[stylist] Problems with list
Bridgit Pollpeter
bpollpeter at hotmail.com
Sun Oct 24 19:27:14 UTC 2010
Jean,
That is exactly what I am experiencing too. Even in MS Outlook, Stylist
emails open slowly and JAWS begins reading with a delay and at times,
JAWS stops all together.
Bridgit
-----Original Message-----
From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of stylist-request at nfbnet.org
Sent: Sunday, October 24, 2010 9:00 AM
To: stylist at nfbnet.org
Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 58
Send stylist mailing list submissions to
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When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than
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Today's Topics:
1. list trouble (Jean Parker)
2. Re: synopsis (Judith Bron)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Sun, 24 Oct 2010 16:25:45 +0530
From: "Jean Parker" <radioforever at gmail.com>
To: <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [stylist] list trouble
Message-ID: <3B5D78CA475C424E9E5EDAD256438589 at jean1ca8e1ee6b>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Dear All:
I am having similar problems with the list. It opens slowly and Jaws
seems to have a delayed response while reading. Since I recently joined
the list I thought it was just how the list was configured. However,
since others are having problems there must be something amiss with the
list itself?
Jean
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Sun, 24 Oct 2010 10:04:12 -0400
From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net>
To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] synopsis
Message-ID: <D14255459BDA41CDA98B23DD0A39EFEA at dell5150>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
reply-type=original
Thanks, Bridget. I did another one last night that Joe liked. Yes,
writing
a synopsis is harder than writing the novel. Thanks again, Judith
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bridgit Pollpeter" <bpollpeter at hotmail.com>
To: <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, October 24, 2010 1:03 AM
Subject: [stylist] synopsis
> Judith,
>
> I agree with your friend about the concise package a synopsis should
> present, but I have heard lots and lots of published writers say that
> writing a synopsis was the most difficult part of the process.
>
> I do think you need to really flesh out the essential elements of the
> plot so you can create a 3 to 6 para synopsis, but just because you
> spent time slaving over your novel does not mean a synopsis should be
> a breeze.
>
> I still really like the first para you have been using in your
> synopsis because it is intriguing and makes me want to know more. I
> don't think you will be able to include every character and plot twist
> though.
>
> Because your writing is solid, I know you will get it. Good luck.
>
> Bridgit
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org]
> On Behalf Of stylist-request at nfbnet.org
> Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 9:05 PM
> To: stylist at nfbnet.org
> Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 52
>
>
> 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. Fw: For Moshe-synopsis (Judith Bron)
> 2. Re: Fw: For Moshe-synopsis (Joe Orozco)
> 3. Re: Detective short comments (Priscilla McKinley)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2010 21:26:06 -0400
> From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net>
> To: Stylist <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [stylist] Fw: For Moshe-synopsis
> Message-ID: <82225B570B044156A13A201AB7B04454 at dell5150>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
> reply-type=original
>
> I just got this from a close family friend who got a PHD in education
> and spent many years teaching English and history in the public
> schools. I thought you would be interested in his feedback on a
> synopsis. Judith
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <schulgasser at juno.com>
> To: <jbron at optonline.net>
> Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 9:03 PM
> Subject: Re: For Moshe-synopsis
>
>
>> Not necessarily, in answer to your question about telling the ending.
>>
>> A synopsis doesn't have to be more than 3-6 paragraphs, describing
>> the character and outlining the problem or struggle.
>>
>> As reported to Barbara from Moshe.
>>
>> ____________________________________________________________
>> BEWARE: Penny Auction SCAM
>> Can you really get a Macbook for $23.86? You WON'T believe what
>> we found!
>> http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4cc3861c9714644d8aest05vuc
>>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2010 21:41:21 -0400
> From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com>
> To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [stylist] Fw: For Moshe-synopsis
> Message-ID: <92A6425CCDD64ABE8CBF79446C4D69BB at Rufus>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> If you're going to confine yourself to the 6-paragraph maximum your
> friend recommends, you're going to have to feel completely confident
> that the description of both characters is teased out to a
> satisfactory lure for your
> editorial audience. The most recent draft of the synopsis you
provided
> was
> leagues better than the first one you shared, but, never mind what we
> say.
> You're never going to please every subscriber here, and there's going
to
> come a point when you have to feel confident in it yourself. I've
been
> honest in my feedback up to this point. To that end, I don't buy the
> notion
> that you're good at writing a novel but don't feel good about writing
a
> synopsis. If the novel is a good one, the synopsis should write
itself.
> If
> you're still feeling cautious, perhaps you should return to the novel
> and
> figure out what it is that's keeping you from putting together a
summary
> that isn't so meandering. I think you want to aim for a synopsis that
> storms through the door, grabs the reader by the shirt and says,
"look,
> bitch, here's my story, and you're going to like it!" LOL I really
> liked
> that bit I found on the Internet about your novel. This most recent
> revision is good, but I want to hear you as the author feel 110
percent
> positive that this is a story youth are going to want to pick up and
the
> publisher would be foolish not to add to its collection.
>
> All of this having been said, I want you to remind me of this positive
> spirit when I start collecting rejection letters on my own work in
> progress. It's far easier said than done, and I don't want my blunt
> opinions to in any
> way discourage you from the notion that you are a great writer.
> Ultimately,
> stop second-guessing yourself. Sit down, write it well, and then go
for
> a
> slam dunk. If this publisher doesn't like, there are many others.
>
> Best,
>
> Joe
>
> "Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their
> sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at
> all."--Sam Ewing
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org]
> On Behalf Of Judith Bron
> Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 9:26 PM
> To: Stylist
> Subject: [stylist] Fw: For Moshe-synopsis
>
> I just got this from a close family friend who got a PHD in education
> and spent many years teaching English and history in the public
> schools. I thought you would be interested in his feedback on a
> synopsis. Judith
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <schulgasser at juno.com>
> To: <jbron at optonline.net>
> Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 9:03 PM
> Subject: Re: For Moshe-synopsis
>
>
>> Not necessarily, in answer to your question about telling the ending.
>>
>> A synopsis doesn't have to be more than 3-6 paragraphs,
> describing the
>> character and outlining the problem or struggle.
>>
>> As reported to Barbara from Moshe.
>>
>> ____________________________________________________________
>> BEWARE: Penny Auction SCAM
>> Can you really get a Macbook for $23.86? You WON'T
> believe what we
>> found!
>> http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4cc3861c9714644d8aest05vuc
>>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
> <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>
> stylist mailing list
> stylist at nfbnet.org
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> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> stylist:
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> o%40gmail.com
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2010 21:04:59 -0500
> From: Priscilla McKinley <priscilla.mckinley at gmail.com>
> To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [stylist] Detective short comments
> Message-ID:
> <AANLkTi=XR38PXinCgnwDao4RvMMvWykdj8mFKu4f=Pnz at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> i like the idea of Alice being the murderer and the sheriff finding
> out but wanting to protect her for some reason, but not because she is
> his mother. Perhaps because he liked her himself? Giving ages would
> help here, I think. I thought of Alice and the sheriff as being
> around the same age. The murder could have been an accident, but
> Alice never would have been able to prove that in court, so the
> sheriff closed the case and ruled the death an accident. Nick knew
> about the love affair between his father and Alice, but knew that his
> father was very happy with Alice, happier than he had ever been with
> his own mother, Lucy, so he kept quiet as well. Even though he didn't
> have any real proof that Alice was guilty, Nick had always suspected
> her.
>
> I think bringing in too many coincidences and hidden relationships can
> hurt a story. In addition, I don't like the idea of some outsider. If
> the killer is going to be an outsider, like a librarian, I think the
> person has to be around throughout the story, even if just seen, not
> heard.
>
> Just my thoughts,
>
> Priscilla
>
>
>
> On 10/23/10, Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net> wrote:
>> What Solitude? Ayden is a writer, a lawyer and probably some other
> things.
>> He is romanticly involved with Selma. He's the story's hero. Judith
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "James H. "Jim" Canaday M.A. N6YR" <n6yr at sunflower.com>
>> To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 2:31 AM
>> Subject: Re: [stylist] Detective short comments
>>
>>
>>> Hi Bridgid,
>>> well wow,
>>> I actually hadn't crossed the bridge that they were so to speak
> related.
>>> small town conspiracy crossed my mind too.
>>> others in the town jealous of Henry's wealth and success with
>>> women,
> note
>>>
>>> sheriff's comments on this issue, and maybe a group who sat together
> at
>>> the corner bar every saturday night just got mad with some alcohol
>>> in their brains, decided to teach that rich playboy a lesson,
>>> especially since he was playing around with alice their small town
>>> girl, too?
>>>
>>>
>>> or, what
>>> if henry himself burned down the home? no, I'm notgoing into
> creature
>>> feature here!
>>>
>>> but perhaps he was threatened by one of those jealous townsmen, or a
>>> brother of one of his mistresses? so he faked his own death. then
>>> with ayden snooping around he had to stop him to save his own
> life
>>> and keep the secret?
>>> but he did it in such a way that he hoped that his grandson would
> escape?
>>> okay, far enough afield?
>>>
>>> basically your story is great.
>>> give ayden a little pleasure early on, give him a love for classical
>>> music, or some other pleasure he can enjoy in in his solitude. jc
>>>
>>> At 01:23 AM 10/23/2010, you wrote:
>>>>JC,
>>>>
>>>>Some more great ideas to consider. I like the one about a relative
> of
>>>>Salma's being Henry's lover. That would make for an interesting
> twist!
>>>>Oooh, and Salma and Ayden are related? Too far! *smile*
>>>>
>>>>I actually, at one point, considered making it a small town
> conspiracy
>>>>or even a Lottery-like ending, but I would like to keep it a bit
> more
>>>>realistic than that, at least that is how I feel right now! *smile*
>>>>
>>>>Bridgit
>>>>
>>>>-----Original Message-----
>>>>From: stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org]
> On
>>>>Behalf Of stylist-request at nfbnet.org
>>>>Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 12:25 AM
>>>>To: stylist at nfbnet.org
>>>>Subject: stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 47
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Send stylist mailing list submissions to
>>>> stylist at nfbnet.org
>>>>
>>>>To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>>>>or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>>>> stylist-request at nfbnet.org
>>>>
>>>>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
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>>>> > > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
> info
>>>> > > for
>>>> > > stylist:
>>>> > >
>>>>
>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/jbron%40opton
>>l
>>>> >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/>
>>>> > >>
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> info
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>>>d
>>>> >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
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>>>> > >
>>>> > > _______________________________________________
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>>l
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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=259244
>>3
>>>> >7
>>>> >4
>>>> >
>>>> >Check out the "Sound in Sight" CD project
>>>> >Donna is Head of Media Relations for the nonprofit Performing Arts
>>>> >Division of the National Federation of the Blind: www.padnfb.org
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >On 10/22/2010 12:15 PM, Bridgit Pollpeter wrote:
>>>> > > Hey guys,
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Since I shared the first draft with you lot, I thought I would
> share
>>>>
>>>> > > my revision. Again, I am not a detective fiction writer, nor
>>>> > > do
> I
>>>> > > wish to be, but after your comments and my class workshop, I
> have
>>>> > > made
>>>> >
>>>> > > some changes.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > My fiction, unfortunately, is not as good as my nonfiction, but
> I do
>>>>
>>>> > > like my two main characters. I would like to continue
>>>> > > something with them.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Enjoy!
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Bridgit
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Sense of Murder
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden sat in his father's leather wingback chair rolling a
>>>> > > large
> key
>>>>
>>>> > > between his fingers. The metal key had been cold, but now was
>>>> > > warmed by his hands. He gripped the key in his palm and rubbed
> a
>>>> > > thumb across the rough , rusty surface. A few weeks ago, Ayden
> had
>>>> > > merely been researching the mysterious death of his grandfather
> for
>>>> > > a book he
>>>> >
>>>> > > was writing. Now, he sat among items wondering if his
> grandfather
>>>> > > had
>>>> >
>>>> > > been murdered.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden's father had found Ayden's grandfather lying at the
>>>> > > bottom
> of
>>>> > > the staircase in his home. His father never spoke about the
>>>> > > incident after reporting it to the police. His father was
> allowing
>>>> > > Ayden and Salma to search through any items he kept though.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > For years there had been whispers of foul play, but no one ever
>>>> > > spoke about the rumors. The official ruling was that Henry
>>>> > > Templeton, Ayden's grandfather, had accidently fallen down the
>>>> > > stairs. Other than the vicious gossip, there didn't seem to be
> any
>>>> > > reason to think otherwise until Ayden began researching his
>>>> > > grandfather's life. A few
>>>> >
>>>> > > weeks of poking around Henry Templeton's past, Ayden received a
>>>> > > mysterious email.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you
>>>> > > stop your investigation immediately. Heartache and harm can
>>>> > > only
> befall
>>>> > > you
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Alarmed, but intrigued, Ayden picked up his research with new
>>>> > > fervor. Now he and his friend and neighbor, Salma, sat in his
>>>> > > father's
>>>> >
>>>> > > large office surrounded by books and papers searching for clues
> that
>>>>
>>>> > > may indicate a reason why his grandfather would have been
> murdered.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "So what's next?" Salma asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Tapping the key in his palm, Ayden said, "I'm not sure. This
> letter
>>>>
>>>> > > says a lot."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden closed his eyes thinking on this letter. It was
>>>> > > evidence, even if circumstantial, that suggested, if his
>>>> > > grandmother knew about it, she could have killed Henry.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > People had said his grandmother, Lucy, had been distracted and
>>>> > > irritable a couple of weeks before his grandfather's death.
> When
>>>> > > his father found Henry at the bottom of the stairs, the only
> other
>>>> > > person present had been his grandmother. Stunned by the event,
> his
>>>> > > father had placed Lucy in a nursing home.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > There was a pause then paper crackled before Salma spoke.
>>>> > > "It's pretty clear from this letter that your grandfather was
>>>> > > having
> an
>>>> > > affair. I wonder if we can figure out these initials, A. W."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden shut his eyes again, thinking, trying to remember anyone
> he
>>>> > > had ever met with A. W. for initials. "I don't know," he
> sighed.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > As Ayden and Salma leafed through pictures and notes, they had
> found
>>>>
>>>> > > an old copy of Wuthering Heights.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden remembered the year his grandfather had given the third
>>>> > > edition book to his grandmother for Christmas. His grandmother
> had
>>>> > > sat unwrapping the gift, then exclaimed, "Oh," before looking
>>>> > > up with tears in her eyes. Wuthering Heights had always been
>>>> > > her favorite novel. Lucy had been the one person to encourage
>>>> > > Ayden
> to
>>>> > > follow his dream and take up writing instead of joining the
> family
>>>> > > law firm. "You're meant to follow your own path," Lucy had told
>>>> > > Ayden once.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > After an accident had left Ayden blind, his father had refused
> to
>>>> > > believe Ayden could handle the work of a litigator, but Lucy
>>>> > > had never
>>>> >
>>>> > > doubted his ability to do anything.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Now, Ayden and Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of
>>>> > > the book;
>>>> >
>>>> > > a letter suggesting a secret Ayden never knew about.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden touched the thick, but stiff piece of paper and held it
> out to
>>>>
>>>> > > Salma to inspect. She told him the letter appeared old, but
>>>> > > not
> as
>>>> > > old as the book. A few of the torn edges of the letter were
> turning
>>>>
>>>> > > yellow. The letter was simple as she read:
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Henry, my love,
>>>> > >
>>>> > > I can not wait to see you again. I hoped and when I saw you
> coming
>>>> > > down the road, my heart leaped. I still feel your touch. How
> much
>>>> > > longer must we wait? Please, my darling, give me what I ask
> before
>>>> > > it
>>>> >
>>>> > > is too late.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Love, A. W.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > When Ayden's father found Henry's body, Lucy had gone wild,
>>>> > > screaming,
>>>> >
>>>> > > unable to leave Henry's lifeless body.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Gossips spread the news, sweeping far and wide. Lucy was
>>>> > > crazy, they said. She went mad, she killed her husband. It
>>>> > > was juicy, just what a small town needed.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > The police never looked into the possibility, but Lucy died
>>>> > > with
> a
>>>> > > black mark attached to her memory.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden never believed that his grandmother would hurt anyone.
> She
>>>> > > had been fond of Ayden, and she never treated him like his life
> was
>>>> > > over after the accident.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "What now? Where do we go next?" Salma asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden held the rusted, copper key up in front of him. "We
>>>> > > visit
> the
>>>>
>>>> > > old Templeton mansion."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > The Templeton mansion was the Victorian home his grandparents
> had
>>>> > > lived in. The family still owned it, but it had sat empty for
>>>> > > years.
>>>> >
>>>> > > Ayden thought that maybe more secrets were hidden within the
> walls
>>>> > > of the Templeton house, eager to be discovered.
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden sat in the car as Salma drove. Neither spoke as Ayden's
>>>> > > fingers
>>>> >
>>>> > > slid across the pages on his lap. Reading his Braille notes,
> Ayden
>>>> > > wondered where to start once they reached the small town where
> his
>>>> > > grandparents and father had grown up.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > His grandfather had started a small law firm in town, but
> eventually
>>>>
>>>> > > it grew. His grandparents had moved when Ayden's father, Nick,
> had
>>>> > > been ten.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Nick never spoke about his childhood though. Ayden really
> didn't
>>>> > > know
>>>> >
>>>> > > much about his family's past. His grandparents had moved back
> to
>>>> > > their old house once Nick took the firm over, but Ayden had
> rarely
>>>> > > visited the home. After his grandfather had died, Lucy, unable
> to
>>>> > > cope with his death, had moved into an upscale nursing home in
> the
>>>> > > City, and Nick left the house untouched.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > As the car slowed, Ayden looked up at Salma. "Are we there?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Yes. What's our first stop?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I'm figuring this out as we go along. I guess the police
>>>> > > station."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma was silent before saying, "You okay? I know your dad
> wasn't
>>>> > > happy when you asked about the letter."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > He remembered how Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling
> him ,
>>>> > > "Leave it alone. We don't dig up family history."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden had tried to coax him to say more, but the subject was
> closed.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Yeah. I wish he would have told us more. Explained
> something,"
>>>> > > Ayden said.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Maybe he just wants to keep your family secrets, well, secret.
