[stylist] Detective short comments

[Judith Bron]

What Solitude?  Ayden is a writer, a lawyer and probably some other things. 
He is romanticly involved with Selma.  He's the story's hero.  Judith
----- 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: Saturday, October 23, 2010 2:31 AM
Subject: Re: [stylist] Detective short comments


> Hi Bridgid,
> well wow,
> I actually hadn't crossed the bridge that they were so to speak  related.
> small town conspiracy crossed my mind too.
> others in the town jealous of  Henry's wealth and success with women, note 
> sheriff's comments on this issue, and maybe a group who sat together at 
> the corner bar every saturday night just got mad with some alcohol in 
> their brains, decided to teach that rich playboy a lesson, especially 
> since he was playing around with alice their small town girl, too?
>
>
> or, what
>  if henry himself burned down the home?  no, I'm notgoing into creature 
> feature here!
>
> but perhaps he was threatened by one of those jealous townsmen, or a 
> brother of one of his mistresses?  so he faked his own death.
> then with ayden snooping around he had to stop him to save his own life 
> and keep the secret?
> but he did it in such a way that he hoped that his grandson would escape?
> okay, far enough afield?
>
> basically your story is great.
> give ayden a little pleasure early on, give him a love for classical 
> music, or some other pleasure he can enjoy in in his solitude.
> jc
>
> At 01:23 AM 10/23/2010, you wrote:
>>JC,
>>
>>Some more great ideas to consider.  I like the one about a relative of
>>Salma's being Henry's lover.  That would make for an interesting twist!
>>Oooh, and Salma and Ayden are related?  Too far!  *smile*
>>
>>I actually, at one point, considered making it a small town conspiracy
>>or even a Lottery-like  ending, but I would like to keep it a bit more
>>realistic than that, at least that is how I feel right now!  *smile*
>>
>>Bridgit
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>Behalf Of stylist-request at nfbnet.org
>>Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 12:25 AM
>>To: stylist at nfbnet.org
>>Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 47
>>
>>
>>Send stylist mailing list submissions to
>>         stylist at nfbnet.org
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>>or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
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>>
>>When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than
>>"Re: Contents of stylist digest..."
>>
>>
>>Today's Topics:
>>
>>    1. Re: Detective short comments (James H. "Jim" Canaday M.A. N6YR)
>>
>>
>>----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>>Message: 1
>>Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:23:48 -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] Detective short comments
>>Message-ID: <201010230524.o9N5O0mO017712 at smtp.sunflower.com>
>>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
>>
>>bridgid,
>>another possible for "who done it" try this:
>>another man, perhaps  the town's quiet librarian of many decades,
>>whitnessed Henry's treatment of Alice, but he of course, loves her
>>himself.  he killed henry because of how henry treated alice, and
>>kept alice from marrying him, in his mind.
>>
>>then, once the ball is in motion, it gets out of his control.
>>
>>or, what if Salma is *not* the first woman in her line to be
>>attracted to  one of the men of the family?  perhaps Henry had a
>>third mistress who was hispanic? she discovered Alice, but knew about
>>Lucy.  and became enraged? fire and rage are closely tied in symbol.
>>
>>just a couple of wacho suggestions.
>>jc
>>
>>At 09:14 PM 10/22/2010, you wrote:
>> >Hey guys,
>> >
>> >Since so many commented, I will address everyone in one post.
>> >
>> >Brad- I am with Judith.  Sometimes I know a story from beginning to
>> >end, but other times I will just have a scene pop in my head that
>> >inspires me, but I have to construct the story.  With Sense of Murder,
>> >it was an assignment and I had no clue what to write.  I just sat down
>> >and wrote and made it up as I went along.  I have a vague idea how I
>> >would expand this, and I go back and forth on who did it!  *smile*  We
>> >shall see.
>> >
>> >Judith- I like your suggestion about the Sheriff being Alice's son.  In
>>
>> >my mind he is older, but I like that twist.  Thanks.
>> >
>> >Donna- Thanks for the advice.  As for the comma in that section, yes,
>> >typically I believe a comma should be there, but it is the letter that
>> >Alice writes, and lots of people don't necessarily use punctuation in
>> >letters although maybe during the time period it was written, people
>> >were more aware of that.  Also, danm it!  I knew conscienceness was
>> >wrong.  My hubby insisted I was wrong.  That's the last time I listen
>> >to him!  *smile*
>> >
>> >                                 Priscilla- Keys...  Interesting.  That
>>
>> >is something to consider.  Titles are always so difficult for me.  I
>> >like to use text from the story for a title, but this doesn't always
>> >help me either.
>> >
>> >Thanks for everyone's thorough read.  I appreciate all comments,
>> >criticisms and suggestions.  I did not mean for this to be a serious
>> >attempt at fiction, but so far, the response between Stylist, school
>> >and friends has been to continue fleshing this story out.  Just when I
>> >thought I was a sucky fiction writer!  *smile*
>> >
>> >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 22, 2010 3:42 PM
>> >To: stylist at nfbnet.org
>> >Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 45
>> >
>> >
>> >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: detective short revision (BDM)
>> >    2. Re: detective short revision (Judith Bron)
>> >    3. Re: detective short revision (Judith Bron)
>> >    4. Re: detective short revision (Donna Hill)
>> >    5. synopsis (Judith Bron)
>> >    6. Re: Stylist member in hospital (Danielle Montour)
>> >    7. Re: detective short revision (BDM)
>> >    8. Re: detective short revision (Priscilla McKinley)
>> >
>> >
>> >----------------------------------------------------------------------
>> >
>> >Message: 1
>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:06:27 -0500
>> >From: BDM <lists at braddunsemusic.com>
>> >To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>> >Message-ID: <6.2.3.4.2.20101022120155.02d3ca60 at www.braddunsemusic.com>
>> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
>> >
>> >Glad you are working on this. I like the subtle changes and
>> >embellishments. I've a question for you. At  this point, do you know in
>>
>> >your mind how the mystery  plays out, who done it, and the little
>> >twists and details? Or when you write, are you making it up as you go.
>> >I've heard authors promote both ways. Just curious on your method and
>> >not a spoiling of the story, which I hope to read at a later date.
>> >
>> >Brad
>> >
>> >At 11:15 AM 10/22/2010, you wrote:
>> > >Hey guys,
>> > >
>> > >Since I shared the first draft with you lot, I thought I would share
>> > >my
>> >
>> > >revision.  Again, I am not a detective fiction writer, nor do I wish
>> > >to
>> >
>> > >be, but after your comments and my class workshop, I have made some
>> > >changes.
>> > >
>> > >My fiction, unfortunately, is not as good as my nonfiction, but I do
>> > >like my two main characters.  I would like to continue something with
>>
>> > >them.
>> > >
>> > >Enjoy!
>> > >
>> > >Bridgit
>> > >
>> > >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.  A few 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 had found Ayden's grandfather lying at the bottom of
>> > >the
>> >
>> > >staircase in his home.  His father never spoke about the incident
>> > >after
>> >
>> > >reporting it to the police.  His father was allowing Ayden and Salma
>> > >to
>> >
>> > >search through any items he kept though.
>> > >
>> > >For years there had been whispers of foul play, but no one ever spoke
>>
>> > >about the rumors.  The official ruling was that Henry Templeton,
>> > >Ayden's grandfather, had accidently fallen down the stairs.  Other
>> > >than
>> >
>> > >the vicious gossip, there didn't seem to be any reason to think
>> > >otherwise until Ayden began researching his grandfather's life.  A
>> > >few weeks of poking around Henry Templeton's past, Ayden received a
>> > >mysterious email.
>> > >
>> > >  Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you stop your
>>
>> > >investigation immediately.  Heartache and harm can only befall you
>> > >
>> > >  Alarmed, but intrigued, Ayden picked up his research with new
>> > > fervor.
>> >
>> > >Now he and his friend and neighbor, Salma, sat in his father's large
>> > >office surrounded by books and papers searching for clues that may
>> > >indicate a reason why his grandfather would have been murdered.
>> > >
>> > >"So what's next?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > >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 his grandmother knew about it,
>> > >she could have killed Henry.
>> > >
>> > >People had said his grandmother, Lucy, had been distracted and
>> > >irritable a couple of weeks before his grandfather's death.  When his
>>
>> > >father found Henry at the bottom of the stairs, the only other person
>>
>> > >present had been his grandmother.  Stunned by the event, his father
>> > >had
>> >
>> > >placed Lucy in a nursing home.
>> > >
>> > >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 again, 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 his grandfather had given the third edition
>>
>> > >book to his grandmother for Christmas.  His grandmother 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.
>> > >
>> > >After an accident had left Ayden blind, his father had refused to
>> > >believe Ayden could handle the work of a litigator, but Lucy had
>> > >never doubted his ability to do anything.
>> > >
>> > >Now, Ayden and Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of the
>> > >book; a letter suggesting a secret Ayden never knew about.
>> > >
>> > >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.
>> > >
>> > >When Ayden's father found Henry's body, Lucy had gone wild,
>> > >screaming, unable to leave Henry's lifeless body.
>> > >
>> > >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
>> > >black mark attached to her memory.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden never believed that his grandmother would hurt anyone.  She had
>>
>> > >been fond of Ayden, and she never treated him like his life was over
>> > >after the accident.
>> > >
>> > >"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 his grandparents had
>> > >lived
>> >
>> > >in.  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.
>> > >
>> > >His grandfather had started a small law firm in town, but eventually
>> > >it
>> >
>> > >grew.  His grandparents had moved when Ayden's father, Nick, had been
>>
>> > >ten.
>> > >
>> > >Nick never spoke about his childhood though.  Ayden really didn't
>> > >know much about his family's past.  His grandparents had moved back
>> > >to their
>> >
>> > >old house once Nick took the firm over, but Ayden had rarely visited
>> > >the home.  After his grandfather 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.
>> > >
>> > >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 when you asked about the letter."
>> > >
>> > >He remembered how Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling him ,
>> > >"Leave it alone.  We don't dig up family history."
>> > >
>> > >Ayden had tried to coax him 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."
>> > >
>> > >"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 true connection Ayden had
>>
>> > >to the outside world.
>> > >
>> > >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.  After graduating from college, His father had
>> > >told him, "No one will ever respect a blind man in the courtroom.
>> > >Maybe the firm can bring you on as a researcher."  Ayden was tired of
>>
>> > >his father's attitude so he took a job writing for a small magazine
>> > >and
>> >
>> > >left the family home.
>> > >
>> > >Once moving away, 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.  My services don't come
>> > >free."  Salma giggled as she pulled into a parking stall.  "I think
>> > >we're here."
>> > >
>> > >"Thanks, again, for taking the day off to help."
>> > >
>> > >"Hey, I know you'd help me with stuff.  It's all so interesting; way
>> > >more interesting than filling in for waiters who don't show up for
>> > >work."
>> > >
>> > >"You aren't at work, who's filling in for you?" Ayden said grinning
>> > >at her.
>> > >
>> > >Salma smacked his arm.  "That's the benefit of being the owner's
>> > >daughter."
>> > >
>> > >While Salma dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped his
>> > >cane
>> >
>> > >along the brick walls looking for the door.  Hearing the difference
>> > >from the cane tip tapping on brick to the clink of glass, he figured
>> > >he
>> >
>> > >found the door.
>> > >
>> > >"No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma.
>> > >
>> > >"Yes," 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 clicked
>>
>> > >on the linoleum floor as she walked away.
>> > >
>> > >Salma touched Ayden's arm.  "She had a weird look when you mentioned
>> > >your grandpa's name."
>> > >
>> > >As the receptionist 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. Finding the chair with his cane, he felt Salma's arm brush
>>
>> > >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 with an
>> > >edge to his tone.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden shifted his head towards Salma.  Even though he had been blind
>> > >for seven-years, Ayden still used visual gestures and body movement.
>> > >"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?  Wouldn't
>> > >most have
>> >
>> > >jumped at the chance to marry into the Templeton family?  You know, a
>>
>> > >lawyer from a wealthy family and all that."
>> > >
>> > >"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 Madison , 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,
>> > >fluttering Ayden's collar up as she rushed past.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Back in the car, he said, "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?"
>> > >
>> > >He could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone.  "The house, I
>> > >guess."
>> > >
>> > >As the car backed out into the silent street, 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.  Ayden
>> > >smiled as
>> >
>> > >he 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
>> > >reaching 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."
>> > >
>> > >"So sad," Salma said quietly.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden placed his hand on the cold knob 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?"
>> > >
>> > >"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 playing ruined the house's stolid silence.  Life
>> > >entered the house again as Ayden began to feel around searching for
>> > >any clue.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls and any remaining
>> > >furniture, hoping to find something, anything.  Making his
>> > >progression from room to room on the main floor, he heard Salma's
>> > >muffled footsteps
>> >
>> > >overhead.  He smiled to himself as 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 where Salma's voice echoed from.
>> > >"Salma!  Are you okay?"
>> > >
>> > >"Get up here!  I found something!"
>> > >
>> > >Ayden clambered up the grand staircase.  Reaching the second floor,
>> > >he shouted, "What room?"
>> > >
>> > >"Um, it's a bedroom."
>> > >
>> > >He rolled his eyes.  "Right."  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 him.
>> > >
>> > >"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.  If you don't choose me, I will marry Tom
>> > >Madison.
>> > >
>> > >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,
>> > >her tinkling crystal bracelet grazing his wrist,  bringing him back
>> > >to attention.
>> > >
>> > >"Ayden, A. W.  Don't you see it yet?"
>> > >
>> > >"A. W.?"
>> > >
>> > >"The initials," she said exasperated, "A. W.  It's Alice Madison."
>> > >
>> > >"Who's Alice Madison?"
>> > >
>> > >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.
>> > >
>> > >A second passed and Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and
>> > >looked sharply up at Salma.
>> > >
>> > >"See?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > >"You think A. W. and Alice Madison are the same person?"
>> > >
>> > >"It fits."
>> > >
>> > >"Henry's secretary.  And Sheriff Jenkins said she's still living in
>> > >town.  She must have married this Madison guy."
>> > >
>> > >"Think we can find her?"
>> > >
>> > >"Give me a minute," Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone tucked
>> > >away in his pocket.  An electronic voice hummed from his phone as he
>> > >maneuvered through the menus.
