >> > > the railing did not match his memory of the sleek, smooth dark wooden
> >> > > banister. The stairs creaked as he stepped on them. Reaching the
> >> > > porch, he felt a slight dip and quickly stepped sideways in fear of
> >> > > falling through the porch. Children played nearby and cars languidly
> >> > > drove down the street, but a strange silence surrounded the house. It
> >> > > was as though Ayden were underneath water trying to make out the 
> >> > > distant
> >> > > sounds. The scent of jasmine passed briefly through his nose as Salma
> >> > > stood next to him. ?How does it look?? Ayden asked ignoring the 
> >> > > scent.
> >> > > Salma took a deep breath. ?It?s run down, that?s for sure. I can?t
> >> > > believe no one has lived here for years.? ?My family still owns it, 
> >> > > but
> >> > > after my grandfather?s death, no one wanted to do anything about it.?
> >> > > Ayden placed his hand on the cold handle of the dilapidated Victorian
> >> > > house. He dug in his pockets for the rusty key he had found in his
> >> > > father?s office. As he inserted the heavy key in the lock, a quiet
> >> > > click was heard. Ayden pushed the solid door open. He looked in
> >> > > Salma?s direction before stepping inside. Shutting the door, the 
> >> > > house
> >> > > engulfed all sound like a tomb. ?Creepy,? Salma said as she shivered.
> >> > > Ayden walked forward tapping his long white cane, arcing wide so as 
> >> > > to
> >> > > not run into anything. Dust filled the air and Ayden coughed as he
> >> > > inhaled. ?This has been sitting for years,? Ayden rasped. ?What?s it
> >> > > look like?? Salma looked around. ?It?s really dark, but it?s almost
> >> > > completely empty. What do you think you?ll find?? ?I?m not sure.
> >> > > Sheriff Jenkins wasn?t much help. I just thought, maybe something??
> >> > > Salma?s sandals clipped-clopped as she walked over to a window to 
> >> > > open
> >> > > it. ?Well, if we are going to be here long we need fresh air.? Ayden
> >> > > felt a rush of summer breeze as the window clambered up. The sound of
> >> > > kids jumping rope ruined the house?s stolid silence. Life entered the
> >> > > house again as Ayden began to feel around searching for any clue. 
> >> > > Salma
> >> > > clumped up the stairs as Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls 
> >> > > and
> >> > > any remaining furniture, hoping to find something, anything. He 
> >> > > rifled
> >> > > through drawers and cupboards. So far his hands had only found dust 
> >> > > and
> >> > > cobwebs. ?Ayden, Ayden!? Salma shouted a couple of hours later. Ayden
> >> > > hurried towards the staircase. ?Salma! Are you okay?? ?Get up here! I
> >> > > found something!? Ayden clambered up the grand staircase. Reaching 
> >> > > the
> >> > > top, he shouted, ?What room?? ?Um, it?s a bedroom.? Hearing her voice
> >> > > off to his left, Ayden moved down the hallway. At the end, he found a
> >> > > door open. ?Salma?? Salma?s clapping sandals moved towards Ayden. 
> >> > > ?Look
> >> > > at this,? she said excitedly. Her bracelet tinkled and paper crackled
> >> > > as she shoved something in Ayden?s hand. Ayden grinned. ?Um?? He
> >> > > handed the paper back to Salma. ?Oh-sorry. I just-you won?t believe
> >> > > this.? It was another letter; a love letter to Henry. Henry, My love, 
> >> > > I
> >> > > miss you. I grow restless with each day. I have waited years to be
> >> > > with you, really be with you. Let?s stop the pretending, stop the 
> >> > > lies.
> >> > > Don?t be mad with me. I would do anything for you, but we must stop
> >> > > hiding. There is no harm in this. I will wait to hear from you, but
> >> > > don?t take long. Love,
> >> > > A. W.
> >> > > Salma rushed through the letter almost in one breath. Ayden was not
> >> > > quite sure what her excitement was for. ?We already know Henry was
> >> > > having an affair of sorts,? he said. Salma sighed impatiently. 
> >> > > ?Ayden,
> >> > > think about it. Don?t you see?? ?Not really,? he said slowly. She
> >> > > grabbed his wrist. Her slender fingers gripped him with a strength
> >> > > Ayden would not have guessed at. She moved in closer and once again,
> >> > > Ayden took in the scent of jasmine. This time he smelled something 
> >> > > else
> >> > > with it. Vanilla, he thought. Salma shook his arm slightly bringing
> >> > > him back to attention. ?Ayden, A. W. Don?t you see it yet?? ?A. W.??
> >> > > ?The initials,? she said exasperated, ?A. W. Alice Whitley.? ?Who?s
> >> > > Alice Whitley?? Salma smacked her forehead. ?Ay-where are your notes
> >> > > from today?? Ayden pulled out the three-by-five note card from his 
> >> > > back
> >> > > pocket. ?Now read through it,? Salma said as though talking to a 
> >> > > small
> >> > > child. Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and looked sharply 
> >> > > up
> >> > > at Salma. ?See?? Salma asked. ?I can?t believe we didn?t realize it
> >> > > then. His secretary. And Sheriff Jenkins said she?s still living in
> >> > > town.? ?Think we can find her?? ?Give me a minute,? Ayden said 
> >> > > reaching
> >> > > for his mobile phone tucked away in his pocket. An electronic hum 
> >> > > came
> >> > > from his phone as he maneuvered through the menus on his phone. A
> >> > > screen-reading program specific to mobile phones, helped Ayden 
> >> > > utilize
> >> > > the functions on his phone. ?Got it. There?s only one Alice Whitley
> >> > > that shows up in town.? ?Thank God for technology,? Salma said. ?No
> >> > > wonder no one could ever solve this case.? Ayden smirked at her. 
> >> > > ?Thank
> >> > > God for accessible technology. Come on. She doesn?t live far from 
> >> > > here
> >> > > and it?s not too late.?
> >> > >
> >> > > Ten minutes later, Ayden and Salma knocked on a door. The house was
> >> > > less substantial than the Templeton house, but Salma described its
> >> > > well-kempt lawn and cheery exterior. The door opened and a woman?s 
> >> > > voice
> >> > > gasped, ?Oh.? ?Miss Whitley? I?m Ayden-? ?Templeton,? she said. ?You
> >> > > look like Henry.? Smiling, Ayden said, ?Miss Whitley, this is my 
> >> > > friend
> >> > > Salma. We?re working on a book about my grandfather, and we would 
> >> > > like
> >> > > to ask you some questions.? ?Oh, of course. Come in, come in.? As the
> >> > > door shut behind Ayden and Salma, he smelled a flower scent that he
> >> > > couldn?t place and a clock ticked nearby. Alice Whitley ushered them
> >> > > into a sitting room off the entryway. Salma sat next to Ayden on the
> >> > > soft couch while Alice sat across from them. ?Can I offer you 
> >> > > anything?
> >> > > I just made lemonade.? ?That would be wonderful,? Salma said. As 
> >> > > Alice
> >> > > left the room, Ayden turned towards Salma. ?I?m sorry, I didn?t even
> >> > > think to ask if you were hungry.? ?Hon, it?s okay. I didn?t think 
> >> > > about
> >> > > it myself until now.? ?We?ll have dinner after this; I promise.?
> >> > > ?Promise?? Ayden grinned as Alice returned. She placed an ice-cold
> >> > > glass in Ayden?s hand. Ice chinked against the side as he took a 
> >> > > gulp.
> >> > > The cold liquid felt good down his throat after the dust of his 
> >> > > family?s
> >> > > house. He could only imagine how dirty he and Salma looked. He felt
> >> > > the mingled grime of sweat and dirt on his body. Why had it not
> >> > > occurred to them to stop somewhere first and wash up, Ayden thought.
> >> > > ?So, what can I help you with? Henry was a dear friend and I miss 
> >> > > him.
> >> > > You must call me Alice.? ?Well, Alice, we specifically are interested 
> >> > > in
> >> > > his death,? Ayden said. Alice choked on her lemonade. ?Why would you 
> >> > > be
> >> > > interested in that?? ?I believe that maybe his death wasn?t 
> >> > > accidental.?
> >> > > ?Oh dear, don?t buy into those silly rumors. Pete Jenkins conducted a
> >> > > thorough investigation and no foul play was to be hinted at.? ?And 
> >> > > yet
> >> > > the rumors persist,? Ayden said. ?Silly gossip. Housewives bored out 
> >> > > of
> >> > > there minds.? ?You know Sheriff Jenkins?? Ayden asked. ?Darling, it?s 
> >> > > a
> >> > > town of ten-thousand; everybody knows everybody.? Ayden sipped on his
> >> > > lemonade as Salma clicked her nails against the side of her glass. 
> >> > > ?We
> >> > > have reason to believe maybe there is more to the story,? Ayden said.
> >> > > He affected his best courtroom demeanor. He had seen his father like
> >> > > this hundreds of times. Alice swirled ice chuncks around in her 
> >> > > glass.
> >> > > Her voice had lost some of its cheeriness when she responded by 
> >> > > asking,
> >> > > ?What makes you say that?? Ayden found the love letter in a folder. 
> >> > > He
> >> > > removed the Braille label, setting the letter on the coffee table
> >> > > dividing Ayden and Salma from Alice. The room grew still. The letter
> >> > > rustled as Alice picked it up. When she spoke, she sounded choked as
> >> > > though she were holding back tears. ?Where did you find this?? ?It 
> >> > > was
> >> > > in some old boxes in the Templeton home,? Salma said. A long silence
> >> > > followed in which Ayden could hear Alice sniffling. ?I suppose the 
> >> > > truth
> >> > > has to come out sooner or later,? Alice said quietly. ?We don?t
> >> > > need-a-details of anything, but is there any reason to think Henry 
> >> > > was
> >> > > killed?? Ayden soothed. ?Your grandfather hired me when I was 
> >> > > eighteen,?
> >> > > Alice began, ignoring Ayden. ?I instantly fell in love with him, but 
> >> > > he
> >> > > was that type. Dashingly handsome, charming to a fault. He was a few
> >> > > years older than me, but I knew how all the girls waited for their
> >> > > chance to rope Henry into marriage. I felt so lucky to see him
> >> > > everyday. I started out as a simple receptionist, but eventually he
> >> > > promoted me to his personal secretary.? ?Did you move with my
> >> > > grandparents then, when they moved?? Ayden asked. Alice sighed. ?Yes,
> >> > > but after-things happened-I moved back. I remained in his employ,
> >> > > working from the office here in town. Before your father took charge,
> >> > > Henry?s headquarters had always been based from here.? Ayden nodded 
> >> > > his
> >> > > head. ?I never meant to hurt anyone. Things happened. Henry loved us
> >> > > both, Lucy and I. I tried to end it for years, but Henry always 
> >> > > showed
> >> > > up with that smile of his. Then I tried to make him choose. I
> >> > > should?ve known better, but I was in love.? Alice continued to spill 
> >> > > her
> >> > > story, hoping for redemption perhaps. ?The final straw came right 
> >> > > before
> >> > > his death. We had carried on for almost forty-years and I knew it had
> >> > > to stop. We fought. I threatened to tell Lucy and that was that. He
> >> > > left me promising to choose. I waited for an answer, but a week 
> >> > > later,
> >> > > Henry was found dead.? ?Did you ever tell anyone?? Ayden asked. ?No.?
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden and Salma stood by the car outside Alice?s house. A breeze
> >> > > tousled Ayden?s hair and Salma gently combed her fingers through his
> >> > > dark tresses. ?Seems like all you Templeton men are irresistible,? 
> >> > > she
> >> > > said teasingly. Unsure of how to respond to her comment, he grinned, 
> >> > > but
> >> > > before he could make a remark, Ayden heard her car door click open. 
> >> > > He
> >> > > slid into the passenger seat, heart pounding. ?You promised me 
> >> > > dinner,?
> >> > > Salma whined playfully.
> >> > >
> >> > > After devouring diner-style hamburgers and fries, Ayden and Salma 
> >> > > found
> >> > > themselves walking through the downtown area. Salma kept up with
> >> > > Ayden?s stride as his cane tapped in a shoulder-length-arc. 
> >> > > ?Sometimes I
> >> > > think it would be nice to live in a small town,? Salma mused. 
> >> > > ?Really,
> >> > > you? Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day,? Ayden joked. ?I could
> >> > > drive to the city. I don?t know. It seems like a nice place to raise 
> >> > > a
> >> > > family.? Ayden had never heard Salma speak about kids or families. As
> >> > > well as he knew her, Ayden realized there was plenty he still had to
> >> > > learn about Salma. ?Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will 
> >> > > grow
> >> > > up to cheat, lie and murder,? Ayden scoffed. ?We, huh?? Ayden 
> >> > > blushed,
> >> > > feeling the heat creep up his neck to his face. He hadn?t caught his
> >> > > blunder. He sputtered, but before he could make sense of his words,
> >> > > Salma grabbed his hand. ?Maybe we can live in the Templeton mansion,?
> >> > > she said. They walked silently back to the car. ?It?s pretty late, 
> >> > > what
> >> > > should we do?? Salma asked. Ayden flipped the crystal face of his 
> >> > > watch
> >> > > up. Feeling the raised dots and arrows with his pointer finger on his
> >> > > Braille watch, he said, ?It?s a quarter to eleven. I?m beat.? ?Me 
> >> > > too.
> >> > > I don?t really feel like driving back tonight though.? Ayden 
> >> > > scratched
> >> > > his head. ?I guess we can stay at casa-de-Templeton.? ?Okay, but no
> >> > > funny business,? Salma joked. Sitting in the car, Ayden said, ?By the
> >> > > way, unlike some men in my family, I?m more of a one-woman type.?
> >> > >
> >> > > They stood on either side of the king-size bed in the master bedroom.
> >> > > ?Sure you don?t want to sleep in another room?? Ayden asked. ?Hell 
> >> > > no!
> >> > > This house is creepy.? ?I thought you wanted to raise children here??
> >> > > ?Shut-up. Scared to sleep with a girl?? The bed creaked as Salma lay
> >> > > down on it. ?A bit musty.? They had found spare bed linens in a box 
> >> > > and
> >> > > had attempted to shake them out as best they could. Ayden had noticed 
> >> > > a
> >> > > lingering wispy scent of flowers that he could not place. It may have
> >> > > been the remnants of something used to launder the linens years ago, 
> >> > > he
> >> > > had thought. Without thinking, Ayden removed his shirt and handed it 
> >> > > to
> >> > > Salma. ?Here. You can wrap your pillow in it.? ?Thanks,? Salma said
> >> > > drawing the word out. Realizing what he had just done, he blushed for
> >> > > the millionth time that day. Not able to turn back what he had done,
> >> > > Ayden lay slowly down, sticking close to the edge. ?Keep your hands
> >> > > above the blankets,? Salma yawned.
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden woke disoriented at first, but comprehension quickly dawned as 
> >> > > he
> >> > > felt Salma?s small body nestled against his. She snored quietly and
> >> > > Ayden smiled. This was nice, he thought. He extracted himself gently
> >> > > from the bed, trying to not wake Salma. He needed to use the 
> >> > > bathroom,
> >> > > but it struck him that the bathrooms would not be in working order. 
> >> > > It
> >> > > was primitive, but it would have to do, he thought as he found his 
> >> > > way
> >> > > downstairs and out into the back garden. Hoping no neighbors were 
> >> > > awake
> >> > > to see him, he relieved himself. Half asleep still, his eyes snapped
> >> > > open as a slight shuffle came from behind him. Finished with his
> >> > > midnight chore, he listened intently, but no sound came again. He
> >> > > turned around, gripping his cane in one hand. ?Hello,? he said. No
> >> > > response came. He turned back towards the house and as he walked, 
> >> > > Ayden
> >> > > felt his back tingle. It was the sensation he felt as a child when
> >> > > terrified, feeling a presence behind him. He was an adult now, he
> >> > > chided himself. Forcing himself to walk calmly back into the house, 
> >> > > he
> >> > > reached the French doors and entered. As he went to shut the doors, a
> >> > > soft shuffle started in the darkness again. It could have been the 
> >> > > long
> >> > > dead foliage rustling in the breeze, but Ayden placed himself in the
> >> > > doorway again. The noise instantly stopped. Slamming the door and
> >> > > locking it, Ayden flew to the stairs, taking three steps at a time.
> >> > > Heart pounding, blood rushing in his ears, Ayden felt a cool breeze 
> >> > > cut
> >> > > through the stuffy air of the bedroom. DeMint, he swore to himself.
> >> > > They had opened windows before going to bed, hoping to air out their
> >> > > lodgings for the night. Salma still was sleeping peacefully on the 
> >> > > bed.
> >> > > He sat on the bed resting his head on the large carved headboard,
> >> > > listening. Crickets chirped outside and the breeze rustled the leaves 
> >> > > of
> >> > > trees from time to time. Salma continued her snoring. Silence loomed
> >> > > around the house. Ayden waited to hear the shuffle noise again or a
> >> > > step on the stairs, but nothing came. He relaxed after fifteen 
> >> > > minutes
> >> > > of vigilante guarding. Laying back down on the bed, one arm behind 
> >> > > his
> >> > > head, he smiled when Salma threw an arm across his chest. Thinking 
> >> > > only
> >> > > of Salma by now, Ayden drifted back off to sleep.
> >> > >
> >> > > The second time Ayden woke he knew where he was, but something was 
> >> > > not
> >> > > right. Salma still snored next to him as he spooned her, but an acrid
> >> > > odor filled his nostrils. A loud crack made him bolt up in bed. 
> >> > > ?Salma!
> >> > > There?s a fire!? He shook her until she woke up. ?We need to get out 
> >> > > of
> >> > > here,? Ayden shouted as she slowly regained a conscience state. Ayden
> >> > > flew to the open door. Smoke filled his nose and made his eyes water.
> >> > > ?Salma, I can?t tell if we can make it down the stairs.? Standing 
> >> > > next
> >> > > to him, she said, ?All I can see is smoke. Can we jump out the 
> >> > > window??
> >> > > ?We?re on the second floor. It?s pretty high up.? Now across the 
> >> > > room,
> >> > > Ayden heard Salma cry, ?Oh-my-god! Ayden!? ?What?? ?I can see flames
> >> > > around the base of the house.? ?Shit.? Trying to think, Ayden 
> >> > > gathered
> >> > > up the sheet from the bed. Dousing it with water from the couple
> >> > > bottles purchased last night, he threw the sheet at Salma. ?Wrap
> >> > > yourself in this.? ?Why?? ?Just do it.? Making sure her long hair was
> >> > > covered, Ayden threw Salma over his shoulder. Grabbing his cane by 
> >> > > the
> >> > > door, he moved into the hallway. Hoping the shirt tied around his 
> >> > > face
> >> > > would keep out smoke, Ayden ran to the top of the stairs. Despite the
> >> > > situation, Ayden could not help notice the harlequin-romance-like
> >> > > predicament. He heard Salma say something, but her face was muffled 
> >> > > and
> >> > > he could not understand her. Tucking his cane underneath his arm, he
> >> > > groped the banister which still seemed intact. Finally reaching the
> >> > > bottom, he found his way to the front door and opened it. A rush of
> >> > > fresh air greeted him. Feeling heat, he hoped he could make it off 
> >> > > the
> >> > > porch. At the top of the stairs, panicked, he placed Salma upright
> >> > > again. She struggled to loosen the sheet around her. ?Are the flames
> >> > > here too?? Ayden asked. ?No, but there coming from behind.? At the 
> >> > > end
> >> > > of the drive, Ayden dialed 911 on his phone. Neighbors could be heard
> >> > > coming from their own houses. A few ran up to Ayden and Salma asking 
> >> > > if
> >> > > they were okay. Standing at a distance, Ayden could hear the roar of
> >> > > flames. Salma held his hand as they waited in silence for the sound 
> >> > > of
> >> > > sirens.
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden rested on the back bumper of Sheriff Jenkins?s police cruiser.
> >> > > The mid-morning sun warmed his face. Still shirtless, a blanket 
> >> > > draped
> >> > > his shoulders. A gritty smudge crossed his forehead and he could 
> >> > > still
> >> > > smell the smoke embracing his body. Once the firemen had extinguished
> >> > > the fire, Sheriff Jenkins and his deputy, a man about Ayden?s age, 
> >> > > drove
> >> > > Salma and Ayden to the police station. Each gave a report before Nick
> >> > > was contacted. Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water. He
> >> > > gulped the cool liquid down as Salma rested her head against his
> >> > > shoulder. Sniffing her hair laced with a flower scent and smoke, 
> >> > > Ayden
> >> > > protectively placed an arm around her. ?Ayden,? Salma said in quiet
> >> > > surprise, ?Alice Whitley is here.? Ayden pulled the blanket closed as 
> >> > > he
> >> > > waited for Alice to approach. A new scent filled his nostrils. This
> >> > > too smelled of flowers, but it was not the framiliar jasmine and 
> >> > > vanilla
> >> > > Salma wore. Through the fog of his brain, he tried to place where he
> >> > > had smelled this scent before. ?I?m glad you two are alright,? Alice
> >> > > spoke quietly. ?I can?t believe this. Do you need anything?? ?Thank
> >> > > you, but we?re okay,? Salma said warmly. ?Pete phoned me this 
> >> > > morning-?
> >> > > ?Sheriff Jenkins? Why?? Ayden asked. Alice didn?t respond. Waiting 
> >> > > for
> >> > > an answer, Ayden finally recognized the flower scent that had 
> >> > > lingered
> >> > > in the closet where he and Salma had found bed linens. ?Alice, did 
> >> > > you
> >> > > visit the house after we left you yesterday?? Alice made a noise as
> >> > > though she were suppressing it in her throat. She never answered and
> >> > > before Ayden could ask anything else, he heard her muffled footsteps 
> >> > > on
> >> > > the grass as she walked briskly away. ?Ayden?? Salma puzzled. ?Her
> >> > > perfume, it?s the same smell I noticed in the closet last night.?
> >> > > ?Ayden, that?s where I found the letter too,? Salma whispered.? Ayden
> >> > > heard the swish of grass as someone else walked towards them. It was
> >> > > Nick. ?Are you crazy?? Nick asked, bewildered. ?I?m fine. Nice to see
> >> > > you too, Dad.? Nick let out a long breath before saying, ?Your mother
> >> > > and I went crazy when we heard what happened. We?re glad you?re 
> >> > > okay.?
> >> > > ?Is the house ruined?? Ayden asked. Salma shifted and sat upright 
> >> > > next
> >> > > to Ayden. ?It?s mostly the garden that was ruined, but there is 
> >> > > damage
> >> > > to the house.? Ayden felt his chest tighten. The garden had been 
> >> > > Lucy?s
> >> > > favorite place. Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways and tall
> >> > > bushes as Lucy tended to her beloved flowers. Interrupting his
> >> > > thoughts, Ayden heard a shuffling footstep approach. Another memory
> >> > > pushed itself front and center in his mind. As Sheriff Jenkins 
> >> > > stopped
> >> > > his pace, Ayden gave him a hard look. ?Tom says it will take a few 
> >> > > weeks
> >> > > to get reports back, but there is some structural damage to the 
> >> > > house,
> >> > > Nick,? the sheriff said. ?Taken any midnight strolls to clear your 
> >> > > mind
> >> > > lately?? Ayden directed to Sheriff Jenkins. No one spoke. Salma 
> >> > > gripped
> >> > > his hand. ?Any reason why you?d call Alice Whitley early this 
> >> > > morning??
> >> > > Ayden continued. ?Drop it,? Nick hissed at Ayden. Thrown off by 
> >> > > Nick?s
> >> > > tone, Ayden squeezed Salma?s hand, unsure what to do. ?I?m sure we?re
> >> > > all tired and need to collect our thoughts,? Sheriff Jenkins said.
> >> > > ?Maybe you ought to take these two home, Nick.? Ayden heard the
> >> > > lumbering shuffle again as Sheriff Jenkins walked away.
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden sat in front of the computer. A buzz issued from the speakers 
> >> > > as
> >> > > JAWS, a text-to-speech program, sounded off with each command Ayden
> >> > > typed. ?Still working?? Salma asked from behind. Ayden leaned his 
> >> > > head
> >> > > back against her stomach. She was wrapped in a large soft towel. He
> >> > > slipped his hand through the folds, but she turned swiftly away,
> >> > > laughing. Spewing a torrent of Spanish at him, Ayden chuckled. ?That
> >> > > just turns me on more.? ?I called you a great big moron whose brain 
> >> > > is
> >> > > the size of his-? ?Doesn?t matter. Still sounds sexy.? Salma whipped
> >> > > another towel at him before scampering to the bedroom. Turning back 
> >> > > to
> >> > > his work, Ayden decided to check his email. As he clicked on the
> >> > > necessary links using Hotkey commands, he thought over the past few
> >> > > weeks. Ayden had told his father what happened, but Nick said that
> >> > > everything was circumstantial. Ayden knew this, but he also knew he 
> >> > > had
> >> > > opened something up. Something that had been meant to remain secret.
> >> > > Nick refused to open any investigation and he remained tight-lipped
> >> > > about anything he knew. The fire was officially reported as an 
> >> > > unknown
> >> > > accident since no evidence, either way, had been found determining a
> >> > > cause. This, at least, was how the police report read. Ayden, though,
> >> > > had inquired into the fire-chief?s report. It too was inconclusive, 
> >> > > but
> >> > > this report did mention that a match book had been found near the
> >> > > premises. Salma had advised Ayden to wait before attempting any 
> >> > > further
> >> > > investigation. Salma had been the reason he was able to let the weeks
> >> > > slip by without searching for more clues. Once they had returned to 
> >> > > the
> >> > > city, Ayden had found the courage to express his budding feelings
> >> > > towards Salma. They had sat on the couch talking; a typical Friday 
> >> > > night
> >> > > for them, except this time Ayden could feel a growing anticipation
> >> > > between them. Salma had stood to get another beer from the kitchen 
> >> > > when
> >> > > Ayden reached for her wrist. His large palm had felt bigger next to 
> >> > > her
> >> > > slim wrist. Both had stared silently at one another. Ayden, thinking
> >> > > he would win this game since he couldn?t see, broke first. Grinning
> >> > > with a smirk, he had pulled Salma to him and kissed her. Three weeks
> >> > > later, their routine was continued as normal, yet something was
> >> > > different. They had transitioned into this new element with ease, as
> >> > > though it were meant to be. Their friendship was strengthened by the
> >> > > new romance. Still reminiscing, Ayden did not recognize the name 
> >> > > given
> >> > > for the first email he came across. Opening it up, he read the
> >> > > following: Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you
> >> > > stop your investigation immediately. Heartache and harm can only 
> >> > > befall
> >> > > you. Thank your luck and live long and well with your beautiful new
> >> > > love. There was no signature. Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field,
> >> > > but the only information this provided was 
> >> > > aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.
> >> > > Ayden?s pulse quickened. Hearing Salma pad lightly back into the 
> >> > > room,
> >> > > he closed the window he was in. He thought it was best to not alarm 
> >> > > her
> >> > > just yet. Holding Salma close against him, wrapping her in a bear 
> >> > > hug,
> >> > > Ayden knew this was just the beginning.
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > ------------------------------
> >> > >
> >> > > Message: 2
> >> > > Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2010 22:58:25 -0500
> >> > > From: Priscilla McKinley <priscilla.mckinley at gmail.com>
> >> > > To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> > > Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some
> >> > > language, alludes to sexual content
> >> > > Message-ID:
> >> > > <AANLkTi=iDNLqd5JgFQGiLT8M3UKuuWAS2HjBP-P0NnBH at mail.gmail.com>
> >> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
> >> > >
> >> > > Bridgit,
> >> > >
> >> > > I really enjoyed reading your piece. I was very much engaged by the
> >> > > story. The only part I had issues with was the beginning. It seems as
> >> > > though too much history is packed into a few paragraphs. Perhaps you
> >> > > could incorporate some of the details in other parts and introduce 
> >> > > the
> >> > > characters and stories as they come up? Plus, it might be interesting
> >> > > to let your readers wonder for a while what is going on, leading them 
> >> > > in
> >> > > to discover that they are in the middle of an amateur murder
> >> > > investigation.
> >> > >
> >> > > Nice work!
> >> > >
> >> > > Priscilla
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > On 10/7/10, Bridgit Pollpeter <bpollpeter at hotmail.com> wrote:
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Hey guys,
> >> > > >
> >> > > > I'm taking a detective fiction class this semester for an upper lit
> >> > > > credit. We had to write detective shorts and I thought I would 
> >> > > > share
> >> > > > mine with you. Keep in mind that this is not my genre and also, I
> >> > > > wrote it in about a 12-our time span. Yes, I'm a procrastinator!
> >> > > > *smile*
> >> > > >
> >> > > > It was fun though so enjoy.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Bridgit P
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Sense of Murder
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ayden sat in his father?s leather wingback chair rolling a large 
> >> > > > key
> >> > > > between his fingers. The metal key had been cold, but now was 
> >> > > > warmed
> >> > > > by his hands. He gripped the key in his palm and rubbed a thumb 
> >> > > > across
> >> > >
> >> > > > the rough , rusty surface. Three weeks ago, Ayden had merely been
> >> > > > researching the mysterious death of his grandfather for a book he 
> >> > > > was
> >> > > > writing. Now, he sat among items wondering if his grandfather had
> >> > > > been murdered. Ayden?s father, Nick, had found Henry, his 
> >> > > > grandfather,
> >> > >
> >> > > > lying at the bottom of the staircase in his home. Nick never spoke
> >> > > > about the incident after reporting it to the police. He would not
> >> > > > speak to Ayden about Henry?s death either, but he was allowing 
> >> > > > Ayden
> >> > > > and Salma to search through any items Nick kept. No one had been 
> >> > > > sure
> >> > > > what happened. Lucy, Ayden?s grandmother, had been present too when
> >> > > > Henry?s body was found. The police recorded the death as an
> >> > > > accidental fall. Many silently pointed fingers at Lucy though. Lucy
> >> > > > had grown distraught during the past few months before Henry?s 
> >> > > > death.
> >> > > > Friends and family reported that she had been distracted often or 
> >> > > > in
> >> > > > an irritated mood. This was unlike the warm and tender grandmother
> >> > > > Ayden had grown up with. When Nick found his father?s body, Lucy 
> >> > > > had
> >> > > > gone wild, screaming, unable to leave Henry?s lifeless body.
> >> > > > Eventually Nick placed her in a care home. Here Lucy had reached an
> >> > > > almost catatonic state until she too had passed. Gossips spread the
> >> > > > news, sweeping far and wide. Lucy was crazy, they said. She went 
> >> > > > mad,
> >> > >
> >> > > > she killed her husband. It was juicy, just what a small town 
> >> > > > needed.
> >> > >
> >> > > > The police never looked into the possibility, but Lucy died with a
> >> > > > scarlet letter attached to her memory. Ayden could never believe 
> >> > > > that
> >> > >
> >> > > > Lucy would hurt anyone. Lucy had been fond of Ayden, guiding him,
> >> > > > encouraging him. ?You?re so full of potential, Ayden. I can see 
> >> > > > fire
> >> > >
> >> > > > in your eyes,? she used to tell him. When Ayden lost his vision, 
> >> > > > Lucy
> >> > >
> >> > > > had been the one person who supported him, still encouraging. For
> >> > > > years, though, there had been whispers of foul play, but no one 
> >> > > > ever
> >> > > > spoke about the rumors. Vague insinuations were the closest anyone
> >> > > > came to mentioning ?murder.? Ayden, though, had never played by the
> >> > > > rules. His mother referred to him as the ?black sheep of the 
> >> > > > family?
> >> > > > whenever she threw a dinner party. Ayden never felt like he fit in
> >> > > > his family?s world of snobbish dinner parties, elite country clubs 
> >> > > > and
> >> > >
> >> > > > preferential treatment at most Ivy League universities. He had
> >> > > > already been a disappointment to his family before a car accident 
> >> > > > left
> >> > >
> >> > > > him blind. Seven-years later, Ayden had come to terms with his
> >> > > > blindness, but his family accepted him only out of duty. His father
> >> > > > had been clear when saying, ?This condition of yours is not 
> >> > > > suitable
> >> > > > for the courtroom, but the firm can take you on in a capacity for
> >> > > > research, perhaps. Maybe a paralegal position will be suitable.?
> >> > > > Ayden was not able to live with this attitude hanging over him. 
> >> > > > After
> >> > >
> >> > > > completing his bachelor?s in literature, Ayden took up a career
> >> > > > writing for any newspapers or journals that accepted his entries.
> >> > > > Writing for a small literary journal allowed Ayden to work on his
> >> > > > novel which had turned into a fictionalized account of his
> >> > > > grandfather?s death. Asking his father for any information about 
> >> > > > his
> >> > > > grandfather?s life, was the reason Ayden now sat in his father?s
> >> > > > study. He found more, he thought, than his father knew about 
> >> > > > though.
> >> > >
> >> > > > ?So what?s next?? Salma asked. Salma lived across the hall from 
> >> > > > Ayden
> >> > >
> >> > > > in his building. They had become friends, and Salma now was helping
> >> > > > him research his grandfather?s life. Tapping the key in his palm,
> >> > > > Ayden said, ?I?m not sure. This letter says a lot.? Ayden closed 
> >> > > > his
> >> > > > eyes thinking on this letter. It was evidence, even if
> >> > > > circumstantial, that suggested, if Lucy knew about it, she could 
> >> > > > have
> >> > > > killed Henry. There was a pause then paper crackled before Salma
> >> > > > spoke. ?It?s pretty clear from this letter that your grandfather 
> >> > > > was
> >> > > > having an affair. I wonder if we can figure out these initials, A.
> >> > > > W.? Ayden shut his eyes thinking, trying to remember anyone he had
> >> > > > ever met with A. W. for initials. ?I don?t know,? he sighed.
> >> > > > As Ayden and Salma leafed through pictures and notes, they had 
> >> > > > found
> >> > > an old
> >> > > > copy of Wuthering Heights. Ayden remembered the year Henry had 
> >> > > > given
> >> > > the
> >> > > > third edition book to Lucy for Christmas. Lucy had sat unwrapping 
> >> > > > the
> >> > > gift,
> >> > > > then exclaimed, ?Oh,? before looking up with tears in her eyes.
> >> > > Wuthering
> >> > > > Heights had always been her favorite novel. Lucy had been the one
> >> > > person to
> >> > > > encourage Ayden to follow his dream and take up writing instead of
> >> > > joining
> >> > > > the family law firm. ?You?re meant to follow your own path,? Lucy 
> >> > > > had
> >> > > told
> >> > > > Ayden once. Twenty-years later, Ayden and Salma found a letter
> >> > > enclosed in
> >> > > > the pages of the book.
> >> > > > Ayden touched the thick, but stiff piece of paper and held it out 
> >> > > > to
> >> > > Salma
> >> > > > to inspect. She told him the letter appeared old, but not as old as
> >> > > the
> >> > > > book. A few of the torn edges of the letter were turning yellow. 
> >> > > > The
> >> > > > letter was simple as she read:
> >> > > > Henry, my love,
> >> > > > I can not wait to see you again. I hoped and when I saw you coming
> >> > > down the
> >> > > > road, my heart leaped. I still feel your touch. How much longer 
> >> > > > must
> >> > > we
> >> > > > wait? Please, my darling, give me what I ask before it is too late.
> >> > > > Love, A. W.
> >> > > > ?What now? Where do we go next?? Salma asked.
> >> > > > Ayden held the rusted, copper key up in front of him. ?We visit the
> >> > > old
> >> > > > Templeton mansion.?
> >> > > > The Templeton mansion was the Victorian home Henry and Lucy had 
> >> > > > lived
> >> > > in for
> >> > > > years. The family still owned it, but it had sat empty for years.
> >> > > Ayden
> >> > > > thought that maybe more secrets were hidden within the walls of the
> >> > > > Templeton house, eager to be discovered.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ayden sat in the car as Salma drove. Neither spoke as Ayden?s 
> >> > > > fingers
> >> > >
> >> > > > slid across the pages on his lap. Reading his Braille notes, Ayden
> >> > > > wondered where to start once they reached the small town where his
> >> > > > grandparents and father had grown up. Henry had started a small law
> >> > > > firm in town, but eventually it grew. Henry and Lucy had moved when
> >> > > > Nick had been ten. Nick never spoke about his childhood though.
> >> > > > Ayden really didn?t know much about his family?s past. Lucy and 
> >> > > > Henry
> >> > >
> >> > > > had moved back to their old house once Nick took the firm over, but
> >> > > > Ayden had rarely visited the home. After Henry had died, Lucy, 
> >> > > > unable
> >> > >
> >> > > > to cope with his death, had moved into an upscale nursing home in 
> >> > > > the
> >> > > > City, and Nick left the house untouched. The house had sat empty 
> >> > > > now
> >> > > > for ten years. As the car slowed, Ayden looked up at Salma. ?Are we
> >> > > > there?? ?Yes. What?s our first stop?? ?I?m figuring this out as we
> >> > > > go along. I guess the police station.? Salma was silent before
> >> > > > saying, ?You okay? I know your dad wasn?t happy.? Ayden had
> >> > > > questioned his father about the letter, but Nick had gone quiet and
> >> > > > cold before telling Ayden, ?Leave it alone. We don?t dig up family
> >> > > > history.? Ayden tried to coax Nick to say more, but the subject was
> >> > > > closed. ?Yeah. I wish he would have told us more. Explained
> >> > > > something,? Ayden said.
> >> > > > ?Maybe he just wants to keep your family secrets, well, secret. 
> >> > > > Some
> >> > > people
> >> > > > don?t like giving out info about anything.?
> >> > > > ?I just feel like he knows more than he?s letting on. Mom just 
> >> > > > played
> >> > > dumb
> >> > > > too.?
> >> > > > ?We?ll find something. Don?t worry.?
> >> > > > Salma was always reassuring Ayden. She had become a constant in his
> >> > > life.
> >> > > > The only real constant he had. She had shown up one day, knocking 
> >> > > > on
> >> > > his
> >> > > > door, holding a dish in her hands, offering Ayden some home made
> >> > > enchiladas.
> >> > > > That had been the beginning of their friendship. They had spent 
> >> > > > many
> >> > > > nights talking until three in the morning and hanging out on 
> >> > > > weekends.
> >> > > > Salma was the one connection Ayden had to the outside world. Once
> >> > > moving
> >> > > > away from his family, he had become a recluse of sorts. He showed 
> >> > > > up
> >> > > to the
> >> > > > office for work, attended cocktail parties required for work and 
> >> > > > even
> >> > > dated
> >> > > > a couple of girls, but Salma was the one person he truly felt
> >> > > comfortable
> >> > > > with. Her infectious way of always looking at things positively
> >> > > seemed like
> >> > > > a novelty to Ayden. She could always make him smile. When he began
> >> > > writing
> >> > > > the book about Henry, Salma had offered to assist in anyway she 
> >> > > > could.
> >> > > > ?I?m really glad you?re here,? Ayden said.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > ?Yeah, yeah. I?m waiting for my pay check.? Salma giggled as she
> >> > > > pulled into a parking stall. ?I think we?re here.? While Salma
> >> > > > dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped his cane along 
> >> > > > the
> >> > > > brick walls looking for the door. Hearing the clink of glass as his
> >> > > > cane tapped, Ayden was sure he found the door. ?No Braille, is this
> >> > > > it?? he shouted back to Salma. ?I believe so,? she answered rushing 
> >> > > > to
> >> > >
> >> > > > catch up. They entered the quiet, almost lazy-like atmosphere of 
> >> > > > the
> >> > > > police station. Ayden moved towards the sound of clacking as some 
> >> > > > one
> >> > >
> >> > > > pressed keys on a computer keyboard with a practiced efficiency.
> >> > > > This, he thought, must be a reception desk.
> >> > > > Stepping up to a smooth feeling counter, Ayden said, ?Excuse me.?
> >> > > > ?Can I help you?? a woman?s bored voice said.
> >> > > > ?We were wondering if we can speak to some one who worked the Henry
> >> > > > Templeton case,? Ayden said.
> >> > > > The woman stopped typing and a long silence followed. ?Who?s
> >> > > asking??
> >> > > > ?I?m Ayden Templeton, Henry?s grandson.?
> >> > > > ?One minute.? A chair creaked as the woman stood. Her shoes clacked
> >> > > as she
> >> > > > walked away.
> >> > > > Salma touched Ayden?s arm. ?She had a weird look when you mentioned
> >> > > your
> >> > > > grandpa?s name.?
> >> > > > Ayden said nothing, not sure what he was doing there in the first
> >> > > place.
> >> > > > The woman?s shoes clacked once more as she returned. Another 
> >> > > > footstep
> >> > > > joined hers, but this person shuffled slightly.
> >> > > > The person shuffled towards Salma, saying, ?Hello. I?m Sheriff
> >> > > Jenkins.
> >> > > > How can I help you??
> >> > > > Ayden stepped closer towards Salma, extending his arm to Sheriff
> >> > > Jenkins.
> >> > > > ?I?m Ayden Templeton and this is Salma Juarez. We have some 
> >> > > > questions
> >> > > about
> >> > > > my grandfather?s death.?
> >> > > > There was a pause before Sheriff Jenkins shook Ayden?s hand. ?Step
> >> > > into my
> >> > > > office please.?
> >> > > > Ayden followed the sheriff into a room off the main section of the
> >> > > > department. His cane swep the inside of the door frame, indicating
> >> > > the
> >> > > > width so Ayden avoided bumping into the edges of the frame. Ayden
> >> > > asked
> >> > > > where a chair was and turned in the direction Captain Jenkins
> >> > > indicated.
> >> > > > Once again, his cane found the chair and sliding the cane across 
> >> > > > the
> >> > > seat,
> >> > > > Ayden determined where the front of the chair was. Salma?s arm
> >> > > brushed his
> >> > > > as she sat next to him.
> >> > > > ?Can I get you anything?? Sheriff Jenkins asked.
> >> > > > ?No, but thank you. Salma??
> >> > > > ?I?m good,? Salma replied.
> >> > > > Ayden felt a tension fill the room as the three sat there, not
> >> > > speaking.
> >> > > > Sheriff Jenkins began tapping the edge of the metal table in the
> >> > > > interrogation room. Ayden twisted his cane between his fingers.
> >> > > Salma
> >> > > > bobbed her foot which was lightly kicking Ayden?s shin.
> >> > > > ?We?re hoping to learn as much as we can about Henry Templeton?s
> >> > > death. I?m
> >> > > > researching the story for a novel I?m working on,? Ayden started.
> >> > > > ?I worked the case. There?s not much to tell,? Sheriff Jenkins 
> >> > > > said.
> >> > > > ?I know you eventually reported it as an accidental death, but was
> >> > > there
> >> > > > ever any evidence suggesting otherwise?? Ayden asked.
> >> > > > ?No. We questioned friends and family and there was no reason to
> >> > > believe
> >> > > > Henry Templeton was murdered,? Sheriff Jenkins said sharply.
> >> > > > Ayden shifted his head towards Salma before saying, ?I know there
> >> > > > was-uh-speculation that maybe my grandmother did it.?
> >> > > > ?Lucy Baldwin? She never hurt anyone. We were all shocked when she
> >> > > married
> >> > > > Henry. She could have had anyone she wanted.?
> >> > > > Ayden leaned against the table looking straight in the direction 
> >> > > > where
> >> > > > Sheriff Jenkins sat. ?I thought Henry was a catch? You know, a
> >> > > lawyer from
> >> > > > a wealthy family.?
> >> > > > ?He was a playboy. Always was, never changed.?
> >> > > > ?Who did you question about his death?? Salma broke in.
> >> > > > The sheriff?s chair creaked as he leaned back. ?Well, of course 
> >> > > > Lucy
> >> > > and
> >> > > > her boy Nick. They were there. Found his body and all.?
> >> > > > Ayden shot the sheriff a questioning glance. He was talking like he
> >> > > had
> >> > > > forgot who Ayden was.
> >> > > > ?Then there was Zelda, the housekeeper, and Avery Mayer, he came
> >> > > around
> >> > > > about once a week to help Lucy with the lawn. She loved her garden.
> >> > > Her
> >> > > > roses won prizes around here,? Sheriff Jenkins continued.
> >> > > > ?Anyone else?? Ayden asked.
> >> > > > ?Oh, his work associates, but Henry was retired so they didn?t see
> >> > > much of
> >> > > > him anymore. Alice Whitley, she had been his personal secretary for
> >> > > years.
> >> > > > She still did stuff part-time for Henry.?
> >> > > > Ayden had pulled out a three-by-five plastic device that had six 
> >> > > > rows
> >> > > of
> >> > > > cells containing three holes on each side of the cells. A 
> >> > > > pop-pop-pop
> >> > > sound
> >> > > > was made as Ayden poked a pointed awl-like object called a stylus
> >> > > through
> >> > > > the holes as he took Braille notes. ?Are any of these people still
> >> > > around??
> >> > > > ?Not everyone had the same opportunities as the Templeton?s to 
> >> > > > leave
> >> > > town.
> >> > > > Other than Henry?s work associates, I think most of them still live
> >> > > around
> >> > > > here. At least the one?s who are still alive.?
> >> > > > ?Is there anything else you can tell us? Was there anything strange
> >> > > you
> >> > > > noticed? Any evidence that suggest something other than an 
> >> > > > accidental
> >> > > > tumble down the stairs??
> >> > > > The sheriff laughed. ?I know you city folk like to dream up seedy
> >> > > > happenings in small towns, but Henry Templeton?s death was nothing
> >> > > more than
> >> > > > an accident. Nothing dark about it.?
> >> > > > ?Thank you for your time,? Ayden said extending his hand again to
> >> > > shake
> >> > > > Sheriff Jenkins?s.
> >> > > > Sheriff Jenkins sighed. ?Look, don?t go digging anything up. Just
> >> > > let the
> >> > > > dead rest.?
> >> > > > Salma?s bracelet tinkled as they stood.
> >> > > > ?We understand. I?m just trying to find things out about my
> >> > > grandfather for
> >> > > > the book. You know, no stone uncovered,? Ayden said.
> >> > > > ?Are you two married?? Sheriff Jenkins asked.
> >> > > > Ayden, confused by the switch, replied, ?No.?
> >> > > > The sheriff chuckled. ?Like your grandpa, I see.?
> >> > > > Ayden blushed, but Salma said, ?Ayden is nothing but a gentleman.
> >> > > Clearly
> >> > > > something he did not pick up in this town.?
> >> > > > ?I know the kind of men the Templeton?s are,? the sheriff said.
> >> > > > Unsure of what to do, Ayden turned to leave.
> >> > > > ?At least he has a better chance of touching what you have been
> >> > > admiring
> >> > > > this whole time,? Salma snapped. She turned quickly and Ayden felt 
> >> > > > a
> >> > > rush
> >> > > > of breeze as she left the room.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Out in the car, Ayden apologized.
> >> > > > ?I?m sorry. I didn?t know what to say.?
> >> > > > ?It?s okay. He was a pig.?
> >> > > > ?I didn?t realize-?
> >> > > > ?I know, its okay. Where to next??
> >> > > > Ayden could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone. ?The house, 
> >> > > > I
> >> > >
> >> > > > guess.? As Salma pulled back out into the street devoid of traffic,
> >> > > > Ayden wondered why she had told Sheriff Jenkins what she had. Was 
> >> > > > it
> >> > > > simply said in a moment of anger, or was there any truth in her 
> >> > > > words,
> >> > >
> >> > > > he thought. He has a better chance of touching what you have been
> >> > > > admiring. For the first time, Ayden thought of the possibilities 
> >> > > > with
> >> > >
> >> > > > Salma.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ayden stood before the house remembering the bright blue it had 
> >> > > > been
> >> > > > during the few visits he had made during his childhood. The house 
> >> > > > had
> >> > >
> >> > > > always stood out even among the street full of bright, cheery 
> >> > > > houses
> >> > > > complete with emerald lawns and award winning gardens. The 
> >> > > > Templeton
> >> > > > house had a wrap-around porch with a veranda to the back opening 
> >> > > > onto
> >> > > > a large lawn complete with a British garden. Its three stories
> >> > > > reached majestically towards the sky.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ayden now gripped the rough, wooden railing of the house. The feel 
> >> > > > of
> >> > >
> >> > > > the railing did not match his memory of the sleek, smooth dark 
> >> > > > wooden
> >> > > > banister. The stairs creaked as he stepped on them. Reaching the
> >> > > > porch, he felt a slight dip and quickly stepped sideways in fear of
> >> > > > falling through the porch. Children played nearby and cars 
> >> > > > languidly
> >> > > > drove down the street, but a strange silence surrounded the house. 
> >> > > > It
> >> > >
> >> > > > was as though Ayden were underneath water trying to make out the
> >> > > > distant sounds. The scent of jasmine passed briefly through his 
> >> > > > nose
> >> > > > as Salma stood next to him. ?How does it look?? Ayden asked 
> >> > > > ignoring
> >> > > > the scent. Salma took a deep breath. ?It?s run down, that?s for 
> >> > > > sure.
> >> > >
> >> > > > I can?t believe no one has lived here for years.? ?My family still
> >> > > > owns it, but after my grandfather?s death, no one wanted to do
> >> > > > anything about it.? Ayden placed his hand on the cold handle of the
> >> > > > dilapidated Victorian house. He dug in his pockets for the rusty 
> >> > > > key
> >> > > > he had found in his father?s office. As he inserted the heavy key 
> >> > > > in
> >> > > > the lock, a quiet click was heard. Ayden pushed the solid door 
> >> > > > open.
> >> > > > He looked in Salma?s direction before stepping inside. Shutting the
> >> > > > door, the house engulfed all sound like a tomb.
> >> > > > ?Creepy,? Salma said as she shivered.
> >> > > > Ayden walked forward tapping his long white cane, arcing wide so as 
> >> > > > to
> >> > > not
> >> > > > run into anything. Dust filled the air and Ayden coughed as he
> >> > > inhaled.
> >> > > > ?This has been sitting for years,? Ayden rasped. ?What?s it look
> >> > > like??
> >> > > > Salma looked around. ?It?s really dark, but it?s almost completely
> >> > > empty.
> >> > > > What do you think you?ll find??
> >> > > > ?I?m not sure. Sheriff Jenkins wasn?t much help. I just thought,
> >> > > maybe
> >> > > > something??
> >> > > > Salma?s sandals clipped-clopped as she walked over to a window to 
> >> > > > open
> >> > > it.
> >> > > > ?Well, if we are going to be here long we need fresh air.?
> >> > > > Ayden felt a rush of summer breeze as the window clambered up. The
> >> > > sound of
> >> > > > kids jumping rope ruined the house?s stolid silence. Life entered 
> >> > > > the
> >> > > house
> >> > > > again as Ayden began to feel around searching for any clue.