>>>> > > Some people don't like giving out info about anything."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I just feel like he knows more than he's letting on."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "We'll find something. Don't worry."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma was always reassuring Ayden. She had become a constant
>>>> > > in
> his
>>>>
>>>> > > life. The only real constant he had. She had shown up one
>>>> > > day, knocking on his door, holding a dish in her hands,
>>>> > > offering
> Ayden
>>>> > > some
>>>> >
>>>> > > home made enchiladas. That had been the beginning of their
>>>> > > friendship. They had spent many nights talking until three in
> the
>>>> > > morning and hanging out on weekends. Salma was the one true
>>>> > > connection Ayden had to the outside world.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden never felt like he fit in his family's world of snobbish
>>>> > > dinner parties, elite country clubs and preferential treatment
> at
>>>> > > most Ivy League universities. After graduating from college,
> His
>>>> > > father had told him, "No one will ever respect a blind man in
> the
>>>> > > courtroom. Maybe the firm can bring you on as a researcher."
> Ayden
>>>> > > was tired of his father's attitude so he took a job writing for
> a
>>>> > > small magazine and left the family home.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Once moving away, he had become a recluse of sorts. He showed
> up to
>>>>
>>>> > > the office for work, attended cocktail parties required for
>>>> > > work
> and
>>>>
>>>> > > even dated a couple of girls, but Salma was the one person he
> truly
>>>> > > felt comfortable with. Her infectious way of always looking at
>>>> > > things
>>>> >
>>>> > > positively seemed like a novelty to Ayden. She could always
> make
>>>> > > him smile. When he began writing the book about Henry, Salma
> had
>>>> > > offered to assist in anyway she could.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I'm really glad you're here," Ayden said.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Yeah, yeah. I'm waiting for my pay check. My services don't
> come
>>>> > > free." Salma giggled as she pulled into a parking stall. "I
> think
>>>> > > we're here."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Thanks, again, for taking the day off to help."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Hey, I know you'd help me with stuff. It's all so
>>>> > > interesting;
> way
>>>>
>>>> > > more interesting than filling in for waiters who don't show up
> for
>>>> > > work."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "You aren't at work, who's filling in for you?" Ayden said
> grinning
>>>> > > at
>>>> >
>>>> > > her.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma smacked his arm. "That's the benefit of being the
>>>> > > owner's daughter."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > While Salma dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped
> his
>>>> > > cane along the brick walls looking for the door. Hearing the
>>>> > > difference from the cane tip tapping on brick to the clink of
> glass,
>>>>
>>>> > > he figured he found the door.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Yes," she answered rushing to catch up.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > They entered the quiet, almost lazy-like atmosphere of the
> police
>>>> > > station. Ayden moved towards the sound of clacking as some
>>>> > > one pressed keys on a computer keyboard with a practiced
>>>> > > efficiency. This, he thought, must be a reception desk.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Stepping up to a smooth feeling counter, Ayden said, "Excuse
> me."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Can I help you?" a woman's bored voice said.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "We were wondering if we can speak to some one who worked the
> Henry
>>>> > > Templeton case," Ayden said.
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > > The woman stopped typing and a long silence followed. "Who's
>>>> > > asking?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I'm Ayden Templeton, Henry's grandson."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "One minute." A chair creaked as the woman stood. Her shoes
>>>> > > clicked on the linoleum floor as she walked away.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma touched Ayden's arm. "She had a weird look when you
> mentioned
>>>>
>>>> > > your grandpa's name."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > As the receptionist returned, another footstep joined hers, but
> this
>>>>
>>>> > > person shuffled slightly.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > The person shuffled towards Salma, saying, "Hello. I'm Sheriff
>>>> > > Jenkins. How can I help you?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden stepped closer towards Salma, extending his arm to
>>>> > > Sheriff Jenkins. "I'm Ayden Templeton and this is Salma
>>>> > > Juarez. We
> have
>>>> > > some
>>>> >
>>>> > > questions about my grandfather's death."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > There was a pause before Sheriff Jenkins shook Ayden's hand.
> "Step
>>>> > > into my office please."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden followed the sheriff into a room off the main section of
> the
>>>> > > department. His cane swep the inside of the door frame,
> indicating
>>>> > > the width so Ayden avoided bumping into the edges of the frame.
>>>> > > Ayden
>>>> >
>>>> > > asked where a chair was and turned in the direction Captain
> Jenkins
>>>> > > indicated. Finding the chair with his cane, he felt Salma's arm
>>>> > > brush his as she sat next to him.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Can I get you anything?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "No, but thank you. Salma?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I'm good," Salma replied.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden felt a tension fill the room as the three sat there, not
>>>> > > speaking. Sheriff Jenkins began tapping the edge of the metal
> table
>>>> > > in
>>>> >
>>>> > > the interrogation room. Ayden twisted his cane between his
> fingers.
>>>>
>>>> > > Salma bobbed her foot which was lightly kicking Ayden's shin.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "We're hoping to learn as much as we can about Henry
>>>> > > Templeton's death. I'm researching the story for a novel I'm
>>>> > > working on,"
> Ayden
>>>> > > started.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I worked the case. There's not much to tell," Sheriff Jenkins
>>>> > > said.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I know you eventually reported it as an accidental death, but
> was
>>>> > > there ever any evidence suggesting otherwise?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "No. We questioned friends and family and there was no reason
> to
>>>> > > believe Henry Templeton was murdered," Sheriff Jenkins said
>>>> > > with
> an
>>>> > > edge to his tone.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden shifted his head towards Salma. Even though he had been
> blind
>>>>
>>>> > > for seven-years, Ayden still used visual gestures and body
> movement.
>>>>
>>>> > > "I know there was-uh-speculation that maybe my grandmother did
> it."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Lucy Baldwin? She never hurt anyone. We were all shocked
>>>> > > when
> she
>>>>
>>>> > > married Henry. She could have had anyone she wanted."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden leaned against the table looking straight in the
>>>> > > direction where
>>>> >
>>>> > > Sheriff Jenkins sat. "I thought Henry was a catch? Wouldn't
> most
>>>> > > have jumped at the chance to marry into the Templeton family?
> You
>>>> > > know, a lawyer from a wealthy family and all that."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "He was a playboy. Always was, never changed."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Who did you question about his death?" Salma broke in.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > The sheriff's chair creaked as he leaned back. "Well, of
>>>> > > course Lucy and her boy Nick. They were there. Found his body
>>>> > > and
> all."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden shot the sheriff a questioning glance. He was talking
> like he
>>>>
>>>> > > had forgot who Ayden was.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Then there was Zelda, the housekeeper, and Avery Mayer, he
>>>> > > came around about once a week to help Lucy with the lawn. She
>>>> > > loved
> her
>>>> > > garden. Her roses won prizes around here," Sheriff Jenkins
>>>> > > continued.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Anyone else?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Oh, his work associates, but Henry was retired so they didn't
> see
>>>> > > much of him anymore. Alice Madison , she had been his personal
>>>> > > secretary for years. She still did stuff part-time for Henry."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden had pulled out a three-by-five plastic device that had
>>>> > > six rows of cells containing three holes on each side of the
>>>> > > cells.
> A
>>>> > > pop-pop-pop sound was made as Ayden poked a pointed awl-like
> object
>>>> > > called a stylus through the holes as he took Braille notes.
> "Are
>>>> > > any of these people still around?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Not everyone had the same opportunities as the Templeton's to
> leave
>>>>
>>>> > > town. Other than Henry's work associates, I think most of them
>>>> > > still live around here. At least the one's who are still
> alive."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Is there anything else you can tell us? Was there anything
> strange
>>>>
>>>> > > you noticed? Any evidence that suggest something other than an
>>>> > > accidental tumble down the stairs?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > The sheriff laughed. "I know you city folk like to dream up
> seedy
>>>> > > happenings in small towns, but Henry Templeton's death was
> nothing
>>>> > > more than an accident. Nothing dark about it."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Thank you for your time," Ayden said extending his hand again
> to
>>>> > > shake Sheriff Jenkins's.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Sheriff Jenkins sighed. "Look, don't go digging anything up.
> Just
>>>> > > let the dead rest."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma's bracelet tinkled as they stood.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "We understand. I'm just trying to find things out about my
>>>> > > grandfather for the book. You know, no stone uncovered," Ayden
>>>> > > said.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Are you two married?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden, confused by the switch, replied, "No."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > The sheriff chuckled. "Like your grandpa, I see."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden blushed, but Salma said, "Ayden is nothing but a
> gentleman.
>>>> > > Clearly something he did not pick up in this town."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I know the kind of men the Templeton's are," the sheriff said.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Unsure of what to do, Ayden turned to leave.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "At least he has a better chance of touching what you have been
>>>> > > admiring this whole time," Salma snapped. She turned quickly,
>>>> > > fluttering Ayden's collar up as she rushed past.
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Back in the car, he said, "I'm sorry. I didn't know what to
> say."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "It's okay. He was a pig."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I didn't realize-"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I know, its okay. Where to next?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > He could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone. "The
> house, I
>>>> > > guess."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > As the car backed out into the silent street, Ayden wondered
>>>> > > why
> she
>>>>
>>>> > > had told Sheriff Jenkins what she had. Was it simply said in a
>>>> > > moment
>>>> >
>>>> > > of anger, or was there any truth in her words, he thought. He
> has a
>>>>
>>>> > > better chance of touching what you have been admiring. Ayden
> smiled
>>>>
>>>> > > as he thought of the possibilities with Salma.
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden stood before the house remembering the bright blue it had
> been
>>>>
>>>> > > during the few visits he had made during his childhood. The
> house
>>>> > > had
>>>> >
>>>> > > always stood out even among the street full of bright, cheery
> houses
>>>>
>>>> > > complete with emerald lawns and award winning gardens. The
>>>> > > Templeton house had a wrap-around porch with a veranda to the
> back
>>>> > > opening onto a large lawn complete with a British garden. Its
> three
>>>>
>>>> > > stories reaching majestically towards the sky.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden now gripped the rough, wooden railing of the house. The
> feel
>>>> > > of
>>>> >
>>>> > > the railing did not match his memory of the sleek, smooth dark
>>>> > > wooden banister. The stairs creaked as he stepped on them.
>>>> > > Reaching the porch, he felt a slight dip and quickly stepped
>>>> > > sideways in fear of falling through the porch. Children played
>>>> > > nearby and cars languidly drove down the street, but a strange
>>>> > > silence surrounded the house. It
>>>> >
>>>> > > was as though Ayden were underneath water trying to make out
>>>> > > the distant sounds. The scent of jasmine passed briefly
>>>> > > through his nose as Salma stood next to him.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "How does it look?" Ayden asked ignoring the scent.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma took a deep breath. "It's run down, that's for sure. I
> can't
>>>>
>>>> > > believe no one has lived here for years."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "My family still owns it, but after my grandfather's death, no
> one
>>>> > > wanted to do anything about it."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "So sad," Salma said quietly.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden placed his hand on the cold knob of the dilapidated
> Victorian
>>>> > > house. He dug in his pockets for the rusty key he had found in
> his
>>>> > > father's office. As he inserted the heavy key in the lock, a
> quiet
>>>> > > click was heard. Ayden pushed the solid door open. He looked
> in
>>>> > > Salma's direction before stepping inside. Shutting the door,
> the
>>>> > > house engulfed all sound like a tomb.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Creepy," Salma said as she shivered.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden walked forward tapping his long white cane, arcing wide
>>>> > > so
> as
>>>> > > to
>>>> >
>>>> > > not run into anything. Dust filled the air and Ayden coughed
>>>> > > as
> he
>>>> > > inhaled.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "This has been sitting for years," Ayden rasped. "What's it
> look
>>>> > > like?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "It's really dark, but it's almost completely empty. What do
> you
>>>> > > think you'll find?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I'm not sure. Sheriff Jenkins wasn't much help. I just
> thought,
>>>> > > maybe something."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma's sandals clipped-clopped as she walked over to a window
> to
>>>> > > open
>>>> >
>>>> > > it. "Well, if we are going to be here long we need fresh air."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden felt a rush of summer breeze as the window clambered up.
> The
>>>> > > sound of kids playing ruined the house's stolid silence. Life
>>>> > > entered
>>>> >
>>>> > > the house again as Ayden began to feel around searching for any
>>>> > > clue.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls and any remaining
>>>> > > furniture, hoping to find something, anything. Making his
>>>> > > progression
>>>> >
>>>> > > from room to room on the main floor, he heard Salma's muffled
>>>> > > footsteps overhead. He smiled to himself as He rifled through
>>>> > > drawers
>>>> >
>>>> > > and cupboards. So far his hands had only found dust and
> cobwebs.
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Ayden, Ayden!" Salma shouted a couple of hours later.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden hurried towards the staircase where Salma's voice echoed
> from.
>>>>
>>>> > > "Salma! Are you okay?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Get up here! I found something!"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden clambered up the grand staircase. Reaching the second
> floor,
>>>> > > he
>>>> >
>>>> > > shouted, "What room?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Um, it's a bedroom."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > He rolled his eyes. "Right." Hearing her voice off to his
> left,
>>>> > > Ayden moved down the hallway. At the end, he found a door
>>>> > > open.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Salma?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma's clapping sandals moved towards him.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Look at this," she said excitedly. Her bracelet tinkled and
> paper
>>>> > > crackled as she shoved something in Ayden's hand.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden grinned. "Um." He handed the paper back to Salma.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Oh-sorry. I just-you won't believe this."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > It was another letter; a love letter to Henry.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Henry, My love,
>>>> > >
>>>> > > I miss you. I grow restless with each day. I have waited
>>>> > > years
> to
>>>> > > be
>>>> >
>>>> > > with you, really be with you. Let's stop the pretending, stop
> the
>>>> > > lies. Don't be mad with me. I would do anything for you, but
>>>> > > we must stop hiding. There is no harm in this. I will wait to
> hear
>>>> > > from you,
>>>> >
>>>> > > but don't take long. If you don't choose me, I will marry Tom
>>>> > > Madison.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Love,
>>>> > >
>>>> > > A. W.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma rushed through the letter almost in one breath. Ayden
>>>> > > was
> not
>>>>
>>>> > > quite sure what her excitement was for.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "We already know Henry was having an affair of sorts," he said.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma sighed impatiently. "Ayden, think about it. Don't you
> see?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Not really," he said slowly.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > She grabbed his wrist. Her slender fingers gripped him with a
>>>> > > strength Ayden would not have guessed at. She moved in closer
> and
>>>> > > once again, Ayden took in the scent of jasmine. This time he
>>>> > > smelled something else with it. Vanilla, he thought. Salma
> shook
>>>> > > his arm slightly, her tinkling crystal bracelet grazing his
> wrist,
>>>> > > bringing him back to attention.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Ayden, A. W. Don't you see it yet?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "A. W.?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "The initials," she said exasperated, "A. W. It's Alice
> Madison."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Who's Alice Madison?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma smacked her forehead. "Ay-where are your notes from
> today?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden pulled out the three-by-five note card from his back
> pocket.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Now read through it," Salma said as though talking to a small
>>>> > > child.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > A second passed and Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped
> and
>>>> > > looked sharply up at Salma.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "See?" Salma asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "You think A. W. and Alice Madison are the same person?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "It fits."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Henry's secretary. And Sheriff Jenkins said she's still
>>>> > > living
> in
>>>> > > town. She must have married this Madison guy."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Think we can find her?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Give me a minute," Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone
> tucked
>>>> > > away in his pocket. An electronic voice hummed from his phone
> as he
>>>>
>>>> > > maneuvered through the menus.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Got it. There's only one Alice Madison that shows up in
>>>> > > town."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Thank God for technology," Salma said. "No wonder no one
>>>> > > could ever solve this case."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden smirked at her. "Thank God for accessible technology.
> Come
>>>> > > on.
>>>> >
>>>> > > She doesn't live far from here and it's not too late."
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ten minutes later, they knocked on Alice Madison's door. Salma
>>>> > > described the house's well-kempt lawn and green exterior. She
> said
>>>> > > that flower boxes lined the windows and white shutters hung
>>>> > > from
> the
>>>>
>>>> > > upstair windows.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > The door opened and a woman's voice gasped, "Oh."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Mrs. Madison? I'm Ayden-"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Templeton," she said. "You look like Henry."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Smiling, Ayden said, "Mrs. Madison, this is my friend Salma.
> We're
>>>> > > working on a book about my grandfather, and we would like to
>>>> > > ask
> you
>>>>
>>>> > > some questions."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Oh, of course. Come in, come in."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > As the door shut behind Ayden and Salma, he smelled a flower
> scent
>>>> > > that he couldn't place and a clock ticked nearby. Alice
>>>> > > Madison ushered them into a sitting room off the entryway.
>>>> > > Salma sat
> next
>>>> > > to Ayden on the soft couch while Alice sat across from them.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Can I offer you anything? I just made lemonade."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "That would be wonderful," Salma said.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > As Alice left the room, Ayden turned towards Salma. "I'm
>>>> > > sorry,
> I
>>>> > > didn't even think to ask if you were hungry."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Hon, it's okay. I didn't think about it myself until now."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "We'll have dinner after this; I promise."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Promise?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden grinned as Alice returned. She placed an ice-cold glass
> in
>>>> > > Ayden's hand. Ice chinked against the side as he took a gulp.
> The
>>>> > > cold liquid felt good down his throat after the dust of the
>>>> > > Templeton house. He could only imagine how dirty he and Salma
>>>> > > looked. He felt the mingled grime of sweat and dirt on his
> body.