>> > >
>> > >"Got it.  There's only one Alice Madison 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, they knocked on Alice Madison's door.  Salma
>> > >described the house's well-kempt lawn and green exterior.  She said
>> > >that flower boxes lined the windows and white shutters hung from the
>> > >upstair windows.
>> > >
>> > >The door opened and a woman's voice gasped, "Oh."
>> > >
>> > >"Mrs. Madison?  I'm Ayden-"
>> > >
>> > >"Templeton," she said.  "You look like Henry."
>> > >
>> > >Smiling, Ayden said, "Mrs. Madison, 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 Madison 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 the Templeton
>>
>> > >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 coughed as she 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 small town; 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 observed 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?"
>> > >
>> > >He found the love letter in a folder.  Removing the Braille label, he
>>
>> > >set it on the coffee table dividing them from Alice.  "Did you write
>> > >this?"
>> > >
>> > >The letter rustled as Alice picked it up.  When she spoke, her voice
>> > >sounded strained 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 heard 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 him.  "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?" he 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 spilled 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, her car door clicked open.  He slid into the
>> > >passenger seat, heart pounding.
>> > >
>> > >"You promised me dinner," Salma whined playfully.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Munching on diner-style hamburgers and fries, they took the
>> > >opportunity
>> >
>> > >to relax.
>> > >
>> > >"How come you didn't visit your grandparents much?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > >"Not sure.  Mom and Dad were always busy.  Usually just my sister and
>>
>> > >I
>> >
>> > >came."
>> > >
>> > >"Did you ever notice anything between them then?"
>> > >
>> > >"No, but I was a kid."
>> > >
>> > >"What about when you were older?"
>> > >
>> > >"Naw, I was busy then too.  After the accident, though, I spent more
>> > >time with my grandma.  She was the only one who treated me like me
>> > >still, but she died shortly after that."
>> > >
>> > >"I wish I could have met her."
>> > >
>> > >"She would have liked you."
>> > >
>> > >"I always hated seeing my family all the time, but now I'm glad we're
>>
>> > >so close."
>> > >
>> > >"Hey, let's walk around town."  Ayden slid out of the vinyl booth and
>>
>> > >paid at the register.
>> > >
>> > >Meeting Salma out by the car, they moved towards the downtown area.
>> > >Salma kept up with Ayden's stride as his cane tapped from
>> > >side-to-side.
>> > >
>> > >"Sometimes I think it would be nice to live in a small town," she
>> > >mused.
>> > >
>> > >"Really, you?  Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," he 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 wanting kids.  As well as he
>> > >knew her, he realized there was plenty he still had to learn.
>> > >
>> > >"Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will grow up to cheat, lie
>>
>> > >and murder," he 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 hand-in-hand.
>> > >
>> > >"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, he said, "It's a quarter to eleven.  I'm beat."
>> > >
>> > >"Me too.  I don't really feel like driving back tonight though."
>> > >
>> > >He 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."
>> > >
>> > >"Good to know."  Salma kissed his cheek.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden laced his fingers through hers.
>> > >
>> > >"I was wondering when you would make a move," she said.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden reached for her face and leaned in to kiss her.  Her lips were
>> > >smooth and tasted of cherry.  Salma placed her hand on his face as
>> > >they
>> >
>> > >held this pose for a minute.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Back at the Templeton house, 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, he 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 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," she 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 like a weapon 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
>> > >thirty-years-old
>> >
>> > >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 of the garden rustling in the breeze, but
>> > >Ayden couldn't be sure.  Placing 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.
>> > >
>> > >Danmit, 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 as Ayden waited to
>> > >hear
>> >
>> > >the shuffle again or a step on the stairs, but nothing came.  He
>> > >relaxed after fifteen minutes of his vigilante watch.
>> > >
>> > >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
>> > >conscienceness.
>> > >
>> > >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, 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 bottles purchased the night before, he
>> > >threw
>> >
>> > >the sheet in Salma's direction.  "Wrap yourself in this."
>> > >
>> > >"Why?"
>> > >
>> > >"Just do it."
>> > >
>> > >Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over his
>> > >broad
>> >
>> > >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 they could
>> > >make it off the porch.  At the porch steps, 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, the flames roared.  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 Ayden's father was contacted.
>> > >
>> > >Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water.  He gulped the
>> > >cool
>> >
>> > >liquid down as she rested her head against his shoulder.  Sniffing
>> > >her hair laced with the jasmine and vanilla scent and smoke, Ayden
>> > >protectively placed an arm around her.
>> > >
>> > >"Ayden," Salma said in quiet surprise, "Alice Madison's 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 scent Salma wore.  Through the fog of his brain, he
>>
>> > >tried to place where he had smelled this 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 suppressed-sounding noise.  She never answered and
>> > >before Ayden could ask anything else, her muffled footsteps padded 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 His father, 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 His grandmother's
>> > >favorite place.  Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways and
>> > >tall bushes as she tended to her beloved flowers.  Interrupting his
>> > >thoughts, he heard a shuffling footstep approach.  Another memory
>> > >pushed itself front and center in his mind.  As Sheriff Jenkins
>> > >stopped
>> >
>> > >his pace, Ayden gave a hard look in the direction of the noise.
>> > >
>> > >"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 Madison early this morning?" Ayden
>> > >asked.
>> > >
>> > >"Drop it," Nick hissed.
>> > >
>> > >Thrown off by his father'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."  He
>> > >shuffled off.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Ayden sat in front of the computer.  A humming buzz issued from the
>> > >speakers as Ayden worked.
>> > >
>> > >"Still working?" Salma asked from behind.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden leaned his head back against her stomach.  She was wrapped in a
>>
>> > >large soft towel.  Remembering last night, he slipped his hand
>> > >through the folds, but she turned swiftly away, laughing.
>> > >
>> > >It had not been the first night one of them slept over at the other's
>>
>> > >apartment, but it had been their first time together.  Excitement had
>>
>> > >rushed over Ayden, but it had not felt awkward.
>> > >
>> > >Salma spewed a torrent of Spanish at him, and he chuckled.  "That
>> > >just turns me on more."
>> > >
>> > >"I called you a great big moron whose brain is tiny like 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.
>> > >
>> > >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 him to wait before attempting any further
>> > >investigation. She was worried about him.  Unsure if the fire had
>> > >been an accident or not, he agreed with her.
>> > >
>> > >She 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 a
>> > >couple of days after the fire, Ayden had found the courage to express
>>
>> > >his budding feelings towards her.
>> > >
>> > >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.
>> > >
>> > >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:
>> > >
>> > >I'm glad you have stopped your investigation.  It is best to let the
>> > >dead rest.  Enjoy your new love and look only towards the future.
>> > >
>> > >There was no signature.  Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field, but
>> > >the
>> >
>> > >only information this provided was
>> > ><mailto:aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.>
>> > >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.
>> > >
>> > >"Wann' stay here again tonight?" he asked.
>> > >
>> > >"You know, we live across the hall from one another.  Should we just
>> > >make this permanent?"
>> > >
>> > >"Sure you can live with a guy?"
>> > >
>> > >"Well, I guess if it's you I can."
>> > >
>> > >He lunged for her, but she ran giggling across the room.
>> > >
>> > >"This is the great thing about dating a blind guy, he can't catch
>> > >me."
>> > >
>> > >"Oh yeah?"
>> > >
>> > >Salma shrieked as he flung his body across her path, blocking her
>> > >dash to the bedroom.  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
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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%40brad
>> > >du
>> > >nsemusic.com
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >__________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus
>> > >signature database 5555 (20101022) __________
>> > >
>> > >The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
>> > >
>> > >http://www.eset.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
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------
>> >
>> >Message: 2
>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:19:31 -0400
>> >From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net>
>> >To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>> >Message-ID: <7853C3E3E09049749AE5F34BB0CBF6AD at dell5150>
>> >Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
>> >         reply-type=original
>> >
>> >Great story!  Let's see.  Alice must have started the fire.  Her secret
>>
>> >had remained that way until Eden started poking around.  I think the
>> >Sheriff is
>> >somehow related to Alice.  Could he be her illegitimate son?  Just
>> >curious,
>> >Judith
>> >----- Original Message -----
>> >From: "Bridgit Pollpeter" <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
>> >To: <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 12:15 PM
>> >Subject: [stylist] detective short revision
>> >
>> >
>> > > Hey guys,
>> > >
>> > > Since I shared the first draft with you lot, I thought I would share
>>
>> > > my revision.  Again, I am not a detective fiction writer, nor do I
>> > > wish to be, but after your comments and my class workshop, I have
>> > > made
>> >
>> > > some changes.
>> > >
>> > > My fiction, unfortunately, is not as good as my nonfiction, but I do
>>
>> > > like my two main characters.  I would like to continue something
>> > > with them.
>> > >
>> > > Enjoy!
>> > >
>> > > Bridgit
>> > >
>> > > 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.  A few 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 had found Ayden's grandfather lying at the bottom of
>> > > the staircase in his home.  His father never spoke about the
>> > > incident after reporting it to the police.  His father was allowing
>> > > Ayden and Salma to search through any items he kept though.
>> > >
>> > > For years there had been whispers of foul play, but no one ever
>> > > spoke about the rumors.  The official ruling was that Henry
>> > > Templeton, Ayden's grandfather, had accidently fallen down the
>> > > stairs.  Other than the vicious gossip, there didn't seem to be any
>> > > reason to think otherwise until Ayden began researching his
>> > > grandfather's life.  A few
>> >
>> > > weeks of poking around Henry Templeton's past, Ayden received a
>> > > mysterious email.
>> > >
>> > > Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you stop your
>> > > investigation immediately.  Heartache and harm can only befall you
>> > >
>> > > Alarmed, but intrigued, Ayden picked up his research with new
>> > > fervor. Now he and his friend and neighbor, Salma, sat in his
>> > > father's large office surrounded by books and papers searching for
>> > > clues that may indicate a reason why his grandfather would have been
>>
>> > > murdered.
>> > >
>> > > "So what's next?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > > 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 his grandmother knew
>> > > about it, she could have killed Henry.
>> > >
>> > > People had said his grandmother, Lucy, had been distracted and
>> > > irritable a couple of weeks before his grandfather's death.  When
>> > > his father found Henry at the bottom of the stairs, the only other
>> > > person present had been his grandmother.  Stunned by the event, his
>> > > father had placed Lucy in a nursing home.
>> > >
>> > > 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 again, 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 his grandfather had given the third
>> > > edition book to his grandmother for Christmas.  His grandmother 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.
>> > >
>> > > After an accident had left Ayden blind, his father had refused to
>> > > believe Ayden could handle the work of a litigator, but Lucy had
>> > > never
>> >
>> > > doubted his ability to do anything.
>> > >
>> > > Now, Ayden and Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of the
>> > > book;
>> >
>> > > a letter suggesting a secret Ayden never knew about.
>> > >
>> > > 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.
>> > >
>> > > When Ayden's father found Henry's body, Lucy had gone wild,
>> > > screaming,
>> >
>> > > unable to leave Henry's lifeless body.
>> > >
>> > > 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
>> > > black mark attached to her memory.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden never believed that his grandmother would hurt anyone.  She
>> > > had been fond of Ayden, and she never treated him like his life was
>> > > over after the accident.
>> > >
>> > > "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 his grandparents had
>> > > lived in.  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.
>> > >
>> > > His grandfather had started a small law firm in town, but eventually
>>
>> > > it grew.  His grandparents had moved when Ayden's father, Nick, had
>> > > been ten.
>> > >
>> > > Nick never spoke about his childhood though.  Ayden really didn't
>> > > know
>> >
>> > > much about his family's past.  His grandparents had moved back to
>> > > their old house once Nick took the firm over, but Ayden had rarely
>> > > visited the home.  After his grandfather 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.
>> > >
>> > > 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 when you asked about the letter."
>> > >
>> > > He remembered how Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling him ,
>> > > "Leave it alone.  We don't dig up family history."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden had tried to coax him 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."
>> > >
>> > > "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 true
>> > > connection Ayden had to the outside world.
>> > >
>> > > 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.  After graduating from college, His
>> > > father had told him, "No one will ever respect a blind man in the
>> > > courtroom. Maybe the firm can bring you on as a researcher."  Ayden
>> > > was tired of his father's attitude so he took a job writing for a
>> > > small magazine and left the family home.
>> > >
>> > > Once moving away, 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.  My services don't come
>> > > free."  Salma giggled as she pulled into a parking stall.  "I think
>> > > we're here."
>> > >
>> > > "Thanks, again, for taking the day off to help."
>> > >
>> > > "Hey, I know you'd help me with stuff.  It's all so interesting; way
>>
>> > > more interesting than filling in for waiters who don't show up for
>> > > work."
>> > >
>> > > "You aren't at work, who's filling in for you?" Ayden said grinning
>> > > at
>> >
>> > > her.
>> > >
>> > > Salma smacked his arm.  "That's the benefit of being the owner's
>> > > daughter."
>> > >
>> > > While Salma dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped his
>> > > cane along the brick walls looking for the door.  Hearing the
>> > > difference from the cane tip tapping on brick to the clink of glass,
>>
>> > > he figured he found the door.
>> > >
>> > > "No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma.
>> > >
>> > > "Yes," 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
>> > > clicked on the linoleum floor as she walked away.
>> > >
>> > > Salma touched Ayden's arm.  "She had a weird look when you mentioned
>>
>> > > your grandpa's name."
>> > >
>> > > As the receptionist 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. Finding the chair with his cane, he felt Salma's arm
>> > > brush 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 with an
>> > > edge to his tone.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden shifted his head towards Salma.  Even though he had been blind
>>
>> > > for seven-years, Ayden still used visual gestures and body movement.
>>
>> > > "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?  Wouldn't most
>> > > have jumped at the chance to marry into the Templeton family?  You
>> > > know, a lawyer from a wealthy family and all that."
>> > >
>> > > "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 Madison , 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,
>> > > fluttering Ayden's collar up as she rushed past.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Back in the car, he said, "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?"
>> > >
>> > > He could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone.  "The house, I
>> > > guess."
>> > >
>> > > As the car backed out into the silent street, 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.  Ayden smiled
>>
>> > > as he 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 reaching 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."