> >> > > > Salma clumped up the stairs as Ayden moved from room to room 
> >> > > > feeling
> >> > > walls
> >> > > > and any remaining furniture, hoping to find something, anything. He
> >> > > rifled
> >> > > > through drawers and cupboards. So far his hands had only found dust
> >> > > and
> >> > > > cobwebs.
> >> > > > ?Ayden, Ayden!? Salma shouted a couple of hours later.
> >> > > > Ayden hurried towards the staircase. ?Salma! Are you okay??
> >> > > > ?Get up here! I found something!?
> >> > > > Ayden clambered up the grand staircase. Reaching the top, he 
> >> > > > shouted,
> >> > > ?What
> >> > > > room??
> >> > > > ?Um, it?s a bedroom.?
> >> > > > Hearing her voice off to his left, Ayden moved down the hallway. At
> >> > > the
> >> > > > end, he found a door open.
> >> > > > ?Salma??
> >> > > > Salma?s clapping sandals moved towards Ayden.
> >> > > > ?Look at this,? she said excitedly. Her bracelet tinkled and paper
> >> > > crackled
> >> > > > as she shoved something in Ayden?s hand.
> >> > > > Ayden grinned. ?Um?? He handed the paper back to Salma.
> >> > > > ?Oh-sorry. I just-you won?t believe this.?
> >> > > > It was another letter; a love letter to Henry.
> >> > > > Henry, My love,
> >> > > > I miss you. I grow restless with each day. I have waited years to 
> >> > > > be
> >> > > with
> >> > > > you, really be with you. Let?s stop the pretending, stop the lies.
> >> > > Don?t
> >> > > > be mad with me. I would do anything for you, but we must stop 
> >> > > > hiding.
> >> > > > There is no harm in this. I will wait to hear from you, but don?t
> >> > > take
> >> > > > long.
> >> > > > Love,
> >> > > > A. W.
> >> > > > Salma rushed through the letter almost in one breath. Ayden was not
> >> > > quite
> >> > > > sure what her excitement was for.
> >> > > > ?We already know Henry was having an affair of sorts,? he said.
> >> > > > Salma sighed impatiently. ?Ayden, think about it. Don?t you see??
> >> > > > ?Not really,? he said slowly.
> >> > > > She grabbed his wrist. Her slender fingers gripped him with a
> >> > > strength
> >> > > > Ayden would not have guessed at. She moved in closer and once 
> >> > > > again,
> >> > > Ayden
> >> > > > took in the scent of jasmine. This time he smelled something else
> >> > > with it.
> >> > > > Vanilla, he thought. Salma shook his arm slightly bringing him back
> >> > > to
> >> > > > attention.
> >> > > > ?Ayden, A. W. Don?t you see it yet??
> >> > > > ?A. W.??
> >> > > > ?The initials,? she said exasperated, ?A. W. Alice Whitley.?
> >> > > > ?Who?s Alice Whitley??
> >> > > > Salma smacked her forehead. ?Ay-where are your notes from today??
> >> > > > Ayden pulled out the three-by-five note card from his back pocket.
> >> > > > ?Now read through it,? Salma said as though talking to a small 
> >> > > > child.
> >> > > > Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and looked sharply up at
> >> > > Salma.
> >> > > > ?See?? Salma asked.
> >> > > > ?I can?t believe we didn?t realize it then. His secretary. And
> >> > > Sheriff
> >> > > > Jenkins said she?s still living in town.?
> >> > > > ?Think we can find her??
> >> > > > ?Give me a minute,? Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone tucked
> >> > > away in
> >> > > > his pocket.
> >> > > > An electronic hum came from his phone as he maneuvered through the
> >> > > menus on
> >> > > > his phone. A screen-reading program specific to mobile phones, 
> >> > > > helped
> >> > > Ayden
> >> > > > utilize the functions on his phone.
> >> > > > ?Got it. There?s only one Alice Whitley that shows up in town.?
> >> > > > ?Thank God for technology,? Salma said. ?No wonder no one could 
> >> > > > ever
> >> > > solve
> >> > > > this case.?
> >> > > > Ayden smirked at her. ?Thank God for accessible technology. Come 
> >> > > > on.
> >> > > She
> >> > > > doesn?t live far from here and it?s not too late.?
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ten minutes later, Ayden and Salma knocked on a door. The house was
> >> > > > less substantial than the Templeton house, but Salma described its
> >> > > > well-kempt lawn and cheery exterior. The door opened and a woman?s
> >> > > > voice gasped, ?Oh.? ?Miss Whitley? I?m Ayden-?
> >> > > > ?Templeton,? she said. ?You look like Henry.?
> >> > > > Smiling, Ayden said, ?Miss Whitley, this is my friend Salma. We?re
> >> > > working
> >> > > > on a book about my grandfather, and we would like to ask you some
> >> > > > questions.?
> >> > > > ?Oh, of course. Come in, come in.?
> >> > > > As the door shut behind Ayden and Salma, he smelled a flower scent
> >> > > that he
> >> > > > couldn?t place and a clock ticked nearby. Alice Whitley ushered 
> >> > > > them
> >> > > into a
> >> > > > sitting room off the entryway. Salma sat next to Ayden on the soft
> >> > > couch
> >> > > > while Alice sat across from them.
> >> > > > ?Can I offer you anything? I just made lemonade.?
> >> > > > ?That would be wonderful,? Salma said.
> >> > > > As Alice left the room, Ayden turned towards Salma. ?I?m sorry, I
> >> > > didn?t
> >> > > > even think to ask if you were hungry.?
> >> > > > ?Hon, it?s okay. I didn?t think about it myself until now.?
> >> > > > ?We?ll have dinner after this; I promise.?
> >> > > > ?Promise??
> >> > > > Ayden grinned as Alice returned. She placed an ice-cold glass in
> >> > > Ayden?s
> >> > > > hand. Ice chinked against the side as he took a gulp. The cold
> >> > > liquid felt
> >> > > > good down his throat after the dust of his family?s house. He could
> >> > > only
> >> > > > imagine how dirty he and Salma looked. He felt the mingled grime of
> >> > > sweat
> >> > > > and dirt on his body. Why had it not occurred to them to stop
> >> > > somewhere
> >> > > > first and wash up, Ayden thought.
> >> > > > ?So, what can I help you with? Henry was a dear friend and I miss
> >> > > him. You
> >> > > > must call me Alice.?
> >> > > > ?Well, Alice, we specifically are interested in his death,? Ayden
> >> > > said.
> >> > > > Alice choked on her lemonade. ?Why would you be interested in 
> >> > > > that??
> >> > > > ?I believe that maybe his death wasn?t accidental.?
> >> > > > ?Oh dear, don?t buy into those silly rumors. Pete Jenkins conducted 
> >> > > > a
> >> > > > thorough investigation and no foul play was to be hinted at.?
> >> > > > ?And yet the rumors persist,? Ayden said.
> >> > > > ?Silly gossip. Housewives bored out of there minds.?
> >> > > > ?You know Sheriff Jenkins?? Ayden asked.
> >> > > > ?Darling, it?s a town of ten-thousand; everybody knows everybody.?
> >> > > > Ayden sipped on his lemonade as Salma clicked her nails against the
> >> > > side of
> >> > > > her glass.
> >> > > > ?We have reason to believe maybe there is more to the story,? Ayden
> >> > > said.
> >> > > > He affected his best courtroom demeanor. He had seen his father 
> >> > > > like
> >> > > this
> >> > > > hundreds of times.
> >> > > > Alice swirled ice chuncks around in her glass. Her voice had lost
> >> > > some of
> >> > > > its cheeriness when she responded by asking, ?What makes you say
> >> > > that??
> >> > > > Ayden found the love letter in a folder. He removed the Braille
> >> > > label,
> >> > > > setting the letter on the coffee table dividing Ayden and Salma 
> >> > > > from
> >> > > Alice.
> >> > > > The room grew still. The letter rustled as Alice picked it up. When
> >> > > she
> >> > > > spoke, she sounded choked as though she were holding back tears.
> >> > > > ?Where did you find this??
> >> > > > ?It was in some old boxes in the Templeton home,? Salma said.
> >> > > > A long silence followed in which Ayden could hear Alice sniffling.
> >> > > > ?I suppose the truth has to come out sooner or later,? Alice said
> >> > > quietly.
> >> > > > ?We don?t need-a-details of anything, but is there any reason to 
> >> > > > think
> >> > > Henry
> >> > > > was killed?? Ayden soothed.
> >> > > > ?Your grandfather hired me when I was eighteen,? Alice began, 
> >> > > > ignoring
> >> > > > Ayden. ?I instantly fell in love with him, but he was that type.
> >> > > Dashingly
> >> > > > handsome, charming to a fault. He was a few years older than me, 
> >> > > > but
> >> > > I knew
> >> > > > how all the girls waited for their chance to rope Henry into 
> >> > > > marriage.
> >> > > I
> >> > > > felt so lucky to see him everyday. I started out as a simple
> >> > > receptionist,
> >> > > > but eventually he promoted me to his personal secretary.?
> >> > > > ?Did you move with my grandparents then, when they moved?? Ayden
> >> > > asked.
> >> > > > Alice sighed. ?Yes, but after-things happened-I moved back. I
> >> > > remained in
> >> > > > his employ, working from the office here in town. Before your 
> >> > > > father
> >> > > took
> >> > > > charge, Henry?s headquarters had always been based from here.?
> >> > > > Ayden nodded his head.
> >> > > > ?I never meant to hurt anyone. Things happened. Henry loved us 
> >> > > > both,
> >> > > Lucy
> >> > > > and I. I tried to end it for years, but Henry always showed up with
> >> > > that
> >> > > > smile of his. Then I tried to make him choose. I should?ve known
> >> > > better,
> >> > > > but I was in love.?
> >> > > > Alice continued to spill her story, hoping for redemption perhaps.
> >> > > > ?The final straw came right before his death. We had carried on for
> >> > > almost
> >> > > > forty-years and I knew it had to stop. We fought. I threatened to
> >> > > tell
> >> > > > Lucy and that was that. He left me promising to choose. I waited 
> >> > > > for
> >> > > an
> >> > > > answer, but a week later, Henry was found dead.?
> >> > > > ?Did you ever tell anyone?? Ayden asked.
> >> > > > ?No.?
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ayden and Salma stood by the car outside Alice?s house. A breeze
> >> > > > tousled Ayden?s hair and Salma gently combed her fingers through 
> >> > > > his
> >> > > > dark tresses. ?Seems like all you Templeton men are irresistible,? 
> >> > > > she
> >> > >
> >> > > > said teasingly. Unsure of how to respond to her comment, he 
> >> > > > grinned,
> >> > > > but before he could make a remark, Ayden heard her car door click
> >> > > > open. He slid into the passenger seat, heart pounding. ?You 
> >> > > > promised
> >> > > > me dinner,? Salma whined playfully.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > After devouring diner-style hamburgers and fries, Ayden and Salma
> >> > > > found themselves walking through the downtown area. Salma kept up
> >> > > > with Ayden?s stride as his cane tapped in a shoulder-length-arc.
> >> > > > ?Sometimes I think it would be nice to live in a small town,? Salma
> >> > > > mused. ?Really, you? Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day,? 
> >> > > > Ayden
> >> > > > joked. ?I could drive to the city. I don?t know. It seems like a
> >> > > > nice place to raise a family.? Ayden had never heard Salma speak 
> >> > > > about
> >> > >
> >> > > > kids or families. As well as he knew her, Ayden realized there was
> >> > > > plenty he still had to learn about Salma. ?Yes, we could raise 
> >> > > > happy
> >> > > > little kids who will grow up to cheat, lie and murder,? Ayden 
> >> > > > scoffed.
> >> > > > ?We, huh??
> >> > > > Ayden blushed, feeling the heat creep up his neck to his face. He
> >> > > hadn?t
> >> > > > caught his blunder. He sputtered, but before he could make sense of
> >> > > his
> >> > > > words, Salma grabbed his hand.
> >> > > > ?Maybe we can live in the Templeton mansion,? she said.
> >> > > > They walked silently back to the car.
> >> > > > ?It?s pretty late, what should we do?? Salma asked.
> >> > > > Ayden flipped the crystal face of his watch up. Feeling the raised
> >> > > dots and
> >> > > > arrows with his pointer finger on his Braille watch, he said, ?It?s 
> >> > > > a
> >> > > > quarter to eleven. I?m beat.?
> >> > > > ?Me too. I don?t really feel like driving back tonight though.?
> >> > > > Ayden scratched his head. ?I guess we can stay at 
> >> > > > casa-de-Templeton.?
> >> > > > ?Okay, but no funny business,? Salma joked.
> >> > > > Sitting in the car, Ayden said, ?By the way, unlike some men in my
> >> > > family,
> >> > > > I?m more of a one-woman type.?
> >> > > >
> >> > > > They stood on either side of the king-size bed in the master 
> >> > > > bedroom.
> >> > > > ?Sure you don?t want to sleep in another room?? Ayden asked. ?Hell 
> >> > > > no!
> >> > >
> >> > > > This house is creepy.? ?I thought you wanted to raise children 
> >> > > > here??
> >> > > > ?Shut-up. Scared to sleep with a girl?? The bed creaked as Salma 
> >> > > > lay
> >> > > down
> >> > > > on it. ?A bit musty.?
> >> > > > They had found spare bed linens in a box and had attempted to shake
> >> > > them out
> >> > > > as best they could. Ayden had noticed a lingering wispy scent of
> >> > > flowers
> >> > > > that he could not place. It may have been the remnants of something
> >> > > used to
> >> > > > launder the linens years ago, he had thought.
> >> > > > Without thinking, Ayden removed his shirt and handed it to Salma.
> >> > > ?Here.
> >> > > > You can wrap your pillow in it.?
> >> > > > ?Thanks,? Salma said drawing the word out.
> >> > > > Realizing what he had just done, he blushed for the millionth time
> >> > > that day.
> >> > > > Not able to turn back what he had done, Ayden lay slowly down,
> >> > > sticking
> >> > > > close to the edge.
> >> > > > ?Keep your hands above the blankets,? Salma yawned.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ayden woke disoriented at first, but comprehension quickly dawned 
> >> > > > as
> >> > > > he felt Salma?s small body nestled against his. She snored quietly
> >> > > > and Ayden smiled. This was nice, he thought. He extracted himself
> >> > > > gently from the bed, trying to not wake Salma. He needed to use the
> >> > > > bathroom, but it struck him that the bathrooms would not be in 
> >> > > > working
> >> > >
> >> > > > order. It was primitive, but it would have to do, he thought as he
> >> > > > found his way downstairs and out into the back garden. Hoping no
> >> > > > neighbors were awake to see him, he relieved himself. Half asleep
> >> > > > still, his eyes snapped open as a slight shuffle came from behind 
> >> > > > him.
> >> > >
> >> > > > Finished with his midnight chore, he listened intently, but no 
> >> > > > sound
> >> > > > came again. He turned around, gripping his cane in one hand. 
> >> > > > ?Hello,?
> >> > >
> >> > > > he said. No response came. He turned back towards the house and as 
> >> > > > he
> >> > >
> >> > > > walked, Ayden felt his back tingle. It was the sensation he felt as 
> >> > > > a
> >> > >
> >> > > > child when terrified, feeling a presence behind him. He was an 
> >> > > > adult
> >> > > > now, he chided himself. Forcing himself to walk calmly back into 
> >> > > > the
> >> > > > house, he reached the French doors and entered. As he went to shut
> >> > > > the doors, a soft shuffle started in the darkness again. It could
> >> > > > have been the long dead foliage rustling in the breeze, but Ayden
> >> > > > placed himself in the doorway again. The noise instantly stopped.
> >> > > > Slamming the door and locking it, Ayden flew to the stairs, taking
> >> > > three
> >> > > > steps at a time. Heart pounding, blood rushing in his ears, Ayden
> >> > > felt a
> >> > > > cool breeze cut through the stuffy air of the bedroom. DeMint, he
> >> > > swore to
> >> > > > himself. They had opened windows before going to bed, hoping to air
> >> > > out
> >> > > > their lodgings for the night.
> >> > > > Salma still was sleeping peacefully on the bed. He sat on the bed
> >> > > resting
> >> > > > his head on the large carved headboard, listening.
> >> > > > Crickets chirped outside and the breeze rustled the leaves of trees
> >> > > from
> >> > > > time to time. Salma continued her snoring. Silence loomed around 
> >> > > > the
> >> > > > house. Ayden waited to hear the shuffle noise again or a step on 
> >> > > > the
> >> > > > stairs, but nothing came. He relaxed after fifteen minutes of
> >> > > vigilante
> >> > > > guarding.
> >> > > > Laying back down on the bed, one arm behind his head, he smiled 
> >> > > > when
> >> > > Salma
> >> > > > threw an arm across his chest. Thinking only of Salma by now, Ayden
> >> > > drifted
> >> > > > back off to sleep.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > The second time Ayden woke he knew where he was, but something was 
> >> > > > not
> >> > >
> >> > > > right. Salma still snored next to him as he spooned her, but an 
> >> > > > acrid
> >> > >
> >> > > > odor filled his nostrils. A loud crack made him bolt up in bed.
> >> > > > ?Salma! There?s a fire!? He shook her until she woke up. ?We need 
> >> > > > to
> >> > >
> >> > > > get out of here,? Ayden shouted as she slowly regained a conscience
> >> > > > state. Ayden flew to the open door. Smoke filled his nose and made
> >> > > > his eyes water. ?Salma, I can?t tell if we can make it down the
> >> > > > stairs.? Standing next to him, she said, ?All I can see is smoke. 
> >> > > > Can
> >> > >
> >> > > > we jump out the window??
> >> > > > ?We?re on the second floor. It?s pretty high up.?
> >> > > > Now across the room, Ayden heard Salma cry, ?Oh-my-god! Ayden!?
> >> > > > ?What??
> >> > > > ?I can see flames around the base of the house.?
> >> > > > ?Shit.? Trying to think, Ayden gathered up the sheet from the bed.
> >> > > Dousing
> >> > > > it with water from the couple bottles purchased last night, he 
> >> > > > threw
> >> > > the
> >> > > > sheet at Salma. ?Wrap yourself in this.?
> >> > > > ?Why??
> >> > > > ?Just do it.?
> >> > > > Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over his
> >> > > shoulder.
> >> > > > Grabbing his cane by the door, he moved into the hallway. Hoping 
> >> > > > the
> >> > > shirt
> >> > > > tied around his face would keep out smoke, Ayden ran to the top of 
> >> > > > the
> >> > > > stairs. Despite the situation, Ayden could not help notice the
> >> > > > harlequin-romance-like predicament.
> >> > > > He heard Salma say something, but her face was muffled and he could
> >> > > not
> >> > > > understand her. Tucking his cane underneath his arm, he groped the
> >> > > banister
> >> > > > which still seemed intact. Finally reaching the bottom, he found 
> >> > > > his
> >> > > way to
> >> > > > the front door and opened it. A rush of fresh air greeted him.
> >> > > Feeling
> >> > > > heat, he hoped he could make it off the porch. At the top of the
> >> > > stairs,
> >> > > > panicked, he placed Salma upright again. She struggled to loosen 
> >> > > > the
> >> > > sheet
> >> > > > around her.
> >> > > > ?Are the flames here too?? Ayden asked.
> >> > > > ?No, but there coming from behind.?
> >> > > > At the end of the drive, Ayden dialed 911 on his phone. Neighbors
> >> > > could be
> >> > > > heard coming from their own houses. A few ran up to Ayden and Salma
> >> > > asking
> >> > > > if they were okay.
> >> > > > Standing at a distance, Ayden could hear the roar of flames. Salma
> >> > > held his
> >> > > > hand as they waited in silence for the sound of sirens.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ayden rested on the back bumper of Sheriff Jenkins?s police 
> >> > > > cruiser.
> >> > > > The mid-morning sun warmed his face. Still shirtless, a blanket
> >> > > > draped his shoulders. A gritty smudge crossed his forehead and he
> >> > > > could still smell the smoke embracing his body. Once the firemen 
> >> > > > had
> >> > > > extinguished the fire, Sheriff Jenkins and his deputy, a man about
> >> > > > Ayden?s age, drove Salma and Ayden to the police station. Each gave 
> >> > > > a
> >> > >
> >> > > > report before Nick was contacted. Salma approached Ayden now 
> >> > > > offering
> >> > > > a cup of water. He gulped the cool liquid down as Salma rested her
> >> > > > head against his shoulder. Sniffing her hair laced with a flower
> >> > > > scent and smoke, Ayden protectively placed an arm around her.
> >> > > > ?Ayden,? Salma said in quiet surprise, ?Alice Whitley is here.?
> >> > > > Ayden pulled the blanket closed as he waited for Alice to approach. 
> >> > > > A
> >> > > new
> >> > > > scent filled his nostrils. This too smelled of flowers, but it was
> >> > > not the
> >> > > > framiliar jasmine and vanilla Salma wore. Through the fog of his
> >> > > brain, he
> >> > > > tried to place where he had smelled this scent before.
> >> > > > ?I?m glad you two are alright,? Alice spoke quietly. ?I can?t 
> >> > > > believe
> >> > > this.
> >> > > > Do you need anything??
> >> > > > ?Thank you, but we?re okay,? Salma said warmly.
> >> > > > ?Pete phoned me this morning-?
> >> > > > ?Sheriff Jenkins? Why?? Ayden asked.
> >> > > > Alice didn?t respond.
> >> > > > Waiting for an answer, Ayden finally recognized the flower scent 
> >> > > > that
> >> > > had
> >> > > > lingered in the closet where he and Salma had found bed linens.
> >> > > > ?Alice, did you visit the house after we left you yesterday??
> >> > > > Alice made a noise as though she were suppressing it in her throat.
> >> > > She
> >> > > > never answered and before Ayden could ask anything else, he heard 
> >> > > > her
> >> > > > muffled footsteps on the grass as she walked briskly away.
> >> > > > ?Ayden?? Salma puzzled.
> >> > > > ?Her perfume, it?s the same smell I noticed in the closet last 
> >> > > > night.?
> >> > > > ?Ayden, that?s where I found the letter too,? Salma whispered.?
> >> > > > Ayden heard the swish of grass as someone else walked towards them.
> >> > > It was
> >> > > > Nick.
> >> > > > ?Are you crazy?? Nick asked, bewildered.
> >> > > > ?I?m fine. Nice to see you too, Dad.?
> >> > > > Nick let out a long breath before saying, ?Your mother and I went
> >> > > crazy when
> >> > > > we heard what happened. We?re glad you?re okay.?
> >> > > > ?Is the house ruined?? Ayden asked.
> >> > > > Salma shifted and sat upright next to Ayden.
> >> > > > ?It?s mostly the garden that was ruined, but there is damage to the
> >> > > house.?
> >> > > > Ayden felt his chest tighten. The garden had been Lucy?s favorite
> >> > > place.
> >> > > > Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways and tall bushes as 
> >> > > > Lucy
> >> > > tended
> >> > > > to her beloved flowers. Interrupting his thoughts, Ayden heard a
> >> > > shuffling
> >> > > > footstep approach. Another memory pushed itself front and center in
> >> > > his
> >> > > > mind. As Sheriff Jenkins stopped his pace, Ayden gave him a hard
> >> > > look.
> >> > > > ?Tom says it will take a few weeks to get reports back, but there 
> >> > > > is
> >> > > some
> >> > > > structural damage to the house, Nick,? the sheriff said.
> >> > > > ?Taken any midnight strolls to clear your mind lately?? Ayden 
> >> > > > directed
> >> > > to
> >> > > > Sheriff Jenkins.
> >> > > > No one spoke. Salma gripped his hand.
> >> > > > ?Any reason why you?d call Alice Whitley early this morning?? Ayden
> >> > > > continued.
> >> > > > ?Drop it,? Nick hissed at Ayden.
> >> > > > Thrown off by Nick?s tone, Ayden squeezed Salma?s hand, unsure what 
> >> > > > to
> >> > > do.
> >> > > > ?I?m sure we?re all tired and need to collect our thoughts,? 
> >> > > > Sheriff
> >> > > Jenkins
> >> > > > said. ?Maybe you ought to take these two home, Nick.? Ayden heard
> >> > > the
> >> > > > lumbering shuffle again as Sheriff Jenkins walked away.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ayden sat in front of the computer. A buzz issued from the speakers
> >> > > > as JAWS, a text-to-speech program, sounded off with each command 
> >> > > > Ayden
> >> > >
> >> > > > typed. ?Still working?? Salma asked from behind. Ayden leaned his 
> >> > > > head
> >> > >
> >> > > > back against her stomach. She was wrapped in a large soft towel. He
> >> > > > slipped his hand through the folds, but she turned swiftly away,
> >> > > > laughing. Spewing a torrent of Spanish at him, Ayden chuckled. 
> >> > > > ?That
> >> > > > just turns me on more.?
> >> > > > ?I called you a great big moron whose brain is the size of his-?
> >> > > > ?Doesn?t matter. Still sounds sexy.?
> >> > > > Salma whipped another towel at him before scampering to the 
> >> > > > bedroom.
> >> > > > Turning back to his work, Ayden decided to check his email.
> >> > > > As he clicked on the necessary links using Hotkey commands, he 
> >> > > > thought
> >> > > over
> >> > > > the past few weeks.
> >> > > > Ayden had told his father what happened, but Nick said that 
> >> > > > everything
> >> > > was
> >> > > > circumstantial. Ayden knew this, but he also knew he had opened
> >> > > something
> >> > > > up. Something that had been meant to remain secret. Nick refused to
> >> > > open
> >> > > > any investigation and he remained tight-lipped about anything he 
> >> > > > knew.
> >> > > > The fire was officially reported as an unknown accident since no
> >> > > evidence,
> >> > > > either way, had been found determining a cause. This, at least, was
> >> > > how the
> >> > > > police report read. Ayden, though, had inquired into the 
> >> > > > fire-chief?s
> >> > > > report. It too was inconclusive, but this report did mention that a
> >> > > match
> >> > > > book had been found near the premises. Salma had advised Ayden to
> >> > > wait
> >> > > > before attempting any further investigation.
> >> > > > Salma had been the reason he was able to let the weeks slip by 
> >> > > > without
> >> > > > searching for more clues. Once they had returned to the city, Ayden
> >> > > had
> >> > > > found the courage to express his budding feelings towards Salma.
> >> > > > They had sat on the couch talking; a typical Friday night for them,
> >> > > except
> >> > > > this time Ayden could feel a growing anticipation between them. 
> >> > > > Salma
> >> > > had
> >> > > > stood to get another beer from the kitchen when Ayden reached for 
> >> > > > her
> >> > > wrist.
> >> > > > His large palm had felt bigger next to her slim wrist. Both had
> >> > > stared
> >> > > > silently at one another. Ayden, thinking he would win this game 
> >> > > > since
> >> > > he
> >> > > > couldn?t see, broke first. Grinning with a smirk, he had pulled 
> >> > > > Salma
> >> > > to
> >> > > > him and kissed her.
> >> > > > Three weeks later, their routine was continued as normal, yet
> >> > > something was
> >> > > > different. They had transitioned into this new element with ease, 
> >> > > > as
> >> > > though
> >> > > > it were meant to be. Their friendship was strengthened by the new
> >> > > romance.
> >> > > > Still reminiscing, Ayden did not recognize the name given for the
> >> > > first
> >> > > > email he came across. Opening it up, he read the following:
> >> > > > Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you stop your
> >> > > > investigation immediately. Heartache and harm can only befall you.
> >> > > Thank
> >> > > > your luck and live long and well with your beautiful new love.
> >> > > > There was no signature. Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field, but
> >> > > the only
> >> > > > information this provided was aconcernedfriend at gmail.com. Ayden?s
> >> > > pulse
> >> > > > quickened. Hearing Salma pad lightly back into the room, he closed
> >> > > the
> >> > > > window he was in. He thought it was best to not alarm her just yet.
> >> > > > Holding Salma close against him, wrapping her in a bear hug, Ayden
> >> > > knew this
> >> > > > was just the beginning.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > _______________________________________________
> >> > > > Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
> >> > > > <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
> >> > > >
> >> > > > stylist mailing list
> >> > > > stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> > > > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
> >> > > > for
> >> > > > stylist:
> >> > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/priscilla.mck
> >> > > > inley%40gmail.com
> >> > > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > ------------------------------
> >> > >
> >> > > Message: 3
> >> > > Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 07:53:42 -0400
> >> > > From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com>
> >> > > To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> > > Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some
> >> > > language, alludes to sexual content
> >> > > Message-ID: <8CB6CFF16AAB48FDBCFCFE4B7CB7F925 at Rufus>
> >> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
> >> > >
> >> > > Bridgit,
> >> > >
> >> > > Excellent writing as always. For me, there are only a couple 
> >> > > comments.
> >> > > First, there seemed to be too many issues wrestling for center stage.
> >> > > This is part of the restriction of a short story, but I felt tumbled
> >> > > about a little attempting to debate between attaching to the romantic
> >> > > plot, his blindness abilities, and the mystery. I guess I'd rather 
> >> > > have
> >> > > a center element that captures me and holds me from beginning to end.
> >> > > Second, because the story moves at a fleeting clip, I wonder if you
> >> > > could rearrange the events a little. Perhaps you could start with 
> >> > > Aiden
> >> > > and Salma meeting with an unidentified person, flash back to the
> >> > > unfolding events and then return to the present where the suspect is
> >> > > revealed? I guess I'm looking for something that would package the
> >> > > story in the same length but rearrange it so that the meal feels more
> >> > > balanced. Finally, and this just might show my ignorance, but 
> >> > > although
> >> > > I don't mind hanging conclusions, I really have no idea how the plot 
> >> > > was
> >> > > resolved. Right now I think the sheriff may have been responsible, 
> >> > > but
> >> > > then, funny business about his father not pursuing an investigation.
> >> > > Maybe this was the point, to keep people guessing, but with multiple
> >> > > themes going on, I guess I'd like the presumed main theme to be
> >> > > resolved. All of this having been said, I really enjoyed the way
> >> > > Ayden's being blind did not detract from the general painting of the
> >> > > setting. If the narrator is going to be so descriptive about Ayden's
> >> > > other blindness skills, I may have described people's voices a little
> >> > > more in the dialogue, but all in all, this was a great way to start 
> >> > > my
> >> > > Friday. Great job.
> >> > >
> >> > > Best,
> >> > >
> >> > > Joe
> >> > >
> >> > > "Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their
> >> > > sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at 
> >> > > all."--Sam
> >> > > Ewing
> >> > >
> >> > > -----Original Message-----
> >> > > From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org
> >> > > [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Priscilla McKinley
> >> > > Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2010 11:58 PM
> >> > > To: Writer's Division Mailing List
> >> > > Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short fiction "Sense of
> >> > > Murder" some language, alludes to sexual content
> >> > >
> >> > > Bridgit,
> >> > >
> >> > > I really enjoyed reading your piece. I was very much engaged by the
> >> > > story. The only part I had issues with was the beginning. It seems as
> >> > > though too much history is packed into a few paragraphs. Perhaps you
> >> > > could incorporate some of the details in other parts and introduce 
> >> > > the
> >> > > characters and stories as they come up? Plus, it might be interesting
> >> > > to let your readers wonder for a while what is going on, leading them 
> >> > > in
> >> > > to discover that they are in the middle of an amateur murder
> >> > > investigation.
> >> > >
> >> > > Nice work!
> >> > >
> >> > > Priscilla
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > On 10/7/10, Bridgit Pollpeter <bpollpeter at hotmail.com> wrote:
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Hey guys,
> >> > > >
> >> > > > I'm taking a detective fiction class this semester for an
> >> > > upper lit credit.
> >> > > > We had to write detective shorts and I thought I would share
> >> > > mine with you.
> >> > > > Keep in mind that this is not my genre and also, I wrote it in 
> >> > > > about a
> >> > >
> >> > > > 12-our time span. Yes, I'm a procrastinator! *smile*
> >> > > >
> >> > > > It was fun though so enjoy.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Bridgit P
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Sense of Murder
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ayden sat in his father's leather wingback chair rolling a
> >> > > large key between
> >> > > > his fingers. The metal key had been cold, but now was warmed
> >> > > by his hands.
> >> > > > He gripped the key in his palm and rubbed a thumb across the
> >> > > rough , rusty
> >> > > > surface. Three weeks ago, Ayden had merely been researching
> >> > > the mysterious
> >> > > > death of his grandfather for a book he was writing. Now, he
> >> > > sat among items
> >> > > > wondering if his grandfather had been murdered.
> >> > > > Ayden's father, Nick, had found Henry, his grandfather, lying
> >> > > at the bottom
> >> > > > of the staircase in his home. Nick never spoke about the
> >> > > incident after
> >> > > > reporting it to the police. He would not speak to Ayden
> >> > > about Henry's death
> >> > > > either, but he was allowing Ayden and Salma to search through
> >> > > any items Nick
> >> > > > kept.
> >> > > > No one had been sure what happened. Lucy, Ayden's
> >> > > grandmother, had been
> >> > > > present too when Henry's body was found. The police recorded
> >> > > the death as
> >> > > > an accidental fall. Many silently pointed fingers at Lucy though.
> >> > > > Lucy had grown distraught during the past few months before
> >> > > Henry's death.
> >> > > > Friends and family reported that she had been distracted
> >> > > often or in an
> >> > > > irritated mood. This was unlike the warm and tender
> >> > > grandmother Ayden had
> >> > > > grown up with.
> >> > > > When Nick found his father's body, Lucy had gone wild,
> >> > > screaming, unable to
> >> > > > leave Henry's lifeless body. Eventually Nick placed her in a
> >> > > care home.
> >> > > > Here Lucy had reached an almost catatonic state until she too
> >> > > had passed.
> >> > > > Gossips spread the news, sweeping far and wide. Lucy was
> >> > > crazy, they said.
> >> > > > She went mad, she killed her husband. It was juicy, just
> >> > > what a small town
> >> > > > needed. The police never looked into the possibility, but
> >> > > Lucy died with a
> >> > > > scarlet letter attached to her memory. Ayden could never
> >> > > believe that Lucy
> >> > > > would hurt anyone. Lucy had been fond of Ayden, guiding him,
> >> > > encouraging
> >> > > > him. "You're so full of potential, Ayden. I can see fire in
> >> > > your eyes,"
> >> > > > she used to tell him. When Ayden lost his vision, Lucy had
> >> > > been the one
> >> > > > person who supported him, still encouraging.
> >> > > > For years, though, there had been whispers of foul play, but
> >> > > no one ever
> >> > > > spoke about the rumors. Vague insinuations were the closest
> >> > > anyone came to
> >> > > > mentioning "murder." Ayden, though, had never played by the
> >> > > rules. His
> >> > > > mother referred to him as the "black sheep of the family"
> >> > > whenever she threw
> >> > > > a dinner party. Ayden never felt like he fit in his family's world 
> >> > > > of
> >> > >
> >> > > > snobbish dinner parties, elite country clubs and preferential
> >> > > treatment at
> >> > > > most Ivy League universities. He had already been a
> >> > > disappointment to his
> >> > > > family before a car accident left him blind. Seven-years
> >> > > later, Ayden had
> >> > > > come to terms with his blindness, but his family accepted him
> >> > > only out of
> >> > > > duty. His father had been clear when saying, "This condition
> >> > > of yours is
> >> > > > not suitable for the courtroom, but the firm can take you on
> >> > > in a capacity
> >> > > > for research, perhaps. Maybe a paralegal position will be 
> >> > > > suitable."
> >> > > > Ayden was not able to live with this attitude hanging over him. 
> >> > > > After
> >> > >
> >> > > > completing his bachelor's in literature, Ayden took up a
> >> > > career writing for
> >> > > > any newspapers or journals that accepted his entries.
> >> > > Writing for a small
> >> > > > literary journal allowed Ayden to work on his novel which had
> >> > > turned into a
> >> > > > fictionalized account of his grandfather's death. Asking his
> >> > > father for any
> >> > > > information about his grandfather's life, was the reason
> >> > > Ayden now sat in
> >> > > > his father's study. He found more, he thought, than his
> >> > > father knew about
> >> > > > though.
> >> > > > "So what's next?" Salma asked. Salma lived across the hall
> >> > > from Ayden in
> >> > > > his building. They had become friends, and Salma now was helping 
> >> > > > him
> >> > > > research his grandfather's life. Tapping the key in his palm, Ayden
> >> > > > said, "I'm not sure. This
> >> > > letter says a
> >> > > > lot."
> >> > > > Ayden closed his eyes thinking on this letter. It was
> >> > > evidence, even if
> >> > > > circumstantial, that suggested, if Lucy knew about it, she
> >> > > could have killed
> >> > > > Henry.
> >> > > > There was a pause then paper crackled before Salma spoke.
> >> > > "It's pretty
> >> > > > clear from this letter that your grandfather was having an
> >> > > affair. I wonder
> >> > > > if we can figure out these initials, A. W."
> >> > > > Ayden shut his eyes thinking, trying to remember anyone he
> >> > > had ever met with
> >> > > > A. W. for initials. "I don't know," he sighed.
> >> > > > As Ayden and Salma leafed through pictures and notes, they
> >> > > had found an old
> >> > > > copy of Wuthering Heights. Ayden remembered the year Henry
> >> > > had given the
> >> > > > third edition book to Lucy for Christmas. Lucy had sat
> >> > > unwrapping the gift,
> >> > > > then exclaimed, "Oh," before looking up with tears in her
> >> > > eyes. Wuthering
> >> > > > Heights had always been her favorite novel. Lucy had been
> >> > > the one person to
> >> > > > encourage Ayden to follow his dream and take up writing
> >> > > instead of joining
> >> > > > the family law firm. "You're meant to follow your own path,"
> >> > > Lucy had told
> >> > > > Ayden once. Twenty-years later, Ayden and Salma found a
> >> > > letter enclosed in
> >> > > > the pages of the book.
> >> > > > Ayden touched the thick, but stiff piece of paper and held it
> >> > > out to Salma
> >> > > > to inspect. She told him the letter appeared old, but not as
> >> > > old as the
> >> > > > book. A few of the torn edges of the letter were turning yellow. 
> >> > > > The
> >> > >
> >> > > > letter was simple as she read: Henry, my love,
> >> > > > I can not wait to see you again. I hoped and when I saw you
> >> > > coming down the
> >> > > > road, my heart leaped. I still feel your touch. How much
> >> > > longer must we
> >> > > > wait? Please, my darling, give me what I ask before it is too late.
> >> > > > Love, A. W. "What now? Where do we go next?" Salma asked.
> >> > > > Ayden held the rusted, copper key up in front of him. "We
> >> > > visit the old
> >> > > > Templeton mansion."
> >> > > > The Templeton mansion was the Victorian home Henry and Lucy
> >> > > had lived in for
> >> > > > years. The family still owned it, but it had sat empty for
> >> > > years. Ayden
> >> > > > thought that maybe more secrets were hidden within the walls of the
> >> > > > Templeton house, eager to be discovered.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ayden sat in the car as Salma drove. Neither spoke as
> >> > > Ayden's fingers slid
> >> > > > across the pages on his lap. Reading his Braille notes,
> >> > > Ayden wondered
> >> > > > where to start once they reached the small town where his
> >> > > grandparents and
> >> > > > father had grown up. Henry had started a small law firm in town, 
> >> > > > but
> >> > > > eventually it grew. Henry and Lucy had moved when Nick had
> >> > > been ten. Nick
> >> > > > never spoke about his childhood though. Ayden really didn't
> >> > > know much about
> >> > > > his family's past. Lucy and Henry had moved back to their
> >> > > old house once
> >> > > > Nick took the firm over, but Ayden had rarely visited the
> >> > > home. After Henry
> >> > > > had died, Lucy, unable to cope with his death, had moved into
> >> > > an upscale
> >> > > > nursing home in the City, and Nick left the house untouched.
> >> > > The house had
> >> > > > sat empty now for ten years.
> >> > > > As the car slowed, Ayden looked up at Salma. "Are we there?" "Yes.
> >> > > > What's our first stop?" "I'm figuring this out as we go along. I
> >> > > > guess the police station." Salma was silent before saying, "You 
> >> > > > okay?
> >> > >
> >> > > > I know your dad
> >> > > wasn't happy."
> >> > > > Ayden had questioned his father about the letter, but Nick
> >> > > had gone quiet
> >> > > > and cold before telling Ayden, "Leave it alone. We don't dig
> >> > > up family
> >> > > > history."
> >> > > > Ayden tried to coax Nick to say more, but the subject was closed.
> >> > > > "Yeah. I wish he would have told us more. Explained
> >> > > something," Ayden
> >> > > > said.
> >> > > > "Maybe he just wants to keep your family secrets, well,
> >> > > secret. Some people
> >> > > > don't like giving out info about anything."
> >> > > > "I just feel like he knows more than he's letting on. Mom
> >> > > just played dumb
> >> > > > too."
> >> > > > "We'll find something. Don't worry."
> >> > > > Salma was always reassuring Ayden. She had become a constant
> >> > > in his life.
> >> > > > The only real constant he had. She had shown up one day,
> >> > > knocking on his
> >> > > > door, holding a dish in her hands, offering Ayden some home
> >> > > made enchiladas.
> >> > > > That had been the beginning of their friendship. They had spent 
> >> > > > many
> >> > >
> >> > > > nights talking until three in the morning and hanging out on 
> >> > > > weekends.
> >> > >
> >> > > > Salma was the one connection Ayden had to the outside world.
> >> > > Once moving
> >> > > > away from his family, he had become a recluse of sorts. He
> >> > > showed up to the
> >> > > > office for work, attended cocktail parties required for work
> >> > > and even dated
> >> > > > a couple of girls, but Salma was the one person he truly felt
> >> > > comfortable
> >> > > > with. Her infectious way of always looking at things
> >> > > positively seemed like
> >> > > > a novelty to Ayden. She could always make him smile. When
> >> > > he began writing
> >> > > > the book about Henry, Salma had offered to assist in anyway she 
> >> > > > could.
> >> > >
> >> > > > "I'm really glad you're here," Ayden said.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > "Yeah, yeah. I'm waiting for my pay check." Salma giggled
> >> > > as she pulled
> >> > > > into a parking stall. "I think we're here."
> >> > > > While Salma dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden
> >> > > tapped his cane
> >> > > > along the brick walls looking for the door. Hearing the
> >> > > clink of glass as
> >> > > > his cane tapped, Ayden was sure he found the door.
> >> > > > "No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma.
> >> > > > "I believe so," she answered rushing to catch up.
> >> > > > They entered the quiet, almost lazy-like atmosphere of the
> >> > > police station.
> >> > > > Ayden moved towards the sound of clacking as some one
> >> > > pressed keys on a
> >> > > > computer keyboard with a practiced efficiency. This, he
> >> > > thought, must be a
> >> > > > reception desk.
> >> > > > Stepping up to a smooth feeling counter, Ayden said, "Excuse me." 
> >> > > > "Can
> >> > >
> >> > > > I help you?" a woman's bored voice said. "We were wondering if we 
> >> > > > can
> >> > > > speak to some one who worked the Henry Templeton case," Ayden said.
> >> > > > The woman stopped typing and a long silence followed. "Who's
> >> > > asking?"
> >> > > > "I'm Ayden Templeton, Henry's grandson."
> >> > > > "One minute." A chair creaked as the woman stood. Her shoes
> >> > > clacked as she
> >> > > > walked away.
> >> > > > Salma touched Ayden's arm. "She had a weird look when you
> >> > > mentioned your
> >> > > > grandpa's name."
> >> > > > Ayden said nothing, not sure what he was doing there in the
> >> > > first place.
> >> > > > The woman's shoes clacked once more as she returned. Another 
> >> > > > footstep
> >> > >
> >> > > > joined hers, but this person shuffled slightly. The person shuffled
> >> > > > towards Salma, saying, "Hello. I'm
> >> > > Sheriff Jenkins.
> >> > > > How can I help you?"
> >> > > > Ayden stepped closer towards Salma, extending his arm to
> >> > > Sheriff Jenkins.
> >> > > > "I'm Ayden Templeton and this is Salma Juarez. We have some
> >> > > questions about
> >> > > > my grandfather's death."
> >> > > > There was a pause before Sheriff Jenkins shook Ayden's hand.
> >> > > "Step into my
> >> > > > office please."
> >> > > > Ayden followed the sheriff into a room off the main section of the
> >> > > > department. His cane swep the inside of the door frame,
> >> > > indicating the
> >> > > > width so Ayden avoided bumping into the edges of the frame.
> >> > > Ayden asked
> >> > > > where a chair was and turned in the direction Captain Jenkins
> >> > > indicated.
> >> > > > Once again, his cane found the chair and sliding the cane
> >> > > across the seat,
> >> > > > Ayden determined where the front of the chair was. Salma's
> >> > > arm brushed his
> >> > > > as she sat next to him.
> >> > > > "Can I get you anything?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
> >> > > > "No, but thank you. Salma?"
> >> > > > "I'm good," Salma replied.
> >> > > > Ayden felt a tension fill the room as the three sat there,
> >> > > not speaking.
> >> > > > Sheriff Jenkins began tapping the edge of the metal table in the
> >> > > > interrogation room. Ayden twisted his cane between his
> >> > > fingers. Salma
> >> > > > bobbed her foot which was lightly kicking Ayden's shin. "We're 
> >> > > > hoping
> >> > > > to learn as much as we can about Henry
> >> > > Templeton's death. I'm
> >> > > > researching the story for a novel I'm working on," Ayden started. 
> >> > > > "I
> >> > > > worked the case. There's not much to tell," Sheriff Jenkins said. 
> >> > > > "I
> >> > > > know you eventually reported it as an accidental death,
> >> > > but was there
> >> > > > ever any evidence suggesting otherwise?" Ayden asked.
> >> > > > "No. We questioned friends and family and there was no
> >> > > reason to believe
> >> > > > Henry Templeton was murdered," Sheriff Jenkins said sharply. Ayden
> >> > > > shifted his head towards Salma before saying, "I know there
> >> > > > was-uh-speculation that maybe my grandmother did it." "Lucy 
> >> > > > Baldwin?
> >> > > > She never hurt anyone. We were all shocked
> >> > > when she married
> >> > > > Henry. She could have had anyone she wanted."
> >> > > > Ayden leaned against the table looking straight in the direction 
> >> > > > where
> >> > >
> >> > > > Sheriff Jenkins sat. "I thought Henry was a catch? You
> >> > > know, a lawyer from
> >> > > > a wealthy family."
> >> > > > "He was a playboy. Always was, never changed."
> >> > > > "Who did you question about his death?" Salma broke in.
> >> > > > The sheriff's chair creaked as he leaned back. "Well, of
> >> > > course Lucy and
> >> > > > her boy Nick. They were there. Found his body and all." Ayden shot
> >> > > > the sheriff a questioning glance. He was talking
> >> > > like he had
> >> > > > forgot who Ayden was.
> >> > > > "Then there was Zelda, the housekeeper, and Avery Mayer, he
> >> > > came around
> >> > > > about once a week to help Lucy with the lawn. She loved her
> >> > > garden. Her
> >> > > > roses won prizes around here," Sheriff Jenkins continued. "Anyone
> >> > > > else?" Ayden asked. "Oh, his work associates, but Henry was retired 
> >> > > > so
> >> > >
> >> > > > they
> >> > > didn't see much of
> >> > > > him anymore. Alice Whitley, she had been his personal
> >> > > secretary for years.
> >> > > > She still did stuff part-time for Henry."
> >> > > > Ayden had pulled out a three-by-five plastic device that had
> >> > > six rows of
> >> > > > cells containing three holes on each side of the cells. A
> >> > > pop-pop-pop sound
> >> > > > was made as Ayden poked a pointed awl-like object called a
> >> > > stylus through
> >> > > > the holes as he took Braille notes. "Are any of these people
> >> > > still around?"
> >> > > > "Not everyone had the same opportunities as the Templeton's
> >> > > to leave town.
> >> > > > Other than Henry's work associates, I think most of them
> >> > > still live around
> >> > > > here. At least the one's who are still alive."
> >> > > > "Is there anything else you can tell us? Was there anything
> >> > > strange you
> >> > > > noticed? Any evidence that suggest something other than an 
> >> > > > accidental
> >> > >
> >> > > > tumble down the stairs?" The sheriff laughed. "I know you city folk
> >> > > > like to dream up seedy happenings in small towns, but Henry
> >> > > > Templeton's death was
> >> > > nothing more than
> >> > > > an accident. Nothing dark about it."
> >> > > > "Thank you for your time," Ayden said extending his hand
> >> > > again to shake
> >> > > > Sheriff Jenkins's.
> >> > > > Sheriff Jenkins sighed. "Look, don't go digging anything up.
> >> > > Just let the
> >> > > > dead rest."
> >> > > > Salma's bracelet tinkled as they stood.
> >> > > > "We understand. I'm just trying to find things out about my
> >> > > grandfather for
> >> > > > the book. You know, no stone uncovered," Ayden said.
> >> > > > "Are you two married?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
> >> > > > Ayden, confused by the switch, replied, "No."
> >> > > > The sheriff chuckled. "Like your grandpa, I see."
> >> > > > Ayden blushed, but Salma said, "Ayden is nothing but a
> >> > > gentleman. Clearly
> >> > > > something he did not pick up in this town."
> >> > > > "I know the kind of men the Templeton's are," the sheriff said. 
> >> > > > Unsure
> >> > >
> >> > > > of what to do, Ayden turned to leave. "At least he has a better 
> >> > > > chance
> >> > >
> >> > > > of touching what you have
> >> > > been admiring
> >> > > > this whole time," Salma snapped. She turned quickly and
> >> > > Ayden felt a rush
> >> > > > of breeze as she left the room.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Out in the car, Ayden apologized.
> >> > > > "I'm sorry. I didn't know what to say."
> >> > > > "It's okay. He was a pig."
> >> > > > "I didn't realize-"
> >> > > > "I know, its okay. Where to next?"
> >> > > > Ayden could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone. "The house, 
> >> > > > I
> >> > >
> >> > > > guess." As Salma pulled back out into the street devoid of traffic,
> >> > > Ayden wondered
> >> > > > why she had told Sheriff Jenkins what she had. Was it simply
> >> > > said in a
> >> > > > moment of anger, or was there any truth in her words, he
> >> > > thought. He has a
> >> > > > better chance of touching what you have been admiring. For
> >> > > the first time,
> >> > > > Ayden thought of the possibilities with Salma.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ayden stood before the house remembering the bright blue it
> >> > > had been during
> >> > > > the few visits he had made during his childhood. The house
> >> > > had always stood
> >> > > > out even among the street full of bright, cheery houses complete 
> >> > > > with
> >> > > > emerald lawns and award winning gardens. The Templeton house had a
> >> > > > wrap-around porch with a veranda to the back opening onto a large 
> >> > > > lawn
> >> > >
> >> > > > complete with a British garden. Its three stories reached
> >> > > majestically
> >> > > > towards the sky.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ayden now gripped the rough, wooden railing of the house.