>>>> > > Why had it not occurred to them to stop somewhere first and
>>>> > > wash
> up,
>>>>
>>>> > > Ayden thought.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "So, what can I help you with? Henry was a dear friend and I
> miss
>>>> > > him. You must call me Alice."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Well, Alice, we specifically are interested in his death,"
> Ayden
>>>> > > said.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Alice coughed as she choked on her lemonade. "Why would you be
>>>> > > interested in that?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I believe that maybe his death wasn't accidental."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Oh dear, don't buy into those silly rumors. Pete Jenkins
> conducted
>>>>
>>>> > > a
>>>> >
>>>> > > thorough investigation and no foul play was to be hinted at."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "And yet the rumors persist," Ayden said.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Silly gossip. Housewives bored out of there minds."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "You know Sheriff Jenkins?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Darling, it's a small town; everybody knows everybody."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden sipped on his lemonade as Salma clicked her nails against
> the
>>>> > > side of her glass.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "We have reason to believe maybe there is more to the story,"
> Ayden
>>>> > > said. He affected his best courtroom demeanor. He had
>>>> > > observed
> his
>>>>
>>>> > > father like this hundreds of times.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Alice swirled ice chuncks around in her glass. Her voice had
> lost
>>>> > > some of its cheeriness when she responded by asking, "What
>>>> > > makes
> you
>>>>
>>>> > > say that?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > He found the love letter in a folder. Removing the Braille
> label,
>>>> > > he set it on the coffee table dividing them from Alice. "Did
> you
>>>> > > write this?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > The letter rustled as Alice picked it up. When she spoke, her
> voice
>>>>
>>>> > > sounded strained as though she were holding back tears.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Where did you find this?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "It was in some old boxes in the Templeton home," Salma said.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > A long silence followed in which Ayden heard Alice sniffling.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I suppose the truth has to come out sooner or later," Alice
> said
>>>> > > quietly.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "We don't need-a-details of anything, but is there any reason
>>>> > > to think
>>>> >
>>>> > > Henry was killed?" Ayden soothed.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Your grandfather hired me when I was eighteen," Alice began,
>>>> > > ignoring
>>>> >
>>>> > > him. "I instantly fell in love with him, but he was that type.
>>>> > > Dashingly handsome, charming to a fault. He was a few years
> older
>>>> > > than me, but I knew how all the girls waited for their chance
>>>> > > to rope Henry into marriage. I felt so lucky to see him
>>>> > > everyday.
> I
>>>> > > started out as a simple receptionist, but eventually he
>>>> > > promoted
> me
>>>> > > to his personal secretary."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Did you move with my grandparents then, when they moved?" he
> asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Alice sighed. "Yes, but after-things happened-I moved back. I
>>>> > > remained in his employ, working from the office here in town.
>>>> > > Before your father took charge, Henry's headquarters had always
> been
>>>>
>>>> > > based from here."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden nodded his head.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I never meant to hurt anyone. Things happened. Henry loved
>>>> > > us both,
>>>> >
>>>> > > Lucy and I. I tried to end it for years, but Henry always
> showed up
>>>>
>>>> > > with that smile of his. Then I tried to make him choose. I
>>>> > > should've
>>>> >
>>>> > > known better, but I was in love."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Alice spilled her story, hoping for redemption perhaps.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "The final straw came right before his death. We had carried
>>>> > > on
> for
>>>>
>>>> > > almost forty-years and I knew it had to stop. We fought. I
>>>> > > threatened to tell Lucy and that was that. He left me
>>>> > > promising
> to
>>>> > > choose. I waited for an answer, but a week later, Henry was
> found
>>>> > > dead."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Did you ever tell anyone?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "No."
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden and Salma stood by the car outside Alice's house. A
> breeze
>>>> > > tousled Ayden's hair and Salma gently combed her fingers
>>>> > > through
> his
>>>>
>>>> > > dark tresses.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Seems like all you Templeton men are irresistible," she said
>>>> > > teasingly.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Unsure of how to respond to her comment, he grinned, but before
> he
>>>> > > could make a remark, her car door clicked open. He slid into
> the
>>>> > > passenger seat, heart pounding.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "You promised me dinner," Salma whined playfully.
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Munching on diner-style hamburgers and fries, they took the
>>>> > > opportunity to relax.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "How come you didn't visit your grandparents much?" Salma
>>>> > > asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Not sure. Mom and Dad were always busy. Usually just my
> sister
>>>> > > and I came."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Did you ever notice anything between them then?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "No, but I was a kid."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "What about when you were older?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Naw, I was busy then too. After the accident, though, I spent
> more
>>>>
>>>> > > time with my grandma. She was the only one who treated me like
> me
>>>> > > still, but she died shortly after that."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I wish I could have met her."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "She would have liked you."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I always hated seeing my family all the time, but now I'm glad
>>>> > > we're so close."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Hey, let's walk around town." Ayden slid out of the vinyl
> booth
>>>> > > and paid at the register.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Meeting Salma out by the car, they moved towards the downtown
> area.
>>>> > > Salma kept up with Ayden's stride as his cane tapped from
>>>> > > side-to-side.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Sometimes I think it would be nice to live in a small town,"
> she
>>>> > > mused.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Really, you? Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," he
> joked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I could drive to the city. I don't know. It seems like a
>>>> > > nice place
>>>> >
>>>> > > to raise a family."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden had never heard Salma speak about wanting kids. As well
> as he
>>>>
>>>> > > knew her, he realized there was plenty he still had to learn.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will grow up to
> cheat,
>>>> > > lie and murder," he scoffed.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "We, huh?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden blushed, feeling the heat creep up his neck to his face.
> He
>>>> > > hadn't caught his blunder. He sputtered, but before he could
> make
>>>> > > sense of his words, Salma grabbed his hand.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Maybe we can live in the Templeton mansion," she said.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > They walked silently back to the car hand-in-hand.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "It's pretty late, what should we do?" Salma asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden flipped the crystal face of his watch up. Feeling the
> raised
>>>> > > dots and arrows, he said, "It's a quarter to eleven. I'm
>>>> > > beat."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Me too. I don't really feel like driving back tonight
>>>> > > though."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > He scratched his head. "I guess we can stay at
> casa-de-Templeton."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Okay, but no funny business," Salma joked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Sitting in the car, Ayden said, "By the way, unlike some men in
> my
>>>> > > family, I'm more of a one-woman type."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Good to know." Salma kissed his cheek.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden laced his fingers through hers.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I was wondering when you would make a move," she said.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden reached for her face and leaned in to kiss her. Her lips
> were
>>>>
>>>> > > smooth and tasted of cherry. Salma placed her hand on his face
> as
>>>> > > they held this pose for a minute.
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Back at the Templeton house, they stood on either side of the
>>>> > > king-size bed in the master bedroom.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Sure you don't want to sleep in another room?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Hell no! This house is creepy."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I thought you wanted to raise children here?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Shut-up. Scared to sleep with a girl?" The bed creaked as
> Salma
>>>> > > lay
>>>> >
>>>> > > down on it. "A bit musty."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > They had found spare bed linens in a box and had attempted to
> shake
>>>> > > them out as best they could. Ayden had noticed a lingering
> wispy
>>>> > > scent of flowers that he could not place. It may have been the
>>>> > > remnants of something used to launder the linens years ago, he
> had
>>>> > > thought.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Without thinking, he removed his shirt and handed it to Salma.
>>>> > > "Here.
>>>> >
>>>> > > You can wrap your pillow in it."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Thanks," Salma said drawing the word out.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Realizing what he had done, he blushed for the millionth time
> that
>>>> > > day. Not able to turn back what he had done, Ayden lay slowly
> down,
>>>> > > sticking close to the edge.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Keep your hands above the blankets," she yawned.
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden woke disoriented at first, but comprehension quickly
> dawned as
>>>>
>>>> > > he felt Salma's small body nestled against his. She snored
> quietly
>>>> > > and Ayden smiled. This was nice, he thought. He extracted
> himself
>>>> > > gently from the bed, trying to not wake Salma.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > He needed to use the bathroom, but it struck him that the
> bathrooms
>>>> > > would not be in working order. It was primitive, but it would
> have
>>>> > > to
>>>> >
>>>> > > do, he thought as he found his way downstairs and out into the
> back
>>>> > > garden. Hoping no neighbors were awake to see him, he relieved
>>>> > > himself.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Half asleep still, his eyes snapped open as a slight shuffle
> came
>>>> > > from
>>>> >
>>>> > > behind him. Finished with his midnight chore, he listened
> intently,
>>>>
>>>> > > but no sound came again. He turned around, gripping his cane
> like a
>>>>
>>>> > > weapon in one hand.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Hello," he said.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > No response came. He turned back towards the house and as he
>>>> > > walked, Ayden felt his back tingle. It was the sensation he
> felt as
>>>>
>>>> > > a child when terrified, feeling a presence behind him. He was
>>>> > > thirty-years-old now, he chided himself. Forcing himself to
> walk
>>>> > > calmly back into the house, he reached the French doors and
> entered.
>>>>
>>>> > > As he went to shut the doors, a soft shuffle started in the
> darkness
>>>>
>>>> > > again. It could have been the long dead foliage of the garden
>>>> > > rustling in the breeze, but Ayden couldn't be sure. Placing
> himself
>>>>
>>>> > > in the doorway again, the noise instantly stopped.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Slamming the door and locking it, Ayden flew to the stairs,
> taking
>>>> > > three steps at a time. Heart pounding, blood rushing in his
> ears,
>>>> > > Ayden felt a cool breeze cut through the stuffy air of the
> bedroom.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Danmit, he swore to himself. They had opened windows before
> going
>>>> > > to bed, hoping to air out their lodgings for the night.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma still was sleeping peacefully on the bed. He sat on the
> bed
>>>> > > resting his head on the large carved headboard, listening.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Crickets chirped outside and the breeze rustled the leaves of
> trees
>>>> > > from time to time. Salma continued her snoring as Ayden waited
> to
>>>> > > hear the shuffle again or a step on the stairs, but nothing
> came.
>>>> > > He relaxed after fifteen minutes of his vigilante watch.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Laying back down on the bed, one arm behind his head, he smiled
> when
>>>>
>>>> > > Salma threw an arm across his chest. Thinking only of Salma by
> now,
>>>>
>>>> > > Ayden drifted back off to sleep.
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > > The second time Ayden woke he knew where he was, but something
> was
>>>> > > not
>>>> >
>>>> > > right. Salma still snored next to him as he spooned her, but
>>>> > > an acrid
>>>> >
>>>> > > odor filled his nostrils. A loud crack made him bolt up in
>>>> > > bed.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Salma! There's a fire!" He shook her until she woke up.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "We need to get out of here," Ayden shouted as she slowly
> regained
>>>> > > conscienceness.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden flew to the open door. Smoke filled his nose and made
>>>> > > his eyes water. "Salma, I can't tell if we can make it down
>>>> > > the stairs."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Standing next to him, she said, "All I can see is smoke. Can
>>>> > > we jump out the window?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "We're on the second floor. It's pretty high up."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Now across the room, Salma cry, "Oh-my-god! Ayden!"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "What?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I can see flames around the base of the house."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Shit." Trying to think, Ayden gathered up the sheet from the
> bed.
>>>> > > Dousing it with water from bottles purchased the night before,
> he
>>>> > > threw the sheet in Salma's direction. "Wrap yourself in this."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Why?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Just do it."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over
> his
>>>> > > broad shoulder. Grabbing his cane by the door, he moved into
> the
>>>> > > hallway. Hoping the shirt tied around his face would keep out
> smoke,
>>>>
>>>> > > Ayden ran to the top of the stairs. Despite the situation,
> Ayden
>>>> > > could not help notice the harlequin-romance-like predicament.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > He heard Salma say something, but her face was muffled and he
> could
>>>> > > not understand her. Tucking his cane underneath his arm, he
> groped
>>>> > > the banister which still seemed intact. Finally reaching the
>>>> > > bottom, he found his way to the front door and opened it.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > A rush of fresh air greeted him. Feeling heat, he hoped they
> could
>>>> > > make it off the porch. At the porch steps, panicked, he placed
>>>> > > Salma upright again. She struggled to loosen the sheet around
> her.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Are the flames here too?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "No, but there coming from behind."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > At the end of the drive, Ayden dialed 911 on his phone.
> Neighbors
>>>> > > could be heard coming from their own houses. A few ran up to
> Ayden
>>>> > > and Salma asking if they were okay.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Standing at a distance, the flames roared. Salma held his hand
> as
>>>> > > they waited in silence for the sound of sirens.
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden rested on the back bumper of Sheriff Jenkins's police
> cruiser.
>>>>
>>>> > > The mid-morning sun warmed his face. Still shirtless, a
>>>> > > blanket draped his shoulders. A gritty smudge crossed his
>>>> > > forehead and
> he
>>>> > > could still smell the smoke embracing his body.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Once the firemen had extinguished the fire, Sheriff Jenkins and
> his
>>>> > > deputy, a man about Ayden's age, drove Salma and Ayden to the
> police
>>>>
>>>> > > station. Each gave a report before Ayden's father was
> contacted.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water. He gulped
> the
>>>> > > cool liquid down as she rested her head against his shoulder.
>>>> > > Sniffing her hair laced with the jasmine and vanilla scent and
>>>> > > smoke, Ayden protectively placed an arm around her.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Ayden," Salma said in quiet surprise, "Alice Madison's here."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden pulled the blanket closed as he waited for Alice to
> approach.
>>>>
>>>> > > A
>>>> >
>>>> > > new scent filled his nostrils. This too smelled of flowers,
>>>> > > but
> it
>>>> > > was not the framiliar scent Salma wore. Through the fog of his
>>>> > > brain,
>>>> >
>>>> > > he tried to place where he had smelled this before.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I'm glad you two are alright," Alice spoke quietly. "I can't
>>>> > > believe
>>>> >
>>>> > > this. Do you need anything?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Thank you, but we're okay," Salma said warmly.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Pete phoned me this morning-"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Sheriff Jenkins? Why?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Alice didn't respond.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Waiting for an answer, Ayden finally recognized the flower
>>>> > > scent that had lingered in the closet where he and Salma had
>>>> > > found bed linens.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Alice, did you visit the house after we left you yesterday?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Alice made a suppressed-sounding noise. She never answered and
>>>> > > before
>>>> >
>>>> > > Ayden could ask anything else, her muffled footsteps padded on
> the
>>>> > > grass as she walked briskly away.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Ayden?" Salma puzzled.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Her perfume, it's the same smell I noticed in the closet last
>>>> > > night."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Ayden, that's where I found the letter too," Salma whispered.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden heard the swish of grass as someone else walked towards
> them.
>>>> > > It was His father, Nick.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Are you crazy?" Nick asked, bewildered.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I'm fine. Nice to see you too, Dad."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Nick let out a long breath before saying, "Your mother and I
> went
>>>> > > crazy when we heard what happened. We're glad you're okay."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Is the house ruined?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma shifted and sat upright next to Ayden.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "It's mostly the garden that was ruined, but there is damage to
> the
>>>> > > house."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden felt his chest tighten. The garden had been His
> grandmother's
>>>>
>>>> > > favorite place. Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways
> and
>>>> > > tall
>>>> >
>>>> > > bushes as she tended to her beloved flowers. Interrupting his
>>>> > > thoughts, he heard a shuffling footstep approach. Another
> memory
>>>> > > pushed itself front and center in his mind. As Sheriff Jenkins
>>>> > > stopped his pace, Ayden gave a hard look in the direction of
>>>> > > the noise.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Tom says it will take a few weeks to get reports back, but
> there is
>>>>
>>>> > > some structural damage to the house, Nick," the sheriff said.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Taken any midnight strolls to clear your mind lately?" Ayden
>>>> > > directed
>>>> >
>>>> > > to Sheriff Jenkins.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > No one spoke. Salma gripped his hand.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Any reason why you'd call Alice Madison early this morning?"
> Ayden
>>>> > > asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Drop it," Nick hissed.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Thrown off by his father's tone, Ayden squeezed Salma's hand,
> unsure
>>>>
>>>> > > what to do.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I'm sure we're all tired and need to collect our thoughts,"
> Sheriff
>>>>
>>>> > > Jenkins said. "Maybe you ought to take these two home, Nick."
> He
>>>> > > shuffled off.
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden sat in front of the computer. A humming buzz issued from
> the
>>>> > > speakers as Ayden worked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Still working?" Salma asked from behind.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden leaned his head back against her stomach. She was
>>>> > > wrapped
> in
>>>> > > a large soft towel. Remembering last night, he slipped his
>>>> > > hand through
>>>> >
>>>> > > the folds, but she turned swiftly away, laughing.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > It had not been the first night one of them slept over at the
>>>> > > other's apartment, but it had been their first time together.
>>>> > > Excitement had rushed over Ayden, but it had not felt awkward.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma spewed a torrent of Spanish at him, and he chuckled.
> "That
>>>> > > just
>>>> >
>>>> > > turns me on more."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "I called you a great big moron whose brain is tiny like his-"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Doesn't matter. Still sounds sexy."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma whipped another towel at him before scampering to the
> bedroom.
>>>>
>>>> > > Turning back to his work, Ayden decided to check his email.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > As he clicked on the necessary links using Hotkey commands, he
>>>> > > thought
>>>> >
>>>> > > over the past few weeks.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden had told his father what happened, but Nick said that
>>>> > > everything
>>>> >
>>>> > > was circumstantial. Ayden knew this, but he also knew he had
> opened
>>>>
>>>> > > something up. Something that had been meant to remain secret.
> Nick
>>>>
>>>> > > refused to open any investigation and he remained tight-lipped.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > The fire was officially reported as an unknown accident since
>>>> > > no evidence, either way, had been found determining a cause.
>>>> > > This,
> at
>>>> > > least, was how the police report read. Ayden, though, had
> inquired
>>>> > > into the fire-chief's report. It too was inconclusive, but
>>>> > > this report did mention that a match book had been found near
>>>> > > the premises.
>>>> >
>>>> > > Salma had advised him to wait before attempting any further
>>>> > > investigation. She was worried about him. Unsure if the fire
> had
>>>> > > been an accident or not, he agreed with her.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > She had been the reason he was able to let the weeks slip by
> without
>>>>
>>>> > > searching for more clues. Once they had returned to the city a
>>>> > > couple
>>>> >
>>>> > > of days after the fire, Ayden had found the courage to express
> his
>>>> > > budding feelings towards her.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > They had sat on the couch talking; a typical Friday night for
> them,
>>>> > > except this time Ayden could feel a growing anticipation
>>>> > > between them.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma had stood to get another beer from the kitchen when Ayden
>>>> > > reached for her wrist. His large palm had felt bigger next to
> her
>>>> > > slim wrist. Both had stared silently at one another. Ayden,
>>>> > > thinking he would win this game since he couldn't see, broke
> first.