>> > >
>> > > "So sad," Salma said quietly.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden placed his hand on the cold knob 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?"
>> > >
>> > > "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 playing ruined the house's stolid silence.  Life
>> > > entered
>> >
>> > > the house again as Ayden began to feel around searching for any
>> > > clue.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls and any remaining
>> > > furniture, hoping to find something, anything.  Making his
>> > > progression
>> >
>> > > from room to room on the main floor, he heard Salma's muffled
>> > > footsteps overhead.  He smiled to himself as 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 where Salma's voice echoed from.
>>
>> > > "Salma!  Are you okay?"
>> > >
>> > > "Get up here!  I found something!"
>> > >
>> > > Ayden clambered up the grand staircase.  Reaching the second floor,
>> > > he
>> >
>> > > shouted, "What room?"
>> > >
>> > > "Um, it's a bedroom."
>> > >
>> > > He rolled his eyes.  "Right."  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 him.
>> > >
>> > > "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.  If you don't choose me, I will marry Tom
>> > > Madison.
>> > >
>> > > 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, her tinkling crystal bracelet grazing his wrist,
>> > > bringing him back to attention.
>> > >
>> > > "Ayden, A. W.  Don't you see it yet?"
>> > >
>> > > "A. W.?"
>> > >
>> > > "The initials," she said exasperated, "A. W.  It's Alice Madison."
>> > >
>> > > "Who's Alice Madison?"
>> > >
>> > > 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.
>> > >
>> > > A second passed and Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and
>> > > looked sharply up at Salma.
>> > >
>> > > "See?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > > "You think A. W. and Alice Madison are the same person?"
>> > >
>> > > "It fits."
>> > >
>> > > "Henry's secretary.  And Sheriff Jenkins said she's still living in
>> > > town.  She must have married this Madison guy."
>> > >
>> > > "Think we can find her?"
>> > >
>> > > "Give me a minute," Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone tucked
>> > > away in his pocket.  An electronic voice hummed from his phone as he
>>
>> > > maneuvered through the menus.
>> > >
>> > > "Got it.  There's only one Alice Madison 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, they knocked on Alice Madison's door.  Salma
>> > > described the house's well-kempt lawn and green exterior.  She said
>> > > that flower boxes lined the windows and white shutters hung from the
>>
>> > > upstair windows.
>> > >
>> > > The door opened and a woman's voice gasped, "Oh."
>> > >
>> > > "Mrs. Madison?  I'm Ayden-"
>> > >
>> > > "Templeton," she said.  "You look like Henry."
>> > >
>> > > Smiling, Ayden said, "Mrs. Madison, 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 Madison
>> > > 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 the
>> > > Templeton 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 coughed as she 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 small town; 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 observed 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?"
>> > >
>> > > He found the love letter in a folder.  Removing the Braille label,
>> > > he set it on the coffee table dividing them from Alice.  "Did you
>> > > write this?"
>> > >
>> > > The letter rustled as Alice picked it up.  When she spoke, her voice
>>
>> > > sounded strained 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 heard 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
>> >
>> > > him.  "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?" he 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 spilled 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, her car door clicked open.  He slid into the
>> > > passenger seat, heart pounding.
>> > >
>> > > "You promised me dinner," Salma whined playfully.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Munching on diner-style hamburgers and fries, they took the
>> > > opportunity to relax.
>> > >
>> > > "How come you didn't visit your grandparents much?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > > "Not sure.  Mom and Dad were always busy.  Usually just my sister
>> > > and I came."
>> > >
>> > > "Did you ever notice anything between them then?"
>> > >
>> > > "No, but I was a kid."
>> > >
>> > > "What about when you were older?"
>> > >
>> > > "Naw, I was busy then too.  After the accident, though, I spent more
>>
>> > > time with my grandma.  She was the only one who treated me like me
>> > > still, but she died shortly after that."
>> > >
>> > > "I wish I could have met her."
>> > >
>> > > "She would have liked you."
>> > >
>> > > "I always hated seeing my family all the time, but now I'm glad
>> > > we're so close."
>> > >
>> > > "Hey, let's walk around town."  Ayden slid out of the vinyl booth
>> > > and paid at the register.
>> > >
>> > > Meeting Salma out by the car, they moved towards the downtown area.
>> > > Salma kept up with Ayden's stride as his cane tapped from
>> > > side-to-side.
>> > >
>> > > "Sometimes I think it would be nice to live in a small town," she
>> > > mused.
>> > >
>> > > "Really, you?  Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," he 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 wanting kids.  As well as he
>>
>> > > knew her, he realized there was plenty he still had to learn.
>> > >
>> > > "Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will grow up to cheat,
>> > > lie and murder," he 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 hand-in-hand.
>> > >
>> > > "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, he said, "It's a quarter to eleven.  I'm beat."
>> > >
>> > > "Me too.  I don't really feel like driving back tonight though."
>> > >
>> > > He 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."
>> > >
>> > > "Good to know."  Salma kissed his cheek.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden laced his fingers through hers.
>> > >
>> > > "I was wondering when you would make a move," she said.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden reached for her face and leaned in to kiss her.  Her lips were
>>
>> > > smooth and tasted of cherry.  Salma placed her hand on his face as
>> > > they held this pose for a minute.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Back at the Templeton house, 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, he 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 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," she 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 like a
>>
>> > > weapon 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
>> > > thirty-years-old 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 of the garden
>> > > rustling in the breeze, but Ayden couldn't be sure.  Placing 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.
>> > >
>> > > Danmit, 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 as Ayden waited to
>> > > hear the shuffle again or a step on the stairs, but nothing came.
>> > > He relaxed after fifteen minutes of his vigilante watch.
>> > >
>> > > 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
>> > > conscienceness.
>> > >
>> > > 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, 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 bottles purchased the night before, he
>> > > threw the sheet in Salma's direction.  "Wrap yourself in this."
>> > >
>> > > "Why?"
>> > >
>> > > "Just do it."
>> > >
>> > > Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over his
>> > > broad 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 they could
>> > > make it off the porch.  At the porch steps, 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, the flames roared.  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 Ayden's father was contacted.
>> > >
>> > > Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water.  He gulped the
>> > > cool liquid down as she rested her head against his shoulder.
>> > > Sniffing her hair laced with the jasmine and vanilla scent and
>> > > smoke, Ayden protectively placed an arm around her.
>> > >
>> > > "Ayden," Salma said in quiet surprise, "Alice Madison's 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 scent Salma wore.  Through the fog of his
>> > > brain,
>> >
>> > > he tried to place where he had smelled this 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 suppressed-sounding noise.  She never answered and
>> > > before
>> >
>> > > Ayden could ask anything else, her muffled footsteps padded 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 His father, 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 His grandmother's
>>
>> > > favorite place.  Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways and
>> > > tall
>> >
>> > > bushes as she tended to her beloved flowers.  Interrupting his
>> > > thoughts, he heard a shuffling footstep approach.  Another memory
>> > > pushed itself front and center in his mind.  As Sheriff Jenkins
>> > > stopped his pace, Ayden gave a hard look in the direction of the
>> > > noise.
>> > >
>> > > "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 Madison early this morning?" Ayden
>> > > asked.
>> > >
>> > > "Drop it," Nick hissed.
>> > >
>> > > Thrown off by his father'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."  He
>> > > shuffled off.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ayden sat in front of the computer.  A humming buzz issued from the
>> > > speakers as Ayden worked.
>> > >
>> > > "Still working?" Salma asked from behind.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden leaned his head back against her stomach.  She was wrapped in
>> > > a large soft towel.  Remembering last night, he slipped his hand
>> > > through
>> >
>> > > the folds, but she turned swiftly away, laughing.
>> > >
>> > > It had not been the first night one of them slept over at the
>> > > other's apartment, but it had been their first time together.
>> > > Excitement had rushed over Ayden, but it had not felt awkward.
>> > >
>> > > Salma spewed a torrent of Spanish at him, and he chuckled.  "That
>> > > just
>> >
>> > > turns me on more."
>> > >
>> > > "I called you a great big moron whose brain is tiny like 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.
>> > >
>> > > 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 him to wait before attempting any further
>> > > investigation.  She was worried about him.  Unsure if the fire had
>> > > been an accident or not, he agreed with her.
>> > >
>> > > She 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 a
>> > > couple
>> >
>> > > of days after the fire, Ayden had found the courage to express his
>> > > budding feelings towards her.
>> > >
>> > > 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.
>> > >
>> > > 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:
>> > >
>> > > I'm glad you have stopped your investigation.  It is best to let the
>>
>> > > dead rest.  Enjoy your new love and look only towards the future.
>> > >
>> > > There was no signature.  Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field, but
>> > > the only information this provided was
>> > > <mailto:aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.>
>> > > 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.
>> > >
>> > > "Wann' stay here again tonight?" he asked.
>> > >
>> > > "You know, we live across the hall from one another.  Should we just
>>
>> > > make this permanent?"
>> > >
>> > > "Sure you can live with a guy?"
>> > >
>> > > "Well, I guess if it's you I can."
>> > >
>> > > He lunged for her, but she ran giggling across the room.
>> > >
>> > > "This is the great thing about dating a blind guy, he can't catch
>> > > me."
>> > >
>> > > "Oh yeah?"
>> > >
>> > > Salma shrieked as he flung his body across her path, blocking her
>> > > dash
>> >
>> > > to the bedroom.  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/jbron%40optonl
>> >i
>> >ne.net
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------
>> >
>> >Message: 3
>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:24:07 -0400
>> >From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net>
>> >To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>> >Message-ID: <9AF4FFE4CDA349779137E1E75978D20F at dell5150>
>> >Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
>> >         reply-type=response
>> >
>> >Brad, When I write I do it both ways.  Some of my conclusions just
>> >happen, others are planned and worked out.  I don't know how Bridget
>> >does it, but I
>> >can't make a blanket statement.  Judith
>> >----- Original Message -----
>> >From: "BDM" <lists at braddunsemusic.com>
>> >To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 1:06 PM
>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>> >
>> >
>> > > Glad you are working on this. I like the subtle changes and
>> > > embellishments. I've a question for you. At  this point, do you know
>> >in
>> > > your mind how the mystery  plays out, who done it, and the little
>> >twists
>> > > and details? Or when you write, are you making it up as you go. I've
>> >heard
>> > > authors promote both ways. Just curious on your method and not a
>> >spoiling
>> > > of the story, which I hope to read at a later date.
>> > >
>> > > Brad
>> > >
>> > > At 11:15 AM 10/22/2010, you wrote:
>> > >>Hey guys,
>> > >>
>> > >>Since I shared the first draft with you lot, I thought I would share
>>
>> > >>my revision.  Again, I am not a detective fiction writer, nor do I
>> > >>wish to be, but after your comments and my class workshop, I have
>> > >>made
>> >
>> > >>some changes.
>> > >>
>> > >>My fiction, unfortunately, is not as good as my nonfiction, but I do
>>
>> > >>like my two main characters.  I would like to continue something
>> > >>with them.
>> > >>
>> > >>Enjoy!
>> > >>
>> > >>Bridgit
>> > >>
>> > >>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.  A few 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 had found Ayden's grandfather lying at the bottom of
>> > >>the staircase in his home.  His father never spoke about the
>> > >>incident after reporting it to the police.  His father was allowing
>> > >>Ayden and Salma to search through any items he kept though.
>> > >>
>> > >>For years there had been whispers of foul play, but no one ever
>> > >>spoke about the rumors.  The official ruling was that Henry
>> > >>Templeton, Ayden's grandfather, had accidently fallen down the
>> > >>stairs.  Other than the vicious gossip, there didn't seem to be any
>> > >>reason to think otherwise until Ayden began researching his
>> > >>grandfather's life.  A few
>> >
>> > >>weeks of poking around Henry Templeton's past, Ayden received a
>> > >>mysterious email.
>> > >>
>> > >>  Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you stop
>> > >>your investigation immediately.  Heartache and harm can only befall
>> > >>you
>> > >>
>> > >>  Alarmed, but intrigued, Ayden picked up his research with new
>> > >>fervor. Now he and his friend and neighbor, Salma, sat in his
>> > >>father's
>> >
>> > >>large office surrounded by books and papers searching for clues that
>>
>> > >>may indicate a reason why his grandfather would have been murdered.
>> > >>
>> > >>"So what's next?" Salma asked.
>> > >>
>> > >>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 his grandmother knew
>> > >>about it, she could have killed Henry.
>> > >>
>> > >>People had said his grandmother, Lucy, had been distracted and
>> > >>irritable a couple of weeks before his grandfather's death.  When
>> > >>his father found Henry at the bottom of the stairs, the only other
>> > >>person present had been his grandmother.  Stunned by the event, his
>> > >>father had placed Lucy in a nursing home.
>> > >>
>> > >>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 again, 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 his grandfather had given the third
>> > >>edition book to his grandmother for Christmas.  His grandmother 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.
>> > >>
>> > >>After an accident had left Ayden blind, his father had refused to
>> > >>believe Ayden could handle the work of a litigator, but Lucy had
>> > >>never
>> >
>> > >>doubted his ability to do anything.
>> > >>
>> > >>Now, Ayden and Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of the
>> > >>book;
>> >
>> > >>a letter suggesting a secret Ayden never knew about.
>> > >>
>> > >>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.
>> > >>
>> > >>When Ayden's father found Henry's body, Lucy had gone wild,
>> > >>screaming,
>> >
>> > >>unable to leave Henry's lifeless body.
>> > >>
>> > >>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
>> > >>black mark attached to her memory.
>> > >>
>> > >>Ayden never believed that his grandmother would hurt anyone.  She
>> > >>had been fond of Ayden, and she never treated him like his life was
>> > >>over after the accident.
>> > >>
>> > >>"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 his grandparents had
>> > >>lived in.  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.
>> > >>
>> > >>His grandfather had started a small law firm in town, but eventually
>>
>> > >>it grew.  His grandparents had moved when Ayden's father, Nick, had
>> > >>been ten.
>> > >>
>> > >>Nick never spoke about his childhood though.  Ayden really didn't
>> > >>know
>> >
>> > >>much about his family's past.  His grandparents had moved back to
>> > >>their old house once Nick took the firm over, but Ayden had rarely
>> > >>visited the home.  After his grandfather 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.