> >> > > The feel of the
> >> > > > railing did not match his memory of the sleek, smooth dark
> >> > > wooden banister.
> >> > > > The stairs creaked as he stepped on them. Reaching the
> >> > > porch, he felt a
> >> > > > slight dip and quickly stepped sideways in fear of falling through 
> >> > > > the
> >> > >
> >> > > > porch. Children played nearby and cars languidly drove down
> >> > > the street, but
> >> > > > a strange silence surrounded the house. It was as though Ayden were
> >> > > > underneath water trying to make out the distant sounds. The scent 
> >> > > > of
> >> > > > jasmine passed briefly through his nose as Salma stood next to him.
> >> > > > "How does it look?" Ayden asked ignoring the scent. Salma took a 
> >> > > > deep
> >> > > > breath. "It's run down, that's for sure.
> >> > > I can't believe
> >> > > > no one has lived here for years."
> >> > > > "My family still owns it, but after my grandfather's death,
> >> > > no one wanted to
> >> > > > do anything about it."
> >> > > > Ayden placed his hand on the cold handle of the dilapidated
> >> > > Victorian house.
> >> > > > He dug in his pockets for the rusty key he had found in his 
> >> > > > father's
> >> > > > office. As he inserted the heavy key in the lock, a quiet
> >> > > click was heard.
> >> > > > Ayden pushed the solid door open. He looked in Salma's
> >> > > direction before
> >> > > > stepping inside. Shutting the door, the house engulfed all
> >> > > sound like a
> >> > > > tomb.
> >> > > > "Creepy," Salma said as she shivered.
> >> > > > Ayden walked forward tapping his long white cane, arcing wide
> >> > > so as to not
> >> > > > run into anything. Dust filled the air and Ayden coughed as
> >> > > he inhaled.
> >> > > > "This has been sitting for years," Ayden rasped. "What's it
> >> > > look like?"
> >> > > > Salma looked around. "It's really dark, but it's almost
> >> > > completely empty.
> >> > > > What do you think you'll find?"
> >> > > > "I'm not sure. Sheriff Jenkins wasn't much help. I just
> >> > > thought, maybe
> >> > > > something."
> >> > > > Salma's sandals clipped-clopped as she walked over to a
> >> > > window to open it.
> >> > > > "Well, if we are going to be here long we need fresh air." Ayden 
> >> > > > felt
> >> > > > a rush of summer breeze as the window clambered
> >> > > up. The sound of
> >> > > > kids jumping rope ruined the house's stolid silence. Life
> >> > > entered the house
> >> > > > again as Ayden began to feel around searching for any clue. Salma
> >> > > > clumped up the stairs as Ayden moved from room to room
> >> > > feeling walls
> >> > > > and any remaining furniture, hoping to find something,
> >> > > anything. He rifled
> >> > > > through drawers and cupboards. So far his hands had only
> >> > > found dust and
> >> > > > cobwebs.
> >> > > > "Ayden, Ayden!" Salma shouted a couple of hours later.
> >> > > > Ayden hurried towards the staircase. "Salma! Are you okay?" "Get up
> >> > > > here! I found something!" Ayden clambered up the grand staircase.
> >> > > > Reaching the top, he
> >> > > shouted, "What
> >> > > > room?"
> >> > > > "Um, it's a bedroom."
> >> > > > Hearing her voice off to his left, Ayden moved down the
> >> > > hallway. At the
> >> > > > end, he found a door open.
> >> > > > "Salma?"
> >> > > > Salma's clapping sandals moved towards Ayden.
> >> > > > "Look at this," she said excitedly. Her bracelet tinkled and
> >> > > paper crackled
> >> > > > as she shoved something in Ayden's hand.
> >> > > > Ayden grinned. "Um." He handed the paper back to Salma. "Oh-sorry.
> >> > > > I just-you won't believe this." It was another letter; a love 
> >> > > > letter
> >> > > > to Henry. Henry, My love,
> >> > > > I miss you. I grow restless with each day. I have waited
> >> > > years to be with
> >> > > > you, really be with you. Let's stop the pretending, stop the
> >> > > lies. Don't
> >> > > > be mad with me. I would do anything for you, but we must stop 
> >> > > > hiding.
> >> > >
> >> > > > There is no harm in this. I will wait to hear from you, but
> >> > > don't take
> >> > > > long.
> >> > > > Love,
> >> > > > A. W.
> >> > > > Salma rushed through the letter almost in one breath. Ayden
> >> > > was not quite
> >> > > > sure what her excitement was for.
> >> > > > "We already know Henry was having an affair of sorts," he said. 
> >> > > > Salma
> >> > > > sighed impatiently. "Ayden, think about it. Don't you see?" "Not
> >> > > > really," he said slowly. She grabbed his wrist. Her slender fingers
> >> > > > gripped him with
> >> > > a strength
> >> > > > Ayden would not have guessed at. She moved in closer and
> >> > > once again, Ayden
> >> > > > took in the scent of jasmine. This time he smelled something
> >> > > else with it.
> >> > > > Vanilla, he thought. Salma shook his arm slightly bringing
> >> > > him back to
> >> > > > attention.
> >> > > > "Ayden, A. W. Don't you see it yet?"
> >> > > > "A. W.?"
> >> > > > "The initials," she said exasperated, "A. W. Alice Whitley." "Who's
> >> > > > Alice Whitley?" Salma smacked her forehead. "Ay-where are your 
> >> > > > notes
> >> > > > from today?" Ayden pulled out the three-by-five note card from his
> >> > > > back pocket. "Now read through it," Salma said as though talking to 
> >> > > > a
> >> > > > small child. Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and looked
> >> > > > sharply
> >> > > up at Salma.
> >> > > > "See?" Salma asked.
> >> > > > "I can't believe we didn't realize it then. His secretary.
> >> > > And Sheriff
> >> > > > Jenkins said she's still living in town."
> >> > > > "Think we can find her?"
> >> > > > "Give me a minute," Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone
> >> > > tucked away in
> >> > > > his pocket.
> >> > > > An electronic hum came from his phone as he maneuvered
> >> > > through the menus on
> >> > > > his phone. A screen-reading program specific to mobile
> >> > > phones, helped Ayden
> >> > > > utilize the functions on his phone.
> >> > > > "Got it. There's only one Alice Whitley that shows up in town."
> >> > > > "Thank God for technology," Salma said. "No wonder no one
> >> > > could ever solve
> >> > > > this case."
> >> > > > Ayden smirked at her. "Thank God for accessible technology.
> >> > > Come on. She
> >> > > > doesn't live far from here and it's not too late."
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ten minutes later, Ayden and Salma knocked on a door. The
> >> > > house was less
> >> > > > substantial than the Templeton house, but Salma described its
> >> > > well-kempt
> >> > > > lawn and cheery exterior.
> >> > > > The door opened and a woman's voice gasped, "Oh."
> >> > > > "Miss Whitley? I'm Ayden-"
> >> > > > "Templeton," she said. "You look like Henry."
> >> > > > Smiling, Ayden said, "Miss Whitley, this is my friend Salma.
> >> > > We're working
> >> > > > on a book about my grandfather, and we would like to ask you some
> >> > > > questions." "Oh, of course. Come in, come in."
> >> > > > As the door shut behind Ayden and Salma, he smelled a flower
> >> > > scent that he
> >> > > > couldn't place and a clock ticked nearby. Alice Whitley
> >> > > ushered them into a
> >> > > > sitting room off the entryway. Salma sat next to Ayden on
> >> > > the soft couch
> >> > > > while Alice sat across from them.
> >> > > > "Can I offer you anything? I just made lemonade."
> >> > > > "That would be wonderful," Salma said.
> >> > > > As Alice left the room, Ayden turned towards Salma. "I'm
> >> > > sorry, I didn't
> >> > > > even think to ask if you were hungry."
> >> > > > "Hon, it's okay. I didn't think about it myself until now." "We'll
> >> > > > have dinner after this; I promise." "Promise?"
> >> > > > Ayden grinned as Alice returned. She placed an ice-cold
> >> > > glass in Ayden's
> >> > > > hand. Ice chinked against the side as he took a gulp. The
> >> > > cold liquid felt
> >> > > > good down his throat after the dust of his family's house.
> >> > > He could only
> >> > > > imagine how dirty he and Salma looked. He felt the mingled
> >> > > grime of sweat
> >> > > > and dirt on his body. Why had it not occurred to them to
> >> > > stop somewhere
> >> > > > first and wash up, Ayden thought.
> >> > > > "So, what can I help you with? Henry was a dear friend and I
> >> > > miss him. You
> >> > > > must call me Alice."
> >> > > > "Well, Alice, we specifically are interested in his death,"
> >> > > Ayden said.
> >> > > > Alice choked on her lemonade. "Why would you be interested in 
> >> > > > that?"
> >> > > > "I believe that maybe his death wasn't accidental." "Oh dear, don't
> >> > > > buy into those silly rumors. Pete Jenkins conducted a thorough
> >> > > > investigation and no foul play was to be hinted at." "And yet the
> >> > > > rumors persist," Ayden said. "Silly gossip. Housewives bored out of
> >> > > > there minds." "You know Sheriff Jenkins?" Ayden asked.
> >> > > > "Darling, it's a town of ten-thousand; everybody knows everybody."
> >> > > > Ayden sipped on his lemonade as Salma clicked her nails
> >> > > against the side of
> >> > > > her glass.
> >> > > > "We have reason to believe maybe there is more to the story,"
> >> > > Ayden said.
> >> > > > He affected his best courtroom demeanor. He had seen his
> >> > > father like this
> >> > > > hundreds of times.
> >> > > > Alice swirled ice chuncks around in her glass. Her voice had
> >> > > lost some of
> >> > > > its cheeriness when she responded by asking, "What makes you
> >> > > say that?"
> >> > > > Ayden found the love letter in a folder. He removed the
> >> > > Braille label,
> >> > > > setting the letter on the coffee table dividing Ayden and
> >> > > Salma from Alice.
> >> > > > The room grew still. The letter rustled as Alice picked it
> >> > > up. When she
> >> > > > spoke, she sounded choked as though she were holding back tears.
> >> > > > "Where did you find this?" "It was in some old boxes in the 
> >> > > > Templeton
> >> > > > home," Salma said. A long silence followed in which Ayden could 
> >> > > > hear
> >> > > > Alice sniffling. "I suppose the truth has to come out sooner or
> >> > > > later," Alice
> >> > > said quietly.
> >> > > > "We don't need-a-details of anything, but is there any reason
> >> > > to think Henry
> >> > > > was killed?" Ayden soothed.
> >> > > > "Your grandfather hired me when I was eighteen," Alice began, 
> >> > > > ignoring
> >> > >
> >> > > > Ayden. "I instantly fell in love with him, but he was that
> >> > > type. Dashingly
> >> > > > handsome, charming to a fault. He was a few years older than
> >> > > me, but I knew
> >> > > > how all the girls waited for their chance to rope Henry into
> >> > > marriage. I
> >> > > > felt so lucky to see him everyday. I started out as a simple
> >> > > receptionist,
> >> > > > but eventually he promoted me to his personal secretary." "Did you
> >> > > > move with my grandparents then, when they moved?"
> >> > > Ayden asked.
> >> > > > Alice sighed. "Yes, but after-things happened-I moved back.
> >> > > I remained in
> >> > > > his employ, working from the office here in town. Before
> >> > > your father took
> >> > > > charge, Henry's headquarters had always been based from here." 
> >> > > > Ayden
> >> > > > nodded his head. "I never meant to hurt anyone. Things happened.
> >> > > > Henry loved
> >> > > us both, Lucy
> >> > > > and I. I tried to end it for years, but Henry always showed
> >> > > up with that
> >> > > > smile of his. Then I tried to make him choose. I should've
> >> > > known better,
> >> > > > but I was in love."
> >> > > > Alice continued to spill her story, hoping for redemption perhaps.
> >> > > > "The final straw came right before his death. We had carried
> >> > > on for almost
> >> > > > forty-years and I knew it had to stop. We fought. I
> >> > > threatened to tell
> >> > > > Lucy and that was that. He left me promising to choose. I
> >> > > waited for an
> >> > > > answer, but a week later, Henry was found dead."
> >> > > > "Did you ever tell anyone?" Ayden asked.
> >> > > > "No."
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ayden and Salma stood by the car outside Alice's house. A
> >> > > breeze tousled
> >> > > > Ayden's hair and Salma gently combed her fingers through his
> >> > > dark tresses.
> >> > > > "Seems like all you Templeton men are irresistible," she said
> >> > > teasingly.
> >> > > > Unsure of how to respond to her comment, he grinned, but
> >> > > before he could
> >> > > > make a remark, Ayden heard her car door click open. He slid into 
> >> > > > the
> >> > > > passenger seat, heart pounding. "You promised me dinner," Salma 
> >> > > > whined
> >> > >
> >> > > > playfully.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > After devouring diner-style hamburgers and fries, Ayden and
> >> > > Salma found
> >> > > > themselves walking through the downtown area. Salma kept up
> >> > > with Ayden's
> >> > > > stride as his cane tapped in a shoulder-length-arc. "Sometimes I 
> >> > > > think
> >> > >
> >> > > > it would be nice to live in a small town,"
> >> > > Salma mused.
> >> > > > "Really, you? Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," Ayden 
> >> > > > joked.
> >> > > > "I could drive to the city. I don't know. It seems like a
> >> > > nice place to
> >> > > > raise a family."
> >> > > > Ayden had never heard Salma speak about kids or families. As
> >> > > well as he
> >> > > > knew her, Ayden realized there was plenty he still had to
> >> > > learn about Salma.
> >> > > > "Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will grow up to
> >> > > cheat, lie and
> >> > > > murder," Ayden scoffed.
> >> > > > "We, huh?"
> >> > > > Ayden blushed, feeling the heat creep up his neck to his
> >> > > face. He hadn't
> >> > > > caught his blunder. He sputtered, but before he could make
> >> > > sense of his
> >> > > > words, Salma grabbed his hand.
> >> > > > "Maybe we can live in the Templeton mansion," she said.
> >> > > > They walked silently back to the car.
> >> > > > "It's pretty late, what should we do?" Salma asked.
> >> > > > Ayden flipped the crystal face of his watch up. Feeling the
> >> > > raised dots and
> >> > > > arrows with his pointer finger on his Braille watch, he said, "It's 
> >> > > > a
> >> > > > quarter to eleven. I'm beat." "Me too. I don't really feel like
> >> > > > driving back tonight though." Ayden scratched his head. "I guess we
> >> > > > can stay at casa-de-Templeton." "Okay, but no funny business," 
> >> > > > Salma
> >> > > > joked. Sitting in the car, Ayden said, "By the way, unlike some men
> >> > > in my family,
> >> > > > I'm more of a one-woman type."
> >> > > >
> >> > > > They stood on either side of the king-size bed in the master 
> >> > > > bedroom.
> >> > > > "Sure you don't want to sleep in another room?" Ayden asked. "Hell 
> >> > > > no!
> >> > >
> >> > > > This house is creepy." "I thought you wanted to raise children 
> >> > > > here?"
> >> > > > "Shut-up. Scared to sleep with a girl?" The bed creaked as
> >> > > Salma lay down
> >> > > > on it. "A bit musty."
> >> > > > They had found spare bed linens in a box and had attempted to
> >> > > shake them out
> >> > > > as best they could. Ayden had noticed a lingering wispy
> >> > > scent of flowers
> >> > > > that he could not place. It may have been the remnants of
> >> > > something used to
> >> > > > launder the linens years ago, he had thought.
> >> > > > Without thinking, Ayden removed his shirt and handed it to
> >> > > Salma. "Here.
> >> > > > You can wrap your pillow in it."
> >> > > > "Thanks," Salma said drawing the word out.
> >> > > > Realizing what he had just done, he blushed for the millionth
> >> > > time that day.
> >> > > > Not able to turn back what he had done, Ayden lay slowly
> >> > > down, sticking
> >> > > > close to the edge.
> >> > > > "Keep your hands above the blankets," Salma yawned.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ayden woke disoriented at first, but comprehension quickly
> >> > > dawned as he felt
> >> > > > Salma's small body nestled against his. She snored quietly and 
> >> > > > Ayden
> >> > > > smiled. This was nice, he thought. He extracted himself
> >> > > gently from the
> >> > > > bed, trying to not wake Salma.
> >> > > > He needed to use the bathroom, but it struck him that the
> >> > > bathrooms would
> >> > > > not be in working order. It was primitive, but it would have
> >> > > to do, he
> >> > > > thought as he found his way downstairs and out into the back
> >> > > garden. Hoping
> >> > > > no neighbors were awake to see him, he relieved himself.
> >> > > > Half asleep still, his eyes snapped open as a slight shuffle came 
> >> > > > from
> >> > >
> >> > > > behind him. Finished with his midnight chore, he listened
> >> > > intently, but no
> >> > > > sound came again. He turned around, gripping his cane in one hand.
> >> > > > "Hello," he said. No response came. He turned back towards the 
> >> > > > house
> >> > > > and as he
> >> > > walked, Ayden
> >> > > > felt his back tingle. It was the sensation he felt as a child when
> >> > > > terrified, feeling a presence behind him. He was an adult
> >> > > now, he chided
> >> > > > himself. Forcing himself to walk calmly back into the house,
> >> > > he reached the
> >> > > > French doors and entered. As he went to shut the doors, a
> >> > > soft shuffle
> >> > > > started in the darkness again. It could have been the long
> >> > > dead foliage
> >> > > > rustling in the breeze, but Ayden placed himself in the
> >> > > doorway again. The
> >> > > > noise instantly stopped.
> >> > > > Slamming the door and locking it, Ayden flew to the stairs,
> >> > > taking three
> >> > > > steps at a time. Heart pounding, blood rushing in his ears,
> >> > > Ayden felt a
> >> > > > cool breeze cut through the stuffy air of the bedroom.
> >> > > DeMint, he swore to
> >> > > > himself. They had opened windows before going to bed, hoping
> >> > > to air out
> >> > > > their lodgings for the night.
> >> > > > Salma still was sleeping peacefully on the bed. He sat on
> >> > > the bed resting
> >> > > > his head on the large carved headboard, listening.
> >> > > > Crickets chirped outside and the breeze rustled the leaves of
> >> > > trees from
> >> > > > time to time. Salma continued her snoring. Silence loomed around 
> >> > > > the
> >> > >
> >> > > > house. Ayden waited to hear the shuffle noise again or a step on 
> >> > > > the
> >> > > > stairs, but nothing came. He relaxed after fifteen minutes
> >> > > of vigilante
> >> > > > guarding.
> >> > > > Laying back down on the bed, one arm behind his head, he
> >> > > smiled when Salma
> >> > > > threw an arm across his chest. Thinking only of Salma by
> >> > > now, Ayden drifted
> >> > > > back off to sleep.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > The second time Ayden woke he knew where he was, but something was 
> >> > > > not
> >> > >
> >> > > > right. Salma still snored next to him as he spooned her, but
> >> > > an acrid odor
> >> > > > filled his nostrils. A loud crack made him bolt up in bed. "Salma!
> >> > > > There's a fire!" He shook her until she woke up. "We need to get 
> >> > > > out
> >> > > > of here," Ayden shouted as she slowly regained a conscience state.
> >> > > > Ayden flew to the open door. Smoke filled his nose and made
> >> > > his eyes water.
> >> > > > "Salma, I can't tell if we can make it down the stairs." Standing
> >> > > > next to him, she said, "All I can see is smoke. Can
> >> > > we jump out
> >> > > > the window?"
> >> > > > "We're on the second floor. It's pretty high up."
> >> > > > Now across the room, Ayden heard Salma cry, "Oh-my-god! Ayden!"
> >> > > > "What?" "I can see flames around the base of the house."
> >> > > > "Shit." Trying to think, Ayden gathered up the sheet from
> >> > > the bed. Dousing
> >> > > > it with water from the couple bottles purchased last night,
> >> > > he threw the
> >> > > > sheet at Salma. "Wrap yourself in this."
> >> > > > "Why?"
> >> > > > "Just do it."
> >> > > > Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over
> >> > > his shoulder.
> >> > > > Grabbing his cane by the door, he moved into the hallway.
> >> > > Hoping the shirt
> >> > > > tied around his face would keep out smoke, Ayden ran to the top of 
> >> > > > the
> >> > >
> >> > > > stairs. Despite the situation, Ayden could not help notice the
> >> > > > harlequin-romance-like predicament. He heard Salma say something, 
> >> > > > but
> >> > > > her face was muffled and he
> >> > > could not
> >> > > > understand her. Tucking his cane underneath his arm, he
> >> > > groped the banister
> >> > > > which still seemed intact. Finally reaching the bottom, he
> >> > > found his way to
> >> > > > the front door and opened it. A rush of fresh air greeted
> >> > > him. Feeling
> >> > > > heat, he hoped he could make it off the porch. At the top of
> >> > > the stairs,
> >> > > > panicked, he placed Salma upright again. She struggled to
> >> > > loosen the sheet
> >> > > > around her.
> >> > > > "Are the flames here too?" Ayden asked.
> >> > > > "No, but there coming from behind."
> >> > > > At the end of the drive, Ayden dialed 911 on his phone.
> >> > > Neighbors could be
> >> > > > heard coming from their own houses. A few ran up to Ayden
> >> > > and Salma asking
> >> > > > if they were okay.
> >> > > > Standing at a distance, Ayden could hear the roar of flames.
> >> > > Salma held his
> >> > > > hand as they waited in silence for the sound of sirens.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ayden rested on the back bumper of Sheriff Jenkins's police
> >> > > cruiser. The
> >> > > > mid-morning sun warmed his face. Still shirtless, a blanket
> >> > > draped his
> >> > > > shoulders. A gritty smudge crossed his forehead and he could
> >> > > still smell
> >> > > > the smoke embracing his body.
> >> > > > Once the firemen had extinguished the fire, Sheriff Jenkins
> >> > > and his deputy,
> >> > > > a man about Ayden's age, drove Salma and Ayden to the police
> >> > > station. Each
> >> > > > gave a report before Nick was contacted.
> >> > > > Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water. He
> >> > > gulped the cool
> >> > > > liquid down as Salma rested her head against his shoulder.
> >> > > Sniffing her
> >> > > > hair laced with a flower scent and smoke, Ayden protectively
> >> > > placed an arm
> >> > > > around her.
> >> > > > "Ayden," Salma said in quiet surprise, "Alice Whitley is here." 
> >> > > > Ayden
> >> > > > pulled the blanket closed as he waited for Alice to
> >> > > approach. A new
> >> > > > scent filled his nostrils. This too smelled of flowers, but
> >> > > it was not the
> >> > > > framiliar jasmine and vanilla Salma wore. Through the fog of
> >> > > his brain, he
> >> > > > tried to place where he had smelled this scent before.
> >> > > > "I'm glad you two are alright," Alice spoke quietly. "I
> >> > > can't believe this.
> >> > > > Do you need anything?"
> >> > > > "Thank you, but we're okay," Salma said warmly.
> >> > > > "Pete phoned me this morning-"
> >> > > > "Sheriff Jenkins? Why?" Ayden asked.
> >> > > > Alice didn't respond.
> >> > > > Waiting for an answer, Ayden finally recognized the flower
> >> > > scent that had
> >> > > > lingered in the closet where he and Salma had found bed linens.
> >> > > > "Alice, did you visit the house after we left you yesterday?" Alice
> >> > > > made a noise as though she were suppressing it in her
> >> > > throat. She
> >> > > > never answered and before Ayden could ask anything else, he heard 
> >> > > > her
> >> > > > muffled footsteps on the grass as she walked briskly away. "Ayden?"
> >> > > > Salma puzzled. "Her perfume, it's the same smell I noticed in the
> >> > > > closet last night." "Ayden, that's where I found the letter too,"
> >> > > > Salma whispered." Ayden heard the swish of grass as someone else
> >> > > > walked towards
> >> > > them. It was
> >> > > > Nick.
> >> > > > "Are you crazy?" Nick asked, bewildered.
> >> > > > "I'm fine. Nice to see you too, Dad."
> >> > > > Nick let out a long breath before saying, "Your mother and I
> >> > > went crazy when
> >> > > > we heard what happened. We're glad you're okay."
> >> > > > "Is the house ruined?" Ayden asked.
> >> > > > Salma shifted and sat upright next to Ayden.
> >> > > > "It's mostly the garden that was ruined, but there is damage
> >> > > to the house."
> >> > > > Ayden felt his chest tighten. The garden had been Lucy's
> >> > > favorite place.
> >> > > > Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways and tall bushes
> >> > > as Lucy tended
> >> > > > to her beloved flowers. Interrupting his thoughts, Ayden
> >> > > heard a shuffling
> >> > > > footstep approach. Another memory pushed itself front and
> >> > > center in his
> >> > > > mind. As Sheriff Jenkins stopped his pace, Ayden gave him a
> >> > > hard look.
> >> > > > "Tom says it will take a few weeks to get reports back, but
> >> > > there is some
> >> > > > structural damage to the house, Nick," the sheriff said. "Taken any
> >> > > > midnight strolls to clear your mind lately?" Ayden
> >> > > directed to
> >> > > > Sheriff Jenkins.
> >> > > > No one spoke. Salma gripped his hand.
> >> > > > "Any reason why you'd call Alice Whitley early this morning?" Ayden
> >> > > > continued. "Drop it," Nick hissed at Ayden.
> >> > > > Thrown off by Nick's tone, Ayden squeezed Salma's hand,
> >> > > unsure what to do.
> >> > > > "I'm sure we're all tired and need to collect our thoughts,"
> >> > > Sheriff Jenkins
> >> > > > said. "Maybe you ought to take these two home, Nick." Ayden
> >> > > heard the
> >> > > > lumbering shuffle again as Sheriff Jenkins walked away.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > > Ayden sat in front of the computer. A buzz issued from the
> >> > > speakers as
> >> > > > JAWS, a text-to-speech program, sounded off with each command
> >> > > Ayden typed.
> >> > > > "Still working?" Salma asked from behind.
> >> > > > Ayden leaned his head back against her stomach. She was
> >> > > wrapped in a large
> >> > > > soft towel. He slipped his hand through the folds, but she
> >> > > turned swiftly
> >> > > > away, laughing.
> >> > > > Spewing a torrent of Spanish at him, Ayden chuckled. "That
> >> > > just turns me on
> >> > > > more."
> >> > > > "I called you a great big moron whose brain is the size of his-"
> >> > > > "Doesn't matter. Still sounds sexy." Salma whipped another towel at
> >> > > > him before scampering to the bedroom. Turning back to his work, 
> >> > > > Ayden
> >> > > > decided to check his email. As he clicked on the necessary links 
> >> > > > using
> >> > >
> >> > > > Hotkey commands,
> >> > > he thought over
> >> > > > the past few weeks.
> >> > > > Ayden had told his father what happened, but Nick said that
> >> > > everything was
> >> > > > circumstantial. Ayden knew this, but he also knew he had
> >> > > opened something
> >> > > > up. Something that had been meant to remain secret. Nick
> >> > > refused to open
> >> > > > any investigation and he remained tight-lipped about anything he 
> >> > > > knew.
> >> > >
> >> > > > The fire was officially reported as an unknown accident since
> >> > > no evidence,
> >> > > > either way, had been found determining a cause. This, at
> >> > > least, was how the
> >> > > > police report read. Ayden, though, had inquired into the 
> >> > > > fire-chief's
> >> > >
> >> > > > report. It too was inconclusive, but this report did mention
> >> > > that a match
> >> > > > book had been found near the premises. Salma had advised
> >> > > Ayden to wait
> >> > > > before attempting any further investigation.
> >> > > > Salma had been the reason he was able to let the weeks slip by 
> >> > > > without
> >> > >
> >> > > > searching for more clues. Once they had returned to the
> >> > > city, Ayden had
> >> > > > found the courage to express his budding feelings towards Salma. 
> >> > > > They
> >> > > > had sat on the couch talking; a typical Friday night for
> >> > > them, except
> >> > > > this time Ayden could feel a growing anticipation between
> >> > > them. Salma had
> >> > > > stood to get another beer from the kitchen when Ayden reached
> >> > > for her wrist.
> >> > > > His large palm had felt bigger next to her slim wrist. Both
> >> > > had stared
> >> > > > silently at one another. Ayden, thinking he would win this
> >> > > game since he
> >> > > > couldn't see, broke first. Grinning with a smirk, he had
> >> > > pulled Salma to
> >> > > > him and kissed her.
> >> > > > Three weeks later, their routine was continued as normal, yet
> >> > > something was
> >> > > > different. They had transitioned into this new element with
> >> > > ease, as though
> >> > > > it were meant to be. Their friendship was strengthened by
> >> > > the new romance.
> >> > > > Still reminiscing, Ayden did not recognize the name given for
> >> > > the first
> >> > > > email he came across. Opening it up, he read the following: Your
> >> > > > journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you stop your
> >> > > > investigation immediately. Heartache and harm can only
> >> > > befall you. Thank
> >> > > > your luck and live long and well with your beautiful new love. 
> >> > > > There
> >> > > > was no signature. Alarmed, Ayden checked the From
> >> > > field, but the only
> >> > > > information this provided was aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.
> >> > > Ayden's pulse
> >> > > > quickened. Hearing Salma pad lightly back into the room, he
> >> > > closed the
> >> > > > window he was in. He thought it was best to not alarm her just yet.
> >> > > > Holding Salma close against him, wrapping her in a bear hug,
> >> > > Ayden knew this
> >> > > > was just the beginning.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > _______________________________________________
> >> > > > Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
> >> > > <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
> >> > > >
> >> > > > stylist mailing list
> >> > > > stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> > > > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
> >> > > > for
> >> > > > stylist:
> >> > > >
> >> > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/priscil
> >> > > la.mckinley%40gmail.com
> >> > > >
> >> > >
> >> > > _______________________________________________
> >> > > Writers Division web site:
> >> > > http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
> >> > > <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
> >> > >
> >> > > stylist mailing list
> >> > > stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> > > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
> >> > > info for stylist:
> >> > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/jsorozc
> >> > > o%40gmail.com
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > ------------------------------
> >> > >
> >> > > Message: 4
> >> > > Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 07:57:43 -0500
> >> > > From: "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net>
> >> > > To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> > > Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some
> >> > > language, alludes to sexual content
> >> > > Message-ID: <000801cb66e8$65d00ad0$31702070$@cox.net>
> >> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
> >> > >
> >> > > Bridget
> >> > >
> >> > > A good story! I like the blindness descriptors. And that scene and 
> >> > > lines
> >> > > that you had Salma use while in the office of the sheriff,
> >> > > "At least he has a better chance of touching what you have been 
> >> > > admiring
> >> > > this whole time," Salma snapped.
> >> > >
> >> > > And yeah, I read the comments of Priscilla and Joe and I can see that
> >> > > their observations would only enhance the story.
> >> > > Thanks for sharing!
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > -----Original Message-----
> >> > > From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] 
> >> > > On
> >> > > Behalf Of Bridgit Pollpeter
> >> > > Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2010 9:06 PM
> >> > > To: writers division
> >> > > Subject: [stylist] detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some
> >> > > language, alludes to sexual content
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > Hey guys,
> >> > >
> >> > > I'm taking a detective fiction class this semester for an upper lit
> >> > > credit. We had to write detective shorts and I thought I would share
> >> > > mine with you. Keep in mind that this is not my genre and also, I 
> >> > > wrote
> >> > > it in about a 12-our time span. Yes, I'm a procrastinator! *smile*
> >> > >
> >> > > It was fun though so enjoy.
> >> > >
> >> > > Bridgit P
> >> > >
> >> > > Sense of Murder
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden sat in his father's leather wingback chair rolling a large key
> >> > > between his fingers. The metal key had been cold, but now was warmed 
> >> > > by
> >> > > his hands. He gripped the key in his palm and rubbed a thumb across 
> >> > > the
> >> > > rough , rusty surface. Three weeks ago, Ayden had merely been
> >> > > researching the mysterious death of his grandfather for a book he was
> >> > > writing. Now, he sat among items wondering if his grandfather had 
> >> > > been
> >> > > murdered. Ayden's father, Nick, had found Henry, his grandfather, 
> >> > > lying
> >> > > at the bottom of the staircase in his home. Nick never spoke about 
> >> > > the
> >> > > incident after reporting it to the police. He would not speak to 
> >> > > Ayden
> >> > > about Henry's death either, but he was allowing Ayden and Salma to
> >> > > search through any items Nick kept. No one had been sure what 
> >> > > happened.
> >> > > Lucy, Ayden's grandmother, had been present too when Henry's body was
> >> > > found. The police recorded the death as an accidental fall. Many
> >> > > silently pointed fingers at Lucy though. Lucy had grown distraught
> >> > > during the past few months before Henry's death. Friends and family
> >> > > reported that she had been distracted often or in an irritated mood.
> >> > > This was unlike the warm and tender grandmother Ayden had grown up 
> >> > > with.
> >> > > When Nick found his father's body, Lucy had gone wild, screaming, 
> >> > > unable
> >> > > to leave Henry's lifeless body. Eventually Nick placed her in a care
> >> > > home. Here Lucy had reached an almost catatonic state until she too 
> >> > > had
> >> > > passed. Gossips spread the news, sweeping far and wide. Lucy was 
> >> > > crazy,
> >> > > they said. She went mad, she killed her husband. It was juicy, just
> >> > > what a small town needed. The police never looked into the 
> >> > > possibility,
> >> > > but Lucy died with a scarlet letter attached to her memory. Ayden 
> >> > > could
> >> > > never believe that Lucy would hurt anyone. Lucy had been fond of 
> >> > > Ayden,
> >> > > guiding him, encouraging him. "You're so full of potential, Ayden. I
> >> > > can see fire in your eyes," she used to tell him. When Ayden lost his
> >> > > vision, Lucy had been the one person who supported him, still
> >> > > encouraging. For years, though, there had been whispers of foul play,
> >> > > but no one ever spoke about the rumors. Vague insinuations were the
> >> > > closest anyone came to mentioning "murder." Ayden, though, had never
> >> > > played by the rules. His mother referred to him as the "black sheep 
> >> > > of
> >> > > the family" whenever she threw a dinner party. Ayden never felt like 
> >> > > he
> >> > > fit in his family's world of snobbish dinner parties, elite country
> >> > > clubs and preferential treatment at most Ivy League universities. He
> >> > > had already been a disappointment to his family before a car accident
> >> > > left him blind. Seven-years later, Ayden had come to terms with his
> >> > > blindness, but his family accepted him only out of duty. His father 
> >> > > had
> >> > > been clear when saying, "This condition of yours is not suitable for 
> >> > > the
> >> > > courtroom, but the firm can take you on in a capacity for research,
> >> > > perhaps. Maybe a paralegal position will be suitable." Ayden was not
> >> > > able to live with this attitude hanging over him. After completing 
> >> > > his
> >> > > bachelor's in literature, Ayden took up a career writing for any
> >> > > newspapers or journals that accepted his entries. Writing for a small
> >> > > literary journal allowed Ayden to work on his novel which had turned
> >> > > into a fictionalized account of his grandfather's death. Asking his
> >> > > father for any information about his grandfather's life, was the 
> >> > > reason
> >> > > Ayden now sat in his father's study. He found more, he thought, than
> >> > > his father knew about though. "So what's next?" Salma asked. Salma
> >> > > lived across the hall from Ayden in his building. They had become
> >> > > friends, and Salma now was helping him research his grandfather's 
> >> > > life.
> >> > > Tapping the key in his palm, Ayden said, "I'm not sure. This letter
> >> > > says a lot." Ayden closed his eyes thinking on this letter. It was
> >> > > evidence, even if circumstantial, that suggested, if Lucy knew about 
> >> > > it,
> >> > > she could have killed Henry. There was a pause then paper crackled
> >> > > before Salma spoke. "It's pretty clear from this letter that your
> >> > > grandfather was having an affair. I wonder if we can figure out these
> >> > > initials, A. W." Ayden shut his eyes thinking, trying to remember 
> >> > > anyone
> >> > > he had ever met with A. W. for initials. "I don't know," he sighed. 
> >> > > As
> >> > > Ayden and Salma leafed through pictures and notes, they had found an 
> >> > > old
> >> > > copy of Wuthering Heights. Ayden remembered the year Henry had given
> >> > > the third edition book to Lucy for Christmas. Lucy had sat unwrapping
> >> > > the gift, then exclaimed, "Oh," before looking up with tears in her
> >> > > eyes. Wuthering Heights had always been her favorite novel. Lucy had
> >> > > been the one person to encourage Ayden to follow his dream and take 
> >> > > up
> >> > > writing instead of joining the family law firm. "You're meant to 
> >> > > follow
> >> > > your own path," Lucy had told Ayden once. Twenty-years later, Ayden 
> >> > > and
> >> > > Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of the book. Ayden touched
> >> > > the thick, but stiff piece of paper and held it out to Salma to 
> >> > > inspect.
> >> > > She told him the letter appeared old, but not as old as the book. A 
> >> > > few
> >> > > of the torn edges of the letter were turning yellow. The letter was
> >> > > simple as she read:
> >> > > Henry, my love,
> >> > > I can not wait to see you again. I hoped and when I saw you coming 
> >> > > down
> >> > > the road, my heart leaped. I still feel your touch. How much longer
> >> > > must we wait? Please, my darling, give me what I ask before it is too
> >> > > late.
> >> > > Love, A. W.
> >> > > "What now? Where do we go next?" Salma asked.
> >> > > Ayden held the rusted, copper key up in front of him. "We visit the 
> >> > > old
> >> > > Templeton mansion." The Templeton mansion was the Victorian home 
> >> > > Henry
> >> > > and Lucy had lived in for years. The family still owned it, but it 
> >> > > had
> >> > > sat empty for years. Ayden thought that maybe more secrets were 
> >> > > hidden
> >> > > within the walls of the Templeton house, eager to be discovered.
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden sat in the car as Salma drove. Neither spoke as Ayden's fingers
> >> > > slid across the pages on his lap. Reading his Braille notes, Ayden
> >> > > wondered where to start once they reached the small town where his
> >> > > grandparents and father had grown up. Henry had started a small law
> >> > > firm in town, but eventually it grew. Henry and Lucy had moved when
> >> > > Nick had been ten. Nick never spoke about his childhood though. Ayden
> >> > > really didn't know much about his family's past. Lucy and Henry had
> >> > > moved back to their old house once Nick took the firm over, but Ayden
> >> > > had rarely visited the home. After Henry had died, Lucy, unable to 
> >> > > cope
> >> > > with his death, had moved into an upscale nursing home in the City, 
> >> > > and
> >> > > Nick left the house untouched. The house had sat empty now for ten
> >> > > years. As the car slowed, Ayden looked up at Salma. "Are we there?"
> >> > > "Yes. What's our first stop?" "I'm figuring this out as we go along.
> >> > > I guess the police station." Salma was silent before saying, "You 
> >> > > okay?
> >> > > I know your dad wasn't happy." Ayden had questioned his father about 
> >> > > the
> >> > > letter, but Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling Ayden, "Leave 
> >> > > it
> >> > > alone. We don't dig up family history." Ayden tried to coax Nick to 
> >> > > say
> >> > > more, but the subject was closed. "Yeah. I wish he would have told us
> >> > > more. Explained something," Ayden said. "Maybe he just wants to keep
> >> > > your family secrets, well, secret. Some people don't like giving out
> >> > > info about anything." "I just feel like he knows more than he's 
> >> > > letting
> >> > > on. Mom just played dumb too." "We'll find something. Don't worry."
> >> > > Salma was always reassuring Ayden. She had become a constant in his
> >> > > life. The only real constant he had. She had shown up one day, 
> >> > > knocking
> >> > > on his door, holding a dish in her hands, offering Ayden some home 
> >> > > made
> >> > > enchiladas. That had been the beginning of their friendship. They had
> >> > > spent many nights talking until three in the morning and hanging out 
> >> > > on
> >> > > weekends. Salma was the one connection Ayden had to the outside 
> >> > > world.
> >> > > Once moving away from his family, he had become a recluse of sorts. 
> >> > > He
> >> > > showed up to the office for work, attended cocktail parties required 
> >> > > for
> >> > > work and even dated a couple of girls, but Salma was the one person 
> >> > > he
> >> > > truly felt comfortable with. Her infectious way of always looking at
> >> > > things positively seemed like a novelty to Ayden. She could always 
> >> > > make
> >> > > him smile. When he began writing the book about Henry, Salma had
> >> > > offered to assist in anyway she could. "I'm really glad you're here,"
> >> > > Ayden said.
> >> > >
> >> > > "Yeah, yeah. I'm waiting for my pay check." Salma giggled as she
> >> > > pulled into a parking stall. "I think we're here." While Salma 
> >> > > dropped
> >> > > coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped his cane along the brick
> >> > > walls looking for the door. Hearing the clink of glass as his cane
> >> > > tapped, Ayden was sure he found the door. "No Braille, is this it?" 
> >> > > he
> >> > > shouted back to Salma. "I believe so," she answered rushing to catch 
> >> > > up.
> >> > > They entered the quiet, almost lazy-like atmosphere of the police
> >> > > station. Ayden moved towards the sound of clacking as some one 
> >> > > pressed
> >> > > keys on a computer keyboard with a practiced efficiency. This, he
> >> > > thought, must be a reception desk. Stepping up to a smooth feeling
> >> > > counter, Ayden said, "Excuse me." "Can I help you?" a woman's bored
> >> > > voice said. "We were wondering if we can speak to some one who worked
> >> > > the Henry Templeton case," Ayden said. The woman stopped typing and a
> >> > > long silence followed. "Who's asking?" "I'm Ayden Templeton, Henry's
> >> > > grandson." "One minute." A chair creaked as the woman stood. Her 
> >> > > shoes
> >> > > clacked as she walked away. Salma touched Ayden's arm. "She had a 
> >> > > weird
> >> > > look when you mentioned your grandpa's name." Ayden said nothing, not
> >> > > sure what he was doing there in the first place. The woman's shoes
> >> > > clacked once more as she returned. Another footstep joined hers, but
> >> > > this person shuffled slightly. The person shuffled towards Salma,
> >> > > saying, "Hello. I'm Sheriff Jenkins. How can I help you?" Ayden 
> >> > > stepped
> >> > > closer towards Salma, extending his arm to Sheriff Jenkins. "I'm 
> >> > > Ayden
> >> > > Templeton and this is Salma Juarez. We have some questions about my
> >> > > grandfather's death." There was a pause before Sheriff Jenkins shook
> >> > > Ayden's hand. "Step into my office please." Ayden followed the 
> >> > > sheriff
> >> > > into a room off the main section of the department. His cane swep the
> >> > > inside of the door frame, indicating the width so Ayden avoided 
> >> > > bumping
> >> > > into the edges of the frame. Ayden asked where a chair was and turned
> >> > > in the direction Captain Jenkins indicated. Once again, his cane 
> >> > > found
> >> > > the chair and sliding the cane across the seat, Ayden determined 
> >> > > where
> >> > > the front of the chair was. Salma's arm brushed his as she sat next 
> >> > > to
> >> > > him. "Can I get you anything?" Sheriff Jenkins asked. "No, but thank
> >> > > you. Salma?" "I'm good," Salma replied. Ayden felt a tension fill the
> >> > > room as the three sat there, not speaking. Sheriff Jenkins began 
> >> > > tapping
> >> > > the edge of the metal table in the interrogation room. Ayden twisted
> >> > > his cane between his fingers. Salma bobbed her foot which was lightly
> >> > > kicking Ayden's shin. "We're hoping to learn as much as we can about
> >> > > Henry Templeton's death. I'm researching the story for a novel I'm
> >> > > working on," Ayden started. "I worked the case. There's not much to
> >> > > tell," Sheriff Jenkins said. "I know you eventually reported it as an
> >> > > accidental death, but was there ever any evidence suggesting 
> >> > > otherwise?"
> >> > > Ayden asked. "No. We questioned friends and family and there was no
> >> > > reason to believe Henry Templeton was murdered," Sheriff Jenkins said
> >> > > sharply. Ayden shifted his head towards Salma before saying, "I know
> >> > > there was-uh-speculation that maybe my grandmother did it." "Lucy
> >> > > Baldwin? She never hurt anyone. We were all shocked when she married
> >> > > Henry. She could have had anyone she wanted." Ayden leaned against 
> >> > > the
> >> > > table looking straight in the direction where Sheriff Jenkins sat. "I
> >> > > thought Henry was a catch? You know, a lawyer from a wealthy family."
> >> > > "He was a playboy. Always was, never changed." "Who did you question
> >> > > about his death?" Salma broke in. The sheriff's chair creaked as he
> >> > > leaned back. "Well, of course Lucy and her boy Nick. They were there.
> >> > > Found his body and all." Ayden shot the sheriff a questioning glance.
> >> > > He was talking like he had forgot who Ayden was. "Then there was 
> >> > > Zelda,
> >> > > the housekeeper, and Avery Mayer, he came around about once a week to
> >> > > help Lucy with the lawn. She loved her garden. Her roses won prizes
> >> > > around here," Sheriff Jenkins continued. "Anyone else?" Ayden asked.
> >> > > "Oh, his work associates, but Henry was retired so they didn't see 
> >> > > much
> >> > > of him anymore. Alice Whitley, she had been his personal secretary 
> >> > > for
> >> > > years. She still did stuff part-time for Henry." Ayden had pulled out 
> >> > > a
> >> > > three-by-five plastic device that had six rows of cells containing 
> >> > > three
> >> > > holes on each side of the cells. A pop-pop-pop sound was made as 
> >> > > Ayden
> >> > > poked a pointed awl-like object called a stylus through the holes as 
> >> > > he
> >> > > took Braille notes. "Are any of these people still around?" "Not
> >> > > everyone had the same opportunities as the Templeton's to leave town.
> >> > > Other than Henry's work associates, I think most of them still live
> >> > > around here. At least the one's who are still alive." "Is there
> >> > > anything else you can tell us? Was there anything strange you 
> >> > > noticed?
> >> > > Any evidence that suggest something other than an accidental tumble 
> >> > > down
> >> > > the stairs?" The sheriff laughed. "I know you city folk like to dream
> >> > > up seedy happenings in small towns, but Henry Templeton's death was
> >> > > nothing more than an accident. Nothing dark about it." "Thank you for
> >> > > your time," Ayden said extending his hand again to shake Sheriff
> >> > > Jenkins's. Sheriff Jenkins sighed. "Look, don't go digging anything 
> >> > > up.
> >> > > Just let the dead rest." Salma's bracelet tinkled as they stood. "We
> >> > > understand. I'm just trying to find things out about my grandfather 
> >> > > for
> >> > > the book. You know, no stone uncovered," Ayden said. "Are you two
> >> > > married?" Sheriff Jenkins asked. Ayden, confused by the switch, 
> >> > > replied,
> >> > > "No." The sheriff chuckled. "Like your grandpa, I see." Ayden 
> >> > > blushed,
> >> > > but Salma said, "Ayden is nothing but a gentleman. Clearly something 
> >> > > he
> >> > > did not pick up in this town." "I know the kind of men the 
> >> > > Templeton's
> >> > > are," the sheriff said. Unsure of what to do, Ayden turned to leave. 
> >> > > "At
> >> > > least he has a better chance of touching what you have been admiring
> >> > > this whole time," Salma snapped. She turned quickly and Ayden felt a
> >> > > rush of breeze as she left the room.
> >> > >
> >> > > Out in the car, Ayden apologized.
> >> > > "I'm sorry. I didn't know what to say."
> >> > > "It's okay. He was a pig."
> >> > > "I didn't realize-"
> >> > > "I know, its okay. Where to next?"
> >> > > Ayden could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone. "The house, I
> >> > > guess." As Salma pulled back out into the street devoid of traffic,
> >> > > Ayden wondered why she had told Sheriff Jenkins what she had. Was it
> >> > > simply said in a moment of anger, or was there any truth in her 
> >> > > words,
> >> > > he thought. He has a better chance of touching what you have been
> >> > > admiring. For the first time, Ayden thought of the possibilities with
> >> > > Salma.
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden stood before the house remembering the bright blue it had been
> >> > > during the few visits he had made during his childhood. The house had
> >> > > always stood out even among the street full of bright, cheery houses
> >> > > complete with emerald lawns and award winning gardens. The Templeton
> >> > > house had a wrap-around porch with a veranda to the back opening onto 
> >> > > a
> >> > > large lawn complete with a British garden. Its three stories reached
> >> > > majestically towards the sky.
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden now gripped the rough, wooden railing of the house. The feel of
> >> > > the railing did not match his memory of the sleek, smooth dark wooden
> >> > > banister. The stairs creaked as he stepped on them. Reaching the 
> >> > > porch,
> >> > > he felt a slight dip and quickly stepped sideways in fear of falling
> >> > > through the porch. Children played nearby and cars languidly drove 
> >> > > down
> >> > > the street, but a strange silence surrounded the house. It was as
> >> > > though Ayden were underneath water trying to make out the distant
> >> > > sounds. The scent of jasmine passed briefly through his nose as Salma
> >> > > stood next to him. "How does it look?" Ayden asked ignoring the 
> >> > > scent.
> >> > > Salma took a deep breath. "It's run down, that's for sure. I can't
> >> > > believe no one has lived here for years." "My family still owns it, 
> >> > > but
> >> > > after my grandfather's death, no one wanted to do anything about it."
> >> > > Ayden placed his hand on the cold handle of the dilapidated Victorian
> >> > > house. He dug in his pockets for the rusty key he had found in his
> >> > > father's office. As he inserted the heavy key in the lock, a quiet 
> >> > > click
> >> > > was heard. Ayden pushed the solid door open. He looked in Salma's
> >> > > direction before stepping inside. Shutting the door, the house 
> >> > > engulfed
> >> > > all sound like a tomb. "Creepy," Salma said as she shivered. Ayden
> >> > > walked forward tapping his long white cane, arcing wide so as to not 
> >> > > run
> >> > > into anything. Dust filled the air and Ayden coughed as he inhaled.
> >> > > "This has been sitting for years," Ayden rasped. "What's it look 
> >> > > like?"
> >> > > Salma looked around. "It's really dark, but it's almost completely
> >> > > empty. What do you think you'll find?" "I'm not sure. Sheriff Jenkins
> >> > > wasn't much help. I just thought, maybe something." Salma's sandals
> >> > > clipped-clopped as she walked over to a window to open it. "Well, if 
> >> > > we
> >> > > are going to be here long we need fresh air." Ayden felt a rush of
> >> > > summer breeze as the window clambered up. The sound of kids jumping
> >> > > rope ruined the house's stolid silence. Life entered the house again 
> >> > > as
> >> > > Ayden began to feel around searching for any clue. Salma clumped up 
> >> > > the
> >> > > stairs as Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls and any 
> >> > > remaining
> >> > > furniture, hoping to find something, anything. He rifled through
> >> > > drawers and cupboards. So far his hands had only found dust and
> >> > > cobwebs. "Ayden, Ayden!" Salma shouted a couple of hours later. Ayden
> >> > > hurried towards the staircase. "Salma! Are you okay?" "Get up here! I
> >> > > found something!" Ayden clambered up the grand staircase. Reaching 
> >> > > the
> >> > > top, he shouted, "What room?" "Um, it's a bedroom." Hearing her voice
> >> > > off to his left, Ayden moved down the hallway. At the end, he found a
> >> > > door open. "Salma?" Salma's clapping sandals moved towards Ayden. 