>>>>
>>>> > > Grinning with a smirk, he had pulled Salma to him and kissed
> her.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Weeks later, their routine was continued as normal, yet
> something
>>>> > > was different. They had transitioned into this new element
>>>> > > with ease, as though it were meant to be. Their friendship was
>>>> > > strengthened by the new romance.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Still reminiscing, Ayden did not recognize the name given for
> the
>>>> > > first email he came across. Opening it up, he read the
> following:
>>>> > >
>>>> > > I'm glad you have stopped your investigation. It is best to
>>>> > > let
> the
>>>>
>>>> > > dead rest. Enjoy your new love and look only towards the
> future.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > There was no signature. Alarmed, Ayden checked the From field,
> but
>>>> > > the only information this provided
>>>> > > was<mailto:aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.>
>>>> > > aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Ayden's pulse quickened. Hearing Salma pad lightly back into
> the
>>>> > > room, he closed the window he was in. He thought it was best
>>>> > > to
> not
>>>>
>>>> > > alarm her just yet.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Wann' stay here again tonight?" he asked.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "You know, we live across the hall from one another. Should we
> just
>>>>
>>>> > > make this permanent?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Sure you can live with a guy?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Well, I guess if it's you I can."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > He lunged for her, but she ran giggling across the room.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "This is the great thing about dating a blind guy, he can't
> catch
>>>> > > me."
>>>> > >
>>>> > > "Oh yeah?"
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Salma shrieked as he flung his body across her path, blocking
> her
>>>> > > dash
>>>> >
>>>> > > to the bedroom. Holding Salma close against him, wrapping her
> in a
>>>> > > bear hug, Ayden knew this was just the beginning.
>>>> > >
>>>> > > _______________________________________________
>>>> > > Writers Division web site:
>>>> > >
> http://www.nfb-writers-division.org<http://www.nfb-writers-division.
>>>> > > or
>>>> > > g/>
>>>> > >
>>>> > > stylist mailing list
>>>> > > stylist at nfbnet.org
>>>> > > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>>>> > > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
> info
>>>> > > for
>>>> > > stylist:
>>>> > >
>>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/penatwork%4
>>>>0
> e
>>>> > > pix.net
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > > E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (7.0.0.514) Database
>>>> > > version: 6.16140
> http://www.pctools.com/en/spyware-doctor-antivirus/
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (7.0.0.514) Database
>>>> >version: 6.16140
>>>> >http://www.pctools.com/en/spyware-doctor-antivirus/
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >------------------------------
>>>> >
>>>> >Message: 5
>>>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:57:05 -0400
>>>> >From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net>
>>>> >To: Stylist <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>>>> >Subject: [stylist] synopsis
>>>> >Message-ID: <CCA17171C9714AEE9BB59AD6AB3B878B at dell5150>
>>>> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>>>> >
>>>> >I'm hoping this will peak the publisher's interest. Does it peak
>>>> >yours? Thanks, Judith
>>>> >
>>>> >JENNIFER RABINOWITZ, unconscious after being hit by a car, looks
> around
>>>>
>>>> >the strange place she ended up in. In front of her is a corridor
> that
>>>> >seems to be lit with flickering candles. Suddenly her LONG
> DECEASED
>>>> >MOTHER is talking to her. Jennifer, whose life is abysmal due to
>>>> >constant anti Semitic derisions by classmates, wants to stay with
> her
>>>> >mother. But her mother tells her that it's not yet her time to
> stay.
>>>> >She has to learn, "To live. To love. To hope. To know who you
> are,
>>>> >and what you are!" Jennifer tries to change her mother's mind,
>>>> >but seconds later slams back into her body, aware of the pain.
>>>> >
>>>> >Jennifer's foster mother, SHEILA, spent most of the day with her
>>>> >injured foster daughter. Heading to her car she thinks back to a
> few
>>>> >months earlier when a STRANGE MESSENGER delivered the only
> possessions
>>>> >left by Jennifer's parents, a book with an inserted paper written
> in a
>>>> >foreign language. The messenger handed Sheila the items and left.
>>>> >After closing the door Sheila ran to the window to watch him drive
>>>> >away, but no car appeared on the street or driveway. She couldn't
> see
>>>> >a man walking away from the house. Now she thought about
> Jennifer's
>>>> >survival of what should have been a deadly accident. She wondered
>>>> >about the items that the messenger told her to give to Jennifer on
> her
>>>> >seventeenth birthday.
>>>> >
>>>> >On the same morning in Jenna, New York PESSI GOLDBERG confronts
>>>> >her very ill mother. Content with her sequestered life their
> disagreements
>>>> >have defined their relationship for months. Pessi stomps out of
> the
>>>> >house like a belligerent child leaving her mother on the sofa in
> their
>>>> >poverty stricken home.
>>>> >
>>>> >That afternoon Pessi attends a lecture at her school. Her
> classmate
>>>> >CHAVY LEVY approaches her at the back of the room and encourages
> the
>>>> >recluse to come sit with other classmates. Chavy's sense of humor
> and
>>>> >winning personality helps Pessi emerge from the thick defensive
> walls
>>>> >she has erected around herself.
>>>> >
>>>> >One morning Pessi goes to her mother's room and finds her cold
>>>> >motionless body lying on the mattress. Heart broken, Pessi
> questions
>>>> >the motives of an Almighty she has believed in her entire life.
>>>> >
>>>> >Jennifer continues to puzzle over her mysterious Jewish identity.
> On
>>>> >her seventeenth birthday Sheila presents her with her parents'
>>>> >possessions. Jennifer can't read the foreign language the paper
> and
>>>> >book are written in, but places them in her backpack. In her
> darkened
>>>> >bedroom on most nights Jennifer clutches her parents' possessions
> and
>>>> >mouths silently, "Mommy and daddy, please guide me to the life you
>>>> >wanted for me. I love you."
>>>> >
>>>> >Sheila is helpful in getting her registered in an observant Jewish
>>>> >summer camp. When she boards the bus for the ride back to Curtis
> Cove
>>>> >after camp she feels like she is deserting her new identity. Back
> at
>>>> >Sheila's she makes her desire to continue living as an observant
> Jew
>>>> >known. She is placed with a family in Jenna. This family doesn't
> work
>>>>
>>>> >out, and Rabbi Levy, Chavy's father, agrees to take Jennifer into
> their
>>>>
>>>> >home.
>>>> >
>>>> >The life of Jennifer from the public schools of Curtis Cove, and
> the
>>>> >lives of Pessi and Chavy from an observant Jewish Girls' school in
>>>> >Jenna become entwined forever.
>>>> >
>>>> > Jennifer begins learning the Hebrew language that both the small
> book
>>>>
>>>> >and letter are written in. She discovers from the letter her
> Hebrew
>>>> >name is Breindle and her mother was Channah.
>>>> >
>>>> > When Mrs. Newman, the high school principal asks Jennifer if she
> has
>>>> >a Hebrew name, she tells her the name written in the letter.
> Jennifer
>>>> >pulls the small packet out and Mrs. Newman pales upon seeing the
> items.
>>>> >
>>>> > Later that day Mrs. Newman asks Rabbi Levy to put the packet in
>>>> >a safe place.
>>>> >
>>>> >The letter has a financial section. Criminals get hold of this
>>>> >information and kidnap Jennifer from a Jenna street! They take
>>>> >her
> to
>>>> >a hotel room, tie her up like a hunted animal and the criminals
> proceed
>>>>
>>>> >to have a drinking party. When her abductors fall into a drunken
>>>> >slumber Jennifer works off the ropes binding her arms, slides off
> the
>>>> >bed and, braced on her now free hands makes it to the door.
>>>> >
>>>> >With her legs still tightly bound she hobbles into the hall where
>>>> >another hotel guest brings her into his room and calls the police.
>>>> >
>>>> >The contents of the letter containing Jennifer's true identity are
>>>> >disclosed, but she has a hard time dealing with her newly revealed
>>>> >identity. She vows to keep it secret.
>>>> >
>>>> > Pessi's class elects her president. The reclusive ragamuffin
>>>> >disappeared. At the end of the book Jennifer realizes that what
> her
>>>> >mother wanted her to learn has been accomplished. She has learned
> To
>>>> >live. To love. To hope. To know who she is, and what she is!
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >------------------------------
>>>> >
>>>> >Message: 6
>>>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:07:21 -0400
>>>> >From: Danielle Montour <hypoplexer at gmail.com>
>>>> >To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>>>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] Stylist member in hospital
>>>> >Message-ID: <4cc1e106.096ee60a.73b4.7da2 at mx.google.com>
>>>> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1; format=flowed
>>>> >
>>>> >Same here please if you can.
>>>> >
>>>> > ----- Original Message -----
>>>> >From: Judith Bron <jbron at optonline.net
>>>> >To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org Date sent:
>>>> >Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:46:55 -0400
>>>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] Stylist member in hospital
>>>> >
>>>> >Bridget, If you have contact with Addy please give her my
>>>> >heartfelt wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. Best, Judith
>>>> >----- Original Message -----
>>>> >From: "Bridgit Pollpeter" <bpollpeter at hotmail.com
>>>> >To: "writers division" <stylist at nfbnet.org
>>>> >Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 11:31 AM
>>>> >Subject: [stylist] Stylist member in hospital
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> > Dear List,
>>>> >
>>>> > Division member and Stylist contributor, Atty Svendsen, has been
> in
>>>> > Methodist Hospital in Omaha since Wednesday night. They are not
>>>> >entirely
>>>> > sure what is wrong, but they believe she may have a severe
>>>> >kidney
>>>> > infection.
>>>> >
>>>> > >From what I understand, they have been unable to control the
>>>> >pain. I am
>>>> >sure Atty can use all our positive thoughts and prayers.
>>>> >
>>>> > Bridgit P
>>>> > _______________________________________________
>>>> > Writers Division web site:
>>>> > http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>>>> ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/> stylist mailing list
>>>> > stylist at nfbnet.org
>>>> >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>>>> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
>>>> >info
> for
>>>> > stylist:
>>>> >
>>>> >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/jbron%40
>>>> >optonline.net _______________________________________________
>>>> >Writers Division web site:
>>>> >http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>>>> ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>stylist mailing list
>>>> >stylist at nfbnet.org
>>>> >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>>>> >To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
> for
>>>> >stylist:
>>>> >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/hypoplex
>>>> >er%40gmail.com
>>>> >------------------------------
>>>> >Message: 7
>>>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:32:09 -0500
>>>> >From: BDM <lists at braddunsemusic.com>
>>>> >To: Writer's Division Mailing List <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>>>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>>>> >Message-ID:
> <6.2.3.4.2.20101022143155.02d14400 at www.braddunsemusic.com>
>>>> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
>>>> >
>>>> >Thanks Judith,
>>>> >
>>>> >Brad
>>>> >
>>>> >At 12:24 PM 10/22/2010, you wrote:
>>>> > >Brad, When I write I do it both ways. Some of my conclusions
> just
>>>> > >happen, others are planned and worked out. I don't know how
> Bridget
>>>> > >does it, but I can't make a blanket statement. Judith
>>>> > >----- Original Message ----- From: "BDM"
> <lists at braddunsemusic.com>
>>>> > >To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>>>> > >Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 1:06 PM
>>>> > >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >>Glad you are working on this. I like the subtle changes and
>>>> > >>embellishments. I've a question for you. At this point, do you
> know
>>>>
>>>> > >>in your mind how the mystery plays out, who done it, and the
> little
>>>>
>>>> > >>twists and details? Or when you write, are you making it up as
> you
>>>> > >>go. I've heard authors promote both ways. Just curious on your
>>>> > >>method and not a spoiling of the story, which I hope to read at
> a
>>>> > >>later date.
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >>Brad
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >>At 11:15 AM 10/22/2010, you wrote:
>>>> > >>>Hey guys,
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Since I shared the first draft with you lot, I thought I would
>>>> > >>>share my revision. Again, I am not a detective fiction
>>>> > >>>writer,
> nor
>>>>
>>>> > >>>do I wish to be, but after your comments and my class
>>>> > >>>workshop,
> I
>>>> > >>>have made some changes.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>My fiction, unfortunately, is not as good as my nonfiction,
>>>> > >>>but
> I
>>>> > >>>do like my two main characters. I would like to continue
> something
>>>>
>>>> > >>>with
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>them.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Enjoy!
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Bridgit
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Sense of Murder
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden sat in his father's leather wingback chair rolling a
> large
>>>> > >>>key between his fingers. The metal key had been cold, but now
> was
>>>> > >>>warmed
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>by his hands. He gripped the key in his palm and rubbed a
> thumb
>>>> > >>>across the rough , rusty surface. A few weeks ago, Ayden had
>>>> > >>>merely been researching the mysterious death of his
>>>> > >>>grandfather
> for
>>>>
>>>> > >>>a book he was writing. Now, he sat among items wondering if
> his
>>>> > >>>grandfather
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>had been murdered.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden's father had found Ayden's grandfather lying at the
> bottom of
>>>>
>>>> > >>>the staircase in his home. His father never spoke about the
>>>> > >>>incident
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>after reporting it to the police. His father was allowing
> Ayden
>>>> > >>>and Salma to search through any items he kept though.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>For years there had been whispers of foul play, but no one
>>>> > >>>ever spoke
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>about the rumors. The official ruling was that Henry
> Templeton,
>>>> > >>>Ayden's grandfather, had accidently fallen down the stairs.
> Other
>>>> > >>>than the vicious gossip, there didn't seem to be any reason to
>>>> > >>>think otherwise until Ayden began researching his
>>>> > >>>grandfather's life. A few weeks of poking around Henry
>>>> > >>>Templeton's past,
> Ayden
>>>> > >>>received a mysterious email.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>> Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you
> stop
>>>> > >>> your
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>investigation immediately. Heartache and harm can only befall
> you
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>> Alarmed, but intrigued, Ayden picked up his research with
>>>> > >>>new fervor. Now he and his friend and neighbor, Salma, sat in
>>>> > >>>his father's large office surrounded by books and papers
>>>> > >>>searching
> for
>>>> > >>>clues that may indicate a reason why his grandfather would
>>>> > >>>have been murdered.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"So what's next?" Salma asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Tapping the key in his palm, Ayden said, "I'm not sure. This
>>>> > >>>letter says a lot."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden closed his eyes thinking on this letter. It was
> evidence,
>>>> > >>>even
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>if circumstantial, that suggested, if his grandmother knew
> about
>>>> > >>>it, she could have killed Henry.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>People had said his grandmother, Lucy, had been distracted and
>>>> > >>>irritable a couple of weeks before his grandfather's death.
> When
>>>> > >>>his
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>father found Henry at the bottom of the stairs, the only other
>>>> > >>>person
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>present had been his grandmother. Stunned by the event, his
> father
>>>>
>>>> > >>>had placed Lucy in a nursing home.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>There was a pause then paper crackled before Salma spoke.
> "It's
>>>> > >>>pretty clear from this letter that your grandfather was having
> an
>>>> > >>>affair. I wonder if we can figure out these initials, A. W."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden shut his eyes again, thinking, trying to remember anyone
> he
>>>> > >>>had
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>ever met with A. W. for initials. "I don't know," he sighed.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>As Ayden and Salma leafed through pictures and notes, they had
>>>> > >>>found an old copy of Wuthering Heights.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden remembered the year his grandfather had given the third
>>>> > >>>edition
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>book to his grandmother for Christmas. His grandmother had
>>>> > >>>sat unwrapping the gift, then exclaimed, "Oh," before looking
>>>> > >>>up
> with
>>>> > >>>tears in her eyes. Wuthering Heights had always been her
> favorite
>>>> > >>>novel. Lucy had been the one person to encourage Ayden to
> follow
>>>> > >>>his dream and take up writing instead of joining the family
>>>> > >>>law firm. "You're meant to follow your own path," Lucy had
>>>> > >>>told
> Ayden
>>>> > >>>once.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>After an accident had left Ayden blind, his father had refused
> to
>>>> > >>>believe Ayden could handle the work of a litigator, but Lucy
> had
>>>> > >>>never doubted his ability to do anything.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Now, Ayden and Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of
> the
>>>> > >>>book; a letter suggesting a secret Ayden never knew about.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden touched the thick, but stiff piece of paper and held it
> out
>>>> > >>>to Salma to inspect. She told him the letter appeared old,
>>>> > >>>but
> not
>>>>
>>>> > >>>as old as the book. A few of the torn edges of the letter
>>>> > >>>were turning yellow. The letter was simple as she read:
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Henry, my love,
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>I can not wait to see you again. I hoped and when I saw you
> coming
>>>>
>>>> > >>>down the road, my heart leaped. I still feel your touch. How
> much
>>>>
>>>> > >>>longer must we wait? Please, my darling, give me what I ask
> before
>>>>
>>>> > >>>it is too late.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Love, A. W.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>When Ayden's father found Henry's body, Lucy had gone wild,
>>>> > >>>screaming, unable to leave Henry's lifeless body.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Gossips spread the news, sweeping far and wide. Lucy was
> crazy,
>>>> > >>>they
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>said. She went mad, she killed her husband. It was juicy,
> just
>>>> > >>>what
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>a small town needed.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>The police never looked into the possibility, but Lucy died
> with a
>>>> > >>>black mark attached to her memory.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden never believed that his grandmother would hurt anyone.
> She
>>>> > >>>had
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>been fond of Ayden, and she never treated him like his life
>>>> > >>>was over after the accident.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"What now? Where do we go next?" Salma asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden held the rusted, copper key up in front of him. "We
> visit
>>>> > >>>the old Templeton mansion."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>The Templeton mansion was the Victorian home his grandparents
> had
>>>> > >>>lived in. The family still owned it, but it had sat empty for
>>>> > >>>years.