>> > >>
>> > >>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 when you asked about the letter."
>> > >>
>> > >>He remembered how Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling him ,
>> > >>"Leave it alone.  We don't dig up family history."
>> > >>
>> > >>Ayden had tried to coax him 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."
>> > >>
>> > >>"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 true
>> > >>connection Ayden had to the outside world.
>> > >>
>> > >>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.  After graduating from college, His
>> > >>father had told him, "No one will ever respect a blind man in the
>> > >>courtroom. Maybe the firm can bring you on as a researcher."  Ayden
>> > >>was tired of his father's attitude so he took a job writing for a
>> > >>small magazine and left the family home.
>> > >>
>> > >>Once moving away, 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.  My services don't come
>> > >>free."  Salma giggled as she pulled into a parking stall.  "I think
>> > >>we're here."
>> > >>
>> > >>"Thanks, again, for taking the day off to help."
>> > >>
>> > >>"Hey, I know you'd help me with stuff.  It's all so interesting; way
>>
>> > >>more interesting than filling in for waiters who don't show up for
>> > >>work."
>> > >>
>> > >>"You aren't at work, who's filling in for you?" Ayden said grinning
>> > >>at
>> >
>> > >>her.
>> > >>
>> > >>Salma smacked his arm.  "That's the benefit of being the owner's
>> > >>daughter."
>> > >>
>> > >>While Salma dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped his
>> > >>cane along the brick walls looking for the door.  Hearing the
>> > >>difference from the cane tip tapping on brick to the clink of glass,
>>
>> > >>he figured he found the door.
>> > >>
>> > >>"No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma.
>> > >>
>> > >>"Yes," 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
>> > >>clicked on the linoleum floor as she walked away.
>> > >>
>> > >>Salma touched Ayden's arm.  "She had a weird look when you mentioned
>>
>> > >>your grandpa's name."
>> > >>
>> > >>As the receptionist 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. Finding the chair with his cane, he felt Salma's arm
>> > >>brush 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 with an
>> > >>edge to his tone.
>> > >>
>> > >>Ayden shifted his head towards Salma.  Even though he had been blind
>>
>> > >>for seven-years, Ayden still used visual gestures and body movement.
>>
>> > >>"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?  Wouldn't most
>> > >>have jumped at the chance to marry into the Templeton family?  You
>> > >>know, a lawyer from a wealthy family and all that."
>> > >>
>> > >>"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 Madison , 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,
>> > >>fluttering Ayden's collar up as she rushed past.
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>Back in the car, he said, "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?"
>> > >>
>> > >>He could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone.  "The house, I
>> > >>guess."
>> > >>
>> > >>As the car backed out into the silent street, 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.  Ayden smiled
>>
>> > >>as he 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 reaching 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."
>> > >>
>> > >>"So sad," Salma said quietly.
>> > >>
>> > >>Ayden placed his hand on the cold knob 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?"
>> > >>
>> > >>"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 playing ruined the house's stolid silence.  Life
>> > >>entered
>> >
>> > >>the house again as Ayden began to feel around searching for any
>> > >>clue.
>> > >>
>> > >>Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls and any remaining
>> > >>furniture, hoping to find something, anything.  Making his
>> > >>progression
>> >
>> > >>from room to room on the main floor, he heard Salma's muffled
>> > >>footsteps overhead.  He smiled to himself as 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 where Salma's voice echoed from.
>>
>> > >>"Salma!  Are you okay?"
>> > >>
>> > >>"Get up here!  I found something!"
>> > >>
>> > >>Ayden clambered up the grand staircase.  Reaching the second floor,
>> > >>he
>> >
>> > >>shouted, "What room?"
>> > >>
>> > >>"Um, it's a bedroom."
>> > >>
>> > >>He rolled his eyes.  "Right."  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 him.
>> > >>
>> > >>"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.  If you don't choose me, I will marry Tom
>> > >>Madison.
>> > >>
>> > >>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, her tinkling crystal bracelet grazing his wrist,
>> > >>bringing him back to attention.
>> > >>
>> > >>"Ayden, A. W.  Don't you see it yet?"
>> > >>
>> > >>"A. W.?"
>> > >>
>> > >>"The initials," she said exasperated, "A. W.  It's Alice Madison."
>> > >>
>> > >>"Who's Alice Madison?"
>> > >>
>> > >>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.
>> > >>
>> > >>A second passed and Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and
>> > >>looked sharply up at Salma.
>> > >>
>> > >>"See?" Salma asked.
>> > >>
>> > >>"You think A. W. and Alice Madison are the same person?"
>> > >>
>> > >>"It fits."
>> > >>
>> > >>"Henry's secretary.  And Sheriff Jenkins said she's still living in
>> > >>town.  She must have married this Madison guy."
>> > >>
>> > >>"Think we can find her?"
>> > >>
>> > >>"Give me a minute," Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone tucked
>> > >>away in his pocket.  An electronic voice hummed from his phone as he
>>
>> > >>maneuvered through the menus.
>> > >>
>> > >>"Got it.  There's only one Alice Madison 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, they knocked on Alice Madison's door.  Salma
>> > >>described the house's well-kempt lawn and green exterior.  She said
>> > >>that flower boxes lined the windows and white shutters hung from the
>>
>> > >>upstair windows.
>> > >>
>> > >>The door opened and a woman's voice gasped, "Oh."
>> > >>
>> > >>"Mrs. Madison?  I'm Ayden-"
>> > >>
>> > >>"Templeton," she said.  "You look like Henry."
>> > >>
>> > >>Smiling, Ayden said, "Mrs. Madison, 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 Madison
>> > >>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 the
>> > >>Templeton 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 coughed as she 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 small town; 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 observed 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?"
>> > >>
>> > >>He found the love letter in a folder.  Removing the Braille label,
>> > >>he set it on the coffee table dividing them from Alice.  "Did you
>> > >>write this?"
>> > >>
>> > >>The letter rustled as Alice picked it up.  When she spoke, her voice
>>
>> > >>sounded strained 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 heard 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
>> >
>> > >>him.  "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?" he 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 spilled 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, her car door clicked open.  He slid into the
>> > >>passenger seat, heart pounding.
>> > >>
>> > >>"You promised me dinner," Salma whined playfully.
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>Munching on diner-style hamburgers and fries, they took the
>> > >>opportunity to relax.
>> > >>
>> > >>"How come you didn't visit your grandparents much?" Salma asked.
>> > >>
>> > >>"Not sure.  Mom and Dad were always busy.  Usually just my sister
>> > >>and I came."
>> > >>
>> > >>"Did you ever notice anything between them then?"
>> > >>
>> > >>"No, but I was a kid."
>> > >>
>> > >>"What about when you were older?"
>> > >>
>> > >>"Naw, I was busy then too.  After the accident, though, I spent more
>>
>> > >>time with my grandma.  She was the only one who treated me like me
>> > >>still, but she died shortly after that."
>> > >>
>> > >>"I wish I could have met her."
>> > >>
>> > >>"She would have liked you."
>> > >>
>> > >>"I always hated seeing my family all the time, but now I'm glad
>> > >>we're so close."
>> > >>
>> > >>"Hey, let's walk around town."  Ayden slid out of the vinyl booth
>> > >>and paid at the register.
>> > >>
>> > >>Meeting Salma out by the car, they moved towards the downtown area.
>> > >>Salma kept up with Ayden's stride as his cane tapped from
>> > >>side-to-side.
>> > >>
>> > >>"Sometimes I think it would be nice to live in a small town," she
>> > >>mused.
>> > >>
>> > >>"Really, you?  Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," he 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 wanting kids.  As well as he
>>
>> > >>knew her, he realized there was plenty he still had to learn.
>> > >>
>> > >>"Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will grow up to cheat,
>> > >>lie and murder," he 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 hand-in-hand.
>> > >>
>> > >>"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, he said, "It's a quarter to eleven.  I'm beat."
>> > >>
>> > >>"Me too.  I don't really feel like driving back tonight though."
>> > >>
>> > >>He 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."
>> > >>
>> > >>"Good to know."  Salma kissed his cheek.
>> > >>
>> > >>Ayden laced his fingers through hers.
>> > >>
>> > >>"I was wondering when you would make a move," she said.
>> > >>
>> > >>Ayden reached for her face and leaned in to kiss her.  Her lips were
>>
>> > >>smooth and tasted of cherry.  Salma placed her hand on his face as
>> > >>they held this pose for a minute.
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>Back at the Templeton house, 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, he 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 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," she 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 like a
>>
>> > >>weapon 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
>> > >>thirty-years-old 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 of the garden
>> > >>rustling in the breeze, but Ayden couldn't be sure.  Placing 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.
>> > >>
>> > >>Danmit, 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 as Ayden waited to
>> > >>hear the shuffle again or a step on the stairs, but nothing came.
>> > >>He relaxed after fifteen minutes of his vigilante watch.
>> > >>
>> > >>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
>> > >>conscienceness.
>> > >>
>> > >>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, 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 bottles purchased the night before, he
>> > >>threw the sheet in Salma's direction.  "Wrap yourself in this."
>> > >>
>> > >>"Why?"
>> > >>
>> > >>"Just do it."
>> > >>
>> > >>Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over his
>> > >>broad 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 they could
>> > >>make it off the porch.  At the porch steps, 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, the flames roared.  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 Ayden's father was contacted.
>> > >>
>> > >>Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water.  He gulped the
>> > >>cool liquid down as she rested her head against his shoulder.
>> > >>Sniffing her hair laced with the jasmine and vanilla scent and
>> > >>smoke, Ayden protectively placed an arm around her.
>> > >>
>> > >>"Ayden," Salma said in quiet surprise, "Alice Madison's 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 scent Salma wore.  Through the fog of his
>> > >>brain,
>> >
>> > >>he tried to place where he had smelled this 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 suppressed-sounding noise.  She never answered and
>> > >>before
>> >
>> > >>Ayden could ask anything else, her muffled footsteps padded 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 His father, 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 His grandmother's
>>
>> > >>favorite place.  Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways and
>> > >>tall
>> >
>> > >>bushes as she tended to her beloved flowers.  Interrupting his
>> > >>thoughts, he heard a shuffling footstep approach.  Another memory
>> > >>pushed itself front and center in his mind.  As Sheriff Jenkins
>> > >>stopped his pace, Ayden gave a hard look in the direction of the
>> > >>noise.
>> > >>
>> > >>"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 Madison early this morning?" Ayden
>> > >>asked.
>> > >>
>> > >>"Drop it," Nick hissed.
>> > >>
>> > >>Thrown off by his father'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."  He
>> > >>shuffled off.
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>Ayden sat in front of the computer.  A humming buzz issued from the
>> > >>speakers as Ayden worked.
>> > >>
>> > >>"Still working?" Salma asked from behind.
>> > >>
>> > >>Ayden leaned his head back against her stomach.  She was wrapped in
>> > >>a large soft towel.  Remembering last night, he slipped his hand
>> > >>through
>> >
>> > >>the folds, but she turned swiftly away, laughing.
>> > >>
>> > >>It had not been the first night one of them slept over at the
>> > >>other's apartment, but it had been their first time together.
>> > >>Excitement had rushed over Ayden, but it had not felt awkward.
>> > >>
>> > >>Salma spewed a torrent of Spanish at him, and he chuckled.  "That
>> > >>just
>> >
>> > >>turns me on more."
>> > >>
>> > >>"I called you a great big moron whose brain is tiny like 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.
>> > >>
>> > >>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 him to wait before attempting any further
>> > >>investigation.  She was worried about him.  Unsure if the fire had
>> > >>been an accident or not, he agreed with her.
>> > >>
>> > >>She 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 a
>> > >>couple
>> >
>> > >>of days after the fire, Ayden had found the courage to express his
>> > >>budding feelings towards her.
>> > >>
>> > >>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.
>> > >>
>> > >>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:
>> > >>
>> > >>I'm glad you have stopped your investigation.  It is best to let the
>>
>> > >>dead rest.  Enjoy your new love and look only towards the future.
>> > >>
>> > >>There was no signature.  Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field, but
>> > >>the only information this provided was
>> > >><mailto:aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.>
>> > >>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.
>> > >>
>> > >>"Wann' stay here again tonight?" he asked.
>> > >>
>> > >>"You know, we live across the hall from one another.  Should we just
>>
>> > >>make this permanent?"
>> > >>
>> > >>"Sure you can live with a guy?"
>> > >>
>> > >>"Well, I guess if it's you I can."
>> > >>
>> > >>He lunged for her, but she ran giggling across the room.
>> > >>
>> > >>"This is the great thing about dating a blind guy, he can't catch
>> > >>me."
>> > >>
>> > >>"Oh yeah?"
>> > >>
>> > >>Salma shrieked as he flung his body across her path, blocking her
>> > >>dash
>> >
>> > >>to the bedroom.  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
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>> > >>for
>> > >>stylist:
>> >
>> >>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/lists%40bradd
>> >unsemusic.com
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>__________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus
>> > >>signature database 5555 (20101022) __________
>> > >>
>> > >>The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
>> > >>
>> > >>http://www.eset.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
>> > >
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>> > >
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>> > >
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>> > >
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>> > >
>> > >
>> > > _______________________________________________
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>> > >
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>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------
>> >
>> >Message: 4
>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:56:40 -0400
>> >From: Donna Hill <penatwork at epix.net>
>> >To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>> >Message-ID: <4CC1D058.60801 at epix.net>
>> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>> >
>> >Bridget,
>> >
>> >This is riveting on so many levels. Perhaps you could send it to a few
>> >literary journals like Virginia Quarterly, which has an accessible
>> >online form. Then, there's the novel version to work on.
>> >
>> >Just a few technical things -- punctuation and spelling, which may just
>>
>> >be typos.
>> >
>> >This passage would be easier for me to understand with a comma; as in,
>> >"I hoped, and when ..." Not sure what the grammarians would say about
>> >my
>> >
>> >second choice which would be to put the comma after "and" instead of
>> >before, but in a compound sentence, I think you need one somewhere.
>> >
>> >Block quote
>> >
>> >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.
>> >
>> >Block quote end
>> >
>> >Also, I think you mean "consciousness" not conscienceness" in this
>> >passage.