> >> > > "Look
> >> > > at this," she said excitedly. Her bracelet tinkled and paper crackled
> >> > > as she shoved something in Ayden's hand. Ayden grinned. "Um." He
> >> > > handed the paper back to Salma. "Oh-sorry. I just-you won't believe
> >> > > this." It was another letter; a love letter to Henry. Henry, My love, 
> >> > > I
> >> > > miss you. I grow restless with each day. I have waited years to be
> >> > > with you, really be with you. Let's stop the pretending, stop the 
> >> > > lies.
> >> > > Don't be mad with me. I would do anything for you, but we must stop
> >> > > hiding. There is no harm in this. I will wait to hear from you, but
> >> > > don't take long. Love,
> >> > > A. W.
> >> > > Salma rushed through the letter almost in one breath. Ayden was not
> >> > > quite sure what her excitement was for. "We already know Henry was
> >> > > having an affair of sorts," he said. Salma sighed impatiently. 
> >> > > "Ayden,
> >> > > think about it. Don't you see?" "Not really," he said slowly. She
> >> > > grabbed his wrist. Her slender fingers gripped him with a strength
> >> > > Ayden would not have guessed at. She moved in closer and once again,
> >> > > Ayden took in the scent of jasmine. This time he smelled something 
> >> > > else
> >> > > with it. Vanilla, he thought. Salma shook his arm slightly bringing 
> >> > > him
> >> > > back to attention. "Ayden, A. W. Don't you see it yet?" "A. W.?" "The
> >> > > initials," she said exasperated, "A. W. Alice Whitley." "Who's Alice
> >> > > Whitley?" Salma smacked her forehead. "Ay-where are your notes from
> >> > > today?" Ayden pulled out the three-by-five note card from his back
> >> > > pocket. "Now read through it," Salma said as though talking to a 
> >> > > small
> >> > > child. Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and looked sharply 
> >> > > up
> >> > > at Salma. "See?" Salma asked. "I can't believe we didn't realize it
> >> > > then. His secretary. And Sheriff Jenkins said she's still living in
> >> > > town." "Think we can find her?" "Give me a minute," Ayden said 
> >> > > reaching
> >> > > for his mobile phone tucked away in his pocket. An electronic hum 
> >> > > came
> >> > > from his phone as he maneuvered through the menus on his phone. A
> >> > > screen-reading program specific to mobile phones, helped Ayden 
> >> > > utilize
> >> > > the functions on his phone. "Got it. There's only one Alice Whitley
> >> > > that shows up in town." "Thank God for technology," Salma said. "No
> >> > > wonder no one could ever solve this case." Ayden smirked at her. 
> >> > > "Thank
> >> > > God for accessible technology. Come on. She doesn't live far from 
> >> > > here
> >> > > and it's not too late."
> >> > >
> >> > > Ten minutes later, Ayden and Salma knocked on a door. The house was
> >> > > less substantial than the Templeton house, but Salma described its
> >> > > well-kempt lawn and cheery exterior. The door opened and a woman's 
> >> > > voice
> >> > > gasped, "Oh." "Miss Whitley? I'm Ayden-" "Templeton," she said. "You
> >> > > look like Henry." Smiling, Ayden said, "Miss Whitley, this is my 
> >> > > friend
> >> > > Salma. We're working on a book about my grandfather, and we would 
> >> > > like
> >> > > to ask you some questions." "Oh, of course. Come in, come in." As the
> >> > > door shut behind Ayden and Salma, he smelled a flower scent that he
> >> > > couldn't place and a clock ticked nearby. Alice Whitley ushered them
> >> > > into a sitting room off the entryway. Salma sat next to Ayden on the
> >> > > soft couch while Alice sat across from them. "Can I offer you 
> >> > > anything?
> >> > > I just made lemonade." "That would be wonderful," Salma said. As 
> >> > > Alice
> >> > > left the room, Ayden turned towards Salma. "I'm sorry, I didn't even
> >> > > think to ask if you were hungry." "Hon, it's okay. I didn't think 
> >> > > about
> >> > > it myself until now." "We'll have dinner after this; I promise."
> >> > > "Promise?" Ayden grinned as Alice returned. She placed an ice-cold
> >> > > glass in Ayden's hand. Ice chinked against the side as he took a 
> >> > > gulp.
> >> > > The cold liquid felt good down his throat after the dust of his 
> >> > > family's
> >> > > house. He could only imagine how dirty he and Salma looked. He felt
> >> > > the mingled grime of sweat and dirt on his body. Why had it not
> >> > > occurred to them to stop somewhere first and wash up, Ayden thought.
> >> > > "So, what can I help you with? Henry was a dear friend and I miss 
> >> > > him.
> >> > > You must call me Alice." "Well, Alice, we specifically are interested 
> >> > > in
> >> > > his death," Ayden said. Alice choked on her lemonade. "Why would you 
> >> > > be
> >> > > interested in that?" "I believe that maybe his death wasn't 
> >> > > accidental."
> >> > > "Oh dear, don't buy into those silly rumors. Pete Jenkins conducted a
> >> > > thorough investigation and no foul play was to be hinted at." "And 
> >> > > yet
> >> > > the rumors persist," Ayden said. "Silly gossip. Housewives bored out 
> >> > > of
> >> > > there minds." "You know Sheriff Jenkins?" Ayden asked. "Darling, it's 
> >> > > a
> >> > > town of ten-thousand; everybody knows everybody." Ayden sipped on his
> >> > > lemonade as Salma clicked her nails against the side of her glass. 
> >> > > "We
> >> > > have reason to believe maybe there is more to the story," Ayden said. 
> >> > > He
> >> > > affected his best courtroom demeanor. He had seen his father like 
> >> > > this
> >> > > hundreds of times. Alice swirled ice chuncks around in her glass. Her
> >> > > voice had lost some of its cheeriness when she responded by asking,
> >> > > "What makes you say that?" Ayden found the love letter in a folder. 
> >> > > He
> >> > > removed the Braille label, setting the letter on the coffee table
> >> > > dividing Ayden and Salma from Alice. The room grew still. The letter
> >> > > rustled as Alice picked it up. When she spoke, she sounded choked as
> >> > > though she were holding back tears. "Where did you find this?" "It 
> >> > > was
> >> > > in some old boxes in the Templeton home," Salma said. A long silence
> >> > > followed in which Ayden could hear Alice sniffling. "I suppose the 
> >> > > truth
> >> > > has to come out sooner or later," Alice said quietly. "We don't
> >> > > need-a-details of anything, but is there any reason to think Henry 
> >> > > was
> >> > > killed?" Ayden soothed. "Your grandfather hired me when I was 
> >> > > eighteen,"
> >> > > Alice began, ignoring Ayden. "I instantly fell in love with him, but 
> >> > > he
> >> > > was that type. Dashingly handsome, charming to a fault. He was a few
> >> > > years older than me, but I knew how all the girls waited for their
> >> > > chance to rope Henry into marriage. I felt so lucky to see him
> >> > > everyday. I started out as a simple receptionist, but eventually he
> >> > > promoted me to his personal secretary." "Did you move with my
> >> > > grandparents then, when they moved?" Ayden asked. Alice sighed. "Yes,
> >> > > but after-things happened-I moved back. I remained in his employ,
> >> > > working from the office here in town. Before your father took charge,
> >> > > Henry's headquarters had always been based from here." Ayden nodded 
> >> > > his
> >> > > head. "I never meant to hurt anyone. Things happened. Henry loved us
> >> > > both, Lucy and I. I tried to end it for years, but Henry always 
> >> > > showed
> >> > > up with that smile of his. Then I tried to make him choose. I
> >> > > should've known better, but I was in love." Alice continued to spill 
> >> > > her
> >> > > story, hoping for redemption perhaps. "The final straw came right 
> >> > > before
> >> > > his death. We had carried on for almost forty-years and I knew it had
> >> > > to stop. We fought. I threatened to tell Lucy and that was that. He
> >> > > left me promising to choose. I waited for an answer, but a week 
> >> > > later,
> >> > > Henry was found dead." "Did you ever tell anyone?" Ayden asked. "No."
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden and Salma stood by the car outside Alice's house. A breeze
> >> > > tousled Ayden's hair and Salma gently combed her fingers through his
> >> > > dark tresses. "Seems like all you Templeton men are irresistible," 
> >> > > she
> >> > > said teasingly. Unsure of how to respond to her comment, he grinned, 
> >> > > but
> >> > > before he could make a remark, Ayden heard her car door click open. 
> >> > > He
> >> > > slid into the passenger seat, heart pounding. "You promised me 
> >> > > dinner,"
> >> > > Salma whined playfully.
> >> > >
> >> > > After devouring diner-style hamburgers and fries, Ayden and Salma 
> >> > > found
> >> > > themselves walking through the downtown area. Salma kept up with
> >> > > Ayden's stride as his cane tapped in a shoulder-length-arc. 
> >> > > "Sometimes I
> >> > > think it would be nice to live in a small town," Salma mused. 
> >> > > "Really,
> >> > > you? Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," Ayden joked. "I could
> >> > > drive to the city. I don't know. It seems like a nice place to raise 
> >> > > a
> >> > > family." Ayden had never heard Salma speak about kids or families. As
> >> > > well as he knew her, Ayden realized there was plenty he still had to
> >> > > learn about Salma. "Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will 
> >> > > grow
> >> > > up to cheat, lie and murder," Ayden scoffed. "We, huh?" Ayden 
> >> > > blushed,
> >> > > feeling the heat creep up his neck to his face. He hadn't caught his
> >> > > blunder. He sputtered, but before he could make sense of his words,
> >> > > Salma grabbed his hand. "Maybe we can live in the Templeton mansion,"
> >> > > she said. They walked silently back to the car. "It's pretty late, 
> >> > > what
> >> > > should we do?" Salma asked. Ayden flipped the crystal face of his 
> >> > > watch
> >> > > up. Feeling the raised dots and arrows with his pointer finger on his
> >> > > Braille watch, he said, "It's a quarter to eleven. I'm beat." "Me 
> >> > > too.
> >> > > I don't really feel like driving back tonight though." Ayden 
> >> > > scratched
> >> > > his head. "I guess we can stay at casa-de-Templeton." "Okay, but no
> >> > > funny business," Salma joked. Sitting in the car, Ayden said, "By the
> >> > > way, unlike some men in my family, I'm more of a one-woman type."
> >> > >
> >> > > They stood on either side of the king-size bed in the master bedroom.
> >> > > "Sure you don't want to sleep in another room?" Ayden asked. "Hell 
> >> > > no!
> >> > > This house is creepy." "I thought you wanted to raise children here?"
> >> > > "Shut-up. Scared to sleep with a girl?" The bed creaked as Salma lay
> >> > > down on it. "A bit musty." They had found spare bed linens in a box 
> >> > > and
> >> > > had attempted to shake them out as best they could. Ayden had noticed 
> >> > > a
> >> > > lingering wispy scent of flowers that he could not place. It may have
> >> > > been the remnants of something used to launder the linens years ago, 
> >> > > he
> >> > > had thought. Without thinking, Ayden removed his shirt and handed it 
> >> > > to
> >> > > Salma. "Here. You can wrap your pillow in it." "Thanks," Salma said
> >> > > drawing the word out. Realizing what he had just done, he blushed for
> >> > > the millionth time that day. Not able to turn back what he had done,
> >> > > Ayden lay slowly down, sticking close to the edge. "Keep your hands
> >> > > above the blankets," Salma yawned.
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden woke disoriented at first, but comprehension quickly dawned as 
> >> > > he
> >> > > felt Salma's small body nestled against his. She snored quietly and
> >> > > Ayden smiled. This was nice, he thought. He extracted himself gently
> >> > > from the bed, trying to not wake Salma. He needed to use the 
> >> > > bathroom,
> >> > > but it struck him that the bathrooms would not be in working order. 
> >> > > It
> >> > > was primitive, but it would have to do, he thought as he found his 
> >> > > way
> >> > > downstairs and out into the back garden. Hoping no neighbors were 
> >> > > awake
> >> > > to see him, he relieved himself. Half asleep still, his eyes snapped
> >> > > open as a slight shuffle came from behind him. Finished with his
> >> > > midnight chore, he listened intently, but no sound came again. He
> >> > > turned around, gripping his cane in one hand. "Hello," he said. No
> >> > > response came. He turned back towards the house and as he walked, 
> >> > > Ayden
> >> > > felt his back tingle. It was the sensation he felt as a child when
> >> > > terrified, feeling a presence behind him. He was an adult now, he
> >> > > chided himself. Forcing himself to walk calmly back into the house, 
> >> > > he
> >> > > reached the French doors and entered. As he went to shut the doors, a
> >> > > soft shuffle started in the darkness again. It could have been the 
> >> > > long
> >> > > dead foliage rustling in the breeze, but Ayden placed himself in the
> >> > > doorway again. The noise instantly stopped. Slamming the door and
> >> > > locking it, Ayden flew to the stairs, taking three steps at a time.
> >> > > Heart pounding, blood rushing in his ears, Ayden felt a cool breeze 
> >> > > cut
> >> > > through the stuffy air of the bedroom. DeMint, he swore to himself.
> >> > > They had opened windows before going to bed, hoping to air out their
> >> > > lodgings for the night. Salma still was sleeping peacefully on the 
> >> > > bed.
> >> > > He sat on the bed resting his head on the large carved headboard,
> >> > > listening. Crickets chirped outside and the breeze rustled the leaves 
> >> > > of
> >> > > trees from time to time. Salma continued her snoring. Silence loomed
> >> > > around the house. Ayden waited to hear the shuffle noise again or a
> >> > > step on the stairs, but nothing came. He relaxed after fifteen 
> >> > > minutes
> >> > > of vigilante guarding. Laying back down on the bed, one arm behind 
> >> > > his
> >> > > head, he smiled when Salma threw an arm across his chest. Thinking 
> >> > > only
> >> > > of Salma by now, Ayden drifted back off to sleep.
> >> > >
> >> > > The second time Ayden woke he knew where he was, but something was 
> >> > > not
> >> > > right. Salma still snored next to him as he spooned her, but an acrid
> >> > > odor filled his nostrils. A loud crack made him bolt up in bed. 
> >> > > "Salma!
> >> > > There's a fire!" He shook her until she woke up. "We need to get out 
> >> > > of
> >> > > here," Ayden shouted as she slowly regained a conscience state. Ayden
> >> > > flew to the open door. Smoke filled his nose and made his eyes water.
> >> > > "Salma, I can't tell if we can make it down the stairs." Standing 
> >> > > next
> >> > > to him, she said, "All I can see is smoke. Can we jump out the 
> >> > > window?"
> >> > > "We're on the second floor. It's pretty high up." Now across the 
> >> > > room,
> >> > > Ayden heard Salma cry, "Oh-my-god! Ayden!" "What?" "I can see flames
> >> > > around the base of the house." "Shit." Trying to think, Ayden 
> >> > > gathered
> >> > > up the sheet from the bed. Dousing it with water from the couple
> >> > > bottles purchased last night, he threw the sheet at Salma. "Wrap
> >> > > yourself in this." "Why?" "Just do it." Making sure her long hair was
> >> > > covered, Ayden threw Salma over his shoulder. Grabbing his cane by 
> >> > > the
> >> > > door, he moved into the hallway. Hoping the shirt tied around his 
> >> > > face
> >> > > would keep out smoke, Ayden ran to the top of the stairs. Despite the
> >> > > situation, Ayden could not help notice the harlequin-romance-like
> >> > > predicament. He heard Salma say something, but her face was muffled 
> >> > > and
> >> > > he could not understand her. Tucking his cane underneath his arm, he
> >> > > groped the banister which still seemed intact. Finally reaching the
> >> > > bottom, he found his way to the front door and opened it. A rush of
> >> > > fresh air greeted him. Feeling heat, he hoped he could make it off 
> >> > > the
> >> > > porch. At the top of the stairs, panicked, he placed Salma upright
> >> > > again. She struggled to loosen the sheet around her. "Are the flames
> >> > > here too?" Ayden asked. "No, but there coming from behind." At the 
> >> > > end
> >> > > of the drive, Ayden dialed 911 on his phone. Neighbors could be heard
> >> > > coming from their own houses. A few ran up to Ayden and Salma asking 
> >> > > if
> >> > > they were okay. Standing at a distance, Ayden could hear the roar of
> >> > > flames. Salma held his hand as they waited in silence for the sound 
> >> > > of
> >> > > sirens.
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden rested on the back bumper of Sheriff Jenkins's police cruiser.
> >> > > The mid-morning sun warmed his face. Still shirtless, a blanket 
> >> > > draped
> >> > > his shoulders. A gritty smudge crossed his forehead and he could 
> >> > > still
> >> > > smell the smoke embracing his body. Once the firemen had extinguished
> >> > > the fire, Sheriff Jenkins and his deputy, a man about Ayden's age, 
> >> > > drove
> >> > > Salma and Ayden to the police station. Each gave a report before Nick
> >> > > was contacted. Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water. He
> >> > > gulped the cool liquid down as Salma rested her head against his
> >> > > shoulder. Sniffing her hair laced with a flower scent and smoke, 
> >> > > Ayden
> >> > > protectively placed an arm around her. "Ayden," Salma said in quiet
> >> > > surprise, "Alice Whitley is here." Ayden pulled the blanket closed as 
> >> > > he
> >> > > waited for Alice to approach. A new scent filled his nostrils. This
> >> > > too smelled of flowers, but it was not the framiliar jasmine and 
> >> > > vanilla
> >> > > Salma wore. Through the fog of his brain, he tried to place where he
> >> > > had smelled this scent before. "I'm glad you two are alright," Alice
> >> > > spoke quietly. "I can't believe this. Do you need anything?" "Thank
> >> > > you, but we're okay," Salma said warmly. "Pete phoned me this 
> >> > > morning-"
> >> > > "Sheriff Jenkins? Why?" Ayden asked. Alice didn't respond. Waiting 
> >> > > for
> >> > > an answer, Ayden finally recognized the flower scent that had 
> >> > > lingered
> >> > > in the closet where he and Salma had found bed linens. "Alice, did 
> >> > > you
> >> > > visit the house after we left you yesterday?" Alice made a noise as
> >> > > though she were suppressing it in her throat. She never answered and
> >> > > before Ayden could ask anything else, he heard her muffled footsteps 
> >> > > on
> >> > > the grass as she walked briskly away. "Ayden?" Salma puzzled. "Her
> >> > > perfume, it's the same smell I noticed in the closet last night."
> >> > > "Ayden, that's where I found the letter too," Salma whispered." Ayden
> >> > > heard the swish of grass as someone else walked towards them. It was
> >> > > Nick. "Are you crazy?" Nick asked, bewildered. "I'm fine. Nice to see
> >> > > you too, Dad." Nick let out a long breath before saying, "Your mother
> >> > > and I went crazy when we heard what happened. We're glad you're 
> >> > > okay."
> >> > > "Is the house ruined?" Ayden asked. Salma shifted and sat upright 
> >> > > next
> >> > > to Ayden. "It's mostly the garden that was ruined, but there is 
> >> > > damage
> >> > > to the house." Ayden felt his chest tighten. The garden had been 
> >> > > Lucy's
> >> > > favorite place. Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways and tall
> >> > > bushes as Lucy tended to her beloved flowers. Interrupting his
> >> > > thoughts, Ayden heard a shuffling footstep approach. Another memory
> >> > > pushed itself front and center in his mind. As Sheriff Jenkins 
> >> > > stopped
> >> > > his pace, Ayden gave him a hard look. "Tom says it will take a few 
> >> > > weeks
> >> > > to get reports back, but there is some structural damage to the 
> >> > > house,
> >> > > Nick," the sheriff said. "Taken any midnight strolls to clear your 
> >> > > mind
> >> > > lately?" Ayden directed to Sheriff Jenkins. No one spoke. Salma 
> >> > > gripped
> >> > > his hand. "Any reason why you'd call Alice Whitley early this 
> >> > > morning?"
> >> > > Ayden continued. "Drop it," Nick hissed at Ayden. Thrown off by 
> >> > > Nick's
> >> > > tone, Ayden squeezed Salma's hand, unsure what to do. "I'm sure we're
> >> > > all tired and need to collect our thoughts," Sheriff Jenkins said.
> >> > > "Maybe you ought to take these two home, Nick." Ayden heard the
> >> > > lumbering shuffle again as Sheriff Jenkins walked away.
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden sat in front of the computer. A buzz issued from the speakers 
> >> > > as
> >> > > JAWS, a text-to-speech program, sounded off with each command Ayden
> >> > > typed. "Still working?" Salma asked from behind. Ayden leaned his 
> >> > > head
> >> > > back against her stomach. She was wrapped in a large soft towel. He
> >> > > slipped his hand through the folds, but she turned swiftly away,
> >> > > laughing. Spewing a torrent of Spanish at him, Ayden chuckled. "That
> >> > > just turns me on more." "I called you a great big moron whose brain 
> >> > > is
> >> > > the size of his-" "Doesn't matter. Still sounds sexy." Salma whipped
> >> > > another towel at him before scampering to the bedroom. Turning back 
> >> > > to
> >> > > his work, Ayden decided to check his email. As he clicked on the
> >> > > necessary links using Hotkey commands, he thought over the past few
> >> > > weeks. Ayden had told his father what happened, but Nick said that
> >> > > everything was circumstantial. Ayden knew this, but he also knew he 
> >> > > had
> >> > > opened something up. Something that had been meant to remain secret.
> >> > > Nick refused to open any investigation and he remained tight-lipped
> >> > > about anything he knew. The fire was officially reported as an 
> >> > > unknown
> >> > > accident since no evidence, either way, had been found determining a
> >> > > cause. This, at least, was how the police report read. Ayden, though,
> >> > > had inquired into the fire-chief's report. It too was inconclusive, 
> >> > > but
> >> > > this report did mention that a match book had been found near the
> >> > > premises. Salma had advised Ayden to wait before attempting any 
> >> > > further
> >> > > investigation. Salma had been the reason he was able to let the weeks
> >> > > slip by without searching for more clues. Once they had returned to 
> >> > > the
> >> > > city, Ayden had found the courage to express his budding feelings
> >> > > towards Salma. They had sat on the couch talking; a typical Friday 
> >> > > night
> >> > > for them, except this time Ayden could feel a growing anticipation
> >> > > between them. Salma had stood to get another beer from the kitchen 
> >> > > when
> >> > > Ayden reached for her wrist. His large palm had felt bigger next to 
> >> > > her
> >> > > slim wrist. Both had stared silently at one another. Ayden, thinking
> >> > > he would win this game since he couldn't see, broke first. Grinning
> >> > > with a smirk, he had pulled Salma to him and kissed her. Three weeks
> >> > > later, their routine was continued as normal, yet something was
> >> > > different. They had transitioned into this new element with ease, as
> >> > > though it were meant to be. Their friendship was strengthened by the
> >> > > new romance. Still reminiscing, Ayden did not recognize the name 
> >> > > given
> >> > > for the first email he came across. Opening it up, he read the
> >> > > following: Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you
> >> > > stop your investigation immediately. Heartache and harm can only 
> >> > > befall
> >> > > you. Thank your luck and live long and well with your beautiful new
> >> > > love. There was no signature. Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field,
> >> > > but the only information this provided was 
> >> > > aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.
> >> > > Ayden's pulse quickened. Hearing Salma pad lightly back into the 
> >> > > room,
> >> > > he closed the window he was in. He thought it was best to not alarm 
> >> > > her
> >> > > just yet. Holding Salma close against him, wrapping her in a bear 
> >> > > hug,
> >> > > Ayden knew this was just the beginning.
> >> > >
> >> > > _______________________________________________
> >> > > Writers Division web site:
> >> > > http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
> >> > > <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
> >> > >
> >> > > stylist mailing list
> >> > > stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> > > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >> > > stylist:
> >> > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/newmanrl%40cox.
> >> > > net
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > ------------------------------
> >> > >
> >> > > Message: 5
> >> > > Date: Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:27:43 -0500
> >> > > From: BDM <lists at braddunsemusic.com>
> >> > > To: <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> > > Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some
> >> > > language, alludes to sexual content
> >> > > Message-ID: 
> >> > > <6.2.3.4.2.20101008081531.02bc0150 at www.braddunsemusic.com>
> >> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
> >> > >
> >> > > I'm enjoying this story. Below are some notes as I read...
> >> > >
> >> > > Conflicting feeling/message:
> >> > > ...That had been the beginning of their friendship. They had spent 
> >> > > many
> >> > > nights talking until three in the morning and hanging out on 
> >> > > weekends.
> >> > > Salma was the one connection Ayden had to the outside world. Once
> >> > > moving away from his family, he had become a recluse of sorts. He
> >> > > showed up to the office for work, attended cocktail parties required 
> >> > > for
> >> > > work and even dated a couple of girls, but Salma was the one person 
> >> > > he
> >> > > truly felt comfortable with...
> >> > >
> >> > > BD: It sounds like he had all kinds of connections to the outside
> >> > > world to me here. Work, dates, business parties. Not the image of a
> >> > > recluse in my view.
> >> > >
> >> > > Blindness accessibility commentary:
> >> > >
> >> > > ...his cane tapped, Ayden was sure he found the door.
> >> > > "No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma...
> >> > >
> >> > > BD: If a sighted reader was reading they actually might not get this
> >> > > without spoon feeding... 'He slid his hand along the door
> >> > > jamb/front/address plate/whatever..."no Braille...'"
> >> > > instead of just "no Braille". But it sort of stood out as a jab or
> >> > > inside perspective at there aren't Braille on many doors which to me
> >> > > seemed unnecessary in this context.
> >> > >
> >> > > Travel descriptions: Again if this is meant for general consumption
> >> > > the "inside baseball" descriptions of the travel motions seem to
> >> > > stand out of place to me. For example...
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden followed the sheriff into a room off the main section of the
> >> > > department. His cane swep the inside of the door frame, indicating 
> >> > > the
> >> > > width so Ayden avoided bumping into the edges of the frame. Ayden 
> >> > > asked
> >> > > where a chair was and turned in the direction Captain Jenkins 
> >> > > indicated.
> >> > > Once again, his cane found the chair and sliding the cane across the
> >> > > seat, Ayden determined where the front of the chair was. Salma's arm
> >> > > brushed his
> >> > >
> >> > > BD: However I think the below example is very natural...
> >> > >
> >> > > ...interrogation room. Ayden twisted his cane between his fingers.
> >> > > Salma bobbed her foot which was lightly kicking Ayden's shin.
> >> > >
> >> > > BD: I will say if this book is targeting blind readers then the
> >> > > travel discriptions are probably more appreciated in the storyline.
> >> > > These aren't story killers by anymeans but I'm just looking at a real
> >> > > good story here and looking how it might be better from a general
> >> > > readers perspective.
> >> > >
> >> > > Dialog confusion:
> >> > >
> >> > > Ayden leaned against the table looking straight in the direction 
> >> > > where
> >> > > Sheriff Jenkins sat. "I thought Henry was a catch? You know, a lawyer
> >> > > from a wealthy family." "He was a playboy. Always was, never 
> >> > > changed."
> >> > > "Who did you question about his death?" Salma broke in.
> >> > >
> >> > > BD: I was confused who said what about the catch and playboy. I
> >> > > assume its the Sherriff but the dialog was set up as if it were
> >> > > Ayden stating it.
> >> > >
> >> > > slate and Stylist: I think the description of the slate and stylist
> >> > > is a good thing in that showing how he's noting stuff but not sure
> >> > > a sighted person will understand the "cells" part. Perhaps describing
> >> > > it as a series of rectangular holes with indents underneath similar
> >> > > to the number six on a dice. I don't know it would be easy to go too
> >> > > far in description here.
> >> > >
> >> > > Sarcasm or not?: At this part...
> >> > >
> >> > > his phone. A screen-reading program specific to mobile phones, helped
> >> > > Ayden utilize the functions on his phone. "Got it. There's only one
> >> > > Alice Whitley that shows up in town." "Thank God for technology," 
> >> > > Salma
> >> > > said. "No wonder no one could ever solve this case." Ayden smirked at
> >> > > her. "Thank God for accessible technology. Come on. She doesn't live
> >> > > far from here and it's not too late."
> >> > >
> >> > > BD: I was confused at the "No wonder no one could ever solve this 
> >> > > case"
> >> > > comment. Was it sarcasm of some sort or a plug for
> >> > > technology? The Sherriff admited this was a small town, and in small
> >> > > towns everyone knows everyone who is around so while Ayden would
> >> > > need technology, the locals wouldn't need it to find Ms Whitley
> >> > > or solve the case. So I was just a bit baffled there.
> >> > >
> >> > > Conversation reality: At...
> >> > >
> >> > > "Miss Whitley? I'm Ayden-"
> >> > > "Templeton," she said. "You look like Henry."
> >> > >
> >> > > BD: I doubt a stranger would tell another they looked like someone
> >> > > right out of the gate like that. Even if she thoght it, and perhaps
> >> > > that ought be what is said here to add to the mysteriousness of the
> >> > > story, but even if she thought it, I doubt she'd say it out loud.
> >> > >
> >> > > Love growing: I like the flirty playfulness of Ayden and Salma but it
> >> > > seemed to move pretty fast from the apparent long friendship they had
> >> > > going, granted this is a short story so things might need to move
> >> > > along but love stories/flirting likes tensionand release subtlies and
> >> > > it just seemed to move a bit fast... sort of like gulping a chunk of
> >> > > chocolate without savoring it :). . I got the impression they were
> >> > > living together when he was at the computer and she wore a towel
> >> > > behind him then slipped off to the bedroom. Maybe just a little
> >> > > clarity. I wondered whose place they were in, why was she in a towl
> >> > > in the first place. But I did like the playfulness of the scene.
> >> > >
> >> > > Overall I really like this story. I'm intrigued how the puzzle pieces
> >> > > are going to fit. There are lots of mysteries at once with all the
> >> > > characters, very nice writing IMO.
> >> > >
> >> > > Are you going to or had you finished the mystery?
> >> > >
> >> > > Brad
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > con
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > ------------------------------
> >> > >
> >> > > Message: 6
> >> > > Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 12:19:43 -0400
> >> > > From: "Pat Harmon" <pharmon222 at comcast.net>
> >> > > To: "Jennifer Harmon" <jennifer.harmon at SourceMedia.com>
> >> > > Cc: NFBnet Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> > > Subject: [stylist] no more mystery
> >> > > Message-ID: <000a01cb6704$9e652530$bab15144 at default3gx6vng>
> >> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> >> > >
> >> > > I went to bed with the "pewter" on my mind, although it did not cost 
> >> > > me
> >> > > any sleep. Foolish not to look below. There is was, the little 
> >> > > figures
> >> > > I love. Memories are endless.
> >> > >
> >> > > Perhaps the housecleaners moved them. I don't know. They are best on
> >> > > display. I thought maybe they were in your apartment, but I had no
> >> > > recollection of that. My mind creates tales.
> >> > >
> >> > > Now, I am searching for breadcrumbs. Eleanor gave me a recipe for
> >> > > cauliflower. It was out on the counter, and it is the biggest I've 
> >> > > ever
> >> > > bought.
> >> > >
> >> > > I am hoping to hear from the newest Grandma I know! I might have a 
> >> > > ride
> >> > > to Mahwah occasionally. A fellow Lion has a daughter there. Maybe 
> >> > > that
> >> > > could work out.
> >> > >
> >> > > Ah, luck shall be with me for new flooring tomorrow. Then, I must 
> >> > > walk
> >> > > gingerly across it
> >> > >
> >> > > Did I pay for your latest hairdo? There was a bill and the name had
> >> > > something to do with coiffures. It was two hundred or so.
> >> > >
> >> > > How Do you spell pewter anyway? I'm feeling spelling impaired!
> >> > >
> >> > > Smile, Hobo! It is Fabulous Frrivolous fantastic fine foolish 
> >> > > fortunate
> >> > > Friday!!
> >> > >
> >> > > ------------------------------
> >> > >
> >> > > _______________________________________________
> >> > > stylist mailing list
> >> > > stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > End of stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 5
> >> > > **************************************
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > ------------------------------
> >> > >
> >> > > Message: 3
> >> > > Date: Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:41:00 -0500
> >> > > From: BDM <lists at braddunsemusic.com>
> >> > > To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> > > Subject: Re: [stylist] Sense of murder
> >> > > Message-ID: 
> >> > > <6.2.3.4.2.20101008193333.02b91d30 at www.braddunsemusic.com>
> >> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
> >> > >
> >> > > Bridget
> >> > >
> >> > > No worries, I think the story is good, just some points that
> >> > > personally to me as a general reader, technically correct or
> >> > > not, tossed me compared to the many books I've read and thought to
> >> > > offer them. I'm probably the odd man out on these so take them for
> >> > > what they are in comparison what you get from a non-subjective or
> >> > > overtly supportive evaluator. :).
> >> > >
> >> > > Brad
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > Brad
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > At 04:01 PM 10/8/2010, you wrote:
> >> > > >Brad,
> >> > > >
> >> > > >To address some of your points:
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden is a recluse in that he does not develop intimate 
> >> > > >relationships
> >> > > >with people until meeting Salma. He goes through the motions, but
> >> > > >never emotionally or mentally connects with anyone. Salma provides a
> >> > > >deeper friendship than he has cultivated so far.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden begins by tapping along the brick building which sounds
> >> > > >differently from tapping against the glass door. This is a 
> >> > > >description
> >> > > >of how we use a cane. No one sighted who has read this was confused 
> >> > > >by
> >> > > >it. If writing for a blind audience only, it would not make sense, 
> >> > > >to
> >> > > >me, to include these descriptions at all since we know how we do
> >> > > >things. On the other hand, having an audience who may not have
> >> > > >exposure to blind people and/or their skills, they would wonder how 
> >> > > >a
> >> > > >blind character does certain things. We all know how people have 
> >> > > >simple
> >> > > >questions for us so it seems like these descriptions would be more
> >> > > >appreciated by those who do not know how a blind person acts or 
> >> > > >thinks.
> >> > > >Plus, making Ayden blind (which he was not originally) readers will 
> >> > > >need
> >> > > >to know certain things. Like I can't just sit my blind character at 
> >> > > >a
> >> > > >computer and expect some people to understand this.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden leaned across the table looking straight in the direction 
> >> > > >where
> >> > > >Sheriff Jenkins sat. "I thought Henry was a catch. You know, a 
> >> > > >lawyer
> >> > > >from a wealthy family."
> >> > > >"He was a playboy. Always was, never changed."
> >> > > >Eache of these is its own para. When action is included with 
> >> > > >dialogue
> >> > > >in a para, it is attached to the speaker. Since the first para 
> >> > > >begins
> >> > > >with Ayden, the following dialogue is attached to Ayden.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Again, so far sighted readers have appreciated the descriptions 
> >> > > >dealing
> >> > > >with things specific to blind people. Most people have no idea what 
> >> > > >a
> >> > > >slate and stylus is even when looking at one. It makes sense, to me,
> >> > > >to give a brief description of visually what it looks like while at 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >same time explaining how one uses it.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Salma's comment about figuring out the case without technology is
> >> > > >clearly sarcasm. During this whole portion of dialogue, Salma is
> >> > > >reaching impatience with Ayden for not picking things up quick 
> >> > > >enough.
> >> > > >She shows her playful side so this comment does not seem to fit into 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >serious considering her attitude with everything else. Also, it is
> >> > > >common knowledge that people use to conduct life without all the
> >> > > >technology we have now, so I assumed readers would get it. And the
> >> > > >following "Ayden smirked at her," kind of gives one a clue that they 
> >> > > >are
> >> > > >joking with one another. Accessible is in italics which means Ayden 
> >> > > >is
> >> > > >stressing the word playing along with Salma's sarcasm.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden and Salma are not from this small town. There are numerous 
> >> > > >places
> >> > > >throughout where they talk about being from a city and Ayden 
> >> > > >mentions
> >> > > >not having visited here often. Regardless, people in a town of 
> >> > > >10,000
> >> > > >still use phone books and the like to look up contact info.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Alice was in love with Henry and he died before they could resolve 
> >> > > >their
> >> > > >relationship. When she sees Ayden, who looks just like Henry, she is
> >> > > >presumably thrown off guard and utters this before she knows what 
> >> > > >she
> >> > > >is doing.
> >> > > >It does not seem that unnusual for a person to remark on the uncanny
> >> > > >resemblence a person might bear to some one else they knew. People
> >> > > >constantly come up to my sister to tell her that her daughter is the
> >> > > >spitting image of her.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >I established early on that Salm and Ayden live across the hall from 
> >> > > >one
> >> > > >another. I did not clarify the point that they were or were not 
> >> > > >living
> >> > > >together, but I do make it clear that they are dating.
> >> > > >So far, a lot of people have enjoyed this aspect of the story since
> >> > > >Henry was a bit of a cad. Sort of a redemptive quality in a sense.
> >> > > >I wanted their relationship to happen quickly. They are in this
> >> > > >situation together and subconscience feelings begin to rise to the
> >> > > >surface. Most mysteries include a love element anyway.
> >> > > >FYI, my husband and mine's relationship happened quickly like this.
> >> > > >*smile*
> >> > > >
> >> > > >First, no this is not a conclusion, but I purposefully meant to 
> >> > > >place
> >> > > >suspicion on Alice, Henry's lover, Sheriff Jenkins and Nick, Ayden's
> >> > > >father. It is clear in the end that Ayden is not done looking into
> >> > > >Henry's death, but it takes a reprieve. Plus, Ayden is not a 
> >> > > >detective
> >> > > >so he may not have the same obsession to finish a case especially if 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >felt he knew some of the answers.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >I probably won't continue this story since I merely wrote it for a
> >> > > >class, but Ayden is a character I have been working on for a couple 
> >> > > >of
> >> > > >years. I may deal with him again, but not in the context of a 
> >> > > >mystery.
> >> > > >I'm too focused on non-fiction right now to develop a fiction
> >> > > >unfortunately.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Bridgit
> >> > > >
> >> > > >-----Original Message-----
> >> > > >From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] 
> >> > > >On
> >> > > >Behalf Of stylist-request at nfbnet.org
> >> > > >Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 12:00 PM
> >> > > >To: stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > >Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 5
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Send stylist mailing list submissions to
> >> > > > stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > >
> >> > > >To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> >> > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> > > >or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> >> > > > stylist-request at nfbnet.org
> >> > > >
> >> > > >You can reach the person managing the list at
> >> > > > stylist-owner at nfbnet.org
> >> > > >
> >> > > >When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific 
> >> > > >than
> >> > > >"Re: Contents of stylist digest..."
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Today's Topics:
> >> > > >
> >> > > > 1. detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some language,
> >> > > > alludes to sexual content (Bridgit Pollpeter)
> >> > > > 2. Re: detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some language,
> >> > > > alludes to sexual content (Priscilla McKinley)
> >> > > > 3. Re: detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some
> >> > > >language,
> >> > > > alludes to sexual content (Joe Orozco)
> >> > > > 4. Re: detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some
> >> > > >language,
> >> > > > alludes to sexual content (Robert Leslie Newman)
> >> > > > 5. Re: detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some language,
> >> > > > alludes to sexual content (BDM)
> >> > > > 6. no more mystery (Pat Harmon)
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >----------------------------------------------------------------------
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Message: 1
> >> > > >Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2010 21:05:39 -0500
> >> > > >From: Bridgit Pollpeter <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
> >> > > >To: writers division <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> > > >Subject: [stylist] detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some
> >> > > > language, alludes to sexual content
> >> > > >Message-ID: <SNT136-w5394EB83769ED4F1912F90C4500 at phx.gbl>
> >> > > >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Hey guys,
> >> > > >
> >> > > >I'm taking a detective fiction class this semester for an upper lit
> >> > > >credit. We had to write detective shorts and I thought I would share
> >> > > >mine with you. Keep in mind that this is not my genre and also, I 
> >> > > >wrote
> >> > > >it in about a 12-our time span. Yes, I'm a procrastinator! *smile*
> >> > > >
> >> > > >It was fun though so enjoy.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Bridgit P
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Sense of Murder
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden sat in his father?s leather wingback chair rolling a large key
> >> > > >between his fingers. The metal key had been cold, but now was warmed 
> >> > > >by
> >> > > >his hands. He gripped the key in his palm and rubbed a thumb across 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >rough , rusty surface. Three weeks ago, Ayden had merely been
> >> > > >researching the mysterious death of his grandfather for a book he 
> >> > > >was
> >> > > >writing. Now, he sat among items wondering if his grandfather had 
> >> > > >been
> >> > > >murdered. Ayden?s father, Nick, had found Henry, his grandfather, 
> >> > > >lying
> >> > > >at the bottom of the staircase in his home. Nick never spoke about 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >incident after reporting it to the police. He would not speak to 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >about Henry?s death either, but he was allowing Ayden and Salma to
> >> > > >search through any items Nick kept. No one had been sure what 
> >> > > >happened.
> >> > > >Lucy, Ayden?s grandmother, had been present too when Henry?s body 
> >> > > >was
> >> > > >found. The police recorded the death as an accidental fall. Many
> >> > > >silently pointed fingers at Lucy though. Lucy had grown distraught
> >> > > >during the past few months before Henry?s death. Friends and family
> >> > > >reported that she had been distracted often or in an irritated mood.
> >> > > >This was unlike the warm and tender grandmother Ayden had grown up 
> >> > > >with.
> >> > > >When Nick found his father?s body, Lucy had gone wild, screaming, 
> >> > > >unable
> >> > > >to leave Henry?s lifeless body. Eventually Nick placed her in a care
> >> > > >home. Here Lucy had reached an almost catatonic state until she too 
> >> > > >had
> >> > > >passed. Gossips spread the news, sweeping far and wide. Lucy was 
> >> > > >crazy,
> >> > > >they said. She went mad, she killed her husband. It was juicy, just
> >> > > >what a small town needed. The police never looked into the 
> >> > > >possibility,
> >> > > >but Lucy died with a scarlet letter attached to her memory. Ayden 
> >> > > >could
> >> > > >never believe that Lucy would hurt anyone. Lucy had been fond of 
> >> > > >Ayden,
> >> > > >guiding him, encouraging him. ?You?re so full of potential, Ayden. I
> >> > > >can see fire in your eyes,? she used to tell him. When Ayden lost 
> >> > > >his
> >> > > >vision, Lucy had been the one person who supported him, still
> >> > > >encouraging. For years, though, there had been whispers of foul 
> >> > > >play,
> >> > > >but no one ever spoke about the rumors. Vague insinuations were the
> >> > > >closest anyone came to mentioning ?murder.? Ayden, though, had never
> >> > > >played by the rules. His mother referred to him as the ?black sheep 
> >> > > >of
> >> > > >the family? whenever she threw a dinner party. Ayden never felt like 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >fit in his family?s world of snobbish dinner parties, elite country
> >> > > >clubs and preferential treatment at most Ivy League universities. He
> >> > > >had already been a disappointment to his family before a car 
> >> > > >accident
> >> > > >left him blind. Seven-years later, Ayden had come to terms with his
> >> > > >blindness, but his family accepted him only out of duty. His father 
> >> > > >had
> >> > > >been clear when saying, ?This condition of yours is not suitable for 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >courtroom, but the firm can take you on in a capacity for research,
> >> > > >perhaps. Maybe a paralegal position will be suitable.? Ayden was not
> >> > > >able to live with this attitude hanging over him. After completing 
> >> > > >his
> >> > > >bachelor?s in literature, Ayden took up a career writing for any
> >> > > >newspapers or journals that accepted his entries. Writing for a 
> >> > > >small
> >> > > >literary journal allowed Ayden to work on his novel which had turned
> >> > > >into a fictionalized account of his grandfather?s death. Asking his
> >> > > >father for any information about his grandfather?s life, was the 
> >> > > >reason
> >> > > >Ayden now sat in his father?s study. He found more, he thought, than
> >> > > >his father knew about though. ?So what?s next?? Salma asked. Salma
> >> > > >lived across the hall from Ayden in his building. They had become
> >> > > >friends, and Salma now was helping him research his grandfather?s 
> >> > > >life.
> >> > > >Tapping the key in his palm, Ayden said, ?I?m not sure. This letter
> >> > > >says a lot.? Ayden closed his eyes thinking on this letter. It was
> >> > > >evidence, even if circumstantial, that suggested, if Lucy knew about 
> >> > > >it,
> >> > > >she could have killed Henry. There was a pause then paper crackled
> >> > > >before Salma spoke. ?It?s pretty clear from this letter that your
> >> > > >grandfather was having an affair. I wonder if we can figure out 
> >> > > >these
> >> > > >initials, A. W.? Ayden shut his eyes thinking, trying to remember 
> >> > > >anyone
> >> > > >he had ever met with A. W. for initials. ?I don?t know,? he sighed. 
> >> > > >As
> >> > > >Ayden and Salma leafed through pictures and notes, they had found an 
> >> > > >old
> >> > > >copy of Wuthering Heights. Ayden remembered the year Henry had given
> >> > > >the third edition book to Lucy for Christmas. Lucy had sat 
> >> > > >unwrapping
> >> > > >the gift, then exclaimed, ?Oh,? before looking up with tears in her
> >> > > >eyes. Wuthering Heights had always been her favorite novel. Lucy had
> >> > > >been the one person to encourage Ayden to follow his dream and take 
> >> > > >up
> >> > > >writing instead of joining the family law firm. ?You?re meant to 
> >> > > >follow
> >> > > >your own path,? Lucy had told Ayden once. Twenty-years later, Ayden 
> >> > > >and
> >> > > >Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of the book. Ayden 
> >> > > >touched
> >> > > >the thick, but stiff piece of paper and held it out to Salma to 
> >> > > >inspect.
> >> > > >She told him the letter appeared old, but not as old as the book. A 
> >> > > >few
> >> > > >of the torn edges of the letter were turning yellow. The letter was
> >> > > >simple as she read:
> >> > > >Henry, my love,
> >> > > >I can not wait to see you again. I hoped and when I saw you coming 
> >> > > >down
> >> > > >the road, my heart leaped. I still feel your touch. How much longer
> >> > > >must we wait? Please, my darling, give me what I ask before it is 
> >> > > >too
> >> > > >late.
> >> > > >Love, A. W.
> >> > > >?What now? Where do we go next?? Salma asked.
> >> > > >Ayden held the rusted, copper key up in front of him. ?We visit the 
> >> > > >old
> >> > > >Templeton mansion.? The Templeton mansion was the Victorian home 
> >> > > >Henry
> >> > > >and Lucy had lived in for years. The family still owned it, but it 
> >> > > >had
> >> > > >sat empty for years. Ayden thought that maybe more secrets were 
> >> > > >hidden
> >> > > >within the walls of the Templeton house, eager to be discovered.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden sat in the car as Salma drove. Neither spoke as Ayden?s 
> >> > > >fingers
> >> > > >slid across the pages on his lap. Reading his Braille notes, Ayden
> >> > > >wondered where to start once they reached the small town where his
> >> > > >grandparents and father had grown up. Henry had started a small law
> >> > > >firm in town, but eventually it grew. Henry and Lucy had moved when
> >> > > >Nick had been ten. Nick never spoke about his childhood though. 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >really didn?t know much about his family?s past. Lucy and Henry had
> >> > > >moved back to their old house once Nick took the firm over, but 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >had rarely visited the home. After Henry had died, Lucy, unable to 
> >> > > >cope
> >> > > >with his death, had moved into an upscale nursing home in the City, 
> >> > > >and
> >> > > >Nick left the house untouched. The house had sat empty now for ten
> >> > > >years. As the car slowed, Ayden looked up at Salma. ?Are we there??
> >> > > >?Yes. What?s our first stop?? ?I?m figuring this out as we go along.
> >> > > >I guess the police station.? Salma was silent before saying, ?You 
> >> > > >okay?
> >> > > >I know your dad wasn?t happy.? Ayden had questioned his father about 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >letter, but Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling Ayden, 
> >> > > >?Leave it
> >> > > >alone. We don?t dig up family history.? Ayden tried to coax Nick to 
> >> > > >say
> >> > > >more, but the subject was closed. ?Yeah. I wish he would have told 
> >> > > >us
> >> > > >more. Explained something,? Ayden said. ?Maybe he just wants to keep
> >> > > >your family secrets, well, secret. Some people don?t like giving out
> >> > > >info about anything.? ?I just feel like he knows more than he?s 
> >> > > >letting
> >> > > >on. Mom just played dumb too.? ?We?ll find something. Don?t worry.?
> >> > > >Salma was always reassuring Ayden. She had become a constant in his
> >> > > >life. The only real constant he had. She had shown up one day,
> >> > > >knocking on his door, holding a dish in her hands, offering Ayden 
> >> > > >some
> >> > > >home made enchiladas. That had been the beginning of their 
> >> > > >friendship.
> >> > > >They had spent many nights talking until three in the morning and
> >> > > >hanging out on weekends. Salma was the one connection Ayden had to 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >outside world. Once moving away from his family, he had become a
> >> > > >recluse of sorts. He showed up to the office for work, attended
> >> > > >cocktail parties required for work and even dated a couple of girls, 
> >> > > >but
> >> > > >Salma was the one person he truly felt comfortable with. Her 
> >> > > >infectious
> >> > > >way of always looking at things positively seemed like a novelty to
> >> > > >Ayden. She could always make him smile. When he began writing the 
> >> > > >book
> >> > > >about Henry, Salma had offered to assist in anyway she could. ?I?m
> >> > > >really glad you?re here,? Ayden said.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >?Yeah, yeah. I?m waiting for my pay check.? Salma giggled as she
> >> > > >pulled into a parking stall. ?I think we?re here.? While Salma 
> >> > > >dropped
> >> > > >coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped his cane along the brick
> >> > > >walls looking for the door. Hearing the clink of glass as his cane
> >> > > >tapped, Ayden was sure he found the door. ?No Braille, is this it?? 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >shouted back to Salma. ?I believe so,? she answered rushing to catch 
> >> > > >up.