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>Ayden thought that maybe more secrets were hidden within the
> walls
>>>> > >>>of
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>the Templeton house, eager to be discovered.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden sat in the car as Salma drove. Neither spoke as Ayden's
>>>> > >>>fingers slid across the pages on his lap. Reading his Braille
>>>> > >>>notes,
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>Ayden wondered where to start once they reached the small town
>>>> > >>>where his grandparents and father had grown up.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>His grandfather had started a small law firm in town, but
>>>> > >>>eventually it grew. His grandparents had moved when Ayden's
>>>> > >>>father, Nick, had been ten.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Nick never spoke about his childhood though. Ayden really
> didn't
>>>> > >>>know much about his family's past. His grandparents had moved
> back
>>>>
>>>> > >>>to their old house once Nick took the firm over, but Ayden had
>>>> > >>>rarely
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>visited the home. After his grandfather had died, Lucy,
>>>> > >>>unable
> to
>>>> > >>>cope with his death, had moved into an upscale nursing home in
> the
>>>> > >>>City, and Nick left the house untouched.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>As the car slowed, Ayden looked up at Salma. "Are we there?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Yes. What's our first stop?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I'm figuring this out as we go along. I guess the police
>>>> > >>>station."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma was silent before saying, "You okay? I know your dad
> wasn't
>>>> > >>>happy when you asked about the letter."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>He remembered how Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling
> him ,
>>>>
>>>> > >>>"Leave it alone. We don't dig up family history."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden had tried to coax him to say more, but the subject was
>>>> > >>>closed.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Yeah. I wish he would have told us more. Explained
> something,"
>>>> > >>>Ayden said.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Maybe he just wants to keep your family secrets, well,
>>>> > >>>secret. Some
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>people don't like giving out info about anything."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I just feel like he knows more than he's letting on."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"We'll find something. Don't worry."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma was always reassuring Ayden. She had become a constant
> in
>>>> > >>>his life. The only real constant he had. She had shown up
>>>> > >>>one day, knocking on his door, holding a dish in her hands,
> offering
>>>> > >>>Ayden some home made enchiladas. That had been the beginning
> of
>>>> > >>>their friendship. They had spent many nights talking until
> three in
>>>>
>>>> > >>>the morning and hanging out on weekends. Salma was the one
> true
>>>> > >>>connection Ayden had to the outside world.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden never felt like he fit in his family's world of snobbish
>>>> > >>>dinner
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>parties, elite country clubs and preferential treatment at
>>>> > >>>most
> Ivy
>>>>
>>>> > >>>League universities. After graduating from college, His
>>>> > >>>father
> had
>>>>
>>>> > >>>told him, "No one will ever respect a blind man in the
> courtroom.
>>>> > >>>Maybe the firm can bring you on as a researcher." Ayden was
> tired
>>>> > >>>of
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>his father's attitude so he took a job writing for a small
> magazine
>>>>
>>>> > >>>and left the family home.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Once moving away, he had become a recluse of sorts. He showed
> up
>>>> > >>>to the office for work, attended cocktail parties required for
> work
>>>>
>>>> > >>>and even dated a couple of girls, but Salma was the one person
> he
>>>> > >>>truly felt comfortable with. Her infectious way of always
> looking
>>>> > >>>at things positively seemed like a novelty to Ayden. She
>>>> > >>>could always make him smile. When he began writing the book
>>>> > >>>about
> Henry,
>>>>
>>>> > >>>Salma had offered to assist in anyway she could.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I'm really glad you're here," Ayden said.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Yeah, yeah. I'm waiting for my pay check. My services don't
> come
>>>>
>>>> > >>>free." Salma giggled as she pulled into a parking stall. "I
> think
>>>>
>>>> > >>>we're here."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Thanks, again, for taking the day off to help."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Hey, I know you'd help me with stuff. It's all so
> interesting;
>>>> > >>>way more interesting than filling in for waiters who don't
>>>> > >>>show
> up
>>>> > >>>for work."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"You aren't at work, who's filling in for you?" Ayden said
> grinning
>>>>
>>>> > >>>at her.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma smacked his arm. "That's the benefit of being the
> owner's
>>>> > >>>daughter."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>While Salma dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden tapped
> his
>>>> > >>>cane along the brick walls looking for the door. Hearing the
>>>> > >>>difference from the cane tip tapping on brick to the clink of
>>>> > >>>glass, he figured he found the door.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Yes," she answered rushing to catch up.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>They entered the quiet, almost lazy-like atmosphere of the
> police
>>>> > >>>station. Ayden moved towards the sound of clacking as some
> one
>>>> > >>>pressed keys on a computer keyboard with a practiced
> efficiency.
>>>> > >>>This, he thought, must be a reception desk.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Stepping up to a smooth feeling counter, Ayden said, "Excuse
> me."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Can I help you?" a woman's bored voice said.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"We were wondering if we can speak to some one who worked the
> Henry
>>>>
>>>> > >>>Templeton case," Ayden said.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>The woman stopped typing and a long silence followed. "Who's
>>>> > >>>asking?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I'm Ayden Templeton, Henry's grandson."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"One minute." A chair creaked as the woman stood. Her shoes
>>>> > >>>clicked
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>on the linoleum floor as she walked away.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma touched Ayden's arm. "She had a weird look when you
>>>> > >>>mentioned your grandpa's name."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>As the receptionist returned, another footstep joined hers,
>>>> > >>>but this person shuffled slightly.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>The person shuffled towards Salma, saying, "Hello. I'm
>>>> > >>>Sheriff Jenkins. How can I help you?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden stepped closer towards Salma, extending his arm to
> Sheriff
>>>> > >>>Jenkins. "I'm Ayden Templeton and this is Salma Juarez. We
> have
>>>> > >>>some questions about my grandfather's death."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>There was a pause before Sheriff Jenkins shook Ayden's hand.
> "Step
>>>>
>>>> > >>>into my office please."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden followed the sheriff into a room off the main section of
> the
>>>> > >>>department. His cane swep the inside of the door frame,
> indicating
>>>>
>>>> > >>>the width so Ayden avoided bumping into the edges of the
>>>> > >>>frame. Ayden asked where a chair was and turned in the
>>>> > >>>direction
> Captain
>>>> > >>>Jenkins indicated. Finding the chair with his cane, he felt
> Salma's
>>>>
>>>> > >>>arm brush his as she sat next to him.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Can I get you anything?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"No, but thank you. Salma?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I'm good," Salma replied.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden felt a tension fill the room as the three sat there, not
>>>> > >>>speaking. Sheriff Jenkins began tapping the edge of the metal
> table
>>>>
>>>> > >>>in the interrogation room. Ayden twisted his cane between his
>>>> > >>>fingers. Salma bobbed her foot which was lightly kicking
> Ayden's
>>>> > >>>shin.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"We're hoping to learn as much as we can about Henry
> Templeton's
>>>> > >>>death. I'm researching the story for a novel I'm working on,"
> Ayden
>>>>
>>>> > >>>started.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I worked the case. There's not much to tell," Sheriff
>>>> > >>>Jenkins said.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I know you eventually reported it as an accidental death, but
> was
>>>> > >>>there ever any evidence suggesting otherwise?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"No. We questioned friends and family and there was no reason
> to
>>>> > >>>believe Henry Templeton was murdered," Sheriff Jenkins said
> with an
>>>>
>>>> > >>>edge to his tone.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden shifted his head towards Salma. Even though he had been
>>>> > >>>blind for seven-years, Ayden still used visual gestures and
> body
>>>> > >>>movement.
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>"I know there was-uh-speculation that maybe my grandmother did
> it."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Lucy Baldwin? She never hurt anyone. We were all shocked
> when
>>>> > >>>she married Henry. She could have had anyone she wanted."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden leaned against the table looking straight in the
> direction
>>>> > >>>where Sheriff Jenkins sat. "I thought Henry was a catch?
> Wouldn't
>>>>
>>>> > >>>most have jumped at the chance to marry into the Templeton
> family?
>>>> > >>>You know, a lawyer from a wealthy family and all that."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"He was a playboy. Always was, never changed."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Who did you question about his death?" Salma broke in.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>The sheriff's chair creaked as he leaned back. "Well, of
> course
>>>> > >>>Lucy
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>and her boy Nick. They were there. Found his body and all."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden shot the sheriff a questioning glance. He was talking
> like
>>>> > >>>he had forgot who Ayden was.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Then there was Zelda, the housekeeper, and Avery Mayer, he
> came
>>>> > >>>around about once a week to help Lucy with the lawn. She
>>>> > >>>loved
> her
>>>>
>>>> > >>>garden. Her roses won prizes around here," Sheriff Jenkins
>>>> > >>>continued.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Anyone else?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Oh, his work associates, but Henry was retired so they didn't
> see
>>>> > >>>much of him anymore. Alice Madison , she had been his
>>>> > >>>personal secretary for years. She still did stuff part-time
>>>> > >>>for Henry."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden had pulled out a three-by-five plastic device that had
> six
>>>> > >>>rows
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>of cells containing three holes on each side of the cells. A
>>>> > >>>pop-pop-pop sound was made as Ayden poked a pointed awl-like
> object
>>>>
>>>> > >>>called a stylus through the holes as he took Braille notes.
> "Are
>>>> > >>>any
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>of these people still around?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Not everyone had the same opportunities as the Templeton's to
>>>> > >>>leave town. Other than Henry's work associates, I think most
> of
>>>> > >>>them still
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>live around here. At least the one's who are still alive."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Is there anything else you can tell us? Was there anything
>>>> > >>>strange you noticed? Any evidence that suggest something
>>>> > >>>other than an accidental tumble down the stairs?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>The sheriff laughed. "I know you city folk like to dream up
> seedy
>>>> > >>>happenings in small towns, but Henry Templeton's death was
> nothing
>>>> > >>>more than an accident. Nothing dark about it."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Thank you for your time," Ayden said extending his hand again
> to
>>>> > >>>shake Sheriff Jenkins's.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Sheriff Jenkins sighed. "Look, don't go digging anything up.
> Just
>>>>
>>>> > >>>let the dead rest."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma's bracelet tinkled as they stood.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"We understand. I'm just trying to find things out about my
>>>> > >>>grandfather for the book. You know, no stone uncovered,"
>>>> > >>>Ayden said.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Are you two married?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden, confused by the switch, replied, "No."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>The sheriff chuckled. "Like your grandpa, I see."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden blushed, but Salma said, "Ayden is nothing but a
> gentleman.
>>>> > >>>Clearly something he did not pick up in this town."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I know the kind of men the Templeton's are," the sheriff
>>>> > >>>said.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Unsure of what to do, Ayden turned to leave.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"At least he has a better chance of touching what you have
>>>> > >>>been admiring this whole time," Salma snapped. She turned
>>>> > >>>quickly, fluttering Ayden's collar up as she rushed past.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Back in the car, he said, "I'm sorry. I didn't know what to
> say."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"It's okay. He was a pig."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I didn't realize-"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I know, its okay. Where to next?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>He could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone. "The
> house, I
>>>>
>>>> > >>>guess."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>As the car backed out into the silent street, Ayden wondered
> why
>>>> > >>>she had told Sheriff Jenkins what she had. Was it simply said
> in a
>>>>
>>>> > >>>moment of anger, or was there any truth in her words, he
> thought.
>>>> > >>>He
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>has a better chance of touching what you have been admiring.
> Ayden
>>>>
>>>> > >>>smiled as he thought of the possibilities with Salma.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden stood before the house remembering the bright blue it
>>>> > >>>had been during the few visits he had made during his
>>>> > >>>childhood.
> The
>>>> > >>>house had always stood out even among the street full of
> bright,
>>>> > >>>cheery houses complete with emerald lawns and award winning
>>>> > >>>gardens. The Templeton house had a wrap-around porch with a
>>>> > >>>veranda to the back opening onto a large lawn complete with a
>>>> > >>>British garden. Its three stories reaching majestically
> towards
>>>> > >>>the sky.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden now gripped the rough, wooden railing of the house. The
> feel
>>>>
>>>> > >>>of the railing did not match his memory of the sleek, smooth
> dark
>>>> > >>>wooden banister. The stairs creaked as he stepped on them.
>>>> > >>>Reaching
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>the porch, he felt a slight dip and quickly stepped sideways
>>>> > >>>in fear of falling through the porch. Children played nearby
>>>> > >>>and
> cars
>>>>
>>>> > >>>languidly drove down the street, but a strange silence
> surrounded
>>>> > >>>the
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>house. It was as though Ayden were underneath water trying to
> make
>>>>
>>>> > >>>out the distant sounds. The scent of jasmine passed briefly
>>>> > >>>through his nose as Salma stood next to him.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"How does it look?" Ayden asked ignoring the scent.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma took a deep breath. "It's run down, that's for sure. I
>>>> > >>>can't believe no one has lived here for years."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"My family still owns it, but after my grandfather's death, no
> one
>>>> > >>>wanted to do anything about it."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"So sad," Salma said quietly.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden placed his hand on the cold knob of the dilapidated
> Victorian
>>>>
>>>> > >>>house. He dug in his pockets for the rusty key he had found
>>>> > >>>in
> his
>>>>
>>>> > >>>father's office. As he inserted the heavy key in the lock, a
> quiet
>>>>
>>>> > >>>click was heard. Ayden pushed the solid door open. He looked
> in
>>>> > >>>Salma's direction before stepping inside. Shutting the door,
> the
>>>> > >>>house engulfed all sound like a tomb.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Creepy," Salma said as she shivered.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden walked forward tapping his long white cane, arcing wide
> so as
>>>>
>>>> > >>>to not run into anything. Dust filled the air and Ayden
> coughed as
>>>>
>>>> > >>>he inhaled.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"This has been sitting for years," Ayden rasped. "What's it
> look
>>>> > >>>like?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"It's really dark, but it's almost completely empty. What do
> you
>>>> > >>>think you'll find?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I'm not sure. Sheriff Jenkins wasn't much help. I just
> thought,
>>>> > >>>maybe something."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma's sandals clipped-clopped as she walked over to a window
> to
>>>> > >>>open it. "Well, if we are going to be here long we need fresh
>>>> > >>>air."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden felt a rush of summer breeze as the window clambered up.
> The
>>>>
>>>> > >>>sound of kids playing ruined the house's stolid silence. Life
>>>> > >>>entered the house again as Ayden began to feel around
>>>> > >>>searching
> for
>>>>
>>>> > >>>any clue.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls and any remaining
>>>> > >>>furniture, hoping to find something, anything. Making his
>>>> > >>>progression from room to room on the main floor, he heard
> Salma's
>>>> > >>>muffled footsteps overhead. He smiled to himself as He rifled
>>>> > >>>through drawers and cupboards. So far his hands had only
>>>> > >>>found dust and cobwebs.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Ayden, Ayden!" Salma shouted a couple of hours later.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden hurried towards the staircase where Salma's voice echoed
>>>> > >>>from. "Salma! Are you okay?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Get up here! I found something!"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden clambered up the grand staircase. Reaching the second
> floor,
>>>>
>>>> > >>>he shouted, "What room?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Um, it's a bedroom."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>He rolled his eyes. "Right." Hearing her voice off to his
> left,
>>>> > >>>Ayden moved down the hallway. At the end, he found a door
> open.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Salma?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma's clapping sandals moved towards him.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Look at this," she said excitedly. Her bracelet tinkled and
> paper
>>>>
>>>> > >>>crackled as she shoved something in Ayden's hand.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden grinned. "Um." He handed the paper back to Salma.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Oh-sorry. I just-you won't believe this."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>It was another letter; a love letter to Henry.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Henry, My love,
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>I miss you. I grow restless with each day. I have waited
> years to
>>>>
>>>> > >>>be with you, really be with you. Let's stop the pretending,
> stop
>>>> > >>>the
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>lies. Don't be mad with me. I would do anything for you, but
> we
>>>> > >>>must
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>stop hiding. There is no harm in this. I will wait to hear
> from
>>>> > >>>you, but don't take long. If you don't choose me, I will
>>>> > >>>marry
> Tom
>>>>
>>>> > >>>Madison.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Love,
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>A. W.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma rushed through the letter almost in one breath. Ayden
> was
>>>> > >>>not quite sure what her excitement was for.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"We already know Henry was having an affair of sorts," he
>>>> > >>>said.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma sighed impatiently. "Ayden, think about it. Don't you
> see?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Not really," he said slowly.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>She grabbed his wrist. Her slender fingers gripped him with a
>>>> > >>>strength Ayden would not have guessed at. She moved in closer
> and
>>>> > >>>once again, Ayden took in the scent of jasmine. This time he
>>>> > >>>smelled
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>something else with it. Vanilla, he thought. Salma shook his
> arm
>>>> > >>>slightly, her tinkling crystal bracelet grazing his wrist,
>>>> > >>>bringing him back to attention.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Ayden, A. W. Don't you see it yet?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"A. W.?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"The initials," she said exasperated, "A. W. It's Alice
> Madison."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Who's Alice Madison?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma smacked her forehead. "Ay-where are your notes from
> today?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden pulled out the three-by-five note card from his back
> pocket.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Now read through it," Salma said as though talking to a small
>>>> > >>>child.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>A second passed and Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped
> and
>>>> > >>>looked sharply up at Salma.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"See?" Salma asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"You think A. W. and Alice Madison are the same person?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"It fits."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Henry's secretary. And Sheriff Jenkins said she's still
> living in
>>>>
>>>> > >>>town. She must have married this Madison guy."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Think we can find her?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Give me a minute," Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone
> tucked
>>>>
>>>> > >>>away in his pocket. An electronic voice hummed from his phone
> as
>>>> > >>>he maneuvered through the menus.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Got it. There's only one Alice Madison that shows up in
> town."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Thank God for technology," Salma said. "No wonder no one
> could
>>>> > >>>ever
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>solve this case."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden smirked at her. "Thank God for accessible technology.
> Come
>>>> > >>>on. She doesn't live far from here and it's not too late."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ten minutes later, they knocked on Alice Madison's door.
>>>> > >>>Salma described the house's well-kempt lawn and green
>>>> > >>>exterior. She
> said
>>>>
>>>> > >>>that flower boxes lined the windows and white shutters hung
> from
>>>> > >>>the upstair windows.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>The door opened and a woman's voice gasped, "Oh."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Mrs. Madison? I'm Ayden-"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Templeton," she said. "You look like Henry."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Smiling, Ayden said, "Mrs. Madison, this is my friend Salma.