>> >
>> >Block quote
>> >
>> >"We need to get out of here," Ayden shouted as she slowly regained
>> >
>> >conscienceness.
>> >
>> >Block quote end
>> >
>> >Read Donna's articles on
>> >Suite 101:
>> >www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/donna_hill
>> >Ezine Articles:
>> >http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=D._W._Hill
>> >American Chronicle: www.americanchronicle.com/authors/view/3885
>> >
>> >Connect with Donna on
>> >Twitter:
>> >www.twitter.com/dewhill
>> >LinkedIn:
>> >www.linkedin.com/in/dwh99
>> >FaceBook:
>> >www.facebook.com/donna.w.hill.
>> >
>> >Hear clips from "The Last Straw" at:
>> >cdbaby.com/cd/donnahill
>> >Apple I-Tunes
>> >phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=2592443
>> >7
>> >4
>> >
>> >Check out the "Sound in Sight" CD project
>> >Donna is Head of Media Relations for the nonprofit
>> >Performing Arts Division of the National Federation of the Blind:
>> >www.padnfb.org
>> >
>> >
>> >On 10/22/2010 12:15 PM, Bridgit Pollpeter wrote:
>> > > Hey guys,
>> > >
>> > > Since I shared the first draft with you lot, I thought I would share
>>
>> > > my revision.  Again, I am not a detective fiction writer, nor do I
>> > > wish to be, but after your comments and my class workshop, I have
>> > > made
>> >
>> > > some changes.
>> > >
>> > > My fiction, unfortunately, is not as good as my nonfiction, but I do
>>
>> > > like my two main characters.  I would like to continue something
>> > > with them.
>> > >
>> > > Enjoy!
>> > >
>> > > Bridgit
>> > >
>> > > 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.  A few 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 had found Ayden's grandfather lying at the bottom of
>> > > the staircase in his home.  His father never spoke about the
>> > > incident after reporting it to the police.  His father was allowing
>> > > Ayden and Salma to search through any items he kept though.
>> > >
>> > > For years there had been whispers of foul play, but no one ever
>> > > spoke about the rumors.  The official ruling was that Henry
>> > > Templeton, Ayden's grandfather, had accidently fallen down the
>> > > stairs.  Other than the vicious gossip, there didn't seem to be any
>> > > reason to think otherwise until Ayden began researching his
>> > > grandfather's life.  A few
>> >
>> > > weeks of poking around Henry Templeton's past, Ayden received a
>> > > mysterious email.
>> > >
>> > >   Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you stop
>> > > your investigation immediately.  Heartache and harm can only befall
>> > > you
>> > >
>> > >   Alarmed, but intrigued, Ayden picked up his research with new
>> > > fervor. Now he and his friend and neighbor, Salma, sat in his
>> > > father's
>> >
>> > > large office surrounded by books and papers searching for clues that
>>
>> > > may indicate a reason why his grandfather would have been murdered.
>> > >
>> > > "So what's next?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > > 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 his grandmother knew
>> > > about it, she could have killed Henry.
>> > >
>> > > People had said his grandmother, Lucy, had been distracted and
>> > > irritable a couple of weeks before his grandfather's death.  When
>> > > his father found Henry at the bottom of the stairs, the only other
>> > > person present had been his grandmother.  Stunned by the event, his
>> > > father had placed Lucy in a nursing home.
>> > >
>> > > 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 again, 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 his grandfather had given the third
>> > > edition book to his grandmother for Christmas.  His grandmother 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.
>> > >
>> > > After an accident had left Ayden blind, his father had refused to
>> > > believe Ayden could handle the work of a litigator, but Lucy had
>> > > never
>> >
>> > > doubted his ability to do anything.
>> > >
>> > > Now, Ayden and Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of the
>> > > book;
>> >
>> > > a letter suggesting a secret Ayden never knew about.
>> > >
>> > > 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.
>> > >
>> > > When Ayden's father found Henry's body, Lucy had gone wild,
>> > > screaming,
>> >
>> > > unable to leave Henry's lifeless body.
>> > >
>> > > 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
>> > > black mark attached to her memory.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden never believed that his grandmother would hurt anyone.  She
>> > > had been fond of Ayden, and she never treated him like his life was
>> > > over after the accident.
>> > >
>> > > "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 his grandparents had
>> > > lived in.  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.
>> > >
>> > > His grandfather had started a small law firm in town, but eventually
>>
>> > > it grew.  His grandparents had moved when Ayden's father, Nick, had
>> > > been ten.
>> > >
>> > > Nick never spoke about his childhood though.  Ayden really didn't
>> > > know
>> >
>> > > much about his family's past.  His grandparents had moved back to
>> > > their old house once Nick took the firm over, but Ayden had rarely
>> > > visited the home.  After his grandfather 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.
>> > >
>> > > 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 when you asked about the letter."
>> > >
>> > > He remembered how Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling him ,
>> > > "Leave it alone.  We don't dig up family history."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden had tried to coax him 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."
>> > >
>> > > "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 true
>> > > connection Ayden had to the outside world.
>> > >
>> > > 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.  After graduating from college, His
>> > > father had told him, "No one will ever respect a blind man in the
>> > > courtroom. Maybe the firm can bring you on as a researcher."  Ayden
>> > > was tired of his father's attitude so he took a job writing for a
>> > > small magazine and left the family home.
>> > >
>> > > Once moving away, 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.  My services don't come
>> > > free."  Salma giggled as she pulled into a parking stall.  "I think
>> > > we're here."
>> > >
>> > > "Thanks, again, for taking the day off to help."
>> > >
>> > > "Hey, I know you'd help me with stuff.  It's all so interesting; way
>>
>> > > more interesting than filling in for waiters who don't show up for
>> > > work."
>> > >
>> > > "You aren't at work, who's filling in for you?" Ayden said grinning
>> > > at
>> >
>> > > her.
>> > >
>> > > Salma smacked his arm.  "That's the benefit of being the owner's
>> > > daughter."
>> > >
>> > > While Salma dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped his
>> > > cane along the brick walls looking for the door.  Hearing the
>> > > difference from the cane tip tapping on brick to the clink of glass,
>>
>> > > he figured he found the door.
>> > >
>> > > "No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma.
>> > >
>> > > "Yes," 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
>> > > clicked on the linoleum floor as she walked away.
>> > >
>> > > Salma touched Ayden's arm.  "She had a weird look when you mentioned
>>
>> > > your grandpa's name."
>> > >
>> > > As the receptionist 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. Finding the chair with his cane, he felt Salma's arm
>> > > brush 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 with an
>> > > edge to his tone.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden shifted his head towards Salma.  Even though he had been blind
>>
>> > > for seven-years, Ayden still used visual gestures and body movement.
>>
>> > > "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?  Wouldn't most
>> > > have jumped at the chance to marry into the Templeton family?  You
>> > > know, a lawyer from a wealthy family and all that."
>> > >
>> > > "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 Madison , 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,
>> > > fluttering Ayden's collar up as she rushed past.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Back in the car, he said, "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?"
>> > >
>> > > He could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone.  "The house, I
>> > > guess."
>> > >
>> > > As the car backed out into the silent street, 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.  Ayden smiled
>>
>> > > as he 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 reaching 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."
>> > >
>> > > "So sad," Salma said quietly.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden placed his hand on the cold knob 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?"
>> > >
>> > > "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 playing ruined the house's stolid silence.  Life
>> > > entered
>> >
>> > > the house again as Ayden began to feel around searching for any
>> > > clue.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls and any remaining
>> > > furniture, hoping to find something, anything.  Making his
>> > > progression
>> >
>> > > from room to room on the main floor, he heard Salma's muffled
>> > > footsteps overhead.  He smiled to himself as 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 where Salma's voice echoed from.
>>
>> > > "Salma!  Are you okay?"
>> > >
>> > > "Get up here!  I found something!"
>> > >
>> > > Ayden clambered up the grand staircase.  Reaching the second floor,
>> > > he
>> >
>> > > shouted, "What room?"
>> > >
>> > > "Um, it's a bedroom."
>> > >
>> > > He rolled his eyes.  "Right."  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 him.
>> > >
>> > > "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.  If you don't choose me, I will marry Tom
>> > > Madison.
>> > >
>> > > 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, her tinkling crystal bracelet grazing his wrist,
>> > > bringing him back to attention.
>> > >
>> > > "Ayden, A. W.  Don't you see it yet?"
>> > >
>> > > "A. W.?"
>> > >
>> > > "The initials," she said exasperated, "A. W.  It's Alice Madison."
>> > >
>> > > "Who's Alice Madison?"
>> > >
>> > > 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.
>> > >
>> > > A second passed and Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and
>> > > looked sharply up at Salma.
>> > >
>> > > "See?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > > "You think A. W. and Alice Madison are the same person?"
>> > >
>> > > "It fits."
>> > >
>> > > "Henry's secretary.  And Sheriff Jenkins said she's still living in
>> > > town.  She must have married this Madison guy."
>> > >
>> > > "Think we can find her?"
>> > >
>> > > "Give me a minute," Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone tucked
>> > > away in his pocket.  An electronic voice hummed from his phone as he
>>
>> > > maneuvered through the menus.
>> > >
>> > > "Got it.  There's only one Alice Madison 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, they knocked on Alice Madison's door.  Salma
>> > > described the house's well-kempt lawn and green exterior.  She said
>> > > that flower boxes lined the windows and white shutters hung from the
>>
>> > > upstair windows.
>> > >
>> > > The door opened and a woman's voice gasped, "Oh."
>> > >
>> > > "Mrs. Madison?  I'm Ayden-"
>> > >
>> > > "Templeton," she said.  "You look like Henry."
>> > >
>> > > Smiling, Ayden said, "Mrs. Madison, 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 Madison
>> > > 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 the
>> > > Templeton 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 coughed as she 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 small town; 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 observed 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?"
>> > >
>> > > He found the love letter in a folder.  Removing the Braille label,
>> > > he set it on the coffee table dividing them from Alice.  "Did you
>> > > write this?"
>> > >
>> > > The letter rustled as Alice picked it up.  When she spoke, her voice
>>
>> > > sounded strained 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 heard 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
>> >
>> > > him.  "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?" he 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 spilled 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, her car door clicked open.  He slid into the
>> > > passenger seat, heart pounding.
>> > >
>> > > "You promised me dinner," Salma whined playfully.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Munching on diner-style hamburgers and fries, they took the
>> > > opportunity to relax.
>> > >
>> > > "How come you didn't visit your grandparents much?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > > "Not sure.  Mom and Dad were always busy.  Usually just my sister
>> > > and I came."
>> > >
>> > > "Did you ever notice anything between them then?"
>> > >
>> > > "No, but I was a kid."
>> > >
>> > > "What about when you were older?"
>> > >
>> > > "Naw, I was busy then too.  After the accident, though, I spent more
>>
>> > > time with my grandma.  She was the only one who treated me like me
>> > > still, but she died shortly after that."
>> > >
>> > > "I wish I could have met her."
>> > >
>> > > "She would have liked you."
>> > >
>> > > "I always hated seeing my family all the time, but now I'm glad
>> > > we're so close."
>> > >
>> > > "Hey, let's walk around town."  Ayden slid out of the vinyl booth
>> > > and paid at the register.
>> > >
>> > > Meeting Salma out by the car, they moved towards the downtown area.
>> > > Salma kept up with Ayden's stride as his cane tapped from
>> > > side-to-side.
>> > >
>> > > "Sometimes I think it would be nice to live in a small town," she
>> > > mused.
>> > >
>> > > "Really, you?  Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," he 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 wanting kids.  As well as he
>>
>> > > knew her, he realized there was plenty he still had to learn.
>> > >
>> > > "Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will grow up to cheat,
>> > > lie and murder," he 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 hand-in-hand.
>> > >
>> > > "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, he said, "It's a quarter to eleven.  I'm beat."
>> > >
>> > > "Me too.  I don't really feel like driving back tonight though."
>> > >
>> > > He 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."
>> > >
>> > > "Good to know."  Salma kissed his cheek.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden laced his fingers through hers.
>> > >
>> > > "I was wondering when you would make a move," she said.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden reached for her face and leaned in to kiss her.  Her lips were
>>
>> > > smooth and tasted of cherry.  Salma placed her hand on his face as
>> > > they held this pose for a minute.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Back at the Templeton house, 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, he 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 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," she 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 like a
>>
>> > > weapon 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
>> > > thirty-years-old 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 of the garden
>> > > rustling in the breeze, but Ayden couldn't be sure.  Placing 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.
>> > >
>> > > Danmit, 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 as Ayden waited to
>> > > hear the shuffle again or a step on the stairs, but nothing came.
>> > > He relaxed after fifteen minutes of his vigilante watch.
>> > >
>> > > 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
>> > > conscienceness.
>> > >
>> > > 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, 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 bottles purchased the night before, he
>> > > threw the sheet in Salma's direction.  "Wrap yourself in this."
>> > >
>> > > "Why?"
>> > >
>> > > "Just do it."
>> > >
>> > > Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over his
>> > > broad 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 they could
>> > > make it off the porch.  At the porch steps, 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, the flames roared.  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 Ayden's father was contacted.
>> > >
>> > > Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water.  He gulped the
>> > > cool liquid down as she rested her head against his shoulder.
>> > > Sniffing her hair laced with the jasmine and vanilla scent and
>> > > smoke, Ayden protectively placed an arm around her.
>> > >
>> > > "Ayden," Salma said in quiet surprise, "Alice Madison's 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 scent Salma wore.  Through the fog of his
>> > > brain,
>> >
>> > > he tried to place where he had smelled this 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 suppressed-sounding noise.  She never answered and
>> > > before
>> >
>> > > Ayden could ask anything else, her muffled footsteps padded 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 His father, 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 His grandmother's
>>
>> > > favorite place.  Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways and
>> > > tall
>> >
>> > > bushes as she tended to her beloved flowers.  Interrupting his
>> > > thoughts, he heard a shuffling footstep approach.  Another memory
>> > > pushed itself front and center in his mind.  As Sheriff Jenkins
>> > > stopped his pace, Ayden gave a hard look in the direction of the
>> > > noise.
>> > >
>> > > "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 Madison early this morning?" Ayden
>> > > asked.
>> > >
>> > > "Drop it," Nick hissed.