> >> > > >They entered the quiet, almost lazy-like atmosphere of the police
> >> > > >station. Ayden moved towards the sound of clacking as some one 
> >> > > >pressed
> >> > > >keys on a computer keyboard with a practiced efficiency. This, he
> >> > > >thought, must be a reception desk. Stepping up to a smooth feeling
> >> > > >counter, Ayden said, ?Excuse me.? ?Can I help you?? a woman?s bored
> >> > > >voice said. ?We were wondering if we can speak to some one who 
> >> > > >worked
> >> > > >the Henry Templeton case,? Ayden said. The woman stopped typing and 
> >> > > >a
> >> > > >long silence followed. ?Who?s asking?? ?I?m Ayden Templeton, Henry?s
> >> > > >grandson.? ?One minute.? A chair creaked as the woman stood. Her 
> >> > > >shoes
> >> > > >clacked as she walked away. Salma touched Ayden?s arm. ?She had a 
> >> > > >weird
> >> > > >look when you mentioned your grandpa?s name.? Ayden said nothing, 
> >> > > >not
> >> > > >sure what he was doing there in the first place. The woman?s shoes
> >> > > >clacked once more as she returned. Another footstep joined hers, but
> >> > > >this person shuffled slightly. The person shuffled towards Salma,
> >> > > >saying, ?Hello. I?m Sheriff Jenkins. How can I help you?? Ayden
> >> > > >stepped closer towards Salma, extending his arm to Sheriff Jenkins.
> >> > > >?I?m Ayden Templeton and this is Salma Juarez. We have some 
> >> > > >questions
> >> > > >about my grandfather?s death.? There was a pause before Sheriff 
> >> > > >Jenkins
> >> > > >shook Ayden?s hand. ?Step into my office please.? Ayden followed the
> >> > > >sheriff into a room off the main section of the department. His cane
> >> > > >swep the inside of the door frame, indicating the width so Ayden 
> >> > > >avoided
> >> > > >bumping into the edges of the frame. Ayden asked where a chair was 
> >> > > >and
> >> > > >turned in the direction Captain Jenkins indicated. Once again, his 
> >> > > >cane
> >> > > >found the chair and sliding the cane across the seat, Ayden 
> >> > > >determined
> >> > > >where the front of the chair was. Salma?s arm brushed his as she sat
> >> > > >next to him. ?Can I get you anything?? Sheriff Jenkins asked. ?No, 
> >> > > >but
> >> > > >thank you. Salma?? ?I?m good,? Salma replied. Ayden felt a tension 
> >> > > >fill
> >> > > >the room as the three sat there, not speaking. Sheriff Jenkins began
> >> > > >tapping the edge of the metal table in the interrogation room. Ayden
> >> > > >twisted his cane between his fingers. Salma bobbed her foot which 
> >> > > >was
> >> > > >lightly kicking Ayden?s shin. ?We?re hoping to learn as much as we 
> >> > > >can
> >> > > >about Henry Templeton?s death. I?m researching the story for a novel
> >> > > >I?m working on,? Ayden started. ?I worked the case. There?s not much 
> >> > > >to
> >> > > >tell,? Sheriff Jenkins said. ?I know you eventually reported it as 
> >> > > >an
> >> > > >accidental death, but was there ever any evidence suggesting 
> >> > > >otherwise??
> >> > > >Ayden asked. ?No. We questioned friends and family and there was no
> >> > > >reason to believe Henry Templeton was murdered,? Sheriff Jenkins 
> >> > > >said
> >> > > >sharply. Ayden shifted his head towards Salma before saying, ?I know
> >> > > >there was-uh-speculation that maybe my grandmother did it.? ?Lucy
> >> > > >Baldwin? She never hurt anyone. We were all shocked when she married
> >> > > >Henry. She could have had anyone she wanted.? Ayden leaned against 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >table looking straight in the direction where Sheriff Jenkins sat. 
> >> > > >?I
> >> > > >thought Henry was a catch? You know, a lawyer from a wealthy 
> >> > > >family.?
> >> > > >?He was a playboy. Always was, never changed.? ?Who did you question
> >> > > >about his death?? Salma broke in. The sheriff?s chair creaked as he
> >> > > >leaned back. ?Well, of course Lucy and her boy Nick. They were 
> >> > > >there.
> >> > > >Found his body and all.? Ayden shot the sheriff a questioning 
> >> > > >glance.
> >> > > >He was talking like he had forgot who Ayden was. ?Then there was 
> >> > > >Zelda,
> >> > > >the housekeeper, and Avery Mayer, he came around about once a week 
> >> > > >to
> >> > > >help Lucy with the lawn. She loved her garden. Her roses won prizes
> >> > > >around here,? Sheriff Jenkins continued. ?Anyone else?? Ayden asked.
> >> > > >?Oh, his work associates, but Henry was retired so they didn?t see 
> >> > > >much
> >> > > >of him anymore. Alice Whitley, she had been his personal secretary 
> >> > > >for
> >> > > >years. She still did stuff part-time for Henry.? Ayden had pulled 
> >> > > >out a
> >> > > >three-by-five plastic device that had six rows of cells containing 
> >> > > >three
> >> > > >holes on each side of the cells. A pop-pop-pop sound was made as 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >poked a pointed awl-like object called a stylus through the holes as 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >took Braille notes. ?Are any of these people still around?? ?Not
> >> > > >everyone had the same opportunities as the Templeton?s to leave 
> >> > > >town.
> >> > > >Other than Henry?s work associates, I think most of them still live
> >> > > >around here. At least the one?s who are still alive.? ?Is there
> >> > > >anything else you can tell us? Was there anything strange you 
> >> > > >noticed?
> >> > > >Any evidence that suggest something other than an accidental tumble 
> >> > > >down
> >> > > >the stairs?? The sheriff laughed. ?I know you city folk like to 
> >> > > >dream
> >> > > >up seedy happenings in small towns, but Henry Templeton?s death was
> >> > > >nothing more than an accident. Nothing dark about it.? ?Thank you 
> >> > > >for
> >> > > >your time,? Ayden said extending his hand again to shake Sheriff
> >> > > >Jenkins?s. Sheriff Jenkins sighed. ?Look, don?t go digging anything 
> >> > > >up.
> >> > > >Just let the dead rest.? Salma?s bracelet tinkled as they stood. ?We
> >> > > >understand. I?m just trying to find things out about my grandfather 
> >> > > >for
> >> > > >the book. You know, no stone uncovered,? Ayden said. ?Are you two
> >> > > >married?? Sheriff Jenkins asked. Ayden, confused by the switch, 
> >> > > >replied,
> >> > > >?No.? The sheriff chuckled. ?Like your grandpa, I see.? Ayden 
> >> > > >blushed,
> >> > > >but Salma said, ?Ayden is nothing but a gentleman. Clearly something 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >did not pick up in this town.? ?I know the kind of men the 
> >> > > >Templeton?s
> >> > > >are,? the sheriff said. Unsure of what to do, Ayden turned to leave. 
> >> > > >?At
> >> > > >least he has a better chance of touching what you have been admiring
> >> > > >this whole time,? Salma snapped. She turned quickly and Ayden felt a
> >> > > >rush of breeze as she left the room.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Out in the car, Ayden apologized.
> >> > > >?I?m sorry. I didn?t know what to say.?
> >> > > >?It?s okay. He was a pig.?
> >> > > >?I didn?t realize-?
> >> > > >?I know, its okay. Where to next??
> >> > > >Ayden could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone. ?The house, 
> >> > > >I
> >> > > >guess.? As Salma pulled back out into the street devoid of traffic,
> >> > > >Ayden wondered why she had told Sheriff Jenkins what she had. Was it
> >> > > >simply said in a moment of anger, or was there any truth in her 
> >> > > >words,
> >> > > >he thought. He has a better chance of touching what you have been
> >> > > >admiring. For the first time, Ayden thought of the possibilities 
> >> > > >with
> >> > > >Salma.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden stood before the house remembering the bright blue it had been
> >> > > >during the few visits he had made during his childhood. The house 
> >> > > >had
> >> > > >always stood out even among the street full of bright, cheery houses
> >> > > >complete with emerald lawns and award winning gardens. The Templeton
> >> > > >house had a wrap-around porch with a veranda to the back opening 
> >> > > >onto a
> >> > > >large lawn complete with a British garden. Its three stories reached
> >> > > >majestically towards the sky.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden now gripped the rough, wooden railing of the house. The feel 
> >> > > >of
> >> > > >the railing did not match his memory of the sleek, smooth dark 
> >> > > >wooden
> >> > > >banister. The stairs creaked as he stepped on them. Reaching the
> >> > > >porch, he felt a slight dip and quickly stepped sideways in fear of
> >> > > >falling through the porch. Children played nearby and cars languidly
> >> > > >drove down the street, but a strange silence surrounded the house. 
> >> > > >It
> >> > > >was as though Ayden were underneath water trying to make out the 
> >> > > >distant
> >> > > >sounds. The scent of jasmine passed briefly through his nose as 
> >> > > >Salma
> >> > > >stood next to him. ?How does it look?? Ayden asked ignoring the 
> >> > > >scent.
> >> > > >Salma took a deep breath. ?It?s run down, that?s for sure. I can?t
> >> > > >believe no one has lived here for years.? ?My family still owns it, 
> >> > > >but
> >> > > >after my grandfather?s death, no one wanted to do anything about 
> >> > > >it.?
> >> > > >Ayden placed his hand on the cold handle of the dilapidated 
> >> > > >Victorian
> >> > > >house. He dug in his pockets for the rusty key he had found in his
> >> > > >father?s office. As he inserted the heavy key in the lock, a quiet
> >> > > >click was heard. Ayden pushed the solid door open. He looked in
> >> > > >Salma?s direction before stepping inside. Shutting the door, the 
> >> > > >house
> >> > > >engulfed all sound like a tomb. ?Creepy,? Salma said as she 
> >> > > >shivered.
> >> > > >Ayden walked forward tapping his long white cane, arcing wide so as 
> >> > > >to
> >> > > >not run into anything. Dust filled the air and Ayden coughed as he
> >> > > >inhaled. ?This has been sitting for years,? Ayden rasped. ?What?s it
> >> > > >look like?? Salma looked around. ?It?s really dark, but it?s almost
> >> > > >completely empty. What do you think you?ll find?? ?I?m not sure.
> >> > > >Sheriff Jenkins wasn?t much help. I just thought, maybe something??
> >> > > >Salma?s sandals clipped-clopped as she walked over to a window to 
> >> > > >open
> >> > > >it. ?Well, if we are going to be here long we need fresh air.? Ayden
> >> > > >felt a rush of summer breeze as the window clambered up. The sound 
> >> > > >of
> >> > > >kids jumping rope ruined the house?s stolid silence. Life entered 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >house again as Ayden began to feel around searching for any clue. 
> >> > > >Salma
> >> > > >clumped up the stairs as Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls 
> >> > > >and
> >> > > >any remaining furniture, hoping to find something, anything. He 
> >> > > >rifled
> >> > > >through drawers and cupboards. So far his hands had only found dust 
> >> > > >and
> >> > > >cobwebs. ?Ayden, Ayden!? Salma shouted a couple of hours later. 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >hurried towards the staircase. ?Salma! Are you okay?? ?Get up here! 
> >> > > >I
> >> > > >found something!? Ayden clambered up the grand staircase. Reaching 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >top, he shouted, ?What room?? ?Um, it?s a bedroom.? Hearing her 
> >> > > >voice
> >> > > >off to his left, Ayden moved down the hallway. At the end, he found 
> >> > > >a
> >> > > >door open. ?Salma?? Salma?s clapping sandals moved towards Ayden. 
> >> > > >?Look
> >> > > >at this,? she said excitedly. Her bracelet tinkled and paper 
> >> > > >crackled
> >> > > >as she shoved something in Ayden?s hand. Ayden grinned. ?Um?? He
> >> > > >handed the paper back to Salma. ?Oh-sorry. I just-you won?t believe
> >> > > >this.? It was another letter; a love letter to Henry. Henry, My 
> >> > > >love, I
> >> > > >miss you. I grow restless with each day. I have waited years to be
> >> > > >with you, really be with you. Let?s stop the pretending, stop the 
> >> > > >lies.
> >> > > >Don?t be mad with me. I would do anything for you, but we must stop
> >> > > >hiding. There is no harm in this. I will wait to hear from you, but
> >> > > >don?t take long. Love,
> >> > > >A. W.
> >> > > >Salma rushed through the letter almost in one breath. Ayden was not
> >> > > >quite sure what her excitement was for. ?We already know Henry was
> >> > > >having an affair of sorts,? he said. Salma sighed impatiently. 
> >> > > >?Ayden,
> >> > > >think about it. Don?t you see?? ?Not really,? he said slowly. She
> >> > > >grabbed his wrist. Her slender fingers gripped him with a strength
> >> > > >Ayden would not have guessed at. She moved in closer and once again,
> >> > > >Ayden took in the scent of jasmine. This time he smelled something 
> >> > > >else
> >> > > >with it. Vanilla, he thought. Salma shook his arm slightly bringing
> >> > > >him back to attention. ?Ayden, A. W. Don?t you see it yet?? ?A. W.??
> >> > > >?The initials,? she said exasperated, ?A. W. Alice Whitley.? ?Who?s
> >> > > >Alice Whitley?? Salma smacked her forehead. ?Ay-where are your notes
> >> > > >from today?? Ayden pulled out the three-by-five note card from his 
> >> > > >back
> >> > > >pocket. ?Now read through it,? Salma said as though talking to a 
> >> > > >small
> >> > > >child. Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and looked sharply 
> >> > > >up
> >> > > >at Salma. ?See?? Salma asked. ?I can?t believe we didn?t realize it
> >> > > >then. His secretary. And Sheriff Jenkins said she?s still living in
> >> > > >town.? ?Think we can find her?? ?Give me a minute,? Ayden said 
> >> > > >reaching
> >> > > >for his mobile phone tucked away in his pocket. An electronic hum 
> >> > > >came
> >> > > >from his phone as he maneuvered through the menus on his phone. A
> >> > > >screen-reading program specific to mobile phones, helped Ayden 
> >> > > >utilize
> >> > > >the functions on his phone. ?Got it. There?s only one Alice Whitley
> >> > > >that shows up in town.? ?Thank God for technology,? Salma said. ?No
> >> > > >wonder no one could ever solve this case.? Ayden smirked at her. 
> >> > > >?Thank
> >> > > >God for accessible technology. Come on. She doesn?t live far from 
> >> > > >here
> >> > > >and it?s not too late.?
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ten minutes later, Ayden and Salma knocked on a door. The house was
> >> > > >less substantial than the Templeton house, but Salma described its
> >> > > >well-kempt lawn and cheery exterior. The door opened and a woman?s 
> >> > > >voice
> >> > > >gasped, ?Oh.? ?Miss Whitley? I?m Ayden-? ?Templeton,? she said. ?You
> >> > > >look like Henry.? Smiling, Ayden said, ?Miss Whitley, this is my 
> >> > > >friend
> >> > > >Salma. We?re working on a book about my grandfather, and we would 
> >> > > >like
> >> > > >to ask you some questions.? ?Oh, of course. Come in, come in.? As 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >door shut behind Ayden and Salma, he smelled a flower scent that he
> >> > > >couldn?t place and a clock ticked nearby. Alice Whitley ushered them
> >> > > >into a sitting room off the entryway. Salma sat next to Ayden on the
> >> > > >soft couch while Alice sat across from them. ?Can I offer you 
> >> > > >anything?
> >> > > >I just made lemonade.? ?That would be wonderful,? Salma said. As 
> >> > > >Alice
> >> > > >left the room, Ayden turned towards Salma. ?I?m sorry, I didn?t even
> >> > > >think to ask if you were hungry.? ?Hon, it?s okay. I didn?t think 
> >> > > >about
> >> > > >it myself until now.? ?We?ll have dinner after this; I promise.?
> >> > > >?Promise?? Ayden grinned as Alice returned. She placed an ice-cold
> >> > > >glass in Ayden?s hand. Ice chinked against the side as he took a 
> >> > > >gulp.
> >> > > >The cold liquid felt good down his throat after the dust of his 
> >> > > >family?s
> >> > > >house. He could only imagine how dirty he and Salma looked. He felt
> >> > > >the mingled grime of sweat and dirt on his body. Why had it not
> >> > > >occurred to them to stop somewhere first and wash up, Ayden thought.
> >> > > >?So, what can I help you with? Henry was a dear friend and I miss 
> >> > > >him.
> >> > > >You must call me Alice.? ?Well, Alice, we specifically are 
> >> > > >interested in
> >> > > >his death,? Ayden said. Alice choked on her lemonade. ?Why would you 
> >> > > >be
> >> > > >interested in that?? ?I believe that maybe his death wasn?t 
> >> > > >accidental.?
> >> > > >?Oh dear, don?t buy into those silly rumors. Pete Jenkins conducted 
> >> > > >a
> >> > > >thorough investigation and no foul play was to be hinted at.? ?And 
> >> > > >yet
> >> > > >the rumors persist,? Ayden said. ?Silly gossip. Housewives bored out 
> >> > > >of
> >> > > >there minds.? ?You know Sheriff Jenkins?? Ayden asked. ?Darling, 
> >> > > >it?s a
> >> > > >town of ten-thousand; everybody knows everybody.? Ayden sipped on 
> >> > > >his
> >> > > >lemonade as Salma clicked her nails against the side of her glass. 
> >> > > >?We
> >> > > >have reason to believe maybe there is more to the story,? Ayden 
> >> > > >said.
> >> > > >He affected his best courtroom demeanor. He had seen his father like
> >> > > >this hundreds of times. Alice swirled ice chuncks around in her 
> >> > > >glass.
> >> > > >Her voice had lost some of its cheeriness when she responded by 
> >> > > >asking,
> >> > > >?What makes you say that?? Ayden found the love letter in a folder. 
> >> > > >He
> >> > > >removed the Braille label, setting the letter on the coffee table
> >> > > >dividing Ayden and Salma from Alice. The room grew still. The letter
> >> > > >rustled as Alice picked it up. When she spoke, she sounded choked as
> >> > > >though she were holding back tears. ?Where did you find this?? ?It 
> >> > > >was
> >> > > >in some old boxes in the Templeton home,? Salma said. A long silence
> >> > > >followed in which Ayden could hear Alice sniffling. ?I suppose the 
> >> > > >truth
> >> > > >has to come out sooner or later,? Alice said quietly. ?We don?t
> >> > > >need-a-details of anything, but is there any reason to think Henry 
> >> > > >was
> >> > > >killed?? Ayden soothed. ?Your grandfather hired me when I was 
> >> > > >eighteen,?
> >> > > >Alice began, ignoring Ayden. ?I instantly fell in love with him, but 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >was that type. Dashingly handsome, charming to a fault. He was a few
> >> > > >years older than me, but I knew how all the girls waited for their
> >> > > >chance to rope Henry into marriage. I felt so lucky to see him
> >> > > >everyday. I started out as a simple receptionist, but eventually he
> >> > > >promoted me to his personal secretary.? ?Did you move with my
> >> > > >grandparents then, when they moved?? Ayden asked. Alice sighed. 
> >> > > >?Yes,
> >> > > >but after-things happened-I moved back. I remained in his employ,
> >> > > >working from the office here in town. Before your father took 
> >> > > >charge,
> >> > > >Henry?s headquarters had always been based from here.? Ayden nodded 
> >> > > >his
> >> > > >head. ?I never meant to hurt anyone. Things happened. Henry loved us
> >> > > >both, Lucy and I. I tried to end it for years, but Henry always 
> >> > > >showed
> >> > > >up with that smile of his. Then I tried to make him choose. I
> >> > > >should?ve known better, but I was in love.? Alice continued to spill 
> >> > > >her
> >> > > >story, hoping for redemption perhaps. ?The final straw came right 
> >> > > >before
> >> > > >his death. We had carried on for almost forty-years and I knew it 
> >> > > >had
> >> > > >to stop. We fought. I threatened to tell Lucy and that was that. He
> >> > > >left me promising to choose. I waited for an answer, but a week 
> >> > > >later,
> >> > > >Henry was found dead.? ?Did you ever tell anyone?? Ayden asked. 
> >> > > >?No.?
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden and Salma stood by the car outside Alice?s house. A breeze
> >> > > >tousled Ayden?s hair and Salma gently combed her fingers through his
> >> > > >dark tresses. ?Seems like all you Templeton men are irresistible,? 
> >> > > >she
> >> > > >said teasingly. Unsure of how to respond to her comment, he grinned, 
> >> > > >but
> >> > > >before he could make a remark, Ayden heard her car door click open. 
> >> > > >He
> >> > > >slid into the passenger seat, heart pounding. ?You promised me 
> >> > > >dinner,?
> >> > > >Salma whined playfully.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >After devouring diner-style hamburgers and fries, Ayden and Salma 
> >> > > >found
> >> > > >themselves walking through the downtown area. Salma kept up with
> >> > > >Ayden?s stride as his cane tapped in a shoulder-length-arc. 
> >> > > >?Sometimes I
> >> > > >think it would be nice to live in a small town,? Salma mused. 
> >> > > >?Really,
> >> > > >you? Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day,? Ayden joked. ?I could
> >> > > >drive to the city. I don?t know. It seems like a nice place to raise 
> >> > > >a
> >> > > >family.? Ayden had never heard Salma speak about kids or families. 
> >> > > >As
> >> > > >well as he knew her, Ayden realized there was plenty he still had to
> >> > > >learn about Salma. ?Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will 
> >> > > >grow
> >> > > >up to cheat, lie and murder,? Ayden scoffed. ?We, huh?? Ayden 
> >> > > >blushed,
> >> > > >feeling the heat creep up his neck to his face. He hadn?t caught his
> >> > > >blunder. He sputtered, but before he could make sense of his words,
> >> > > >Salma grabbed his hand. ?Maybe we can live in the Templeton 
> >> > > >mansion,?
> >> > > >she said. They walked silently back to the car. ?It?s pretty late, 
> >> > > >what
> >> > > >should we do?? Salma asked. Ayden flipped the crystal face of his 
> >> > > >watch
> >> > > >up. Feeling the raised dots and arrows with his pointer finger on 
> >> > > >his
> >> > > >Braille watch, he said, ?It?s a quarter to eleven. I?m beat.? ?Me 
> >> > > >too.
> >> > > >I don?t really feel like driving back tonight though.? Ayden 
> >> > > >scratched
> >> > > >his head. ?I guess we can stay at casa-de-Templeton.? ?Okay, but no
> >> > > >funny business,? Salma joked. Sitting in the car, Ayden said, ?By 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >way, unlike some men in my family, I?m more of a one-woman type.?
> >> > > >
> >> > > >They stood on either side of the king-size bed in the master 
> >> > > >bedroom.
> >> > > >?Sure you don?t want to sleep in another room?? Ayden asked. ?Hell 
> >> > > >no!
> >> > > >This house is creepy.? ?I thought you wanted to raise children 
> >> > > >here??
> >> > > >?Shut-up. Scared to sleep with a girl?? The bed creaked as Salma lay
> >> > > >down on it. ?A bit musty.? They had found spare bed linens in a box 
> >> > > >and
> >> > > >had attempted to shake them out as best they could. Ayden had 
> >> > > >noticed a
> >> > > >lingering wispy scent of flowers that he could not place. It may 
> >> > > >have
> >> > > >been the remnants of something used to launder the linens years ago, 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >had thought. Without thinking, Ayden removed his shirt and handed it 
> >> > > >to
> >> > > >Salma. ?Here. You can wrap your pillow in it.? ?Thanks,? Salma said
> >> > > >drawing the word out. Realizing what he had just done, he blushed 
> >> > > >for
> >> > > >the millionth time that day. Not able to turn back what he had done,
> >> > > >Ayden lay slowly down, sticking close to the edge. ?Keep your hands
> >> > > >above the blankets,? Salma yawned.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden woke disoriented at first, but comprehension quickly dawned as 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >felt Salma?s small body nestled against his. She snored quietly and
> >> > > >Ayden smiled. This was nice, he thought. He extracted himself gently
> >> > > >from the bed, trying to not wake Salma. He needed to use the 
> >> > > >bathroom,
> >> > > >but it struck him that the bathrooms would not be in working order. 
> >> > > >It
> >> > > >was primitive, but it would have to do, he thought as he found his 
> >> > > >way
> >> > > >downstairs and out into the back garden. Hoping no neighbors were 
> >> > > >awake
> >> > > >to see him, he relieved himself. Half asleep still, his eyes snapped
> >> > > >open as a slight shuffle came from behind him. Finished with his
> >> > > >midnight chore, he listened intently, but no sound came again. He
> >> > > >turned around, gripping his cane in one hand. ?Hello,? he said. No
> >> > > >response came. He turned back towards the house and as he walked, 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >felt his back tingle. It was the sensation he felt as a child when
> >> > > >terrified, feeling a presence behind him. He was an adult now, he
> >> > > >chided himself. Forcing himself to walk calmly back into the house, 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >reached the French doors and entered. As he went to shut the doors, 
> >> > > >a
> >> > > >soft shuffle started in the darkness again. It could have been the 
> >> > > >long
> >> > > >dead foliage rustling in the breeze, but Ayden placed himself in the
> >> > > >doorway again. The noise instantly stopped. Slamming the door and
> >> > > >locking it, Ayden flew to the stairs, taking three steps at a time.
> >> > > >Heart pounding, blood rushing in his ears, Ayden felt a cool breeze 
> >> > > >cut
> >> > > >through the stuffy air of the bedroom. DeMint, he swore to himself.
> >> > > >They had opened windows before going to bed, hoping to air out their
> >> > > >lodgings for the night. Salma still was sleeping peacefully on the 
> >> > > >bed.
> >> > > >He sat on the bed resting his head on the large carved headboard,
> >> > > >listening. Crickets chirped outside and the breeze rustled the 
> >> > > >leaves of
> >> > > >trees from time to time. Salma continued her snoring. Silence loomed
> >> > > >around the house. Ayden waited to hear the shuffle noise again or a
> >> > > >step on the stairs, but nothing came. He relaxed after fifteen 
> >> > > >minutes
> >> > > >of vigilante guarding. Laying back down on the bed, one arm behind 
> >> > > >his
> >> > > >head, he smiled when Salma threw an arm across his chest. Thinking 
> >> > > >only
> >> > > >of Salma by now, Ayden drifted back off to sleep.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >The second time Ayden woke he knew where he was, but something was 
> >> > > >not
> >> > > >right. Salma still snored next to him as he spooned her, but an 
> >> > > >acrid
> >> > > >odor filled his nostrils. A loud crack made him bolt up in bed. 
> >> > > >?Salma!
> >> > > >There?s a fire!? He shook her until she woke up. ?We need to get out 
> >> > > >of
> >> > > >here,? Ayden shouted as she slowly regained a conscience state. 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >flew to the open door. Smoke filled his nose and made his eyes 
> >> > > >water.
> >> > > >?Salma, I can?t tell if we can make it down the stairs.? Standing 
> >> > > >next
> >> > > >to him, she said, ?All I can see is smoke. Can we jump out the 
> >> > > >window??
> >> > > >?We?re on the second floor. It?s pretty high up.? Now across the 
> >> > > >room,
> >> > > >Ayden heard Salma cry, ?Oh-my-god! Ayden!? ?What?? ?I can see flames
> >> > > >around the base of the house.? ?Shit.? Trying to think, Ayden 
> >> > > >gathered
> >> > > >up the sheet from the bed. Dousing it with water from the couple
> >> > > >bottles purchased last night, he threw the sheet at Salma. ?Wrap
> >> > > >yourself in this.? ?Why?? ?Just do it.? Making sure her long hair 
> >> > > >was
> >> > > >covered, Ayden threw Salma over his shoulder. Grabbing his cane by 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >door, he moved into the hallway. Hoping the shirt tied around his 
> >> > > >face
> >> > > >would keep out smoke, Ayden ran to the top of the stairs. Despite 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >situation, Ayden could not help notice the harlequin-romance-like
> >> > > >predicament. He heard Salma say something, but her face was muffled 
> >> > > >and
> >> > > >he could not understand her. Tucking his cane underneath his arm, he
> >> > > >groped the banister which still seemed intact. Finally reaching the
> >> > > >bottom, he found his way to the front door and opened it. A rush of
> >> > > >fresh air greeted him. Feeling heat, he hoped he could make it off 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >porch. At the top of the stairs, panicked, he placed Salma upright
> >> > > >again. She struggled to loosen the sheet around her. ?Are the flames
> >> > > >here too?? Ayden asked. ?No, but there coming from behind.? At the 
> >> > > >end
> >> > > >of the drive, Ayden dialed 911 on his phone. Neighbors could be 
> >> > > >heard
> >> > > >coming from their own houses. A few ran up to Ayden and Salma asking 
> >> > > >if
> >> > > >they were okay. Standing at a distance, Ayden could hear the roar of
> >> > > >flames. Salma held his hand as they waited in silence for the sound 
> >> > > >of
> >> > > >sirens.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden rested on the back bumper of Sheriff Jenkins?s police cruiser.
> >> > > >The mid-morning sun warmed his face. Still shirtless, a blanket 
> >> > > >draped
> >> > > >his shoulders. A gritty smudge crossed his forehead and he could 
> >> > > >still
> >> > > >smell the smoke embracing his body. Once the firemen had 
> >> > > >extinguished
> >> > > >the fire, Sheriff Jenkins and his deputy, a man about Ayden?s age, 
> >> > > >drove
> >> > > >Salma and Ayden to the police station. Each gave a report before 
> >> > > >Nick
> >> > > >was contacted. Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water. 
> >> > > >He
> >> > > >gulped the cool liquid down as Salma rested her head against his
> >> > > >shoulder. Sniffing her hair laced with a flower scent and smoke, 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >protectively placed an arm around her. ?Ayden,? Salma said in quiet
> >> > > >surprise, ?Alice Whitley is here.? Ayden pulled the blanket closed 
> >> > > >as he
> >> > > >waited for Alice to approach. A new scent filled his nostrils. This
> >> > > >too smelled of flowers, but it was not the framiliar jasmine and 
> >> > > >vanilla
> >> > > >Salma wore. Through the fog of his brain, he tried to place where he
> >> > > >had smelled this scent before. ?I?m glad you two are alright,? Alice
> >> > > >spoke quietly. ?I can?t believe this. Do you need anything?? ?Thank
> >> > > >you, but we?re okay,? Salma said warmly. ?Pete phoned me this 
> >> > > >morning-?
> >> > > >?Sheriff Jenkins? Why?? Ayden asked. Alice didn?t respond. Waiting 
> >> > > >for
> >> > > >an answer, Ayden finally recognized the flower scent that had 
> >> > > >lingered
> >> > > >in the closet where he and Salma had found bed linens. ?Alice, did 
> >> > > >you
> >> > > >visit the house after we left you yesterday?? Alice made a noise as
> >> > > >though she were suppressing it in her throat. She never answered and
> >> > > >before Ayden could ask anything else, he heard her muffled footsteps 
> >> > > >on
> >> > > >the grass as she walked briskly away. ?Ayden?? Salma puzzled. ?Her
> >> > > >perfume, it?s the same smell I noticed in the closet last night.?
> >> > > >?Ayden, that?s where I found the letter too,? Salma whispered.? 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >heard the swish of grass as someone else walked towards them. It was
> >> > > >Nick. ?Are you crazy?? Nick asked, bewildered. ?I?m fine. Nice to 
> >> > > >see
> >> > > >you too, Dad.? Nick let out a long breath before saying, ?Your 
> >> > > >mother
> >> > > >and I went crazy when we heard what happened. We?re glad you?re 
> >> > > >okay.?
> >> > > >?Is the house ruined?? Ayden asked. Salma shifted and sat upright 
> >> > > >next
> >> > > >to Ayden. ?It?s mostly the garden that was ruined, but there is 
> >> > > >damage
> >> > > >to the house.? Ayden felt his chest tighten. The garden had been 
> >> > > >Lucy?s
> >> > > >favorite place. Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways and 
> >> > > >tall
> >> > > >bushes as Lucy tended to her beloved flowers. Interrupting his
> >> > > >thoughts, Ayden heard a shuffling footstep approach. Another memory
> >> > > >pushed itself front and center in his mind. As Sheriff Jenkins 
> >> > > >stopped
> >> > > >his pace, Ayden gave him a hard look. ?Tom says it will take a few 
> >> > > >weeks
> >> > > >to get reports back, but there is some structural damage to the 
> >> > > >house,
> >> > > >Nick,? the sheriff said. ?Taken any midnight strolls to clear your 
> >> > > >mind
> >> > > >lately?? Ayden directed to Sheriff Jenkins. No one spoke. Salma 
> >> > > >gripped
> >> > > >his hand. ?Any reason why you?d call Alice Whitley early this 
> >> > > >morning??
> >> > > >Ayden continued. ?Drop it,? Nick hissed at Ayden. Thrown off by 
> >> > > >Nick?s
> >> > > >tone, Ayden squeezed Salma?s hand, unsure what to do. ?I?m sure 
> >> > > >we?re
> >> > > >all tired and need to collect our thoughts,? Sheriff Jenkins said.
> >> > > >?Maybe you ought to take these two home, Nick.? Ayden heard the
> >> > > >lumbering shuffle again as Sheriff Jenkins walked away.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden sat in front of the computer. A buzz issued from the speakers 
> >> > > >as
> >> > > >JAWS, a text-to-speech program, sounded off with each command Ayden
> >> > > >typed. ?Still working?? Salma asked from behind. Ayden leaned his 
> >> > > >head
> >> > > >back against her stomach. She was wrapped in a large soft towel. He
> >> > > >slipped his hand through the folds, but she turned swiftly away,
> >> > > >laughing. Spewing a torrent of Spanish at him, Ayden chuckled. ?That
> >> > > >just turns me on more.? ?I called you a great big moron whose brain 
> >> > > >is
> >> > > >the size of his-? ?Doesn?t matter. Still sounds sexy.? Salma whipped
> >> > > >another towel at him before scampering to the bedroom. Turning back 
> >> > > >to
> >> > > >his work, Ayden decided to check his email. As he clicked on the
> >> > > >necessary links using Hotkey commands, he thought over the past few
> >> > > >weeks. Ayden had told his father what happened, but Nick said that
> >> > > >everything was circumstantial. Ayden knew this, but he also knew he 
> >> > > >had
> >> > > >opened something up. Something that had been meant to remain secret.
> >> > > >Nick refused to open any investigation and he remained tight-lipped
> >> > > >about anything he knew. The fire was officially reported as an 
> >> > > >unknown
> >> > > >accident since no evidence, either way, had been found determining a
> >> > > >cause. This, at least, was how the police report read. Ayden, 
> >> > > >though,
> >> > > >had inquired into the fire-chief?s report. It too was inconclusive, 
> >> > > >but
> >> > > >this report did mention that a match book had been found near the
> >> > > >premises. Salma had advised Ayden to wait before attempting any 
> >> > > >further
> >> > > >investigation. Salma had been the reason he was able to let the 
> >> > > >weeks
> >> > > >slip by without searching for more clues. Once they had returned to 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >city, Ayden had found the courage to express his budding feelings
> >> > > >towards Salma. They had sat on the couch talking; a typical Friday 
> >> > > >night
> >> > > >for them, except this time Ayden could feel a growing anticipation
> >> > > >between them. Salma had stood to get another beer from the kitchen 
> >> > > >when
> >> > > >Ayden reached for her wrist. His large palm had felt bigger next to 
> >> > > >her
> >> > > >slim wrist. Both had stared silently at one another. Ayden, thinking
> >> > > >he would win this game since he couldn?t see, broke first. Grinning
> >> > > >with a smirk, he had pulled Salma to him and kissed her. Three weeks
> >> > > >later, their routine was continued as normal, yet something was
> >> > > >different. They had transitioned into this new element with ease, as
> >> > > >though it were meant to be. Their friendship was strengthened by the
> >> > > >new romance. Still reminiscing, Ayden did not recognize the name 
> >> > > >given
> >> > > >for the first email he came across. Opening it up, he read the
> >> > > >following: Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you
> >> > > >stop your investigation immediately. Heartache and harm can only 
> >> > > >befall
> >> > > >you. Thank your luck and live long and well with your beautiful new
> >> > > >love. There was no signature. Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field,
> >> > > >but the only information this provided was 
> >> > > >aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.
> >> > > >Ayden?s pulse quickened. Hearing Salma pad lightly back into the 
> >> > > >room,
> >> > > >he closed the window he was in. He thought it was best to not alarm 
> >> > > >her
> >> > > >just yet. Holding Salma close against him, wrapping her in a bear 
> >> > > >hug,
> >> > > >Ayden knew this was just the beginning.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >------------------------------
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Message: 2
> >> > > >Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2010 22:58:25 -0500
> >> > > >From: Priscilla McKinley <priscilla.mckinley at gmail.com>
> >> > > >To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> > > >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" 
> >> > > >some
> >> > > > language, alludes to sexual content
> >> > > >Message-ID:
> >> > > > <AANLkTi=iDNLqd5JgFQGiLT8M3UKuuWAS2HjBP-P0NnBH at mail.gmail.com>
> >> > > >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Bridgit,
> >> > > >
> >> > > >I really enjoyed reading your piece. I was very much engaged by the
> >> > > >story. The only part I had issues with was the beginning. It seems 
> >> > > >as
> >> > > >though too much history is packed into a few paragraphs. Perhaps you
> >> > > >could incorporate some of the details in other parts and introduce 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >characters and stories as they come up? Plus, it might be 
> >> > > >interesting
> >> > > >to let your readers wonder for a while what is going on, leading 
> >> > > >them in
> >> > > >to discover that they are in the middle of an amateur murder
> >> > > >investigation.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Nice work!
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Priscilla
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >On 10/7/10, Bridgit Pollpeter <bpollpeter at hotmail.com> wrote:
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Hey guys,
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > I'm taking a detective fiction class this semester for an upper 
> >> > > > > lit
> >> > > > > credit. We had to write detective shorts and I thought I would 
> >> > > > > share
> >> > > > > mine with you. Keep in mind that this is not my genre and also, I
> >> > > > > wrote it in about a 12-our time span. Yes, I'm a procrastinator!
> >> > > > > *smile*
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > It was fun though so enjoy.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Bridgit P
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Sense of Murder
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden sat in his father?s leather wingback chair rolling a large 
> >> > > > > key
> >> > > > > between his fingers. The metal key had been cold, but now was 
> >> > > > > warmed
> >> > > > > by his hands. He gripped the key in his palm and rubbed a thumb 
> >> > > > > across
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > the rough , rusty surface. Three weeks ago, Ayden had merely been
> >> > > > > researching the mysterious death of his grandfather for a book he 
> >> > > > > was
> >> > > > > writing. Now, he sat among items wondering if his grandfather had
> >> > > > > been murdered. Ayden?s father, Nick, had found Henry, his 
> >> > > > > grandfather,
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > lying at the bottom of the staircase in his home. Nick never 
> >> > > > > spoke
> >> > > > > about the incident after reporting it to the police. He would not
> >> > > > > speak to Ayden about Henry?s death either, but he was allowing 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > > > and Salma to search through any items Nick kept. No one had been 
> >> > > > > sure
> >> > > > > what happened. Lucy, Ayden?s grandmother, had been present too 
> >> > > > > when
> >> > > > > Henry?s body was found. The police recorded the death as an
> >> > > > > accidental fall. Many silently pointed fingers at Lucy though. 
> >> > > > > Lucy
> >> > > > > had grown distraught during the past few months before Henry?s 
> >> > > > > death.
> >> > > > > Friends and family reported that she had been distracted often or 
> >> > > > > in
> >> > > > > an irritated mood. This was unlike the warm and tender 
> >> > > > > grandmother
> >> > > > > Ayden had grown up with. When Nick found his father?s body, Lucy 
> >> > > > > had
> >> > > > > gone wild, screaming, unable to leave Henry?s lifeless body.
> >> > > > > Eventually Nick placed her in a care home. Here Lucy had reached 
> >> > > > > an
> >> > > > > almost catatonic state until she too had passed. Gossips spread 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > news, sweeping far and wide. Lucy was crazy, they said. She went 
> >> > > > > mad,
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > she killed her husband. It was juicy, just what a small town 
> >> > > > > needed.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > The police never looked into the possibility, but Lucy died with 
> >> > > > > a
> >> > > > > scarlet letter attached to her memory. Ayden could never believe 
> >> > > > > that
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > Lucy would hurt anyone. Lucy had been fond of Ayden, guiding him,
> >> > > > > encouraging him. ?You?re so full of potential, Ayden. I can see 
> >> > > > > fire
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > in your eyes,? she used to tell him. When Ayden lost his vision, 
> >> > > > > Lucy
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > had been the one person who supported him, still encouraging. For
> >> > > > > years, though, there had been whispers of foul play, but no one 
> >> > > > > ever
> >> > > > > spoke about the rumors. Vague insinuations were the closest 
> >> > > > > anyone
> >> > > > > came to mentioning ?murder.? Ayden, though, had never played by 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > rules. His mother referred to him as the ?black sheep of the 
> >> > > > > family?
> >> > > > > whenever she threw a dinner party. Ayden never felt like he fit 
> >> > > > > in
> >> > > > > his family?s world of snobbish dinner parties, elite country 
> >> > > > > clubs and
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > preferential treatment at most Ivy League universities. He had
> >> > > > > already been a disappointment to his family before a car accident 
> >> > > > > left
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > him blind. Seven-years later, Ayden had come to terms with his
> >> > > > > blindness, but his family accepted him only out of duty. His 
> >> > > > > father
> >> > > > > had been clear when saying, ?This condition of yours is not 
> >> > > > > suitable
> >> > > > > for the courtroom, but the firm can take you on in a capacity for
> >> > > > > research, perhaps. Maybe a paralegal position will be suitable.?
> >> > > > > Ayden was not able to live with this attitude hanging over him. 
> >> > > > > After
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > completing his bachelor?s in literature, Ayden took up a career
> >> > > > > writing for any newspapers or journals that accepted his entries.
> >> > > > > Writing for a small literary journal allowed Ayden to work on his
> >> > > > > novel which had turned into a fictionalized account of his
> >> > > > > grandfather?s death. Asking his father for any information about 
> >> > > > > his
> >> > > > > grandfather?s life, was the reason Ayden now sat in his father?s
> >> > > > > study. He found more, he thought, than his father knew about 
> >> > > > > though.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > ?So what?s next?? Salma asked. Salma lived across the hall from 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > in his building. They had become friends, and Salma now was 
> >> > > > > helping
> >> > > > > him research his grandfather?s life. Tapping the key in his palm,
> >> > > > > Ayden said, ?I?m not sure. This letter says a lot.? Ayden closed 
> >> > > > > his
> >> > > > > eyes thinking on this letter. It was evidence, even if
> >> > > > > circumstantial, that suggested, if Lucy knew about it, she could 
> >> > > > > have
> >> > > > > killed Henry. There was a pause then paper crackled before Salma
> >> > > > > spoke. ?It?s pretty clear from this letter that your grandfather 
> >> > > > > was
> >> > > > > having an affair. I wonder if we can figure out these initials, 
> >> > > > > A.
> >> > > > > W.? Ayden shut his eyes thinking, trying to remember anyone he 
> >> > > > > had
> >> > > > > ever met with A. W. for initials. ?I don?t know,? he sighed.
> >> > > > > As Ayden and Salma leafed through pictures and notes, they had 
> >> > > > > found
> >> > > >an old
> >> > > > > copy of Wuthering Heights. Ayden remembered the year Henry had 
> >> > > > > given
> >> > > >the
> >> > > > > third edition book to Lucy for Christmas. Lucy had sat unwrapping 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > >gift,
> >> > > > > then exclaimed, ?Oh,? before looking up with tears in her eyes.
> >> > > >Wuthering
> >> > > > > Heights had always been her favorite novel. Lucy had been the one
> >> > > >person to
> >> > > > > encourage Ayden to follow his dream and take up writing instead 
> >> > > > > of
> >> > > >joining
> >> > > > > the family law firm. ?You?re meant to follow your own path,? Lucy 
> >> > > > > had
> >> > > >told
> >> > > > > Ayden once. Twenty-years later, Ayden and Salma found a letter
> >> > > >enclosed in
> >> > > > > the pages of the book.
> >> > > > > Ayden touched the thick, but stiff piece of paper and held it out 
> >> > > > > to
> >> > > >Salma
> >> > > > > to inspect. She told him the letter appeared old, but not as old 
> >> > > > > as
> >> > > >the
> >> > > > > book. A few of the torn edges of the letter were turning yellow. 
> >> > > > > The
> >> > > > > letter was simple as she read:
> >> > > > > Henry, my love,
> >> > > > > I can not wait to see you again. I hoped and when I saw you 
> >> > > > > coming
> >> > > >down the
> >> > > > > road, my heart leaped. I still feel your touch. How much longer 
> >> > > > > must
> >> > > >we
> >> > > > > wait? Please, my darling, give me what I ask before it is too 
> >> > > > > late.
> >> > > > > Love, A. W.
> >> > > > > ?What now? Where do we go next?? Salma asked.
> >> > > > > Ayden held the rusted, copper key up in front of him. ?We visit 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > >old
> >> > > > > Templeton mansion.?
> >> > > > > The Templeton mansion was the Victorian home Henry and Lucy had 
> >> > > > > lived
> >> > > >in for
> >> > > > > years. The family still owned it, but it had sat empty for years.
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > > > thought that maybe more secrets were hidden within the walls of 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > Templeton house, eager to be discovered.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden sat in the car as Salma drove. Neither spoke as Ayden?s 
> >> > > > > fingers
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > slid across the pages on his lap. Reading his Braille notes, 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > > > wondered where to start once they reached the small town where 
> >> > > > > his
> >> > > > > grandparents and father had grown up. Henry had started a small 
> >> > > > > law
> >> > > > > firm in town, but eventually it grew. Henry and Lucy had moved 
> >> > > > > when
> >> > > > > Nick had been ten. Nick never spoke about his childhood though.
> >> > > > > Ayden really didn?t know much about his family?s past. Lucy and 
> >> > > > > Henry
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > had moved back to their old house once Nick took the firm over, 
> >> > > > > but
> >> > > > > Ayden had rarely visited the home. After Henry had died, Lucy, 
> >> > > > > unable
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > to cope with his death, had moved into an upscale nursing home in 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > City, and Nick left the house untouched. The house had sat empty 
> >> > > > > now
> >> > > > > for ten years. As the car slowed, Ayden looked up at Salma. ?Are 
> >> > > > > we
> >> > > > > there?? ?Yes. What?s our first stop?? ?I?m figuring this out as 
> >> > > > > we
> >> > > > > go along. I guess the police station.? Salma was silent before
> >> > > > > saying, ?You okay? I know your dad wasn?t happy.? Ayden had
> >> > > > > questioned his father about the letter, but Nick had gone quiet 
> >> > > > > and
> >> > > > > cold before telling Ayden, ?Leave it alone. We don?t dig up 
> >> > > > > family
> >> > > > > history.? Ayden tried to coax Nick to say more, but the subject 
> >> > > > > was
> >> > > > > closed. ?Yeah. I wish he would have told us more. Explained
> >> > > > > something,? Ayden said.
> >> > > > > ?Maybe he just wants to keep your family secrets, well, secret. 
> >> > > > > Some
> >> > > >people
> >> > > > > don?t like giving out info about anything.?
> >> > > > > ?I just feel like he knows more than he?s letting on. Mom just 
> >> > > > > played
> >> > > >dumb
> >> > > > > too.?
> >> > > > > ?We?ll find something. Don?t worry.?
> >> > > > > Salma was always reassuring Ayden. She had become a constant in 
> >> > > > > his
> >> > > >life.
> >> > > > > The only real constant he had. She had shown up one day, knocking 
> >> > > > > on
> >> > > >his
> >> > > > > door, holding a dish in her hands, offering Ayden some home made
> >> > > >enchiladas.
> >> > > > > That had been the beginning of their friendship. They had spent 
> >> > > > > many
> >> > > > > nights talking until three in the morning and hanging out on 
> >> > > > > weekends.
> >> > > > > Salma was the one connection Ayden had to the outside world. Once
> >> > > >moving
> >> > > > > away from his family, he had become a recluse of sorts. He showed 
> >> > > > > up
> >> > > >to the
> >> > > > > office for work, attended cocktail parties required for work and 
> >> > > > > even
> >> > > >dated
> >> > > > > a couple of girls, but Salma was the one person he truly felt
> >> > > >comfortable
> >> > > > > with. Her infectious way of always looking at things positively
> >> > > >seemed like
> >> > > > > a novelty to Ayden. She could always make him smile. When he 
> >> > > > > began
> >> > > >writing
> >> > > > > the book about Henry, Salma had offered to assist in anyway she 
> >> > > > > could.
> >> > > > > ?I?m really glad you?re here,? Ayden said.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > ?Yeah, yeah. I?m waiting for my pay check.? Salma giggled as she
> >> > > > > pulled into a parking stall. ?I think we?re here.? While Salma
> >> > > > > dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped his cane along 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > brick walls looking for the door. Hearing the clink of glass as 
> >> > > > > his
> >> > > > > cane tapped, Ayden was sure he found the door. ?No Braille, is 
> >> > > > > this
> >> > > > > it?? he shouted back to Salma. ?I believe so,? she answered 
> >> > > > > rushing to
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > catch up. They entered the quiet, almost lazy-like atmosphere of 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > police station. Ayden moved towards the sound of clacking as some 
> >> > > > > one
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > pressed keys on a computer keyboard with a practiced efficiency.
> >> > > > > This, he thought, must be a reception desk.
> >> > > > > Stepping up to a smooth feeling counter, Ayden said, ?Excuse me.?
> >> > > > > ?Can I help you?? a woman?s bored voice said.
> >> > > > > ?We were wondering if we can speak to some one who worked the 
> >> > > > > Henry
> >> > > > > Templeton case,? Ayden said.
> >> > > > > The woman stopped typing and a long silence followed. ?Who?s
> >> > > >asking??
> >> > > > > ?I?m Ayden Templeton, Henry?s grandson.?
> >> > > > > ?One minute.? A chair creaked as the woman stood. Her shoes 
> >> > > > > clacked
> >> > > >as she
> >> > > > > walked away.
> >> > > > > Salma touched Ayden?s arm. ?She had a weird look when you 
> >> > > > > mentioned
> >> > > >your
> >> > > > > grandpa?s name.?
> >> > > > > Ayden said nothing, not sure what he was doing there in the first
> >> > > >place.
> >> > > > > The woman?s shoes clacked once more as she returned. Another 
> >> > > > > footstep
> >> > > > > joined hers, but this person shuffled slightly.
> >> > > > > The person shuffled towards Salma, saying, ?Hello. I?m Sheriff
> >> > > >Jenkins.
> >> > > > > How can I help you??
> >> > > > > Ayden stepped closer towards Salma, extending his arm to Sheriff
> >> > > >Jenkins.
> >> > > > > ?I?m Ayden Templeton and this is Salma Juarez. We have some 
> >> > > > > questions
> >> > > >about
> >> > > > > my grandfather?s death.?
> >> > > > > There was a pause before Sheriff Jenkins shook Ayden?s hand. 
> >> > > > > ?Step
> >> > > >into my
> >> > > > > office please.?
