[stylist] FW: Problems with list
Robert Leslie Newman
newmanrl at cox.net
Sun Oct 24 15:12:48 UTC 2010
Dave
Some people are experiencing some weirdness with our list. Take a read.
(I've not read all of the posts, but there are several.)
I have experiencing this- I open up a message, JAWS reads the first line and
shuts up. You arrow down or try any movement down and it is dead silent. If
I press the alt key once, here the menu bar come on, then press alt again,
then the --- that individual message is free and reads normal from then on.
What do you think? (List members need to hear from us. Thanks
-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Bridgit Pollpeter
Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 11:54 PM
To: stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: [stylist] Problems with list
Judith,
I was experiencing similar issues earlier too. I thought JAWS was just
acting screwy, but now that you mention the same thing, I wonder.
I've also had a lot of problems with doing replies with Stylist emails.
Usually JAWS will be on a long delay if it decides to work at all.
Tonight has been really bad. Even in MS Outlook I've been having
problems.
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 7:29 PM
To: stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 51
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. Monthly Telephone Gathering- TOMORROW! OCT. 24th
(Robert Leslie Newman)
2. problem with posts (Judith Bron)
3. list problems (Judith Bron)
4. Re: list problems (Judith Bron)
5. Re: Detective short comments (Judith Bron)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2010 18:26:50 -0500
From: "Robert Leslie Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net>
To: "writers nfb" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [stylist] Monthly Telephone Gathering- TOMORROW! OCT. 24th
Message-ID: <006d01cb7309$ccff89b0$66fe9d10$@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Dear Division Members and guests (If you are not a member, please do
join us, we will all benefit)
TOMORROW!
RE: This month's telephone gathering! Sunday October 24th and it will be
super great! (Below, Read about our guest, Patricia , review the
questions that we sent her, think up new info you need and check the
times and numbers to do your call-in.)
--The guest speaker for the October conference call for the Writers'
Division will be Patricia Foster. Her online biography reads:
"Patricia Foster is the author of two books of nonfiction and the editor
of three anthologies of nonfiction prose. Just beneath My Skin
(University of Georgia Press, 2004), her latest book, is a collection of
essays that explores autobiography as a means of creative
self-examination. Kirkus Review (starred) called it "perceptive,
thoughtful - and thought-provoking - with abundant moments of insight,"
whereas the American Library Association noted that "although writers
can feel alone and alienated, Foster seems to have found a place of
redemption, where she is at home living beyond the ordinary, which, in
turn, infuses her writing with its notable lyricism." Four essays in
this collection were named Notable Essays by Robert Atwan (Best American
Essays) while "A Second Look" won the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award for
nonfiction.
Patricia Foster began her book publishing career with the anthology
Minding the Body: Women Writers on Body and Soul (Anchor/Doubleday,
1994), a book translated into German, Dutch and Portuguese, chosen as a
QPB Paperback selection, and performed as a play by the Tampa Bay
Performing Arts Center. Sister to Sister (Anchor/Doubleday, 1996), The
Healing Circle co-edited with Mary Swander (Dutton, 1998), and a memoir,
All the Lost Girls (University of Alabama, 2000), winner of the
PEN/Jerard Fund Award for Women's Nonfiction, all continued her interest
in narrative nonfiction.
In addition to personal essays, Patricia Foster is a writer of fiction
and a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop. She has published both
fiction and nonfiction in such literary quarterlies as the Gettysburg
Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, Iowa Review, Shenandoah, Prairie
Schooner and Fourth Genre. She won a Lake Effect Fiction Award, a
Florida Arts Council Award, a Yaddo residency, four Alabama Arts &
Humanities Awards, and a Dean's Scholar Award (University of Iowa). In
2003, she was an exchange professor at Paul Valery University in
Montpellier, France.
In addition to her MFA in fiction, Patricia has an MFA in art (UCLA) and
a Ph.D. in women's literature and creative writing (Florida State
University)."
--Priscilla McKinley sent your questions on writing and publishing to
Patricia, who will address those questions, as well as other questions,
meeting. And I have pasted those questions in below:
Suggestions - Interest for Discussion
For Guest Speaker
1. I would love to learn about writing autobiographical essays. I find
that writing about myself is the hardest thing to do, and would love
tips on how to do it.
Jewel
2. How about having the instructor give "common mistakes" writers make.
That could be like a list of 3, or maybe 5. I'm thinking about mistakes
writers make who fall into the beginner, or maybe unpublished, category.
Bob
3.
First--punctuation around quotation marks. I do a lot of technical
writing for work, so grammar is not that much of a problem. It's just
that you don't use quote marks much in technical writing; so I never got
the hang of the grammar.
Research--tips on doing research for stories would be helpful.
Shawn
4. I think it is always important to stress possessing knowledge of
style and structure. Even though writers often rely on editors, we
still need to have some level of knowledge when it comes to this stuff.
I don't pretend to be an expert when it comes to grammar and all that,
but you would not believe how awful some peoples grammar is when I am
editing for the newsletter. And these are intelligent people. Also, I
think it is beneficial to have some forum where our work can be work
shopped. Whether it is a classroom, online or community peer group, it
is important to have that feedback and criticism. Maybe, too, pointing
out the benefits to studying your craft. Whether it is a traditional
method like I have chosen or self-study or joining a community type
class, studying writing can only make us better writers.
Bridget
5. I'd want to ask questions about marketing: Where do you research
magazine publications, and what do you look for?
What journals take articles about writing?
What websites do people use?
Are they the same ones we use?
What about market directories--should we even be looking at them any
more?
Should you publish first in your own region or State?
What books on writing do you recommend?
Thanks for the opportunity.
Nan
--The time is- 8:30 PM Eastern; 7:30 PM Central; 6:30 PM Mountain; 5:30
PM Pacific.
The phone number to call is- 218-339-4300
The code is: 568839# (last character is a number sign)
--(It will be recorded and posted to our website)
Robert Leslie Newman
President- NFB Writers' Division
Division Website
<http://www.nfb-writers-division.org>
http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
Personal Website-
<http://www.thoughtprovoker.info> http://www.thoughtprovoker.info
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2010 19:58:44 -0400
From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net>
To: Stylist <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [stylist] problem with posts
Message-ID: <D98CE50ED3764374BE853621BA8DCBFF at dell5150>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
When I turned on my computer this evening I tried reading posts from
this list but when I opened each email Jaws wasn't talking. When I
opened other emails from different sources I had no problem reading
them. Has anyone else experienced this? Now I'll wait to get this
email back and see if I can read it. Judith
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2010 20:09:11 -0400
From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net>
To: Stylist <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [stylist] list problems
Message-ID: <361B303B562A42AC9606DE28351C2FBD at dell5150>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
I couldn't read the message I just sent to the list. Is anyone else
having this problem? Judith
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2010 20:23:21 -0400
From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net>
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] list problems
Message-ID: <92A69FC335974A9F8CFDEAA9FA00BAC5 at dell5150>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
reply-type=original
Now I can read it. Let's see what happens with more messages. Judith
----- Original Message -----
From: "Judith Bron" <jbron at optonline.net>
To: "Stylist" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 8:09 PM
Subject: [stylist] list problems
>I couldn't read the message I just sent to the list. Is anyone else
>having
>this problem? Judith
> _______________________________________________
> 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%40optonli
ne.net
>
------------------------------
Message: 5
Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2010 20:33:41 -0400
From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net>
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] Detective short comments
Message-ID: <739CB1AB771B470FA3B3A01E7994022B at dell5150>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
reply-type=response
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
>>
>>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 comments (James H. "Jim" Canaday M.A. N6YR)
>>
>>
>>----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>>Message: 1
>>Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:23:48 -0500
>>From: "James H. \"Jim\" Canaday M.A. N6YR" <n6yr at sunflower.com>
>>To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>>Subject: Re: [stylist] Detective short comments
>>Message-ID: <201010230524.o9N5O0mO017712 at smtp.sunflower.com>
>>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
>>
>>bridgid,
>>another possible for "who done it" try this:
>>another man, perhaps the town's quiet librarian of many decades,
>>whitnessed Henry's treatment of Alice, but he of course, loves her
>>himself. he killed henry because of how henry treated alice, and kept
>>alice from marrying him, in his mind.
>>
>>then, once the ball is in motion, it gets out of his control.
>>
>>or, what if Salma is *not* the first woman in her line to be attracted
>>to one of the men of the family? perhaps Henry had a third mistress
>>who was hispanic? she discovered Alice, but knew about Lucy. and
>>became enraged? fire and rage are closely tied in symbol.
>>
>>just a couple of wacho suggestions.
>>jc
>>
>>At 09:14 PM 10/22/2010, you wrote:
>> >Hey guys,
>> >
>> >Since so many commented, I will address everyone in one post.
>> >
>> >Brad- I am with Judith. Sometimes I know a story from beginning to
>> >end, but other times I will just have a scene pop in my head that
>> >inspires me, but I have to construct the story. With Sense of
>> >Murder, it was an assignment and I had no clue what to write. I
>> >just sat down and wrote and made it up as I went along. I have a
>> >vague idea how I would expand this, and I go back and forth on who
>> >did it! *smile* We shall see.
>> >
>> >Judith- I like your suggestion about the Sheriff being Alice's son.
>> >In
>>
>> >my mind he is older, but I like that twist. Thanks.
>> >
>> >Donna- Thanks for the advice. As for the comma in that section,
>> >yes, typically I believe a comma should be there, but it is the
>> >letter that Alice writes, and lots of people don't necessarily use
>> >punctuation in letters although maybe during the time period it was
>> >written, people were more aware of that. Also, danm it! I knew
>> >conscienceness was wrong. My hubby insisted I was wrong. That's
>> >the last time I listen to him! *smile*
>> >
>> > Priscilla- Keys... Interesting.
>> > That
>>
>> >is something to consider. Titles are always so difficult for me. I
>> >like to use text from the story for a title, but this doesn't always
>> >help me either.
>> >
>> >Thanks for everyone's thorough read. I appreciate all comments,
>> >criticisms and suggestions. I did not mean for this to be a serious
>> >attempt at fiction, but so far, the response between Stylist, school
>> >and friends has been to continue fleshing this story out. Just when
>> >I thought I was a sucky fiction writer! *smile*
>> >
>> >Bridgit
>> >
>> >-----Original Message-----
>> >From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>> >On
>>
>> >Behalf Of stylist-request at nfbnet.org
>> >Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 3:42 PM
>> >To: stylist at nfbnet.org
>> >Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 45
>> >
>> >
>> >Send stylist mailing list submissions to
>> > stylist at nfbnet.org
>> >
>> >To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>> >or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>> > stylist-request at nfbnet.org
>> >
>> >You can reach the person managing the list at
>> > stylist-owner at nfbnet.org
>> >
>> >When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>> >than
>> >"Re: Contents of stylist digest..."
>> >
>> >
>> >Today's Topics:
>> >
>> > 1. Re: detective short revision (BDM)
>> > 2. Re: detective short revision (Judith Bron)
>> > 3. Re: detective short revision (Judith Bron)
>> > 4. Re: detective short revision (Donna Hill)
>> > 5. synopsis (Judith Bron)
>> > 6. Re: Stylist member in hospital (Danielle Montour)
>> > 7. Re: detective short revision (BDM)
>> > 8. Re: detective short revision (Priscilla McKinley)
>> >
>> >
>> >--------------------------------------------------------------------
>> >--
>> >
>> >Message: 1
>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:06:27 -0500
>> >From: BDM <lists at braddunsemusic.com>
>> >To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>> >Message-ID:
>> ><6.2.3.4.2.20101022120155.02d3ca60 at www.braddunsemusic.com>
>> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
>> >
>> >Glad you are working on this. I like the subtle changes and
>> >embellishments. I've a question for you. At this point, do you know
>> >in
>>
>> >your mind how the mystery plays out, who done it, and the little
>> >twists and details? Or when you write, are you making it up as you
>> >go. I've heard authors promote both ways. Just curious on your
>> >method and not a spoiling of the story, which I hope to read at a
>> >later date.
>> >
>> >Brad
>> >
>> >At 11:15 AM 10/22/2010, you wrote:
>> > >Hey guys,
>> > >
>> > >Since I shared the first draft with you lot, I thought I would
>> > >share my
>> >
>> > >revision. Again, I am not a detective fiction writer, nor do I
>> > >wish to
>> >
>> > >be, but after your comments and my class workshop, I have made
>> > >some changes.
>> > >
>> > >My fiction, unfortunately, is not as good as my nonfiction, but I
>> > >do like my two main characters. I would like to continue
>> > >something with
>>
>> > >them.
>> > >
>> > >Enjoy!
>> > >
>> > >Bridgit
>> > >
>> > >Sense of Murder
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Ayden sat in his father's leather wingback chair rolling a large
>> > >key between his fingers. The metal key had been cold, but now was
>> > >warmed
>>
>> > >by his hands. He gripped the key in his palm and rubbed a thumb
>> > >across
>> >
>> > >the rough , rusty surface. A few weeks ago, Ayden had merely been
>> > >researching the mysterious death of his grandfather for a book he
>> > >was
>>
>> > >writing. Now, he sat among items wondering if his grandfather had
>> > >been
>> >
>> > >murdered.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden's father had found Ayden's grandfather lying at the bottom
>> > >of the
>> >
>> > >staircase in his home. His father never spoke about the incident
>> > >after
>> >
>> > >reporting it to the police. His father was allowing Ayden and
>> > >Salma to
>> >
>> > >search through any items he kept though.
>> > >
>> > >For years there had been whispers of foul play, but no one ever
>> > >spoke
>>
>> > >about the rumors. The official ruling was that Henry Templeton,
>> > >Ayden's grandfather, had accidently fallen down the stairs. Other
>> > >than
>> >
>> > >the vicious gossip, there didn't seem to be any reason to think
>> > >otherwise until Ayden began researching his grandfather's life. A
>> > >few weeks of poking around Henry Templeton's past, Ayden received
>> > >a mysterious email.
>> > >
>> > > Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you stop
>> > > your
>>
>> > >investigation immediately. Heartache and harm can only befall you
>> > >
>> > > Alarmed, but intrigued, Ayden picked up his research with new
>> > > fervor.
>> >
>> > >Now he and his friend and neighbor, Salma, sat in his father's
>> > >large office surrounded by books and papers searching for clues
>> > >that may indicate a reason why his grandfather would have been
>> > >murdered.
>> > >
>> > >"So what's next?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > >Tapping the key in his palm, Ayden said, "I'm not sure. This
>> > >letter says a lot."
>> > >
>> > >Ayden closed his eyes thinking on this letter. It was evidence,
>> > >even
>>
>> > >if circumstantial, that suggested, if his grandmother knew about
>> > >it, she could have killed Henry.
>> > >
>> > >People had said his grandmother, Lucy, had been distracted and
>> > >irritable a couple of weeks before his grandfather's death. When
>> > >his
>>
>> > >father found Henry at the bottom of the stairs, the only other
>> > >person
>>
>> > >present had been his grandmother. Stunned by the event, his
>> > >father had
>> >
>> > >placed Lucy in a nursing home.
>> > >
>> > >There was a pause then paper crackled before Salma spoke. "It's
>> > >pretty
>> >
>> > >clear from this letter that your grandfather was having an affair.
>> > >I
>>
>> > >wonder if we can figure out these initials, A. W."
>> > >
>> > >Ayden shut his eyes again, thinking, trying to remember anyone he
>> > >had
>>
>> > >ever met with A. W. for initials. "I don't know," he sighed.
>> > >
>> > >As Ayden and Salma leafed through pictures and notes, they had
>> > >found an
>> >
>> > >old copy of Wuthering Heights.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden remembered the year his grandfather had given the third
>> > >edition
>>
>> > >book to his grandmother for Christmas. His grandmother had sat
>> > >unwrapping the gift, then exclaimed, "Oh," before looking up with
>> > >tears
>> >
>> > >in her eyes. Wuthering Heights had always been her favorite
>> > >novel. Lucy had been the one person to encourage Ayden to follow
>> > >his dream and
>> >
>> > >take up writing instead of joining the family law firm. "You're
>> > >meant to follow your own path," Lucy had told Ayden once.
>> > >
>> > >After an accident had left Ayden blind, his father had refused to
>> > >believe Ayden could handle the work of a litigator, but Lucy had
>> > >never doubted his ability to do anything.
>> > >
>> > >Now, Ayden and Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of the
>> > >book; a letter suggesting a secret Ayden never knew about.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden touched the thick, but stiff piece of paper and held it out
>> > >to Salma to inspect. She told him the letter appeared old, but
>> > >not as old
>> >
>> > >as the book. A few of the torn edges of the letter were turning
>> > >yellow. The letter was simple as she read:
>> > >
>> > >Henry, my love,
>> > >
>> > >I can not wait to see you again. I hoped and when I saw you
>> > >coming down the road, my heart leaped. I still feel your touch.
>> > >How much longer must we wait? Please, my darling, give me what I
>> > >ask before it is too late.
>> > >
>> > >Love, A. W.
>> > >
>> > >When Ayden's father found Henry's body, Lucy had gone wild,
>> > >screaming, unable to leave Henry's lifeless body.
>> > >
>> > >Gossips spread the news, sweeping far and wide. Lucy was crazy,
>> > >they
>>
>> > >said. She went mad, she killed her husband. It was juicy, just
>> > >what
>>
>> > >a
>> >
>> > >small town needed.
>> > >
>> > >The police never looked into the possibility, but Lucy died with a
>> > >black mark attached to her memory.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden never believed that his grandmother would hurt anyone. She
>> > >had
>>
>> > >been fond of Ayden, and she never treated him like his life was
>> > >over after the accident.
>> > >
>> > >"What now? Where do we go next?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden held the rusted, copper key up in front of him. "We visit
>> > >the old Templeton mansion."
>> > >
>> > >The Templeton mansion was the Victorian home his grandparents had
>> > >lived
>> >
>> > >in. The family still owned it, but it had sat empty for years.
>> > >Ayden thought that maybe more secrets were hidden within the walls
>> > >of
>>
>> > >the Templeton house, eager to be discovered.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Ayden sat in the car as Salma drove. Neither spoke as Ayden's
>> > >fingers slid across the pages on his lap. Reading his Braille
>> > >notes,
>>
>> > >Ayden wondered where to start once they reached the small town
>> > >where his grandparents and father had grown up.
>> > >
>> > >His grandfather had started a small law firm in town, but
>> > >eventually it
>> >
>> > >grew. His grandparents had moved when Ayden's father, Nick, had
>> > >been
>>
>> > >ten.
>> > >
>> > >Nick never spoke about his childhood though. Ayden really didn't
>> > >know much about his family's past. His grandparents had moved
>> > >back to their
>> >
>> > >old house once Nick took the firm over, but Ayden had rarely
>> > >visited the home. After his grandfather had died, Lucy, unable to
>> > >cope with his death, had moved into an upscale nursing home in the
>> > >City, and Nick
>> >
>> > >left the house untouched.
>> > >
>> > >As the car slowed, Ayden looked up at Salma. "Are we there?"
>> > >
>> > >"Yes. What's our first stop?"
>> > >
>> > >"I'm figuring this out as we go along. I guess the police
>> > >station."
>> > >
>> > >Salma was silent before saying, "You okay? I know your dad wasn't
>> > >happy when you asked about the letter."
>> > >
>> > >He remembered how Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling him
>> > >, "Leave it alone. We don't dig up family history."
>> > >
>> > >Ayden had tried to coax him to say more, but the subject was
>> > >closed.
>> > >
>> > >"Yeah. I wish he would have told us more. Explained something,"
>> > >Ayden
>> >
>> > >said.
>> > >
>> > >"Maybe he just wants to keep your family secrets, well, secret.
>> > >Some
>>
>> > >people don't like giving out info about anything."
>> > >
>> > >"I just feel like he knows more than he's letting on."
>> > >
>> > >"We'll find something. Don't worry."
>> > >
>> > >Salma was always reassuring Ayden. She had become a constant in
>> > >his life. The only real constant he had. She had shown up one
>> > >day, knocking on his door, holding a dish in her hands, offering
>> > >Ayden some home made enchiladas. That had been the beginning of
>> > >their friendship.
>> >
>> > >They had spent many nights talking until three in the morning and
>> > >hanging out on weekends. Salma was the one true connection Ayden
>> > >had
>>
>> > >to the outside world.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden never felt like he fit in his family's world of snobbish
>> > >dinner
>>
>> > >parties, elite country clubs and preferential treatment at most
>> > >Ivy League universities. After graduating from college, His
>> > >father had told him, "No one will ever respect a blind man in the
>> > >courtroom. Maybe the firm can bring you on as a researcher."
>> > >Ayden was tired of
>>
>> > >his father's attitude so he took a job writing for a small
>> > >magazine and
>> >
>> > >left the family home.
>> > >
>> > >Once moving away, he had become a recluse of sorts. He showed up
>> > >to the office for work, attended cocktail parties required for
>> > >work and even dated a couple of girls, but Salma was the one
>> > >person he truly felt comfortable with. Her infectious way of
>> > >always looking at things positively seemed like a novelty to
>> > >Ayden. She could always make him smile. When he began writing
>> > >the book about Henry, Salma had offered to assist in anyway she
>> > >could.
>> > >
>> > >"I'm really glad you're here," Ayden said.
>> > >
>> > >"Yeah, yeah. I'm waiting for my pay check. My services don't
>> > >come free." Salma giggled as she pulled into a parking stall. "I
>> > >think we're here."
>> > >
>> > >"Thanks, again, for taking the day off to help."
>> > >
>> > >"Hey, I know you'd help me with stuff. It's all so interesting;
>> > >way more interesting than filling in for waiters who don't show up
>> > >for work."
>> > >
>> > >"You aren't at work, who's filling in for you?" Ayden said
>> > >grinning at her.
>> > >
>> > >Salma smacked his arm. "That's the benefit of being the owner's
>> > >daughter."
>> > >
>> > >While Salma dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped his
>> > >cane
>> >
>> > >along the brick walls looking for the door. Hearing the
>> > >difference from the cane tip tapping on brick to the clink of
>> > >glass, he figured he
>> >
>> > >found the door.
>> > >
>> > >"No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma.
>> > >
>> > >"Yes," she answered rushing to catch up.
>> > >
>> > >They entered the quiet, almost lazy-like atmosphere of the police
>> > >station. Ayden moved towards the sound of clacking as some one
>> > >pressed keys on a computer keyboard with a practiced efficiency.
>> > >This,
>> >
>> > >he thought, must be a reception desk.
>> > >
>> > >Stepping up to a smooth feeling counter, Ayden said, "Excuse me."
>> > >
>> > >"Can I help you?" a woman's bored voice said.
>> > >
>> > >"We were wondering if we can speak to some one who worked the
>> > >Henry Templeton case," Ayden said.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >The woman stopped typing and a long silence followed. "Who's
>> > >asking?"
>> > >
>> > >"I'm Ayden Templeton, Henry's grandson."
>> > >
>> > >"One minute." A chair creaked as the woman stood. Her shoes
>> > >clicked
>>
>> > >on the linoleum floor as she walked away.
>> > >
>> > >Salma touched Ayden's arm. "She had a weird look when you
>> > >mentioned your grandpa's name."
>> > >
>> > >As the receptionist returned, another footstep joined hers, but
>> > >this person shuffled slightly.
>> > >
>> > >The person shuffled towards Salma, saying, "Hello. I'm Sheriff
>> > >Jenkins. How can I help you?"
>> > >
>> > >Ayden stepped closer towards Salma, extending his arm to Sheriff
>> > >Jenkins. "I'm Ayden Templeton and this is Salma Juarez. We have
>> > >some questions about my grandfather's death."
>> > >
>> > >There was a pause before Sheriff Jenkins shook Ayden's hand.
>> > >"Step into my office please."
>> > >
>> > >Ayden followed the sheriff into a room off the main section of the
>> > >department. His cane swep the inside of the door frame,
>> > >indicating the
>> >
>> > >width so Ayden avoided bumping into the edges of the frame. Ayden
>> > >asked where a chair was and turned in the direction Captain
>> > >Jenkins indicated. Finding the chair with his cane, he felt
>> > >Salma's arm brush
>>
>> > >his as she sat next to him.
>> > >
>> > >"Can I get you anything?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
>> > >
>> > >"No, but thank you. Salma?"
>> > >
>> > >"I'm good," Salma replied.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden felt a tension fill the room as the three sat there, not
>> > >speaking. Sheriff Jenkins began tapping the edge of the metal
>> > >table in the interrogation room. Ayden twisted his cane between
>> > >his fingers. Salma bobbed her foot which was lightly kicking
>> > >Ayden's shin.
>> > >
>> > >"We're hoping to learn as much as we can about Henry Templeton's
>> > >death.
>> >
>> > >I'm researching the story for a novel I'm working on," Ayden
>> > >started.
>> > >
>> > >"I worked the case. There's not much to tell," Sheriff Jenkins
>> > >said.
>> > >
>> > >"I know you eventually reported it as an accidental death, but was
>> > >there ever any evidence suggesting otherwise?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > >"No. We questioned friends and family and there was no reason to
>> > >believe Henry Templeton was murdered," Sheriff Jenkins said with
>> > >an edge to his tone.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden shifted his head towards Salma. Even though he had been
>> > >blind for seven-years, Ayden still used visual gestures and body
>> > >movement. "I know there was-uh-speculation that maybe my
>> > >grandmother did it."
>> > >
>> > >"Lucy Baldwin? She never hurt anyone. We were all shocked when
>> > >she married Henry. She could have had anyone she wanted."
>> > >
>> > >Ayden leaned against the table looking straight in the direction
>> > >where Sheriff Jenkins sat. "I thought Henry was a catch?
>> > >Wouldn't most have
>> >
>> > >jumped at the chance to marry into the Templeton family? You
>> > >know, a
>>
>> > >lawyer from a wealthy family and all that."
>> > >
>> > >"He was a playboy. Always was, never changed."
>> > >
>> > >"Who did you question about his death?" Salma broke in.
>> > >
>> > >The sheriff's chair creaked as he leaned back. "Well, of course
>> > >Lucy
>>
>> > >and her boy Nick. They were there. Found his body and all."
>> > >
>> > >Ayden shot the sheriff a questioning glance. He was talking like
>> > >he had forgot who Ayden was.
>> > >
>> > >"Then there was Zelda, the housekeeper, and Avery Mayer, he came
>> > >around
>> >
>> > >about once a week to help Lucy with the lawn. She loved her
>> > >garden. Her roses won prizes around here," Sheriff Jenkins
>> > >continued.
>> > >
>> > >"Anyone else?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > >"Oh, his work associates, but Henry was retired so they didn't see
>> > >much
>> >
>> > >of him anymore. Alice Madison , she had been his personal
>> > >secretary for years. She still did stuff part-time for Henry."
>> > >
>> > >Ayden had pulled out a three-by-five plastic device that had six
>> > >rows
>>
>> > >of cells containing three holes on each side of the cells. A
>> > >pop-pop-pop sound was made as Ayden poked a pointed awl-like
>> > >object called a stylus through the holes as he took Braille notes.
>> > >"Are any
>>
>> > >of these people still around?"
>> > >
>> > >"Not everyone had the same opportunities as the Templeton's to
>> > >leave town. Other than Henry's work associates, I think most of
>> > >them still
>>
>> > >live around here. At least the one's who are still alive."