>> > >
>> > > Thrown off by his father'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."  He
>> > > shuffled off.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ayden sat in front of the computer.  A humming buzz issued from the
>> > > speakers as Ayden worked.
>> > >
>> > > "Still working?" Salma asked from behind.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden leaned his head back against her stomach.  She was wrapped in
>> > > a large soft towel.  Remembering last night, he slipped his hand
>> > > through
>> >
>> > > the folds, but she turned swiftly away, laughing.
>> > >
>> > > It had not been the first night one of them slept over at the
>> > > other's apartment, but it had been their first time together.
>> > > Excitement had rushed over Ayden, but it had not felt awkward.
>> > >
>> > > Salma spewed a torrent of Spanish at him, and he chuckled.  "That
>> > > just
>> >
>> > > turns me on more."
>> > >
>> > > "I called you a great big moron whose brain is tiny like 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.
>> > >
>> > > 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 him to wait before attempting any further
>> > > investigation.  She was worried about him.  Unsure if the fire had
>> > > been an accident or not, he agreed with her.
>> > >
>> > > She 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 a
>> > > couple
>> >
>> > > of days after the fire, Ayden had found the courage to express his
>> > > budding feelings towards her.
>> > >
>> > > 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.
>> > >
>> > > 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:
>> > >
>> > > I'm glad you have stopped your investigation.  It is best to let the
>>
>> > > dead rest.  Enjoy your new love and look only towards the future.
>> > >
>> > > There was no signature.  Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field, but
>> > > the only information this provided
>> > > was<mailto:aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.>
>> > > 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.
>> > >
>> > > "Wann' stay here again tonight?" he asked.
>> > >
>> > > "You know, we live across the hall from one another.  Should we just
>>
>> > > make this permanent?"
>> > >
>> > > "Sure you can live with a guy?"
>> > >
>> > > "Well, I guess if it's you I can."
>> > >
>> > > He lunged for her, but she ran giggling across the room.
>> > >
>> > > "This is the great thing about dating a blind guy, he can't catch
>> > > me."
>> > >
>> > > "Oh yeah?"
>> > >
>> > > Salma shrieked as he flung his body across her path, blocking her
>> > > dash
>> >
>> > > to the bedroom.  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.
>> > > or
>> > > g/>
>> > >
>> > > 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/penatwork%40e
>> > > pix.net
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (7.0.0.514) Database
>> > > version: 6.16140 http://www.pctools.com/en/spyware-doctor-antivirus/
>> > >
>> > >
>> >
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>> >
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>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------
>> >
>> >Message: 5
>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:57:05 -0400
>> >From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net>
>> >To: Stylist <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Subject: [stylist] synopsis
>> >Message-ID: <CCA17171C9714AEE9BB59AD6AB3B878B at dell5150>
>> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>> >
>> >I'm hoping this will peak the publisher's interest.  Does it peak
>> >yours? Thanks, Judith
>> >
>> >JENNIFER RABINOWITZ, unconscious after being hit by a car, looks around
>>
>> >the strange place she ended up in.  In front of her is a corridor that
>> >seems to be lit with flickering candles.  Suddenly her LONG DECEASED
>> >MOTHER is talking to her.  Jennifer, whose life is abysmal due to
>> >constant anti Semitic derisions by classmates, wants to stay with her
>> >mother.  But her mother tells her that it's not yet her time to stay.
>> >She has to learn, "To live.  To love.  To hope.  To know who you are,
>> >and what you are!"  Jennifer tries to change her mother's mind, but
>> >seconds later slams back into her body, aware of the pain.
>> >
>> >Jennifer's foster mother, SHEILA, spent most of the day with her
>> >injured foster daughter.  Heading to her car she thinks back to a few
>> >months earlier when a STRANGE MESSENGER delivered the only possessions
>> >left by Jennifer's parents, a book with an inserted paper written in a
>> >foreign language.  The messenger handed Sheila the items and left.
>> >After closing the door Sheila ran to the window to watch him drive
>> >away, but no car appeared on the street or driveway.  She couldn't see
>> >a man walking away from the house.  Now she thought about Jennifer's
>> >survival of what should have been a deadly accident.  She wondered
>> >about the items that the messenger told her to give to Jennifer on her
>> >seventeenth birthday.
>> >
>> >On the same morning in Jenna, New York PESSI GOLDBERG confronts her
>> >very ill mother. Content with her sequestered life their disagreements
>> >have defined their relationship for months.  Pessi stomps out of the
>> >house like a belligerent child leaving her mother on the sofa in their
>> >poverty stricken home.
>> >
>> >That afternoon Pessi attends a lecture at her school.  Her classmate
>> >CHAVY LEVY approaches her at the back of the room and encourages the
>> >recluse to come sit with other classmates.  Chavy's sense of humor and
>> >winning personality helps Pessi emerge from the thick defensive walls
>> >she has erected around herself.
>> >
>> >One morning Pessi goes to her mother's room and finds her cold
>> >motionless body lying on the mattress.  Heart broken, Pessi questions
>> >the motives of an Almighty she has believed in her entire life.
>> >
>> >Jennifer continues to puzzle over her mysterious Jewish identity.  On
>> >her seventeenth birthday Sheila presents her with her parents'
>> >possessions.  Jennifer can't read the foreign language the paper and
>> >book are written in, but places them in her backpack.   In her darkened
>> >bedroom on most nights Jennifer clutches her parents' possessions and
>> >mouths silently, "Mommy and daddy, please guide me to the life you
>> >wanted for me.  I love you."
>> >
>> >Sheila is helpful in getting her registered in an observant Jewish
>> >summer camp.  When she boards the bus for the ride back to Curtis Cove
>> >after camp she feels like she is deserting her new identity.  Back at
>> >Sheila's she makes her desire to continue living as an observant Jew
>> >known.  She is placed with a family in Jenna.  This family doesn't work
>>
>> >out, and Rabbi Levy, Chavy's father, agrees to take Jennifer into their
>>
>> >home.
>> >
>> >The life of Jennifer from the public schools of Curtis Cove, and the
>> >lives of Pessi and Chavy from an observant Jewish Girls' school in
>> >Jenna become entwined forever.
>> >
>> >  Jennifer begins learning the Hebrew language that both the small book
>>
>> >and letter are written in.  She discovers from the letter her Hebrew
>> >name is Breindle and her mother was Channah.
>> >
>> >  When Mrs. Newman, the high school principal asks Jennifer if she has
>> >a Hebrew name, she tells her the name written in the letter.  Jennifer
>> >pulls the small packet out and Mrs. Newman pales upon seeing the items.
>> >
>> >  Later that day Mrs. Newman asks Rabbi Levy to put the packet in a
>> >safe place.
>> >
>> >The letter has a financial section.  Criminals get hold of this
>> >information and kidnap Jennifer from a Jenna street!  They take her to
>> >a hotel room, tie her up like a hunted animal and the criminals proceed
>>
>> >to have a drinking party.  When her abductors fall into a drunken
>> >slumber Jennifer works off the ropes binding her arms, slides off the
>> >bed and, braced on her now free hands makes it to the door.
>> >
>> >With her legs still tightly bound she hobbles into the hall where
>> >another hotel guest brings her into his room and calls the police.
>> >
>> >The contents of the letter containing Jennifer's true identity are
>> >disclosed, but she has a hard time dealing with her newly revealed
>> >identity.  She vows to keep it secret.
>> >
>> >  Pessi's class elects her president.  The reclusive ragamuffin
>> >disappeared.  At the end of the book Jennifer realizes that what her
>> >mother wanted her to learn has been accomplished.  She has learned To
>> >live.  To love.  To hope.  To know who she is, and what she is!
>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------
>> >
>> >Message: 6
>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:07:21 -0400
>> >From: Danielle Montour <hypoplexer at gmail.com>
>> >To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] Stylist member in hospital
>> >Message-ID: <4cc1e106.096ee60a.73b4.7da2 at mx.google.com>
>> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1; format=flowed
>> >
>> >Same here please if you can.
>> >
>> >  ----- Original Message -----
>> >From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net
>> >To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org
>> >Date sent: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:46:55 -0400
>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] Stylist member in hospital
>> >
>> >Bridget, If you have contact with Addy please give her my heartfelt
>> >wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.  Best, Judith
>> >----- Original Message -----
>> >From: "Bridgit Pollpeter" <bpollpeter at hotmail.com
>> >To: "writers division" <stylist at nfbnet.org
>> >Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 11:31 AM
>> >Subject: [stylist] Stylist member in hospital
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >  Dear List,
>> >
>> >  Division member and Stylist contributor, Atty Svendsen, has been in
>> >  Methodist Hospital in Omaha since Wednesday night.  They are not
>> >entirely
>> >  sure what is wrong, but they believe she may have a severe
>> >kidney
>> >  infection.
>> >
>> > >From what I understand, they have been unable to control the
>> >pain.  I am
>> >sure Atty can use all our positive thoughts and prayers.
>> >
>> >  Bridgit P
>> >  _______________________________________________
>> >  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/jbron%40
>> >optonline.net
>> >_______________________________________________
>> >Writers Division web site:
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>> >------------------------------
>> >Message: 7
>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:32:09 -0500
>> >From: BDM <lists at braddunsemusic.com>
>> >To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>> >Message-ID: <6.2.3.4.2.20101022143155.02d14400 at www.braddunsemusic.com>
>> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
>> >
>> >Thanks Judith,
>> >
>> >Brad
>> >
>> >At 12:24 PM 10/22/2010, you wrote:
>> > >Brad, When I write I do it both ways.  Some of my conclusions just
>> > >happen, others are planned and worked out.  I don't know how Bridget
>> > >does it, but I can't make a blanket statement.  Judith
>> > >----- Original Message ----- From: "BDM" <lists at braddunsemusic.com>
>> > >To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> > >Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 1:06 PM
>> > >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >>Glad you are working on this. I like the subtle changes and
>> > >>embellishments. I've a question for you. At  this point, do you know
>>
>> > >>in your mind how the mystery  plays out, who done it, and the little
>>
>> > >>twists and details? Or when you write, are you making it up as you
>> > >>go. I've heard authors promote both ways. Just curious on your
>> > >>method and not a spoiling of the story, which I hope to read at a
>> > >>later date.
>> > >>
>> > >>Brad
>> > >>
>> > >>At 11:15 AM 10/22/2010, you wrote:
>> > >>>Hey guys,
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Since I shared the first draft with you lot, I thought I would
>> > >>>share my revision.  Again, I am not a detective fiction writer, nor
>>
>> > >>>do I wish to be, but after your comments and my class workshop, I
>> > >>>have made some changes.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>My fiction, unfortunately, is not as good as my nonfiction, but I
>> > >>>do like my two main characters.  I would like to continue something
>>
>> > >>>with
>> >
>> > >>>them.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Enjoy!
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Bridgit
>> > >>>
>> > >>>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.  A few 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 had found Ayden's grandfather lying at the bottom of
>>
>> > >>>the staircase in his home.  His father never spoke about the
>> > >>>incident
>> >
>> > >>>after reporting it to the police.  His father was allowing Ayden
>> > >>>and Salma to search through any items he kept though.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>For years there had been whispers of foul play, but no one ever
>> > >>>spoke
>> >
>> > >>>about the rumors.  The official ruling was that Henry Templeton,
>> > >>>Ayden's grandfather, had accidently fallen down the stairs.  Other
>> > >>>than the vicious gossip, there didn't seem to be any reason to
>> > >>>think otherwise until Ayden began researching his grandfather's
>> > >>>life.  A few weeks of poking around Henry Templeton's past, Ayden
>> > >>>received a mysterious email.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>  Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you stop
>> > >>> your
>> >
>> > >>>investigation immediately.  Heartache and harm can only befall you
>> > >>>
>> > >>>  Alarmed, but intrigued, Ayden picked up his research with new
>> > >>>fervor. Now he and his friend and neighbor, Salma, sat in his
>> > >>>father's large office surrounded by books and papers searching for
>> > >>>clues that may indicate a reason why his grandfather would have
>> > >>>been murdered.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"So what's next?" Salma asked.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>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 his grandmother knew about
>> > >>>it, she could have killed Henry.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>People had said his grandmother, Lucy, had been distracted and
>> > >>>irritable a couple of weeks before his grandfather's death.  When
>> > >>>his
>> >
>> > >>>father found Henry at the bottom of the stairs, the only other
>> > >>>person
>> >
>> > >>>present had been his grandmother.  Stunned by the event, his father
>>
>> > >>>had placed Lucy in a nursing home.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>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 again, 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 his grandfather had given the third
>> > >>>edition
>> >
>> > >>>book to his grandmother for Christmas.  His grandmother 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.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>After an accident had left Ayden blind, his father had refused to
>> > >>>believe Ayden could handle the work of a litigator, but Lucy had
>> > >>>never doubted his ability to do anything.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Now, Ayden and Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of the
>> > >>>book; a letter suggesting a secret Ayden never knew about.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>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.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>When Ayden's father found Henry's body, Lucy had gone wild,
>> > >>>screaming, unable to leave Henry's lifeless body.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>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
>> > >>>black mark attached to her memory.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Ayden never believed that his grandmother would hurt anyone.  She
>> > >>>had
>> >
>> > >>>been fond of Ayden, and she never treated him like his life was
>> > >>>over after the accident.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"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 his grandparents had
>> > >>>lived in.  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.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>His grandfather had started a small law firm in town, but
>> > >>>eventually it grew.  His grandparents had moved when Ayden's
>> > >>>father, Nick, had been ten.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Nick never spoke about his childhood though.  Ayden really didn't
>> > >>>know much about his family's past.  His grandparents had moved back
>>
>> > >>>to their old house once Nick took the firm over, but Ayden had
>> > >>>rarely
>> >
>> > >>>visited the home.  After his grandfather 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.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>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 when you asked about the letter."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>He remembered how Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling him ,
>>
>> > >>>"Leave it alone.  We don't dig up family history."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Ayden had tried to coax him 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."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"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 true
>> > >>>connection Ayden had to the outside world.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>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.  After graduating from college, His father had
>>
>> > >>>told him, "No one will ever respect a blind man in the courtroom.