> >> > > > > Ayden followed the sheriff into a room off the main section of 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > department. His cane swep the inside of the door frame, 
> >> > > > > indicating
> >> > > >the
> >> > > > > width so Ayden avoided bumping into the edges of the frame. Ayden
> >> > > >asked
> >> > > > > where a chair was and turned in the direction Captain Jenkins
> >> > > >indicated.
> >> > > > > Once again, his cane found the chair and sliding the cane across 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > >seat,
> >> > > > > Ayden determined where the front of the chair was. Salma?s arm
> >> > > >brushed his
> >> > > > > as she sat next to him.
> >> > > > > ?Can I get you anything?? Sheriff Jenkins asked.
> >> > > > > ?No, but thank you. Salma??
> >> > > > > ?I?m good,? Salma replied.
> >> > > > > Ayden felt a tension fill the room as the three sat there, not
> >> > > >speaking.
> >> > > > > Sheriff Jenkins began tapping the edge of the metal table in the
> >> > > > > interrogation room. Ayden twisted his cane between his fingers.
> >> > > >Salma
> >> > > > > bobbed her foot which was lightly kicking Ayden?s shin.
> >> > > > > ?We?re hoping to learn as much as we can about Henry Templeton?s
> >> > > >death. I?m
> >> > > > > researching the story for a novel I?m working on,? Ayden started.
> >> > > > > ?I worked the case. There?s not much to tell,? Sheriff Jenkins 
> >> > > > > said.
> >> > > > > ?I know you eventually reported it as an accidental death, but 
> >> > > > > was
> >> > > >there
> >> > > > > ever any evidence suggesting otherwise?? Ayden asked.
> >> > > > > ?No. We questioned friends and family and there was no reason to
> >> > > >believe
> >> > > > > Henry Templeton was murdered,? Sheriff Jenkins said sharply.
> >> > > > > Ayden shifted his head towards Salma before saying, ?I know there
> >> > > > > was-uh-speculation that maybe my grandmother did it.?
> >> > > > > ?Lucy Baldwin? She never hurt anyone. We were all shocked when 
> >> > > > > she
> >> > > >married
> >> > > > > Henry. She could have had anyone she wanted.?
> >> > > > > Ayden leaned against the table looking straight in the direction 
> >> > > > > where
> >> > > > > Sheriff Jenkins sat. ?I thought Henry was a catch? You know, a
> >> > > >lawyer from
> >> > > > > a wealthy family.?
> >> > > > > ?He was a playboy. Always was, never changed.?
> >> > > > > ?Who did you question about his death?? Salma broke in.
> >> > > > > The sheriff?s chair creaked as he leaned back. ?Well, of course 
> >> > > > > Lucy
> >> > > >and
> >> > > > > her boy Nick. They were there. Found his body and all.?
> >> > > > > Ayden shot the sheriff a questioning glance. He was talking like 
> >> > > > > he
> >> > > >had
> >> > > > > forgot who Ayden was.
> >> > > > > ?Then there was Zelda, the housekeeper, and Avery Mayer, he came
> >> > > >around
> >> > > > > about once a week to help Lucy with the lawn. She loved her 
> >> > > > > garden.
> >> > > >Her
> >> > > > > roses won prizes around here,? Sheriff Jenkins continued.
> >> > > > > ?Anyone else?? Ayden asked.
> >> > > > > ?Oh, his work associates, but Henry was retired so they didn?t 
> >> > > > > see
> >> > > >much of
> >> > > > > him anymore. Alice Whitley, she had been his personal secretary 
> >> > > > > for
> >> > > >years.
> >> > > > > She still did stuff part-time for Henry.?
> >> > > > > Ayden had pulled out a three-by-five plastic device that had six 
> >> > > > > rows
> >> > > >of
> >> > > > > cells containing three holes on each side of the cells. A 
> >> > > > > pop-pop-pop
> >> > > >sound
> >> > > > > was made as Ayden poked a pointed awl-like object called a stylus
> >> > > >through
> >> > > > > the holes as he took Braille notes. ?Are any of these people 
> >> > > > > still
> >> > > >around??
> >> > > > > ?Not everyone had the same opportunities as the Templeton?s to 
> >> > > > > leave
> >> > > >town.
> >> > > > > Other than Henry?s work associates, I think most of them still 
> >> > > > > live
> >> > > >around
> >> > > > > here. At least the one?s who are still alive.?
> >> > > > > ?Is there anything else you can tell us? Was there anything 
> >> > > > > strange
> >> > > >you
> >> > > > > noticed? Any evidence that suggest something other than an 
> >> > > > > accidental
> >> > > > > tumble down the stairs??
> >> > > > > The sheriff laughed. ?I know you city folk like to dream up seedy
> >> > > > > happenings in small towns, but Henry Templeton?s death was 
> >> > > > > nothing
> >> > > >more than
> >> > > > > an accident. Nothing dark about it.?
> >> > > > > ?Thank you for your time,? Ayden said extending his hand again to
> >> > > >shake
> >> > > > > Sheriff Jenkins?s.
> >> > > > > Sheriff Jenkins sighed. ?Look, don?t go digging anything up. Just
> >> > > >let the
> >> > > > > dead rest.?
> >> > > > > Salma?s bracelet tinkled as they stood.
> >> > > > > ?We understand. I?m just trying to find things out about my
> >> > > >grandfather for
> >> > > > > the book. You know, no stone uncovered,? Ayden said.
> >> > > > > ?Are you two married?? Sheriff Jenkins asked.
> >> > > > > Ayden, confused by the switch, replied, ?No.?
> >> > > > > The sheriff chuckled. ?Like your grandpa, I see.?
> >> > > > > Ayden blushed, but Salma said, ?Ayden is nothing but a gentleman.
> >> > > >Clearly
> >> > > > > something he did not pick up in this town.?
> >> > > > > ?I know the kind of men the Templeton?s are,? the sheriff said.
> >> > > > > Unsure of what to do, Ayden turned to leave.
> >> > > > > ?At least he has a better chance of touching what you have been
> >> > > >admiring
> >> > > > > this whole time,? Salma snapped. She turned quickly and Ayden 
> >> > > > > felt a
> >> > > >rush
> >> > > > > of breeze as she left the room.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Out in the car, Ayden apologized.
> >> > > > > ?I?m sorry. I didn?t know what to say.?
> >> > > > > ?It?s okay. He was a pig.?
> >> > > > > ?I didn?t realize-?
> >> > > > > ?I know, its okay. Where to next??
> >> > > > > Ayden could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone. ?The 
> >> > > > > house, I
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > guess.? As Salma pulled back out into the street devoid of 
> >> > > > > traffic,
> >> > > > > Ayden wondered why she had told Sheriff Jenkins what she had. Was 
> >> > > > > it
> >> > > > > simply said in a moment of anger, or was there any truth in her 
> >> > > > > words,
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > he thought. He has a better chance of touching what you have been
> >> > > > > admiring. For the first time, Ayden thought of the possibilities 
> >> > > > > with
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > Salma.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden stood before the house remembering the bright blue it had 
> >> > > > > been
> >> > > > > during the few visits he had made during his childhood. The house 
> >> > > > > had
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > always stood out even among the street full of bright, cheery 
> >> > > > > houses
> >> > > > > complete with emerald lawns and award winning gardens. The 
> >> > > > > Templeton
> >> > > > > house had a wrap-around porch with a veranda to the back opening 
> >> > > > > onto
> >> > > > > a large lawn complete with a British garden. Its three stories
> >> > > > > reached majestically towards the sky.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden now gripped the rough, wooden railing of the house. The 
> >> > > > > feel of
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > the railing did not match his memory of the sleek, smooth dark 
> >> > > > > wooden
> >> > > > > banister. The stairs creaked as he stepped on them. Reaching the
> >> > > > > porch, he felt a slight dip and quickly stepped sideways in fear 
> >> > > > > of
> >> > > > > falling through the porch. Children played nearby and cars 
> >> > > > > languidly
> >> > > > > drove down the street, but a strange silence surrounded the 
> >> > > > > house. It
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > was as though Ayden were underneath water trying to make out the
> >> > > > > distant sounds. The scent of jasmine passed briefly through his 
> >> > > > > nose
> >> > > > > as Salma stood next to him. ?How does it look?? Ayden asked 
> >> > > > > ignoring
> >> > > > > the scent. Salma took a deep breath. ?It?s run down, that?s for 
> >> > > > > sure.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > I can?t believe no one has lived here for years.? ?My family 
> >> > > > > still
> >> > > > > owns it, but after my grandfather?s death, no one wanted to do
> >> > > > > anything about it.? Ayden placed his hand on the cold handle of 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > dilapidated Victorian house. He dug in his pockets for the rusty 
> >> > > > > key
> >> > > > > he had found in his father?s office. As he inserted the heavy key 
> >> > > > > in
> >> > > > > the lock, a quiet click was heard. Ayden pushed the solid door 
> >> > > > > open.
> >> > > > > He looked in Salma?s direction before stepping inside. Shutting 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > door, the house engulfed all sound like a tomb.
> >> > > > > ?Creepy,? Salma said as she shivered.
> >> > > > > Ayden walked forward tapping his long white cane, arcing wide so 
> >> > > > > as to
> >> > > >not
> >> > > > > run into anything. Dust filled the air and Ayden coughed as he
> >> > > >inhaled.
> >> > > > > ?This has been sitting for years,? Ayden rasped. ?What?s it look
> >> > > >like??
> >> > > > > Salma looked around. ?It?s really dark, but it?s almost 
> >> > > > > completely
> >> > > >empty.
> >> > > > > What do you think you?ll find??
> >> > > > > ?I?m not sure. Sheriff Jenkins wasn?t much help. I just thought,
> >> > > >maybe
> >> > > > > something??
> >> > > > > Salma?s sandals clipped-clopped as she walked over to a window to 
> >> > > > > open
> >> > > >it.
> >> > > > > ?Well, if we are going to be here long we need fresh air.?
> >> > > > > Ayden felt a rush of summer breeze as the window clambered up. 
> >> > > > > The
> >> > > >sound of
> >> > > > > kids jumping rope ruined the house?s stolid silence. Life entered 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > >house
> >> > > > > again as Ayden began to feel around searching for any clue.
> >> > > > > Salma clumped up the stairs as Ayden moved from room to room 
> >> > > > > feeling
> >> > > >walls
> >> > > > > and any remaining furniture, hoping to find something, anything. 
> >> > > > > He
> >> > > >rifled
> >> > > > > through drawers and cupboards. So far his hands had only found 
> >> > > > > dust
> >> > > >and
> >> > > > > cobwebs.
> >> > > > > ?Ayden, Ayden!? Salma shouted a couple of hours later.
> >> > > > > Ayden hurried towards the staircase. ?Salma! Are you okay??
> >> > > > > ?Get up here! I found something!?
> >> > > > > Ayden clambered up the grand staircase. Reaching the top, he 
> >> > > > > shouted,
> >> > > >?What
> >> > > > > room??
> >> > > > > ?Um, it?s a bedroom.?
> >> > > > > Hearing her voice off to his left, Ayden moved down the hallway. 
> >> > > > > At
> >> > > >the
> >> > > > > end, he found a door open.
> >> > > > > ?Salma??
> >> > > > > Salma?s clapping sandals moved towards Ayden.
> >> > > > > ?Look at this,? she said excitedly. Her bracelet tinkled and 
> >> > > > > paper
> >> > > >crackled
> >> > > > > as she shoved something in Ayden?s hand.
> >> > > > > Ayden grinned. ?Um?? He handed the paper back to Salma.
> >> > > > > ?Oh-sorry. I just-you won?t believe this.?
> >> > > > > It was another letter; a love letter to Henry.
> >> > > > > Henry, My love,
> >> > > > > I miss you. I grow restless with each day. I have waited years to 
> >> > > > > be
> >> > > >with
> >> > > > > you, really be with you. Let?s stop the pretending, stop the 
> >> > > > > lies.
> >> > > >Don?t
> >> > > > > be mad with me. I would do anything for you, but we must stop 
> >> > > > > hiding.
> >> > > > > There is no harm in this. I will wait to hear from you, but don?t
> >> > > >take
> >> > > > > long.
> >> > > > > Love,
> >> > > > > A. W.
> >> > > > > Salma rushed through the letter almost in one breath. Ayden was 
> >> > > > > not
> >> > > >quite
> >> > > > > sure what her excitement was for.
> >> > > > > ?We already know Henry was having an affair of sorts,? he said.
> >> > > > > Salma sighed impatiently. ?Ayden, think about it. Don?t you see??
> >> > > > > ?Not really,? he said slowly.
> >> > > > > She grabbed his wrist. Her slender fingers gripped him with a
> >> > > >strength
> >> > > > > Ayden would not have guessed at. She moved in closer and once 
> >> > > > > again,
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > > > took in the scent of jasmine. This time he smelled something else
> >> > > >with it.
> >> > > > > Vanilla, he thought. Salma shook his arm slightly bringing him 
> >> > > > > back
> >> > > >to
> >> > > > > attention.
> >> > > > > ?Ayden, A. W. Don?t you see it yet??
> >> > > > > ?A. W.??
> >> > > > > ?The initials,? she said exasperated, ?A. W. Alice Whitley.?
> >> > > > > ?Who?s Alice Whitley??
> >> > > > > Salma smacked her forehead. ?Ay-where are your notes from today??
> >> > > > > Ayden pulled out the three-by-five note card from his back 
> >> > > > > pocket.
> >> > > > > ?Now read through it,? Salma said as though talking to a small 
> >> > > > > child.
> >> > > > > Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and looked sharply up 
> >> > > > > at
> >> > > >Salma.
> >> > > > > ?See?? Salma asked.
> >> > > > > ?I can?t believe we didn?t realize it then. His secretary. And
> >> > > >Sheriff
> >> > > > > Jenkins said she?s still living in town.?
> >> > > > > ?Think we can find her??
> >> > > > > ?Give me a minute,? Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone 
> >> > > > > tucked
> >> > > >away in
> >> > > > > his pocket.
> >> > > > > An electronic hum came from his phone as he maneuvered through 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > >menus on
> >> > > > > his phone. A screen-reading program specific to mobile phones, 
> >> > > > > helped
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > > > utilize the functions on his phone.
> >> > > > > ?Got it. There?s only one Alice Whitley that shows up in town.?
> >> > > > > ?Thank God for technology,? Salma said. ?No wonder no one could 
> >> > > > > ever
> >> > > >solve
> >> > > > > this case.?
> >> > > > > Ayden smirked at her. ?Thank God for accessible technology. Come 
> >> > > > > on.
> >> > > >She
> >> > > > > doesn?t live far from here and it?s not too late.?
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ten minutes later, Ayden and Salma knocked on a door. The house 
> >> > > > > was
> >> > > > > less substantial than the Templeton house, but Salma described 
> >> > > > > its
> >> > > > > well-kempt lawn and cheery exterior. The door opened and a 
> >> > > > > woman?s
> >> > > > > voice gasped, ?Oh.? ?Miss Whitley? I?m Ayden-?
> >> > > > > ?Templeton,? she said. ?You look like Henry.?
> >> > > > > Smiling, Ayden said, ?Miss Whitley, this is my friend Salma. 
> >> > > > > We?re
> >> > > >working
> >> > > > > on a book about my grandfather, and we would like to ask you some
> >> > > > > questions.?
> >> > > > > ?Oh, of course. Come in, come in.?
> >> > > > > As the door shut behind Ayden and Salma, he smelled a flower 
> >> > > > > scent
> >> > > >that he
> >> > > > > couldn?t place and a clock ticked nearby. Alice Whitley ushered 
> >> > > > > them
> >> > > >into a
> >> > > > > sitting room off the entryway. Salma sat next to Ayden on the 
> >> > > > > soft
> >> > > >couch
> >> > > > > while Alice sat across from them.
> >> > > > > ?Can I offer you anything? I just made lemonade.?
> >> > > > > ?That would be wonderful,? Salma said.
> >> > > > > As Alice left the room, Ayden turned towards Salma. ?I?m sorry, I
> >> > > >didn?t
> >> > > > > even think to ask if you were hungry.?
> >> > > > > ?Hon, it?s okay. I didn?t think about it myself until now.?
> >> > > > > ?We?ll have dinner after this; I promise.?
> >> > > > > ?Promise??
> >> > > > > Ayden grinned as Alice returned. She placed an ice-cold glass in
> >> > > >Ayden?s
> >> > > > > hand. Ice chinked against the side as he took a gulp. The cold
> >> > > >liquid felt
> >> > > > > good down his throat after the dust of his family?s house. He 
> >> > > > > could
> >> > > >only
> >> > > > > imagine how dirty he and Salma looked. He felt the mingled grime 
> >> > > > > of
> >> > > >sweat
> >> > > > > and dirt on his body. Why had it not occurred to them to stop
> >> > > >somewhere
> >> > > > > first and wash up, Ayden thought.
> >> > > > > ?So, what can I help you with? Henry was a dear friend and I miss
> >> > > >him. You
> >> > > > > must call me Alice.?
> >> > > > > ?Well, Alice, we specifically are interested in his death,? Ayden
> >> > > >said.
> >> > > > > Alice choked on her lemonade. ?Why would you be interested in 
> >> > > > > that??
> >> > > > > ?I believe that maybe his death wasn?t accidental.?
> >> > > > > ?Oh dear, don?t buy into those silly rumors. Pete Jenkins 
> >> > > > > conducted a
> >> > > > > thorough investigation and no foul play was to be hinted at.?
> >> > > > > ?And yet the rumors persist,? Ayden said.
> >> > > > > ?Silly gossip. Housewives bored out of there minds.?
> >> > > > > ?You know Sheriff Jenkins?? Ayden asked.
> >> > > > > ?Darling, it?s a town of ten-thousand; everybody knows 
> >> > > > > everybody.?
> >> > > > > Ayden sipped on his lemonade as Salma clicked her nails against 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > >side of
> >> > > > > her glass.
> >> > > > > ?We have reason to believe maybe there is more to the story,? 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > >said.
> >> > > > > He affected his best courtroom demeanor. He had seen his father 
> >> > > > > like
> >> > > >this
> >> > > > > hundreds of times.
> >> > > > > Alice swirled ice chuncks around in her glass. Her voice had lost
> >> > > >some of
> >> > > > > its cheeriness when she responded by asking, ?What makes you say
> >> > > >that??
> >> > > > > Ayden found the love letter in a folder. He removed the Braille
> >> > > >label,
> >> > > > > setting the letter on the coffee table dividing Ayden and Salma 
> >> > > > > from
> >> > > >Alice.
> >> > > > > The room grew still. The letter rustled as Alice picked it up. 
> >> > > > > When
> >> > > >she
> >> > > > > spoke, she sounded choked as though she were holding back tears.
> >> > > > > ?Where did you find this??
> >> > > > > ?It was in some old boxes in the Templeton home,? Salma said.
> >> > > > > A long silence followed in which Ayden could hear Alice 
> >> > > > > sniffling.
> >> > > > > ?I suppose the truth has to come out sooner or later,? Alice said
> >> > > >quietly.
> >> > > > > ?We don?t need-a-details of anything, but is there any reason to 
> >> > > > > think
> >> > > >Henry
> >> > > > > was killed?? Ayden soothed.
> >> > > > > ?Your grandfather hired me when I was eighteen,? Alice began, 
> >> > > > > ignoring
> >> > > > > Ayden. ?I instantly fell in love with him, but he was that type.
> >> > > >Dashingly
> >> > > > > handsome, charming to a fault. He was a few years older than me, 
> >> > > > > but
> >> > > >I knew
> >> > > > > how all the girls waited for their chance to rope Henry into 
> >> > > > > marriage.
> >> > > >I
> >> > > > > felt so lucky to see him everyday. I started out as a simple
> >> > > >receptionist,
> >> > > > > but eventually he promoted me to his personal secretary.?
> >> > > > > ?Did you move with my grandparents then, when they moved?? Ayden
> >> > > >asked.
> >> > > > > Alice sighed. ?Yes, but after-things happened-I moved back. I
> >> > > >remained in
> >> > > > > his employ, working from the office here in town. Before your 
> >> > > > > father
> >> > > >took
> >> > > > > charge, Henry?s headquarters had always been based from here.?
> >> > > > > Ayden nodded his head.
> >> > > > > ?I never meant to hurt anyone. Things happened. Henry loved us 
> >> > > > > both,
> >> > > >Lucy
> >> > > > > and I. I tried to end it for years, but Henry always showed up 
> >> > > > > with
> >> > > >that
> >> > > > > smile of his. Then I tried to make him choose. I should?ve known
> >> > > >better,
> >> > > > > but I was in love.?
> >> > > > > Alice continued to spill her story, hoping for redemption 
> >> > > > > perhaps.
> >> > > > > ?The final straw came right before his death. We had carried on 
> >> > > > > for
> >> > > >almost
> >> > > > > forty-years and I knew it had to stop. We fought. I threatened to
> >> > > >tell
> >> > > > > Lucy and that was that. He left me promising to choose. I waited 
> >> > > > > for
> >> > > >an
> >> > > > > answer, but a week later, Henry was found dead.?
> >> > > > > ?Did you ever tell anyone?? Ayden asked.
> >> > > > > ?No.?
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden and Salma stood by the car outside Alice?s house. A breeze
> >> > > > > tousled Ayden?s hair and Salma gently combed her fingers through 
> >> > > > > his
> >> > > > > dark tresses. ?Seems like all you Templeton men are 
> >> > > > > irresistible,? she
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > said teasingly. Unsure of how to respond to her comment, he 
> >> > > > > grinned,
> >> > > > > but before he could make a remark, Ayden heard her car door click
> >> > > > > open. He slid into the passenger seat, heart pounding. ?You 
> >> > > > > promised
> >> > > > > me dinner,? Salma whined playfully.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > After devouring diner-style hamburgers and fries, Ayden and Salma
> >> > > > > found themselves walking through the downtown area. Salma kept up
> >> > > > > with Ayden?s stride as his cane tapped in a shoulder-length-arc.
> >> > > > > ?Sometimes I think it would be nice to live in a small town,? 
> >> > > > > Salma
> >> > > > > mused. ?Really, you? Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day,? 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > > > joked. ?I could drive to the city. I don?t know. It seems like a
> >> > > > > nice place to raise a family.? Ayden had never heard Salma speak 
> >> > > > > about
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > kids or families. As well as he knew her, Ayden realized there 
> >> > > > > was
> >> > > > > plenty he still had to learn about Salma. ?Yes, we could raise 
> >> > > > > happy
> >> > > > > little kids who will grow up to cheat, lie and murder,? Ayden 
> >> > > > > scoffed.
> >> > > > > ?We, huh??
> >> > > > > Ayden blushed, feeling the heat creep up his neck to his face. He
> >> > > >hadn?t
> >> > > > > caught his blunder. He sputtered, but before he could make sense 
> >> > > > > of
> >> > > >his
> >> > > > > words, Salma grabbed his hand.
> >> > > > > ?Maybe we can live in the Templeton mansion,? she said.
> >> > > > > They walked silently back to the car.
> >> > > > > ?It?s pretty late, what should we do?? Salma asked.
> >> > > > > Ayden flipped the crystal face of his watch up. Feeling the 
> >> > > > > raised
> >> > > >dots and
> >> > > > > arrows with his pointer finger on his Braille watch, he said, 
> >> > > > > ?It?s a
> >> > > > > quarter to eleven. I?m beat.?
> >> > > > > ?Me too. I don?t really feel like driving back tonight though.?
> >> > > > > Ayden scratched his head. ?I guess we can stay at 
> >> > > > > casa-de-Templeton.?
> >> > > > > ?Okay, but no funny business,? Salma joked.
> >> > > > > Sitting in the car, Ayden said, ?By the way, unlike some men in 
> >> > > > > my
> >> > > >family,
> >> > > > > I?m more of a one-woman type.?
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > They stood on either side of the king-size bed in the master 
> >> > > > > bedroom.
> >> > > > > ?Sure you don?t want to sleep in another room?? Ayden asked. 
> >> > > > > ?Hell no!
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > This house is creepy.? ?I thought you wanted to raise children 
> >> > > > > here??
> >> > > > > ?Shut-up. Scared to sleep with a girl?? The bed creaked as Salma 
> >> > > > > lay
> >> > > >down
> >> > > > > on it. ?A bit musty.?
> >> > > > > They had found spare bed linens in a box and had attempted to 
> >> > > > > shake
> >> > > >them out
> >> > > > > as best they could. Ayden had noticed a lingering wispy scent of
> >> > > >flowers
> >> > > > > that he could not place. It may have been the remnants of 
> >> > > > > something
> >> > > >used to
> >> > > > > launder the linens years ago, he had thought.
> >> > > > > Without thinking, Ayden removed his shirt and handed it to Salma.
> >> > > >?Here.
> >> > > > > You can wrap your pillow in it.?
> >> > > > > ?Thanks,? Salma said drawing the word out.
> >> > > > > Realizing what he had just done, he blushed for the millionth 
> >> > > > > time
> >> > > >that day.
> >> > > > > Not able to turn back what he had done, Ayden lay slowly down,
> >> > > >sticking
> >> > > > > close to the edge.
> >> > > > > ?Keep your hands above the blankets,? Salma yawned.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden woke disoriented at first, but comprehension quickly dawned 
> >> > > > > as
> >> > > > > he felt Salma?s small body nestled against his. She snored 
> >> > > > > quietly
> >> > > > > and Ayden smiled. This was nice, he thought. He extracted himself
> >> > > > > gently from the bed, trying to not wake Salma. He needed to use 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > bathroom, but it struck him that the bathrooms would not be in 
> >> > > > > working
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > order. It was primitive, but it would have to do, he thought as 
> >> > > > > he
> >> > > > > found his way downstairs and out into the back garden. Hoping no
> >> > > > > neighbors were awake to see him, he relieved himself. Half asleep
> >> > > > > still, his eyes snapped open as a slight shuffle came from behind 
> >> > > > > him.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > Finished with his midnight chore, he listened intently, but no 
> >> > > > > sound
> >> > > > > came again. He turned around, gripping his cane in one hand. 
> >> > > > > ?Hello,?
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > he said. No response came. He turned back towards the house and 
> >> > > > > as he
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > walked, Ayden felt his back tingle. It was the sensation he felt 
> >> > > > > as a
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > child when terrified, feeling a presence behind him. He was an 
> >> > > > > adult
> >> > > > > now, he chided himself. Forcing himself to walk calmly back into 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > house, he reached the French doors and entered. As he went to 
> >> > > > > shut
> >> > > > > the doors, a soft shuffle started in the darkness again. It could
> >> > > > > have been the long dead foliage rustling in the breeze, but Ayden
> >> > > > > placed himself in the doorway again. The noise instantly stopped.
> >> > > > > Slamming the door and locking it, Ayden flew to the stairs, 
> >> > > > > taking
> >> > > >three
> >> > > > > steps at a time. Heart pounding, blood rushing in his ears, Ayden
> >> > > >felt a
> >> > > > > cool breeze cut through the stuffy air of the bedroom. DeMint, he
> >> > > >swore to
> >> > > > > himself. They had opened windows before going to bed, hoping to 
> >> > > > > air
> >> > > >out
> >> > > > > their lodgings for the night.
> >> > > > > Salma still was sleeping peacefully on the bed. He sat on the bed
> >> > > >resting
> >> > > > > his head on the large carved headboard, listening.
> >> > > > > Crickets chirped outside and the breeze rustled the leaves of 
> >> > > > > trees
> >> > > >from
> >> > > > > time to time. Salma continued her snoring. Silence loomed around 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > house. Ayden waited to hear the shuffle noise again or a step on 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > stairs, but nothing came. He relaxed after fifteen minutes of
> >> > > >vigilante
> >> > > > > guarding.
> >> > > > > Laying back down on the bed, one arm behind his head, he smiled 
> >> > > > > when
> >> > > >Salma
> >> > > > > threw an arm across his chest. Thinking only of Salma by now, 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > >drifted
> >> > > > > back off to sleep.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > The second time Ayden woke he knew where he was, but something 
> >> > > > > was not
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > right. Salma still snored next to him as he spooned her, but an 
> >> > > > > acrid
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > odor filled his nostrils. A loud crack made him bolt up in bed.
> >> > > > > ?Salma! There?s a fire!? He shook her until she woke up. ?We need 
> >> > > > > to
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > get out of here,? Ayden shouted as she slowly regained a 
> >> > > > > conscience
> >> > > > > state. Ayden flew to the open door. Smoke filled his nose and 
> >> > > > > made
> >> > > > > his eyes water. ?Salma, I can?t tell if we can make it down the
> >> > > > > stairs.? Standing next to him, she said, ?All I can see is smoke. 
> >> > > > > Can
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > we jump out the window??
> >> > > > > ?We?re on the second floor. It?s pretty high up.?
> >> > > > > Now across the room, Ayden heard Salma cry, ?Oh-my-god! Ayden!?
> >> > > > > ?What??
> >> > > > > ?I can see flames around the base of the house.?
> >> > > > > ?Shit.? Trying to think, Ayden gathered up the sheet from the 
> >> > > > > bed.
> >> > > >Dousing
> >> > > > > it with water from the couple bottles purchased last night, he 
> >> > > > > threw
> >> > > >the
> >> > > > > sheet at Salma. ?Wrap yourself in this.?
> >> > > > > ?Why??
> >> > > > > ?Just do it.?
> >> > > > > Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over his
> >> > > >shoulder.
> >> > > > > Grabbing his cane by the door, he moved into the hallway. Hoping 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > >shirt
> >> > > > > tied around his face would keep out smoke, Ayden ran to the top 
> >> > > > > of the
> >> > > > > stairs. Despite the situation, Ayden could not help notice the
> >> > > > > harlequin-romance-like predicament.
> >> > > > > He heard Salma say something, but her face was muffled and he 
> >> > > > > could
> >> > > >not
> >> > > > > understand her. Tucking his cane underneath his arm, he groped 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > >banister
> >> > > > > which still seemed intact. Finally reaching the bottom, he found 
> >> > > > > his
> >> > > >way to
> >> > > > > the front door and opened it. A rush of fresh air greeted him.
> >> > > >Feeling
> >> > > > > heat, he hoped he could make it off the porch. At the top of the
> >> > > >stairs,
> >> > > > > panicked, he placed Salma upright again. She struggled to loosen 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > >sheet
> >> > > > > around her.
> >> > > > > ?Are the flames here too?? Ayden asked.
> >> > > > > ?No, but there coming from behind.?
> >> > > > > At the end of the drive, Ayden dialed 911 on his phone. Neighbors
> >> > > >could be
> >> > > > > heard coming from their own houses. A few ran up to Ayden and 
> >> > > > > Salma
> >> > > >asking
> >> > > > > if they were okay.
> >> > > > > Standing at a distance, Ayden could hear the roar of flames. 
> >> > > > > Salma
> >> > > >held his
> >> > > > > hand as they waited in silence for the sound of sirens.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden rested on the back bumper of Sheriff Jenkins?s police 
> >> > > > > cruiser.
> >> > > > > The mid-morning sun warmed his face. Still shirtless, a blanket
> >> > > > > draped his shoulders. A gritty smudge crossed his forehead and he
> >> > > > > could still smell the smoke embracing his body. Once the firemen 
> >> > > > > had
> >> > > > > extinguished the fire, Sheriff Jenkins and his deputy, a man 
> >> > > > > about
> >> > > > > Ayden?s age, drove Salma and Ayden to the police station. Each 
> >> > > > > gave a
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > report before Nick was contacted. Salma approached Ayden now 
> >> > > > > offering
> >> > > > > a cup of water. He gulped the cool liquid down as Salma rested 
> >> > > > > her
> >> > > > > head against his shoulder. Sniffing her hair laced with a flower
> >> > > > > scent and smoke, Ayden protectively placed an arm around her.
> >> > > > > ?Ayden,? Salma said in quiet surprise, ?Alice Whitley is here.?
> >> > > > > Ayden pulled the blanket closed as he waited for Alice to 
> >> > > > > approach. A
> >> > > >new
> >> > > > > scent filled his nostrils. This too smelled of flowers, but it 
> >> > > > > was
> >> > > >not the
> >> > > > > framiliar jasmine and vanilla Salma wore. Through the fog of his
> >> > > >brain, he
> >> > > > > tried to place where he had smelled this scent before.
> >> > > > > ?I?m glad you two are alright,? Alice spoke quietly. ?I can?t 
> >> > > > > believe
> >> > > >this.
> >> > > > > Do you need anything??
> >> > > > > ?Thank you, but we?re okay,? Salma said warmly.
> >> > > > > ?Pete phoned me this morning-?
> >> > > > > ?Sheriff Jenkins? Why?? Ayden asked.
> >> > > > > Alice didn?t respond.
> >> > > > > Waiting for an answer, Ayden finally recognized the flower scent 
> >> > > > > that
> >> > > >had
> >> > > > > lingered in the closet where he and Salma had found bed linens.
> >> > > > > ?Alice, did you visit the house after we left you yesterday??
> >> > > > > Alice made a noise as though she were suppressing it in her 
> >> > > > > throat.
> >> > > >She
> >> > > > > never answered and before Ayden could ask anything else, he heard 
> >> > > > > her
> >> > > > > muffled footsteps on the grass as she walked briskly away.
> >> > > > > ?Ayden?? Salma puzzled.
> >> > > > > ?Her perfume, it?s the same smell I noticed in the closet last 
> >> > > > > night.?
> >> > > > > ?Ayden, that?s where I found the letter too,? Salma whispered.?
> >> > > > > Ayden heard the swish of grass as someone else walked towards 
> >> > > > > them.
> >> > > >It was
> >> > > > > Nick.
> >> > > > > ?Are you crazy?? Nick asked, bewildered.
> >> > > > > ?I?m fine. Nice to see you too, Dad.?
> >> > > > > Nick let out a long breath before saying, ?Your mother and I went
> >> > > >crazy when
> >> > > > > we heard what happened. We?re glad you?re okay.?
> >> > > > > ?Is the house ruined?? Ayden asked.
> >> > > > > Salma shifted and sat upright next to Ayden.
> >> > > > > ?It?s mostly the garden that was ruined, but there is damage to 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > >house.?
> >> > > > > Ayden felt his chest tighten. The garden had been Lucy?s favorite
> >> > > >place.
> >> > > > > Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways and tall bushes as 
> >> > > > > Lucy
> >> > > >tended
> >> > > > > to her beloved flowers. Interrupting his thoughts, Ayden heard a
> >> > > >shuffling
> >> > > > > footstep approach. Another memory pushed itself front and center 
> >> > > > > in
> >> > > >his
> >> > > > > mind. As Sheriff Jenkins stopped his pace, Ayden gave him a hard
> >> > > >look.
> >> > > > > ?Tom says it will take a few weeks to get reports back, but there 
> >> > > > > is
> >> > > >some
> >> > > > > structural damage to the house, Nick,? the sheriff said.
> >> > > > > ?Taken any midnight strolls to clear your mind lately?? Ayden 
> >> > > > > directed
> >> > > >to
> >> > > > > Sheriff Jenkins.
> >> > > > > No one spoke. Salma gripped his hand.
> >> > > > > ?Any reason why you?d call Alice Whitley early this morning?? 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > > > continued.
> >> > > > > ?Drop it,? Nick hissed at Ayden.
> >> > > > > Thrown off by Nick?s tone, Ayden squeezed Salma?s hand, unsure 
> >> > > > > what to
> >> > > >do.
> >> > > > > ?I?m sure we?re all tired and need to collect our thoughts,? 
> >> > > > > Sheriff
> >> > > >Jenkins
> >> > > > > said. ?Maybe you ought to take these two home, Nick.? Ayden heard
> >> > > >the
> >> > > > > lumbering shuffle again as Sheriff Jenkins walked away.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden sat in front of the computer. A buzz issued from the 
> >> > > > > speakers
> >> > > > > as JAWS, a text-to-speech program, sounded off with each command 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > typed. ?Still working?? Salma asked from behind. Ayden leaned his 
> >> > > > > head
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > back against her stomach. She was wrapped in a large soft towel. 
> >> > > > > He
> >> > > > > slipped his hand through the folds, but she turned swiftly away,
> >> > > > > laughing. Spewing a torrent of Spanish at him, Ayden chuckled. 
> >> > > > > ?That
> >> > > > > just turns me on more.?
> >> > > > > ?I called you a great big moron whose brain is the size of his-?
> >> > > > > ?Doesn?t matter. Still sounds sexy.?
> >> > > > > Salma whipped another towel at him before scampering to the 
> >> > > > > bedroom.
> >> > > > > Turning back to his work, Ayden decided to check his email.
> >> > > > > As he clicked on the necessary links using Hotkey commands, he 
> >> > > > > thought
> >> > > >over
> >> > > > > the past few weeks.
> >> > > > > Ayden had told his father what happened, but Nick said that 
> >> > > > > everything
> >> > > >was
> >> > > > > circumstantial. Ayden knew this, but he also knew he had opened
> >> > > >something
> >> > > > > up. Something that had been meant to remain secret. Nick refused 
> >> > > > > to
> >> > > >open
> >> > > > > any investigation and he remained tight-lipped about anything he 
> >> > > > > knew.
> >> > > > > The fire was officially reported as an unknown accident since no
> >> > > >evidence,
> >> > > > > either way, had been found determining a cause. This, at least, 
> >> > > > > was
> >> > > >how the
> >> > > > > police report read. Ayden, though, had inquired into the 
> >> > > > > fire-chief?s
> >> > > > > report. It too was inconclusive, but this report did mention that 
> >> > > > > a
> >> > > >match
> >> > > > > book had been found near the premises. Salma had advised Ayden to
> >> > > >wait
> >> > > > > before attempting any further investigation.
> >> > > > > Salma had been the reason he was able to let the weeks slip by 
> >> > > > > without
> >> > > > > searching for more clues. Once they had returned to the city, 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > >had
> >> > > > > found the courage to express his budding feelings towards Salma.
> >> > > > > They had sat on the couch talking; a typical Friday night for 
> >> > > > > them,
> >> > > >except
> >> > > > > this time Ayden could feel a growing anticipation between them. 
> >> > > > > Salma
> >> > > >had
> >> > > > > stood to get another beer from the kitchen when Ayden reached for 
> >> > > > > her
> >> > > >wrist.
> >> > > > > His large palm had felt bigger next to her slim wrist. Both had
> >> > > >stared
> >> > > > > silently at one another. Ayden, thinking he would win this game 
> >> > > > > since
> >> > > >he
> >> > > > > couldn?t see, broke first. Grinning with a smirk, he had pulled 
> >> > > > > Salma
> >> > > >to
> >> > > > > him and kissed her.
> >> > > > > Three weeks later, their routine was continued as normal, yet
> >> > > >something was
> >> > > > > different. They had transitioned into this new element with ease, 
> >> > > > > as
> >> > > >though
> >> > > > > it were meant to be. Their friendship was strengthened by the new
> >> > > >romance.
> >> > > > > Still reminiscing, Ayden did not recognize the name given for the
> >> > > >first
> >> > > > > email he came across. Opening it up, he read the following:
> >> > > > > Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you stop 
> >> > > > > your
> >> > > > > investigation immediately. Heartache and harm can only befall 
> >> > > > > you.
> >> > > >Thank
> >> > > > > your luck and live long and well with your beautiful new love.
> >> > > > > There was no signature. Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field, 
> >> > > > > but
> >> > > >the only
> >> > > > > information this provided was aconcernedfriend at gmail.com. Ayden?s
> >> > > >pulse
> >> > > > > quickened. Hearing Salma pad lightly back into the room, he 
> >> > > > > closed
> >> > > >the
> >> > > > > window he was in. He thought it was best to not alarm her just 
> >> > > > > yet.
> >> > > > > Holding Salma close against him, wrapping her in a bear hug, 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > >knew this
> >> > > > > was just the beginning.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > _______________________________________________
> >> > > > > Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
> >> > > > > <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > stylist mailing list
> >> > > > > stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> > > > > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
> >> > > > > for
> >> > > > > stylist:
> >> > > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/priscilla.mck
> >> > > > > inley%40gmail.com
> >> > > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >------------------------------
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Message: 3
> >> > > >Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 07:53:42 -0400
> >> > > >From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com>
> >> > > >To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> > > >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" 
> >> > > >some
> >> > > > language, alludes to sexual content
> >> > > >Message-ID: <8CB6CFF16AAB48FDBCFCFE4B7CB7F925 at Rufus>
> >> > > >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Bridgit,
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Excellent writing as always. For me, there are only a couple 
> >> > > >comments.
> >> > > >First, there seemed to be too many issues wrestling for center 
> >> > > >stage.
> >> > > >This is part of the restriction of a short story, but I felt tumbled
> >> > > >about a little attempting to debate between attaching to the 
> >> > > >romantic
> >> > > >plot, his blindness abilities, and the mystery. I guess I'd rather 
> >> > > >have
> >> > > >a center element that captures me and holds me from beginning to 
> >> > > >end.
> >> > > >Second, because the story moves at a fleeting clip, I wonder if you
> >> > > >could rearrange the events a little. Perhaps you could start with 
> >> > > >Aiden
> >> > > >and Salma meeting with an unidentified person, flash back to the
> >> > > >unfolding events and then return to the present where the suspect is
> >> > > >revealed? I guess I'm looking for something that would package the
> >> > > >story in the same length but rearrange it so that the meal feels 
> >> > > >more
> >> > > >balanced. Finally, and this just might show my ignorance, but 
> >> > > >although
> >> > > >I don't mind hanging conclusions, I really have no idea how the plot 
> >> > > >was
> >> > > >resolved. Right now I think the sheriff may have been responsible, 
> >> > > >but
> >> > > >then, funny business about his father not pursuing an investigation.
> >> > > >Maybe this was the point, to keep people guessing, but with multiple
> >> > > >themes going on, I guess I'd like the presumed main theme to be
> >> > > >resolved. All of this having been said, I really enjoyed the way
> >> > > >Ayden's being blind did not detract from the general painting of the
> >> > > >setting. If the narrator is going to be so descriptive about Ayden's
> >> > > >other blindness skills, I may have described people's voices a 
> >> > > >little
> >> > > >more in the dialogue, but all in all, this was a great way to start 
> >> > > >my
> >> > > >Friday. Great job.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Best,
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Joe
> >> > > >
> >> > > >"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their
> >> > > >sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at 
> >> > > >all."--Sam
> >> > > >Ewing
> >> > > >
> >> > > >-----Original Message-----
> >> > > >From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org
> >> > > >[mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Priscilla McKinley
> >> > > >Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2010 11:58 PM
> >> > > >To: Writer's Division Mailing List
> >> > > >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short fiction "Sense of
> >> > > >Murder" some language, alludes to sexual content
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Bridgit,
> >> > > >
> >> > > >I really enjoyed reading your piece. I was very much engaged by the
> >> > > >story. The only part I had issues with was the beginning. It seems 
> >> > > >as
> >> > > >though too much history is packed into a few paragraphs. Perhaps you
> >> > > >could incorporate some of the details in other parts and introduce 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >characters and stories as they come up? Plus, it might be 
> >> > > >interesting
> >> > > >to let your readers wonder for a while what is going on, leading 
> >> > > >them in
> >> > > >to discover that they are in the middle of an amateur murder
> >> > > >investigation.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Nice work!
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Priscilla
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >On 10/7/10, Bridgit Pollpeter <bpollpeter at hotmail.com> wrote:
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Hey guys,
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > I'm taking a detective fiction class this semester for an
> >> > > >upper lit credit.
> >> > > > > We had to write detective shorts and I thought I would share
> >> > > >mine with you.
> >> > > > > Keep in mind that this is not my genre and also, I wrote it in 
> >> > > > > about a
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > 12-our time span. Yes, I'm a procrastinator! *smile*
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > It was fun though so enjoy.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Bridgit P
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Sense of Murder
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden sat in his father's leather wingback chair rolling a
> >> > > >large key between
> >> > > > > his fingers. The metal key had been cold, but now was warmed
> >> > > >by his hands.
> >> > > > > He gripped the key in his palm and rubbed a thumb across the
> >> > > >rough , rusty
> >> > > > > surface. Three weeks ago, Ayden had merely been researching
> >> > > >the mysterious
> >> > > > > death of his grandfather for a book he was writing. Now, he
> >> > > >sat among items
> >> > > > > wondering if his grandfather had been murdered.
> >> > > > > Ayden's father, Nick, had found Henry, his grandfather, lying
> >> > > >at the bottom
> >> > > > > of the staircase in his home. Nick never spoke about the
> >> > > >incident after
> >> > > > > reporting it to the police. He would not speak to Ayden
> >> > > >about Henry's death
> >> > > > > either, but he was allowing Ayden and Salma to search through
> >> > > >any items Nick
> >> > > > > kept.
> >> > > > > No one had been sure what happened. Lucy, Ayden's
> >> > > >grandmother, had been
> >> > > > > present too when Henry's body was found. The police recorded
> >> > > >the death as
> >> > > > > an accidental fall. Many silently pointed fingers at Lucy though.
> >> > > > > Lucy had grown distraught during the past few months before
> >> > > >Henry's death.
> >> > > > > Friends and family reported that she had been distracted
> >> > > >often or in an
> >> > > > > irritated mood. This was unlike the warm and tender
> >> > > >grandmother Ayden had
> >> > > > > grown up with.
> >> > > > > When Nick found his father's body, Lucy had gone wild,
> >> > > >screaming, unable to
> >> > > > > leave Henry's lifeless body. Eventually Nick placed her in a
> >> > > >care home.
> >> > > > > Here Lucy had reached an almost catatonic state until she too
> >> > > >had passed.
> >> > > > > Gossips spread the news, sweeping far and wide. Lucy was
> >> > > >crazy, they said.
> >> > > > > She went mad, she killed her husband. It was juicy, just
> >> > > >what a small town
> >> > > > > needed. The police never looked into the possibility, but
> >> > > >Lucy died with a
> >> > > > > scarlet letter attached to her memory. Ayden could never
> >> > > >believe that Lucy
> >> > > > > would hurt anyone. Lucy had been fond of Ayden, guiding him,
> >> > > >encouraging
> >> > > > > him. "You're so full of potential, Ayden. I can see fire in
> >> > > >your eyes,"
> >> > > > > she used to tell him. When Ayden lost his vision, Lucy had
> >> > > >been the one
> >> > > > > person who supported him, still encouraging.
> >> > > > > For years, though, there had been whispers of foul play, but
> >> > > >no one ever
> >> > > > > spoke about the rumors. Vague insinuations were the closest
> >> > > >anyone came to
> >> > > > > mentioning "murder." Ayden, though, had never played by the
> >> > > >rules. His
> >> > > > > mother referred to him as the "black sheep of the family"
> >> > > >whenever she threw
> >> > > > > a dinner party. Ayden never felt like he fit in his family's 
> >> > > > > world of
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > snobbish dinner parties, elite country clubs and preferential
> >> > > >treatment at
> >> > > > > most Ivy League universities. He had already been a
> >> > > >disappointment to his
> >> > > > > family before a car accident left him blind. Seven-years
> >> > > >later, Ayden had
> >> > > > > come to terms with his blindness, but his family accepted him
> >> > > >only out of
> >> > > > > duty. His father had been clear when saying, "This condition
> >> > > >of yours is
> >> > > > > not suitable for the courtroom, but the firm can take you on
> >> > > >in a capacity
> >> > > > > for research, perhaps. Maybe a paralegal position will be 
> >> > > > > suitable."
> >> > > > > Ayden was not able to live with this attitude hanging over him. 
> >> > > > > After
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > completing his bachelor's in literature, Ayden took up a
> >> > > >career writing for
> >> > > > > any newspapers or journals that accepted his entries.
> >> > > >Writing for a small
> >> > > > > literary journal allowed Ayden to work on his novel which had
> >> > > >turned into a
> >> > > > > fictionalized account of his grandfather's death. Asking his
> >> > > >father for any
> >> > > > > information about his grandfather's life, was the reason
> >> > > >Ayden now sat in
> >> > > > > his father's study. He found more, he thought, than his
> >> > > >father knew about
> >> > > > > though.
> >> > > > > "So what's next?" Salma asked. Salma lived across the hall
> >> > > >from Ayden in
> >> > > > > his building. They had become friends, and Salma now was helping 
> >> > > > > him
> >> > > > > research his grandfather's life. Tapping the key in his palm, 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > > > said, "I'm not sure. This
> >> > > >letter says a
> >> > > > > lot."
> >> > > > > Ayden closed his eyes thinking on this letter. It was
> >> > > >evidence, even if
> >> > > > > circumstantial, that suggested, if Lucy knew about it, she
> >> > > >could have killed
> >> > > > > Henry.
> >> > > > > There was a pause then paper crackled before Salma spoke.
> >> > > >"It's pretty
> >> > > > > clear from this letter that your grandfather was having an
> >> > > >affair. I wonder
> >> > > > > if we can figure out these initials, A. W."
> >> > > > > Ayden shut his eyes thinking, trying to remember anyone he
> >> > > >had ever met with
> >> > > > > A. W. for initials. "I don't know," he sighed.
> >> > > > > As Ayden and Salma leafed through pictures and notes, they
> >> > > >had found an old
> >> > > > > copy of Wuthering Heights. Ayden remembered the year Henry
> >> > > >had given the
> >> > > > > third edition book to Lucy for Christmas. Lucy had sat
> >> > > >unwrapping the gift,
> >> > > > > then exclaimed, "Oh," before looking up with tears in her
> >> > > >eyes. Wuthering
> >> > > > > Heights had always been her favorite novel. Lucy had been
> >> > > >the one person to
> >> > > > > encourage Ayden to follow his dream and take up writing
> >> > > >instead of joining
> >> > > > > the family law firm. "You're meant to follow your own path,"
> >> > > >Lucy had told
> >> > > > > Ayden once. Twenty-years later, Ayden and Salma found a
> >> > > >letter enclosed in
> >> > > > > the pages of the book.
> >> > > > > Ayden touched the thick, but stiff piece of paper and held it
> >> > > >out to Salma
> >> > > > > to inspect. She told him the letter appeared old, but not as
> >> > > >old as the
> >> > > > > book. A few of the torn edges of the letter were turning yellow. 
> >> > > > > The
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > letter was simple as she read: Henry, my love,
> >> > > > > I can not wait to see you again. I hoped and when I saw you
> >> > > >coming down the
> >> > > > > road, my heart leaped. I still feel your touch. How much
> >> > > >longer must we
> >> > > > > wait? Please, my darling, give me what I ask before it is too 
> >> > > > > late.
> >> > > > > Love, A. W. "What now? Where do we go next?" Salma asked.
> >> > > > > Ayden held the rusted, copper key up in front of him. "We
> >> > > >visit the old
> >> > > > > Templeton mansion."