>> > >
>> > >"Is there anything else you can tell us? Was there anything
>> > >strange you noticed? Any evidence that suggest something other
>> > >than an accidental tumble down the stairs?"
>> > >
>> > >The sheriff laughed. "I know you city folk like to dream up seedy
>> > >happenings in small towns, but Henry Templeton's death was nothing
>> > >more
>> >
>> > >than an accident. Nothing dark about it."
>> > >
>> > >"Thank you for your time," Ayden said extending his hand again to
>> > >shake
>> >
>> > >Sheriff Jenkins's.
>> > >
>> > >Sheriff Jenkins sighed. "Look, don't go digging anything up.
>> > >Just let
>> >
>> > >the dead rest."
>> > >
>> > >Salma's bracelet tinkled as they stood.
>> > >
>> > >"We understand. I'm just trying to find things out about my
>> > >grandfather for the book. You know, no stone uncovered," Ayden
>> > >said.
>> > >
>> > >"Are you two married?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden, confused by the switch, replied, "No."
>> > >
>> > >The sheriff chuckled. "Like your grandpa, I see."
>> > >
>> > >Ayden blushed, but Salma said, "Ayden is nothing but a gentleman.
>> > >Clearly something he did not pick up in this town."
>> > >
>> > >"I know the kind of men the Templeton's are," the sheriff said.
>> > >
>> > >Unsure of what to do, Ayden turned to leave.
>> > >
>> > >"At least he has a better chance of touching what you have been
>> > >admiring this whole time," Salma snapped. She turned quickly,
>> > >fluttering Ayden's collar up as she rushed past.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Back in the car, he said, "I'm sorry. I didn't know what to say."
>> > >
>> > >"It's okay. He was a pig."
>> > >
>> > >"I didn't realize-"
>> > >
>> > >"I know, its okay. Where to next?"
>> > >
>> > >He could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone. "The house,
>> > >I guess."
>> > >
>> > >As the car backed out into the silent street, Ayden wondered why
>> > >she had told Sheriff Jenkins what she had. Was it simply said in
>> > >a moment of anger, or was there any truth in her words, he
>> > >thought. He
>>
>> > >has a better chance of touching what you have been admiring.
>> > >Ayden smiled as
>> >
>> > >he thought of the possibilities with Salma.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Ayden stood before the house remembering the bright blue it had
>> > >been during the few visits he had made during his childhood. The
>> > >house had always stood out even among the street full of bright,
>> > >cheery houses complete with emerald lawns and award winning
>> > >gardens. The Templeton house had a wrap-around porch with a
>> > >veranda to the back opening onto a
>> >
>> > >large lawn complete with a British garden. Its three stories
>> > >reaching majestically towards the sky.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden now gripped the rough, wooden railing of the house. The
>> > >feel of the railing did not match his memory of the sleek, smooth
>> > >dark wooden banister. The stairs creaked as he stepped on them.
>> > >Reaching
>>
>> > >the porch, he felt a slight dip and quickly stepped sideways in
>> > >fear of falling through the porch. Children played nearby and
>> > >cars languidly drove down the street, but a strange silence
>> > >surrounded the
>>
>> > >house. It was as though Ayden were underneath water trying to
>> > >make out the distant sounds. The scent of jasmine passed briefly
>> > >through his nose as Salma stood next to him.
>> > >
>> > >"How does it look?" Ayden asked ignoring the scent.
>> > >
>> > >Salma took a deep breath. "It's run down, that's for sure. I
>> > >can't believe no one has lived here for years."
>> > >
>> > >"My family still owns it, but after my grandfather's death, no one
>> > >wanted to do anything about it."
>> > >
>> > >"So sad," Salma said quietly.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden placed his hand on the cold knob of the dilapidated
>> > >Victorian house. He dug in his pockets for the rusty key he had
>> > >found in his father's office. As he inserted the heavy key in the
>> > >lock, a quiet click was heard. Ayden pushed the solid door open.
>> > >He looked in Salma's direction before stepping inside. Shutting
>> > >the door, the house
>> >
>> > >engulfed all sound like a tomb.
>> > >
>> > >"Creepy," Salma said as she shivered.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden walked forward tapping his long white cane, arcing wide so
>> > >as to not run into anything. Dust filled the air and Ayden
>> > >coughed as he inhaled.
>> > >
>> > >"This has been sitting for years," Ayden rasped. "What's it look
>> > >like?"
>> > >
>> > >"It's really dark, but it's almost completely empty. What do you
>> > >think
>> >
>> > >you'll find?"
>> > >
>> > >"I'm not sure. Sheriff Jenkins wasn't much help. I just thought,
>> > >maybe something."
>> > >
>> > >Salma's sandals clipped-clopped as she walked over to a window to
>> > >open it. "Well, if we are going to be here long we need fresh
>> > >air."
>> > >
>> > >Ayden felt a rush of summer breeze as the window clambered up.
>> > >The sound of kids playing ruined the house's stolid silence. Life
>> > >entered the house again as Ayden began to feel around searching
>> > >for any clue.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls and any remaining
>> > >furniture, hoping to find something, anything. Making his
>> > >progression from room to room on the main floor, he heard Salma's
>> > >muffled footsteps
>> >
>> > >overhead. He smiled to himself as He rifled through drawers and
>> > >cupboards. So far his hands had only found dust and cobwebs.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >"Ayden, Ayden!" Salma shouted a couple of hours later.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden hurried towards the staircase where Salma's voice echoed
>> > >from. "Salma! Are you okay?"
>> > >
>> > >"Get up here! I found something!"
>> > >
>> > >Ayden clambered up the grand staircase. Reaching the second
>> > >floor, he shouted, "What room?"
>> > >
>> > >"Um, it's a bedroom."
>> > >
>> > >He rolled his eyes. "Right." Hearing her voice off to his left,
>> > >Ayden
>> >
>> > >moved down the hallway. At the end, he found a door open.
>> > >
>> > >"Salma?"
>> > >
>> > >Salma's clapping sandals moved towards him.
>> > >
>> > >"Look at this," she said excitedly. Her bracelet tinkled and
>> > >paper crackled as she shoved something in Ayden's hand.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden grinned. "Um." He handed the paper back to Salma.
>> > >
>> > >"Oh-sorry. I just-you won't believe this."
>> > >
>> > >It was another letter; a love letter to Henry.
>> > >
>> > >Henry, My love,
>> > >
>> > >I miss you. I grow restless with each day. I have waited years
>> > >to be with you, really be with you. Let's stop the pretending,
>> > >stop the
>>
>> > >lies. Don't be mad with me. I would do anything for you, but we
>> > >must
>>
>> > >stop hiding. There is no harm in this. I will wait to hear from
>> > >you, but don't take long. If you don't choose me, I will marry
>> > >Tom Madison.
>> > >
>> > >Love,
>> > >
>> > >A. W.
>> > >
>> > >Salma rushed through the letter almost in one breath. Ayden was
>> > >not quite sure what her excitement was for.
>> > >
>> > >"We already know Henry was having an affair of sorts," he said.
>> > >
>> > >Salma sighed impatiently. "Ayden, think about it. Don't you
>> > >see?"
>> > >
>> > >"Not really," he said slowly.
>> > >
>> > >She grabbed his wrist. Her slender fingers gripped him with a
>> > >strength
>> >
>> > >Ayden would not have guessed at. She moved in closer and once
>> > >again,
>>
>> > >Ayden took in the scent of jasmine. This time he smelled
>> > >something else with it. Vanilla, he thought. Salma shook his arm
>> > >slightly, her tinkling crystal bracelet grazing his wrist,
>> > >bringing him back to attention.
>> > >
>> > >"Ayden, A. W. Don't you see it yet?"
>> > >
>> > >"A. W.?"
>> > >
>> > >"The initials," she said exasperated, "A. W. It's Alice Madison."
>> > >
>> > >"Who's Alice Madison?"
>> > >
>> > >Salma smacked her forehead. "Ay-where are your notes from today?"
>> > >
>> > >Ayden pulled out the three-by-five note card from his back pocket.
>> > >
>> > >"Now read through it," Salma said as though talking to a small
>> > >child.
>> > >
>> > >A second passed and Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and
>> > >looked sharply up at Salma.
>> > >
>> > >"See?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > >"You think A. W. and Alice Madison are the same person?"
>> > >
>> > >"It fits."
>> > >
>> > >"Henry's secretary. And Sheriff Jenkins said she's still living
>> > >in town. She must have married this Madison guy."
>> > >
>> > >"Think we can find her?"
>> > >
>> > >"Give me a minute," Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone
>> > >tucked away in his pocket. An electronic voice hummed from his
>> > >phone as he maneuvered through the menus.
>> > >
>> > >"Got it. There's only one Alice Madison that shows up in town."
>> > >
>> > >"Thank God for technology," Salma said. "No wonder no one could
>> > >ever
>>
>> > >solve this case."
>> > >
>> > >Ayden smirked at her. "Thank God for accessible technology. Come
>> > >on. She doesn't live far from here and it's not too late."
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Ten minutes later, they knocked on Alice Madison's door. Salma
>> > >described the house's well-kempt lawn and green exterior. She
>> > >said that flower boxes lined the windows and white shutters hung
>> > >from the upstair windows.
>> > >
>> > >The door opened and a woman's voice gasped, "Oh."
>> > >
>> > >"Mrs. Madison? I'm Ayden-"
>> > >
>> > >"Templeton," she said. "You look like Henry."
>> > >
>> > >Smiling, Ayden said, "Mrs. Madison, this is my friend Salma.
>> > >We're working on a book about my grandfather, and we would like to
>> > >ask you some questions."
>> > >
>> > >"Oh, of course. Come in, come in."
>> > >
>> > >As the door shut behind Ayden and Salma, he smelled a flower scent
>> > >that
>> >
>> > >he couldn't place and a clock ticked nearby. Alice Madison
>> > >ushered them into a sitting room off the entryway. Salma sat next
>> > >to Ayden on the soft couch while Alice sat across from them.
>> > >
>> > >"Can I offer you anything? I just made lemonade."
>> > >
>> > >"That would be wonderful," Salma said.
>> > >
>> > >As Alice left the room, Ayden turned towards Salma. "I'm sorry, I
>> > >didn't even think to ask if you were hungry."
>> > >
>> > >"Hon, it's okay. I didn't think about it myself until now."
>> > >
>> > >"We'll have dinner after this; I promise."
>> > >
>> > >"Promise?"
>> > >
>> > >Ayden grinned as Alice returned. She placed an ice-cold glass in
>> > >Ayden's hand. Ice chinked against the side as he took a gulp.
>> > >The cold liquid felt good down his throat after the dust of the
>> > >Templeton
>>
>> > >house. He could only imagine how dirty he and Salma looked. He
>> > >felt the mingled grime of sweat and dirt on his body. Why had it
>> > >not occurred to them to stop somewhere first and wash up, Ayden
>> > >thought.
>> > >
>> > >"So, what can I help you with? Henry was a dear friend and I miss
>> > >him.
>> >
>> > >You must call me Alice."
>> > >
>> > >"Well, Alice, we specifically are interested in his death," Ayden
>> > >said.
>> > >
>> > >Alice coughed as she choked on her lemonade. "Why would you be
>> > >interested in that?"
>> > >
>> > >"I believe that maybe his death wasn't accidental."
>> > >
>> > >"Oh dear, don't buy into those silly rumors. Pete Jenkins
>> > >conducted a thorough investigation and no foul play was to be
>> > >hinted at."
>> > >
>> > >"And yet the rumors persist," Ayden said.
>> > >
>> > >"Silly gossip. Housewives bored out of there minds."
>> > >
>> > >"You know Sheriff Jenkins?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > >"Darling, it's a small town; everybody knows everybody."
>> > >
>> > >Ayden sipped on his lemonade as Salma clicked her nails against
>> > >the side of her glass.
>> > >
>> > >"We have reason to believe maybe there is more to the story,"
>> > >Ayden said. He affected his best courtroom demeanor. He had
>> > >observed his father like this hundreds of times.
>> > >
>> > >Alice swirled ice chuncks around in her glass. Her voice had lost
>> > >some
>> >
>> > >of its cheeriness when she responded by asking, "What makes you
>> > >say that?"
>> > >
>> > >He found the love letter in a folder. Removing the Braille label,
>> > >he
>>
>> > >set it on the coffee table dividing them from Alice. "Did you
>> > >write this?"
>> > >
>> > >The letter rustled as Alice picked it up. When she spoke, her
>> > >voice sounded strained as though she were holding back tears.
>> > >
>> > >"Where did you find this?"
>> > >
>> > >"It was in some old boxes in the Templeton home," Salma said.
>> > >
>> > >A long silence followed in which Ayden heard Alice sniffling.
>> > >
>> > >"I suppose the truth has to come out sooner or later," Alice said
>> > >quietly.
>> > >
>> > >"We don't need-a-details of anything, but is there any reason to
>> > >think Henry was killed?" Ayden soothed.
>> > >
>> > >"Your grandfather hired me when I was eighteen," Alice began,
>> > >ignoring him. "I instantly fell in love with him, but he was that
>> > >type. Dashingly handsome, charming to a fault. He was a few years
>> > >older than
>> >
>> > >me, but I knew how all the girls waited for their chance to rope
>> > >Henry into marriage. I felt so lucky to see him everyday. I
>> > >started
>>
>> > >out as a simple receptionist, but eventually he promoted me to his
>> > >personal secretary."
>> > >
>> > >"Did you move with my grandparents then, when they moved?" he
>> > >asked.
>> > >
>> > >Alice sighed. "Yes, but after-things happened-I moved back. I
>> > >remained in his employ, working from the office here in town.
>> > >Before
>>
>> > >your father took charge, Henry's headquarters had always been
>> > >based from here."
>> > >
>> > >Ayden nodded his head.
>> > >
>> > >"I never meant to hurt anyone. Things happened. Henry loved us
>> > >both, Lucy and I. I tried to end it for years, but Henry always
>> > >showed up with that smile of his. Then I tried to make him
>> > >choose. I should've known better, but I was in love."
>> > >
>> > >Alice spilled her story, hoping for redemption perhaps.
>> > >
>> > >"The final straw came right before his death. We had carried on
>> > >for almost forty-years and I knew it had to stop. We fought. I
>> > >threatened
>> >
>> > >to tell Lucy and that was that. He left me promising to choose.
>> > >I waited for an answer, but a week later, Henry was found dead."
>> > >
>> > >"Did you ever tell anyone?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > >"No."
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Ayden and Salma stood by the car outside Alice's house. A breeze
>> > >tousled Ayden's hair and Salma gently combed her fingers through
>> > >his dark tresses.
>> > >
>> > >"Seems like all you Templeton men are irresistible," she said
>> > >teasingly.
>> > >
>> > >Unsure of how to respond to her comment, he grinned, but before he
>> > >could make a remark, her car door clicked open. He slid into the
>> > >passenger seat, heart pounding.
>> > >
>> > >"You promised me dinner," Salma whined playfully.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Munching on diner-style hamburgers and fries, they took the
>> > >opportunity
>> >
>> > >to relax.
>> > >
>> > >"How come you didn't visit your grandparents much?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > >"Not sure. Mom and Dad were always busy. Usually just my sister
>> > >and
>>
>> > >I
>> >
>> > >came."
>> > >
>> > >"Did you ever notice anything between them then?"
>> > >
>> > >"No, but I was a kid."
>> > >
>> > >"What about when you were older?"
>> > >
>> > >"Naw, I was busy then too. After the accident, though, I spent
>> > >more time with my grandma. She was the only one who treated me
>> > >like me still, but she died shortly after that."
>> > >
>> > >"I wish I could have met her."
>> > >
>> > >"She would have liked you."
>> > >
>> > >"I always hated seeing my family all the time, but now I'm glad
>> > >we're
>>
>> > >so close."
>> > >
>> > >"Hey, let's walk around town." Ayden slid out of the vinyl booth
>> > >and
>>
>> > >paid at the register.
>> > >
>> > >Meeting Salma out by the car, they moved towards the downtown
>> > >area. Salma kept up with Ayden's stride as his cane tapped from
>> > >side-to-side.
>> > >
>> > >"Sometimes I think it would be nice to live in a small town," she
>> > >mused.
>> > >
>> > >"Really, you? Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," he joked.
>> > >
>> > >"I could drive to the city. I don't know. It seems like a nice
>> > >place to raise a family."
>> > >
>> > >Ayden had never heard Salma speak about wanting kids. As well as
>> > >he knew her, he realized there was plenty he still had to learn.
>> > >
>> > >"Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will grow up to cheat,
>> > >lie
>>
>> > >and murder," he scoffed.
>> > >
>> > >"We, huh?"
>> > >
>> > >Ayden blushed, feeling the heat creep up his neck to his face. He
>> > >hadn't caught his blunder. He sputtered, but before he could make
>> > >sense of his words, Salma grabbed his hand.
>> > >
>> > >"Maybe we can live in the Templeton mansion," she said.
>> > >
>> > >They walked silently back to the car hand-in-hand.
>> > >
>> > >"It's pretty late, what should we do?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden flipped the crystal face of his watch up. Feeling the
>> > >raised dots and arrows, he said, "It's a quarter to eleven. I'm
>> > >beat."
>> > >
>> > >"Me too. I don't really feel like driving back tonight though."
>> > >
>> > >He scratched his head. "I guess we can stay at
>> > >casa-de-Templeton."
>> > >
>> > >"Okay, but no funny business," Salma joked.
>> > >
>> > >Sitting in the car, Ayden said, "By the way, unlike some men in my
>> > >family, I'm more of a one-woman type."
>> > >
>> > >"Good to know." Salma kissed his cheek.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden laced his fingers through hers.
>> > >
>> > >"I was wondering when you would make a move," she said.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden reached for her face and leaned in to kiss her. Her lips
>> > >were smooth and tasted of cherry. Salma placed her hand on his
>> > >face as they
>> >
>> > >held this pose for a minute.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Back at the Templeton house, they stood on either side of the
>> > >king-size
>> >
>> > >bed in the master bedroom.
>> > >
>> > >"Sure you don't want to sleep in another room?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > >"Hell no! This house is creepy."
>> > >
>> > >"I thought you wanted to raise children here?"
>> > >
>> > >"Shut-up. Scared to sleep with a girl?" The bed creaked as Salma
>> > >lay down on it. "A bit musty."
>> > >
>> > >They had found spare bed linens in a box and had attempted to
>> > >shake them out as best they could. Ayden had noticed a lingering
>> > >wispy scent
>> >
>> > >of flowers that he could not place. It may have been the remnants
>> > >of
>>
>> > >something used to launder the linens years ago, he had thought.
>> > >
>> > >Without thinking, he removed his shirt and handed it to Salma.
>> > >"Here. You can wrap your pillow in it."
>> > >
>> > >"Thanks," Salma said drawing the word out.
>> > >
>> > >Realizing what he had done, he blushed for the millionth time that
>> > >day.
>> >
>> > >Not able to turn back what he had done, Ayden lay slowly down,
>> > >sticking
>> >
>> > >close to the edge.
>> > >
>> > >"Keep your hands above the blankets," she yawned.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Ayden woke disoriented at first, but comprehension quickly dawned
>> > >as he
>> >
>> > >felt Salma's small body nestled against his. She snored quietly
>> > >and Ayden smiled. This was nice, he thought. He extracted
>> > >himself gently from the bed, trying to not wake Salma.
>> > >
>> > >He needed to use the bathroom, but it struck him that the
>> > >bathrooms would not be in working order. It was primitive, but it
>> > >would have to do, he thought as he found his way downstairs and
>> > >out into the back garden. Hoping no neighbors were awake to see
>> > >him, he relieved himself.
>> > >
>> > >Half asleep still, his eyes snapped open as a slight shuffle came
>> > >from behind him. Finished with his midnight chore, he listened
>> > >intently, but no sound came again. He turned around, gripping his
>> > >cane like a weapon in one hand.
>> > >
>> > >"Hello," he said.
>> > >
>> > >No response came. He turned back towards the house and as he
>> > >walked,
>>
>> > >Ayden felt his back tingle. It was the sensation he felt as a
>> > >child when terrified, feeling a presence behind him. He was
>> > >thirty-years-old
>> >
>> > >now, he chided himself. Forcing himself to walk calmly back into
>> > >the
>>
>> > >house, he reached the French doors and entered. As he went to
>> > >shut the
>> >
>> > >doors, a soft shuffle started in the darkness again. It could
>> > >have been the long dead foliage of the garden rustling in the
>> > >breeze, but Ayden couldn't be sure. Placing himself in the
>> > >doorway again, the noise instantly stopped.
>> > >
>> > >Slamming the door and locking it, Ayden flew to the stairs, taking
>> > >three steps at a time. Heart pounding, blood rushing in his ears,
>> > >Ayden felt a cool breeze cut through the stuffy air of the
>> > >bedroom.
>> > >
>> > >Danmit, he swore to himself. They had opened windows before going
>> > >to
>>
>> > >bed, hoping to air out their lodgings for the night.
>> > >
>> > >Salma still was sleeping peacefully on the bed. He sat on the bed
>> > >resting his head on the large carved headboard, listening.
>> > >
>> > >Crickets chirped outside and the breeze rustled the leaves of
>> > >trees from time to time. Salma continued her snoring as Ayden
>> > >waited to hear
>> >
>> > >the shuffle again or a step on the stairs, but nothing came. He
>> > >relaxed after fifteen minutes of his vigilante watch.
>> > >
>> > >Laying back down on the bed, one arm behind his head, he smiled
>> > >when Salma threw an arm across his chest. Thinking only of Salma
>> > >by now, Ayden drifted back off to sleep.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >The second time Ayden woke he knew where he was, but something was
>> > >not right. Salma still snored next to him as he spooned her, but
>> > >an acrid odor filled his nostrils. A loud crack made him bolt up
>> > >in bed.
>> > >
>> > >"Salma! There's a fire!" He shook her until she woke up.
>> > >
>> > >"We need to get out of here," Ayden shouted as she slowly regained
>> > >conscienceness.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden flew to the open door. Smoke filled his nose and made his
>> > >eyes
>>
>> > >water. "Salma, I can't tell if we can make it down the stairs."
>> > >
>> > >Standing next to him, she said, "All I can see is smoke. Can we
>> > >jump
>>
>> > >out the window?"
>> > >
>> > >"We're on the second floor. It's pretty high up."
>> > >
>> > >Now across the room, Salma cry, "Oh-my-god! Ayden!"
>> > >
>> > >"What?"
>> > >
>> > >"I can see flames around the base of the house."
>> > >
>> > >"Shit." Trying to think, Ayden gathered up the sheet from the
>> > >bed. Dousing it with water from bottles purchased the night
>> > >before, he threw
>> >
>> > >the sheet in Salma's direction. "Wrap yourself in this."
>> > >
>> > >"Why?"
>> > >
>> > >"Just do it."
>> > >
>> > >Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over his
>> > >broad
>> >
>> > >shoulder. Grabbing his cane by the door, he moved into the
>> > >hallway. Hoping the shirt tied around his face would keep out
>> > >smoke, Ayden ran
>>
>> > >to the top of the stairs. Despite the situation, Ayden could not
>> > >help notice the harlequin-romance-like predicament.
>> > >
>> > >He heard Salma say something, but her face was muffled and he
>> > >could not
>> >
>> > >understand her. Tucking his cane underneath his arm, he groped
>> > >the banister which still seemed intact. Finally reaching the
>> > >bottom, he found his way to the front door and opened it.
>> > >
>> > >A rush of fresh air greeted him. Feeling heat, he hoped they
>> > >could make it off the porch. At the porch steps, panicked, he
>> > >placed Salma
>>
>> > >upright again. She struggled to loosen the sheet around her.
>> > >
>> > >"Are the flames here too?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > >"No, but there coming from behind."
>> > >
>> > >At the end of the drive, Ayden dialed 911 on his phone. Neighbors
>> > >could be heard coming from their own houses. A few ran up to
>> > >Ayden and
>> >
>> > >Salma asking if they were okay.
>> > >
>> > >Standing at a distance, the flames roared. Salma held his hand as
>> > >they
>> >
>> > >waited in silence for the sound of sirens.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Ayden rested on the back bumper of Sheriff Jenkins's police
>> > >cruiser. The mid-morning sun warmed his face. Still shirtless, a
>> > >blanket draped
>> >
>> > >his shoulders. A gritty smudge crossed his forehead and he could
>> > >still
>> >
>> > >smell the smoke embracing his body.
>> > >
>> > >Once the firemen had extinguished the fire, Sheriff Jenkins and
>> > >his deputy, a man about Ayden's age, drove Salma and Ayden to the
>> > >police station. Each gave a report before Ayden's father was
>> > >contacted.
>> > >
>> > >Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water. He gulped the
>> > >cool
>> >
>> > >liquid down as she rested her head against his shoulder. Sniffing
>> > >her hair laced with the jasmine and vanilla scent and smoke, Ayden
>> > >protectively placed an arm around her.
>> > >
>> > >"Ayden," Salma said in quiet surprise, "Alice Madison's here."
>> > >
>> > >Ayden pulled the blanket closed as he waited for Alice to
>> > >approach. A new scent filled his nostrils. This too smelled of
>> > >flowers, but it
>>
>> > >was
>> >
>> > >not the framiliar scent Salma wore. Through the fog of his brain,
>> > >he
>>
>> > >tried to place where he had smelled this before.
>> > >
>> > >"I'm glad you two are alright," Alice spoke quietly. "I can't
>> > >believe this. Do you need anything?"
>> > >
>> > >"Thank you, but we're okay," Salma said warmly.
>> > >
>> > >"Pete phoned me this morning-"
>> > >
>> > >"Sheriff Jenkins? Why?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > >Alice didn't respond.
>> > >
>> > >Waiting for an answer, Ayden finally recognized the flower scent
>> > >that
>>
>> > >had lingered in the closet where he and Salma had found bed
>> > >linens.
>> > >
>> > >"Alice, did you visit the house after we left you yesterday?"
>> > >
>> > >Alice made a suppressed-sounding noise. She never answered and
>> > >before Ayden could ask anything else, her muffled footsteps padded
>> > >on
>>
>> > >the grass as she walked briskly away.
>> > >
>> > >"Ayden?" Salma puzzled.
>> > >
>> > >"Her perfume, it's the same smell I noticed in the closet last
>> > >night."
>> > >
>> > >"Ayden, that's where I found the letter too," Salma whispered.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden heard the swish of grass as someone else walked towards
>> > >them. It
>> >
>> > >was His father, Nick.
>> > >
>> > >"Are you crazy?" Nick asked, bewildered.
>> > >
>> > >"I'm fine. Nice to see you too, Dad."
>> > >
>> > >Nick let out a long breath before saying, "Your mother and I went
>> > >crazy
>> >
>> > >when we heard what happened. We're glad you're okay."
>> > >
>> > >"Is the house ruined?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > >Salma shifted and sat upright next to Ayden.
>> > >
>> > >"It's mostly the garden that was ruined, but there is damage to
>> > >the house."
>> > >
>> > >Ayden felt his chest tighten. The garden had been His
>> > >grandmother's favorite place. Ayden remembered playing among the
>> > >walk-ways and tall bushes as she tended to her beloved flowers.