>> > >>>Maybe the firm can bring you on as a researcher."  Ayden was tired
>> > >>>of
>> >
>> > >>>his father's attitude so he took a job writing for a small magazine
>>
>> > >>>and left the family home.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Once moving away, 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.  My services don't come
>>
>> > >>>free."  Salma giggled as she pulled into a parking stall.  "I think
>>
>> > >>>we're here."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Thanks, again, for taking the day off to help."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Hey, I know you'd help me with stuff.  It's all so interesting;
>> > >>>way more interesting than filling in for waiters who don't show up
>> > >>>for work."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"You aren't at work, who's filling in for you?" Ayden said grinning
>>
>> > >>>at her.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Salma smacked his arm.  "That's the benefit of being the owner's
>> > >>>daughter."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>While Salma dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped his
>> > >>>cane along the brick walls looking for the door.  Hearing the
>> > >>>difference from the cane tip tapping on brick to the clink of
>> > >>>glass, he figured he found the door.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Yes," 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
>> > >>>clicked
>> >
>> > >>>on the linoleum floor as she walked away.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Salma touched Ayden's arm.  "She had a weird look when you
>> > >>>mentioned your grandpa's name."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>As the receptionist 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. Finding the chair with his cane, he felt Salma's
>>
>> > >>>arm brush 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 with an
>>
>> > >>>edge to his tone.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Ayden shifted his head towards Salma.  Even though he had been
>> > >>>blind for seven-years, Ayden still used visual gestures and body
>> > >>>movement.
>> >
>> > >>>"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?  Wouldn't
>>
>> > >>>most have jumped at the chance to marry into the Templeton family?
>> > >>>You know, a lawyer from a wealthy family and all that."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"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 Madison , 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,
>> > >>>fluttering Ayden's collar up as she rushed past.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Back in the car, he said, "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?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>He could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone.  "The house, I
>>
>> > >>>guess."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>As the car backed out into the silent street, 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.  Ayden
>>
>> > >>>smiled as he 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 reaching 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."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"So sad," Salma said quietly.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Ayden placed his hand on the cold knob 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?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"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 playing ruined the house's stolid silence.  Life
>> > >>>entered the house again as Ayden began to feel around searching for
>>
>> > >>>any clue.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls and any remaining
>> > >>>furniture, hoping to find something, anything.  Making his
>> > >>>progression from room to room on the main floor, he heard Salma's
>> > >>>muffled footsteps overhead.  He smiled to himself as 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 where Salma's voice echoed
>> > >>>from. "Salma!  Are you okay?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Get up here!  I found something!"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Ayden clambered up the grand staircase.  Reaching the second floor,
>>
>> > >>>he shouted, "What room?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Um, it's a bedroom."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>He rolled his eyes.  "Right."  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 him.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"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.  If you don't choose me, I will marry Tom
>>
>> > >>>Madison.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>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, her tinkling crystal bracelet grazing his wrist,
>> > >>>bringing him back to attention.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Ayden, A. W.  Don't you see it yet?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"A. W.?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"The initials," she said exasperated, "A. W.  It's Alice Madison."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Who's Alice Madison?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>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.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>A second passed and Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and
>> > >>>looked sharply up at Salma.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"See?" Salma asked.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"You think A. W. and Alice Madison are the same person?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"It fits."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Henry's secretary.  And Sheriff Jenkins said she's still living in
>>
>> > >>>town.  She must have married this Madison guy."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Think we can find her?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Give me a minute," Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone tucked
>>
>> > >>>away in his pocket.  An electronic voice hummed from his phone as
>> > >>>he maneuvered through the menus.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Got it.  There's only one Alice Madison 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, they knocked on Alice Madison's door.  Salma
>> > >>>described the house's well-kempt lawn and green exterior.  She said
>>
>> > >>>that flower boxes lined the windows and white shutters hung from
>> > >>>the upstair windows.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>The door opened and a woman's voice gasped, "Oh."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Mrs. Madison?  I'm Ayden-"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Templeton," she said.  "You look like Henry."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Smiling, Ayden said, "Mrs. Madison, 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 Madison
>> > >>>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 the
>> > >>>Templeton
>> >
>> > >>>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 coughed as she 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 small town; 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 observed
>> > >>>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?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>He found the love letter in a folder.  Removing the Braille label,
>> > >>>he
>> >
>> > >>>set it on the coffee table dividing them from Alice.  "Did you
>> > >>>write this?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>The letter rustled as Alice picked it up.  When she spoke, her
>> > >>>voice sounded strained 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 heard 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 him.  "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?" he
>> > >>>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 spilled 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, her car door clicked open.  He slid into the
>> > >>>passenger seat, heart pounding.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"You promised me dinner," Salma whined playfully.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Munching on diner-style hamburgers and fries, they took the
>> > >>>opportunity to relax.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"How come you didn't visit your grandparents much?" Salma asked.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Not sure.  Mom and Dad were always busy.  Usually just my sister
>> > >>>and
>> >
>> > >>>I came."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Did you ever notice anything between them then?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"No, but I was a kid."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"What about when you were older?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Naw, I was busy then too.  After the accident, though, I spent
>> > >>>more time with my grandma.  She was the only one who treated me
>> > >>>like me still, but she died shortly after that."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"I wish I could have met her."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"She would have liked you."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"I always hated seeing my family all the time, but now I'm glad
>> > >>>we're
>> >
>> > >>>so close."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Hey, let's walk around town."  Ayden slid out of the vinyl booth
>> > >>>and
>> >
>> > >>>paid at the register.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Meeting Salma out by the car, they moved towards the downtown area.
>>
>> > >>>Salma kept up with Ayden's stride as his cane tapped from
>> > >>>side-to-side.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Sometimes I think it would be nice to live in a small town," she
>> > >>>mused.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Really, you?  Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," he 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 wanting kids.  As well as
>> > >>>he knew her, he realized there was plenty he still had to learn.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will grow up to cheat,
>> > >>>lie
>> >
>> > >>>and murder," he 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 hand-in-hand.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"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, he said, "It's a quarter to eleven.  I'm beat."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Me too.  I don't really feel like driving back tonight though."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>He 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."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Good to know."  Salma kissed his cheek.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Ayden laced his fingers through hers.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"I was wondering when you would make a move," she said.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Ayden reached for her face and leaned in to kiss her.  Her lips
>> > >>>were smooth and tasted of cherry.  Salma placed her hand on his
>> > >>>face as they held this pose for a minute.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Back at the Templeton house, 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, he 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 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," she 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 like a weapon 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
>> > >>>thirty-years-old 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 of the
>> > >>>garden rustling in the breeze, but Ayden couldn't be sure.  Placing
>>
>> > >>>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.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Danmit, 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 as Ayden waited to
>> > >>>hear the shuffle again or a step on the stairs, but nothing came.
>> > >>>He
>> >
>> > >>>relaxed after fifteen minutes of his vigilante watch.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>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
>> > >>>conscienceness.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>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, 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 bottles purchased the night before, he
>> > >>>threw the sheet in Salma's direction.  "Wrap yourself in this."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Why?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Just do it."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over his
>> > >>>broad 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 they could
>>
>> > >>>make it off the porch.  At the porch steps, 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, the flames roared.  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 Ayden's father was
>> > >>>contacted.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water.  He gulped the
>> > >>>cool liquid down as she rested her head against his shoulder.
>> > >>>Sniffing her hair laced with the jasmine and vanilla scent and
>> > >>>smoke,
>> >
>> > >>>Ayden protectively placed an arm around her.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Ayden," Salma said in quiet surprise, "Alice Madison's 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 scent Salma wore.  Through the fog of his
>> > >>>brain, he tried to place where he had smelled this 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 suppressed-sounding noise.  She never answered and
>> > >>>before Ayden could ask anything else, her muffled footsteps padded
>> > >>>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 His father, 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 His
>> > >>>grandmother's favorite place.  Ayden remembered playing among the
>> > >>>walk-ways and tall bushes as she tended to her beloved flowers.
>> > >>>Interrupting his thoughts, he heard a shuffling footstep approach.
>>
>> > >>>Another memory pushed itself front and center in his mind.  As
>> > >>>Sheriff Jenkins stopped his pace, Ayden gave a hard look in the
>> > >>>direction of the noise.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"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 Madison early this morning?" Ayden
>>
>> > >>>asked.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Drop it," Nick hissed.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Thrown off by his father'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."  He shuffled off.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Ayden sat in front of the computer.  A humming buzz issued from the
>>
>> > >>>speakers as Ayden worked.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Still working?" Salma asked from behind.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Ayden leaned his head back against her stomach.  She was wrapped in
>>
>> > >>>a
>> >
>> > >>>large soft towel.  Remembering last night, he slipped his hand
>> > >>>through the folds, but she turned swiftly away, laughing.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>It had not been the first night one of them slept over at the
>> > >>>other's
>> >
>> > >>>apartment, but it had been their first time together.  Excitement
>> > >>>had
>> >
>> > >>>rushed over Ayden, but it had not felt awkward.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Salma spewed a torrent of Spanish at him, and he chuckled.  "That
>> > >>>just turns me on more."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"I called you a great big moron whose brain is tiny like 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.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>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 him to wait before attempting any
>> > >>>further investigation.  She was worried about him.  Unsure if the
>> > >>>fire had been an accident or not, he agreed with her.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>She 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 a couple of days after the fire, Ayden had found the courage
>> > >>>to express
>> >
>> > >>>his budding feelings towards her.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>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.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>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:
>> > >>>
>> > >>>I'm glad you have stopped your investigation.  It is best to let
>> > >>>the dead rest.  Enjoy your new love and look only towards the
>> > >>>future.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>There was no signature.  Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field, but
>>
>> > >>>the only information this provided was
>> > >>><mailto:aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.>
>> > >>>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.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Wann' stay here again tonight?" he asked.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"You know, we live across the hall from one another.  Should we
>> > >>>just make this permanent?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Sure you can live with a guy?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Well, I guess if it's you I can."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>He lunged for her, but she ran giggling across the room.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"This is the great thing about dating a blind guy, he can't catch
>> > >>>me."
>> > >>>
>> > >>>"Oh yeah?"
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Salma shrieked as he flung his body across her path, blocking her
>> > >>>dash to the bedroom.  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/>
>> > >>>
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>> >dunsemusic.com
>> > >>>
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>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>Brad Dunse
>> > >>
>> > >>Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I'll remember. Involve me,
>> > >>and I'll learn
>> > >>
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>> > >>
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>> > >>
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>> >
>> >
>> >Brad Dunse
>> >
>> >If you repeat yourself
>> >Repeat yourself
>> >Repeat yourself
>> >You might be a songwriter. --Anonymous
>> >
>> >E Mail: brad at braddunsemusic.com
>> >
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>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------
>> >
>> >Message: 8
>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:42:00 -0500
>> >From: Priscilla McKinley <priscilla.mckinley at gmail.com>
>> >To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>> >Message-ID:
>> >         <AANLkTi=RAjJKajKBexCtF5HYXWF=bZemJPDY0HN8xTPr at mail.gmail.com>
>> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>> >
>> >I think the changes strengthen this piece.  While I haven't had a
>> >chance to go over it in detail, I was thinking of the title.  I know
>> >you use sense because of the blindness, but I really like the idea of
>> >using the word key in the title.  The image of the key at the
>> >beginning, as well as later when entering the house, seems to stand
>> >out.  A Key to Murder? Or perhaps just Keys?  In fact, you could have
>> >images of other keys, like giving her a key to his apartment, the idea
>> >of keys as gaining entrance to investigate a murder and gaining
>> >entrance to the mind and body of another person in a relationship. That
>>
>> >would tie the two stories together, in a way.
>> >
>> >Anyway, wehn  I have more time, I'll try to get back to this for a more
>>
>> >thorough reading.  Thanks for sharing.
>> >
>> >Priscilla
>> >
>> >
>> >On 10/22/10, BDM <lists at braddunsemusic.com> wrote:
>> > > Thanks Judith,
>> > >
>> > > Brad
>> > >
>> > > At 12:24 PM 10/22/2010, you wrote:
>> > >>Brad, When I write I do it both ways.  Some of my conclusions just
>> > >>happen, others are planned and worked out.  I don't know how Bridget
>>
>> > >>does it, but I can't make a blanket statement.  Judith
>> > >>----- Original Message ----- From: "BDM" <lists at braddunsemusic.com>
>> > >>To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> > >>Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 1:06 PM
>> > >>Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>>Glad you are working on this. I like the subtle changes and
>> > >>>embellishments. I've a question for you. At  this point, do you
>> > >>>know in your mind how the mystery  plays out, who done it, and the
>> > >>>little twists and details? Or when you write, are you making it up
>> > >>>as you go. I've heard authors promote both ways. Just curious on
>> > >>>your method
>> >
>> > >>>and not a spoiling of the story, which I hope to read at a later
>> > >>>date.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Brad
>> > >>>
>> > >>>At 11:15 AM 10/22/2010, you wrote:
>> > >>>>Hey guys,
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Since I shared the first draft with you lot, I thought I would
>> > >>>>share
>> >
>> > >>>>my revision.  Again, I am not a detective fiction writer, nor do I
>>
>> > >>>>wish to be, but after your comments and my class workshop, I have
>> > >>>>made some changes.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>My fiction, unfortunately, is not as good as my nonfiction, but I
>> > >>>>do
>> >
>> > >>>>like my two main characters.  I would like to continue something
>> > >>>>with them.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Enjoy!
