[stylist] Need help
Bridgit Pollpeter
bpollpeter at hotmail.com
Sun Oct 10 07:24:21 UTC 2010
Nina,
First, DO NOT TRUST MS SPELL CHECK!!! It does not work the way it
should especially when it comes to grammar.
Second, I'm not sure if programs exist that do a similar function as the
MS spell and grammar check. I may be wrong, but I'm unaware of them.
My suggestion is to utilize a quick reference guide for grammar such as
Strunk and White's The Elements of Style, which is avaiable on BARD or a
website such as owl.english.purdue.edu, which is Purdue's online grammar
reference. It is a wonderful source providing rules for grammar and it
is easy to navigate.
Bridgit
-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of stylist-request at nfbnet.org
Sent: Sunday, October 10, 2010 2:00 AM
To: stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 12
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Today's Topics:
1. need help (Hina)
2. Re: need help (James H. "Jim" Canaday M.A. N6YR)
3. Re: need help (Hina)
4. the writer/reader relationship (Bridgit Pollpeter)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2010 23:24:57 -0500
From: Hina <haltaf at carrollu.edu>
To: NFBnet Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [stylist] need help
Message-ID: <2AF0383937A0407897998FEADD87CDCD at DB8D43F1>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
hi,
does any one know if there are any sites to check grammar in the
article? and i know in microsoft word, f7 does spell check. is there
something similar for grammar and how to use it? thanks. hina.
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sun, 10 Oct 2010 00:07:37 -0500
From: "James H. \"Jim\" Canaday M.A. N6YR" <n6yr at sunflower.com>
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] need help
Message-ID: <201010100507.o9A57hsq016557 at smtp.sunflower.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
dear Hina,
ms-word claims to check grammar with the spelling but do not trust it!
it is much too often wrong with grammar and syntax! I don't know if
there are sites where you can send your article to
have it checked for grammar.
jc
At 11:24 PM 10/9/2010, you wrote:
>hi,
>does any one know if there are any sites to check grammar in the
>article? and i know in microsoft word, f7 does spell check. is there
>something similar for grammar and how to use it? thanks.
>hina.
>_______________________________________________
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<http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
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>er.com
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sun, 10 Oct 2010 01:28:46 -0500
From: Hina <haltaf at carrollu.edu>
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] need help
Message-ID: <54697BCC86174E418FDA7E9CC706418C at DB8D43F1>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
thanks, it is important for me to find something for gramar because this
is
for my part time job.
----- Original Message -----
From: "James H. "Jim" Canaday M.A. N6YR" <n6yr at sunflower.com>
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, October 10, 2010 12:07 AM
Subject: Re: [stylist] need help
dear Hina,
ms-word claims to check grammar with the spelling but do not trust it!
it is much too often wrong with grammar and syntax! I don't know if
there are sites where you can send your article to have it checked for
grammar. jc
At 11:24 PM 10/9/2010, you wrote:
>hi,
>does any one know if there are any sites to check grammar in the
>article? and i know in microsoft word, f7 does spell check. is there
>something similar for grammar and how to use it? thanks. hina.
>_______________________________________________
>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/n6yr%40sunflow
er.com
_______________________________________________
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<http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
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lu.edu
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Sun, 10 Oct 2010 01:59:50 -0500
From: Bridgit Pollpeter <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
To: writers division <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [stylist] the writer/reader relationship
Message-ID: <SNT136-w46F2C24D5996172CF82602C4520 at phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
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/pharmon2
> >> > 22%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/prisci
> >> > > l
> >> > > 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/jsoroz
> >> > > c
> >> > > 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/prisc
> >> > > >il
> >> > > >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/jsoro
> >> > > >zc
> >> > > >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
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> >> > > >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
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> >> >for
> >> >stylist:
> >>
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nsemusic.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
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> >>
> >>
> >> End of stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 8
> >> **************************************
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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