>> > >Interrupting his thoughts, he heard a shuffling footstep approach.
>> > >Another memory pushed itself front and center in his mind. As
>> > >Sheriff Jenkins stopped
>> >
>> > >his pace, Ayden gave a hard look in the direction of the noise.
>> > >
>> > >"Tom says it will take a few weeks to get reports back, but there
>> > >is some structural damage to the house, Nick," the sheriff said.
>> > >
>> > >"Taken any midnight strolls to clear your mind lately?" Ayden
>> > >directed to Sheriff Jenkins.
>> > >
>> > >No one spoke. Salma gripped his hand.
>> > >
>> > >"Any reason why you'd call Alice Madison early this morning?"
>> > >Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > >"Drop it," Nick hissed.
>> > >
>> > >Thrown off by his father's tone, Ayden squeezed Salma's hand,
>> > >unsure what to do.
>> > >
>> > >"I'm sure we're all tired and need to collect our thoughts,"
>> > >Sheriff Jenkins said. "Maybe you ought to take these two home,
>> > >Nick." He shuffled off.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Ayden sat in front of the computer. A humming buzz issued from
>> > >the speakers as Ayden worked.
>> > >
>> > >"Still working?" Salma asked from behind.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden leaned his head back against her stomach. She was wrapped
>> > >in a
>>
>> > >large soft towel. Remembering last night, he slipped his hand
>> > >through the folds, but she turned swiftly away, laughing.
>> > >
>> > >It had not been the first night one of them slept over at the
>> > >other's
>>
>> > >apartment, but it had been their first time together. Excitement
>> > >had
>>
>> > >rushed over Ayden, but it had not felt awkward.
>> > >
>> > >Salma spewed a torrent of Spanish at him, and he chuckled. "That
>> > >just turns me on more."
>> > >
>> > >"I called you a great big moron whose brain is tiny like his-"
>> > >
>> > >"Doesn't matter. Still sounds sexy."
>> > >
>> > >Salma whipped another towel at him before scampering to the
>> > >bedroom. Turning back to his work, Ayden decided to check his
>> > >email.
>> > >
>> > >As he clicked on the necessary links using Hotkey commands, he
>> > >thought over the past few weeks.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden had told his father what happened, but Nick said that
>> > >everything was circumstantial. Ayden knew this, but he also knew
>> > >he had opened something up. Something that had been meant to
>> > >remain secret. Nick refused to open any investigation and he
>> > >remained tight-lipped.
>> > >
>> > >The fire was officially reported as an unknown accident since no
>> > >evidence, either way, had been found determining a cause. This,
>> > >at least, was how the police report read. Ayden, though, had
>> > >inquired into the fire-chief's report. It too was inconclusive,
>> > >but this report
>> >
>> > >did mention that a match book had been found near the premises.
>> > >Salma had advised him to wait before attempting any further
>> > >investigation. She was worried about him. Unsure if the fire had
>> > >been an accident or not, he agreed with her.
>> > >
>> > >She had been the reason he was able to let the weeks slip by
>> > >without searching for more clues. Once they had returned to the
>> > >city a couple of days after the fire, Ayden had found the courage
>> > >to express
>>
>> > >his budding feelings towards her.
>> > >
>> > >They had sat on the couch talking; a typical Friday night for
>> > >them, except this time Ayden could feel a growing anticipation
>> > >between them.
>> > >
>> > >Salma had stood to get another beer from the kitchen when Ayden
>> > >reached
>> >
>> > >for her wrist. His large palm had felt bigger next to her slim
>> > >wrist. Both had stared silently at one another. Ayden, thinking
>> > >he would win this game since he couldn't see, broke first.
>> > >Grinning with a smirk, he had pulled Salma to him and kissed her.
>> > >
>> > >Weeks later, their routine was continued as normal, yet something
>> > >was
>>
>> > >different. They had transitioned into this new element with ease,
>> > >as
>>
>> > >though it were meant to be. Their friendship was strengthened by
>> > >the
>>
>> > >new romance.
>> > >
>> > >Still reminiscing, Ayden did not recognize the name given for the
>> > >first
>> >
>> > >email he came across. Opening it up, he read the following:
>> > >
>> > >I'm glad you have stopped your investigation. It is best to let
>> > >the dead rest. Enjoy your new love and look only towards the
>> > >future.
>> > >
>> > >There was no signature. Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field,
>> > >but the
>> >
>> > >only information this provided was
>> > ><mailto:aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.>
>> > >aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.
>> > >
>> > >Ayden's pulse quickened. Hearing Salma pad lightly back into the
>> > >room,
>> >
>> > >he closed the window he was in. He thought it was best to not
>> > >alarm her just yet.
>> > >
>> > >"Wann' stay here again tonight?" he asked.
>> > >
>> > >"You know, we live across the hall from one another. Should we
>> > >just make this permanent?"
>> > >
>> > >"Sure you can live with a guy?"
>> > >
>> > >"Well, I guess if it's you I can."
>> > >
>> > >He lunged for her, but she ran giggling across the room.
>> > >
>> > >"This is the great thing about dating a blind guy, he can't catch
>> > >me."
>> > >
>> > >"Oh yeah?"
>> > >
>> > >Salma shrieked as he flung his body across her path, blocking her
>> > >dash to the bedroom. Holding Salma close against him, wrapping
>> > >her in a bear hug, Ayden knew this was just the beginning.
>> > >
>> > >_______________________________________________
>> > >Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>> > ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>> > >
>> > >stylist mailing list
>> > >stylist at nfbnet.org
>> > >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%40brad
>> > >du
>> > >nsemusic.com
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >__________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus
>> > >signature database 5555 (20101022) __________
>> > >
>> > >The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
>> > >
>> > >http://www.eset.com
>> >
>> >
>> >Brad Dunse
>> >
>> >Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I'll remember. Involve me,
>> >and I'll learn
>> >
>> >E Mail: brad at braddunsemusic.com
>> >
>> >Website: http://www.braddunsemusic.com
>> >
>> >Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1464323555
>> >
>> >Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/braddunse
>> >
>> >MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/braddunse
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------
>> >
>> >Message: 2
>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:19:31 -0400
>> >From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net>
>> >To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>> >Message-ID: <7853C3E3E09049749AE5F34BB0CBF6AD at dell5150>
>> >Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
>> > reply-type=original
>> >
>> >Great story! Let's see. Alice must have started the fire. Her
>> >secret
>>
>> >had remained that way until Eden started poking around. I think the
>> >Sheriff is somehow related to Alice. Could he be her illegitimate
>> >son? Just curious,
>> >Judith
>> >----- Original Message -----
>> >From: "Bridgit Pollpeter" <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
>> >To: <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 12:15 PM
>> >Subject: [stylist] detective short revision
>> >
>> >
>> > > Hey guys,
>> > >
>> > > Since I shared the first draft with you lot, I thought I would
>> > > share
>>
>> > > my revision. Again, I am not a detective fiction writer, nor do
>> > > I wish to be, but after your comments and my class workshop, I
>> > > have made
>> >
>> > > some changes.
>> > >
>> > > My fiction, unfortunately, is not as good as my nonfiction, but I
>> > > do
>>
>> > > like my two main characters. I would like to continue something
>> > > with them.
>> > >
>> > > Enjoy!
>> > >
>> > > Bridgit
>> > >
>> > > Sense of Murder
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ayden sat in his father's leather wingback chair rolling a large
>> > > key
>>
>> > > between his fingers. The metal key had been cold, but now was
>> > > warmed by his hands. He gripped the key in his palm and rubbed a
>> > > thumb across the rough , rusty surface. A few weeks ago, Ayden
>> > > had merely been researching the mysterious death of his
>> > > grandfather for a book he
>> >
>> > > was writing. Now, he sat among items wondering if his
>> > > grandfather had
>> >
>> > > been murdered.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden's father had found Ayden's grandfather lying at the bottom
>> > > of the staircase in his home. His father never spoke about the
>> > > incident after reporting it to the police. His father was
>> > > allowing Ayden and Salma to search through any items he kept
>> > > though.
>> > >
>> > > For years there had been whispers of foul play, but no one ever
>> > > spoke about the rumors. The official ruling was that Henry
>> > > Templeton, Ayden's grandfather, had accidently fallen down the
>> > > stairs. Other than the vicious gossip, there didn't seem to be
>> > > any reason to think otherwise until Ayden began researching his
>> > > grandfather's life. A few
>> >
>> > > weeks of poking around Henry Templeton's past, Ayden received a
>> > > mysterious email.
>> > >
>> > > Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you stop
>> > > your investigation immediately. Heartache and harm can only
>> > > befall you
>> > >
>> > > Alarmed, but intrigued, Ayden picked up his research with new
>> > > fervor. Now he and his friend and neighbor, Salma, sat in his
>> > > father's large office surrounded by books and papers searching
>> > > for clues that may indicate a reason why his grandfather would
>> > > have been
>>
>> > > murdered.
>> > >
>> > > "So what's next?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > > Tapping the key in his palm, Ayden said, "I'm not sure. This
>> > > letter
>>
>> > > says a lot."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden closed his eyes thinking on this letter. It was evidence,
>> > > even if circumstantial, that suggested, if his grandmother knew
>> > > about it, she could have killed Henry.
>> > >
>> > > People had said his grandmother, Lucy, had been distracted and
>> > > irritable a couple of weeks before his grandfather's death. When
>> > > his father found Henry at the bottom of the stairs, the only
>> > > other person present had been his grandmother. Stunned by the
>> > > event, his father had placed Lucy in a nursing home.
>> > >
>> > > There was a pause then paper crackled before Salma spoke. "It's
>> > > pretty clear from this letter that your grandfather was having an
>> > > affair. I wonder if we can figure out these initials, A. W."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden shut his eyes again, thinking, trying to remember anyone he
>> > > had ever met with A. W. for initials. "I don't know," he sighed.
>> > >
>> > > As Ayden and Salma leafed through pictures and notes, they had
>> > > found
>>
>> > > an old copy of Wuthering Heights.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden remembered the year his grandfather had given the third
>> > > edition book to his grandmother for Christmas. His grandmother
>> > > had sat unwrapping the gift, then exclaimed, "Oh," before looking
>> > > up with tears in her eyes. Wuthering Heights had always been her
>> > > favorite novel. Lucy had been the one person to encourage Ayden
>> > > to follow his dream and take up writing instead of joining the
>> > > family law firm. "You're meant to follow your own path," Lucy had
>> > > told Ayden once.
>> > >
>> > > After an accident had left Ayden blind, his father had refused to
>> > > believe Ayden could handle the work of a litigator, but Lucy had
>> > > never
>> >
>> > > doubted his ability to do anything.
>> > >
>> > > Now, Ayden and Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of the
>> > > book;
>> >
>> > > a letter suggesting a secret Ayden never knew about.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden touched the thick, but stiff piece of paper and held it out
>> > > to
>>
>> > > Salma to inspect. She told him the letter appeared old, but not
>> > > as old as the book. A few of the torn edges of the letter were
>> > > turning
>>
>> > > yellow. The letter was simple as she read:
>> > >
>> > > Henry, my love,
>> > >
>> > > I can not wait to see you again. I hoped and when I saw you
>> > > coming down the road, my heart leaped. I still feel your touch.
>> > > How much longer must we wait? Please, my darling, give me what I
>> > > ask before it
>> >
>> > > is too late.
>> > >
>> > > Love, A. W.
>> > >
>> > > When Ayden's father found Henry's body, Lucy had gone wild,
>> > > screaming,
>> >
>> > > unable to leave Henry's lifeless body.
>> > >
>> > > Gossips spread the news, sweeping far and wide. Lucy was crazy,
>> > > they said. She went mad, she killed her husband. It was juicy,
>> > > just what a small town needed.
>> > >
>> > > The police never looked into the possibility, but Lucy died with
>> > > a black mark attached to her memory.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden never believed that his grandmother would hurt anyone. She
>> > > had been fond of Ayden, and she never treated him like his life
>> > > was over after the accident.
>> > >
>> > > "What now? Where do we go next?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden held the rusted, copper key up in front of him. "We visit
>> > > the
>>
>> > > old Templeton mansion."
>> > >
>> > > The Templeton mansion was the Victorian home his grandparents had
>> > > lived in. The family still owned it, but it had sat empty for
>> > > years.
>> >
>> > > Ayden thought that maybe more secrets were hidden within the
>> > > walls of the Templeton house, eager to be discovered.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ayden sat in the car as Salma drove. Neither spoke as Ayden's
>> > > fingers
>> >
>> > > slid across the pages on his lap. Reading his Braille notes,
>> > > Ayden wondered where to start once they reached the small town
>> > > where his grandparents and father had grown up.
>> > >
>> > > His grandfather had started a small law firm in town, but
>> > > eventually
>>
>> > > it grew. His grandparents had moved when Ayden's father, Nick,
>> > > had been ten.
>> > >
>> > > Nick never spoke about his childhood though. Ayden really didn't
>> > > know
>> >
>> > > much about his family's past. His grandparents had moved back to
>> > > their old house once Nick took the firm over, but Ayden had
>> > > rarely visited the home. After his grandfather had died, Lucy,
>> > > unable to cope with his death, had moved into an upscale nursing
>> > > home in the City, and Nick left the house untouched.
>> > >
>> > > As the car slowed, Ayden looked up at Salma. "Are we there?"
>> > >
>> > > "Yes. What's our first stop?"
>> > >
>> > > "I'm figuring this out as we go along. I guess the police
>> > > station."
>> > >
>> > > Salma was silent before saying, "You okay? I know your dad
>> > > wasn't happy when you asked about the letter."
>> > >
>> > > He remembered how Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling him
>> > > , "Leave it alone. We don't dig up family history."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden had tried to coax him to say more, but the subject was
>> > > closed.
>> > >
>> > > "Yeah. I wish he would have told us more. Explained something,"
>> > > Ayden said.
>> > >
>> > > "Maybe he just wants to keep your family secrets, well, secret.
>> > > Some people don't like giving out info about anything."
>> > >
>> > > "I just feel like he knows more than he's letting on."
>> > >
>> > > "We'll find something. Don't worry."
>> > >
>> > > Salma was always reassuring Ayden. She had become a constant in
>> > > his
>>
>> > > life. The only real constant he had. She had shown up one day,
>> > > knocking on his door, holding a dish in her hands, offering Ayden
>> > > some
>> >
>> > > home made enchiladas. That had been the beginning of their
>> > > friendship. They had spent many nights talking until three in the
>> > > morning and hanging out on weekends. Salma was the one true
>> > > connection Ayden had to the outside world.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden never felt like he fit in his family's world of snobbish
>> > > dinner parties, elite country clubs and preferential treatment at
>> > > most Ivy League universities. After graduating from college, His
>> > > father had told him, "No one will ever respect a blind man in the
>> > > courtroom. Maybe the firm can bring you on as a researcher."
>> > > Ayden was tired of his father's attitude so he took a job writing
>> > > for a small magazine and left the family home.
>> > >
>> > > Once moving away, he had become a recluse of sorts. He showed up
>> > > to
>>
>> > > the office for work, attended cocktail parties required for work
>> > > and
>>
>> > > even dated a couple of girls, but Salma was the one person he
>> > > truly felt comfortable with. Her infectious way of always
>> > > looking at things
>> >
>> > > positively seemed like a novelty to Ayden. She could always make
>> > > him smile. When he began writing the book about Henry, Salma had
>> > > offered to assist in anyway she could.
>> > >
>> > > "I'm really glad you're here," Ayden said.
>> > >
>> > > "Yeah, yeah. I'm waiting for my pay check. My services don't
>> > > come free." Salma giggled as she pulled into a parking stall.
>> > > "I think we're here."
>> > >
>> > > "Thanks, again, for taking the day off to help."
>> > >
>> > > "Hey, I know you'd help me with stuff. It's all so interesting;
>> > > way
>>
>> > > more interesting than filling in for waiters who don't show up
>> > > for work."
>> > >
>> > > "You aren't at work, who's filling in for you?" Ayden said
>> > > grinning at
>> >
>> > > her.
>> > >
>> > > Salma smacked his arm. "That's the benefit of being the owner's
>> > > daughter."
>> > >
>> > > While Salma dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped
>> > > his cane along the brick walls looking for the door. Hearing the
>> > > difference from the cane tip tapping on brick to the clink of
>> > > glass,
>>
>> > > he figured he found the door.
>> > >
>> > > "No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma.
>> > >
>> > > "Yes," she answered rushing to catch up.
>> > >
>> > > They entered the quiet, almost lazy-like atmosphere of the police
>> > > station. Ayden moved towards the sound of clacking as some one
>> > > pressed keys on a computer keyboard with a practiced efficiency.
>> > > This, he thought, must be a reception desk.
>> > >
>> > > Stepping up to a smooth feeling counter, Ayden said, "Excuse me."
>> > >
>> > > "Can I help you?" a woman's bored voice said.
>> > >
>> > > "We were wondering if we can speak to some one who worked the
>> > > Henry Templeton case," Ayden said.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > The woman stopped typing and a long silence followed. "Who's
>> > > asking?"
>> > >
>> > > "I'm Ayden Templeton, Henry's grandson."
>> > >
>> > > "One minute." A chair creaked as the woman stood. Her shoes
>> > > clicked on the linoleum floor as she walked away.
>> > >
>> > > Salma touched Ayden's arm. "She had a weird look when you
>> > > mentioned
>>
>> > > your grandpa's name."
>> > >
>> > > As the receptionist returned, another footstep joined hers, but
>> > > this
>>
>> > > person shuffled slightly.
>> > >
>> > > The person shuffled towards Salma, saying, "Hello. I'm Sheriff
>> > > Jenkins. How can I help you?"
>> > >
>> > > Ayden stepped closer towards Salma, extending his arm to Sheriff
>> > > Jenkins. "I'm Ayden Templeton and this is Salma Juarez. We have
>> > > some
>> >
>> > > questions about my grandfather's death."
>> > >
>> > > There was a pause before Sheriff Jenkins shook Ayden's hand.
>> > > "Step into my office please."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden followed the sheriff into a room off the main section of
>> > > the department. His cane swep the inside of the door frame,
>> > > indicating the width so Ayden avoided bumping into the edges of
>> > > the frame. Ayden
>> >
>> > > asked where a chair was and turned in the direction Captain
>> > > Jenkins indicated. Finding the chair with his cane, he felt
>> > > Salma's arm brush his as she sat next to him.
>> > >
>> > > "Can I get you anything?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
>> > >
>> > > "No, but thank you. Salma?"
>> > >
>> > > "I'm good," Salma replied.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden felt a tension fill the room as the three sat there, not
>> > > speaking. Sheriff Jenkins began tapping the edge of the metal
>> > > table in
>> >
>> > > the interrogation room. Ayden twisted his cane between his
>> > > fingers.
>>
>> > > Salma bobbed her foot which was lightly kicking Ayden's shin.
>> > >
>> > > "We're hoping to learn as much as we can about Henry Templeton's
>> > > death. I'm researching the story for a novel I'm working on,"
>> > > Ayden started.
>> > >
>> > > "I worked the case. There's not much to tell," Sheriff Jenkins
>> > > said.
>> > >
>> > > "I know you eventually reported it as an accidental death, but
>> > > was there ever any evidence suggesting otherwise?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > "No. We questioned friends and family and there was no reason to
>> > > believe Henry Templeton was murdered," Sheriff Jenkins said with
>> > > an edge to his tone.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden shifted his head towards Salma. Even though he had been
>> > > blind
>>
>> > > for seven-years, Ayden still used visual gestures and body
>> > > movement.
>>
>> > > "I know there was-uh-speculation that maybe my grandmother did
>> > > it."
>> > >
>> > > "Lucy Baldwin? She never hurt anyone. We were all shocked when
>> > > she
>>
>> > > married Henry. She could have had anyone she wanted."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden leaned against the table looking straight in the direction
>> > > where
>> >
>> > > Sheriff Jenkins sat. "I thought Henry was a catch? Wouldn't
>> > > most have jumped at the chance to marry into the Templeton
>> > > family? You know, a lawyer from a wealthy family and all that."
>> > >
>> > > "He was a playboy. Always was, never changed."
>> > >
>> > > "Who did you question about his death?" Salma broke in.
>> > >
>> > > The sheriff's chair creaked as he leaned back. "Well, of course
>> > > Lucy and her boy Nick. They were there. Found his body and
>> > > all."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden shot the sheriff a questioning glance. He was talking like
>> > > he
>>
>> > > had forgot who Ayden was.
>> > >
>> > > "Then there was Zelda, the housekeeper, and Avery Mayer, he came
>> > > around about once a week to help Lucy with the lawn. She loved
>> > > her garden. Her roses won prizes around here," Sheriff Jenkins
>> > > continued.
>> > >
>> > > "Anyone else?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > "Oh, his work associates, but Henry was retired so they didn't
>> > > see much of him anymore. Alice Madison , she had been his
>> > > personal secretary for years. She still did stuff part-time for
>> > > Henry."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden had pulled out a three-by-five plastic device that had six
>> > > rows of cells containing three holes on each side of the cells.
>> > > A pop-pop-pop sound was made as Ayden poked a pointed awl-like
>> > > object called a stylus through the holes as he took Braille
>> > > notes. "Are any of these people still around?"
>> > >
>> > > "Not everyone had the same opportunities as the Templeton's to
>> > > leave
>>
>> > > town. Other than Henry's work associates, I think most of them
>> > > still live around here. At least the one's who are still alive."
>> > >
>> > > "Is there anything else you can tell us? Was there anything
>> > > strange
>>
>> > > you noticed? Any evidence that suggest something other than an
>> > > accidental tumble down the stairs?"
>> > >
>> > > The sheriff laughed. "I know you city folk like to dream up
>> > > seedy happenings in small towns, but Henry Templeton's death was
>> > > nothing more than an accident. Nothing dark about it."
>> > >
>> > > "Thank you for your time," Ayden said extending his hand again to
>> > > shake Sheriff Jenkins's.
>> > >
>> > > Sheriff Jenkins sighed. "Look, don't go digging anything up.
>> > > Just let the dead rest."
>> > >
>> > > Salma's bracelet tinkled as they stood.
>> > >
>> > > "We understand. I'm just trying to find things out about my
>> > > grandfather for the book. You know, no stone uncovered," Ayden
>> > > said.
>> > >
>> > > "Are you two married?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden, confused by the switch, replied, "No."
>> > >
>> > > The sheriff chuckled. "Like your grandpa, I see."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden blushed, but Salma said, "Ayden is nothing but a gentleman.
>> > > Clearly something he did not pick up in this town."
>> > >
>> > > "I know the kind of men the Templeton's are," the sheriff said.
>> > >
>> > > Unsure of what to do, Ayden turned to leave.
>> > >
>> > > "At least he has a better chance of touching what you have been
>> > > admiring this whole time," Salma snapped. She turned quickly,
>> > > fluttering Ayden's collar up as she rushed past.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Back in the car, he said, "I'm sorry. I didn't know what to
>> > > say."
>> > >
>> > > "It's okay. He was a pig."
>> > >
>> > > "I didn't realize-"
>> > >
>> > > "I know, its okay. Where to next?"
>> > >
>> > > He could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone. "The house,
>> > > I guess."
>> > >
>> > > As the car backed out into the silent street, Ayden wondered why
>> > > she
>>
>> > > had told Sheriff Jenkins what she had. Was it simply said in a
>> > > moment
>> >
>> > > of anger, or was there any truth in her words, he thought. He
>> > > has a
>>
>> > > better chance of touching what you have been admiring. Ayden
>> > > smiled
>>
>> > > as he thought of the possibilities with Salma.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ayden stood before the house remembering the bright blue it had
>> > > been
>>
>> > > during the few visits he had made during his childhood. The
>> > > house had
>> >
>> > > always stood out even among the street full of bright, cheery
>> > > houses
>>
>> > > complete with emerald lawns and award winning gardens. The
>> > > Templeton house had a wrap-around porch with a veranda to the
>> > > back opening onto a large lawn complete with a British garden.
>> > > Its three
>>
>> > > stories reaching majestically towards the sky.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden now gripped the rough, wooden railing of the house. The
>> > > feel of
>> >
>> > > the railing did not match his memory of the sleek, smooth dark
>> > > wooden banister. The stairs creaked as he stepped on them.
>> > > Reaching the porch, he felt a slight dip and quickly stepped
>> > > sideways in fear of falling through the porch. Children played
>> > > nearby and cars languidly drove down the street, but a strange
>> > > silence surrounded the house. It
>> >
>> > > was as though Ayden were underneath water trying to make out the
>> > > distant sounds. The scent of jasmine passed briefly through his
>> > > nose as Salma stood next to him.
>> > >
>> > > "How does it look?" Ayden asked ignoring the scent.
>> > >
>> > > Salma took a deep breath. "It's run down, that's for sure. I
>> > > can't
>>
>> > > believe no one has lived here for years."
>> > >
>> > > "My family still owns it, but after my grandfather's death, no
>> > > one wanted to do anything about it."
>> > >
>> > > "So sad," Salma said quietly.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden placed his hand on the cold knob of the dilapidated
>> > > Victorian house. He dug in his pockets for the rusty key he had
>> > > found in his father's office. As he inserted the heavy key in
>> > > the lock, a quiet click was heard. Ayden pushed the solid door
>> > > open. He looked in Salma's direction before stepping inside.
>> > > Shutting the door, the house engulfed all sound like a tomb.
>> > >
>> > > "Creepy," Salma said as she shivered.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden walked forward tapping his long white cane, arcing wide so
>> > > as to
>> >
>> > > not run into anything. Dust filled the air and Ayden coughed as
>> > > he inhaled.
>> > >
>> > > "This has been sitting for years," Ayden rasped. "What's it look
>> > > like?"
>> > >
>> > > "It's really dark, but it's almost completely empty. What do you
>> > > think you'll find?"
>> > >
>> > > "I'm not sure. Sheriff Jenkins wasn't much help. I just
>> > > thought, maybe something."
>> > >
>> > > Salma's sandals clipped-clopped as she walked over to a window to
>> > > open
>> >
>> > > it. "Well, if we are going to be here long we need fresh air."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden felt a rush of summer breeze as the window clambered up.
>> > > The sound of kids playing ruined the house's stolid silence.
>> > > Life entered
>> >
>> > > the house again as Ayden began to feel around searching for any
>> > > clue.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls and any remaining
>> > > furniture, hoping to find something, anything. Making his
>> > > progression
>> >
>> > > from room to room on the main floor, he heard Salma's muffled
>> > > footsteps overhead. He smiled to himself as He rifled through
>> > > drawers
>> >
>> > > and cupboards. So far his hands had only found dust and cobwebs.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > "Ayden, Ayden!" Salma shouted a couple of hours later.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden hurried towards the staircase where Salma's voice echoed
>> > > from.
>>
>> > > "Salma! Are you okay?"
>> > >
>> > > "Get up here! I found something!"
>> > >
>> > > Ayden clambered up the grand staircase. Reaching the second
>> > > floor, he
>> >
>> > > shouted, "What room?"
>> > >
>> > > "Um, it's a bedroom."
>> > >
>> > > He rolled his eyes. "Right." Hearing her voice off to his left,
>> > > Ayden moved down the hallway. At the end, he found a door open.
>> > >
>> > > "Salma?"
