[stylist] synopsis

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

Judith,

I agree with your friend about the concise package a synopsis should
present, but I have heard lots and lots of published writers say that
writing a synopsis was the most difficult part of the process.

I do think you need to really flesh out the essential elements of the
plot so you can create a 3 to 6 para synopsis, but just because you
spent time slaving over your novel does not mean a synopsis should be a
breeze.

I still really like the first para you have been using in your synopsis
because it is intriguing and makes me want to know more.  I don't think
you will be able to include every character and plot twist though.

Because your writing is solid, I know you will get it.  Good luck.

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 9:05 PM
To: stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 52


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Today's Topics:

   1. Fw: For Moshe-synopsis (Judith Bron)
   2. Re: Fw: For Moshe-synopsis (Joe Orozco)
   3. Re: Detective short comments (Priscilla McKinley)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2010 21:26:06 -0400
From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net>
To: Stylist <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [stylist] Fw: For Moshe-synopsis
Message-ID: <82225B570B044156A13A201AB7B04454 at dell5150>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
	reply-type=original

I just got this from a close family friend who got a PHD in education
and 
spent many years teaching English and history in the public schools.  I 
thought you would be interested in  his feedback on a synopsis.  Judith
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <schulgasser at juno.com>
To: <jbron at optonline.net>
Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 9:03 PM
Subject: Re: For Moshe-synopsis


> Not necessarily, in answer to your question about telling the ending.
>
> A synopsis doesn't have to be more than 3-6 paragraphs, describing the
> character and outlining the problem or struggle.
>
> As reported to Barbara from Moshe.
>
> ____________________________________________________________
> BEWARE: Penny Auction SCAM
> Can you really get a Macbook for $23.86? You WON'T believe what we
> found!
> http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4cc3861c9714644d8aest05vuc
> 





------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2010 21:41:21 -0400
From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com>
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] Fw: For Moshe-synopsis
Message-ID: <92A6425CCDD64ABE8CBF79446C4D69BB at Rufus>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="us-ascii"

If you're going to confine yourself to the 6-paragraph maximum your
friend
recommends, you're going to have to feel completely confident that the
description of both characters is teased out to a satisfactory lure for
your
editorial audience.  The most recent draft of the synopsis you provided
was
leagues better than the first one you shared, but, never mind what we
say.
You're never going to please every subscriber here, and there's going to
come a point when you have to feel confident in it yourself.  I've been
honest in my feedback up to this point.  To that end, I don't buy the
notion
that you're good at writing a novel but don't feel good about writing a
synopsis.  If the novel is a good one, the synopsis should write itself.
If
you're still feeling cautious, perhaps you should return to the novel
and
figure out what it is that's keeping you from putting together a summary
that isn't so meandering.  I think you want to aim for a synopsis that
storms through the door, grabs the reader by the shirt and says, "look,
bitch, here's my story, and you're going to like it!" LOL  I really
liked
that bit I found on the Internet about your novel.  This most recent
revision is good, but I want to hear you as the author feel 110 percent
positive that this is a story youth are going to want to pick up and the
publisher would be foolish not to add to its collection.

All of this having been said, I want you to remind me of this positive
spirit when I start collecting rejection letters on my own work in
progress.
It's far easier said than done, and I don't want my blunt opinions to in
any
way discourage you from the notion that you are a great writer.
Ultimately,
stop second-guessing yourself.  Sit down, write it well, and then go for
a
slam dunk.  If this publisher doesn't like, there are many others.