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Bridgit
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>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.  A few 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 had found Ayden's grandfather lying at the bottom
>> > >>>>of the staircase in his home.  His father never spoke about the
>> > >>>>incident after reporting it to the police.  His father was
>> > >>>>allowing Ayden and Salma to search through any items he kept
>> > >>>>though.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>For years there had been whispers of foul play, but no one ever
>> > >>>>spoke about the rumors.  The official ruling was that Henry
>> > >>>>Templeton, Ayden's grandfather, had accidently fallen down the
>> > >>>>stairs.  Other than the vicious gossip, there didn't seem to be
>> > >>>>any reason to think otherwise until Ayden began researching his
>> > >>>>grandfather's life.  A few weeks of poking around Henry
>> > >>>>Templeton's past, Ayden received a mysterious email.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>  Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you stop
>> > >>>>your investigation immediately.  Heartache and harm can only
>> > >>>>befall you
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>  Alarmed, but intrigued, Ayden picked up his research with new
>> > >>>>fervor. Now he and his friend and neighbor, Salma, sat in his
>> > >>>>father's large office surrounded by books and papers searching for
>>
>> > >>>>clues that may indicate a reason why his grandfather would have
>> > >>>>been
>> >
>> > >>>>murdered.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"So what's next?" Salma asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>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 his grandmother knew
>> > >>>>about it, she could have killed Henry.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>People had said his grandmother, Lucy, had been distracted and
>> > >>>>irritable a couple of weeks before his grandfather's death.  When
>> > >>>>his father found Henry at the bottom of the stairs, the only other
>>
>> > >>>>person present had been his grandmother.  Stunned by the event,
>> > >>>>his father had placed Lucy in a nursing home.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>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 again, 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 his grandfather had given the third
>> > >>>>edition book to his grandmother for Christmas.  His grandmother
>> > >>>>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.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>After an accident had left Ayden blind, his father had refused to
>> > >>>>believe Ayden could handle the work of a litigator, but Lucy had
>> > >>>>never doubted his ability to do anything.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Now, Ayden and Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of the
>> > >>>>book; a letter suggesting a secret Ayden never knew about.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>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.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>When Ayden's father found Henry's body, Lucy had gone wild,
>> > >>>>screaming, unable to leave Henry's lifeless body.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>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
>>
>> > >>>>black mark attached to her memory.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden never believed that his grandmother would hurt anyone.  She
>> > >>>>had been fond of Ayden, and she never treated him like his life
>> > >>>>was over after the accident.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"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 his grandparents had
>> > >>>>lived in.  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.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>His grandfather had started a small law firm in town, but
>> > >>>>eventually
>> >
>> > >>>>it grew.  His grandparents had moved when Ayden's father, Nick,
>> > >>>>had been ten.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Nick never spoke about his childhood though.  Ayden really didn't
>> > >>>>know much about his family's past.  His grandparents had moved
>> > >>>>back to their old house once Nick took the firm over, but Ayden
>> > >>>>had rarely visited the home.  After his grandfather 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.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>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 when you asked about the letter."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>He remembered how Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling him
>> > >>>>, "Leave it alone.  We don't dig up family history."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden had tried to coax him 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."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"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 true
>> > >>>>connection Ayden had to the outside world.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>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.  After graduating from college, His
>> > >>>>father had told him, "No one will ever respect a blind man in the
>> > >>>>courtroom.  Maybe the firm can bring you on as a researcher."
>> > >>>>Ayden
>> >
>> > >>>>was tired of his father's attitude so he took a job writing for a
>> > >>>>small magazine and left the family home.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Once moving away, 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.  My services don't
>> > >>>>come free."  Salma giggled as she pulled into a parking stall.  "I
>>
>> > >>>>think we're here."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Thanks, again, for taking the day off to help."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Hey, I know you'd help me with stuff.  It's all so interesting;
>> > >>>>way
>> >
>> > >>>>more interesting than filling in for waiters who don't show up for
>>
>> > >>>>work."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"You aren't at work, who's filling in for you?" Ayden said
>> > >>>>grinning at her.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma smacked his arm.  "That's the benefit of being the owner's
>> > >>>>daughter."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>While Salma dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped his
>>
>> > >>>>cane along the brick walls looking for the door.  Hearing the
>> > >>>>difference from the cane tip tapping on brick to the clink of
>> > >>>>glass,
>> >
>> > >>>>he figured he found the door.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Yes," 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
>> > >>>>clicked on the linoleum floor as she walked away.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma touched Ayden's arm.  "She had a weird look when you
>> > >>>>mentioned
>> >
>> > >>>>your grandpa's name."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>As the receptionist 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. Finding the chair with his
>> > >>>>cane, he felt Salma's arm brush 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 with
>> > >>>>an edge to his tone.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden shifted his head towards Salma.  Even though he had been
>> > >>>>blind
>> >
>> > >>>>for seven-years, Ayden still used visual gestures and body
>> > >>>>movement.
>> >
>> > >>>>"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?
>> > >>>>Wouldn't most have jumped at the chance to marry into the
>> > >>>>Templeton family? You know, a lawyer from a wealthy family and all
>>
>> > >>>>that."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"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 Madison , 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,
>> > >>>>fluttering Ayden's collar up as she rushed past.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Back in the car, he said, "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?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>He could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone.  "The house,
>> > >>>>I guess."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>As the car backed out into the silent street, 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.
>> > >>>>Ayden smiled as he 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 reaching 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."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"So sad," Salma said quietly.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden placed his hand on the cold knob 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?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"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 playing ruined the house's stolid silence.  Life
>>
>> > >>>>entered the house again as Ayden began to feel around searching
>> > >>>>for any clue.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls and any remaining
>> > >>>>furniture, hoping to find something, anything.  Making his
>> > >>>>progression from room to room on the main floor, he heard Salma's
>> > >>>>muffled footsteps overhead.  He smiled to himself as 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 where Salma's voice echoed
>> > >>>>from.
>> >
>> > >>>>"Salma!  Are you okay?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Get up here!  I found something!"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden clambered up the grand staircase.  Reaching the second
>> > >>>>floor, he shouted, "What room?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Um, it's a bedroom."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>He rolled his eyes.  "Right."  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 him.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"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.  If you don't choose me, I will
>> > >>>>marry
>> >
>> > >>>>Tom Madison.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>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, her tinkling crystal bracelet grazing his wrist,
>>
>> > >>>>bringing him back to attention.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Ayden, A. W.  Don't you see it yet?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"A. W.?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"The initials," she said exasperated, "A. W.  It's Alice Madison."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Who's Alice Madison?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>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.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>A second passed and Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and
>> > >>>>looked sharply up at Salma.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"See?" Salma asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"You think A. W. and Alice Madison are the same person?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"It fits."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Henry's secretary.  And Sheriff Jenkins said she's still living
>> > >>>>in town.  She must have married this Madison guy."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Think we can find her?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Give me a minute," Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone
>> > >>>>tucked away in his pocket.  An electronic voice hummed from his
>> > >>>>phone as he
>> >
>> > >>>>maneuvered through the menus.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Got it.  There's only one Alice Madison 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, they knocked on Alice Madison's door.  Salma
>> > >>>>described the house's well-kempt lawn and green exterior.  She
>> > >>>>said that flower boxes lined the windows and white shutters hung
>> > >>>>from the
>> >
>> > >>>>upstair windows.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>The door opened and a woman's voice gasped, "Oh."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Mrs. Madison?  I'm Ayden-"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Templeton," she said.  "You look like Henry."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Smiling, Ayden said, "Mrs. Madison, 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 Madison
>> > >>>>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 the
>> > >>>>Templeton 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 coughed as she 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 small town; 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
>> > >>>>observed 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?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>He found the love letter in a folder.  Removing the Braille label,
>>
>> > >>>>he set it on the coffee table dividing them from Alice.  "Did you
>> > >>>>write this?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>The letter rustled as Alice picked it up.  When she spoke, her
>> > >>>>voice
>> >
>> > >>>>sounded strained 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 heard 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 him.  "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?" he
>> > >>>>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 spilled 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, her car door clicked open.  He slid into the
>> > >>>>passenger seat, heart pounding.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"You promised me dinner," Salma whined playfully.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Munching on diner-style hamburgers and fries, they took the
>> > >>>>opportunity to relax.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"How come you didn't visit your grandparents much?" Salma asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Not sure.  Mom and Dad were always busy.  Usually just my sister
>> > >>>>and I came."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Did you ever notice anything between them then?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"No, but I was a kid."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"What about when you were older?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Naw, I was busy then too.  After the accident, though, I spent
>> > >>>>more
>> >
>> > >>>>time with my grandma.  She was the only one who treated me like me
>>
>> > >>>>still, but she died shortly after that."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I wish I could have met her."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"She would have liked you."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I always hated seeing my family all the time, but now I'm glad
>> > >>>>we're so close."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Hey, let's walk around town."  Ayden slid out of the vinyl booth
>> > >>>>and paid at the register.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Meeting Salma out by the car, they moved towards the downtown
>> > >>>>area. Salma kept up with Ayden's stride as his cane tapped from
>> > >>>>side-to-side.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Sometimes I think it would be nice to live in a small town," she
>> > >>>>mused.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Really, you?  Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," he 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 wanting kids.  As well as
>> > >>>>he
>> >
>> > >>>>knew her, he realized there was plenty he still had to learn.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will grow up to cheat,
>> > >>>>lie and murder," he 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 hand-in-hand.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"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, he said, "It's a quarter to eleven.  I'm
>> > >>>>beat."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Me too.  I don't really feel like driving back tonight though."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>He 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."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Good to know."  Salma kissed his cheek.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden laced his fingers through hers.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I was wondering when you would make a move," she said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden reached for her face and leaned in to kiss her.  Her lips
>> > >>>>were
>> >
>> > >>>>smooth and tasted of cherry.  Salma placed her hand on his face as
>>
>> > >>>>they held this pose for a minute.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Back at the Templeton house, 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, he 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 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," she 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 like a weapon 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
>> > >>>>thirty-years-old 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 of the garden
>> > >>>>rustling in the breeze, but Ayden couldn't be sure.  Placing
>> > >>>>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.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Danmit, 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 as Ayden
>> > >>>>waited to hear the shuffle again or a step on the stairs, but
>> > >>>>nothing came. He relaxed after fifteen minutes of his vigilante
>> > >>>>watch.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>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
>>
>> > >>>>conscienceness.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>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, 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 bottles purchased the night
>> > >>>>before, he threw the sheet in Salma's direction.  "Wrap yourself
>> > >>>>in this."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Why?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Just do it."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over his
>> > >>>>broad 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 they
>> > >>>>could make it off the porch.  At the porch steps, 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, the flames roared.  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 Ayden's father was contacted.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water.  He gulped the
>>
>> > >>>>cool liquid down as she rested her head against his shoulder.
>> > >>>>Sniffing her hair laced with the jasmine and vanilla scent and
>> > >>>>smoke, Ayden protectively placed an arm around her.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Ayden," Salma said in quiet surprise, "Alice Madison's 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 scent Salma wore.  Through the fog of his
>>
>> > >>>>brain, he tried to place where he had smelled this 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 suppressed-sounding noise.  She never answered and
>> > >>>>before Ayden could ask anything else, her muffled footsteps padded
>>
>> > >>>>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 His father, 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 His
>> > >>>>grandmother's
>> >
>> > >>>>favorite place.  Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways and
>> > >>>>tall bushes as she tended to her beloved flowers.  Interrupting
>> > >>>>his thoughts, he heard a shuffling footstep approach.  Another
>> > >>>>memory pushed itself front and center in his mind.  As Sheriff
>> > >>>>Jenkins stopped his pace, Ayden gave a hard look in the direction
>> > >>>>of the noise.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"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 Madison early this morning?"
>> > >>>>Ayden asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Drop it," Nick hissed.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Thrown off by his father'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."  He
>>
>> > >>>>shuffled off.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden sat in front of the computer.  A humming buzz issued from
>> > >>>>the speakers as Ayden worked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Still working?" Salma asked from behind.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden leaned his head back against her stomach.  She was wrapped
>> > >>>>in a large soft towel.  Remembering last night, he slipped his
>> > >>>>hand through the folds, but she turned swiftly away, laughing.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>It had not been the first night one of them slept over at the
>> > >>>>other's apartment, but it had been their first time together.
>> > >>>>Excitement had rushed over Ayden, but it had not felt awkward.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma spewed a torrent of Spanish at him, and he chuckled.  "That
>> > >>>>just turns me on more."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I called you a great big moron whose brain is tiny like 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.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>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 him to wait before attempting any
>>
>> > >>>>further investigation.  She was worried about him.  Unsure if the
>> > >>>>fire had been an accident or not, he agreed with her.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>She 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 a
>> > >>>>couple of days after the fire, Ayden had found the courage to
>> > >>>>express his budding feelings towards her.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>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.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>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:
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>I'm glad you have stopped your investigation.  It is best to let
>> > >>>>the
>> >
>> > >>>>dead rest.  Enjoy your new love and look only towards the future.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>There was no signature.  Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field,
>> > >>>>but the only information this provided was
>> > >>>><mailto:aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.>
>> > >>>>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.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Wann' stay here again tonight?" he asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"You know, we live across the hall from one another.  Should we
>> > >>>>just
>> >
>> > >>>>make this permanent?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Sure you can live with a guy?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Well, I guess if it's you I can."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>He lunged for her, but she ran giggling across the room.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"This is the great thing about dating a blind guy, he can't catch
>> > >>>>me."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Oh yeah?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma shrieked as he flung his body across her path, blocking her
>> > >>>>dash to the bedroom.  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/lists%40b
>> > >>>>ra
>> > >>>>ddunsemusic.com
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>__________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus
>> > >>>>signature database 5555 (20101022) __________
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>http://www.eset.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
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>_______________________________________________
>> > >>>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/jbron%40op
>> > >>>to
>> > >>>nline.net
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>_______________________________________________
>> > >>Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>> > >><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>> > >>
>> > >>stylist mailing list
>> > >>stylist at nfbnet.org
>> > >>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>> > >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>> > >>for
>> > >> stylist:
>> >
>> >>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/lists%40bradd
>> > >>unsemusic.com
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>__________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus
>> > >>signature database 5555 (20101022) __________
>> > >>
>> > >>The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
>> > >>
>> > >>http://www.eset.com
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Brad Dunse
>> > >
>> > > If you repeat yourself
>> > > Repeat yourself
>> > > Repeat yourself
>> > > You might be a songwriter. --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
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > _______________________________________________
>> > > 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
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------
>> >
>> >_______________________________________________
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>> >stylist at nfbnet.org
>> >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>> >
>> >
>> >End of stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 45
>> >***************************************
>> >
>> >
>> >_______________________________________________
>> >Writers Division web site:
>> >http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>> ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>> >
>> >stylist mailing list
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>> >stylist:
>> >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/n6yr%40sunflow
>> >er.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>------------------------------
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>stylist mailing list
>>stylist at nfbnet.org
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>>
>>
>>End of stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 47
>>***************************************
>>
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>Writers Division web site:
>>http://www.nfb-writers-division.org <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>>
>>stylist mailing list
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>
>
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