>> > >
>> > > Salma's clapping sandals moved towards him.
>> > >
>> > > "Look at this," she said excitedly. Her bracelet tinkled and
>> > > paper crackled as she shoved something in Ayden's hand.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden grinned. "Um." He handed the paper back to Salma.
>> > >
>> > > "Oh-sorry. I just-you won't believe this."
>> > >
>> > > It was another letter; a love letter to Henry.
>> > >
>> > > Henry, My love,
>> > >
>> > > I miss you. I grow restless with each day. I have waited years
>> > > to be
>> >
>> > > with you, really be with you. Let's stop the pretending, stop
>> > > the lies. Don't be mad with me. I would do anything for you, but
>> > > we must stop hiding. There is no harm in this. I will wait to
>> > > hear from you,
>> >
>> > > but don't take long. If you don't choose me, I will marry Tom
>> > > Madison.
>> > >
>> > > Love,
>> > >
>> > > A. W.
>> > >
>> > > Salma rushed through the letter almost in one breath. Ayden was
>> > > not
>>
>> > > quite sure what her excitement was for.
>> > >
>> > > "We already know Henry was having an affair of sorts," he said.
>> > >
>> > > Salma sighed impatiently. "Ayden, think about it. Don't you
>> > > see?"
>> > >
>> > > "Not really," he said slowly.
>> > >
>> > > She grabbed his wrist. Her slender fingers gripped him with a
>> > > strength Ayden would not have guessed at. She moved in closer
>> > > and once again, Ayden took in the scent of jasmine. This time he
>> > > smelled something else with it. Vanilla, he thought. Salma
>> > > shook his arm slightly, her tinkling crystal bracelet grazing his
>> > > wrist, bringing him back to attention.
>> > >
>> > > "Ayden, A. W. Don't you see it yet?"
>> > >
>> > > "A. W.?"
>> > >
>> > > "The initials," she said exasperated, "A. W. It's Alice
>> > > Madison."
>> > >
>> > > "Who's Alice Madison?"
>> > >
>> > > Salma smacked her forehead. "Ay-where are your notes from
>> > > today?"
>> > >
>> > > Ayden pulled out the three-by-five note card from his back
>> > > pocket.
>> > >
>> > > "Now read through it," Salma said as though talking to a small
>> > > child.
>> > >
>> > > A second passed and Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and
>> > > looked sharply up at Salma.
>> > >
>> > > "See?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > > "You think A. W. and Alice Madison are the same person?"
>> > >
>> > > "It fits."
>> > >
>> > > "Henry's secretary. And Sheriff Jenkins said she's still living
>> > > in town. She must have married this Madison guy."
>> > >
>> > > "Think we can find her?"
>> > >
>> > > "Give me a minute," Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone
>> > > tucked away in his pocket. An electronic voice hummed from his
>> > > phone as he
>>
>> > > maneuvered through the menus.
>> > >
>> > > "Got it. There's only one Alice Madison that shows up in town."
>> > >
>> > > "Thank God for technology," Salma said. "No wonder no one could
>> > > ever solve this case."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden smirked at her. "Thank God for accessible technology.
>> > > Come on.
>> >
>> > > She doesn't live far from here and it's not too late."
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ten minutes later, they knocked on Alice Madison's door. Salma
>> > > described the house's well-kempt lawn and green exterior. She
>> > > said that flower boxes lined the windows and white shutters hung
>> > > from the
>>
>> > > upstair windows.
>> > >
>> > > The door opened and a woman's voice gasped, "Oh."
>> > >
>> > > "Mrs. Madison? I'm Ayden-"
>> > >
>> > > "Templeton," she said. "You look like Henry."
>> > >
>> > > Smiling, Ayden said, "Mrs. Madison, this is my friend Salma.
>> > > We're working on a book about my grandfather, and we would like
>> > > to ask you
>>
>> > > some questions."
>> > >
>> > > "Oh, of course. Come in, come in."
>> > >
>> > > As the door shut behind Ayden and Salma, he smelled a flower
>> > > scent that he couldn't place and a clock ticked nearby. Alice
>> > > Madison ushered them into a sitting room off the entryway. Salma
>> > > sat next to Ayden on the soft couch while Alice sat across from
>> > > them.
>> > >
>> > > "Can I offer you anything? I just made lemonade."
>> > >
>> > > "That would be wonderful," Salma said.
>> > >
>> > > As Alice left the room, Ayden turned towards Salma. "I'm sorry,
>> > > I didn't even think to ask if you were hungry."
>> > >
>> > > "Hon, it's okay. I didn't think about it myself until now."
>> > >
>> > > "We'll have dinner after this; I promise."
>> > >
>> > > "Promise?"
>> > >
>> > > Ayden grinned as Alice returned. She placed an ice-cold glass in
>> > > Ayden's hand. Ice chinked against the side as he took a gulp.
>> > > The cold liquid felt good down his throat after the dust of the
>> > > Templeton house. He could only imagine how dirty he and Salma
>> > > looked. He felt the mingled grime of sweat and dirt on his body.
>> > > Why had it not occurred to them to stop somewhere first and wash
>> > > up,
>>
>> > > Ayden thought.
>> > >
>> > > "So, what can I help you with? Henry was a dear friend and I
>> > > miss him. You must call me Alice."
>> > >
>> > > "Well, Alice, we specifically are interested in his death," Ayden
>> > > said.
>> > >
>> > > Alice coughed as she choked on her lemonade. "Why would you be
>> > > interested in that?"
>> > >
>> > > "I believe that maybe his death wasn't accidental."
>> > >
>> > > "Oh dear, don't buy into those silly rumors. Pete Jenkins
>> > > conducted
>>
>> > > a
>> >
>> > > thorough investigation and no foul play was to be hinted at."
>> > >
>> > > "And yet the rumors persist," Ayden said.
>> > >
>> > > "Silly gossip. Housewives bored out of there minds."
>> > >
>> > > "You know Sheriff Jenkins?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > "Darling, it's a small town; everybody knows everybody."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden sipped on his lemonade as Salma clicked her nails against
>> > > the side of her glass.
>> > >
>> > > "We have reason to believe maybe there is more to the story,"
>> > > Ayden said. He affected his best courtroom demeanor. He had
>> > > observed his
>>
>> > > father like this hundreds of times.
>> > >
>> > > Alice swirled ice chuncks around in her glass. Her voice had
>> > > lost some of its cheeriness when she responded by asking, "What
>> > > makes you
>>
>> > > say that?"
>> > >
>> > > He found the love letter in a folder. Removing the Braille
>> > > label, he set it on the coffee table dividing them from Alice.
>> > > "Did you write this?"
>> > >
>> > > The letter rustled as Alice picked it up. When she spoke, her
>> > > voice
>>
>> > > sounded strained as though she were holding back tears.
>> > >
>> > > "Where did you find this?"
>> > >
>> > > "It was in some old boxes in the Templeton home," Salma said.
>> > >
>> > > A long silence followed in which Ayden heard Alice sniffling.
>> > >
>> > > "I suppose the truth has to come out sooner or later," Alice said
>> > > quietly.
>> > >
>> > > "We don't need-a-details of anything, but is there any reason to
>> > > think
>> >
>> > > Henry was killed?" Ayden soothed.
>> > >
>> > > "Your grandfather hired me when I was eighteen," Alice began,
>> > > ignoring
>> >
>> > > him. "I instantly fell in love with him, but he was that type.
>> > > Dashingly handsome, charming to a fault. He was a few years
>> > > older than me, but I knew how all the girls waited for their
>> > > chance to rope Henry into marriage. I felt so lucky to see him
>> > > everyday. I started out as a simple receptionist, but eventually
>> > > he promoted me to his personal secretary."
>> > >
>> > > "Did you move with my grandparents then, when they moved?" he
>> > > asked.
>> > >
>> > > Alice sighed. "Yes, but after-things happened-I moved back. I
>> > > remained in his employ, working from the office here in town.
>> > > Before your father took charge, Henry's headquarters had always
>> > > been
>>
>> > > based from here."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden nodded his head.
>> > >
>> > > "I never meant to hurt anyone. Things happened. Henry loved us
>> > > both,
>> >
>> > > Lucy and I. I tried to end it for years, but Henry always showed
>> > > up
>>
>> > > with that smile of his. Then I tried to make him choose. I
>> > > should've
>> >
>> > > known better, but I was in love."
>> > >
>> > > Alice spilled her story, hoping for redemption perhaps.
>> > >
>> > > "The final straw came right before his death. We had carried on
>> > > for
>>
>> > > almost forty-years and I knew it had to stop. We fought. I
>> > > threatened to tell Lucy and that was that. He left me promising
>> > > to choose. I waited for an answer, but a week later, Henry was
>> > > found dead."
>> > >
>> > > "Did you ever tell anyone?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > "No."
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ayden and Salma stood by the car outside Alice's house. A breeze
>> > > tousled Ayden's hair and Salma gently combed her fingers through
>> > > his
>>
>> > > dark tresses.
>> > >
>> > > "Seems like all you Templeton men are irresistible," she said
>> > > teasingly.
>> > >
>> > > Unsure of how to respond to her comment, he grinned, but before
>> > > he could make a remark, her car door clicked open. He slid into
>> > > the passenger seat, heart pounding.
>> > >
>> > > "You promised me dinner," Salma whined playfully.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Munching on diner-style hamburgers and fries, they took the
>> > > opportunity to relax.
>> > >
>> > > "How come you didn't visit your grandparents much?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > > "Not sure. Mom and Dad were always busy. Usually just my sister
>> > > and I came."
>> > >
>> > > "Did you ever notice anything between them then?"
>> > >
>> > > "No, but I was a kid."
>> > >
>> > > "What about when you were older?"
>> > >
>> > > "Naw, I was busy then too. After the accident, though, I spent
>> > > more
>>
>> > > time with my grandma. She was the only one who treated me like
>> > > me still, but she died shortly after that."
>> > >
>> > > "I wish I could have met her."
>> > >
>> > > "She would have liked you."
>> > >
>> > > "I always hated seeing my family all the time, but now I'm glad
>> > > we're so close."
>> > >
>> > > "Hey, let's walk around town." Ayden slid out of the vinyl booth
>> > > and paid at the register.
>> > >
>> > > Meeting Salma out by the car, they moved towards the downtown
>> > > area. Salma kept up with Ayden's stride as his cane tapped from
>> > > side-to-side.
>> > >
>> > > "Sometimes I think it would be nice to live in a small town," she
>> > > mused.
>> > >
>> > > "Really, you? Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," he
>> > > joked.
>> > >
>> > > "I could drive to the city. I don't know. It seems like a nice
>> > > place
>> >
>> > > to raise a family."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden had never heard Salma speak about wanting kids. As well as
>> > > he
>>
>> > > knew her, he realized there was plenty he still had to learn.
>> > >
>> > > "Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will grow up to cheat,
>> > > lie and murder," he scoffed.
>> > >
>> > > "We, huh?"
>> > >
>> > > Ayden blushed, feeling the heat creep up his neck to his face.
>> > > He hadn't caught his blunder. He sputtered, but before he could
>> > > make sense of his words, Salma grabbed his hand.
>> > >
>> > > "Maybe we can live in the Templeton mansion," she said.
>> > >
>> > > They walked silently back to the car hand-in-hand.
>> > >
>> > > "It's pretty late, what should we do?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden flipped the crystal face of his watch up. Feeling the
>> > > raised dots and arrows, he said, "It's a quarter to eleven. I'm
>> > > beat."
>> > >
>> > > "Me too. I don't really feel like driving back tonight though."
>> > >
>> > > He scratched his head. "I guess we can stay at
>> > > casa-de-Templeton."
>> > >
>> > > "Okay, but no funny business," Salma joked.
>> > >
>> > > Sitting in the car, Ayden said, "By the way, unlike some men in
>> > > my family, I'm more of a one-woman type."
>> > >
>> > > "Good to know." Salma kissed his cheek.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden laced his fingers through hers.
>> > >
>> > > "I was wondering when you would make a move," she said.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden reached for her face and leaned in to kiss her. Her lips
>> > > were
>>
>> > > smooth and tasted of cherry. Salma placed her hand on his face
>> > > as they held this pose for a minute.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Back at the Templeton house, they stood on either side of the
>> > > king-size bed in the master bedroom.
>> > >
>> > > "Sure you don't want to sleep in another room?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > "Hell no! This house is creepy."
>> > >
>> > > "I thought you wanted to raise children here?"
>> > >
>> > > "Shut-up. Scared to sleep with a girl?" The bed creaked as
>> > > Salma lay
>> >
>> > > down on it. "A bit musty."
>> > >
>> > > They had found spare bed linens in a box and had attempted to
>> > > shake them out as best they could. Ayden had noticed a lingering
>> > > wispy scent of flowers that he could not place. It may have been
>> > > the remnants of something used to launder the linens years ago,
>> > > he had thought.
>> > >
>> > > Without thinking, he removed his shirt and handed it to Salma.
>> > > "Here.
>> >
>> > > You can wrap your pillow in it."
>> > >
>> > > "Thanks," Salma said drawing the word out.
>> > >
>> > > Realizing what he had done, he blushed for the millionth time
>> > > that day. Not able to turn back what he had done, Ayden lay
>> > > slowly down, sticking close to the edge.
>> > >
>> > > "Keep your hands above the blankets," she yawned.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ayden woke disoriented at first, but comprehension quickly dawned
>> > > as
>>
>> > > he felt Salma's small body nestled against his. She snored
>> > > quietly and Ayden smiled. This was nice, he thought. He
>> > > extracted himself gently from the bed, trying to not wake Salma.
>> > >
>> > > He needed to use the bathroom, but it struck him that the
>> > > bathrooms would not be in working order. It was primitive, but
>> > > it would have to
>> >
>> > > do, he thought as he found his way downstairs and out into the
>> > > back garden. Hoping no neighbors were awake to see him, he
>> > > relieved himself.
>> > >
>> > > Half asleep still, his eyes snapped open as a slight shuffle came
>> > > from
>> >
>> > > behind him. Finished with his midnight chore, he listened
>> > > intently,
>>
>> > > but no sound came again. He turned around, gripping his cane
>> > > like a
>>
>> > > weapon in one hand.
>> > >
>> > > "Hello," he said.
>> > >
>> > > No response came. He turned back towards the house and as he
>> > > walked, Ayden felt his back tingle. It was the sensation he felt
>> > > as
>>
>> > > a child when terrified, feeling a presence behind him. He was
>> > > thirty-years-old now, he chided himself. Forcing himself to walk
>> > > calmly back into the house, he reached the French doors and
>> > > entered.
>>
>> > > As he went to shut the doors, a soft shuffle started in the
>> > > darkness
>>
>> > > again. It could have been the long dead foliage of the garden
>> > > rustling in the breeze, but Ayden couldn't be sure. Placing
>> > > himself
>>
>> > > in the doorway again, the noise instantly stopped.
>> > >
>> > > Slamming the door and locking it, Ayden flew to the stairs,
>> > > taking three steps at a time. Heart pounding, blood rushing in
>> > > his ears, Ayden felt a cool breeze cut through the stuffy air of
>> > > the bedroom.
>> > >
>> > > Danmit, he swore to himself. They had opened windows before
>> > > going to bed, hoping to air out their lodgings for the night.
>> > >
>> > > Salma still was sleeping peacefully on the bed. He sat on the
>> > > bed resting his head on the large carved headboard, listening.
>> > >
>> > > Crickets chirped outside and the breeze rustled the leaves of
>> > > trees from time to time. Salma continued her snoring as Ayden
>> > > waited to hear the shuffle again or a step on the stairs, but
>> > > nothing came. He relaxed after fifteen minutes of his vigilante
>> > > watch.
>> > >
>> > > Laying back down on the bed, one arm behind his head, he smiled
>> > > when
>>
>> > > Salma threw an arm across his chest. Thinking only of Salma by
>> > > now,
>>
>> > > Ayden drifted back off to sleep.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > The second time Ayden woke he knew where he was, but something
>> > > was not
>> >
>> > > right. Salma still snored next to him as he spooned her, but an
>> > > acrid
>> >
>> > > odor filled his nostrils. A loud crack made him bolt up in bed.
>> > >
>> > > "Salma! There's a fire!" He shook her until she woke up.
>> > >
>> > > "We need to get out of here," Ayden shouted as she slowly
>> > > regained conscienceness.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden flew to the open door. Smoke filled his nose and made his
>> > > eyes water. "Salma, I can't tell if we can make it down the
>> > > stairs."
>> > >
>> > > Standing next to him, she said, "All I can see is smoke. Can we
>> > > jump out the window?"
>> > >
>> > > "We're on the second floor. It's pretty high up."
>> > >
>> > > Now across the room, Salma cry, "Oh-my-god! Ayden!"
>> > >
>> > > "What?"
>> > >
>> > > "I can see flames around the base of the house."
>> > >
>> > > "Shit." Trying to think, Ayden gathered up the sheet from the
>> > > bed. Dousing it with water from bottles purchased the night
>> > > before, he threw the sheet in Salma's direction. "Wrap yourself
>> > > in this."
>> > >
>> > > "Why?"
>> > >
>> > > "Just do it."
>> > >
>> > > Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over his
>> > > broad shoulder. Grabbing his cane by the door, he moved into the
>> > > hallway. Hoping the shirt tied around his face would keep out
>> > > smoke,
>>
>> > > Ayden ran to the top of the stairs. Despite the situation, Ayden
>> > > could not help notice the harlequin-romance-like predicament.
>> > >
>> > > He heard Salma say something, but her face was muffled and he
>> > > could not understand her. Tucking his cane underneath his arm,
>> > > he groped the banister which still seemed intact. Finally
>> > > reaching the bottom, he found his way to the front door and
>> > > opened it.
>> > >
>> > > A rush of fresh air greeted him. Feeling heat, he hoped they
>> > > could make it off the porch. At the porch steps, panicked, he
>> > > placed Salma upright again. She struggled to loosen the sheet
>> > > around her.
>> > >
>> > > "Are the flames here too?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > "No, but there coming from behind."
>> > >
>> > > At the end of the drive, Ayden dialed 911 on his phone.
>> > > Neighbors could be heard coming from their own houses. A few ran
>> > > up to Ayden and Salma asking if they were okay.
>> > >
>> > > Standing at a distance, the flames roared. Salma held his hand
>> > > as they waited in silence for the sound of sirens.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ayden rested on the back bumper of Sheriff Jenkins's police
>> > > cruiser.
>>
>> > > The mid-morning sun warmed his face. Still shirtless, a blanket
>> > > draped his shoulders. A gritty smudge crossed his forehead and
>> > > he could still smell the smoke embracing his body.
>> > >
>> > > Once the firemen had extinguished the fire, Sheriff Jenkins and
>> > > his deputy, a man about Ayden's age, drove Salma and Ayden to the
>> > > police
>>
>> > > station. Each gave a report before Ayden's father was contacted.
>> > >
>> > > Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water. He gulped
>> > > the cool liquid down as she rested her head against his shoulder.
>> > > Sniffing her hair laced with the jasmine and vanilla scent and
>> > > smoke, Ayden protectively placed an arm around her.
>> > >
>> > > "Ayden," Salma said in quiet surprise, "Alice Madison's here."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden pulled the blanket closed as he waited for Alice to
>> > > approach.
>>
>> > > A
>> >
>> > > new scent filled his nostrils. This too smelled of flowers, but
>> > > it was not the framiliar scent Salma wore. Through the fog of
>> > > his brain,
>> >
>> > > he tried to place where he had smelled this before.
>> > >
>> > > "I'm glad you two are alright," Alice spoke quietly. "I can't
>> > > believe
>> >
>> > > this. Do you need anything?"
>> > >
>> > > "Thank you, but we're okay," Salma said warmly.
>> > >
>> > > "Pete phoned me this morning-"
>> > >
>> > > "Sheriff Jenkins? Why?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > Alice didn't respond.
>> > >
>> > > Waiting for an answer, Ayden finally recognized the flower scent
>> > > that had lingered in the closet where he and Salma had found bed
>> > > linens.
>> > >
>> > > "Alice, did you visit the house after we left you yesterday?"
>> > >
>> > > Alice made a suppressed-sounding noise. She never answered and
>> > > before
>> >
>> > > Ayden could ask anything else, her muffled footsteps padded on
>> > > the grass as she walked briskly away.
>> > >
>> > > "Ayden?" Salma puzzled.
>> > >
>> > > "Her perfume, it's the same smell I noticed in the closet last
>> > > night."
>> > >
>> > > "Ayden, that's where I found the letter too," Salma whispered.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden heard the swish of grass as someone else walked towards
>> > > them. It was His father, Nick.
>> > >
>> > > "Are you crazy?" Nick asked, bewildered.
>> > >
>> > > "I'm fine. Nice to see you too, Dad."
>> > >
>> > > Nick let out a long breath before saying, "Your mother and I went
>> > > crazy when we heard what happened. We're glad you're okay."
>> > >
>> > > "Is the house ruined?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > Salma shifted and sat upright next to Ayden.
>> > >
>> > > "It's mostly the garden that was ruined, but there is damage to
>> > > the house."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden felt his chest tighten. The garden had been His
>> > > grandmother's
>>
>> > > favorite place. Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways and
>> > > tall
>> >
>> > > bushes as she tended to her beloved flowers. Interrupting his
>> > > thoughts, he heard a shuffling footstep approach. Another memory
>> > > pushed itself front and center in his mind. As Sheriff Jenkins
>> > > stopped his pace, Ayden gave a hard look in the direction of the
>> > > noise.
>> > >
>> > > "Tom says it will take a few weeks to get reports back, but there
>> > > is
>>
>> > > some structural damage to the house, Nick," the sheriff said.
>> > >
>> > > "Taken any midnight strolls to clear your mind lately?" Ayden
>> > > directed
>> >
>> > > to Sheriff Jenkins.
>> > >
>> > > No one spoke. Salma gripped his hand.
>> > >
>> > > "Any reason why you'd call Alice Madison early this morning?"
>> > > Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > "Drop it," Nick hissed.
>> > >
>> > > Thrown off by his father's tone, Ayden squeezed Salma's hand,
>> > > unsure
>>
>> > > what to do.
>> > >
>> > > "I'm sure we're all tired and need to collect our thoughts,"
>> > > Sheriff
>>
>> > > Jenkins said. "Maybe you ought to take these two home, Nick."
>> > > He shuffled off.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ayden sat in front of the computer. A humming buzz issued from
>> > > the speakers as Ayden worked.
>> > >
>> > > "Still working?" Salma asked from behind.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden leaned his head back against her stomach. She was wrapped
>> > > in a large soft towel. Remembering last night, he slipped his
>> > > hand through
>> >
>> > > the folds, but she turned swiftly away, laughing.
>> > >
>> > > It had not been the first night one of them slept over at the
>> > > other's apartment, but it had been their first time together.
>> > > Excitement had rushed over Ayden, but it had not felt awkward.
>> > >
>> > > Salma spewed a torrent of Spanish at him, and he chuckled. "That
>> > > just
>> >
>> > > turns me on more."
>> > >
>> > > "I called you a great big moron whose brain is tiny like his-"
>> > >
>> > > "Doesn't matter. Still sounds sexy."
>> > >
>> > > Salma whipped another towel at him before scampering to the
>> > > bedroom.
>>
>> > > Turning back to his work, Ayden decided to check his email.
>> > >
>> > > As he clicked on the necessary links using Hotkey commands, he
>> > > thought
>> >
>> > > over the past few weeks.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden had told his father what happened, but Nick said that
>> > > everything
>> >
>> > > was circumstantial. Ayden knew this, but he also knew he had
>> > > opened
>>
>> > > something up. Something that had been meant to remain secret.
>> > > Nick
>>
>> > > refused to open any investigation and he remained tight-lipped.
>> > >
>> > > The fire was officially reported as an unknown accident since no
>> > > evidence, either way, had been found determining a cause. This,
>> > > at least, was how the police report read. Ayden, though, had
>> > > inquired into the fire-chief's report. It too was inconclusive,
>> > > but this report did mention that a match book had been found near
>> > > the premises.
>> >
>> > > Salma had advised him to wait before attempting any further
>> > > investigation. She was worried about him. Unsure if the fire
>> > > had been an accident or not, he agreed with her.
>> > >
>> > > She had been the reason he was able to let the weeks slip by
>> > > without
>>
>> > > searching for more clues. Once they had returned to the city a
>> > > couple
>> >
>> > > of days after the fire, Ayden had found the courage to express
>> > > his budding feelings towards her.
>> > >
>> > > They had sat on the couch talking; a typical Friday night for
>> > > them, except this time Ayden could feel a growing anticipation
>> > > between them.
>> > >
>> > > Salma had stood to get another beer from the kitchen when Ayden
>> > > reached for her wrist. His large palm had felt bigger next to
>> > > her slim wrist. Both had stared silently at one another. Ayden,
>> > > thinking he would win this game since he couldn't see, broke
>> > > first.
>>
>> > > Grinning with a smirk, he had pulled Salma to him and kissed her.
>> > >
>> > > Weeks later, their routine was continued as normal, yet something
>> > > was different. They had transitioned into this new element with
>> > > ease, as though it were meant to be. Their friendship was
>> > > strengthened by the new romance.
>> > >
>> > > Still reminiscing, Ayden did not recognize the name given for the
>> > > first email he came across. Opening it up, he read the
>> > > following:
>> > >
>> > > I'm glad you have stopped your investigation. It is best to let
>> > > the
>>
>> > > dead rest. Enjoy your new love and look only towards the future.
>> > >
>> > > There was no signature. Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field,
>> > > but the only information this provided was
>> > > <mailto:aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.>
>> > > aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden's pulse quickened. Hearing Salma pad lightly back into the
>> > > room, he closed the window he was in. He thought it was best to
>> > > not
>>
>> > > alarm her just yet.
>> > >
>> > > "Wann' stay here again tonight?" he asked.
>> > >
>> > > "You know, we live across the hall from one another. Should we
>> > > just
>>
>> > > make this permanent?"
>> > >
>> > > "Sure you can live with a guy?"
>> > >
>> > > "Well, I guess if it's you I can."
>> > >
>> > > He lunged for her, but she ran giggling across the room.
>> > >
>> > > "This is the great thing about dating a blind guy, he can't catch
>> > > me."
>> > >
>> > > "Oh yeah?"
>> > >
>> > > Salma shrieked as he flung his body across her path, blocking her
>> > > dash
>> >
>> > > to the bedroom. Holding Salma close against him, wrapping her in
>> > > a bear hug, Ayden knew this was just the beginning.
>> > >
>> > > _______________________________________________
>> > > Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>> > > <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>> > >
>> > > stylist mailing list
>> > > stylist at nfbnet.org
>> > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>> > > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>> > > for
>> > > stylist:
>> > >
>> >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/jbron%40opt
>> >onl
>> >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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>> > >>for
>> > >>stylist:
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>> >>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/lists%40br
>> >>add
>> >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
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>> > >
>> > > MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/braddunse
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > _______________________________________________
>> > > Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
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>> > >
>> > > stylist mailing list
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>> >onl
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>> >ne.net
>> > >
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>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------
>> >
>> >Message: 4
>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:56:40 -0400
>> >From: Donna Hill <penatwork at epix.net>
>> >To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>> >Message-ID: <4CC1D058.60801 at epix.net>
>> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>> >
>> >Bridget,
>> >
>> >This is riveting on so many levels. Perhaps you could send it to a
>> >few literary journals like Virginia Quarterly, which has an
>> >accessible online form. Then, there's the novel version to work on.