> >> > > > > The Templeton mansion was the Victorian home Henry and Lucy
> >> > > >had lived in for
> >> > > > > years. The family still owned it, but it had sat empty for
> >> > > >years. Ayden
> >> > > > > thought that maybe more secrets were hidden within the walls of 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > Templeton house, eager to be discovered.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden sat in the car as Salma drove. Neither spoke as
> >> > > >Ayden's fingers slid
> >> > > > > across the pages on his lap. Reading his Braille notes,
> >> > > >Ayden wondered
> >> > > > > where to start once they reached the small town where his
> >> > > >grandparents and
> >> > > > > father had grown up. Henry had started a small law firm in town, 
> >> > > > > but
> >> > > > > eventually it grew. Henry and Lucy had moved when Nick had
> >> > > >been ten. Nick
> >> > > > > never spoke about his childhood though. Ayden really didn't
> >> > > >know much about
> >> > > > > his family's past. Lucy and Henry had moved back to their
> >> > > >old house once
> >> > > > > Nick took the firm over, but Ayden had rarely visited the
> >> > > >home. After Henry
> >> > > > > had died, Lucy, unable to cope with his death, had moved into
> >> > > >an upscale
> >> > > > > nursing home in the City, and Nick left the house untouched.
> >> > > >The house had
> >> > > > > sat empty now for ten years.
> >> > > > > As the car slowed, Ayden looked up at Salma. "Are we there?" 
> >> > > > > "Yes.
> >> > > > > What's our first stop?" "I'm figuring this out as we go along. I
> >> > > > > guess the police station." Salma was silent before saying, "You 
> >> > > > > okay?
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > I know your dad
> >> > > >wasn't happy."
> >> > > > > Ayden had questioned his father about the letter, but Nick
> >> > > >had gone quiet
> >> > > > > and cold before telling Ayden, "Leave it alone. We don't dig
> >> > > >up family
> >> > > > > history."
> >> > > > > Ayden tried to coax Nick to say more, but the subject was closed.
> >> > > > > "Yeah. I wish he would have told us more. Explained
> >> > > >something," Ayden
> >> > > > > said.
> >> > > > > "Maybe he just wants to keep your family secrets, well,
> >> > > >secret. Some people
> >> > > > > don't like giving out info about anything."
> >> > > > > "I just feel like he knows more than he's letting on. Mom
> >> > > >just played dumb
> >> > > > > too."
> >> > > > > "We'll find something. Don't worry."
> >> > > > > Salma was always reassuring Ayden. She had become a constant
> >> > > >in his life.
> >> > > > > The only real constant he had. She had shown up one day,
> >> > > >knocking on his
> >> > > > > door, holding a dish in her hands, offering Ayden some home
> >> > > >made enchiladas.
> >> > > > > That had been the beginning of their friendship. They had spent 
> >> > > > > many
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > nights talking until three in the morning and hanging out on 
> >> > > > > weekends.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > Salma was the one connection Ayden had to the outside world.
> >> > > >Once moving
> >> > > > > away from his family, he had become a recluse of sorts. He
> >> > > >showed up to the
> >> > > > > office for work, attended cocktail parties required for work
> >> > > >and even dated
> >> > > > > a couple of girls, but Salma was the one person he truly felt
> >> > > >comfortable
> >> > > > > with. Her infectious way of always looking at things
> >> > > >positively seemed like
> >> > > > > a novelty to Ayden. She could always make him smile. When
> >> > > >he began writing
> >> > > > > the book about Henry, Salma had offered to assist in anyway she 
> >> > > > > could.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > "I'm really glad you're here," Ayden said.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > "Yeah, yeah. I'm waiting for my pay check." Salma giggled
> >> > > >as she pulled
> >> > > > > into a parking stall. "I think we're here."
> >> > > > > While Salma dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden
> >> > > >tapped his cane
> >> > > > > along the brick walls looking for the door. Hearing the
> >> > > >clink of glass as
> >> > > > > his cane tapped, Ayden was sure he found the door.
> >> > > > > "No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma.
> >> > > > > "I believe so," she answered rushing to catch up.
> >> > > > > They entered the quiet, almost lazy-like atmosphere of the
> >> > > >police station.
> >> > > > > Ayden moved towards the sound of clacking as some one
> >> > > >pressed keys on a
> >> > > > > computer keyboard with a practiced efficiency. This, he
> >> > > >thought, must be a
> >> > > > > reception desk.
> >> > > > > Stepping up to a smooth feeling counter, Ayden said, "Excuse me." 
> >> > > > > "Can
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > I help you?" a woman's bored voice said. "We were wondering if we 
> >> > > > > can
> >> > > > > speak to some one who worked the Henry Templeton case," Ayden 
> >> > > > > said.
> >> > > > > The woman stopped typing and a long silence followed. "Who's
> >> > > > asking?"
> >> > > > > "I'm Ayden Templeton, Henry's grandson."
> >> > > > > "One minute." A chair creaked as the woman stood. Her shoes
> >> > > >clacked as she
> >> > > > > walked away.
> >> > > > > Salma touched Ayden's arm. "She had a weird look when you
> >> > > >mentioned your
> >> > > > > grandpa's name."
> >> > > > > Ayden said nothing, not sure what he was doing there in the
> >> > > >first place.
> >> > > > > The woman's shoes clacked once more as she returned. Another 
> >> > > > > footstep
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > joined hers, but this person shuffled slightly. The person 
> >> > > > > shuffled
> >> > > > > towards Salma, saying, "Hello. I'm
> >> > > >Sheriff Jenkins.
> >> > > > > How can I help you?"
> >> > > > > Ayden stepped closer towards Salma, extending his arm to
> >> > > >Sheriff Jenkins.
> >> > > > > "I'm Ayden Templeton and this is Salma Juarez. We have some
> >> > > >questions about
> >> > > > > my grandfather's death."
> >> > > > > There was a pause before Sheriff Jenkins shook Ayden's hand.
> >> > > >"Step into my
> >> > > > > office please."
> >> > > > > Ayden followed the sheriff into a room off the main section of 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > department. His cane swep the inside of the door frame,
> >> > > >indicating the
> >> > > > > width so Ayden avoided bumping into the edges of the frame.
> >> > > >Ayden asked
> >> > > > > where a chair was and turned in the direction Captain Jenkins
> >> > > >indicated.
> >> > > > > Once again, his cane found the chair and sliding the cane
> >> > > >across the seat,
> >> > > > > Ayden determined where the front of the chair was. Salma's
> >> > > >arm brushed his
> >> > > > > as she sat next to him.
> >> > > > > "Can I get you anything?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
> >> > > > > "No, but thank you. Salma?"
> >> > > > > "I'm good," Salma replied.
> >> > > > > Ayden felt a tension fill the room as the three sat there,
> >> > > >not speaking.
> >> > > > > Sheriff Jenkins began tapping the edge of the metal table in the
> >> > > > > interrogation room. Ayden twisted his cane between his
> >> > > >fingers. Salma
> >> > > > > bobbed her foot which was lightly kicking Ayden's shin. "We're 
> >> > > > > hoping
> >> > > > > to learn as much as we can about Henry
> >> > > >Templeton's death. I'm
> >> > > > > researching the story for a novel I'm working on," Ayden started. 
> >> > > > > "I
> >> > > > > worked the case. There's not much to tell," Sheriff Jenkins said. 
> >> > > > > "I
> >> > > > > know you eventually reported it as an accidental death,
> >> > > >but was there
> >> > > > > ever any evidence suggesting otherwise?" Ayden asked.
> >> > > > > "No. We questioned friends and family and there was no
> >> > > >reason to believe
> >> > > > > Henry Templeton was murdered," Sheriff Jenkins said sharply. 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > > > shifted his head towards Salma before saying, "I know there
> >> > > > > was-uh-speculation that maybe my grandmother did it." "Lucy 
> >> > > > > Baldwin?
> >> > > > > She never hurt anyone. We were all shocked
> >> > > >when she married
> >> > > > > Henry. She could have had anyone she wanted."
> >> > > > > Ayden leaned against the table looking straight in the direction 
> >> > > > > where
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > Sheriff Jenkins sat. "I thought Henry was a catch? You
> >> > > >know, a lawyer from
> >> > > > > a wealthy family."
> >> > > > > "He was a playboy. Always was, never changed."
> >> > > > > "Who did you question about his death?" Salma broke in.
> >> > > > > The sheriff's chair creaked as he leaned back. "Well, of
> >> > > >course Lucy and
> >> > > > > her boy Nick. They were there. Found his body and all." Ayden 
> >> > > > > shot
> >> > > > > the sheriff a questioning glance. He was talking
> >> > > >like he had
> >> > > > > forgot who Ayden was.
> >> > > > > "Then there was Zelda, the housekeeper, and Avery Mayer, he
> >> > > >came around
> >> > > > > about once a week to help Lucy with the lawn. She loved her
> >> > > >garden. Her
> >> > > > > roses won prizes around here," Sheriff Jenkins continued. "Anyone
> >> > > > > else?" Ayden asked. "Oh, his work associates, but Henry was 
> >> > > > > retired so
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > they
> >> > > >didn't see much of
> >> > > > > him anymore. Alice Whitley, she had been his personal
> >> > > >secretary for years.
> >> > > > > She still did stuff part-time for Henry."
> >> > > > > Ayden had pulled out a three-by-five plastic device that had
> >> > > >six rows of
> >> > > > > cells containing three holes on each side of the cells. A
> >> > > >pop-pop-pop sound
> >> > > > > was made as Ayden poked a pointed awl-like object called a
> >> > > >stylus through
> >> > > > > the holes as he took Braille notes. "Are any of these people
> >> > > >still around?"
> >> > > > > "Not everyone had the same opportunities as the Templeton's
> >> > > >to leave town.
> >> > > > > Other than Henry's work associates, I think most of them
> >> > > >still live around
> >> > > > > here. At least the one's who are still alive."
> >> > > > > "Is there anything else you can tell us? Was there anything
> >> > > >strange you
> >> > > > > noticed? Any evidence that suggest something other than an 
> >> > > > > accidental
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > tumble down the stairs?" The sheriff laughed. "I know you city 
> >> > > > > folk
> >> > > > > like to dream up seedy happenings in small towns, but Henry
> >> > > > > Templeton's death was
> >> > > >nothing more than
> >> > > > > an accident. Nothing dark about it."
> >> > > > > "Thank you for your time," Ayden said extending his hand
> >> > > >again to shake
> >> > > > > Sheriff Jenkins's.
> >> > > > > Sheriff Jenkins sighed. "Look, don't go digging anything up.
> >> > > > Just let the
> >> > > > > dead rest."
> >> > > > > Salma's bracelet tinkled as they stood.
> >> > > > > "We understand. I'm just trying to find things out about my
> >> > > >grandfather for
> >> > > > > the book. You know, no stone uncovered," Ayden said.
> >> > > > > "Are you two married?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
> >> > > > > Ayden, confused by the switch, replied, "No."
> >> > > > > The sheriff chuckled. "Like your grandpa, I see."
> >> > > > > Ayden blushed, but Salma said, "Ayden is nothing but a
> >> > > >gentleman. Clearly
> >> > > > > something he did not pick up in this town."
> >> > > > > "I know the kind of men the Templeton's are," the sheriff said. 
> >> > > > > Unsure
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > of what to do, Ayden turned to leave. "At least he has a better 
> >> > > > > chance
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > of touching what you have
> >> > > >been admiring
> >> > > > > this whole time," Salma snapped. She turned quickly and
> >> > > >Ayden felt a rush
> >> > > > > of breeze as she left the room.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Out in the car, Ayden apologized.
> >> > > > > "I'm sorry. I didn't know what to say."
> >> > > > > "It's okay. He was a pig."
> >> > > > > "I didn't realize-"
> >> > > > > "I know, its okay. Where to next?"
> >> > > > > Ayden could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone. "The 
> >> > > > > house, I
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > guess." As Salma pulled back out into the street devoid of 
> >> > > > > traffic,
> >> > > >Ayden wondered
> >> > > > > why she had told Sheriff Jenkins what she had. Was it simply
> >> > > >said in a
> >> > > > > moment of anger, or was there any truth in her words, he
> >> > > >thought. He has a
> >> > > > > better chance of touching what you have been admiring. For
> >> > > >the first time,
> >> > > > > Ayden thought of the possibilities with Salma.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden stood before the house remembering the bright blue it
> >> > > >had been during
> >> > > > > the few visits he had made during his childhood. The house
> >> > > >had always stood
> >> > > > > out even among the street full of bright, cheery houses complete 
> >> > > > > with
> >> > > > > emerald lawns and award winning gardens. The Templeton house had 
> >> > > > > a
> >> > > > > wrap-around porch with a veranda to the back opening onto a large 
> >> > > > > lawn
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > complete with a British garden. Its three stories reached
> >> > > >majestically
> >> > > > > towards the sky.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden now gripped the rough, wooden railing of the house.
> >> > > >The feel of the
> >> > > > > railing did not match his memory of the sleek, smooth dark
> >> > > >wooden banister.
> >> > > > > The stairs creaked as he stepped on them. Reaching the
> >> > > >porch, he felt a
> >> > > > > slight dip and quickly stepped sideways in fear of falling 
> >> > > > > through the
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > porch. Children played nearby and cars languidly drove down
> >> > > >the street, but
> >> > > > > a strange silence surrounded the house. It was as though Ayden 
> >> > > > > were
> >> > > > > underneath water trying to make out the distant sounds. The scent 
> >> > > > > of
> >> > > > > jasmine passed briefly through his nose as Salma stood next to 
> >> > > > > him.
> >> > > > > "How does it look?" Ayden asked ignoring the scent. Salma took a 
> >> > > > > deep
> >> > > > > breath. "It's run down, that's for sure.
> >> > > >I can't believe
> >> > > > > no one has lived here for years."
> >> > > > > "My family still owns it, but after my grandfather's death,
> >> > > >no one wanted to
> >> > > > > do anything about it."
> >> > > > > Ayden placed his hand on the cold handle of the dilapidated
> >> > > >Victorian house.
> >> > > > > He dug in his pockets for the rusty key he had found in his 
> >> > > > > father's
> >> > > > > office. As he inserted the heavy key in the lock, a quiet
> >> > > >click was heard.
> >> > > > > Ayden pushed the solid door open. He looked in Salma's
> >> > > >direction before
> >> > > > > stepping inside. Shutting the door, the house engulfed all
> >> > > >sound like a
> >> > > > > tomb.
> >> > > > > "Creepy," Salma said as she shivered.
> >> > > > > Ayden walked forward tapping his long white cane, arcing wide
> >> > > >so as to not
> >> > > > > run into anything. Dust filled the air and Ayden coughed as
> >> > > >he inhaled.
> >> > > > > "This has been sitting for years," Ayden rasped. "What's it
> >> > > >look like?"
> >> > > > > Salma looked around. "It's really dark, but it's almost
> >> > > >completely empty.
> >> > > > > What do you think you'll find?"
> >> > > > > "I'm not sure. Sheriff Jenkins wasn't much help. I just
> >> > > >thought, maybe
> >> > > > > something."
> >> > > > > Salma's sandals clipped-clopped as she walked over to a
> >> > > >window to open it.
> >> > > > > "Well, if we are going to be here long we need fresh air." Ayden 
> >> > > > > felt
> >> > > > > a rush of summer breeze as the window clambered
> >> > > >up. The sound of
> >> > > > > kids jumping rope ruined the house's stolid silence. Life
> >> > > >entered the house
> >> > > > > again as Ayden began to feel around searching for any clue. Salma
> >> > > > > clumped up the stairs as Ayden moved from room to room
> >> > > >feeling walls
> >> > > > > and any remaining furniture, hoping to find something,
> >> > > >anything. He rifled
> >> > > > > through drawers and cupboards. So far his hands had only
> >> > > >found dust and
> >> > > > > cobwebs.
> >> > > > > "Ayden, Ayden!" Salma shouted a couple of hours later.
> >> > > > > Ayden hurried towards the staircase. "Salma! Are you okay?" "Get 
> >> > > > > up
> >> > > > > here! I found something!" Ayden clambered up the grand staircase.
> >> > > > > Reaching the top, he
> >> > > >shouted, "What
> >> > > > > room?"
> >> > > > > "Um, it's a bedroom."
> >> > > > > Hearing her voice off to his left, Ayden moved down the
> >> > > >hallway. At the
> >> > > > > end, he found a door open.
> >> > > > > "Salma?"
> >> > > > > Salma's clapping sandals moved towards Ayden.
> >> > > > > "Look at this," she said excitedly. Her bracelet tinkled and
> >> > > >paper crackled
> >> > > > > as she shoved something in Ayden's hand.
> >> > > > > Ayden grinned. "Um." He handed the paper back to Salma. 
> >> > > > > "Oh-sorry.
> >> > > > > I just-you won't believe this." It was another letter; a love 
> >> > > > > letter
> >> > > > > to Henry. Henry, My love,
> >> > > > > I miss you. I grow restless with each day. I have waited
> >> > > >years to be with
> >> > > > > you, really be with you. Let's stop the pretending, stop the
> >> > > >lies. Don't
> >> > > > > be mad with me. I would do anything for you, but we must stop 
> >> > > > > hiding.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > There is no harm in this. I will wait to hear from you, but
> >> > > >don't take
> >> > > > > long.
> >> > > > > Love,
> >> > > > > A. W.
> >> > > > > Salma rushed through the letter almost in one breath. Ayden
> >> > > >was not quite
> >> > > > > sure what her excitement was for.
> >> > > > > "We already know Henry was having an affair of sorts," he said. 
> >> > > > > Salma
> >> > > > > sighed impatiently. "Ayden, think about it. Don't you see?" "Not
> >> > > > > really," he said slowly. She grabbed his wrist. Her slender 
> >> > > > > fingers
> >> > > > > gripped him with
> >> > > >a strength
> >> > > > > Ayden would not have guessed at. She moved in closer and
> >> > > >once again, Ayden
> >> > > > > took in the scent of jasmine. This time he smelled something
> >> > > >else with it.
> >> > > > > Vanilla, he thought. Salma shook his arm slightly bringing
> >> > > >him back to
> >> > > > > attention.
> >> > > > > "Ayden, A. W. Don't you see it yet?"
> >> > > > > "A. W.?"
> >> > > > > "The initials," she said exasperated, "A. W. Alice Whitley." 
> >> > > > > "Who's
> >> > > > > Alice Whitley?" Salma smacked her forehead. "Ay-where are your 
> >> > > > > notes
> >> > > > > from today?" Ayden pulled out the three-by-five note card from 
> >> > > > > his
> >> > > > > back pocket. "Now read through it," Salma said as though talking 
> >> > > > > to a
> >> > > > > small child. Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and looked
> >> > > > > sharply
> >> > > >up at Salma.
> >> > > > > "See?" Salma asked.
> >> > > > > "I can't believe we didn't realize it then. His secretary.
> >> > > >And Sheriff
> >> > > > > Jenkins said she's still living in town."
> >> > > > > "Think we can find her?"
> >> > > > > "Give me a minute," Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone
> >> > > >tucked away in
> >> > > > > his pocket.
> >> > > > > An electronic hum came from his phone as he maneuvered
> >> > > >through the menus on
> >> > > > > his phone. A screen-reading program specific to mobile
> >> > > >phones, helped Ayden
> >> > > > > utilize the functions on his phone.
> >> > > > > "Got it. There's only one Alice Whitley that shows up in town."
> >> > > > > "Thank God for technology," Salma said. "No wonder no one
> >> > > >could ever solve
> >> > > > > this case."
> >> > > > > Ayden smirked at her. "Thank God for accessible technology.
> >> > > >Come on. She
> >> > > > > doesn't live far from here and it's not too late."
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ten minutes later, Ayden and Salma knocked on a door. The
> >> > > >house was less
> >> > > > > substantial than the Templeton house, but Salma described its
> >> > > >well-kempt
> >> > > > > lawn and cheery exterior.
> >> > > > > The door opened and a woman's voice gasped, "Oh."
> >> > > > > "Miss Whitley? I'm Ayden-"
> >> > > > > "Templeton," she said. "You look like Henry."
> >> > > > > Smiling, Ayden said, "Miss Whitley, this is my friend Salma.
> >> > > >We're working
> >> > > > > on a book about my grandfather, and we would like to ask you some
> >> > > > > questions." "Oh, of course. Come in, come in."
> >> > > > > As the door shut behind Ayden and Salma, he smelled a flower
> >> > > >scent that he
> >> > > > > couldn't place and a clock ticked nearby. Alice Whitley
> >> > > >ushered them into a
> >> > > > > sitting room off the entryway. Salma sat next to Ayden on
> >> > > >the soft couch
> >> > > > > while Alice sat across from them.
> >> > > > > "Can I offer you anything? I just made lemonade."
> >> > > > > "That would be wonderful," Salma said.
> >> > > > > As Alice left the room, Ayden turned towards Salma. "I'm
> >> > > >sorry, I didn't
> >> > > > > even think to ask if you were hungry."
> >> > > > > "Hon, it's okay. I didn't think about it myself until now." 
> >> > > > > "We'll
> >> > > > > have dinner after this; I promise." "Promise?"
> >> > > > > Ayden grinned as Alice returned. She placed an ice-cold
> >> > > >glass in Ayden's
> >> > > > > hand. Ice chinked against the side as he took a gulp. The
> >> > > >cold liquid felt
> >> > > > > good down his throat after the dust of his family's house.
> >> > > >He could only
> >> > > > > imagine how dirty he and Salma looked. He felt the mingled
> >> > > >grime of sweat
> >> > > > > and dirt on his body. Why had it not occurred to them to
> >> > > >stop somewhere
> >> > > > > first and wash up, Ayden thought.
> >> > > > > "So, what can I help you with? Henry was a dear friend and I
> >> > > >miss him. You
> >> > > > > must call me Alice."
> >> > > > > "Well, Alice, we specifically are interested in his death,"
> >> > > >Ayden said.
> >> > > > > Alice choked on her lemonade. "Why would you be interested in 
> >> > > > > that?"
> >> > > > > "I believe that maybe his death wasn't accidental." "Oh dear, 
> >> > > > > don't
> >> > > > > buy into those silly rumors. Pete Jenkins conducted a thorough
> >> > > > > investigation and no foul play was to be hinted at." "And yet the
> >> > > > > rumors persist," Ayden said. "Silly gossip. Housewives bored out 
> >> > > > > of
> >> > > > > there minds." "You know Sheriff Jenkins?" Ayden asked.
> >> > > > > "Darling, it's a town of ten-thousand; everybody knows 
> >> > > > > everybody."
> >> > > > > Ayden sipped on his lemonade as Salma clicked her nails
> >> > > >against the side of
> >> > > > > her glass.
> >> > > > > "We have reason to believe maybe there is more to the story,"
> >> > > >Ayden said.
> >> > > > > He affected his best courtroom demeanor. He had seen his
> >> > > >father like this
> >> > > > > hundreds of times.
> >> > > > > Alice swirled ice chuncks around in her glass. Her voice had
> >> > > >lost some of
> >> > > > > its cheeriness when she responded by asking, "What makes you
> >> > > >say that?"
> >> > > > > Ayden found the love letter in a folder. He removed the
> >> > > >Braille label,
> >> > > > > setting the letter on the coffee table dividing Ayden and
> >> > > >Salma from Alice.
> >> > > > > The room grew still. The letter rustled as Alice picked it
> >> > > >up. When she
> >> > > > > spoke, she sounded choked as though she were holding back tears.
> >> > > > > "Where did you find this?" "It was in some old boxes in the 
> >> > > > > Templeton
> >> > > > > home," Salma said. A long silence followed in which Ayden could 
> >> > > > > hear
> >> > > > > Alice sniffling. "I suppose the truth has to come out sooner or
> >> > > > > later," Alice
> >> > > >said quietly.
> >> > > > > "We don't need-a-details of anything, but is there any reason
> >> > > >to think Henry
> >> > > > > was killed?" Ayden soothed.
> >> > > > > "Your grandfather hired me when I was eighteen," Alice began, 
> >> > > > > ignoring
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden. "I instantly fell in love with him, but he was that
> >> > > >type. Dashingly
> >> > > > > handsome, charming to a fault. He was a few years older than
> >> > > >me, but I knew
> >> > > > > how all the girls waited for their chance to rope Henry into
> >> > > >marriage. I
> >> > > > > felt so lucky to see him everyday. I started out as a simple
> >> > > >receptionist,
> >> > > > > but eventually he promoted me to his personal secretary." "Did 
> >> > > > > you
> >> > > > > move with my grandparents then, when they moved?"
> >> > > >Ayden asked.
> >> > > > > Alice sighed. "Yes, but after-things happened-I moved back.
> >> > > >I remained in
> >> > > > > his employ, working from the office here in town. Before
> >> > > >your father took
> >> > > > > charge, Henry's headquarters had always been based from here." 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > > > nodded his head. "I never meant to hurt anyone. Things happened.
> >> > > > > Henry loved
> >> > > >us both, Lucy
> >> > > > > and I. I tried to end it for years, but Henry always showed
> >> > > >up with that
> >> > > > > smile of his. Then I tried to make him choose. I should've
> >> > > >known better,
> >> > > > > but I was in love."
> >> > > > > Alice continued to spill her story, hoping for redemption 
> >> > > > > perhaps.
> >> > > > > "The final straw came right before his death. We had carried
> >> > > >on for almost
> >> > > > > forty-years and I knew it had to stop. We fought. I
> >> > > >threatened to tell
> >> > > > > Lucy and that was that. He left me promising to choose. I
> >> > > >waited for an
> >> > > > > answer, but a week later, Henry was found dead."
> >> > > > > "Did you ever tell anyone?" Ayden asked.
> >> > > > > "No."
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden and Salma stood by the car outside Alice's house. A
> >> > > >breeze tousled
> >> > > > > Ayden's hair and Salma gently combed her fingers through his
> >> > > >dark tresses.
> >> > > > > "Seems like all you Templeton men are irresistible," she said
> >> > > >teasingly.
> >> > > > > Unsure of how to respond to her comment, he grinned, but
> >> > > >before he could
> >> > > > > make a remark, Ayden heard her car door click open. He slid into 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > passenger seat, heart pounding. "You promised me dinner," Salma 
> >> > > > > whined
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > playfully.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > After devouring diner-style hamburgers and fries, Ayden and
> >> > > >Salma found
> >> > > > > themselves walking through the downtown area. Salma kept up
> >> > > >with Ayden's
> >> > > > > stride as his cane tapped in a shoulder-length-arc. "Sometimes I 
> >> > > > > think
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > it would be nice to live in a small town,"
> >> > > >Salma mused.
> >> > > > > "Really, you? Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," Ayden 
> >> > > > > joked.
> >> > > > > "I could drive to the city. I don't know. It seems like a
> >> > > >nice place to
> >> > > > > raise a family."
> >> > > > > Ayden had never heard Salma speak about kids or families. As
> >> > > >well as he
> >> > > > > knew her, Ayden realized there was plenty he still had to
> >> > > >learn about Salma.
> >> > > > > "Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will grow up to
> >> > > >cheat, lie and
> >> > > > > murder," Ayden scoffed.
> >> > > > > "We, huh?"
> >> > > > > Ayden blushed, feeling the heat creep up his neck to his
> >> > > >face. He hadn't
> >> > > > > caught his blunder. He sputtered, but before he could make
> >> > > >sense of his
> >> > > > > words, Salma grabbed his hand.
> >> > > > > "Maybe we can live in the Templeton mansion," she said.
> >> > > > > They walked silently back to the car.
> >> > > > > "It's pretty late, what should we do?" Salma asked.
> >> > > > > Ayden flipped the crystal face of his watch up. Feeling the
> >> > > >raised dots and
> >> > > > > arrows with his pointer finger on his Braille watch, he said, 
> >> > > > > "It's a
> >> > > > > quarter to eleven. I'm beat." "Me too. I don't really feel like
> >> > > > > driving back tonight though." Ayden scratched his head. "I guess 
> >> > > > > we
> >> > > > > can stay at casa-de-Templeton." "Okay, but no funny business," 
> >> > > > > Salma
> >> > > > > joked. Sitting in the car, Ayden said, "By the way, unlike some 
> >> > > > > men
> >> > > >in my family,
> >> > > > > I'm more of a one-woman type."
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > They stood on either side of the king-size bed in the master 
> >> > > > > bedroom.
> >> > > > > "Sure you don't want to sleep in another room?" Ayden asked. 
> >> > > > > "Hell no!
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > This house is creepy." "I thought you wanted to raise children 
> >> > > > > here?"
> >> > > > > "Shut-up. Scared to sleep with a girl?" The bed creaked as
> >> > > >Salma lay down
> >> > > > > on it. "A bit musty."
> >> > > > > They had found spare bed linens in a box and had attempted to
> >> > > >shake them out
> >> > > > > as best they could. Ayden had noticed a lingering wispy
> >> > > >scent of flowers
> >> > > > > that he could not place. It may have been the remnants of
> >> > > >something used to
> >> > > > > launder the linens years ago, he had thought.
> >> > > > > Without thinking, Ayden removed his shirt and handed it to
> >> > > >Salma. "Here.
> >> > > > > You can wrap your pillow in it."
> >> > > > > "Thanks," Salma said drawing the word out.
> >> > > > > Realizing what he had just done, he blushed for the millionth
> >> > > >time that day.
> >> > > > > Not able to turn back what he had done, Ayden lay slowly
> >> > > >down, sticking
> >> > > > > close to the edge.
> >> > > > > "Keep your hands above the blankets," Salma yawned.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden woke disoriented at first, but comprehension quickly
> >> > > >dawned as he felt
> >> > > > > Salma's small body nestled against his. She snored quietly and 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > > > smiled. This was nice, he thought. He extracted himself
> >> > > >gently from the
> >> > > > > bed, trying to not wake Salma.
> >> > > > > He needed to use the bathroom, but it struck him that the
> >> > > >bathrooms would
> >> > > > > not be in working order. It was primitive, but it would have
> >> > > >to do, he
> >> > > > > thought as he found his way downstairs and out into the back
> >> > > >garden. Hoping
> >> > > > > no neighbors were awake to see him, he relieved himself.
> >> > > > > Half asleep still, his eyes snapped open as a slight shuffle came 
> >> > > > > from
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > behind him. Finished with his midnight chore, he listened
> >> > > >intently, but no
> >> > > > > sound came again. He turned around, gripping his cane in one 
> >> > > > > hand.
> >> > > > > "Hello," he said. No response came. He turned back towards the 
> >> > > > > house
> >> > > > > and as he
> >> > > >walked, Ayden
> >> > > > > felt his back tingle. It was the sensation he felt as a child 
> >> > > > > when
> >> > > > > terrified, feeling a presence behind him. He was an adult
> >> > > >now, he chided
> >> > > > > himself. Forcing himself to walk calmly back into the house,
> >> > > >he reached the
> >> > > > > French doors and entered. As he went to shut the doors, a
> >> > > >soft shuffle
> >> > > > > started in the darkness again. It could have been the long
> >> > > >dead foliage
> >> > > > > rustling in the breeze, but Ayden placed himself in the
> >> > > >doorway again. The
> >> > > > > noise instantly stopped.
> >> > > > > Slamming the door and locking it, Ayden flew to the stairs,
> >> > > >taking three
> >> > > > > steps at a time. Heart pounding, blood rushing in his ears,
> >> > > >Ayden felt a
> >> > > > > cool breeze cut through the stuffy air of the bedroom.
> >> > > >DeMint, he swore to
> >> > > > > himself. They had opened windows before going to bed, hoping
> >> > > >to air out
> >> > > > > their lodgings for the night.
> >> > > > > Salma still was sleeping peacefully on the bed. He sat on
> >> > > >the bed resting
> >> > > > > his head on the large carved headboard, listening.
> >> > > > > Crickets chirped outside and the breeze rustled the leaves of
> >> > > >trees from
> >> > > > > time to time. Salma continued her snoring. Silence loomed around 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > house. Ayden waited to hear the shuffle noise again or a step on 
> >> > > > > the
> >> > > > > stairs, but nothing came. He relaxed after fifteen minutes
> >> > > >of vigilante
> >> > > > > guarding.
> >> > > > > Laying back down on the bed, one arm behind his head, he
> >> > > >smiled when Salma
> >> > > > > threw an arm across his chest. Thinking only of Salma by
> >> > > >now, Ayden drifted
> >> > > > > back off to sleep.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > The second time Ayden woke he knew where he was, but something 
> >> > > > > was not
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > right. Salma still snored next to him as he spooned her, but
> >> > > >an acrid odor
> >> > > > > filled his nostrils. A loud crack made him bolt up in bed. 
> >> > > > > "Salma!
> >> > > > > There's a fire!" He shook her until she woke up. "We need to get 
> >> > > > > out
> >> > > > > of here," Ayden shouted as she slowly regained a conscience 
> >> > > > > state.
> >> > > > > Ayden flew to the open door. Smoke filled his nose and made
> >> > > >his eyes water.
> >> > > > > "Salma, I can't tell if we can make it down the stairs." Standing
> >> > > > > next to him, she said, "All I can see is smoke. Can
> >> > > >we jump out
> >> > > > > the window?"
> >> > > > > "We're on the second floor. It's pretty high up."
> >> > > > > Now across the room, Ayden heard Salma cry, "Oh-my-god! Ayden!"
> >> > > > > "What?" "I can see flames around the base of the house."
> >> > > > > "Shit." Trying to think, Ayden gathered up the sheet from
> >> > > >the bed. Dousing
> >> > > > > it with water from the couple bottles purchased last night,
> >> > > >he threw the
> >> > > > > sheet at Salma. "Wrap yourself in this."
> >> > > > > "Why?"
> >> > > > > "Just do it."
> >> > > > > Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over
> >> > > >his shoulder.
> >> > > > > Grabbing his cane by the door, he moved into the hallway.
> >> > > >Hoping the shirt
> >> > > > > tied around his face would keep out smoke, Ayden ran to the top 
> >> > > > > of the
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > stairs. Despite the situation, Ayden could not help notice the
> >> > > > > harlequin-romance-like predicament. He heard Salma say something, 
> >> > > > > but
> >> > > > > her face was muffled and he
> >> > > >could not
> >> > > > > understand her. Tucking his cane underneath his arm, he
> >> > > >groped the banister
> >> > > > > which still seemed intact. Finally reaching the bottom, he
> >> > > >found his way to
> >> > > > > the front door and opened it. A rush of fresh air greeted
> >> > > >him. Feeling
> >> > > > > heat, he hoped he could make it off the porch. At the top of
> >> > > >the stairs,
> >> > > > > panicked, he placed Salma upright again. She struggled to
> >> > > >loosen the sheet
> >> > > > > around her.
> >> > > > > "Are the flames here too?" Ayden asked.
> >> > > > > "No, but there coming from behind."
> >> > > > > At the end of the drive, Ayden dialed 911 on his phone.
> >> > > >Neighbors could be
> >> > > > > heard coming from their own houses. A few ran up to Ayden
> >> > > >and Salma asking
> >> > > > > if they were okay.
> >> > > > > Standing at a distance, Ayden could hear the roar of flames.
> >> > > >Salma held his
> >> > > > > hand as they waited in silence for the sound of sirens.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden rested on the back bumper of Sheriff Jenkins's police
> >> > > >cruiser. The
> >> > > > > mid-morning sun warmed his face. Still shirtless, a blanket
> >> > > >draped his
> >> > > > > shoulders. A gritty smudge crossed his forehead and he could
> >> > > >still smell
> >> > > > > the smoke embracing his body.
> >> > > > > Once the firemen had extinguished the fire, Sheriff Jenkins
> >> > > >and his deputy,
> >> > > > > a man about Ayden's age, drove Salma and Ayden to the police
> >> > > >station. Each
> >> > > > > gave a report before Nick was contacted.
> >> > > > > Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water. He
> >> > > >gulped the cool
> >> > > > > liquid down as Salma rested her head against his shoulder.
> >> > > >Sniffing her
> >> > > > > hair laced with a flower scent and smoke, Ayden protectively
> >> > > >placed an arm
> >> > > > > around her.
> >> > > > > "Ayden," Salma said in quiet surprise, "Alice Whitley is here." 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > > > pulled the blanket closed as he waited for Alice to
> >> > > >approach. A new
> >> > > > > scent filled his nostrils. This too smelled of flowers, but
> >> > > >it was not the
> >> > > > > framiliar jasmine and vanilla Salma wore. Through the fog of
> >> > > >his brain, he
> >> > > > > tried to place where he had smelled this scent before.
> >> > > > > "I'm glad you two are alright," Alice spoke quietly. "I
> >> > > >can't believe this.
> >> > > > > Do you need anything?"
> >> > > > > "Thank you, but we're okay," Salma said warmly.
> >> > > > > "Pete phoned me this morning-"
> >> > > > > "Sheriff Jenkins? Why?" Ayden asked.
> >> > > > > Alice didn't respond.
> >> > > > > Waiting for an answer, Ayden finally recognized the flower
> >> > > >scent that had
> >> > > > > lingered in the closet where he and Salma had found bed linens.
> >> > > > > "Alice, did you visit the house after we left you yesterday?" 
> >> > > > > Alice
> >> > > > > made a noise as though she were suppressing it in her
> >> > > >throat. She
> >> > > > > never answered and before Ayden could ask anything else, he heard 
> >> > > > > her
> >> > > > > muffled footsteps on the grass as she walked briskly away. 
> >> > > > > "Ayden?"
> >> > > > > Salma puzzled. "Her perfume, it's the same smell I noticed in the
> >> > > > > closet last night." "Ayden, that's where I found the letter too,"
> >> > > > > Salma whispered." Ayden heard the swish of grass as someone else
> >> > > > > walked towards
> >> > > >them. It was
> >> > > > > Nick.
> >> > > > > "Are you crazy?" Nick asked, bewildered.
> >> > > > > "I'm fine. Nice to see you too, Dad."
> >> > > > > Nick let out a long breath before saying, "Your mother and I
> >> > > >went crazy when
> >> > > > > we heard what happened. We're glad you're okay."
> >> > > > > "Is the house ruined?" Ayden asked.
> >> > > > > Salma shifted and sat upright next to Ayden.
> >> > > > > "It's mostly the garden that was ruined, but there is damage
> >> > > >to the house."
> >> > > > > Ayden felt his chest tighten. The garden had been Lucy's
> >> > > >favorite place.
> >> > > > > Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways and tall bushes
> >> > > >as Lucy tended
> >> > > > > to her beloved flowers. Interrupting his thoughts, Ayden
> >> > > >heard a shuffling
> >> > > > > footstep approach. Another memory pushed itself front and
> >> > > >center in his
> >> > > > > mind. As Sheriff Jenkins stopped his pace, Ayden gave him a
> >> > > >hard look.
> >> > > > > "Tom says it will take a few weeks to get reports back, but
> >> > > >there is some
> >> > > > > structural damage to the house, Nick," the sheriff said. "Taken 
> >> > > > > any
> >> > > > > midnight strolls to clear your mind lately?" Ayden
> >> > > >directed to
> >> > > > > Sheriff Jenkins.
> >> > > > > No one spoke. Salma gripped his hand.
> >> > > > > "Any reason why you'd call Alice Whitley early this morning?" 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > > > continued. "Drop it," Nick hissed at Ayden.
> >> > > > > Thrown off by Nick's tone, Ayden squeezed Salma's hand,
> >> > > >unsure what to do.
> >> > > > > "I'm sure we're all tired and need to collect our thoughts,"
> >> > > >Sheriff Jenkins
> >> > > > > said. "Maybe you ought to take these two home, Nick." Ayden
> >> > > >heard the
> >> > > > > lumbering shuffle again as Sheriff Jenkins walked away.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > Ayden sat in front of the computer. A buzz issued from the
> >> > > >speakers as
> >> > > > > JAWS, a text-to-speech program, sounded off with each command
> >> > > >Ayden typed.
> >> > > > > "Still working?" Salma asked from behind.
> >> > > > > Ayden leaned his head back against her stomach. She was
> >> > > >wrapped in a large
> >> > > > > soft towel. He slipped his hand through the folds, but she
> >> > > >turned swiftly
> >> > > > > away, laughing.
> >> > > > > Spewing a torrent of Spanish at him, Ayden chuckled. "That
> >> > > >just turns me on
> >> > > > > more."
> >> > > > > "I called you a great big moron whose brain is the size of his-"
> >> > > > > "Doesn't matter. Still sounds sexy." Salma whipped another towel 
> >> > > > > at
> >> > > > > him before scampering to the bedroom. Turning back to his work, 
> >> > > > > Ayden
> >> > > > > decided to check his email. As he clicked on the necessary links 
> >> > > > > using
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > Hotkey commands,
> >> > > >he thought over
> >> > > > > the past few weeks.
> >> > > > > Ayden had told his father what happened, but Nick said that
> >> > > >everything was
> >> > > > > circumstantial. Ayden knew this, but he also knew he had
> >> > > >opened something
> >> > > > > up. Something that had been meant to remain secret. Nick
> >> > > >refused to open
> >> > > > > any investigation and he remained tight-lipped about anything he 
> >> > > > > knew.
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > The fire was officially reported as an unknown accident since
> >> > > >no evidence,
> >> > > > > either way, had been found determining a cause. This, at
> >> > > >least, was how the
> >> > > > > police report read. Ayden, though, had inquired into the 
> >> > > > > fire-chief's
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > report. It too was inconclusive, but this report did mention
> >> > > >that a match
> >> > > > > book had been found near the premises. Salma had advised
> >> > > >Ayden to wait
> >> > > > > before attempting any further investigation.
> >> > > > > Salma had been the reason he was able to let the weeks slip by 
> >> > > > > without
> >> > > >
> >> > > > > searching for more clues. Once they had returned to the
> >> > > >city, Ayden had
> >> > > > > found the courage to express his budding feelings towards Salma. 
> >> > > > > They
> >> > > > > had sat on the couch talking; a typical Friday night for
> >> > > >them, except
> >> > > > > this time Ayden could feel a growing anticipation between
> >> > > >them. Salma had
> >> > > > > stood to get another beer from the kitchen when Ayden reached
> >> > > >for her wrist.
> >> > > > > His large palm had felt bigger next to her slim wrist. Both
> >> > > >had stared
> >> > > > > silently at one another. Ayden, thinking he would win this
> >> > > >game since he
> >> > > > > couldn't see, broke first. Grinning with a smirk, he had
> >> > > >pulled Salma to
> >> > > > > him and kissed her.
> >> > > > > Three weeks later, their routine was continued as normal, yet
> >> > > >something was
> >> > > > > different. They had transitioned into this new element with
> >> > > >ease, as though
> >> > > > > it were meant to be. Their friendship was strengthened by
> >> > > >the new romance.
> >> > > > > Still reminiscing, Ayden did not recognize the name given for
> >> > > >the first
> >> > > > > email he came across. Opening it up, he read the following: Your
> >> > > > > journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you stop your
> >> > > > > investigation immediately. Heartache and harm can only
> >> > > >befall you. Thank
> >> > > > > your luck and live long and well with your beautiful new love. 
> >> > > > > There
> >> > > > > was no signature. Alarmed, Ayden checked the From
> >> > > >field, but the only
> >> > > > > information this provided was aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.
> >> > > >Ayden's pulse
> >> > > > > quickened. Hearing Salma pad lightly back into the room, he
> >> > > >closed the
> >> > > > > window he was in. He thought it was best to not alarm her just 
> >> > > > > yet.
> >> > > > > Holding Salma close against him, wrapping her in a bear hug,
> >> > > >Ayden knew this
> >> > > > > was just the beginning.
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > _______________________________________________
> >> > > > > Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
> >> > > ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
> >> > > > >
> >> > > > > stylist mailing list
> >> > > > > stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> > > > > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
> >> > > > > for
> >> > > > > stylist:
> >> > > > >
> >> > > >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/priscil
> >> > > >la.mckinley%40gmail.com
> >> > > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >_______________________________________________
> >> > > >Writers Division web site:
> >> > > >http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
> >> > > ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
> >> > > >
> >> > > >stylist mailing list
> >> > > >stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> > > >To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
> >> > > >info for stylist:
> >> > > >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/jsorozc
> >> > > >o%40gmail.com
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >------------------------------
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Message: 4
> >> > > >Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 07:57:43 -0500
> >> > > >From: "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net>
> >> > > >To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> > > >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" 
> >> > > >some
> >> > > > language, alludes to sexual content
> >> > > >Message-ID: <000801cb66e8$65d00ad0$31702070$@cox.net>
> >> > > >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Bridget
> >> > > >
> >> > > >A good story! I like the blindness descriptors. And that scene and 
> >> > > >lines
> >> > > >that you had Salma use while in the office of the sheriff,
> >> > > >"At least he has a better chance of touching what you have been 
> >> > > >admiring
> >> > > >this whole time," Salma snapped.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >And yeah, I read the comments of Priscilla and Joe and I can see 
> >> > > >that
> >> > > >their observations would only enhance the story.
> >> > > >Thanks for sharing!
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >-----Original Message-----
> >> > > >From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] 
> >> > > >On
> >> > > >Behalf Of Bridgit Pollpeter
> >> > > >Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2010 9:06 PM
> >> > > >To: writers division
> >> > > >Subject: [stylist] detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" some
> >> > > >language, alludes to sexual content
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Hey guys,
> >> > > >
> >> > > >I'm taking a detective fiction class this semester for an upper lit
> >> > > >credit. We had to write detective shorts and I thought I would share
> >> > > >mine with you. Keep in mind that this is not my genre and also, I 
> >> > > >wrote
> >> > > >it in about a 12-our time span. Yes, I'm a procrastinator! *smile*
> >> > > >
> >> > > >It was fun though so enjoy.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Bridgit P
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Sense of Murder
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden sat in his father's leather wingback chair rolling a large key
> >> > > >between his fingers. The metal key had been cold, but now was warmed 
> >> > > >by
> >> > > >his hands. He gripped the key in his palm and rubbed a thumb across 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >rough , rusty surface. Three weeks ago, Ayden had merely been
> >> > > >researching the mysterious death of his grandfather for a book he 
> >> > > >was
> >> > > >writing. Now, he sat among items wondering if his grandfather had 
> >> > > >been
> >> > > >murdered. Ayden's father, Nick, had found Henry, his grandfather, 
> >> > > >lying
> >> > > >at the bottom of the staircase in his home. Nick never spoke about 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >incident after reporting it to the police. He would not speak to 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >about Henry's death either, but he was allowing Ayden and Salma to
> >> > > >search through any items Nick kept. No one had been sure what 
> >> > > >happened.
> >> > > >Lucy, Ayden's grandmother, had been present too when Henry's body 
> >> > > >was
> >> > > >found. The police recorded the death as an accidental fall. Many
> >> > > >silently pointed fingers at Lucy though. Lucy had grown distraught
> >> > > >during the past few months before Henry's death. Friends and family
> >> > > >reported that she had been distracted often or in an irritated mood.
> >> > > >This was unlike the warm and tender grandmother Ayden had grown up 
> >> > > >with.
> >> > > >When Nick found his father's body, Lucy had gone wild, screaming, 
> >> > > >unable
> >> > > >to leave Henry's lifeless body. Eventually Nick placed her in a care
> >> > > >home. Here Lucy had reached an almost catatonic state until she too 
> >> > > >had
> >> > > >passed. Gossips spread the news, sweeping far and wide. Lucy was 
> >> > > >crazy,
> >> > > >they said. She went mad, she killed her husband. It was juicy, just
> >> > > >what a small town needed. The police never looked into the 
> >> > > >possibility,
> >> > > >but Lucy died with a scarlet letter attached to her memory. Ayden 
> >> > > >could
> >> > > >never believe that Lucy would hurt anyone. Lucy had been fond of 
> >> > > >Ayden,
> >> > > >guiding him, encouraging him. "You're so full of potential, Ayden. I
> >> > > >can see fire in your eyes," she used to tell him. When Ayden lost 
> >> > > >his
> >> > > >vision, Lucy had been the one person who supported him, still
> >> > > >encouraging. For years, though, there had been whispers of foul 
> >> > > >play,
> >> > > >but no one ever spoke about the rumors. Vague insinuations were the
> >> > > >closest anyone came to mentioning "murder." Ayden, though, had never
> >> > > >played by the rules. His mother referred to him as the "black sheep 
> >> > > >of
> >> > > >the family" whenever she threw a dinner party. Ayden never felt like 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >fit in his family's world of snobbish dinner parties, elite country
> >> > > >clubs and preferential treatment at most Ivy League universities. He
> >> > > >had already been a disappointment to his family before a car 
> >> > > >accident
> >> > > >left him blind. Seven-years later, Ayden had come to terms with his
> >> > > >blindness, but his family accepted him only out of duty. His father 
> >> > > >had
> >> > > >been clear when saying, "This condition of yours is not suitable for 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >courtroom, but the firm can take you on in a capacity for research,
> >> > > >perhaps. Maybe a paralegal position will be suitable." Ayden was not
> >> > > >able to live with this attitude hanging over him. After completing 
> >> > > >his
> >> > > >bachelor's in literature, Ayden took up a career writing for any
> >> > > >newspapers or journals that accepted his entries. Writing for a 
> >> > > >small
> >> > > >literary journal allowed Ayden to work on his novel which had turned
> >> > > >into a fictionalized account of his grandfather's death. Asking his
> >> > > >father for any information about his grandfather's life, was the 
> >> > > >reason
> >> > > >Ayden now sat in his father's study. He found more, he thought, than
> >> > > >his father knew about though. "So what's next?" Salma asked. Salma
> >> > > >lived across the hall from Ayden in his building. They had become
> >> > > >friends, and Salma now was helping him research his grandfather's 
> >> > > >life.
> >> > > >Tapping the key in his palm, Ayden said, "I'm not sure. This letter
> >> > > >says a lot." Ayden closed his eyes thinking on this letter. It was
> >> > > >evidence, even if circumstantial, that suggested, if Lucy knew about 
> >> > > >it,
> >> > > >she could have killed Henry. There was a pause then paper crackled
> >> > > >before Salma spoke. "It's pretty clear from this letter that your
> >> > > >grandfather was having an affair. I wonder if we can figure out 
> >> > > >these
> >> > > >initials, A. W." Ayden shut his eyes thinking, trying to remember 
> >> > > >anyone
> >> > > >he had ever met with A. W. for initials. "I don't know," he sighed. 
> >> > > >As
> >> > > >Ayden and Salma leafed through pictures and notes, they had found an 
> >> > > >old
> >> > > >copy of Wuthering Heights. Ayden remembered the year Henry had given
> >> > > >the third edition book to Lucy for Christmas. Lucy had sat 
> >> > > >unwrapping
> >> > > >the gift, then exclaimed, "Oh," before looking up with tears in her
> >> > > >eyes. Wuthering Heights had always been her favorite novel. Lucy had
> >> > > >been the one person to encourage Ayden to follow his dream and take 
> >> > > >up
> >> > > >writing instead of joining the family law firm. "You're meant to 
> >> > > >follow
> >> > > >your own path," Lucy had told Ayden once. Twenty-years later, Ayden 
> >> > > >and
> >> > > >Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of the book. Ayden 
> >> > > >touched
> >> > > >the thick, but stiff piece of paper and held it out to Salma to 
> >> > > >inspect.