> We're
>>>>
>>>> > >>>working on a book about my grandfather, and we would like to
> ask
>>>> > >>>you some questions."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Oh, of course. Come in, come in."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>As the door shut behind Ayden and Salma, he smelled a flower
> scent
>>>> > >>>that he couldn't place and a clock ticked nearby. Alice
> Madison
>>>> > >>>ushered them into a sitting room off the entryway. Salma sat
> next
>>>> > >>>to
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>Ayden on the soft couch while Alice sat across from them.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Can I offer you anything? I just made lemonade."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"That would be wonderful," Salma said.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>As Alice left the room, Ayden turned towards Salma. "I'm
> sorry, I
>>>> > >>>didn't even think to ask if you were hungry."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Hon, it's okay. I didn't think about it myself until now."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"We'll have dinner after this; I promise."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Promise?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden grinned as Alice returned. She placed an ice-cold glass
> in
>>>> > >>>Ayden's hand. Ice chinked against the side as he took a gulp.
> The
>>>>
>>>> > >>>cold liquid felt good down his throat after the dust of the
>>>> > >>>Templeton
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>house. He could only imagine how dirty he and Salma looked.
>>>> > >>>He felt the mingled grime of sweat and dirt on his body. Why
>>>> > >>>had
> it
>>>> > >>>not occurred to them to stop somewhere first and wash up,
>>>> > >>>Ayden thought.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"So, what can I help you with? Henry was a dear friend and I
> miss
>>>> > >>>him. You must call me Alice."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Well, Alice, we specifically are interested in his death,"
> Ayden
>>>> > >>>said.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Alice coughed as she choked on her lemonade. "Why would you
>>>> > >>>be interested in that?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I believe that maybe his death wasn't accidental."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Oh dear, don't buy into those silly rumors. Pete Jenkins
>>>> > >>>conducted a thorough investigation and no foul play was to be
>>>> > >>>hinted at."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"And yet the rumors persist," Ayden said.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Silly gossip. Housewives bored out of there minds."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"You know Sheriff Jenkins?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Darling, it's a small town; everybody knows everybody."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden sipped on his lemonade as Salma clicked her nails
>>>> > >>>against
> the
>>>>
>>>> > >>>side of her glass.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"We have reason to believe maybe there is more to the story,"
> Ayden
>>>>
>>>> > >>>said. He affected his best courtroom demeanor. He had
> observed
>>>> > >>>his father like this hundreds of times.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Alice swirled ice chuncks around in her glass. Her voice had
> lost
>>>> > >>>some of its cheeriness when she responded by asking, "What
> makes
>>>> > >>>you say that?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>He found the love letter in a folder. Removing the Braille
> label,
>>>> > >>>he
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>set it on the coffee table dividing them from Alice. "Did you
>>>> > >>>write this?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>The letter rustled as Alice picked it up. When she spoke, her
>>>> > >>>voice sounded strained as though she were holding back tears.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Where did you find this?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"It was in some old boxes in the Templeton home," Salma said.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>A long silence followed in which Ayden heard Alice sniffling.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I suppose the truth has to come out sooner or later," Alice
> said
>>>> > >>>quietly.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"We don't need-a-details of anything, but is there any reason
> to
>>>> > >>>think Henry was killed?" Ayden soothed.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Your grandfather hired me when I was eighteen," Alice began,
>>>> > >>>ignoring him. "I instantly fell in love with him, but he was
> that
>>>> > >>>type. Dashingly handsome, charming to a fault. He was a few
> years
>>>> > >>>older than me, but I knew how all the girls waited for their
> chance
>>>>
>>>> > >>>to rope Henry into marriage. I felt so lucky to see him
> everyday.
>>>>
>>>> > >>>I
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>started out as a simple receptionist, but eventually he
> promoted me
>>>>
>>>> > >>>to his personal secretary."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Did you move with my grandparents then, when they moved?" he
>>>> > >>>asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Alice sighed. "Yes, but after-things happened-I moved back.
>>>> > >>>I remained in his employ, working from the office here in
>>>> > >>>town. Before
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>your father took charge, Henry's headquarters had always been
> based
>>>>
>>>> > >>>from here."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden nodded his head.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I never meant to hurt anyone. Things happened. Henry loved
> us
>>>> > >>>both, Lucy and I. I tried to end it for years, but Henry
> always
>>>> > >>>showed up with that smile of his. Then I tried to make him
> choose.
>>>>
>>>> > >>>I should've known better, but I was in love."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Alice spilled her story, hoping for redemption perhaps.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"The final straw came right before his death. We had carried
> on
>>>> > >>>for almost forty-years and I knew it had to stop. We fought.
> I
>>>> > >>>threatened to tell Lucy and that was that. He left me
> promising to
>>>>
>>>> > >>>choose. I waited for an answer, but a week later, Henry was
> found
>>>> > >>>dead."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Did you ever tell anyone?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"No."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden and Salma stood by the car outside Alice's house. A
> breeze
>>>> > >>>tousled Ayden's hair and Salma gently combed her fingers
> through
>>>> > >>>his dark tresses.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Seems like all you Templeton men are irresistible," she said
>>>> > >>>teasingly.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Unsure of how to respond to her comment, he grinned, but
>>>> > >>>before
> he
>>>> > >>>could make a remark, her car door clicked open. He slid into
> the
>>>> > >>>passenger seat, heart pounding.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"You promised me dinner," Salma whined playfully.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Munching on diner-style hamburgers and fries, they took the
>>>> > >>>opportunity to relax.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"How come you didn't visit your grandparents much?" Salma
> asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Not sure. Mom and Dad were always busy. Usually just my
> sister
>>>> > >>>and
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>I came."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Did you ever notice anything between them then?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"No, but I was a kid."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"What about when you were older?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Naw, I was busy then too. After the accident, though, I
>>>> > >>>spent more time with my grandma. She was the only one who
>>>> > >>>treated me like me still, but she died shortly after that."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I wish I could have met her."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"She would have liked you."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I always hated seeing my family all the time, but now I'm
>>>> > >>>glad we're
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>so close."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Hey, let's walk around town." Ayden slid out of the vinyl
> booth
>>>> > >>>and
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>paid at the register.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Meeting Salma out by the car, they moved towards the downtown
> area.
>>>>
>>>> > >>>Salma kept up with Ayden's stride as his cane tapped from
>>>> > >>>side-to-side.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Sometimes I think it would be nice to live in a small town,"
> she
>>>> > >>>mused.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Really, you? Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," he
> joked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I could drive to the city. I don't know. It seems like a
> nice
>>>> > >>>place to raise a family."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden had never heard Salma speak about wanting kids. As well
> as
>>>> > >>>he knew her, he realized there was plenty he still had to
> learn.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will grow up to
> cheat,
>>>> > >>>lie
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>and murder," he scoffed.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"We, huh?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden blushed, feeling the heat creep up his neck to his face.
> He
>>>> > >>>hadn't caught his blunder. He sputtered, but before he could
> make
>>>> > >>>sense of his words, Salma grabbed his hand.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Maybe we can live in the Templeton mansion," she said.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>They walked silently back to the car hand-in-hand.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"It's pretty late, what should we do?" Salma asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden flipped the crystal face of his watch up. Feeling the
> raised
>>>>
>>>> > >>>dots and arrows, he said, "It's a quarter to eleven. I'm
> beat."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Me too. I don't really feel like driving back tonight
> though."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>He scratched his head. "I guess we can stay at
> casa-de-Templeton."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Okay, but no funny business," Salma joked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Sitting in the car, Ayden said, "By the way, unlike some men
>>>> > >>>in
> my
>>>> > >>>family, I'm more of a one-woman type."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Good to know." Salma kissed his cheek.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden laced his fingers through hers.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I was wondering when you would make a move," she said.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden reached for her face and leaned in to kiss her. Her
>>>> > >>>lips were smooth and tasted of cherry. Salma placed her hand
>>>> > >>>on his face as they held this pose for a minute.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Back at the Templeton house, they stood on either side of the
>>>> > >>>king-size bed in the master bedroom.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Sure you don't want to sleep in another room?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Hell no! This house is creepy."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I thought you wanted to raise children here?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Shut-up. Scared to sleep with a girl?" The bed creaked as
> Salma
>>>> > >>>lay down on it. "A bit musty."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>They had found spare bed linens in a box and had attempted to
> shake
>>>>
>>>> > >>>them out as best they could. Ayden had noticed a lingering
> wispy
>>>> > >>>scent of flowers that he could not place. It may have been
>>>> > >>>the remnants of something used to launder the linens years
>>>> > >>>ago, he
> had
>>>> > >>>thought.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Without thinking, he removed his shirt and handed it to Salma.
>>>> > >>>"Here. You can wrap your pillow in it."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Thanks," Salma said drawing the word out.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Realizing what he had done, he blushed for the millionth time
> that
>>>> > >>>day. Not able to turn back what he had done, Ayden lay slowly
> down,
>>>>
>>>> > >>>sticking close to the edge.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Keep your hands above the blankets," she yawned.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden woke disoriented at first, but comprehension quickly
> dawned
>>>> > >>>as he felt Salma's small body nestled against his. She snored
>>>> > >>>quietly and Ayden smiled. This was nice, he thought. He
> extracted
>>>>
>>>> > >>>himself gently from the bed, trying to not wake Salma.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>He needed to use the bathroom, but it struck him that the
> bathrooms
>>>>
>>>> > >>>would not be in working order. It was primitive, but it would
> have
>>>>
>>>> > >>>to do, he thought as he found his way downstairs and out into
> the
>>>> > >>>back garden. Hoping no neighbors were awake to see him, he
>>>> > >>>relieved himself.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Half asleep still, his eyes snapped open as a slight shuffle
> came
>>>> > >>>from behind him. Finished with his midnight chore, he
>>>> > >>>listened intently, but no sound came again. He turned around,
>>>> > >>>gripping
> his
>>>> > >>>cane like a weapon in one hand.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Hello," he said.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>No response came. He turned back towards the house and as he
>>>> > >>>walked,
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>Ayden felt his back tingle. It was the sensation he felt as a
>>>> > >>>child when terrified, feeling a presence behind him. He was
>>>> > >>>thirty-years-old now, he chided himself. Forcing himself to
> walk
>>>> > >>>calmly back into the house, he reached the French doors and
>>>> > >>>entered.
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>As he went to shut the doors, a soft shuffle started in the
>>>> > >>>darkness again. It could have been the long dead foliage of
> the
>>>> > >>>garden rustling in the breeze, but Ayden couldn't be sure.
> Placing
>>>>
>>>> > >>>himself in the doorway again, the noise instantly stopped.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Slamming the door and locking it, Ayden flew to the stairs,
> taking
>>>> > >>>three steps at a time. Heart pounding, blood rushing in his
> ears,
>>>> > >>>Ayden felt a cool breeze cut through the stuffy air of the
> bedroom.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Danmit, he swore to himself. They had opened windows before
> going
>>>> > >>>to
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>bed, hoping to air out their lodgings for the night.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma still was sleeping peacefully on the bed. He sat on the
> bed
>>>> > >>>resting his head on the large carved headboard, listening.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Crickets chirped outside and the breeze rustled the leaves of
> trees
>>>>
>>>> > >>>from time to time. Salma continued her snoring as Ayden
>>>> > >>>waited
> to
>>>> > >>>hear the shuffle again or a step on the stairs, but nothing
> came.
>>>> > >>>He
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>relaxed after fifteen minutes of his vigilante watch.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Laying back down on the bed, one arm behind his head, he
>>>> > >>>smiled when Salma threw an arm across his chest. Thinking
>>>> > >>>only of
> Salma
>>>> > >>>by now, Ayden drifted back off to sleep.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>The second time Ayden woke he knew where he was, but something
> was
>>>> > >>>not right. Salma still snored next to him as he spooned her,
> but
>>>> > >>>an acrid odor filled his nostrils. A loud crack made him bolt
> up
>>>> > >>>in bed.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Salma! There's a fire!" He shook her until she woke up.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"We need to get out of here," Ayden shouted as she slowly
> regained
>>>> > >>>conscienceness.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden flew to the open door. Smoke filled his nose and made
> his
>>>> > >>>eyes
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>water. "Salma, I can't tell if we can make it down the
> stairs."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Standing next to him, she said, "All I can see is smoke. Can
> we
>>>> > >>>jump
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>out the window?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"We're on the second floor. It's pretty high up."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Now across the room, Salma cry, "Oh-my-god! Ayden!"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"What?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I can see flames around the base of the house."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Shit." Trying to think, Ayden gathered up the sheet from the
> bed.
>>>>
>>>> > >>>Dousing it with water from bottles purchased the night before,
> he
>>>> > >>>threw the sheet in Salma's direction. "Wrap yourself in
>>>> > >>>this."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Why?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Just do it."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over
> his
>>>> > >>>broad shoulder. Grabbing his cane by the door, he moved into
> the
>>>> > >>>hallway. Hoping the shirt tied around his face would keep out
>>>> > >>>smoke, Ayden ran to the top of the stairs. Despite the
> situation,
>>>> > >>>Ayden could not help notice the harlequin-romance-like
> predicament.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>He heard Salma say something, but her face was muffled and he
> could
>>>>
>>>> > >>>not understand her. Tucking his cane underneath his arm, he
> groped
>>>>
>>>> > >>>the banister which still seemed intact. Finally reaching the
>>>> > >>>bottom,
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>he found his way to the front door and opened it.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>A rush of fresh air greeted him. Feeling heat, he hoped they
> could
>>>>
>>>> > >>>make it off the porch. At the porch steps, panicked, he
>>>> > >>>placed Salma
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>upright again. She struggled to loosen the sheet around her.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Are the flames here too?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"No, but there coming from behind."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>At the end of the drive, Ayden dialed 911 on his phone.
> Neighbors
>>>> > >>>could be heard coming from their own houses. A few ran up to
> Ayden
>>>>
>>>> > >>>and Salma asking if they were okay.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Standing at a distance, the flames roared. Salma held his
>>>> > >>>hand
> as
>>>> > >>>they waited in silence for the sound of sirens.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden rested on the back bumper of Sheriff Jenkins's police
>>>> > >>>cruiser. The mid-morning sun warmed his face. Still
>>>> > >>>shirtless,
> a
>>>> > >>>blanket draped his shoulders. A gritty smudge crossed his
> forehead
>>>>
>>>> > >>>and he could still smell the smoke embracing his body.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Once the firemen had extinguished the fire, Sheriff Jenkins
>>>> > >>>and
> his
>>>>
>>>> > >>>deputy, a man about Ayden's age, drove Salma and Ayden to the
>>>> > >>>police station. Each gave a report before Ayden's father was
>>>> > >>>contacted.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water. He gulped
> the
>>>> > >>>cool liquid down as she rested her head against his shoulder.
>>>> > >>>Sniffing her hair laced with the jasmine and vanilla scent and
>>>> > >>>smoke,
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>Ayden protectively placed an arm around her.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Ayden," Salma said in quiet surprise, "Alice Madison's here."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden pulled the blanket closed as he waited for Alice to
> approach.
>>>>
>>>> > >>>A new scent filled his nostrils. This too smelled of flowers,
> but
>>>> > >>>it
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>was not the framiliar scent Salma wore. Through the fog of
>>>> > >>>his brain, he tried to place where he had smelled this before.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I'm glad you two are alright," Alice spoke quietly. "I can't
>>>> > >>>believe this. Do you need anything?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Thank you, but we're okay," Salma said warmly.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Pete phoned me this morning-"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Sheriff Jenkins? Why?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Alice didn't respond.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Waiting for an answer, Ayden finally recognized the flower
> scent
>>>> > >>>that
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>had lingered in the closet where he and Salma had found bed
> linens.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Alice, did you visit the house after we left you yesterday?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Alice made a suppressed-sounding noise. She never answered
>>>> > >>>and before Ayden could ask anything else, her muffled
>>>> > >>>footsteps
> padded
>>>> > >>>on
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>the grass as she walked briskly away.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Ayden?" Salma puzzled.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Her perfume, it's the same smell I noticed in the closet last
>>>> > >>>night."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Ayden, that's where I found the letter too," Salma whispered.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden heard the swish of grass as someone else walked towards
> them.
>>>>
>>>> > >>>It was His father, Nick.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Are you crazy?" Nick asked, bewildered.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I'm fine. Nice to see you too, Dad."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Nick let out a long breath before saying, "Your mother and I
> went
>>>> > >>>crazy when we heard what happened. We're glad you're okay."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Is the house ruined?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma shifted and sat upright next to Ayden.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"It's mostly the garden that was ruined, but there is damage
>>>> > >>>to
> the
>>>>
>>>> > >>>house."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden felt his chest tighten. The garden had been His
>>>> > >>>grandmother's favorite place. Ayden remembered playing among
> the
>>>> > >>>walk-ways and tall bushes as she tended to her beloved
>>>> > >>>flowers. Interrupting his thoughts, he heard a shuffling
>>>> > >>>footstep
> approach.
>>>>
>>>> > >>>Another memory pushed itself front and center in his mind. As
>>>> > >>>Sheriff Jenkins stopped his pace, Ayden gave a hard look in
>>>> > >>>the direction of the noise.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Tom says it will take a few weeks to get reports back, but
> there
>>>> > >>>is some structural damage to the house, Nick," the sheriff
> said.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Taken any midnight strolls to clear your mind lately?" Ayden
>>>> > >>>directed to Sheriff Jenkins.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>No one spoke. Salma gripped his hand.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Any reason why you'd call Alice Madison early this morning?"
> Ayden
>>>>
>>>> > >>>asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Drop it," Nick hissed.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Thrown off by his father's tone, Ayden squeezed Salma's hand,
>>>> > >>>unsure what to do.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I'm sure we're all tired and need to collect our thoughts,"
>>>> > >>>Sheriff Jenkins said. "Maybe you ought to take these two
>>>> > >>>home, Nick." He shuffled off.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden sat in front of the computer. A humming buzz issued
>>>> > >>>from
> the
>>>>
>>>> > >>>speakers as Ayden worked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Still working?" Salma asked from behind.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden leaned his head back against her stomach. She was
> wrapped in
>>>>
>>>> > >>>a
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>large soft towel. Remembering last night, he slipped his hand
>>>> > >>>through the folds, but she turned swiftly away, laughing.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>It had not been the first night one of them slept over at the
>>>> > >>>other's
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>apartment, but it had been their first time together.