>> >
>> >Just a few technical things -- punctuation and spelling, which may
>> >just
>>
>> >be typos.
>> >
>> >This passage would be easier for me to understand with a comma; as
>> >in, "I hoped, and when ..." Not sure what the grammarians would say
>> >about my
>> >
>> >second choice which would be to put the comma after "and" instead of
>> >before, but in a compound sentence, I think you need one somewhere.
>> >
>> >Block quote
>> >
>> >I can not wait to see you again. I hoped and when I saw you coming
>> >down
>>
>> >the road, my heart leaped. I still feel your touch. How much longer
>> >
>> >must we wait? Please, my darling, give me what I ask before it is
>> >too
>> >
>> >late.
>> >
>> >Block quote end
>> >
>> >Also, I think you mean "consciousness" not conscienceness" in this
>> >passage.
>> >
>> >Block quote
>> >
>> >"We need to get out of here," Ayden shouted as she slowly regained
>> >
>> >conscienceness.
>> >
>> >Block quote end
>> >
>> >Read Donna's articles on
>> >Suite 101:
>> >www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/donna_hill
>> >Ezine Articles:
>> >http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=D._W._Hill
>> >American Chronicle: www.americanchronicle.com/authors/view/3885
>> >
>> >Connect with Donna on
>> >Twitter:
>> >www.twitter.com/dewhill
>> >LinkedIn:
>> >www.linkedin.com/in/dwh99
>> >FaceBook:
>> >www.facebook.com/donna.w.hill.
>> >
>> >Hear clips from "The Last Straw" at: cdbaby.com/cd/donnahill
>> >Apple I-Tunes
>>
>phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=2592443
>> >7
>> >4
>> >
>> >Check out the "Sound in Sight" CD project
>> >Donna is Head of Media Relations for the nonprofit Performing Arts
>> >Division of the National Federation of the Blind: www.padnfb.org
>> >
>> >
>> >On 10/22/2010 12:15 PM, Bridgit Pollpeter wrote:
>> > > Hey guys,
>> > >
>> > > Since I shared the first draft with you lot, I thought I would
>> > > share
>>
>> > > my revision. Again, I am not a detective fiction writer, nor do
>> > > I wish to be, but after your comments and my class workshop, I
>> > > have made
>> >
>> > > some changes.
>> > >
>> > > My fiction, unfortunately, is not as good as my nonfiction, but I
>> > > do
>>
>> > > like my two main characters. I would like to continue something
>> > > with them.
>> > >
>> > > Enjoy!
>> > >
>> > > Bridgit
>> > >
>> > > Sense of Murder
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ayden sat in his father's leather wingback chair rolling a large
>> > > key
>>
>> > > between his fingers. The metal key had been cold, but now was
>> > > warmed by his hands. He gripped the key in his palm and rubbed a
>> > > thumb across the rough , rusty surface. A few weeks ago, Ayden
>> > > had merely been researching the mysterious death of his
>> > > grandfather for a book he
>> >
>> > > was writing. Now, he sat among items wondering if his
>> > > grandfather had
>> >
>> > > been murdered.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden's father had found Ayden's grandfather lying at the bottom
>> > > of the staircase in his home. His father never spoke about the
>> > > incident after reporting it to the police. His father was
>> > > allowing Ayden and Salma to search through any items he kept
>> > > though.
>> > >
>> > > For years there had been whispers of foul play, but no one ever
>> > > spoke about the rumors. The official ruling was that Henry
>> > > Templeton, Ayden's grandfather, had accidently fallen down the
>> > > stairs. Other than the vicious gossip, there didn't seem to be
>> > > any reason to think otherwise until Ayden began researching his
>> > > grandfather's life. A few
>> >
>> > > weeks of poking around Henry Templeton's past, Ayden received a
>> > > mysterious email.
>> > >
>> > > Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you stop
>> > > your investigation immediately. Heartache and harm can only
>> > > befall you
>> > >
>> > > Alarmed, but intrigued, Ayden picked up his research with new
>> > > fervor. Now he and his friend and neighbor, Salma, sat in his
>> > > father's
>> >
>> > > large office surrounded by books and papers searching for clues
>> > > that
>>
>> > > may indicate a reason why his grandfather would have been
>> > > murdered.
>> > >
>> > > "So what's next?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > > Tapping the key in his palm, Ayden said, "I'm not sure. This
>> > > letter
>>
>> > > says a lot."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden closed his eyes thinking on this letter. It was evidence,
>> > > even if circumstantial, that suggested, if his grandmother knew
>> > > about it, she could have killed Henry.
>> > >
>> > > People had said his grandmother, Lucy, had been distracted and
>> > > irritable a couple of weeks before his grandfather's death. When
>> > > his father found Henry at the bottom of the stairs, the only
>> > > other person present had been his grandmother. Stunned by the
>> > > event, his father had placed Lucy in a nursing home.
>> > >
>> > > There was a pause then paper crackled before Salma spoke. "It's
>> > > pretty clear from this letter that your grandfather was having an
>> > > affair. I wonder if we can figure out these initials, A. W."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden shut his eyes again, thinking, trying to remember anyone he
>> > > had ever met with A. W. for initials. "I don't know," he sighed.
>> > >
>> > > As Ayden and Salma leafed through pictures and notes, they had
>> > > found
>>
>> > > an old copy of Wuthering Heights.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden remembered the year his grandfather had given the third
>> > > edition book to his grandmother for Christmas. His grandmother
>> > > had sat unwrapping the gift, then exclaimed, "Oh," before looking
>> > > up with tears in her eyes. Wuthering Heights had always been her
>> > > favorite novel. Lucy had been the one person to encourage Ayden
>> > > to follow his dream and take up writing instead of joining the
>> > > family law firm. "You're meant to follow your own path," Lucy had
>> > > told Ayden once.
>> > >
>> > > After an accident had left Ayden blind, his father had refused to
>> > > believe Ayden could handle the work of a litigator, but Lucy had
>> > > never
>> >
>> > > doubted his ability to do anything.
>> > >
>> > > Now, Ayden and Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of the
>> > > book;
>> >
>> > > a letter suggesting a secret Ayden never knew about.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden touched the thick, but stiff piece of paper and held it out
>> > > to
>>
>> > > Salma to inspect. She told him the letter appeared old, but not
>> > > as old as the book. A few of the torn edges of the letter were
>> > > turning
>>
>> > > yellow. The letter was simple as she read:
>> > >
>> > > Henry, my love,
>> > >
>> > > I can not wait to see you again. I hoped and when I saw you
>> > > coming down the road, my heart leaped. I still feel your touch.
>> > > How much longer must we wait? Please, my darling, give me what I
>> > > ask before it
>> >
>> > > is too late.
>> > >
>> > > Love, A. W.
>> > >
>> > > When Ayden's father found Henry's body, Lucy had gone wild,
>> > > screaming,
>> >
>> > > unable to leave Henry's lifeless body.
>> > >
>> > > Gossips spread the news, sweeping far and wide. Lucy was crazy,
>> > > they said. She went mad, she killed her husband. It was juicy,
>> > > just what a small town needed.
>> > >
>> > > The police never looked into the possibility, but Lucy died with
>> > > a black mark attached to her memory.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden never believed that his grandmother would hurt anyone. She
>> > > had been fond of Ayden, and she never treated him like his life
>> > > was over after the accident.
>> > >
>> > > "What now? Where do we go next?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden held the rusted, copper key up in front of him. "We visit
>> > > the
>>
>> > > old Templeton mansion."
>> > >
>> > > The Templeton mansion was the Victorian home his grandparents had
>> > > lived in. The family still owned it, but it had sat empty for
>> > > years.
>> >
>> > > Ayden thought that maybe more secrets were hidden within the
>> > > walls of the Templeton house, eager to be discovered.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ayden sat in the car as Salma drove. Neither spoke as Ayden's
>> > > fingers
>> >
>> > > slid across the pages on his lap. Reading his Braille notes,
>> > > Ayden wondered where to start once they reached the small town
>> > > where his grandparents and father had grown up.
>> > >
>> > > His grandfather had started a small law firm in town, but
>> > > eventually
>>
>> > > it grew. His grandparents had moved when Ayden's father, Nick,
>> > > had been ten.
>> > >
>> > > Nick never spoke about his childhood though. Ayden really didn't
>> > > know
>> >
>> > > much about his family's past. His grandparents had moved back to
>> > > their old house once Nick took the firm over, but Ayden had
>> > > rarely visited the home. After his grandfather had died, Lucy,
>> > > unable to cope with his death, had moved into an upscale nursing
>> > > home in the City, and Nick left the house untouched.
>> > >
>> > > As the car slowed, Ayden looked up at Salma. "Are we there?"
>> > >
>> > > "Yes. What's our first stop?"
>> > >
>> > > "I'm figuring this out as we go along. I guess the police
>> > > station."
>> > >
>> > > Salma was silent before saying, "You okay? I know your dad
>> > > wasn't happy when you asked about the letter."
>> > >
>> > > He remembered how Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling him
>> > > , "Leave it alone. We don't dig up family history."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden had tried to coax him to say more, but the subject was
>> > > closed.
>> > >
>> > > "Yeah. I wish he would have told us more. Explained something,"
>> > > Ayden said.
>> > >
>> > > "Maybe he just wants to keep your family secrets, well, secret.
>> > > Some people don't like giving out info about anything."
>> > >
>> > > "I just feel like he knows more than he's letting on."
>> > >
>> > > "We'll find something. Don't worry."
>> > >
>> > > Salma was always reassuring Ayden. She had become a constant in
>> > > his
>>
>> > > life. The only real constant he had. She had shown up one day,
>> > > knocking on his door, holding a dish in her hands, offering Ayden
>> > > some
>> >
>> > > home made enchiladas. That had been the beginning of their
>> > > friendship. They had spent many nights talking until three in the
>> > > morning and hanging out on weekends. Salma was the one true
>> > > connection Ayden had to the outside world.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden never felt like he fit in his family's world of snobbish
>> > > dinner parties, elite country clubs and preferential treatment at
>> > > most Ivy League universities. After graduating from college, His
>> > > father had told him, "No one will ever respect a blind man in the
>> > > courtroom. Maybe the firm can bring you on as a researcher."
>> > > Ayden was tired of his father's attitude so he took a job writing
>> > > for a small magazine and left the family home.
>> > >
>> > > Once moving away, he had become a recluse of sorts. He showed up
>> > > to
>>
>> > > the office for work, attended cocktail parties required for work
>> > > and
>>
>> > > even dated a couple of girls, but Salma was the one person he
>> > > truly felt comfortable with. Her infectious way of always
>> > > looking at things
>> >
>> > > positively seemed like a novelty to Ayden. She could always make
>> > > him smile. When he began writing the book about Henry, Salma had
>> > > offered to assist in anyway she could.
>> > >
>> > > "I'm really glad you're here," Ayden said.
>> > >
>> > > "Yeah, yeah. I'm waiting for my pay check. My services don't
>> > > come free." Salma giggled as she pulled into a parking stall.
>> > > "I think we're here."
>> > >
>> > > "Thanks, again, for taking the day off to help."
>> > >
>> > > "Hey, I know you'd help me with stuff. It's all so interesting;
>> > > way
>>
>> > > more interesting than filling in for waiters who don't show up
>> > > for work."
>> > >
>> > > "You aren't at work, who's filling in for you?" Ayden said
>> > > grinning at
>> >
>> > > her.
>> > >
>> > > Salma smacked his arm. "That's the benefit of being the owner's
>> > > daughter."
>> > >
>> > > While Salma dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped
>> > > his cane along the brick walls looking for the door. Hearing the
>> > > difference from the cane tip tapping on brick to the clink of
>> > > glass,
>>
>> > > he figured he found the door.
>> > >
>> > > "No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma.
>> > >
>> > > "Yes," she answered rushing to catch up.
>> > >
>> > > They entered the quiet, almost lazy-like atmosphere of the police
>> > > station. Ayden moved towards the sound of clacking as some one
>> > > pressed keys on a computer keyboard with a practiced efficiency.
>> > > This, he thought, must be a reception desk.
>> > >
>> > > Stepping up to a smooth feeling counter, Ayden said, "Excuse me."
>> > >
>> > > "Can I help you?" a woman's bored voice said.
>> > >
>> > > "We were wondering if we can speak to some one who worked the
>> > > Henry Templeton case," Ayden said.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > The woman stopped typing and a long silence followed. "Who's
>> > > asking?"
>> > >
>> > > "I'm Ayden Templeton, Henry's grandson."
>> > >
>> > > "One minute." A chair creaked as the woman stood. Her shoes
>> > > clicked on the linoleum floor as she walked away.
>> > >
>> > > Salma touched Ayden's arm. "She had a weird look when you
>> > > mentioned
>>
>> > > your grandpa's name."
>> > >
>> > > As the receptionist returned, another footstep joined hers, but
>> > > this
>>
>> > > person shuffled slightly.
>> > >
>> > > The person shuffled towards Salma, saying, "Hello. I'm Sheriff
>> > > Jenkins. How can I help you?"
>> > >
>> > > Ayden stepped closer towards Salma, extending his arm to Sheriff
>> > > Jenkins. "I'm Ayden Templeton and this is Salma Juarez. We have
>> > > some
>> >
>> > > questions about my grandfather's death."
>> > >
>> > > There was a pause before Sheriff Jenkins shook Ayden's hand.
>> > > "Step into my office please."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden followed the sheriff into a room off the main section of
>> > > the department. His cane swep the inside of the door frame,
>> > > indicating the width so Ayden avoided bumping into the edges of
>> > > the frame. Ayden
>> >
>> > > asked where a chair was and turned in the direction Captain
>> > > Jenkins indicated. Finding the chair with his cane, he felt
>> > > Salma's arm brush his as she sat next to him.
>> > >
>> > > "Can I get you anything?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
>> > >
>> > > "No, but thank you. Salma?"
>> > >
>> > > "I'm good," Salma replied.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden felt a tension fill the room as the three sat there, not
>> > > speaking. Sheriff Jenkins began tapping the edge of the metal
>> > > table in
>> >
>> > > the interrogation room. Ayden twisted his cane between his
>> > > fingers.
>>
>> > > Salma bobbed her foot which was lightly kicking Ayden's shin.
>> > >
>> > > "We're hoping to learn as much as we can about Henry Templeton's
>> > > death. I'm researching the story for a novel I'm working on,"
>> > > Ayden started.
>> > >
>> > > "I worked the case. There's not much to tell," Sheriff Jenkins
>> > > said.
>> > >
>> > > "I know you eventually reported it as an accidental death, but
>> > > was there ever any evidence suggesting otherwise?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > "No. We questioned friends and family and there was no reason to
>> > > believe Henry Templeton was murdered," Sheriff Jenkins said with
>> > > an edge to his tone.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden shifted his head towards Salma. Even though he had been
>> > > blind
>>
>> > > for seven-years, Ayden still used visual gestures and body
>> > > movement.
>>
>> > > "I know there was-uh-speculation that maybe my grandmother did
>> > > it."
>> > >
>> > > "Lucy Baldwin? She never hurt anyone. We were all shocked when
>> > > she
>>
>> > > married Henry. She could have had anyone she wanted."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden leaned against the table looking straight in the direction
>> > > where
>> >
>> > > Sheriff Jenkins sat. "I thought Henry was a catch? Wouldn't
>> > > most have jumped at the chance to marry into the Templeton
>> > > family? You know, a lawyer from a wealthy family and all that."
>> > >
>> > > "He was a playboy. Always was, never changed."
>> > >
>> > > "Who did you question about his death?" Salma broke in.
>> > >
>> > > The sheriff's chair creaked as he leaned back. "Well, of course
>> > > Lucy and her boy Nick. They were there. Found his body and
>> > > all."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden shot the sheriff a questioning glance. He was talking like
>> > > he
>>
>> > > had forgot who Ayden was.
>> > >
>> > > "Then there was Zelda, the housekeeper, and Avery Mayer, he came
>> > > around about once a week to help Lucy with the lawn. She loved
>> > > her garden. Her roses won prizes around here," Sheriff Jenkins
>> > > continued.
>> > >
>> > > "Anyone else?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > "Oh, his work associates, but Henry was retired so they didn't
>> > > see much of him anymore. Alice Madison , she had been his
>> > > personal secretary for years. She still did stuff part-time for
>> > > Henry."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden had pulled out a three-by-five plastic device that had six
>> > > rows of cells containing three holes on each side of the cells.
>> > > A pop-pop-pop sound was made as Ayden poked a pointed awl-like
>> > > object called a stylus through the holes as he took Braille
>> > > notes. "Are any of these people still around?"
>> > >
>> > > "Not everyone had the same opportunities as the Templeton's to
>> > > leave
>>
>> > > town. Other than Henry's work associates, I think most of them
>> > > still live around here. At least the one's who are still alive."
>> > >
>> > > "Is there anything else you can tell us? Was there anything
>> > > strange
>>
>> > > you noticed? Any evidence that suggest something other than an
>> > > accidental tumble down the stairs?"
>> > >
>> > > The sheriff laughed. "I know you city folk like to dream up
>> > > seedy happenings in small towns, but Henry Templeton's death was
>> > > nothing more than an accident. Nothing dark about it."
>> > >
>> > > "Thank you for your time," Ayden said extending his hand again to
>> > > shake Sheriff Jenkins's.
>> > >
>> > > Sheriff Jenkins sighed. "Look, don't go digging anything up.
>> > > Just let the dead rest."
>> > >
>> > > Salma's bracelet tinkled as they stood.
>> > >
>> > > "We understand. I'm just trying to find things out about my
>> > > grandfather for the book. You know, no stone uncovered," Ayden
>> > > said.
>> > >
>> > > "Are you two married?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden, confused by the switch, replied, "No."
>> > >
>> > > The sheriff chuckled. "Like your grandpa, I see."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden blushed, but Salma said, "Ayden is nothing but a gentleman.
>> > > Clearly something he did not pick up in this town."
>> > >
>> > > "I know the kind of men the Templeton's are," the sheriff said.
>> > >
>> > > Unsure of what to do, Ayden turned to leave.
>> > >
>> > > "At least he has a better chance of touching what you have been
>> > > admiring this whole time," Salma snapped. She turned quickly,
>> > > fluttering Ayden's collar up as she rushed past.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Back in the car, he said, "I'm sorry. I didn't know what to
>> > > say."
>> > >
>> > > "It's okay. He was a pig."
>> > >
>> > > "I didn't realize-"
>> > >
>> > > "I know, its okay. Where to next?"
>> > >
>> > > He could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone. "The house,
>> > > I guess."
>> > >
>> > > As the car backed out into the silent street, Ayden wondered why
>> > > she
>>
>> > > had told Sheriff Jenkins what she had. Was it simply said in a
>> > > moment
>> >
>> > > of anger, or was there any truth in her words, he thought. He
>> > > has a
>>
>> > > better chance of touching what you have been admiring. Ayden
>> > > smiled
>>
>> > > as he thought of the possibilities with Salma.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ayden stood before the house remembering the bright blue it had
>> > > been
>>
>> > > during the few visits he had made during his childhood. The
>> > > house had
>> >
>> > > always stood out even among the street full of bright, cheery
>> > > houses
>>
>> > > complete with emerald lawns and award winning gardens. The
>> > > Templeton house had a wrap-around porch with a veranda to the
>> > > back opening onto a large lawn complete with a British garden.
>> > > Its three
>>
>> > > stories reaching majestically towards the sky.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden now gripped the rough, wooden railing of the house. The
>> > > feel of
>> >
>> > > the railing did not match his memory of the sleek, smooth dark
>> > > wooden banister. The stairs creaked as he stepped on them.
>> > > Reaching the porch, he felt a slight dip and quickly stepped
>> > > sideways in fear of falling through the porch. Children played
>> > > nearby and cars languidly drove down the street, but a strange
>> > > silence surrounded the house. It
>> >
>> > > was as though Ayden were underneath water trying to make out the
>> > > distant sounds. The scent of jasmine passed briefly through his
>> > > nose as Salma stood next to him.
>> > >
>> > > "How does it look?" Ayden asked ignoring the scent.
>> > >
>> > > Salma took a deep breath. "It's run down, that's for sure. I
>> > > can't
>>
>> > > believe no one has lived here for years."
>> > >
>> > > "My family still owns it, but after my grandfather's death, no
>> > > one wanted to do anything about it."
>> > >
>> > > "So sad," Salma said quietly.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden placed his hand on the cold knob of the dilapidated
>> > > Victorian house. He dug in his pockets for the rusty key he had
>> > > found in his father's office. As he inserted the heavy key in
>> > > the lock, a quiet click was heard. Ayden pushed the solid door
>> > > open. He looked in Salma's direction before stepping inside.
>> > > Shutting the door, the house engulfed all sound like a tomb.
>> > >
>> > > "Creepy," Salma said as she shivered.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden walked forward tapping his long white cane, arcing wide so
>> > > as to
>> >
>> > > not run into anything. Dust filled the air and Ayden coughed as
>> > > he inhaled.
>> > >
>> > > "This has been sitting for years," Ayden rasped. "What's it look
>> > > like?"
>> > >
>> > > "It's really dark, but it's almost completely empty. What do you
>> > > think you'll find?"
>> > >
>> > > "I'm not sure. Sheriff Jenkins wasn't much help. I just
>> > > thought, maybe something."
>> > >
>> > > Salma's sandals clipped-clopped as she walked over to a window to
>> > > open
>> >
>> > > it. "Well, if we are going to be here long we need fresh air."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden felt a rush of summer breeze as the window clambered up.
>> > > The sound of kids playing ruined the house's stolid silence.
>> > > Life entered
>> >
>> > > the house again as Ayden began to feel around searching for any
>> > > clue.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls and any remaining
>> > > furniture, hoping to find something, anything. Making his
>> > > progression
>> >
>> > > from room to room on the main floor, he heard Salma's muffled
>> > > footsteps overhead. He smiled to himself as He rifled through
>> > > drawers
>> >
>> > > and cupboards. So far his hands had only found dust and cobwebs.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > "Ayden, Ayden!" Salma shouted a couple of hours later.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden hurried towards the staircase where Salma's voice echoed
>> > > from.
>>
>> > > "Salma! Are you okay?"
>> > >
>> > > "Get up here! I found something!"
>> > >
>> > > Ayden clambered up the grand staircase. Reaching the second
>> > > floor, he
>> >
>> > > shouted, "What room?"
>> > >
>> > > "Um, it's a bedroom."
>> > >
>> > > He rolled his eyes. "Right." Hearing her voice off to his left,
>> > > Ayden moved down the hallway. At the end, he found a door open.
>> > >
>> > > "Salma?"
>> > >
>> > > Salma's clapping sandals moved towards him.
>> > >
>> > > "Look at this," she said excitedly. Her bracelet tinkled and
>> > > paper crackled as she shoved something in Ayden's hand.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden grinned. "Um." He handed the paper back to Salma.
>> > >
>> > > "Oh-sorry. I just-you won't believe this."
>> > >
>> > > It was another letter; a love letter to Henry.
>> > >
>> > > Henry, My love,
>> > >
>> > > I miss you. I grow restless with each day. I have waited years
>> > > to be
>> >
>> > > with you, really be with you. Let's stop the pretending, stop
>> > > the lies. Don't be mad with me. I would do anything for you, but
>> > > we must stop hiding. There is no harm in this. I will wait to
>> > > hear from you,
>> >
>> > > but don't take long. If you don't choose me, I will marry Tom
>> > > Madison.
>> > >
>> > > Love,
>> > >
>> > > A. W.
>> > >
>> > > Salma rushed through the letter almost in one breath. Ayden was
>> > > not
>>
>> > > quite sure what her excitement was for.
>> > >
>> > > "We already know Henry was having an affair of sorts," he said.
>> > >
>> > > Salma sighed impatiently. "Ayden, think about it. Don't you
>> > > see?"
>> > >
>> > > "Not really," he said slowly.
>> > >
>> > > She grabbed his wrist. Her slender fingers gripped him with a
>> > > strength Ayden would not have guessed at. She moved in closer
>> > > and once again, Ayden took in the scent of jasmine. This time he
>> > > smelled something else with it. Vanilla, he thought. Salma
>> > > shook his arm slightly, her tinkling crystal bracelet grazing his
>> > > wrist, bringing him back to attention.
>> > >
>> > > "Ayden, A. W. Don't you see it yet?"
>> > >
>> > > "A. W.?"
>> > >
>> > > "The initials," she said exasperated, "A. W. It's Alice
>> > > Madison."
>> > >
>> > > "Who's Alice Madison?"
>> > >
>> > > Salma smacked her forehead. "Ay-where are your notes from
>> > > today?"
>> > >
>> > > Ayden pulled out the three-by-five note card from his back
>> > > pocket.
>> > >
>> > > "Now read through it," Salma said as though talking to a small
>> > > child.
>> > >
>> > > A second passed and Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped and
>> > > looked sharply up at Salma.
>> > >
>> > > "See?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > > "You think A. W. and Alice Madison are the same person?"
>> > >
>> > > "It fits."
>> > >
>> > > "Henry's secretary. And Sheriff Jenkins said she's still living
>> > > in town. She must have married this Madison guy."
>> > >
>> > > "Think we can find her?"
>> > >
>> > > "Give me a minute," Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone
>> > > tucked away in his pocket. An electronic voice hummed from his
>> > > phone as he
>>
>> > > maneuvered through the menus.
>> > >
>> > > "Got it. There's only one Alice Madison that shows up in town."
>> > >
>> > > "Thank God for technology," Salma said. "No wonder no one could
>> > > ever solve this case."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden smirked at her. "Thank God for accessible technology.
>> > > Come on.
>> >
>> > > She doesn't live far from here and it's not too late."
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ten minutes later, they knocked on Alice Madison's door. Salma
>> > > described the house's well-kempt lawn and green exterior. She
>> > > said that flower boxes lined the windows and white shutters hung
>> > > from the
>>
>> > > upstair windows.
>> > >
>> > > The door opened and a woman's voice gasped, "Oh."
>> > >
>> > > "Mrs. Madison? I'm Ayden-"
>> > >
>> > > "Templeton," she said. "You look like Henry."
>> > >
>> > > Smiling, Ayden said, "Mrs. Madison, this is my friend Salma.
>> > > We're working on a book about my grandfather, and we would like
>> > > to ask you
>>
>> > > some questions."
>> > >
>> > > "Oh, of course. Come in, come in."
>> > >
>> > > As the door shut behind Ayden and Salma, he smelled a flower
>> > > scent that he couldn't place and a clock ticked nearby. Alice
>> > > Madison ushered them into a sitting room off the entryway. Salma
>> > > sat next to Ayden on the soft couch while Alice sat across from
>> > > them.
>> > >
>> > > "Can I offer you anything? I just made lemonade."
>> > >
>> > > "That would be wonderful," Salma said.
>> > >
>> > > As Alice left the room, Ayden turned towards Salma. "I'm sorry,
>> > > I didn't even think to ask if you were hungry."
>> > >
>> > > "Hon, it's okay. I didn't think about it myself until now."