Best,

Joe

"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their
sleeves,
some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam Ewing 

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org 
[mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Judith Bron
Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 9:26 PM
To: Stylist
Subject: [stylist] Fw: For Moshe-synopsis

I just got this from a close family friend who got a PHD in 
education and 
spent many years teaching English and history in the public schools.  I 
thought you would be interested in  his feedback on a synopsis.  Judith
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <schulgasser at juno.com>
To: <jbron at optonline.net>
Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 9:03 PM
Subject: Re: For Moshe-synopsis


> Not necessarily, in answer to your question about telling the ending.
>
> A synopsis doesn't have to be more than 3-6 paragraphs, 
describing the 
> character and outlining the problem or struggle.
>
> As reported to Barbara from Moshe.
>
> ____________________________________________________________
> BEWARE: Penny Auction SCAM
> Can you really get a Macbook for $23.86? You WON'T 
believe what we 
> found!
> http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4cc3861c9714644d8aest05vuc
> 



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------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2010 21:04:59 -0500
From: Priscilla McKinley <priscilla.mckinley at gmail.com>
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] Detective short comments
Message-ID:
	<AANLkTi=XR38PXinCgnwDao4RvMMvWykdj8mFKu4f=Pnz at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

i like the idea of Alice being the murderer and the sheriff finding
out but wanting to protect her for some reason, but not because she is
his mother.  Perhaps because he liked her himself?  Giving ages would
help here, I think.  I thought of Alice and the sheriff as being
around the same age.  The murder could have been an accident, but
Alice never would have been able to prove that in court, so the
sheriff closed the case and  ruled the death an accident.  Nick knew
about the love affair between his father and Alice, but knew that his
father was very happy with Alice, happier than he had ever been with
his own mother, Lucy, so he kept quiet as well.  Even though he didn't
have any real proof that Alice was guilty, Nick had always suspected
her.

I think bringing in too many coincidences and hidden relationships can
hurt a story.  In addition, I don't like the idea of some outsider.
If the killer is going to be an outsider, like a librarian, I think
the person has to be around throughout the story, even if just seen,
not heard.

Just my thoughts,

Priscilla



On 10/23/10, Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net> wrote:
> 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
>>>
>>>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
>>>
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>>>         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 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
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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
>>> >
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>>> >
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>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >------------------------------
>>> >
>>> >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
>>> > >>stylist at nfbnet.org
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>>> > >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
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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
>>> > >
>>> > > 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
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>>> > >
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>>> > > for
>>> > > stylist:
>>> > >
>>>
>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/jbron%40optonl
>>> >i
>>> >ne.net
>>> > >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >------------------------------
>>> >
>>> >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%40
e
>>> > > 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/
>>> > >
>>> > >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (7.0.0.514)
>>> >Database version: 6.16140
>>> >http://www.pctools.com/en/spyware-doctor-antivirus/
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >------------------------------
>>> >
>>> >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:
>>> >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/hypoplex
>>> >er%40gmail.com
>>> >------------------------------
>>> >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/>
>>> > >>>
>>> > >>>stylist mailing list
>>> > >>>stylist at nfbnet.org
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>>> > >>>for stylist:
>>> >
>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/lists%40br
>>> > >>>ad
>>> >dunsemusic.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
>>> > >>
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>>> > >>
>>> > >>
>>> > >>_______________________________________________
>>> > >>Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>>> > >><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>>> > >>
>>> > >>stylist mailing list
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>>> >
>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/jbron%40opt
>>> > >>on
>>> >line.net
>>> > >
>>> > >
>>> > >
>>> > >_______________________________________________
>>> > >Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>>> > ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
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>>> > >stylist:
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>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
>>> >
>>> >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
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>>> >Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1464323555
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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
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>>> >
>>> > >>>stylist:
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>>> > >>>to
>>> > >>>nline.net
>>> > >>
>>> > >>
>>> > >>
>>> > >>_______________________________________________
>>> > >>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
>>> > >
>>> > > 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/>
>>> > >
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>>> > > for
>>> > > stylist:
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>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/priscilla.mc
k
>>> > > inley%40gmail.com
>>> > >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >------------------------------
>>> >
>>> >_______________________________________________
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>>> >stylist at nfbnet.org
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>>> >
>>> >
>>> >End of stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 45
>>> >***************************************
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >_______________________________________________
>>> >Writers Division web site:
>>> >http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>>> ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>>> >
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>>> >stylist:
>>>
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>>> >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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<http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
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>
> _______________________________________________
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<http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
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