> Excitement
>>>> > >>>had
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>rushed over Ayden, but it had not felt awkward.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma spewed a torrent of Spanish at him, and he chuckled.
> "That
>>>> > >>>just turns me on more."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"I called you a great big moron whose brain is tiny like his-"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Doesn't matter. Still sounds sexy."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma whipped another towel at him before scampering to the
>>>> > >>>bedroom. Turning back to his work, Ayden decided to check his
>>>> > >>>email.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>As he clicked on the necessary links using Hotkey commands, he
>>>> > >>>thought over the past few weeks.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden had told his father what happened, but Nick said that
>>>> > >>>everything was circumstantial. Ayden knew this, but he also
> knew
>>>> > >>>he had opened something up. Something that had been meant to
>>>> > >>>remain secret. Nick refused to open any investigation and he
>>>> > >>>remained tight-lipped.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>The fire was officially reported as an unknown accident since
> no
>>>> > >>>evidence, either way, had been found determining a cause.
> This, at
>>>>
>>>> > >>>least, was how the police report read. Ayden, though, had
> inquired
>>>>
>>>> > >>>into the fire-chief's report. It too was inconclusive, but
> this
>>>> > >>>report did mention that a match book had been found near the
>>>> > >>>premises. Salma had advised him to wait before attempting any
>>>> > >>>further investigation. She was worried about him. Unsure if
> the
>>>> > >>>fire had been an accident or not, he agreed with her.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>She had been the reason he was able to let the weeks slip by
>>>> > >>>without searching for more clues. Once they had returned to
> the
>>>> > >>>city a couple of days after the fire, Ayden had found the
> courage
>>>> > >>>to express
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>his budding feelings towards her.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>They had sat on the couch talking; a typical Friday night for
> them,
>>>>
>>>> > >>>except this time Ayden could feel a growing anticipation
> between
>>>> > >>>them.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma had stood to get another beer from the kitchen when
>>>> > >>>Ayden reached for her wrist. His large palm had felt bigger
>>>> > >>>next to
> her
>>>> > >>>slim wrist. Both had stared silently at one another. Ayden,
>>>> > >>>thinking
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>he would win this game since he couldn't see, broke first.
>>>> > >>>Grinning with a smirk, he had pulled Salma to him and kissed
> her.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Weeks later, their routine was continued as normal, yet
> something
>>>> > >>>was
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>different. They had transitioned into this new element with
> ease,
>>>> > >>>as
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>though it were meant to be. Their friendship was strengthened
> by
>>>> > >>>the
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>new romance.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Still reminiscing, Ayden did not recognize the name given for
> the
>>>> > >>>first email he came across. Opening it up, he read the
> following:
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>I'm glad you have stopped your investigation. It is best to
> let
>>>> > >>>the dead rest. Enjoy your new love and look only towards the
>>>> > >>>future.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>There was no signature. Alarmed, Ayden checked the From
>>>> > >>>field,
> but
>>>>
>>>> > >>>the only information this provided was
>>>> > >>><mailto:aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.>
>>>> > >>>aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Ayden's pulse quickened. Hearing Salma pad lightly back into
> the
>>>> > >>>room, he closed the window he was in. He thought it was best
> to
>>>> > >>>not alarm her just yet.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Wann' stay here again tonight?" he asked.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"You know, we live across the hall from one another. Should
>>>> > >>>we just make this permanent?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Sure you can live with a guy?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Well, I guess if it's you I can."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>He lunged for her, but she ran giggling across the room.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"This is the great thing about dating a blind guy, he can't
> catch
>>>> > >>>me."
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>"Oh yeah?"
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Salma shrieked as he flung his body across her path, blocking
> her
>>>> > >>>dash to the bedroom. Holding Salma close against him,
>>>> > >>>wrapping
> her
>>>>
>>>> > >>>in a bear hug, Ayden knew this was just the beginning.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>_______________________________________________
>>>> > >>>Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>>>> > >>><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>stylist mailing list
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> info
>>>> > >>>for stylist:
>>>> >
>>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/lists%40br
>>>> > >>>ad
>>>> >dunsemusic.com
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>__________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of
> virus
>>>> > >>>signature database 5555 (20101022) __________
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
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>>>> > >>
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >>Brad Dunse
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >>Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I'll remember. Involve
> me,
>>>> > >>and I'll learn
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >>E Mail: brad at braddunsemusic.com
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >>Website: http://www.braddunsemusic.com
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >>Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1464323555
>>>> > >>
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>>>> > >>
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>>>> > >>
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >>_______________________________________________
>>>> > >>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
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>>>> >
>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/jbron%40opt
>>>> > >>on
>>>> >line.net
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >_______________________________________________
>>>> > >Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>>>> > ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>>>> > >
>>>> > >stylist mailing list
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> for
>>>> > >stylist:
>>>> >
>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/lists%40brad
>>>> > >du
>>>> > >nsemusic.com
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> > >__________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of
>>>> > >virus signature database 5555 (20101022) __________
>>>> > >
>>>> > >The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
>>>> > >
>>>> > >http://www.eset.com
>>>> > >
>>>> > >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >Brad Dunse
>>>> >
>>>> >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
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >------------------------------
>>>> >
>>>> >Message: 8
>>>> >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:42:00 -0500
>>>> >From: Priscilla McKinley <priscilla.mckinley at gmail.com>
>>>> >To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>>>> >Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>>>> >Message-ID:
>>>> >
> <AANLkTi=RAjJKajKBexCtF5HYXWF=bZemJPDY0HN8xTPr at mail.gmail.com>
>>>> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>>> >
>>>> >I think the changes strengthen this piece. While I haven't had a
>>>> >chance to go over it in detail, I was thinking of the title. I
> know
>>>> >you use sense because of the blindness, but I really like the idea
> of
>>>> >using the word key in the title. The image of the key at the
>>>> >beginning, as well as later when entering the house, seems to
>>>> >stand out. A Key to Murder? Or perhaps just Keys? In fact, you
>>>> >could
> have
>>>> >images of other keys, like giving her a key to his apartment, the
> idea
>>>> >of keys as gaining entrance to investigate a murder and gaining
>>>> >entrance to the mind and body of another person in a relationship.
> That
>>>>
>>>> >would tie the two stories together, in a way.
>>>> >
>>>> >Anyway, wehn I have more time, I'll try to get back to this for a
> more
>>>>
>>>> >thorough reading. Thanks for sharing.
>>>> >
>>>> >Priscilla
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >On 10/22/10, BDM <lists at braddunsemusic.com> wrote:
>>>> > > Thanks Judith,
>>>> > >
>>>> > > Brad
>>>> > >
>>>> > > At 12:24 PM 10/22/2010, you wrote:
>>>> > >>Brad, When I write I do it both ways. Some of my conclusions
> just
>>>> > >>happen, others are planned and worked out. I don't know how
> Bridget
>>>>
>>>> > >>does it, but I can't make a blanket statement. Judith
>>>> > >>----- Original Message ----- From: "BDM"
> <lists at braddunsemusic.com>
>>>> > >>To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>>>> > >>Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 1:06 PM
>>>> > >>Subject: Re: [stylist] detective short revision
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >>>Glad you are working on this. I like the subtle changes and
>>>> > >>>embellishments. I've a question for you. At this point, do
>>>> > >>>you know in your mind how the mystery plays out, who done it,
>>>> > >>>and
> the
>>>> > >>>little twists and details? Or when you write, are you making
>>>> > >>>it
> up
>>>> > >>>as you go. I've heard authors promote both ways. Just curious
> on
>>>> > >>>your method
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>and not a spoiling of the story, which I hope to read at a
> later
>>>> > >>>date.
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Brad
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>At 11:15 AM 10/22/2010, you wrote:
>>>> > >>>>Hey guys,
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Since I shared the first draft with you lot, I thought I
>>>> > >>>>would share
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>my revision. Again, I am not a detective fiction writer, nor
> do I
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>wish to be, but after your comments and my class workshop, I
> have
>>>> > >>>>made some changes.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>My fiction, unfortunately, is not as good as my nonfiction,
> but I
>>>> > >>>>do
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>like my two main characters. I would like to continue
> something
>>>> > >>>>with them.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Enjoy!
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Bridgit
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Sense of Murder
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden sat in his father's leather wingback chair rolling a
> large
>>>> > >>>>key
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>between his fingers. The metal key had been cold, but now
>>>> > >>>>was warmed by his hands. He gripped the key in his palm and
> rubbed a
>>>> > >>>>thumb across the rough , rusty surface. A few weeks ago,
> Ayden
>>>> > >>>>had merely been researching the mysterious death of his
>>>> > >>>>grandfather for a book he was writing. Now, he sat among
> items
>>>> > >>>>wondering if his grandfather had been murdered.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden's father had found Ayden's grandfather lying at the
> bottom
>>>> > >>>>of the staircase in his home. His father never spoke about
> the
>>>> > >>>>incident after reporting it to the police. His father was
>>>> > >>>>allowing Ayden and Salma to search through any items he kept
>>>> > >>>>though.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>For years there had been whispers of foul play, but no one
> ever
>>>> > >>>>spoke about the rumors. The official ruling was that Henry
>>>> > >>>>Templeton, Ayden's grandfather, had accidently fallen down
>>>> > >>>>the stairs. Other than the vicious gossip, there didn't seem
>>>> > >>>>to
> be
>>>> > >>>>any reason to think otherwise until Ayden began researching
> his
>>>> > >>>>grandfather's life. A few weeks of poking around Henry
>>>> > >>>>Templeton's past, Ayden received a mysterious email.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>> Your journey has just begun, but it is advisable that you
> stop
>>>> > >>>>your investigation immediately. Heartache and harm can only
>>>> > >>>>befall you
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>> Alarmed, but intrigued, Ayden picked up his research with
> new
>>>> > >>>>fervor. Now he and his friend and neighbor, Salma, sat in his
>>>> > >>>>father's large office surrounded by books and papers
>>>> > >>>>searching
> for
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>clues that may indicate a reason why his grandfather would
> have
>>>> > >>>>been
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>murdered.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"So what's next?" Salma asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Tapping the key in his palm, Ayden said, "I'm not sure. This
>>>> > >>>>letter
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>says a lot."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden closed his eyes thinking on this letter. It was
> evidence,
>>>> > >>>>even if circumstantial, that suggested, if his grandmother
> knew
>>>> > >>>>about it, she could have killed Henry.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>People had said his grandmother, Lucy, had been distracted
>>>> > >>>>and irritable a couple of weeks before his grandfather's
>>>> > >>>>death.
> When
>>>> > >>>>his father found Henry at the bottom of the stairs, the only
> other
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>person present had been his grandmother. Stunned by the
> event,
>>>> > >>>>his father had placed Lucy in a nursing home.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>There was a pause then paper crackled before Salma spoke.
> "It's
>>>> > >>>>pretty clear from this letter that your grandfather was
>>>> > >>>>having
> an
>>>> > >>>>affair. I wonder if we can figure out these initials, A. W."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden shut his eyes again, thinking, trying to remember
>>>> > >>>>anyone
> he
>>>> > >>>>had ever met with A. W. for initials. "I don't know," he
> sighed.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>As Ayden and Salma leafed through pictures and notes, they
>>>> > >>>>had found
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>an old copy of Wuthering Heights.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden remembered the year his grandfather had given the third
>>>> > >>>>edition book to his grandmother for Christmas. His
> grandmother
>>>> > >>>>had sat unwrapping the gift, then exclaimed, "Oh," before
> looking
>>>> > >>>>up with tears in her eyes. Wuthering Heights had always been
> her
>>>> > >>>>favorite novel. Lucy had been the one person to encourage
> Ayden to
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>follow his dream and take up writing instead of joining the
> family
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>law firm. "You're meant to follow your own path," Lucy had
> told
>>>> > >>>>Ayden once.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>After an accident had left Ayden blind, his father had
>>>> > >>>>refused
> to
>>>> > >>>>believe Ayden could handle the work of a litigator, but Lucy
> had
>>>> > >>>>never doubted his ability to do anything.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Now, Ayden and Salma found a letter enclosed in the pages of
> the
>>>> > >>>>book; a letter suggesting a secret Ayden never knew about.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden touched the thick, but stiff piece of paper and held it
> out
>>>> > >>>>to
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>Salma to inspect. She told him the letter appeared old, but
> not
>>>> > >>>>as old as the book. A few of the torn edges of the letter
> were
>>>> > >>>>turning
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>yellow. The letter was simple as she read:
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Henry, my love,
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>I can not wait to see you again. I hoped and when I saw you
>>>> > >>>>coming down the road, my heart leaped. I still feel your
> touch.
>>>> > >>>>How much longer must we wait? Please, my darling, give me
> what I
>>>> > >>>>ask before it is too late.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Love, A. W.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>When Ayden's father found Henry's body, Lucy had gone wild,
>>>> > >>>>screaming, unable to leave Henry's lifeless body.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Gossips spread the news, sweeping far and wide. Lucy was
> crazy,
>>>> > >>>>they said. She went mad, she killed her husband. It was
> juicy,
>>>> > >>>>just what a small town needed.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>The police never looked into the possibility, but Lucy died
> with a
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>black mark attached to her memory.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden never believed that his grandmother would hurt anyone.
> She
>>>> > >>>>had been fond of Ayden, and she never treated him like his
> life
>>>> > >>>>was over after the accident.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"What now? Where do we go next?" Salma asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden held the rusted, copper key up in front of him. "We
> visit
>>>> > >>>>the
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>old Templeton mansion."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>The Templeton mansion was the Victorian home his grandparents
> had
>>>> > >>>>lived in. The family still owned it, but it had sat empty
>>>> > >>>>for years. Ayden thought that maybe more secrets were hidden
> within
>>>> > >>>>the
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>walls of the Templeton house, eager to be discovered.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden sat in the car as Salma drove. Neither spoke as
>>>> > >>>>Ayden's fingers slid across the pages on his lap. Reading
>>>> > >>>>his Braille notes, Ayden wondered where to start once they
>>>> > >>>>reached the
> small
>>>> > >>>>town where his grandparents and father had grown up.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>His grandfather had started a small law firm in town, but
>>>> > >>>>eventually
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>it grew. His grandparents had moved when Ayden's father,
> Nick,
>>>> > >>>>had been ten.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Nick never spoke about his childhood though. Ayden really
> didn't
>>>> > >>>>know much about his family's past. His grandparents had
>>>> > >>>>moved back to their old house once Nick took the firm over,
>>>> > >>>>but
> Ayden
>>>> > >>>>had rarely visited the home. After his grandfather had died,
>>>> > >>>>Lucy, unable to cope with his death, had moved into an
>>>> > >>>>upscale nursing home in the City, and Nick left the house
>>>> > >>>>untouched.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>As the car slowed, Ayden looked up at Salma. "Are we there?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Yes. What's our first stop?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I'm figuring this out as we go along. I guess the police
>>>> > >>>>station."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma was silent before saying, "You okay? I know your dad
> wasn't
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>happy when you asked about the letter."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>He remembered how Nick had gone quiet and cold before telling
> him
>>>> > >>>>, "Leave it alone. We don't dig up family history."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden had tried to coax him to say more, but the subject was
>>>> > >>>>closed.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Yeah. I wish he would have told us more. Explained
> something,"
>>>> > >>>>Ayden said.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Maybe he just wants to keep your family secrets, well,
> secret.
>>>> > >>>>Some people don't like giving out info about anything."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I just feel like he knows more than he's letting on."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"We'll find something. Don't worry."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma was always reassuring Ayden. She had become a constant
> in
>>>> > >>>>his
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>life. The only real constant he had. She had shown up one
> day,
>>>> > >>>>knocking on his door, holding a dish in her hands, offering
> Ayden
>>>> > >>>>some home made enchiladas. That had been the beginning of
> their
>>>> > >>>>friendship. They had spent many nights talking until three in
> the
>>>> > >>>>morning and hanging out on weekends. Salma was the one true
>>>> > >>>>connection Ayden had to the outside world.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden never felt like he fit in his family's world of
>>>> > >>>>snobbish dinner parties, elite country clubs and preferential
>>>> > >>>>treatment
> at
>>>> > >>>>most Ivy League universities. After graduating from college,
> His
>>>> > >>>>father had told him, "No one will ever respect a blind man in
> the
>>>> > >>>>courtroom. Maybe the firm can bring you on as a researcher."
>>>> > >>>>Ayden
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>was tired of his father's attitude so he took a job writing
> for a
>>>> > >>>>small magazine and left the family home.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Once moving away, he had become a recluse of sorts. He
>>>> > >>>>showed
> up
>>>> > >>>>to
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>the office for work, attended cocktail parties required for
> work
>>>> > >>>>and
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>even dated a couple of girls, but Salma was the one person he
>>>> > >>>>truly felt comfortable with. Her infectious way of always
> looking
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>at things positively seemed like a novelty to Ayden. She
> could
>>>> > >>>>always make him smile. When he began writing the book about
>>>> > >>>>Henry, Salma had offered to assist in anyway she could.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I'm really glad you're here," Ayden said.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Yeah, yeah. I'm waiting for my pay check. My services
>>>> > >>>>don't come free." Salma giggled as she pulled into a parking
>>>> > >>>>stall.
> "I
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>think we're here."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Thanks, again, for taking the day off to help."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Hey, I know you'd help me with stuff. It's all so
> interesting;
>>>> > >>>>way
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>more interesting than filling in for waiters who don't show
>>>> > >>>>up
> for
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>work."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"You aren't at work, who's filling in for you?" Ayden said
>>>> > >>>>grinning at her.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma smacked his arm. "That's the benefit of being the
> owner's
>>>> > >>>>daughter."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>While Salma dropped coins into the parking meter, Ayden
>>>> > >>>>tapped
> his
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>cane along the brick walls looking for the door. Hearing the
>>>> > >>>>difference from the cane tip tapping on brick to the clink of
>>>> > >>>>glass,
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>he figured he found the door.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"No Braille, is this it?" he shouted back to Salma.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Yes," she answered rushing to catch up.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>They entered the quiet, almost lazy-like atmosphere of the
> police
>>>> > >>>>station. Ayden moved towards the sound of clacking as some
> one
>>>> > >>>>pressed keys on a computer keyboard with a practiced
> efficiency.