>> > >
>> > > "We'll have dinner after this; I promise."
>> > >
>> > > "Promise?"
>> > >
>> > > Ayden grinned as Alice returned. She placed an ice-cold glass in
>> > > Ayden's hand. Ice chinked against the side as he took a gulp.
>> > > The cold liquid felt good down his throat after the dust of the
>> > > Templeton house. He could only imagine how dirty he and Salma
>> > > looked. He felt the mingled grime of sweat and dirt on his body.
>> > > Why had it not occurred to them to stop somewhere first and wash
>> > > up,
>>
>> > > Ayden thought.
>> > >
>> > > "So, what can I help you with? Henry was a dear friend and I
>> > > miss him. You must call me Alice."
>> > >
>> > > "Well, Alice, we specifically are interested in his death," Ayden
>> > > said.
>> > >
>> > > Alice coughed as she choked on her lemonade. "Why would you be
>> > > interested in that?"
>> > >
>> > > "I believe that maybe his death wasn't accidental."
>> > >
>> > > "Oh dear, don't buy into those silly rumors. Pete Jenkins
>> > > conducted
>>
>> > > a
>> >
>> > > thorough investigation and no foul play was to be hinted at."
>> > >
>> > > "And yet the rumors persist," Ayden said.
>> > >
>> > > "Silly gossip. Housewives bored out of there minds."
>> > >
>> > > "You know Sheriff Jenkins?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > "Darling, it's a small town; everybody knows everybody."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden sipped on his lemonade as Salma clicked her nails against
>> > > the side of her glass.
>> > >
>> > > "We have reason to believe maybe there is more to the story,"
>> > > Ayden said. He affected his best courtroom demeanor. He had
>> > > observed his
>>
>> > > father like this hundreds of times.
>> > >
>> > > Alice swirled ice chuncks around in her glass. Her voice had
>> > > lost some of its cheeriness when she responded by asking, "What
>> > > makes you
>>
>> > > say that?"
>> > >
>> > > He found the love letter in a folder. Removing the Braille
>> > > label, he set it on the coffee table dividing them from Alice.
>> > > "Did you write this?"
>> > >
>> > > The letter rustled as Alice picked it up. When she spoke, her
>> > > voice
>>
>> > > sounded strained as though she were holding back tears.
>> > >
>> > > "Where did you find this?"
>> > >
>> > > "It was in some old boxes in the Templeton home," Salma said.
>> > >
>> > > A long silence followed in which Ayden heard Alice sniffling.
>> > >
>> > > "I suppose the truth has to come out sooner or later," Alice said
>> > > quietly.
>> > >
>> > > "We don't need-a-details of anything, but is there any reason to
>> > > think
>> >
>> > > Henry was killed?" Ayden soothed.
>> > >
>> > > "Your grandfather hired me when I was eighteen," Alice began,
>> > > ignoring
>> >
>> > > him. "I instantly fell in love with him, but he was that type.
>> > > Dashingly handsome, charming to a fault. He was a few years
>> > > older than me, but I knew how all the girls waited for their
>> > > chance to rope Henry into marriage. I felt so lucky to see him
>> > > everyday. I started out as a simple receptionist, but eventually
>> > > he promoted me to his personal secretary."
>> > >
>> > > "Did you move with my grandparents then, when they moved?" he
>> > > asked.
>> > >
>> > > Alice sighed. "Yes, but after-things happened-I moved back. I
>> > > remained in his employ, working from the office here in town.
>> > > Before your father took charge, Henry's headquarters had always
>> > > been
>>
>> > > based from here."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden nodded his head.
>> > >
>> > > "I never meant to hurt anyone. Things happened. Henry loved us
>> > > both,
>> >
>> > > Lucy and I. I tried to end it for years, but Henry always showed
>> > > up
>>
>> > > with that smile of his. Then I tried to make him choose. I
>> > > should've
>> >
>> > > known better, but I was in love."
>> > >
>> > > Alice spilled her story, hoping for redemption perhaps.
>> > >
>> > > "The final straw came right before his death. We had carried on
>> > > for
>>
>> > > almost forty-years and I knew it had to stop. We fought. I
>> > > threatened to tell Lucy and that was that. He left me promising
>> > > to choose. I waited for an answer, but a week later, Henry was
>> > > found dead."
>> > >
>> > > "Did you ever tell anyone?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > "No."
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ayden and Salma stood by the car outside Alice's house. A breeze
>> > > tousled Ayden's hair and Salma gently combed her fingers through
>> > > his
>>
>> > > dark tresses.
>> > >
>> > > "Seems like all you Templeton men are irresistible," she said
>> > > teasingly.
>> > >
>> > > Unsure of how to respond to her comment, he grinned, but before
>> > > he could make a remark, her car door clicked open. He slid into
>> > > the passenger seat, heart pounding.
>> > >
>> > > "You promised me dinner," Salma whined playfully.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Munching on diner-style hamburgers and fries, they took the
>> > > opportunity to relax.
>> > >
>> > > "How come you didn't visit your grandparents much?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > > "Not sure. Mom and Dad were always busy. Usually just my sister
>> > > and I came."
>> > >
>> > > "Did you ever notice anything between them then?"
>> > >
>> > > "No, but I was a kid."
>> > >
>> > > "What about when you were older?"
>> > >
>> > > "Naw, I was busy then too. After the accident, though, I spent
>> > > more
>>
>> > > time with my grandma. She was the only one who treated me like
>> > > me still, but she died shortly after that."
>> > >
>> > > "I wish I could have met her."
>> > >
>> > > "She would have liked you."
>> > >
>> > > "I always hated seeing my family all the time, but now I'm glad
>> > > we're so close."
>> > >
>> > > "Hey, let's walk around town." Ayden slid out of the vinyl booth
>> > > and paid at the register.
>> > >
>> > > Meeting Salma out by the car, they moved towards the downtown
>> > > area. Salma kept up with Ayden's stride as his cane tapped from
>> > > side-to-side.
>> > >
>> > > "Sometimes I think it would be nice to live in a small town," she
>> > > mused.
>> > >
>> > > "Really, you? Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," he
>> > > joked.
>> > >
>> > > "I could drive to the city. I don't know. It seems like a nice
>> > > place
>> >
>> > > to raise a family."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden had never heard Salma speak about wanting kids. As well as
>> > > he
>>
>> > > knew her, he realized there was plenty he still had to learn.
>> > >
>> > > "Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will grow up to cheat,
>> > > lie and murder," he scoffed.
>> > >
>> > > "We, huh?"
>> > >
>> > > Ayden blushed, feeling the heat creep up his neck to his face.
>> > > He hadn't caught his blunder. He sputtered, but before he could
>> > > make sense of his words, Salma grabbed his hand.
>> > >
>> > > "Maybe we can live in the Templeton mansion," she said.
>> > >
>> > > They walked silently back to the car hand-in-hand.
>> > >
>> > > "It's pretty late, what should we do?" Salma asked.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden flipped the crystal face of his watch up. Feeling the
>> > > raised dots and arrows, he said, "It's a quarter to eleven. I'm
>> > > beat."
>> > >
>> > > "Me too. I don't really feel like driving back tonight though."
>> > >
>> > > He scratched his head. "I guess we can stay at
>> > > casa-de-Templeton."
>> > >
>> > > "Okay, but no funny business," Salma joked.
>> > >
>> > > Sitting in the car, Ayden said, "By the way, unlike some men in
>> > > my family, I'm more of a one-woman type."
>> > >
>> > > "Good to know." Salma kissed his cheek.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden laced his fingers through hers.
>> > >
>> > > "I was wondering when you would make a move," she said.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden reached for her face and leaned in to kiss her. Her lips
>> > > were
>>
>> > > smooth and tasted of cherry. Salma placed her hand on his face
>> > > as they held this pose for a minute.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Back at the Templeton house, they stood on either side of the
>> > > king-size bed in the master bedroom.
>> > >
>> > > "Sure you don't want to sleep in another room?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > "Hell no! This house is creepy."
>> > >
>> > > "I thought you wanted to raise children here?"
>> > >
>> > > "Shut-up. Scared to sleep with a girl?" The bed creaked as
>> > > Salma lay
>> >
>> > > down on it. "A bit musty."
>> > >
>> > > They had found spare bed linens in a box and had attempted to
>> > > shake them out as best they could. Ayden had noticed a lingering
>> > > wispy scent of flowers that he could not place. It may have been
>> > > the remnants of something used to launder the linens years ago,
>> > > he had thought.
>> > >
>> > > Without thinking, he removed his shirt and handed it to Salma.
>> > > "Here.
>> >
>> > > You can wrap your pillow in it."
>> > >
>> > > "Thanks," Salma said drawing the word out.
>> > >
>> > > Realizing what he had done, he blushed for the millionth time
>> > > that day. Not able to turn back what he had done, Ayden lay
>> > > slowly down, sticking close to the edge.
>> > >
>> > > "Keep your hands above the blankets," she yawned.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ayden woke disoriented at first, but comprehension quickly dawned
>> > > as
>>
>> > > he felt Salma's small body nestled against his. She snored
>> > > quietly and Ayden smiled. This was nice, he thought. He
>> > > extracted himself gently from the bed, trying to not wake Salma.
>> > >
>> > > He needed to use the bathroom, but it struck him that the
>> > > bathrooms would not be in working order. It was primitive, but
>> > > it would have to
>> >
>> > > do, he thought as he found his way downstairs and out into the
>> > > back garden. Hoping no neighbors were awake to see him, he
>> > > relieved himself.
>> > >
>> > > Half asleep still, his eyes snapped open as a slight shuffle came
>> > > from
>> >
>> > > behind him. Finished with his midnight chore, he listened
>> > > intently,
>>
>> > > but no sound came again. He turned around, gripping his cane
>> > > like a
>>
>> > > weapon in one hand.
>> > >
>> > > "Hello," he said.
>> > >
>> > > No response came. He turned back towards the house and as he
>> > > walked, Ayden felt his back tingle. It was the sensation he felt
>> > > as
>>
>> > > a child when terrified, feeling a presence behind him. He was
>> > > thirty-years-old now, he chided himself. Forcing himself to walk
>> > > calmly back into the house, he reached the French doors and
>> > > entered.
>>
>> > > As he went to shut the doors, a soft shuffle started in the
>> > > darkness
>>
>> > > again. It could have been the long dead foliage of the garden
>> > > rustling in the breeze, but Ayden couldn't be sure. Placing
>> > > himself
>>
>> > > in the doorway again, the noise instantly stopped.
>> > >
>> > > Slamming the door and locking it, Ayden flew to the stairs,
>> > > taking three steps at a time. Heart pounding, blood rushing in
>> > > his ears, Ayden felt a cool breeze cut through the stuffy air of
>> > > the bedroom.
>> > >
>> > > Danmit, he swore to himself. They had opened windows before
>> > > going to bed, hoping to air out their lodgings for the night.
>> > >
>> > > Salma still was sleeping peacefully on the bed. He sat on the
>> > > bed resting his head on the large carved headboard, listening.
>> > >
>> > > Crickets chirped outside and the breeze rustled the leaves of
>> > > trees from time to time. Salma continued her snoring as Ayden
>> > > waited to hear the shuffle again or a step on the stairs, but
>> > > nothing came. He relaxed after fifteen minutes of his vigilante
>> > > watch.
>> > >
>> > > Laying back down on the bed, one arm behind his head, he smiled
>> > > when
>>
>> > > Salma threw an arm across his chest. Thinking only of Salma by
>> > > now,
>>
>> > > Ayden drifted back off to sleep.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > The second time Ayden woke he knew where he was, but something
>> > > was not
>> >
>> > > right. Salma still snored next to him as he spooned her, but an
>> > > acrid
>> >
>> > > odor filled his nostrils. A loud crack made him bolt up in bed.
>> > >
>> > > "Salma! There's a fire!" He shook her until she woke up.
>> > >
>> > > "We need to get out of here," Ayden shouted as she slowly
>> > > regained conscienceness.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden flew to the open door. Smoke filled his nose and made his
>> > > eyes water. "Salma, I can't tell if we can make it down the
>> > > stairs."
>> > >
>> > > Standing next to him, she said, "All I can see is smoke. Can we
>> > > jump out the window?"
>> > >
>> > > "We're on the second floor. It's pretty high up."
>> > >
>> > > Now across the room, Salma cry, "Oh-my-god! Ayden!"
>> > >
>> > > "What?"
>> > >
>> > > "I can see flames around the base of the house."
>> > >
>> > > "Shit." Trying to think, Ayden gathered up the sheet from the
>> > > bed. Dousing it with water from bottles purchased the night
>> > > before, he threw the sheet in Salma's direction. "Wrap yourself
>> > > in this."
>> > >
>> > > "Why?"
>> > >
>> > > "Just do it."
>> > >
>> > > Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over his
>> > > broad shoulder. Grabbing his cane by the door, he moved into the
>> > > hallway. Hoping the shirt tied around his face would keep out
>> > > smoke,
>>
>> > > Ayden ran to the top of the stairs. Despite the situation, Ayden
>> > > could not help notice the harlequin-romance-like predicament.
>> > >
>> > > He heard Salma say something, but her face was muffled and he
>> > > could not understand her. Tucking his cane underneath his arm,
>> > > he groped the banister which still seemed intact. Finally
>> > > reaching the bottom, he found his way to the front door and
>> > > opened it.
>> > >
>> > > A rush of fresh air greeted him. Feeling heat, he hoped they
>> > > could make it off the porch. At the porch steps, panicked, he
>> > > placed Salma upright again. She struggled to loosen the sheet
>> > > around her.
>> > >
>> > > "Are the flames here too?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > "No, but there coming from behind."
>> > >
>> > > At the end of the drive, Ayden dialed 911 on his phone.
>> > > Neighbors could be heard coming from their own houses. A few ran
>> > > up to Ayden and Salma asking if they were okay.
>> > >
>> > > Standing at a distance, the flames roared. Salma held his hand
>> > > as they waited in silence for the sound of sirens.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ayden rested on the back bumper of Sheriff Jenkins's police
>> > > cruiser.
>>
>> > > The mid-morning sun warmed his face. Still shirtless, a blanket
>> > > draped his shoulders. A gritty smudge crossed his forehead and
>> > > he could still smell the smoke embracing his body.
>> > >
>> > > Once the firemen had extinguished the fire, Sheriff Jenkins and
>> > > his deputy, a man about Ayden's age, drove Salma and Ayden to the
>> > > police
>>
>> > > station. Each gave a report before Ayden's father was contacted.
>> > >
>> > > Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water. He gulped
>> > > the cool liquid down as she rested her head against his shoulder.
>> > > Sniffing her hair laced with the jasmine and vanilla scent and
>> > > smoke, Ayden protectively placed an arm around her.
>> > >
>> > > "Ayden," Salma said in quiet surprise, "Alice Madison's here."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden pulled the blanket closed as he waited for Alice to
>> > > approach.
>>
>> > > A
>> >
>> > > new scent filled his nostrils. This too smelled of flowers, but
>> > > it was not the framiliar scent Salma wore. Through the fog of
>> > > his brain,
>> >
>> > > he tried to place where he had smelled this before.
>> > >
>> > > "I'm glad you two are alright," Alice spoke quietly. "I can't
>> > > believe
>> >
>> > > this. Do you need anything?"
>> > >
>> > > "Thank you, but we're okay," Salma said warmly.
>> > >
>> > > "Pete phoned me this morning-"
>> > >
>> > > "Sheriff Jenkins? Why?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > Alice didn't respond.
>> > >
>> > > Waiting for an answer, Ayden finally recognized the flower scent
>> > > that had lingered in the closet where he and Salma had found bed
>> > > linens.
>> > >
>> > > "Alice, did you visit the house after we left you yesterday?"
>> > >
>> > > Alice made a suppressed-sounding noise. She never answered and
>> > > before
>> >
>> > > Ayden could ask anything else, her muffled footsteps padded on
>> > > the grass as she walked briskly away.
>> > >
>> > > "Ayden?" Salma puzzled.
>> > >
>> > > "Her perfume, it's the same smell I noticed in the closet last
>> > > night."
>> > >
>> > > "Ayden, that's where I found the letter too," Salma whispered.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden heard the swish of grass as someone else walked towards
>> > > them. It was His father, Nick.
>> > >
>> > > "Are you crazy?" Nick asked, bewildered.
>> > >
>> > > "I'm fine. Nice to see you too, Dad."
>> > >
>> > > Nick let out a long breath before saying, "Your mother and I went
>> > > crazy when we heard what happened. We're glad you're okay."
>> > >
>> > > "Is the house ruined?" Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > Salma shifted and sat upright next to Ayden.
>> > >
>> > > "It's mostly the garden that was ruined, but there is damage to
>> > > the house."
>> > >
>> > > Ayden felt his chest tighten. The garden had been His
>> > > grandmother's
>>
>> > > favorite place. Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways and
>> > > tall
>> >
>> > > bushes as she tended to her beloved flowers. Interrupting his
>> > > thoughts, he heard a shuffling footstep approach. Another memory
>> > > pushed itself front and center in his mind. As Sheriff Jenkins
>> > > stopped his pace, Ayden gave a hard look in the direction of the
>> > > noise.
>> > >
>> > > "Tom says it will take a few weeks to get reports back, but there
>> > > is
>>
>> > > some structural damage to the house, Nick," the sheriff said.
>> > >
>> > > "Taken any midnight strolls to clear your mind lately?" Ayden
>> > > directed
>> >
>> > > to Sheriff Jenkins.
>> > >
>> > > No one spoke. Salma gripped his hand.
>> > >
>> > > "Any reason why you'd call Alice Madison early this morning?"
>> > > Ayden asked.
>> > >
>> > > "Drop it," Nick hissed.
>> > >
>> > > Thrown off by his father's tone, Ayden squeezed Salma's hand,
>> > > unsure
>>
>> > > what to do.
>> > >
>> > > "I'm sure we're all tired and need to collect our thoughts,"
>> > > Sheriff
>>
>> > > Jenkins said. "Maybe you ought to take these two home, Nick."
>> > > He shuffled off.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ayden sat in front of the computer. A humming buzz issued from
>> > > the speakers as Ayden worked.
>> > >
>> > > "Still working?" Salma asked from behind.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden leaned his head back against her stomach. She was wrapped
>> > > in a large soft towel. Remembering last night, he slipped his
>> > > hand through
>> >
>> > > the folds, but she turned swiftly away, laughing.
>> > >
>> > > It had not been the first night one of them slept over at the
>> > > other's apartment, but it had been their first time together.
>> > > Excitement had rushed over Ayden, but it had not felt awkward.
>> > >
>> > > Salma spewed a torrent of Spanish at him, and he chuckled. "That
>> > > just
>> >
>> > > turns me on more."
>> > >
>> > > "I called you a great big moron whose brain is tiny like his-"
>> > >
>> > > "Doesn't matter. Still sounds sexy."
>> > >
>> > > Salma whipped another towel at him before scampering to the
>> > > bedroom.
>>
>> > > Turning back to his work, Ayden decided to check his email.
>> > >
>> > > As he clicked on the necessary links using Hotkey commands, he
>> > > thought
>> >
>> > > over the past few weeks.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden had told his father what happened, but Nick said that
>> > > everything
>> >
>> > > was circumstantial. Ayden knew this, but he also knew he had
>> > > opened
>>
>> > > something up. Something that had been meant to remain secret.
>> > > Nick
>>
>> > > refused to open any investigation and he remained tight-lipped.
>> > >
>> > > The fire was officially reported as an unknown accident since no
>> > > evidence, either way, had been found determining a cause. This,
>> > > at least, was how the police report read. Ayden, though, had
>> > > inquired into the fire-chief's report. It too was inconclusive,
>> > > but this report did mention that a match book had been found near
>> > > the premises.
>> >
>> > > Salma had advised him to wait before attempting any further
>> > > investigation. She was worried about him. Unsure if the fire
>> > > had been an accident or not, he agreed with her.
>> > >
>> > > She had been the reason he was able to let the weeks slip by
>> > > without
>>
>> > > searching for more clues. Once they had returned to the city a
>> > > couple
>> >
>> > > of days after the fire, Ayden had found the courage to express
>> > > his budding feelings towards her.
>> > >
>> > > They had sat on the couch talking; a typical Friday night for
>> > > them, except this time Ayden could feel a growing anticipation
>> > > between them.
>> > >
>> > > Salma had stood to get another beer from the kitchen when Ayden
>> > > reached for her wrist. His large palm had felt bigger next to
>> > > her slim wrist. Both had stared silently at one another. Ayden,
>> > > thinking he would win this game since he couldn't see, broke
>> > > first.
>>
>> > > Grinning with a smirk, he had pulled Salma to him and kissed her.
>> > >
>> > > Weeks later, their routine was continued as normal, yet something
>> > > was different. They had transitioned into this new element with
>> > > ease, as though it were meant to be. Their friendship was
>> > > strengthened by the new romance.
>> > >
>> > > Still reminiscing, Ayden did not recognize the name given for the
>> > > first email he came across. Opening it up, he read the
>> > > following:
>> > >
>> > > I'm glad you have stopped your investigation. It is best to let
>> > > the
>>
>> > > dead rest. Enjoy your new love and look only towards the future.
>> > >
>> > > There was no signature. Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field,
>> > > but the only information this provided
>> > > was<mailto:aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.>
>> > > aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.
>> > >
>> > > Ayden's pulse quickened. Hearing Salma pad lightly back into the
>> > > room, he closed the window he was in. He thought it was best to
>> > > not
>>
>> > > alarm her just yet.
>> > >
>> > > "Wann' stay here again tonight?" he asked.
>> > >
>> > > "You know, we live across the hall from one another. Should we
>> > > just
>>
>> > > make this permanent?"
>> > >
>> > > "Sure you can live with a guy?"
>> > >
>> > > "Well, I guess if it's you I can."
>> > >
>> > > He lunged for her, but she ran giggling across the room.
>> > >
>> > > "This is the great thing about dating a blind guy, he can't catch
>> > > me."
>> > >
>> > > "Oh yeah?"
>> > >
>> > > Salma shrieked as he flung his body across her path, blocking her
>> > > dash
>> >
>> > > to the bedroom. Holding Salma close against him, wrapping her in
>> > > a bear hug, Ayden knew this was just the beginning.
>> > >
>> > > _______________________________________________
>> > > Writers Division web site:
>> > > http://www.nfb-writers-division.org<http://www.nfb-writers-divisi
>> > > on.
>> > > or
>> > > g/>
>> > >
>> > > stylist mailing list
>> > > stylist at nfbnet.org
>> > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>> > > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>> > > for
>> > > stylist:
>> > >
>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/penatwork%40e
>> > > pix.net
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (7.0.0.514) Database
>> > > version: 6.16140
>> > > http://www.pctools.com/en/spyware-doctor-antivirus/
>> > >
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (7.0.0.514) Database
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>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------
>> >
>> >Message: 5
>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:57:05 -0400
>> >From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net>
>> >To: Stylist <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Subject: [stylist] synopsis
>> >Message-ID: <CCA17171C9714AEE9BB59AD6AB3B878B at dell5150>
>> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>> >
>> >I'm hoping this will peak the publisher's interest. Does it peak
>> >yours? Thanks, Judith
>> >
>> >JENNIFER RABINOWITZ, unconscious after being hit by a car, looks
>> >around
>>
>> >the strange place she ended up in. In front of her is a corridor
>> >that seems to be lit with flickering candles. Suddenly her LONG
>> >DECEASED MOTHER is talking to her. Jennifer, whose life is abysmal
>> >due to constant anti Semitic derisions by classmates, wants to stay
>> >with her mother. But her mother tells her that it's not yet her
>> >time to stay. She has to learn, "To live. To love. To hope. To
>> >know who you are, and what you are!" Jennifer tries to change her
>> >mother's mind, but seconds later slams back into her body, aware of
>> >the pain.
>> >
>> >Jennifer's foster mother, SHEILA, spent most of the day with her
>> >injured foster daughter. Heading to her car she thinks back to a
>> >few months earlier when a STRANGE MESSENGER delivered the only
>> >possessions left by Jennifer's parents, a book with an inserted
>> >paper written in a foreign language. The messenger handed Sheila
>> >the items and left. After closing the door Sheila ran to the window
>> >to watch him drive away, but no car appeared on the street or
>> >driveway. She couldn't see a man walking away from the house. Now
>> >she thought about Jennifer's survival of what should have been a
>> >deadly accident. She wondered about the items that the messenger
>> >told her to give to Jennifer on her seventeenth birthday.
>> >
>> >On the same morning in Jenna, New York PESSI GOLDBERG confronts her
>> >very ill mother. Content with her sequestered life their
>> >disagreements have defined their relationship for months. Pessi
>> >stomps out of the house like a belligerent child leaving her mother
>> >on the sofa in their poverty stricken home.
>> >
>> >That afternoon Pessi attends a lecture at her school. Her classmate
>> >CHAVY LEVY approaches her at the back of the room and encourages the
>> >recluse to come sit with other classmates. Chavy's sense of humor
>> >and winning personality helps Pessi emerge from the thick defensive
>> >walls she has erected around herself.
>> >
>> >One morning Pessi goes to her mother's room and finds her cold
>> >motionless body lying on the mattress. Heart broken, Pessi
>> >questions the motives of an Almighty she has believed in her entire
>> >life.
>> >
>> >Jennifer continues to puzzle over her mysterious Jewish identity.
>> >On her seventeenth birthday Sheila presents her with her parents'
>> >possessions. Jennifer can't read the foreign language the paper and
>> >book are written in, but places them in her backpack. In her
darkened
>> >bedroom on most nights Jennifer clutches her parents' possessions
>> >and mouths silently, "Mommy and daddy, please guide me to the life
>> >you wanted for me. I love you."
>> >
>> >Sheila is helpful in getting her registered in an observant Jewish
>> >summer camp. When she boards the bus for the ride back to Curtis
>> >Cove after camp she feels like she is deserting her new identity.
>> >Back at Sheila's she makes her desire to continue living as an
>> >observant Jew known. She is placed with a family in Jenna. This
>> >family doesn't work
>>
>> >out, and Rabbi Levy, Chavy's father, agrees to take Jennifer into
>> >their
>>
>> >home.
>> >
>> >The life of Jennifer from the public schools of Curtis Cove, and the
>> >lives of Pessi and Chavy from an observant Jewish Girls' school in
>> >Jenna become entwined forever.
>> >
>> > Jennifer begins learning the Hebrew language that both the small
>> > book
>>
>> >and letter are written in. She discovers from the letter her Hebrew
>> >name is Breindle and her mother was Channah.
>> >
>> > When Mrs. Newman, the high school principal asks Jennifer if she
>> >has a Hebrew name, she tells her the name written in the letter.
>> >Jennifer pulls the small packet out and Mrs. Newman pales upon
>> >seeing the items.
>> >
>> > Later that day Mrs. Newman asks Rabbi Levy to put the packet in a
>> >safe place.
>> >
>> >The letter has a financial section. Criminals get hold of this
>> >information and kidnap Jennifer from a Jenna street! They take her
>> >to a hotel room, tie her up like a hunted animal and the criminals
>> >proceed
>>
>> >to have a drinking party. When her abductors fall into a drunken
>> >slumber Jennifer works off the ropes binding her arms, slides off
>> >the bed and, braced on her now free hands makes it to the door.