> >> > > >She told him the letter appeared old, but not as old as the book. A 
> >> > > >few
> >> > > >of the torn edges of the letter were turning yellow. The letter was
> >> > > >simple as she read:
> >> > > >Henry, my love,
> >> > > >I can not wait to see you again. I hoped and when I saw you coming 
> >> > > >down
> >> > > >the road, my heart leaped. I still feel your touch. How much longer
> >> > > >must we wait? Please, my darling, give me what I ask before it is 
> >> > > >too
> >> > > >late.
> >> > > >Love, A. W.
> >> > > >"What now? Where do we go next?" Salma asked.
> >> > > >Ayden held the rusted, copper key up in front of him. "We visit the 
> >> > > >old
> >> > > >Templeton mansion." The Templeton mansion was the Victorian home 
> >> > > >Henry
> >> > > >and Lucy had lived in for years. The family still owned it, but it 
> >> > > >had
> >> > > >sat empty for years. Ayden thought that maybe more secrets were 
> >> > > >hidden
> >> > > >within the walls of the Templeton house, eager to be discovered.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden sat in the car as Salma drove. Neither spoke as Ayden's 
> >> > > >fingers
> >> > > >slid across the pages on his lap. Reading his Braille notes, Ayden
> >> > > >wondered where to start once they reached the small town where his
> >> > > >grandparents and father had grown up. Henry had started a small law
> >> > > >firm in town, but eventually it grew. Henry and Lucy had moved when
> >> > > >Nick had been ten. Nick never spoke about his childhood though. 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >really didn't know much about his family's past. Lucy and Henry had
> >> > > >moved back to their old house once Nick took the firm over, but 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >had rarely visited the home. After Henry had died, Lucy, unable to 
> >> > > >cope
> >> > > >with his death, had moved into an upscale nursing home in the City, 
> >> > > >and
> >> > > >Nick left the house untouched. The house had sat empty now for ten
> >> > > >years. As the car slowed, Ayden looked up at Salma. "Are we there?"
> >> > > >"Yes. What's our first stop?" "I'm figuring this out as we go along.
> >> > > >I guess the police station." Salma was silent before saying, "You 
> >> > > >okay?
> >> > > >I know your dad wasn't happy." Ayden had questioned his father about 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >letter, but Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling Ayden, 
> >> > > >"Leave it
> >> > > >alone. We don't dig up family history." Ayden tried to coax Nick to 
> >> > > >say
> >> > > >more, but the subject was closed. "Yeah. I wish he would have told 
> >> > > >us
> >> > > >more. Explained something," Ayden said. "Maybe he just wants to keep
> >> > > >your family secrets, well, secret. Some people don't like giving out
> >> > > >info about anything." "I just feel like he knows more than he's 
> >> > > >letting
> >> > > >on. Mom just played dumb too." "We'll find something. Don't worry."
> >> > > >Salma was always reassuring Ayden. She had become a constant in his
> >> > > >life. The only real constant he had. She had shown up one day, 
> >> > > >knocking
> >> > > >on his door, holding a dish in her hands, offering Ayden some home 
> >> > > >made
> >> > > >enchiladas. That had been the beginning of their friendship. They 
> >> > > >had
> >> > > >spent many nights talking until three in the morning and hanging out 
> >> > > >on
> >> > > >weekends. Salma was the one connection Ayden had to the outside 
> >> > > >world.
> >> > > >Once moving away from his family, he had become a recluse of sorts. 
> >> > > >He
> >> > > >showed up to the office for work, attended cocktail parties required 
> >> > > >for
> >> > > >work and even dated a couple of girls, but Salma was the one person 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >truly felt comfortable with. Her infectious way of always looking at
> >> > > >things positively seemed like a novelty to Ayden. She could always 
> >> > > >make
> >> > > >him smile. When he began writing the book about Henry, Salma had
> >> > > >offered to assist in anyway she could. "I'm really glad you're 
> >> > > >here,"
> >> > > >Ayden said.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >"Yeah, yeah. I'm waiting for my pay check." Salma giggled as she
> >> > > >pulled into a parking stall. "I think we're here." While Salma 
> >> > > >dropped
> >> > > >coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped his cane along the brick
> >> > > >walls looking for the door. Hearing the clink of glass as his cane
> >> > > >tapped, Ayden was sure he found the door. "No Braille, is this it?" 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >shouted back to Salma. "I believe so," she answered rushing to catch 
> >> > > >up.
> >> > > >They entered the quiet, almost lazy-like atmosphere of the police
> >> > > >station. Ayden moved towards the sound of clacking as some one 
> >> > > >pressed
> >> > > >keys on a computer keyboard with a practiced efficiency. This, he
> >> > > >thought, must be a reception desk. Stepping up to a smooth feeling
> >> > > >counter, Ayden said, "Excuse me." "Can I help you?" a woman's bored
> >> > > >voice said. "We were wondering if we can speak to some one who 
> >> > > >worked
> >> > > >the Henry Templeton case," Ayden said. The woman stopped typing and 
> >> > > >a
> >> > > >long silence followed. "Who's asking?" "I'm Ayden Templeton, Henry's
> >> > > >grandson." "One minute." A chair creaked as the woman stood. Her 
> >> > > >shoes
> >> > > >clacked as she walked away. Salma touched Ayden's arm. "She had a 
> >> > > >weird
> >> > > >look when you mentioned your grandpa's name." Ayden said nothing, 
> >> > > >not
> >> > > >sure what he was doing there in the first place. The woman's shoes
> >> > > >clacked once more as she returned. Another footstep joined hers, but
> >> > > >this person shuffled slightly. The person shuffled towards Salma,
> >> > > >saying, "Hello. I'm Sheriff Jenkins. How can I help you?" Ayden 
> >> > > >stepped
> >> > > >closer towards Salma, extending his arm to Sheriff Jenkins. "I'm 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >Templeton and this is Salma Juarez. We have some questions about my
> >> > > >grandfather's death." There was a pause before Sheriff Jenkins shook
> >> > > >Ayden's hand. "Step into my office please." Ayden followed the 
> >> > > >sheriff
> >> > > >into a room off the main section of the department. His cane swep 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >inside of the door frame, indicating the width so Ayden avoided 
> >> > > >bumping
> >> > > >into the edges of the frame. Ayden asked where a chair was and 
> >> > > >turned
> >> > > >in the direction Captain Jenkins indicated. Once again, his cane 
> >> > > >found
> >> > > >the chair and sliding the cane across the seat, Ayden determined 
> >> > > >where
> >> > > >the front of the chair was. Salma's arm brushed his as she sat next 
> >> > > >to
> >> > > >him. "Can I get you anything?" Sheriff Jenkins asked. "No, but thank
> >> > > >you. Salma?" "I'm good," Salma replied. Ayden felt a tension fill 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >room as the three sat there, not speaking. Sheriff Jenkins began 
> >> > > >tapping
> >> > > >the edge of the metal table in the interrogation room. Ayden twisted
> >> > > >his cane between his fingers. Salma bobbed her foot which was 
> >> > > >lightly
> >> > > >kicking Ayden's shin. "We're hoping to learn as much as we can about
> >> > > >Henry Templeton's death. I'm researching the story for a novel I'm
> >> > > >working on," Ayden started. "I worked the case. There's not much to
> >> > > >tell," Sheriff Jenkins said. "I know you eventually reported it as 
> >> > > >an
> >> > > >accidental death, but was there ever any evidence suggesting 
> >> > > >otherwise?"
> >> > > >Ayden asked. "No. We questioned friends and family and there was no
> >> > > >reason to believe Henry Templeton was murdered," Sheriff Jenkins 
> >> > > >said
> >> > > >sharply. Ayden shifted his head towards Salma before saying, "I know
> >> > > >there was-uh-speculation that maybe my grandmother did it." "Lucy
> >> > > >Baldwin? She never hurt anyone. We were all shocked when she married
> >> > > >Henry. She could have had anyone she wanted." Ayden leaned against 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >table looking straight in the direction where Sheriff Jenkins sat. 
> >> > > >"I
> >> > > >thought Henry was a catch? You know, a lawyer from a wealthy 
> >> > > >family."
> >> > > >"He was a playboy. Always was, never changed." "Who did you question
> >> > > >about his death?" Salma broke in. The sheriff's chair creaked as he
> >> > > >leaned back. "Well, of course Lucy and her boy Nick. They were 
> >> > > >there.
> >> > > >Found his body and all." Ayden shot the sheriff a questioning 
> >> > > >glance.
> >> > > >He was talking like he had forgot who Ayden was. "Then there was 
> >> > > >Zelda,
> >> > > >the housekeeper, and Avery Mayer, he came around about once a week 
> >> > > >to
> >> > > >help Lucy with the lawn. She loved her garden. Her roses won prizes
> >> > > >around here," Sheriff Jenkins continued. "Anyone else?" Ayden asked.
> >> > > >"Oh, his work associates, but Henry was retired so they didn't see 
> >> > > >much
> >> > > >of him anymore. Alice Whitley, she had been his personal secretary 
> >> > > >for
> >> > > >years. She still did stuff part-time for Henry." Ayden had pulled 
> >> > > >out a
> >> > > >three-by-five plastic device that had six rows of cells containing 
> >> > > >three
> >> > > >holes on each side of the cells. A pop-pop-pop sound was made as 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >poked a pointed awl-like object called a stylus through the holes as 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >took Braille notes. "Are any of these people still around?" "Not
> >> > > >everyone had the same opportunities as the Templeton's to leave 
> >> > > >town.
> >> > > >Other than Henry's work associates, I think most of them still live
> >> > > >around here. At least the one's who are still alive." "Is there
> >> > > >anything else you can tell us? Was there anything strange you 
> >> > > >noticed?
> >> > > >Any evidence that suggest something other than an accidental tumble 
> >> > > >down
> >> > > >the stairs?" The sheriff laughed. "I know you city folk like to 
> >> > > >dream
> >> > > >up seedy happenings in small towns, but Henry Templeton's death was
> >> > > >nothing more than an accident. Nothing dark about it." "Thank you 
> >> > > >for
> >> > > >your time," Ayden said extending his hand again to shake Sheriff
> >> > > >Jenkins's. Sheriff Jenkins sighed. "Look, don't go digging anything 
> >> > > >up.
> >> > > >Just let the dead rest." Salma's bracelet tinkled as they stood. "We
> >> > > >understand. I'm just trying to find things out about my grandfather 
> >> > > >for
> >> > > >the book. You know, no stone uncovered," Ayden said. "Are you two
> >> > > >married?" Sheriff Jenkins asked. Ayden, confused by the switch, 
> >> > > >replied,
> >> > > >"No." The sheriff chuckled. "Like your grandpa, I see." Ayden 
> >> > > >blushed,
> >> > > >but Salma said, "Ayden is nothing but a gentleman. Clearly something 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >did not pick up in this town." "I know the kind of men the 
> >> > > >Templeton's
> >> > > >are," the sheriff said. Unsure of what to do, Ayden turned to leave. 
> >> > > >"At
> >> > > >least he has a better chance of touching what you have been admiring
> >> > > >this whole time," Salma snapped. She turned quickly and Ayden felt a
> >> > > >rush of breeze as she left the room.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Out in the car, Ayden apologized.
> >> > > >"I'm sorry. I didn't know what to say."
> >> > > >"It's okay. He was a pig."
> >> > > >"I didn't realize-"
> >> > > >"I know, its okay. Where to next?"
> >> > > >Ayden could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone. "The house, 
> >> > > >I
> >> > > >guess." As Salma pulled back out into the street devoid of traffic,
> >> > > >Ayden wondered why she had told Sheriff Jenkins what she had. Was it
> >> > > >simply said in a moment of anger, or was there any truth in her 
> >> > > >words,
> >> > > >he thought. He has a better chance of touching what you have been
> >> > > >admiring. For the first time, Ayden thought of the possibilities 
> >> > > >with
> >> > > >Salma.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden stood before the house remembering the bright blue it had been
> >> > > >during the few visits he had made during his childhood. The house 
> >> > > >had
> >> > > >always stood out even among the street full of bright, cheery houses
> >> > > >complete with emerald lawns and award winning gardens. The Templeton
> >> > > >house had a wrap-around porch with a veranda to the back opening 
> >> > > >onto a
> >> > > >large lawn complete with a British garden. Its three stories reached
> >> > > >majestically towards the sky.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden now gripped the rough, wooden railing of the house. The feel 
> >> > > >of
> >> > > >the railing did not match his memory of the sleek, smooth dark 
> >> > > >wooden
> >> > > >banister. The stairs creaked as he stepped on them. Reaching the 
> >> > > >porch,
> >> > > >he felt a slight dip and quickly stepped sideways in fear of falling
> >> > > >through the porch. Children played nearby and cars languidly drove 
> >> > > >down
> >> > > >the street, but a strange silence surrounded the house. It was as
> >> > > >though Ayden were underneath water trying to make out the distant
> >> > > >sounds. The scent of jasmine passed briefly through his nose as 
> >> > > >Salma
> >> > > >stood next to him. "How does it look?" Ayden asked ignoring the 
> >> > > >scent.
> >> > > >Salma took a deep breath. "It's run down, that's for sure. I can't
> >> > > >believe no one has lived here for years." "My family still owns it, 
> >> > > >but
> >> > > >after my grandfather's death, no one wanted to do anything about 
> >> > > >it."
> >> > > >Ayden placed his hand on the cold handle of the dilapidated 
> >> > > >Victorian
> >> > > >house. He dug in his pockets for the rusty key he had found in his
> >> > > >father's office. As he inserted the heavy key in the lock, a quiet 
> >> > > >click
> >> > > >was heard. Ayden pushed the solid door open. He looked in Salma's
> >> > > >direction before stepping inside. Shutting the door, the house 
> >> > > >engulfed
> >> > > >all sound like a tomb. "Creepy," Salma said as she shivered. Ayden
> >> > > >walked forward tapping his long white cane, arcing wide so as to not 
> >> > > >run
> >> > > >into anything. Dust filled the air and Ayden coughed as he inhaled.
> >> > > >"This has been sitting for years," Ayden rasped. "What's it look 
> >> > > >like?"
> >> > > >Salma looked around. "It's really dark, but it's almost completely
> >> > > >empty. What do you think you'll find?" "I'm not sure. Sheriff 
> >> > > >Jenkins
> >> > > >wasn't much help. I just thought, maybe something." Salma's sandals
> >> > > >clipped-clopped as she walked over to a window to open it. "Well, if 
> >> > > >we
> >> > > >are going to be here long we need fresh air." Ayden felt a rush of
> >> > > >summer breeze as the window clambered up. The sound of kids jumping
> >> > > >rope ruined the house's stolid silence. Life entered the house again 
> >> > > >as
> >> > > >Ayden began to feel around searching for any clue. Salma clumped up 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >stairs as Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls and any 
> >> > > >remaining
> >> > > >furniture, hoping to find something, anything. He rifled through
> >> > > >drawers and cupboards. So far his hands had only found dust and
> >> > > >cobwebs. "Ayden, Ayden!" Salma shouted a couple of hours later. 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >hurried towards the staircase. "Salma! Are you okay?" "Get up here! 
> >> > > >I
> >> > > >found something!" Ayden clambered up the grand staircase. Reaching 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >top, he shouted, "What room?" "Um, it's a bedroom." Hearing her 
> >> > > >voice
> >> > > >off to his left, Ayden moved down the hallway. At the end, he found 
> >> > > >a
> >> > > >door open. "Salma?" Salma's clapping sandals moved towards Ayden. 
> >> > > >"Look
> >> > > >at this," she said excitedly. Her bracelet tinkled and paper 
> >> > > >crackled
> >> > > >as she shoved something in Ayden's hand. Ayden grinned. "Um." He
> >> > > >handed the paper back to Salma. "Oh-sorry. I just-you won't believe
> >> > > >this." It was another letter; a love letter to Henry. Henry, My 
> >> > > >love, I
> >> > > >miss you. I grow restless with each day. I have waited years to be
> >> > > >with you, really be with you. Let's stop the pretending, stop the 
> >> > > >lies.
> >> > > >Don't be mad with me. I would do anything for you, but we must stop
> >> > > >hiding. There is no harm in this. I will wait to hear from you, but
> >> > > >don't take long. Love,
> >> > > >A. W.
> >> > > >Salma rushed through the letter almost in one breath. Ayden was not
> >> > > >quite sure what her excitement was for. "We already know Henry was
> >> > > >having an affair of sorts," he said. Salma sighed impatiently. 
> >> > > >"Ayden,
> >> > > >think about it. Don't you see?" "Not really," he said slowly. She
> >> > > >grabbed his wrist. Her slender fingers gripped him with a strength
> >> > > >Ayden would not have guessed at. She moved in closer and once again,
> >> > > >Ayden took in the scent of jasmine. This time he smelled something 
> >> > > >else
> >> > > >with it. Vanilla, he thought. Salma shook his arm slightly bringing 
> >> > > >him
> >> > > >back to attention. "Ayden, A. W. Don't you see it yet?" "A. W.?" 
> >> > > >"The
> >> > > >initials," she said exasperated, "A. W. Alice Whitley." "Who's Alice
> >> > > >Whitley?" Salma smacked her forehead. "Ay-where are your notes from
> >> > > >today?" Ayden pulled out the three-by-five note card from his back
> >> > > >pocket. "Now read through it," Salma said as though talking to a 
> >> > > >small
> >> > > >child. Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and looked sharply 
> >> > > >up
> >> > > >at Salma. "See?" Salma asked. "I can't believe we didn't realize it
> >> > > >then. His secretary. And Sheriff Jenkins said she's still living in
> >> > > >town." "Think we can find her?" "Give me a minute," Ayden said 
> >> > > >reaching
> >> > > >for his mobile phone tucked away in his pocket. An electronic hum 
> >> > > >came
> >> > > >from his phone as he maneuvered through the menus on his phone. A
> >> > > >screen-reading program specific to mobile phones, helped Ayden 
> >> > > >utilize
> >> > > >the functions on his phone. "Got it. There's only one Alice Whitley
> >> > > >that shows up in town." "Thank God for technology," Salma said. "No
> >> > > >wonder no one could ever solve this case." Ayden smirked at her. 
> >> > > >"Thank
> >> > > >God for accessible technology. Come on. She doesn't live far from 
> >> > > >here
> >> > > >and it's not too late."
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ten minutes later, Ayden and Salma knocked on a door. The house was
> >> > > >less substantial than the Templeton house, but Salma described its
> >> > > >well-kempt lawn and cheery exterior. The door opened and a woman's 
> >> > > >voice
> >> > > >gasped, "Oh." "Miss Whitley? I'm Ayden-" "Templeton," she said. "You
> >> > > >look like Henry." Smiling, Ayden said, "Miss Whitley, this is my 
> >> > > >friend
> >> > > >Salma. We're working on a book about my grandfather, and we would 
> >> > > >like
> >> > > >to ask you some questions." "Oh, of course. Come in, come in." As 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >door shut behind Ayden and Salma, he smelled a flower scent that he
> >> > > >couldn't place and a clock ticked nearby. Alice Whitley ushered them
> >> > > >into a sitting room off the entryway. Salma sat next to Ayden on the
> >> > > >soft couch while Alice sat across from them. "Can I offer you 
> >> > > >anything?
> >> > > >I just made lemonade." "That would be wonderful," Salma said. As 
> >> > > >Alice
> >> > > >left the room, Ayden turned towards Salma. "I'm sorry, I didn't even
> >> > > >think to ask if you were hungry." "Hon, it's okay. I didn't think 
> >> > > >about
> >> > > >it myself until now." "We'll have dinner after this; I promise."
> >> > > >"Promise?" Ayden grinned as Alice returned. She placed an ice-cold
> >> > > >glass in Ayden's hand. Ice chinked against the side as he took a 
> >> > > >gulp.
> >> > > >The cold liquid felt good down his throat after the dust of his 
> >> > > >family's
> >> > > >house. He could only imagine how dirty he and Salma looked. He felt
> >> > > >the mingled grime of sweat and dirt on his body. Why had it not
> >> > > >occurred to them to stop somewhere first and wash up, Ayden thought.
> >> > > >"So, what can I help you with? Henry was a dear friend and I miss 
> >> > > >him.
> >> > > >You must call me Alice." "Well, Alice, we specifically are 
> >> > > >interested in
> >> > > >his death," Ayden said. Alice choked on her lemonade. "Why would you 
> >> > > >be
> >> > > >interested in that?" "I believe that maybe his death wasn't 
> >> > > >accidental."
> >> > > >"Oh dear, don't buy into those silly rumors. Pete Jenkins conducted 
> >> > > >a
> >> > > >thorough investigation and no foul play was to be hinted at." "And 
> >> > > >yet
> >> > > >the rumors persist," Ayden said. "Silly gossip. Housewives bored out 
> >> > > >of
> >> > > >there minds." "You know Sheriff Jenkins?" Ayden asked. "Darling, 
> >> > > >it's a
> >> > > >town of ten-thousand; everybody knows everybody." Ayden sipped on 
> >> > > >his
> >> > > >lemonade as Salma clicked her nails against the side of her glass. 
> >> > > >"We
> >> > > >have reason to believe maybe there is more to the story," Ayden 
> >> > > >said. He
> >> > > >affected his best courtroom demeanor. He had seen his father like 
> >> > > >this
> >> > > >hundreds of times. Alice swirled ice chuncks around in her glass. 
> >> > > >Her
> >> > > >voice had lost some of its cheeriness when she responded by asking,
> >> > > >"What makes you say that?" Ayden found the love letter in a folder. 
> >> > > >He
> >> > > >removed the Braille label, setting the letter on the coffee table
> >> > > >dividing Ayden and Salma from Alice. The room grew still. The letter
> >> > > >rustled as Alice picked it up. When she spoke, she sounded choked as
> >> > > >though she were holding back tears. "Where did you find this?" "It 
> >> > > >was
> >> > > >in some old boxes in the Templeton home," Salma said. A long silence
> >> > > >followed in which Ayden could hear Alice sniffling. "I suppose the 
> >> > > >truth
> >> > > >has to come out sooner or later," Alice said quietly. "We don't
> >> > > >need-a-details of anything, but is there any reason to think Henry 
> >> > > >was
> >> > > >killed?" Ayden soothed. "Your grandfather hired me when I was 
> >> > > >eighteen,"
> >> > > >Alice began, ignoring Ayden. "I instantly fell in love with him, but 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >was that type. Dashingly handsome, charming to a fault. He was a few
> >> > > >years older than me, but I knew how all the girls waited for their
> >> > > >chance to rope Henry into marriage. I felt so lucky to see him
> >> > > >everyday. I started out as a simple receptionist, but eventually he
> >> > > >promoted me to his personal secretary." "Did you move with my
> >> > > >grandparents then, when they moved?" Ayden asked. Alice sighed. 
> >> > > >"Yes,
> >> > > >but after-things happened-I moved back. I remained in his employ,
> >> > > >working from the office here in town. Before your father took 
> >> > > >charge,
> >> > > >Henry's headquarters had always been based from here." Ayden nodded 
> >> > > >his
> >> > > >head. "I never meant to hurt anyone. Things happened. Henry loved us
> >> > > >both, Lucy and I. I tried to end it for years, but Henry always 
> >> > > >showed
> >> > > >up with that smile of his. Then I tried to make him choose. I
> >> > > >should've known better, but I was in love." Alice continued to spill 
> >> > > >her
> >> > > >story, hoping for redemption perhaps. "The final straw came right 
> >> > > >before
> >> > > >his death. We had carried on for almost forty-years and I knew it 
> >> > > >had
> >> > > >to stop. We fought. I threatened to tell Lucy and that was that. He
> >> > > >left me promising to choose. I waited for an answer, but a week 
> >> > > >later,
> >> > > >Henry was found dead." "Did you ever tell anyone?" Ayden asked. 
> >> > > >"No."
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden and Salma stood by the car outside Alice's house. A breeze
> >> > > >tousled Ayden's hair and Salma gently combed her fingers through his
> >> > > >dark tresses. "Seems like all you Templeton men are irresistible," 
> >> > > >she
> >> > > >said teasingly. Unsure of how to respond to her comment, he grinned, 
> >> > > >but
> >> > > >before he could make a remark, Ayden heard her car door click open. 
> >> > > >He
> >> > > >slid into the passenger seat, heart pounding. "You promised me 
> >> > > >dinner,"
> >> > > >Salma whined playfully.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >After devouring diner-style hamburgers and fries, Ayden and Salma 
> >> > > >found
> >> > > >themselves walking through the downtown area. Salma kept up with
> >> > > >Ayden's stride as his cane tapped in a shoulder-length-arc. 
> >> > > >"Sometimes I
> >> > > >think it would be nice to live in a small town," Salma mused. 
> >> > > >"Really,
> >> > > >you? Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," Ayden joked. "I could
> >> > > >drive to the city. I don't know. It seems like a nice place to raise 
> >> > > >a
> >> > > >family." Ayden had never heard Salma speak about kids or families. 
> >> > > >As
> >> > > >well as he knew her, Ayden realized there was plenty he still had to
> >> > > >learn about Salma. "Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will 
> >> > > >grow
> >> > > >up to cheat, lie and murder," Ayden scoffed. "We, huh?" Ayden 
> >> > > >blushed,
> >> > > >feeling the heat creep up his neck to his face. He hadn't caught his
> >> > > >blunder. He sputtered, but before he could make sense of his words,
> >> > > >Salma grabbed his hand. "Maybe we can live in the Templeton 
> >> > > >mansion,"
> >> > > >she said. They walked silently back to the car. "It's pretty late, 
> >> > > >what
> >> > > >should we do?" Salma asked. Ayden flipped the crystal face of his 
> >> > > >watch
> >> > > >up. Feeling the raised dots and arrows with his pointer finger on 
> >> > > >his
> >> > > >Braille watch, he said, "It's a quarter to eleven. I'm beat." "Me 
> >> > > >too.
> >> > > >I don't really feel like driving back tonight though." Ayden 
> >> > > >scratched
> >> > > >his head. "I guess we can stay at casa-de-Templeton." "Okay, but no
> >> > > >funny business," Salma joked. Sitting in the car, Ayden said, "By 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >way, unlike some men in my family, I'm more of a one-woman type."
> >> > > >
> >> > > >They stood on either side of the king-size bed in the master 
> >> > > >bedroom.
> >> > > >"Sure you don't want to sleep in another room?" Ayden asked. "Hell 
> >> > > >no!
> >> > > >This house is creepy." "I thought you wanted to raise children 
> >> > > >here?"
> >> > > >"Shut-up. Scared to sleep with a girl?" The bed creaked as Salma lay
> >> > > >down on it. "A bit musty." They had found spare bed linens in a box 
> >> > > >and
> >> > > >had attempted to shake them out as best they could. Ayden had 
> >> > > >noticed a
> >> > > >lingering wispy scent of flowers that he could not place. It may 
> >> > > >have
> >> > > >been the remnants of something used to launder the linens years ago, 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >had thought. Without thinking, Ayden removed his shirt and handed it 
> >> > > >to
> >> > > >Salma. "Here. You can wrap your pillow in it." "Thanks," Salma said
> >> > > >drawing the word out. Realizing what he had just done, he blushed 
> >> > > >for
> >> > > >the millionth time that day. Not able to turn back what he had done,
> >> > > >Ayden lay slowly down, sticking close to the edge. "Keep your hands
> >> > > >above the blankets," Salma yawned.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden woke disoriented at first, but comprehension quickly dawned as 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >felt Salma's small body nestled against his. She snored quietly and
> >> > > >Ayden smiled. This was nice, he thought. He extracted himself gently
> >> > > >from the bed, trying to not wake Salma. He needed to use the 
> >> > > >bathroom,
> >> > > >but it struck him that the bathrooms would not be in working order. 
> >> > > >It
> >> > > >was primitive, but it would have to do, he thought as he found his 
> >> > > >way
> >> > > >downstairs and out into the back garden. Hoping no neighbors were 
> >> > > >awake
> >> > > >to see him, he relieved himself. Half asleep still, his eyes snapped
> >> > > >open as a slight shuffle came from behind him. Finished with his
> >> > > >midnight chore, he listened intently, but no sound came again. He
> >> > > >turned around, gripping his cane in one hand. "Hello," he said. No
> >> > > >response came. He turned back towards the house and as he walked, 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >felt his back tingle. It was the sensation he felt as a child when
> >> > > >terrified, feeling a presence behind him. He was an adult now, he
> >> > > >chided himself. Forcing himself to walk calmly back into the house, 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >reached the French doors and entered. As he went to shut the doors, 
> >> > > >a
> >> > > >soft shuffle started in the darkness again. It could have been the 
> >> > > >long
> >> > > >dead foliage rustling in the breeze, but Ayden placed himself in the
> >> > > >doorway again. The noise instantly stopped. Slamming the door and
> >> > > >locking it, Ayden flew to the stairs, taking three steps at a time.
> >> > > >Heart pounding, blood rushing in his ears, Ayden felt a cool breeze 
> >> > > >cut
> >> > > >through the stuffy air of the bedroom. DeMint, he swore to himself.
> >> > > >They had opened windows before going to bed, hoping to air out their
> >> > > >lodgings for the night. Salma still was sleeping peacefully on the 
> >> > > >bed.
> >> > > >He sat on the bed resting his head on the large carved headboard,
> >> > > >listening. Crickets chirped outside and the breeze rustled the 
> >> > > >leaves of
> >> > > >trees from time to time. Salma continued her snoring. Silence loomed
> >> > > >around the house. Ayden waited to hear the shuffle noise again or a
> >> > > >step on the stairs, but nothing came. He relaxed after fifteen 
> >> > > >minutes
> >> > > >of vigilante guarding. Laying back down on the bed, one arm behind 
> >> > > >his
> >> > > >head, he smiled when Salma threw an arm across his chest. Thinking 
> >> > > >only
> >> > > >of Salma by now, Ayden drifted back off to sleep.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >The second time Ayden woke he knew where he was, but something was 
> >> > > >not
> >> > > >right. Salma still snored next to him as he spooned her, but an 
> >> > > >acrid
> >> > > >odor filled his nostrils. A loud crack made him bolt up in bed. 
> >> > > >"Salma!
> >> > > >There's a fire!" He shook her until she woke up. "We need to get out 
> >> > > >of
> >> > > >here," Ayden shouted as she slowly regained a conscience state. 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >flew to the open door. Smoke filled his nose and made his eyes 
> >> > > >water.
> >> > > >"Salma, I can't tell if we can make it down the stairs." Standing 
> >> > > >next
> >> > > >to him, she said, "All I can see is smoke. Can we jump out the 
> >> > > >window?"
> >> > > >"We're on the second floor. It's pretty high up." Now across the 
> >> > > >room,
> >> > > >Ayden heard Salma cry, "Oh-my-god! Ayden!" "What?" "I can see flames
> >> > > >around the base of the house." "Shit." Trying to think, Ayden 
> >> > > >gathered
> >> > > >up the sheet from the bed. Dousing it with water from the couple
> >> > > >bottles purchased last night, he threw the sheet at Salma. "Wrap
> >> > > >yourself in this." "Why?" "Just do it." Making sure her long hair 
> >> > > >was
> >> > > >covered, Ayden threw Salma over his shoulder. Grabbing his cane by 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >door, he moved into the hallway. Hoping the shirt tied around his 
> >> > > >face
> >> > > >would keep out smoke, Ayden ran to the top of the stairs. Despite 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >situation, Ayden could not help notice the harlequin-romance-like
> >> > > >predicament. He heard Salma say something, but her face was muffled 
> >> > > >and
> >> > > >he could not understand her. Tucking his cane underneath his arm, he
> >> > > >groped the banister which still seemed intact. Finally reaching the
> >> > > >bottom, he found his way to the front door and opened it. A rush of
> >> > > >fresh air greeted him. Feeling heat, he hoped he could make it off 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >porch. At the top of the stairs, panicked, he placed Salma upright
> >> > > >again. She struggled to loosen the sheet around her. "Are the flames
> >> > > >here too?" Ayden asked. "No, but there coming from behind." At the 
> >> > > >end
> >> > > >of the drive, Ayden dialed 911 on his phone. Neighbors could be 
> >> > > >heard
> >> > > >coming from their own houses. A few ran up to Ayden and Salma asking 
> >> > > >if
> >> > > >they were okay. Standing at a distance, Ayden could hear the roar of
> >> > > >flames. Salma held his hand as they waited in silence for the sound 
> >> > > >of
> >> > > >sirens.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden rested on the back bumper of Sheriff Jenkins's police cruiser.
> >> > > >The mid-morning sun warmed his face. Still shirtless, a blanket 
> >> > > >draped
> >> > > >his shoulders. A gritty smudge crossed his forehead and he could 
> >> > > >still
> >> > > >smell the smoke embracing his body. Once the firemen had 
> >> > > >extinguished
> >> > > >the fire, Sheriff Jenkins and his deputy, a man about Ayden's age, 
> >> > > >drove
> >> > > >Salma and Ayden to the police station. Each gave a report before 
> >> > > >Nick
> >> > > >was contacted. Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water. 
> >> > > >He
> >> > > >gulped the cool liquid down as Salma rested her head against his
> >> > > >shoulder. Sniffing her hair laced with a flower scent and smoke, 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >protectively placed an arm around her. "Ayden," Salma said in quiet
> >> > > >surprise, "Alice Whitley is here." Ayden pulled the blanket closed 
> >> > > >as he
> >> > > >waited for Alice to approach. A new scent filled his nostrils. This
> >> > > >too smelled of flowers, but it was not the framiliar jasmine and 
> >> > > >vanilla
> >> > > >Salma wore. Through the fog of his brain, he tried to place where he
> >> > > >had smelled this scent before. "I'm glad you two are alright," Alice
> >> > > >spoke quietly. "I can't believe this. Do you need anything?" "Thank
> >> > > >you, but we're okay," Salma said warmly. "Pete phoned me this 
> >> > > >morning-"
> >> > > >"Sheriff Jenkins? Why?" Ayden asked. Alice didn't respond. Waiting 
> >> > > >for
> >> > > >an answer, Ayden finally recognized the flower scent that had 
> >> > > >lingered
> >> > > >in the closet where he and Salma had found bed linens. "Alice, did 
> >> > > >you
> >> > > >visit the house after we left you yesterday?" Alice made a noise as
> >> > > >though she were suppressing it in her throat. She never answered and
> >> > > >before Ayden could ask anything else, he heard her muffled footsteps 
> >> > > >on
> >> > > >the grass as she walked briskly away. "Ayden?" Salma puzzled. "Her
> >> > > >perfume, it's the same smell I noticed in the closet last night."
> >> > > >"Ayden, that's where I found the letter too," Salma whispered." 
> >> > > >Ayden
> >> > > >heard the swish of grass as someone else walked towards them. It was
> >> > > >Nick. "Are you crazy?" Nick asked, bewildered. "I'm fine. Nice to 
> >> > > >see
> >> > > >you too, Dad." Nick let out a long breath before saying, "Your 
> >> > > >mother
> >> > > >and I went crazy when we heard what happened. We're glad you're 
> >> > > >okay."
> >> > > >"Is the house ruined?" Ayden asked. Salma shifted and sat upright 
> >> > > >next
> >> > > >to Ayden. "It's mostly the garden that was ruined, but there is 
> >> > > >damage
> >> > > >to the house." Ayden felt his chest tighten. The garden had been 
> >> > > >Lucy's
> >> > > >favorite place. Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways and 
> >> > > >tall
> >> > > >bushes as Lucy tended to her beloved flowers. Interrupting his
> >> > > >thoughts, Ayden heard a shuffling footstep approach. Another memory
> >> > > >pushed itself front and center in his mind. As Sheriff Jenkins 
> >> > > >stopped
> >> > > >his pace, Ayden gave him a hard look. "Tom says it will take a few 
> >> > > >weeks
> >> > > >to get reports back, but there is some structural damage to the 
> >> > > >house,
> >> > > >Nick," the sheriff said. "Taken any midnight strolls to clear your 
> >> > > >mind
> >> > > >lately?" Ayden directed to Sheriff Jenkins. No one spoke. Salma 
> >> > > >gripped
> >> > > >his hand. "Any reason why you'd call Alice Whitley early this 
> >> > > >morning?"
> >> > > >Ayden continued. "Drop it," Nick hissed at Ayden. Thrown off by 
> >> > > >Nick's
> >> > > >tone, Ayden squeezed Salma's hand, unsure what to do. "I'm sure 
> >> > > >we're
> >> > > >all tired and need to collect our thoughts," Sheriff Jenkins said.
> >> > > >"Maybe you ought to take these two home, Nick." Ayden heard the
> >> > > >lumbering shuffle again as Sheriff Jenkins walked away.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden sat in front of the computer. A buzz issued from the speakers 
> >> > > >as
> >> > > >JAWS, a text-to-speech program, sounded off with each command Ayden
> >> > > >typed. "Still working?" Salma asked from behind. Ayden leaned his 
> >> > > >head
> >> > > >back against her stomach. She was wrapped in a large soft towel. He
> >> > > >slipped his hand through the folds, but she turned swiftly away,
> >> > > >laughing. Spewing a torrent of Spanish at him, Ayden chuckled. "That
> >> > > >just turns me on more." "I called you a great big moron whose brain 
> >> > > >is
> >> > > >the size of his-" "Doesn't matter. Still sounds sexy." Salma whipped
> >> > > >another towel at him before scampering to the bedroom. Turning back 
> >> > > >to
> >> > > >his work, Ayden decided to check his email. As he clicked on the
> >> > > >necessary links using Hotkey commands, he thought over the past few
> >> > > >weeks. Ayden had told his father what happened, but Nick said that
> >> > > >everything was circumstantial. Ayden knew this, but he also knew he 
> >> > > >had
> >> > > >opened something up. Something that had been meant to remain secret.
> >> > > >Nick refused to open any investigation and he remained tight-lipped
> >> > > >about anything he knew. The fire was officially reported as an 
> >> > > >unknown
> >> > > >accident since no evidence, either way, had been found determining a
> >> > > >cause. This, at least, was how the police report read. Ayden, 
> >> > > >though,
> >> > > >had inquired into the fire-chief's report. It too was inconclusive, 
> >> > > >but
> >> > > >this report did mention that a match book had been found near the
> >> > > >premises. Salma had advised Ayden to wait before attempting any 
> >> > > >further
> >> > > >investigation. Salma had been the reason he was able to let the 
> >> > > >weeks
> >> > > >slip by without searching for more clues. Once they had returned to 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >city, Ayden had found the courage to express his budding feelings
> >> > > >towards Salma. They had sat on the couch talking; a typical Friday 
> >> > > >night
> >> > > >for them, except this time Ayden could feel a growing anticipation
> >> > > >between them. Salma had stood to get another beer from the kitchen 
> >> > > >when
> >> > > >Ayden reached for her wrist. His large palm had felt bigger next to 
> >> > > >her
> >> > > >slim wrist. Both had stared silently at one another. Ayden, thinking
> >> > > >he would win this game since he couldn't see, broke first. Grinning
> >> > > >with a smirk, he had pulled Salma to him and kissed her. Three weeks
> >> > > >later, their routine was continued as normal, yet something was
> >> > > >different. They had transitioned into this new element with ease, as
> >> > > >though it were meant to be. Their friendship was strengthened by the
> >> > > >new romance. Still reminiscing, Ayden did not recognize the name 
> >> > > >given
> >> > > >for the first email he came across. Opening it up, he read the
> >> > > >following: Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you
> >> > > >stop your investigation immediately. Heartache and harm can only 
> >> > > >befall
> >> > > >you. Thank your luck and live long and well with your beautiful new
> >> > > >love. There was no signature. Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field,
> >> > > >but the only information this provided was 
> >> > > >aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.
> >> > > >Ayden's pulse quickened. Hearing Salma pad lightly back into the 
> >> > > >room,
> >> > > >he closed the window he was in. He thought it was best to not alarm 
> >> > > >her
> >> > > >just yet. Holding Salma close against him, wrapping her in a bear 
> >> > > >hug,
> >> > > >Ayden knew this was just the beginning.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >_______________________________________________
> >> > > >Writers Division web site:
> >> > > >http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
> >> > > ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
> >> > > >
> >> > > >stylist mailing list
> >> > > >stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> > > >To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
> >> > > >for
> >> > > >stylist:
> >> > > >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/newmanrl%40cox.
> >> > > >net
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >------------------------------
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Message: 5
> >> > > >Date: Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:27:43 -0500
> >> > > >From: BDM <lists at braddunsemusic.com>
> >> > > >To: <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> > > >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short fiction "Sense of Murder" 
> >> > > >some
> >> > > > language, alludes to sexual content
> >> > > >Message-ID: 
> >> > > ><6.2.3.4.2.20101008081531.02bc0150 at www.braddunsemusic.com>
> >> > > >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
> >> > > >
> >> > > >I'm enjoying this story. Below are some notes as I read...
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Conflicting feeling/message:
> >> > > >...That had been the beginning of their friendship. They had spent 
> >> > > >many
> >> > > >nights talking until three in the morning and hanging out on 
> >> > > >weekends.
> >> > > >Salma was the one connection Ayden had to the outside world. Once
> >> > > >moving away from his family, he had become a recluse of sorts. He
> >> > > >showed up to the office for work, attended cocktail parties required 
> >> > > >for
> >> > > >work and even dated a couple of girls, but Salma was the one person 
> >> > > >he
> >> > > >truly felt comfortable with...
> >> > > >
> >> > > >BD: It sounds like he had all kinds of connections to the outside
> >> > > >world to me here. Work, dates, business parties. Not the image of a
> >> > > >recluse in my view.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Blindness accessibility commentary:
> >> > > >
> >> > > >...his cane tapped, Ayden was sure he found the door.
> >> > > >"No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma...
> >> > > >
> >> > > >BD: If a sighted reader was reading they actually might not get this
> >> > > >without spoon feeding... 'He slid his hand along the door
> >> > > >jamb/front/address plate/whatever..."no Braille...'"
> >> > > >instead of just "no Braille". But it sort of stood out as a jab or
> >> > > >inside perspective at there aren't Braille on many doors which to me
> >> > > >seemed unnecessary in this context.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Travel descriptions: Again if this is meant for general consumption
> >> > > >the "inside baseball" descriptions of the travel motions seem to
> >> > > >stand out of place to me. For example...
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden followed the sheriff into a room off the main section of the
> >> > > >department. His cane swep the inside of the door frame, indicating 
> >> > > >the
> >> > > >width so Ayden avoided bumping into the edges of the frame. Ayden 
> >> > > >asked
> >> > > >where a chair was and turned in the direction Captain Jenkins 
> >> > > >indicated.
> >> > > >Once again, his cane found the chair and sliding the cane across the
> >> > > >seat, Ayden determined where the front of the chair was. Salma's arm
> >> > > >brushed his
> >> > > >
> >> > > >BD: However I think the below example is very natural...
> >> > > >
> >> > > >...interrogation room. Ayden twisted his cane between his fingers.
> >> > > >Salma bobbed her foot which was lightly kicking Ayden's shin.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >BD: I will say if this book is targeting blind readers then the
> >> > > >travel discriptions are probably more appreciated in the storyline.
> >> > > >These aren't story killers by anymeans but I'm just looking at a 
> >> > > >real
> >> > > >good story here and looking how it might be better from a general
> >> > > >readers perspective.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Dialog confusion:
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ayden leaned against the table looking straight in the direction 
> >> > > >where
> >> > > >Sheriff Jenkins sat. "I thought Henry was a catch? You know, a 
> >> > > >lawyer
> >> > > >from a wealthy family." "He was a playboy. Always was, never 
> >> > > >changed."
> >> > > >"Who did you question about his death?" Salma broke in.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >BD: I was confused who said what about the catch and playboy. I
> >> > > >assume its the Sherriff but the dialog was set up as if it were
> >> > > >Ayden stating it.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >slate and Stylist: I think the description of the slate and stylist
> >> > > >is a good thing in that showing how he's noting stuff but not sure
> >> > > >a sighted person will understand the "cells" part. Perhaps 
> >> > > >describing
> >> > > >it as a series of rectangular holes with indents underneath similar
> >> > > >to the number six on a dice. I don't know it would be easy to go too
> >> > > >far in description here.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Sarcasm or not?: At this part...
> >> > > >
> >> > > >his phone. A screen-reading program specific to mobile phones, 
> >> > > >helped
> >> > > >Ayden utilize the functions on his phone. "Got it. There's only one
> >> > > >Alice Whitley that shows up in town." "Thank God for technology," 
> >> > > >Salma
> >> > > >said. "No wonder no one could ever solve this case." Ayden smirked 
> >> > > >at
> >> > > >her. "Thank God for accessible technology. Come on. She doesn't live
> >> > > >far from here and it's not too late."
> >> > > >
> >> > > >BD: I was confused at the "No wonder no one could ever solve this 
> >> > > >case"
> >> > > >comment. Was it sarcasm of some sort or a plug for
> >> > > >technology? The Sherriff admited this was a small town, and in small
> >> > > >towns everyone knows everyone who is around so while Ayden would
> >> > > >need technology, the locals wouldn't need it to find Ms Whitley
> >> > > >or solve the case. So I was just a bit baffled there.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Conversation reality: At...
> >> > > >
> >> > > >"Miss Whitley? I'm Ayden-"
> >> > > >"Templeton," she said. "You look like Henry."
> >> > > >
> >> > > >BD: I doubt a stranger would tell another they looked like someone
> >> > > >right out of the gate like that. Even if she thoght it, and perhaps
> >> > > >that ought be what is said here to add to the mysteriousness of the
> >> > > >story, but even if she thought it, I doubt she'd say it out loud.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Love growing: I like the flirty playfulness of Ayden and Salma but 
> >> > > >it
> >> > > >seemed to move pretty fast from the apparent long friendship they 
> >> > > >had
> >> > > >going, granted this is a short story so things might need to move
> >> > > >along but love stories/flirting likes tensionand release subtlies 
> >> > > >and
> >> > > >it just seemed to move a bit fast... sort of like gulping a chunk of
> >> > > >chocolate without savoring it :). . I got the impression they were
> >> > > >living together when he was at the computer and she wore a towel
> >> > > >behind him then slipped off to the bedroom. Maybe just a little
> >> > > >clarity. I wondered whose place they were in, why was she in a towl
> >> > > >in the first place. But I did like the playfulness of the scene.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Overall I really like this story. I'm intrigued how the puzzle 
> >> > > >pieces
> >> > > >are going to fit. There are lots of mysteries at once with all the
> >> > > >characters, very nice writing IMO.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Are you going to or had you finished the mystery?
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Brad
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >con
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >------------------------------
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Message: 6
> >> > > >Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 12:19:43 -0400
> >> > > >From: "Pat Harmon" <pharmon222 at comcast.net>
> >> > > >To: "Jennifer Harmon" <jennifer.harmon at SourceMedia.com>
> >> > > >Cc: NFBnet Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> >> > > >Subject: [stylist] no more mystery
> >> > > >Message-ID: <000a01cb6704$9e652530$bab15144 at default3gx6vng>
> >> > > >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> >> > > >
> >> > > >I went to bed with the "pewter" on my mind, although it did not cost 
> >> > > >me
> >> > > >any sleep. Foolish not to look below. There is was, the little 
> >> > > >figures
> >> > > >I love. Memories are endless.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Perhaps the housecleaners moved them. I don't know. They are best on
> >> > > >display. I thought maybe they were in your apartment, but I had no
> >> > > >recollection of that. My mind creates tales.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Now, I am searching for breadcrumbs. Eleanor gave me a recipe for
> >> > > >cauliflower. It was out on the counter, and it is the biggest I've 
> >> > > >ever
> >> > > >bought.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >I am hoping to hear from the newest Grandma I know! I might have a 
> >> > > >ride
> >> > > >to Mahwah occasionally. A fellow Lion has a daughter there. Maybe 
> >> > > >that
> >> > > >could work out.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Ah, luck shall be with me for new flooring tomorrow. Then, I must 
> >> > > >walk
> >> > > >gingerly across it
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Did I pay for your latest hairdo? There was a bill and the name had
> >> > > >something to do with coiffures. It was two hundred or so.
> >> > > >
> >> > > >How Do you spell pewter anyway? I'm feeling spelling impaired!
> >> > > >
> >> > > >Smile, Hobo! It is Fabulous Frrivolous fantastic fine foolish 
> >> > > >fortunate
> >> > > >Friday!!
> >> > > >
> >> > > >------------------------------
> >> > > >
> >> > > >_______________________________________________
> >> > > >stylist mailing list
> >> > > >stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >End of stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 5
> >> > > >**************************************
> >> > > >
> >> > > >
> >> > > >_______________________________________________
> >> > > >Writers Division web site:
> >> > > >http://www.nfb-writers-division.org 
> >> > > ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
> >> > > >
> >> > > >stylist mailing list
> >> > > >stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> > > >To unsubscribe, change your list options or
> >> > get your account info for stylist:
> >> > > >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist
> >> > _nfbnet.org/lists%40braddunsemusic.com
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > Brad Dunse
> >> > >
> >> > > Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I'll remember. Involve me, and
> >> > > I'll learn
> >> > >
> >> > > E Mail: brad at braddunsemusic.com
> >> > >
> >> > > Website: http://www.braddunsemusic.com
> >> > >
> >> > > Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1464323555
> >> > >
> >> > > Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/braddunse
> >> > >
> >> > > MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/braddunse
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > ------------------------------
> >> > >
> >> > > _______________________________________________
> >> > > stylist mailing list
> >> > > stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> > >
> >> > >
> >> > > End of stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 6
> >> > > **************************************
> >> >
> >> >_______________________________________________
> >> >Writers Division web site:
> >> >http://www.nfb-writers-division.org 
> >> ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
> >> >
> >> >stylist mailing list
> >> >stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >> >To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> >> >stylist:
> >> >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/lists%40braddunsemusic.com
> >>
> >>
> >> Brad Dunse
> >>
> >> Birth? learn? intern? earn? lectern? sojourn? adjourn?
> >> Enjoy the ride, its shorter than you think. --Anonymous
> >>
> >> E Mail: brad at braddunsemusic.com
> >>
> >> Website: http://www.braddunsemusic.com
> >>
> >> Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1464323555
> >>
> >> Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/braddunse
> >>
> >> MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/braddunse
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> ------------------------------
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> stylist mailing list
> >> stylist at nfbnet.org
> >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> >>
> >>
> >> End of stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 8
> >> **************************************
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Writers Division web site:
> > http://www.nfb-writers-division.org <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
> >
> > stylist mailing list
> > stylist at nfbnet.org
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> > stylist:
> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/aadkins7%40verizon.net 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> _______________________________________________
> stylist mailing list
> stylist at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> 
> 
> End of stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 10
> ***************************************