>> >
>> >With her legs still tightly bound she hobbles into the hall where
>> >another hotel guest brings her into his room and calls the police.
>> >
>> >The contents of the letter containing Jennifer's true identity are
>> >disclosed, but she has a hard time dealing with her newly revealed
>> >identity. She vows to keep it secret.
>> >
>> > Pessi's class elects her president. The reclusive ragamuffin
>> >disappeared. At the end of the book Jennifer realizes that what her
>> >mother wanted her to learn has been accomplished. She has learned
>> >To live. To love. To hope. To know who she is, and what she is!
>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------
>> >
>> >Message: 6
>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:07:21 -0400
>> >From: Danielle Montour <hypoplexer at gmail.com>
>> >To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] Stylist member in hospital
>> >Message-ID: <4cc1e106.096ee60a.73b4.7da2 at mx.google.com>
>> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1; format=flowed
>> >
>> >Same here please if you can.
>> >
>> > ----- Original Message -----
>> >From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net
>> >To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org
>> >Date sent: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:46:55 -0400
>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] Stylist member in hospital
>> >
>> >Bridget, If you have contact with Addy please give her my heartfelt
>> >wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. Best, Judith
>> >----- Original Message -----
>> >From: "Bridgit Pollpeter" <bpollpeter at hotmail.com
>> >To: "writers division" <stylist at nfbnet.org
>> >Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 11:31 AM
>> >Subject: [stylist] Stylist member in hospital
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Dear List,
>> >
>> > Division member and Stylist contributor, Atty Svendsen, has been
>> >in
>> > Methodist Hospital in Omaha since Wednesday night. They are not
>> >entirely
>> > sure what is wrong, but they believe she may have a severe
>> >kidney
>> > infection.
>> >
>> > >From what I understand, they have been unable to control the
>> >pain. I am
>> >sure Atty can use all our positive thoughts and prayers.
>> >
>> > Bridgit P
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > Writers Division web site:
>> > http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>> ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/> stylist mailing list
>> > stylist at nfbnet.org
>> >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>> >for
>> > stylist:
>> >
>> >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/jbron%40
>> >optonline.net _______________________________________________
>> >Writers Division web site:
>> >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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>> > >>>info for stylist:
>> > >>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/lists%4
>> > >>>0br
>> > >>>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
>> > >>
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>> > >>
>> > >>Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/braddunse
>> > >>
>> > >>MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/braddunse
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>_______________________________________________
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>> > >><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>> > >>
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>> > >>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/jbron%40
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>> > >>on
>> >line.net
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >_______________________________________________
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>> > ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>> > >
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>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/lists%40brad
>> > >du
>> > >nsemusic.com
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>> > >
>> > >The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
>> > >
>> > >http://www.eset.com
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>> > >
>> >
>> >
>> >Brad Dunse
>> >
>> >If you repeat yourself
>> >Repeat yourself
>> >Repeat yourself
>> >You might be a songwriter. --Anonymous
>> >
>> >E Mail: brad at braddunsemusic.com
>> >
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>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------
>> >
>> >Message: 8
>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:42:00 -0500
>> >From: Priscilla McKinley <priscilla.mckinley at gmail.com>
>> >To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>> >Message-ID:
>> >
>> ><AANLkTi=RAjJKajKBexCtF5HYXWF=bZemJPDY0HN8xTPr at mail.gmail.com>
>> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>> >
>> >I think the changes strengthen this piece. While I haven't had a
>> >chance to go over it in detail, I was thinking of the title. I know
>> >you use sense because of the blindness, but I really like the idea
>> >of using the word key in the title. The image of the key at the
>> >beginning, as well as later when entering the house, seems to stand
>> >out. A Key to Murder? Or perhaps just Keys? In fact, you could
>> >have images of other keys, like giving her a key to his apartment,
>> >the idea of keys as gaining entrance to investigate a murder and
>> >gaining entrance to the mind and body of another person in a
>> >relationship. That
>>
>> >would tie the two stories together, in a way.
>> >
>> >Anyway, wehn I have more time, I'll try to get back to this for a
>> >more
>>
>> >thorough reading. Thanks for sharing.
>> >
>> >Priscilla
>> >
>> >
>> >On 10/22/10, BDM <lists at braddunsemusic.com> wrote:
>> > > Thanks Judith,
>> > >
>> > > Brad
>> > >
>> > > At 12:24 PM 10/22/2010, you wrote:
>> > >>Brad, When I write I do it both ways. Some of my conclusions
>> > >>just happen, others are planned and worked out. I don't know how
>> > >>Bridget
>>
>> > >>does it, but I can't make a blanket statement. Judith
>> > >>----- Original Message ----- From: "BDM"
>> > >><lists at braddunsemusic.com>
>> > >>To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> > >>Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 1:06 PM
>> > >>Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>>Glad you are working on this. I like the subtle changes and
>> > >>>embellishments. I've a question for you. At this point, do you
>> > >>>know in your mind how the mystery plays out, who done it, and
>> > >>>the little twists and details? Or when you write, are you making
>> > >>>it up as you go. I've heard authors promote both ways. Just
>> > >>>curious on your method
>> >
>> > >>>and not a spoiling of the story, which I hope to read at a later
>> > >>>date.
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Brad
>> > >>>
>> > >>>At 11:15 AM 10/22/2010, you wrote:
>> > >>>>Hey guys,
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Since I shared the first draft with you lot, I thought I would
>> > >>>>share
>> >
>> > >>>>my revision. Again, I am not a detective fiction writer, nor
>> > >>>>do I
>>
>> > >>>>wish to be, but after your comments and my class workshop, I
>> > >>>>have made some changes.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>My fiction, unfortunately, is not as good as my nonfiction, but
>> > >>>>I do
>> >
>> > >>>>like my two main characters. I would like to continue
>> > >>>>something with them.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Enjoy!
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Bridgit
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Sense of Murder
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden sat in his father's leather wingback chair rolling a
>> > >>>>large key
>> >
>> > >>>>between his fingers. The metal key had been cold, but now was
>> > >>>>warmed by his hands. He gripped the key in his palm and rubbed
>> > >>>>a thumb across the rough , rusty surface. A few weeks ago,
>> > >>>>Ayden had merely been researching the mysterious death of his
>> > >>>>grandfather for a book he was writing. Now, he sat among items
>> > >>>>wondering if his grandfather had been murdered.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden's father had found Ayden's grandfather lying at the
>> > >>>>bottom of the staircase in his home. His father never spoke
>> > >>>>about the incident after reporting it to the police. His
>> > >>>>father was allowing Ayden and Salma to search through any items
>> > >>>>he kept though.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>For years there had been whispers of foul play, but no one ever
>> > >>>>spoke about the rumors. The official ruling was that Henry
>> > >>>>Templeton, Ayden's grandfather, had accidently fallen down the
>> > >>>>stairs. Other than the vicious gossip, there didn't seem to be
>> > >>>>any reason to think otherwise until Ayden began researching his
>> > >>>>grandfather's life. A few weeks of poking around Henry
>> > >>>>Templeton's past, Ayden received a mysterious email.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you
>> > >>>>stop your investigation immediately. Heartache and harm can
>> > >>>>only befall you
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>> Alarmed, but intrigued, Ayden picked up his research with new
>> > >>>>fervor. Now he and his friend and neighbor, Salma, sat in his
>> > >>>>father's large office surrounded by books and papers searching
>> > >>>>for
>>
>> > >>>>clues that may indicate a reason why his grandfather would have
>> > >>>>been
>> >
>> > >>>>murdered.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"So what's next?" Salma asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Tapping the key in his palm, Ayden said, "I'm not sure. This
>> > >>>>letter
>> >
>> > >>>>says a lot."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden closed his eyes thinking on this letter. It was
>> > >>>>evidence, even if circumstantial, that suggested, if his
>> > >>>>grandmother knew about it, she could have killed Henry.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>People had said his grandmother, Lucy, had been distracted and
>> > >>>>irritable a couple of weeks before his grandfather's death.
>> > >>>>When his father found Henry at the bottom of the stairs, the
>> > >>>>only other
>>
>> > >>>>person present had been his grandmother. Stunned by the event,
>> > >>>>his father had placed Lucy in a nursing home.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>There was a pause then paper crackled before Salma spoke.
>> > >>>>"It's pretty clear from this letter that your grandfather was
>> > >>>>having an affair. I wonder if we can figure out these
>> > >>>>initials, A. W."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden shut his eyes again, thinking, trying to remember anyone
>> > >>>>he had ever met with A. W. for initials. "I don't know," he
>> > >>>>sighed.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>As Ayden and Salma leafed through pictures and notes, they had
>> > >>>>found
>> >
>> > >>>>an old copy of Wuthering Heights.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden remembered the year his grandfather had given the third
>> > >>>>edition book to his grandmother for Christmas. His grandmother
>> > >>>>had sat unwrapping the gift, then exclaimed, "Oh," before
>> > >>>>looking up with tears in her eyes. Wuthering Heights had
>> > >>>>always been her favorite novel. Lucy had been the one person to
>> > >>>>encourage Ayden to
>>
>> > >>>>follow his dream and take up writing instead of joining the
>> > >>>>family
>>
>> > >>>>law firm. "You're meant to follow your own path," Lucy had
>> > >>>>told Ayden once.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>After an accident had left Ayden blind, his father had refused
>> > >>>>to believe Ayden could handle the work of a litigator, but Lucy
>> > >>>>had never doubted his ability to do anything.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Now, Ayden and Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of
>> > >>>>the book; a letter suggesting a secret Ayden never knew about.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden touched the thick, but stiff piece of paper and held it
>> > >>>>out to
>> >
>> > >>>>Salma to inspect. She told him the letter appeared old, but
>> > >>>>not as old as the book. A few of the torn edges of the letter
>> > >>>>were turning
>> >
>> > >>>>yellow. The letter was simple as she read:
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Henry, my love,
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>I can not wait to see you again. I hoped and when I saw you
>> > >>>>coming down the road, my heart leaped. I still feel your
>> > >>>>touch. How much longer must we wait? Please, my darling, give
>> > >>>>me what I ask before it is too late.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Love, A. W.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>When Ayden's father found Henry's body, Lucy had gone wild,
>> > >>>>screaming, unable to leave Henry's lifeless body.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Gossips spread the news, sweeping far and wide. Lucy was
>> > >>>>crazy, they said. She went mad, she killed her husband. It
>> > >>>>was juicy, just what a small town needed.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>The police never looked into the possibility, but Lucy died
>> > >>>>with a
>>
>> > >>>>black mark attached to her memory.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden never believed that his grandmother would hurt anyone.
>> > >>>>She had been fond of Ayden, and she never treated him like his
>> > >>>>life was over after the accident.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"What now? Where do we go next?" Salma asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden held the rusted, copper key up in front of him. "We
>> > >>>>visit the
>> >
>> > >>>>old Templeton mansion."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>The Templeton mansion was the Victorian home his grandparents
>> > >>>>had lived in. The family still owned it, but it had sat empty
>> > >>>>for years. Ayden thought that maybe more secrets were hidden
>> > >>>>within the
>> >
>> > >>>>walls of the Templeton house, eager to be discovered.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden sat in the car as Salma drove. Neither spoke as Ayden's
>> > >>>>fingers slid across the pages on his lap. Reading his Braille
>> > >>>>notes, Ayden wondered where to start once they reached the
>> > >>>>small town where his grandparents and father had grown up.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>His grandfather had started a small law firm in town, but
>> > >>>>eventually
>> >
>> > >>>>it grew. His grandparents had moved when Ayden's father, Nick,
>> > >>>>had been ten.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Nick never spoke about his childhood though. Ayden really
>> > >>>>didn't know much about his family's past. His grandparents had
>> > >>>>moved back to their old house once Nick took the firm over, but
>> > >>>>Ayden had rarely visited the home. After his grandfather had
>> > >>>>died, Lucy, unable to cope with his death, had moved into an
>> > >>>>upscale nursing home in the City, and Nick left the house
>> > >>>>untouched.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>As the car slowed, Ayden looked up at Salma. "Are we there?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Yes. What's our first stop?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I'm figuring this out as we go along. I guess the police
>> > >>>>station."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma was silent before saying, "You okay? I know your dad
>> > >>>>wasn't
>>
>> > >>>>happy when you asked about the letter."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>He remembered how Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling
>> > >>>>him , "Leave it alone. We don't dig up family history."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden had tried to coax him to say more, but the subject was
>> > >>>>closed.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Yeah. I wish he would have told us more. Explained
>> > >>>>something," Ayden said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Maybe he just wants to keep your family secrets, well, secret.
>> > >>>>Some people don't like giving out info about anything."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I just feel like he knows more than he's letting on."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"We'll find something. Don't worry."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma was always reassuring Ayden. She had become a constant
>> > >>>>in his
>> >
>> > >>>>life. The only real constant he had. She had shown up one
>> > >>>>day, knocking on his door, holding a dish in her hands,
>> > >>>>offering Ayden some home made enchiladas. That had been the
>> > >>>>beginning of their friendship. They had spent many nights
>> > >>>>talking until three in the morning and hanging out on weekends.
>> > >>>>Salma was the one true connection Ayden had to the outside
>> > >>>>world.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden never felt like he fit in his family's world of snobbish
>> > >>>>dinner parties, elite country clubs and preferential treatment
>> > >>>>at most Ivy League universities. After graduating from
>> > >>>>college, His father had told him, "No one will ever respect a
>> > >>>>blind man in the courtroom. Maybe the firm can bring you on as
>> > >>>>a researcher." Ayden
>> >
>> > >>>>was tired of his father's attitude so he took a job writing for
>> > >>>>a small magazine and left the family home.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Once moving away, he had become a recluse of sorts. He showed
>> > >>>>up to
>> >
>> > >>>>the office for work, attended cocktail parties required for
>> > >>>>work and
>> >
>> > >>>>even dated a couple of girls, but Salma was the one person he
>> > >>>>truly felt comfortable with. Her infectious way of always
>> > >>>>looking
>>
>> > >>>>at things positively seemed like a novelty to Ayden. She could
>> > >>>>always make him smile. When he began writing the book about
>> > >>>>Henry, Salma had offered to assist in anyway she could.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I'm really glad you're here," Ayden said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Yeah, yeah. I'm waiting for my pay check. My services don't
>> > >>>>come free." Salma giggled as she pulled into a parking stall.
>> > >>>>"I
>>
>> > >>>>think we're here."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Thanks, again, for taking the day off to help."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Hey, I know you'd help me with stuff. It's all so
>> > >>>>interesting; way
>> >
>> > >>>>more interesting than filling in for waiters who don't show up
>> > >>>>for
>>
>> > >>>>work."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"You aren't at work, who's filling in for you?" Ayden said
>> > >>>>grinning at her.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma smacked his arm. "That's the benefit of being the
>> > >>>>owner's daughter."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>While Salma dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped
>> > >>>>his
>>
>> > >>>>cane along the brick walls looking for the door. Hearing the
>> > >>>>difference from the cane tip tapping on brick to the clink of
>> > >>>>glass,
>> >
>> > >>>>he figured he found the door.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Yes," she answered rushing to catch up.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>They entered the quiet, almost lazy-like atmosphere of the
>> > >>>>police station. Ayden moved towards the sound of clacking as
>> > >>>>some one pressed keys on a computer keyboard with a practiced
>> > >>>>efficiency. This, he thought, must be a reception desk.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Stepping up to a smooth feeling counter, Ayden said, "Excuse
>> > >>>>me."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Can I help you?" a woman's bored voice said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"We were wondering if we can speak to some one who worked the
>> > >>>>Henry Templeton case," Ayden said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>The woman stopped typing and a long silence followed. "Who's
>> > >>>>asking?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I'm Ayden Templeton, Henry's grandson."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"One minute." A chair creaked as the woman stood. Her shoes
>> > >>>>clicked on the linoleum floor as she walked away.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma touched Ayden's arm. "She had a weird look when you
>> > >>>>mentioned
>> >
>> > >>>>your grandpa's name."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>As the receptionist returned, another footstep joined hers, but
>> > >>>>this
>> >
>> > >>>>person shuffled slightly.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>The person shuffled towards Salma, saying, "Hello. I'm Sheriff
>> > >>>>Jenkins. How can I help you?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden stepped closer towards Salma, extending his arm to
>> > >>>>Sheriff Jenkins. "I'm Ayden Templeton and this is Salma
>> > >>>>Juarez. We have some questions about my grandfather's death."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>There was a pause before Sheriff Jenkins shook Ayden's hand.
>> > >>>>"Step into my office please."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden followed the sheriff into a room off the main section of
>> > >>>>the
>>
>> > >>>>department. His cane swep the inside of the door frame,
>> > >>>>indicating the width so Ayden avoided bumping into the edges of
>> > >>>>the frame. Ayden asked where a chair was and turned in the
>> > >>>>direction Captain Jenkins indicated. Finding the chair with his
>> > >>>>cane, he felt Salma's arm brush his as she sat next to him.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Can I get you anything?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"No, but thank you. Salma?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I'm good," Salma replied.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden felt a tension fill the room as the three sat there, not
>> > >>>>speaking. Sheriff Jenkins began tapping the edge of the metal
>> > >>>>table in the interrogation room. Ayden twisted his cane
>> > >>>>between his fingers. Salma bobbed her foot which was lightly
>> > >>>>kicking Ayden's shin.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"We're hoping to learn as much as we can about Henry
>> > >>>>Templeton's death. I'm researching the story for a novel I'm
>> > >>>>working on," Ayden started.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I worked the case. There's not much to tell," Sheriff Jenkins
>> > >>>>said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I know you eventually reported it as an accidental death, but
>> > >>>>was
>>
>> > >>>>there ever any evidence suggesting otherwise?" Ayden asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"No. We questioned friends and family and there was no reason
>> > >>>>to believe Henry Templeton was murdered," Sheriff Jenkins said
>> > >>>>with an edge to his tone.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden shifted his head towards Salma. Even though he had been
>> > >>>>blind
>> >
>> > >>>>for seven-years, Ayden still used visual gestures and body
>> > >>>>movement.
>> >
>> > >>>>"I know there was-uh-speculation that maybe my grandmother did
>> > >>>>it."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Lucy Baldwin? She never hurt anyone. We were all shocked
>> > >>>>when she
>> >
>> > >>>>married Henry. She could have had anyone she wanted."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden leaned against the table looking straight in the
>> > >>>>direction where Sheriff Jenkins sat. "I thought Henry was a
>> > >>>>catch? Wouldn't most have jumped at the chance to marry into
>> > >>>>the Templeton family? You know, a lawyer from a wealthy family
>> > >>>>and all
>>
>> > >>>>that."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"He was a playboy. Always was, never changed."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Who did you question about his death?" Salma broke in.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>The sheriff's chair creaked as he leaned back. "Well, of
>> > >>>>course Lucy and her boy Nick. They were there. Found his body
>> > >>>>and all."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden shot the sheriff a questioning glance. He was talking
>> > >>>>like he
>> >
>> > >>>>had forgot who Ayden was.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Then there was Zelda, the housekeeper, and Avery Mayer, he
>> > >>>>came around about once a week to help Lucy with the lawn. She
>> > >>>>loved her garden. Her roses won prizes around here," Sheriff
>> > >>>>Jenkins continued.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Anyone else?" Ayden asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Oh, his work associates, but Henry was retired so they didn't
>> > >>>>see
>>
>> > >>>>much of him anymore. Alice Madison , she had been his personal
>> > >>>>secretary for years. She still did stuff part-time for Henry."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden had pulled out a three-by-five plastic device that had
>> > >>>>six rows of cells containing three holes on each side of the
>> > >>>>cells. A
>>
>> > >>>>pop-pop-pop sound was made as Ayden poked a pointed awl-like
>> > >>>>object called a stylus through the holes as he took Braille
>> > >>>>notes.
>>
>> > >>>>"Are any of these people still around?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Not everyone had the same opportunities as the Templeton's to
>> > >>>>leave
>> >
>> > >>>>town. Other than Henry's work associates, I think most of them
>> > >>>>still live around here. At least the one's who are still
>> > >>>>alive."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Is there anything else you can tell us? Was there anything
>> > >>>>strange
>> >
>> > >>>>you noticed? Any evidence that suggest something other than an
>> > >>>>accidental tumble down the stairs?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>The sheriff laughed. "I know you city folk like to dream up
>> > >>>>seedy
>>
>> > >>>>happenings in small towns, but Henry Templeton's death was
>> > >>>>nothing
>>
>> > >>>>more than an accident. Nothing dark about it."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Thank you for your time," Ayden said extending his hand again
>> > >>>>to shake Sheriff Jenkins's.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Sheriff Jenkins sighed. "Look, don't go digging anything up.
>> > >>>>Just let the dead rest."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma's bracelet tinkled as they stood.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"We understand. I'm just trying to find things out about my
>> > >>>>grandfather for the book. You know, no stone uncovered," Ayden
>> > >>>>said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Are you two married?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden, confused by the switch, replied, "No."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>The sheriff chuckled. "Like your grandpa, I see."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden blushed, but Salma said, "Ayden is nothing but a
>> > >>>>gentleman. Clearly something he did not pick up in this town."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I know the kind of men the Templeton's are," the sheriff said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Unsure of what to do, Ayden turned to leave.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"At least he has a better chance of touching what you have been
>> > >>>>admiring this whole time," Salma snapped. She turned quickly,
>> > >>>>fluttering Ayden's collar up as she rushed past.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Back in the car, he said, "I'm sorry. I didn't know what to
>> > >>>>say."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"It's okay. He was a pig."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I didn't realize-"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I know, its okay. Where to next?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>He could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone. "The
>> > >>>>house, I guess."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>As the car backed out into the silent street, Ayden wondered
>> > >>>>why she
>> >
>> > >>>>had told Sheriff Jenkins what she had. Was it simply said in a
>> > >>>>moment of anger, or was there any truth in her words, he
>> > >>>>thought. He has a better chance of touching what you have been
>> > >>>>admiring. Ayden smiled as he thought of the possibilities with
>> > >>>>Salma.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden stood before the house remembering the bright blue it had
>> > >>>>been
>> >
>> > >>>>during the few visits he had made during his childhood. The
>> > >>>>house
>>
>> > >>>>had always stood out even among the street full of bright,
>> > >>>>cheery houses complete with emerald lawns and award winning
>> > >>>>gardens. The
>>
>> > >>>>Templeton house had a wrap-around porch with a veranda to the
>> > >>>>back
>>
>> > >>>>opening onto a large lawn complete with a British garden. Its
>> > >>>>three
>> >
>> > >>>>stories reaching majestically towards the sky.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden now gripped the rough, wooden railing of the house. The
>> > >>>>feel of the railing did not match his memory of the sleek,
>> > >>>>smooth dark wooden banister. The stairs creaked as he stepped
>> > >>>>on them. Reaching the porch, he felt a slight dip and quickly
>> > >>>>stepped sideways in fear of falling through the porch.
>> > >>>>Children played nearby and cars languidly drove down the
>> > >>>>street, but a strange silence surrounded the house. It was as
>> > >>>>though Ayden were underneath water trying to make out the
>> > >>>>distant sounds. The scent
>>
>> > >>>>of jasmine passed briefly through his nose as Salma stood next
>> > >>>>to him.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"How does it look?" Ayden asked ignoring the scent.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma took a deep breath. "It's run down, that's for sure. I
>> > >>>>can't
>> >
>> > >>>>believe no one has lived here for years."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"My family still owns it, but after my grandfather's death, no
>> > >>>>one
>>
>> > >>>>wanted to do anything about it."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"So sad," Salma said quietly.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden placed his hand on the cold knob of the dilapidated
>> > >>>>Victorian house. He dug in his pockets for the rusty key he
>> > >>>>had found in his father's office. As he inserted the heavy key
>> > >>>>in the
>>
>> > >>>>lock, a quiet click was heard. Ayden pushed the solid door
>> > >>>>open.
>>
>> > >>>>He looked in Salma's direction before stepping inside.
>> > >>>>Shutting the door, the house engulfed all sound like a tomb.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Creepy," Salma said as she shivered.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden walked forward tapping his long white cane, arcing wide
>> > >>>>so as to not run into anything. Dust filled the air and Ayden
>> > >>>>coughed as he inhaled.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"This has been sitting for years," Ayden rasped. "What's it
>> > >>>>look like?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"It's really dark, but it's almost completely empty. What do
>> > >>>>you think you'll find?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I'm not sure. Sheriff Jenkins wasn't much help. I just
>> > >>>>thought,
>>
>> > >>>>maybe something."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma's sandals clipped-clopped as she walked over to a window
>> > >>>>to open it. "Well, if we are going to be here long we need
>> > >>>>fresh air."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden felt a rush of summer breeze as the window clambered up.
>> > >>>>The sound of kids playing ruined the house's stolid silence.
>> > >>>>Life
>>
>> > >>>>entered the house again as Ayden began to feel around searching
>> > >>>>for any clue.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls and any remaining
>> > >>>>furniture, hoping to find something, anything. Making his
>> > >>>>progression from room to room on the main floor, he heard
>> > >>>>Salma's muffled footsteps overhead. He smiled to himself as He
>> > >>>>rifled through drawers and cupboards. So far his hands had
>> > >>>>only found dust
>> >
>> > >>>>and cobwebs.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Ayden, Ayden!" Salma shouted a couple of hours later.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden hurried towards the staircase where Salma's voice echoed
>> > >>>>from.
>> >
>> > >>>>"Salma! Are you okay?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Get up here! I found something!"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden clambered up the grand staircase. Reaching the second
>> > >>>>floor, he shouted, "What room?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Um, it's a bedroom."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>He rolled his eyes. "Right." Hearing her voice off to his
>> > >>>>left, Ayden moved down the hallway. At the end, he found a
>> > >>>>door open.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Salma?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma's clapping sandals moved towards him.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Look at this," she said excitedly. Her bracelet tinkled and
>> > >>>>paper crackled as she shoved something in Ayden's hand.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden grinned. "Um." He handed the paper back to Salma.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Oh-sorry. I just-you won't believe this."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>It was another letter; a love letter to Henry.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Henry, My love,
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>I miss you. I grow restless with each day. I have waited
>> > >>>>years to be with you, really be with you. Let's stop the
>> > >>>>pretending, stop the lies. Don't be mad with me. I would do
>> > >>>>anything for you,
>>
>> > >>>>but we
>> >
>> > >>>>must stop hiding. There is no harm in this. I will wait to
>> > >>>>hear from you, but don't take long. If you don't choose me, I
>> > >>>>will marry
>> >
>> > >>>>Tom Madison.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Love,
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>A. W.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma rushed through the letter almost in one breath. Ayden
>> > >>>>was not
>> >
>> > >>>>quite sure what her excitement was for.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"We already know Henry was having an affair of sorts," he said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma sighed impatiently. "Ayden, think about it. Don't you
>> > >>>>see?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Not really," he said slowly.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>She grabbed his wrist. Her slender fingers gripped him with a
>> > >>>>strength Ayden would not have guessed at. She moved in closer
>> > >>>>and
>>
>> > >>>>once again, Ayden took in the scent of jasmine. This time he
>> > >>>>smelled something else with it. Vanilla, he thought. Salma
>> > >>>>shook
>>
>> > >>>>his arm slightly, her tinkling crystal bracelet grazing his
>> > >>>>wrist,
>>
>> > >>>>bringing him back to attention.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Ayden, A. W. Don't you see it yet?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"A. W.?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"The initials," she said exasperated, "A. W. It's Alice
>> > >>>>Madison."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Who's Alice Madison?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma smacked her forehead. "Ay-where are your notes from
>> > >>>>today?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden pulled out the three-by-five note card from his back
>> > >>>>pocket.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Now read through it," Salma said as though talking to a small
>> > >>>>child.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>A second passed and Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped
>> > >>>>and looked sharply up at Salma.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"See?" Salma asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"You think A. W. and Alice Madison are the same person?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"It fits."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Henry's secretary. And Sheriff Jenkins said she's still
>> > >>>>living in town. She must have married this Madison guy."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Think we can find her?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Give me a minute," Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone
>> > >>>>tucked away in his pocket. An electronic voice hummed from his
>> > >>>>phone as he
>> >
>> > >>>>maneuvered through the menus.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Got it. There's only one Alice Madison that shows up in
>> > >>>>town."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Thank God for technology," Salma said. "No wonder no one
>> > >>>>could ever solve this case."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden smirked at her. "Thank God for accessible technology.
>> > >>>>Come
>>
>> > >>>>on. She doesn't live far from here and it's not too late."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ten minutes later, they knocked on Alice Madison's door. Salma
>> > >>>>described the house's well-kempt lawn and green exterior. She
>> > >>>>said that flower boxes lined the windows and white shutters
>> > >>>>hung from the
>> >
>> > >>>>upstair windows.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>The door opened and a woman's voice gasped, "Oh."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Mrs. Madison? I'm Ayden-"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Templeton," she said. "You look like Henry."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Smiling, Ayden said, "Mrs. Madison, this is my friend Salma.
>> > >>>>We're working on a book about my grandfather, and we would like
>> > >>>>to
>>
>> > >>>>ask you
>> >
>> > >>>>some questions."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Oh, of course. Come in, come in."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>As the door shut behind Ayden and Salma, he smelled a flower
>> > >>>>scent
>>
>> > >>>>that he couldn't place and a clock ticked nearby. Alice
>> > >>>>Madison ushered them into a sitting room off the entryway.
>> > >>>>Salma sat next
>>
>> > >>>>to Ayden on the soft couch while Alice sat across from them.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Can I offer you anything? I just made lemonade."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"That would be wonderful," Salma said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>As Alice left the room, Ayden turned towards Salma. "I'm
>> > >>>>sorry, I
>>
>> > >>>>didn't even think to ask if you were hungry."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Hon, it's okay. I didn't think about it myself until now."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"We'll have dinner after this; I promise."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Promise?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden grinned as Alice returned. She placed an ice-cold glass
>> > >>>>in Ayden's hand. Ice chinked against the side as he took a
>> > >>>>gulp. The cold liquid felt good down his throat after the dust
>> > >>>>of the Templeton house. He could only imagine how dirty he and
>> > >>>>Salma looked. He felt the mingled grime of sweat and dirt on
>> > >>>>his body. Why had it not occurred to them to stop somewhere
>> > >>>>first and wash up,
>> >
>> > >>>>Ayden thought.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"So, what can I help you with? Henry was a dear friend and I
>> > >>>>miss
>>
>> > >>>>him. You must call me Alice."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Well, Alice, we specifically are interested in his death,"
>> > >>>>Ayden said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Alice coughed as she choked on her lemonade. "Why would you be
>> > >>>>interested in that?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I believe that maybe his death wasn't accidental."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Oh dear, don't buy into those silly rumors. Pete Jenkins
>> > >>>>conducted
>> >
>> > >>>>a thorough investigation and no foul play was to be hinted at."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"And yet the rumors persist," Ayden said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Silly gossip. Housewives bored out of there minds."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"You know Sheriff Jenkins?" Ayden asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Darling, it's a small town; everybody knows everybody."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden sipped on his lemonade as Salma clicked her nails against
>> > >>>>the side of her glass.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"We have reason to believe maybe there is more to the story,"
>> > >>>>Ayden said. He affected his best courtroom demeanor. He had
>> > >>>>observed his
>> >
>> > >>>>father like this hundreds of times.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Alice swirled ice chuncks around in her glass. Her voice had
>> > >>>>lost
>>
>> > >>>>some of its cheeriness when she responded by asking, "What
>> > >>>>makes you
>> >
>> > >>>>say that?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>He found the love letter in a folder. Removing the Braille
>> > >>>>label,
>>
>> > >>>>he set it on the coffee table dividing them from Alice. "Did
>> > >>>>you write this?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>The letter rustled as Alice picked it up. When she spoke, her
>> > >>>>voice
>> >
>> > >>>>sounded strained as though she were holding back tears.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Where did you find this?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"It was in some old boxes in the Templeton home," Salma said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>A long silence followed in which Ayden heard Alice sniffling.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I suppose the truth has to come out sooner or later," Alice
>> > >>>>said quietly.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"We don't need-a-details of anything, but is there any reason
>> > >>>>to think Henry was killed?" Ayden soothed.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Your grandfather hired me when I was eighteen," Alice began,
>> > >>>>ignoring him. "I instantly fell in love with him, but he was
>> > >>>>that
>>
>> > >>>>type. Dashingly handsome, charming to a fault. He was a few
>> > >>>>years
>>
>> > >>>>older than me, but I knew how all the girls waited for their
>> > >>>>chance to rope Henry into marriage. I felt so lucky to see him
>> > >>>>everyday. I started out as a simple receptionist, but
>> > >>>>eventually he promoted me to his personal secretary."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Did you move with my grandparents then, when they moved?" he
>> > >>>>asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Alice sighed. "Yes, but after-things happened-I moved back. I
>> > >>>>remained in his employ, working from the office here in town.
>> > >>>>Before your father took charge, Henry's headquarters had always
>> > >>>>been
>> >
>> > >>>>based from here."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden nodded his head.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I never meant to hurt anyone. Things happened. Henry loved
>> > >>>>us both, Lucy and I. I tried to end it for years, but Henry
>> > >>>>always showed up with that smile of his. Then I tried to make
>> > >>>>him choose.
>> >
>> > >>>>I should've known better, but I was in love."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Alice spilled her story, hoping for redemption perhaps.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"The final straw came right before his death. We had carried
>> > >>>>on for
>> >
>> > >>>>almost forty-years and I knew it had to stop. We fought. I
>> > >>>>threatened to tell Lucy and that was that. He left me
>> > >>>>promising to choose. I waited for an answer, but a week later,
>> > >>>>Henry was found dead."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Did you ever tell anyone?" Ayden asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"No."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden and Salma stood by the car outside Alice's house. A
>> > >>>>breeze tousled Ayden's hair and Salma gently combed her fingers
>> > >>>>through his
>> >
>> > >>>>dark tresses.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Seems like all you Templeton men are irresistible," she said
>> > >>>>teasingly.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Unsure of how to respond to her comment, he grinned, but before
>> > >>>>he
>>
>> > >>>>could make a remark, her car door clicked open. He slid into
>> > >>>>the passenger seat, heart pounding.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"You promised me dinner," Salma whined playfully.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Munching on diner-style hamburgers and fries, they took the
>> > >>>>opportunity to relax.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"How come you didn't visit your grandparents much?" Salma
>> > >>>>asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Not sure. Mom and Dad were always busy. Usually just my
>> > >>>>sister and I came."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Did you ever notice anything between them then?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"No, but I was a kid."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"What about when you were older?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Naw, I was busy then too. After the accident, though, I spent
>> > >>>>more
>> >
>> > >>>>time with my grandma. She was the only one who treated me like
>> > >>>>me
>>
>> > >>>>still, but she died shortly after that."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I wish I could have met her."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"She would have liked you."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I always hated seeing my family all the time, but now I'm glad
>> > >>>>we're so close."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Hey, let's walk around town." Ayden slid out of the vinyl
>> > >>>>booth and paid at the register.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Meeting Salma out by the car, they moved towards the downtown
>> > >>>>area. Salma kept up with Ayden's stride as his cane tapped from
>> > >>>>side-to-side.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Sometimes I think it would be nice to live in a small town,"
>> > >>>>she mused.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Really, you? Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," he
>> > >>>>joked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I could drive to the city. I don't know. It seems like a
>> > >>>>nice place to raise a family."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden had never heard Salma speak about wanting kids. As well
>> > >>>>as he
>> >
>> > >>>>knew her, he realized there was plenty he still had to learn.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will grow up to
>> > >>>>cheat, lie and murder," he scoffed.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"We, huh?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden blushed, feeling the heat creep up his neck to his face.
>> > >>>>He
>>
>> > >>>>hadn't caught his blunder. He sputtered, but before he could
>> > >>>>make
>>
>> > >>>>sense of his words, Salma grabbed his hand.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Maybe we can live in the Templeton mansion," she said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>They walked silently back to the car hand-in-hand.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"It's pretty late, what should we do?" Salma asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden flipped the crystal face of his watch up. Feeling the
>> > >>>>raised dots and arrows, he said, "It's a quarter to eleven.
>> > >>>>I'm beat."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Me too. I don't really feel like driving back tonight
>> > >>>>though."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>He scratched his head. "I guess we can stay at
>> > >>>>casa-de-Templeton."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Okay, but no funny business," Salma joked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Sitting in the car, Ayden said, "By the way, unlike some men in
>> > >>>>my
>>
>> > >>>>family, I'm more of a one-woman type."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Good to know." Salma kissed his cheek.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden laced his fingers through hers.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I was wondering when you would make a move," she said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden reached for her face and leaned in to kiss her. Her lips
>> > >>>>were
>> >
>> > >>>>smooth and tasted of cherry. Salma placed her hand on his face
>> > >>>>as
>>
>> > >>>>they held this pose for a minute.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Back at the Templeton house, they stood on either side of the
>> > >>>>king-size bed in the master bedroom.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Sure you don't want to sleep in another room?" Ayden asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Hell no! This house is creepy."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I thought you wanted to raise children here?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Shut-up. Scared to sleep with a girl?" The bed creaked as
>> > >>>>Salma
>>
>> > >>>>lay down on it. "A bit musty."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>They had found spare bed linens in a box and had attempted to
>> > >>>>shake them out as best they could. Ayden had noticed a
>> > >>>>lingering wispy scent of flowers that he could not place. It
>> > >>>>may have been the remnants of something used to launder the
>> > >>>>linens years ago, he
>>
>> > >>>>had thought.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Without thinking, he removed his shirt and handed it to Salma.
>> > >>>>"Here. You can wrap your pillow in it."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Thanks," Salma said drawing the word out.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Realizing what he had done, he blushed for the millionth time
>> > >>>>that
>>
>> > >>>>day. Not able to turn back what he had done, Ayden lay slowly
>> > >>>>down, sticking close to the edge.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Keep your hands above the blankets," she yawned.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden woke disoriented at first, but comprehension quickly
>> > >>>>dawned as
>> >
>> > >>>>he felt Salma's small body nestled against his. She snored
>> > >>>>quietly and Ayden smiled. This was nice, he thought. He
>> > >>>>extracted himself gently from the bed, trying to not wake
>> > >>>>Salma.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>He needed to use the bathroom, but it struck him that the
>> > >>>>bathrooms would not be in working order. It was primitive, but
>> > >>>>it
>>
>> > >>>>would have to do, he thought as he found his way downstairs and
>> > >>>>out into the back garden. Hoping no neighbors were awake to
>> > >>>>see him, he relieved
>> >
>> > >>>>himself.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Half asleep still, his eyes snapped open as a slight shuffle
>> > >>>>came from behind him. Finished with his midnight chore, he
>> > >>>>listened intently, but no sound came again. He turned around,
>> > >>>>gripping his
>>
>> > >>>>cane like a weapon in one hand.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Hello," he said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>No response came. He turned back towards the house and as he
>> > >>>>walked, Ayden felt his back tingle. It was the sensation he
>> > >>>>felt as
>> >
>> > >>>>a child when terrified, feeling a presence behind him. He was
>> > >>>>thirty-years-old now, he chided himself. Forcing himself to
>> > >>>>walk calmly back into the house, he reached the French doors
>> > >>>>and entered.
>> >
>> > >>>>As he went to shut the doors, a soft shuffle started in the
>> > >>>>darkness
>> >
>> > >>>>again. It could have been the long dead foliage of the garden
>> > >>>>rustling in the breeze, but Ayden couldn't be sure. Placing
>> > >>>>himself
>> >
>> > >>>>in the doorway again, the noise instantly stopped.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Slamming the door and locking it, Ayden flew to the stairs,
>> > >>>>taking
>>
>> > >>>>three steps at a time. Heart pounding, blood rushing in his
>> > >>>>ears,
>>
>> > >>>>Ayden felt a cool breeze cut through the stuffy air of the
>> > >>>>bedroom.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Danmit, he swore to himself. They had opened windows before
>> > >>>>going
>>
>> > >>>>to bed, hoping to air out their lodgings for the night.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma still was sleeping peacefully on the bed. He sat on the
>> > >>>>bed
>>
>> > >>>>resting his head on the large carved headboard, listening.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Crickets chirped outside and the breeze rustled the leaves of
>> > >>>>trees from time to time. Salma continued her snoring as Ayden
>> > >>>>waited to hear the shuffle again or a step on the stairs, but
>> > >>>>nothing came. He relaxed after fifteen minutes of his vigilante
>> > >>>>watch.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Laying back down on the bed, one arm behind his head, he smiled
>> > >>>>when
>> >
>> > >>>>Salma threw an arm across his chest. Thinking only of Salma by
>> > >>>>now,
>> >
>> > >>>>Ayden drifted back off to sleep.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>The second time Ayden woke he knew where he was, but something
>> > >>>>was
>>
>> > >>>>not right. Salma still snored next to him as he spooned her,
>> > >>>>but an
>> >
>> > >>>>acrid odor filled his nostrils. A loud crack made him bolt up
>> > >>>>in bed.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Salma! There's a fire!" He shook her until she woke up.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"We need to get out of here," Ayden shouted as she slowly
>> > >>>>regained
>>
>> > >>>>conscienceness.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden flew to the open door. Smoke filled his nose and made
>> > >>>>his eyes water. "Salma, I can't tell if we can make it down
>> > >>>>the stairs."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Standing next to him, she said, "All I can see is smoke. Can
>> > >>>>we jump out the window?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"We're on the second floor. It's pretty high up."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Now across the room, Salma cry, "Oh-my-god! Ayden!"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"What?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I can see flames around the base of the house."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Shit." Trying to think, Ayden gathered up the sheet from the
>> > >>>>bed. Dousing it with water from bottles purchased the night
>> > >>>>before, he threw the sheet in Salma's direction. "Wrap
>> > >>>>yourself in this."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Why?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Just do it."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over
>> > >>>>his broad shoulder. Grabbing his cane by the door, he moved
>> > >>>>into the hallway. Hoping the shirt tied around his face would
>> > >>>>keep out smoke,
>> >
>> > >>>>Ayden ran to the top of the stairs. Despite the situation,
>> > >>>>Ayden could not help notice the harlequin-romance-like
>> > >>>>predicament.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>He heard Salma say something, but her face was muffled and he
>> > >>>>could not understand her. Tucking his cane underneath his arm,
>> > >>>>he
>>
>> > >>>>groped the banister which still seemed intact. Finally
>> > >>>>reaching the bottom, he found his way to the front door and
>> > >>>>opened it.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>A rush of fresh air greeted him. Feeling heat, he hoped they
>> > >>>>could make it off the porch. At the porch steps, panicked, he
>> > >>>>placed Salma upright again. She struggled to loosen the sheet
>> > >>>>around her.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Are the flames here too?" Ayden asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"No, but there coming from behind."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>At the end of the drive, Ayden dialed 911 on his phone.
>> > >>>>Neighbors
>>
>> > >>>>could be heard coming from their own houses. A few ran up to
>> > >>>>Ayden and Salma asking if they were okay.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Standing at a distance, the flames roared. Salma held his hand
>> > >>>>as
>>
>> > >>>>they waited in silence for the sound of sirens.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden rested on the back bumper of Sheriff Jenkins's police
>> > >>>>cruiser.
>> >
>> > >>>>The mid-morning sun warmed his face. Still shirtless, a
>> > >>>>blanket draped his shoulders. A gritty smudge crossed his
>> > >>>>forehead and he
>>
>> > >>>>could still smell the smoke embracing his body.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Once the firemen had extinguished the fire, Sheriff Jenkins and
>> > >>>>his deputy, a man about Ayden's age, drove Salma and Ayden to
>> > >>>>the police
>> >
>> > >>>>station. Each gave a report before Ayden's father was
>> > >>>>contacted.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water. He gulped
>> > >>>>the
>>
>> > >>>>cool liquid down as she rested her head against his shoulder.
>> > >>>>Sniffing her hair laced with the jasmine and vanilla scent and
>> > >>>>smoke, Ayden protectively placed an arm around her.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Ayden," Salma said in quiet surprise, "Alice Madison's here."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden pulled the blanket closed as he waited for Alice to
>> > >>>>approach.
>> >
>> > >>>>A new scent filled his nostrils. This too smelled of flowers,
>> > >>>>but
>>
>> > >>>>it was not the framiliar scent Salma wore. Through the fog of
>> > >>>>his
>>
>> > >>>>brain, he tried to place where he had smelled this before.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I'm glad you two are alright," Alice spoke quietly. "I can't
>> > >>>>believe this. Do you need anything?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Thank you, but we're okay," Salma said warmly.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Pete phoned me this morning-"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Sheriff Jenkins? Why?" Ayden asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Alice didn't respond.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Waiting for an answer, Ayden finally recognized the flower
>> > >>>>scent that had lingered in the closet where he and Salma had
>> > >>>>found bed linens.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Alice, did you visit the house after we left you yesterday?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Alice made a suppressed-sounding noise. She never answered and
>> > >>>>before Ayden could ask anything else, her muffled footsteps
>> > >>>>padded
>>
>> > >>>>on the grass as she walked briskly away.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Ayden?" Salma puzzled.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Her perfume, it's the same smell I noticed in the closet last
>> > >>>>night."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Ayden, that's where I found the letter too," Salma whispered.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden heard the swish of grass as someone else walked towards
>> > >>>>them.
>> >
>> > >>>>It was His father, Nick.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Are you crazy?" Nick asked, bewildered.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I'm fine. Nice to see you too, Dad."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Nick let out a long breath before saying, "Your mother and I
>> > >>>>went crazy when we heard what happened. We're glad you're
>> > >>>>okay."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Is the house ruined?" Ayden asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma shifted and sat upright next to Ayden.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"It's mostly the garden that was ruined, but there is damage to
>> > >>>>the house."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden felt his chest tighten. The garden had been His
>> > >>>>grandmother's
>> >
>> > >>>>favorite place. Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways
>> > >>>>and tall bushes as she tended to her beloved flowers.
>> > >>>>Interrupting his thoughts, he heard a shuffling footstep
>> > >>>>approach. Another memory pushed itself front and center in his
>> > >>>>mind. As Sheriff Jenkins stopped his pace, Ayden gave a hard
>> > >>>>look in the direction of the noise.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Tom says it will take a few weeks to get reports back, but
>> > >>>>there is
>> >
>> > >>>>some structural damage to the house, Nick," the sheriff said.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Taken any midnight strolls to clear your mind lately?" Ayden
>> > >>>>directed to Sheriff Jenkins.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>No one spoke. Salma gripped his hand.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Any reason why you'd call Alice Madison early this morning?"
>> > >>>>Ayden asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Drop it," Nick hissed.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Thrown off by his father's tone, Ayden squeezed Salma's hand,
>> > >>>>unsure
>> >
>> > >>>>what to do.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I'm sure we're all tired and need to collect our thoughts,"
>> > >>>>Sheriff
>> >
>> > >>>>Jenkins said. "Maybe you ought to take these two home, Nick."
>> > >>>>He
>>
>> > >>>>shuffled off.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden sat in front of the computer. A humming buzz issued from
>> > >>>>the speakers as Ayden worked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Still working?" Salma asked from behind.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden leaned his head back against her stomach. She was
>> > >>>>wrapped in a large soft towel. Remembering last night, he
>> > >>>>slipped his hand through the folds, but she turned swiftly
>> > >>>>away, laughing.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>It had not been the first night one of them slept over at the
>> > >>>>other's apartment, but it had been their first time together.
>> > >>>>Excitement had rushed over Ayden, but it had not felt awkward.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma spewed a torrent of Spanish at him, and he chuckled.
>> > >>>>"That just turns me on more."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"I called you a great big moron whose brain is tiny like his-"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Doesn't matter. Still sounds sexy."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma whipped another towel at him before scampering to the
>> > >>>>bedroom.
>> >
>> > >>>>Turning back to his work, Ayden decided to check his email.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>As he clicked on the necessary links using Hotkey commands, he
>> > >>>>thought over the past few weeks.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden had told his father what happened, but Nick said that
>> > >>>>everything was circumstantial. Ayden knew this, but he also
>> > >>>>knew he
>> >
>> > >>>>had opened something up. Something that had been meant to
>> > >>>>remain secret. Nick refused to open any investigation and he
>> > >>>>remained tight-lipped.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>The fire was officially reported as an unknown accident since
>> > >>>>no evidence, either way, had been found determining a cause.
>> > >>>>This, at least, was how the police report read. Ayden, though,
>> > >>>>had inquired into the fire-chief's report. It too was
>> > >>>>inconclusive, but this report did mention that a match book had
>> > >>>>been found near the premises. Salma had advised him to wait
>> > >>>>before attempting any
>>
>> > >>>>further investigation. She was worried about him. Unsure if
>> > >>>>the fire had been an accident or not, he agreed with her.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>She had been the reason he was able to let the weeks slip by
>> > >>>>without
>> >
>> > >>>>searching for more clues. Once they had returned to the city a
>> > >>>>couple of days after the fire, Ayden had found the courage to
>> > >>>>express his budding feelings towards her.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>They had sat on the couch talking; a typical Friday night for
>> > >>>>them, except this time Ayden could feel a growing anticipation
>> > >>>>between them.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma had stood to get another beer from the kitchen when Ayden
>> > >>>>reached for her wrist. His large palm had felt bigger next to
>> > >>>>her
>>
>> > >>>>slim wrist. Both had stared silently at one another. Ayden,
>> > >>>>thinking he would win this game since he couldn't see, broke
>> > >>>>first.
>> >
>> > >>>>Grinning with a smirk, he had pulled Salma to him and kissed
>> > >>>>her.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Weeks later, their routine was continued as normal, yet
>> > >>>>something was different. They had transitioned into this new
>> > >>>>element with ease, as though it were meant to be. Their
>> > >>>>friendship was strengthened by the new romance.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Still reminiscing, Ayden did not recognize the name given for
>> > >>>>the first email he came across. Opening it up, he read the
>> > >>>>following:
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>I'm glad you have stopped your investigation. It is best to
>> > >>>>let the
>> >
>> > >>>>dead rest. Enjoy your new love and look only towards the
>> > >>>>future.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>There was no signature. Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field,
>> > >>>>but the only information this provided was
>> > >>>><mailto:aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.>
>> > >>>>aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Ayden's pulse quickened. Hearing Salma pad lightly back into
>> > >>>>the room, he closed the window he was in. He thought it was
>> > >>>>best to not
>> >
>> > >>>>alarm her just yet.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Wann' stay here again tonight?" he asked.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"You know, we live across the hall from one another. Should we
>> > >>>>just
>> >
>> > >>>>make this permanent?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Sure you can live with a guy?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Well, I guess if it's you I can."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>He lunged for her, but she ran giggling across the room.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"This is the great thing about dating a blind guy, he can't
>> > >>>>catch me."
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>"Oh yeah?"
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>Salma shrieked as he flung his body across her path, blocking
>> > >>>>her dash to the bedroom. Holding Salma close against him,
>> > >>>>wrapping her in a bear hug, Ayden knew this was just the
>> > >>>>beginning.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>_______________________________________________
>> > >>>>Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>> > >>>> <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>stylist mailing list
>> > >>>>stylist at nfbnet.org
>> > >>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>> > >>>>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
>> > >>>>info for stylist:
>> > >>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/lists%
>> > >>>>40b
>> > >>>>ra
>> > >>>>ddunsemusic.com
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>__________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of
>> > >>>>virus signature database 5555 (20101022) __________
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
>> > >>>>
>> > >>>>http://www.eset.com
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Brad Dunse
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I'll remember. Involve
>> > >>>me, and
>> >
>> > >>>I'll learn
>> > >>>
>> > >>>E Mail: brad at braddunsemusic.com
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Website: http://www.braddunsemusic.com
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1464323555
>> > >>>
>> > >>>Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/braddunse
>> > >>>
>> > >>>MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/braddunse
>> > >>>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>_______________________________________________
>> > >>>Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>> > >>><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>> > >>>
>> > >>>stylist mailing list
>> > >>>stylist at nfbnet.org
>> > >>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>> > >>>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
>> > >>>info for
>> >
>> > >>>stylist:
>> > >>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/jbron%4
>> > >>>0op
>> > >>>to
>> > >>>nline.net
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>_______________________________________________
>> > >>Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>> > >><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>> > >>
>> > >>stylist mailing list
>> > >>stylist at nfbnet.org
>> > >>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>> > >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>> > >>for
>> > >> stylist:
>> >
>> >>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/lists%40br
>> >>add
>> > >>unsemusic.com
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>__________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus
>> > >>signature database 5555 (20101022) __________
>> > >>
>> > >>The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
>> > >>
>> > >>http://www.eset.com
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Brad Dunse
>> > >
>> > > If you repeat yourself
>> > > Repeat yourself
>> > > Repeat yourself
>> > > You might be a songwriter. --Anonymous
>> > >
>> > > E Mail: brad at braddunsemusic.com
>> > >
>> > > Website: http://www.braddunsemusic.com
>> > >
>> > > Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1464323555
>> > >
>> > > Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/braddunse
>> > >
>> > > MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/braddunse
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > _______________________________________________
>> > > Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>> > > <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>> > >
>> > > stylist mailing list
>> > > stylist at nfbnet.org
>> > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>> > > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>> > > for
>> > > stylist:
>> > >
>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/priscilla.mck
>> > > inley%40gmail.com
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------
>> >
>> >_______________________________________________
>> >stylist mailing list
>> >stylist at nfbnet.org
>> >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>> >
>> >
>> >End of stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 45
>> >***************************************
>> >
>> >
>> >_______________________________________________
>> >Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>> ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>> >
>> >stylist mailing list
>> >stylist at nfbnet.org
>> >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>> >To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>> >for
>> >stylist:
>>
>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/n6yr%40sunflow
>> >er.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>------------------------------
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>stylist mailing list
>>stylist at nfbnet.org
>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>>
>>
>>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
>>stylist at nfbnet.org
>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>stylist:
>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/n6yr%40sunflo
wer.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
> <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>
> stylist mailing list
> stylist at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> stylist:
>
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/jbron%40optonli
ne.net
>
------------------------------
_______________________________________________
stylist mailing list
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End of stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 51
***************************************
_______________________________________________
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http://www.nfb-writers-division.org <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
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