>>>> > >>>>This, he thought, must be a reception desk.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Stepping up to a smooth feeling counter, Ayden said, "Excuse
> me."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Can I help you?" a woman's bored voice said.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"We were wondering if we can speak to some one who worked the
>>>> > >>>>Henry Templeton case," Ayden said.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>The woman stopped typing and a long silence followed. "Who's
>>>> > >>>>asking?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I'm Ayden Templeton, Henry's grandson."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"One minute." A chair creaked as the woman stood. Her shoes
>>>> > >>>>clicked on the linoleum floor as she walked away.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma touched Ayden's arm. "She had a weird look when you
>>>> > >>>>mentioned
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>your grandpa's name."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>As the receptionist returned, another footstep joined hers,
> but
>>>> > >>>>this
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>person shuffled slightly.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>The person shuffled towards Salma, saying, "Hello. I'm
> Sheriff
>>>> > >>>>Jenkins. How can I help you?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden stepped closer towards Salma, extending his arm to
> Sheriff
>>>> > >>>>Jenkins. "I'm Ayden Templeton and this is Salma Juarez. We
> have
>>>> > >>>>some questions about my grandfather's death."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>There was a pause before Sheriff Jenkins shook Ayden's hand.
>>>> > >>>>"Step into my office please."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden followed the sheriff into a room off the main section
>>>> > >>>>of
> the
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>department. His cane swep the inside of the door frame,
>>>> > >>>>indicating the width so Ayden avoided bumping into the edges
> of
>>>> > >>>>the frame. Ayden asked where a chair was and turned in the
>>>> > >>>>direction Captain Jenkins indicated. Finding the chair with
> his
>>>> > >>>>cane, he felt Salma's arm brush his as she sat next to him.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Can I get you anything?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"No, but thank you. Salma?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I'm good," Salma replied.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden felt a tension fill the room as the three sat there,
>>>> > >>>>not speaking. Sheriff Jenkins began tapping the edge of the
>>>> > >>>>metal table in the interrogation room. Ayden twisted his
>>>> > >>>>cane
> between
>>>> > >>>>his fingers. Salma bobbed her foot which was lightly kicking
>>>> > >>>>Ayden's shin.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"We're hoping to learn as much as we can about Henry
> Templeton's
>>>> > >>>>death. I'm researching the story for a novel I'm working on,"
>>>> > >>>>Ayden started.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I worked the case. There's not much to tell," Sheriff
> Jenkins
>>>> > >>>>said.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I know you eventually reported it as an accidental death,
>>>> > >>>>but
> was
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>there ever any evidence suggesting otherwise?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"No. We questioned friends and family and there was no
>>>> > >>>>reason
> to
>>>> > >>>>believe Henry Templeton was murdered," Sheriff Jenkins said
> with
>>>> > >>>>an edge to his tone.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden shifted his head towards Salma. Even though he had
>>>> > >>>>been blind
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>for seven-years, Ayden still used visual gestures and body
>>>> > >>>>movement.
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>"I know there was-uh-speculation that maybe my grandmother
>>>> > >>>>did it."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Lucy Baldwin? She never hurt anyone. We were all shocked
> when
>>>> > >>>>she
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>married Henry. She could have had anyone she wanted."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden leaned against the table looking straight in the
> direction
>>>> > >>>>where Sheriff Jenkins sat. "I thought Henry was a catch?
>>>> > >>>>Wouldn't most have jumped at the chance to marry into the
>>>> > >>>>Templeton family? You know, a lawyer from a wealthy family
>>>> > >>>>and
> all
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>that."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"He was a playboy. Always was, never changed."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Who did you question about his death?" Salma broke in.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>The sheriff's chair creaked as he leaned back. "Well, of
> course
>>>> > >>>>Lucy and her boy Nick. They were there. Found his body and
> all."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden shot the sheriff a questioning glance. He was talking
> like
>>>> > >>>>he
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>had forgot who Ayden was.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Then there was Zelda, the housekeeper, and Avery Mayer, he
> came
>>>> > >>>>around about once a week to help Lucy with the lawn. She
> loved
>>>> > >>>>her garden. Her roses won prizes around here," Sheriff
>>>> > >>>>Jenkins continued.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Anyone else?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Oh, his work associates, but Henry was retired so they
>>>> > >>>>didn't
> see
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>much of him anymore. Alice Madison , she had been his
> personal
>>>> > >>>>secretary for years. She still did stuff part-time for
> Henry."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden had pulled out a three-by-five plastic device that had
> six
>>>> > >>>>rows of cells containing three holes on each side of the
> cells. A
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>pop-pop-pop sound was made as Ayden poked a pointed awl-like
>>>> > >>>>object called a stylus through the holes as he took Braille
> notes.
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Are any of these people still around?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Not everyone had the same opportunities as the Templeton's
>>>> > >>>>to leave
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>town. Other than Henry's work associates, I think most of
> them
>>>> > >>>>still live around here. At least the one's who are still
> alive."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Is there anything else you can tell us? Was there anything
>>>> > >>>>strange
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>you noticed? Any evidence that suggest something other than
> an
>>>> > >>>>accidental tumble down the stairs?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>The sheriff laughed. "I know you city folk like to dream up
> seedy
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>happenings in small towns, but Henry Templeton's death was
> nothing
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>more than an accident. Nothing dark about it."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Thank you for your time," Ayden said extending his hand
>>>> > >>>>again
> to
>>>> > >>>>shake Sheriff Jenkins's.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Sheriff Jenkins sighed. "Look, don't go digging anything up.
>>>> > >>>>Just let the dead rest."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma's bracelet tinkled as they stood.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"We understand. I'm just trying to find things out about my
>>>> > >>>>grandfather for the book. You know, no stone uncovered,"
> Ayden
>>>> > >>>>said.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Are you two married?" Sheriff Jenkins asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden, confused by the switch, replied, "No."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>The sheriff chuckled. "Like your grandpa, I see."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden blushed, but Salma said, "Ayden is nothing but a
> gentleman.
>>>> > >>>>Clearly something he did not pick up in this town."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I know the kind of men the Templeton's are," the sheriff
> said.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Unsure of what to do, Ayden turned to leave.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"At least he has a better chance of touching what you have
> been
>>>> > >>>>admiring this whole time," Salma snapped. She turned
>>>> > >>>>quickly, fluttering Ayden's collar up as she rushed past.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Back in the car, he said, "I'm sorry. I didn't know what to
> say."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"It's okay. He was a pig."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I didn't realize-"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I know, its okay. Where to next?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>He could tell Salma was upset, but he left it alone. "The
> house,
>>>> > >>>>I guess."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>As the car backed out into the silent street, Ayden wondered
> why
>>>> > >>>>she
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>had told Sheriff Jenkins what she had. Was it simply said in
> a
>>>> > >>>>moment of anger, or was there any truth in her words, he
> thought.
>>>> > >>>>He has a better chance of touching what you have been
> admiring.
>>>> > >>>>Ayden smiled as he thought of the possibilities with Salma.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden stood before the house remembering the bright blue it
> had
>>>> > >>>>been
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>during the few visits he had made during his childhood. The
> house
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>had always stood out even among the street full of bright,
> cheery
>>>> > >>>>houses complete with emerald lawns and award winning gardens.
> The
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>Templeton house had a wrap-around porch with a veranda to the
> back
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>opening onto a large lawn complete with a British garden.
>>>> > >>>>Its three
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>stories reaching majestically towards the sky.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden now gripped the rough, wooden railing of the house.
>>>> > >>>>The feel of the railing did not match his memory of the
>>>> > >>>>sleek,
> smooth
>>>> > >>>>dark wooden banister. The stairs creaked as he stepped on
> them.
>>>> > >>>>Reaching the porch, he felt a slight dip and quickly stepped
>>>> > >>>>sideways in fear of falling through the porch. Children
> played
>>>> > >>>>nearby and cars languidly drove down the street, but a
>>>> > >>>>strange silence surrounded the house. It was as though Ayden
>>>> > >>>>were underneath water trying to make out the distant sounds.
>>>> > >>>>The
> scent
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>of jasmine passed briefly through his nose as Salma stood
>>>> > >>>>next
> to
>>>> > >>>>him.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"How does it look?" Ayden asked ignoring the scent.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma took a deep breath. "It's run down, that's for sure.
>>>> > >>>>I can't
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>believe no one has lived here for years."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"My family still owns it, but after my grandfather's death,
>>>> > >>>>no
> one
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>wanted to do anything about it."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"So sad," Salma said quietly.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden placed his hand on the cold knob of the dilapidated
>>>> > >>>>Victorian house. He dug in his pockets for the rusty key he
> had
>>>> > >>>>found in his father's office. As he inserted the heavy key
>>>> > >>>>in
> the
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>lock, a quiet click was heard. Ayden pushed the solid door
> open.
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>He looked in Salma's direction before stepping inside.
> Shutting
>>>> > >>>>the door, the house engulfed all sound like a tomb.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Creepy," Salma said as she shivered.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden walked forward tapping his long white cane, arcing wide
> so
>>>> > >>>>as to not run into anything. Dust filled the air and Ayden
>>>> > >>>>coughed as he inhaled.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"This has been sitting for years," Ayden rasped. "What's it
> look
>>>> > >>>>like?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"It's really dark, but it's almost completely empty. What do
> you
>>>> > >>>>think you'll find?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I'm not sure. Sheriff Jenkins wasn't much help. I just
> thought,
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>maybe something."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma's sandals clipped-clopped as she walked over to a
>>>> > >>>>window
> to
>>>> > >>>>open it. "Well, if we are going to be here long we need
>>>> > >>>>fresh air."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden felt a rush of summer breeze as the window clambered
>>>> > >>>>up. The sound of kids playing ruined the house's stolid
>>>> > >>>>silence.
> Life
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>entered the house again as Ayden began to feel around
> searching
>>>> > >>>>for any clue.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden moved from room to room feeling walls and any remaining
>>>> > >>>>furniture, hoping to find something, anything. Making his
>>>> > >>>>progression from room to room on the main floor, he heard
> Salma's
>>>> > >>>>muffled footsteps overhead. He smiled to himself as He
>>>> > >>>>rifled through drawers and cupboards. So far his hands had
>>>> > >>>>only
> found
>>>> > >>>>dust
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>and cobwebs.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Ayden, Ayden!" Salma shouted a couple of hours later.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden hurried towards the staircase where Salma's voice
>>>> > >>>>echoed from.
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>"Salma! Are you okay?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Get up here! I found something!"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden clambered up the grand staircase. Reaching the second
>>>> > >>>>floor, he shouted, "What room?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Um, it's a bedroom."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>He rolled his eyes. "Right." Hearing her voice off to his
> left,
>>>> > >>>>Ayden moved down the hallway. At the end, he found a door
> open.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Salma?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma's clapping sandals moved towards him.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Look at this," she said excitedly. Her bracelet tinkled and
>>>> > >>>>paper crackled as she shoved something in Ayden's hand.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden grinned. "Um." He handed the paper back to Salma.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Oh-sorry. I just-you won't believe this."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>It was another letter; a love letter to Henry.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Henry, My love,
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>I miss you. I grow restless with each day. I have waited
> years
>>>> > >>>>to be with you, really be with you. Let's stop the
> pretending,
>>>> > >>>>stop the lies. Don't be mad with me. I would do anything for
> you,
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>but we
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>must stop hiding. There is no harm in this. I will wait to
> hear
>>>> > >>>>from you, but don't take long. If you don't choose me, I
>>>> > >>>>will marry
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>Tom Madison.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Love,
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>A. W.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma rushed through the letter almost in one breath. Ayden
> was
>>>> > >>>>not
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>quite sure what her excitement was for.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"We already know Henry was having an affair of sorts," he
> said.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma sighed impatiently. "Ayden, think about it. Don't you
>>>> > >>>>see?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Not really," he said slowly.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>She grabbed his wrist. Her slender fingers gripped him with
>>>> > >>>>a strength Ayden would not have guessed at. She moved in
>>>> > >>>>closer
> and
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>once again, Ayden took in the scent of jasmine. This time he
>>>> > >>>>smelled something else with it. Vanilla, he thought. Salma
> shook
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>his arm slightly, her tinkling crystal bracelet grazing his
> wrist,
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>bringing him back to attention.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Ayden, A. W. Don't you see it yet?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"A. W.?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"The initials," she said exasperated, "A. W. It's Alice
> Madison."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Who's Alice Madison?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma smacked her forehead. "Ay-where are your notes from
> today?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden pulled out the three-by-five note card from his back
> pocket.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Now read through it," Salma said as though talking to a
>>>> > >>>>small child.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>A second passed and Half way through his notes, Ayden stopped
> and
>>>> > >>>>looked sharply up at Salma.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"See?" Salma asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"You think A. W. and Alice Madison are the same person?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"It fits."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Henry's secretary. And Sheriff Jenkins said she's still
> living
>>>> > >>>>in town. She must have married this Madison guy."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Think we can find her?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Give me a minute," Ayden said reaching for his mobile phone
>>>> > >>>>tucked away in his pocket. An electronic voice hummed from
> his
>>>> > >>>>phone as he
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>maneuvered through the menus.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Got it. There's only one Alice Madison that shows up in
> town."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Thank God for technology," Salma said. "No wonder no one
> could
>>>> > >>>>ever solve this case."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden smirked at her. "Thank God for accessible technology.
> Come
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>on. She doesn't live far from here and it's not too late."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ten minutes later, they knocked on Alice Madison's door.
> Salma
>>>> > >>>>described the house's well-kempt lawn and green exterior.
>>>> > >>>>She said that flower boxes lined the windows and white
>>>> > >>>>shutters
> hung
>>>> > >>>>from the
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>upstair windows.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>The door opened and a woman's voice gasped, "Oh."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Mrs. Madison? I'm Ayden-"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Templeton," she said. "You look like Henry."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Smiling, Ayden said, "Mrs. Madison, this is my friend Salma.
>>>> > >>>>We're working on a book about my grandfather, and we would
> like to
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>ask you
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>some questions."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Oh, of course. Come in, come in."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>As the door shut behind Ayden and Salma, he smelled a flower
> scent
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>that he couldn't place and a clock ticked nearby. Alice
> Madison
>>>> > >>>>ushered them into a sitting room off the entryway. Salma sat
> next
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>to Ayden on the soft couch while Alice sat across from them.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Can I offer you anything? I just made lemonade."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"That would be wonderful," Salma said.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>As Alice left the room, Ayden turned towards Salma. "I'm
> sorry, I
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>didn't even think to ask if you were hungry."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Hon, it's okay. I didn't think about it myself until now."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"We'll have dinner after this; I promise."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Promise?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden grinned as Alice returned. She placed an ice-cold
>>>> > >>>>glass
> in
>>>> > >>>>Ayden's hand. Ice chinked against the side as he took a
>>>> > >>>>gulp. The cold liquid felt good down his throat after the
>>>> > >>>>dust of
> the
>>>> > >>>>Templeton house. He could only imagine how dirty he and Salma
>>>> > >>>>looked. He felt the mingled grime of sweat and dirt on his
> body.
>>>> > >>>>Why had it not occurred to them to stop somewhere first and
> wash
>>>> > >>>>up,
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>Ayden thought.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"So, what can I help you with? Henry was a dear friend and I
> miss
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>him. You must call me Alice."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Well, Alice, we specifically are interested in his death,"
> Ayden
>>>> > >>>>said.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Alice coughed as she choked on her lemonade. "Why would you
> be
>>>> > >>>>interested in that?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I believe that maybe his death wasn't accidental."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Oh dear, don't buy into those silly rumors. Pete Jenkins
>>>> > >>>>conducted
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>a thorough investigation and no foul play was to be hinted
> at."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"And yet the rumors persist," Ayden said.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Silly gossip. Housewives bored out of there minds."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"You know Sheriff Jenkins?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Darling, it's a small town; everybody knows everybody."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden sipped on his lemonade as Salma clicked her nails
> against
>>>> > >>>>the side of her glass.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"We have reason to believe maybe there is more to the story,"
>>>> > >>>>Ayden said. He affected his best courtroom demeanor. He had
>>>> > >>>>observed his
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>father like this hundreds of times.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Alice swirled ice chuncks around in her glass. Her voice had
> lost
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>some of its cheeriness when she responded by asking, "What
> makes
>>>> > >>>>you
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>say that?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>He found the love letter in a folder. Removing the Braille
> label,
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>he set it on the coffee table dividing them from Alice. "Did
> you
>>>> > >>>>write this?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>The letter rustled as Alice picked it up. When she spoke,
>>>> > >>>>her voice
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>sounded strained as though she were holding back tears.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Where did you find this?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"It was in some old boxes in the Templeton home," Salma said.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>A long silence followed in which Ayden heard Alice sniffling.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I suppose the truth has to come out sooner or later," Alice
> said
>>>> > >>>>quietly.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"We don't need-a-details of anything, but is there any reason
> to
>>>> > >>>>think Henry was killed?" Ayden soothed.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Your grandfather hired me when I was eighteen," Alice began,
>>>> > >>>>ignoring him. "I instantly fell in love with him, but he was
> that
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>type. Dashingly handsome, charming to a fault. He was a few
> years
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>older than me, but I knew how all the girls waited for their
>>>> > >>>>chance to rope Henry into marriage. I felt so lucky to see
> him
>>>> > >>>>everyday. I started out as a simple receptionist, but
> eventually
>>>> > >>>>he promoted me to his personal secretary."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Did you move with my grandparents then, when they moved?" he
>>>> > >>>>asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Alice sighed. "Yes, but after-things happened-I moved back.
> I
>>>> > >>>>remained in his employ, working from the office here in town.
>>>> > >>>>Before your father took charge, Henry's headquarters had
> always
>>>> > >>>>been
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>based from here."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden nodded his head.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I never meant to hurt anyone. Things happened. Henry loved
> us
>>>> > >>>>both, Lucy and I. I tried to end it for years, but Henry
> always
>>>> > >>>>showed up with that smile of his. Then I tried to make him
>>>> > >>>>choose.
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>I should've known better, but I was in love."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Alice spilled her story, hoping for redemption perhaps.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"The final straw came right before his death. We had carried
> on
>>>> > >>>>for
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>almost forty-years and I knew it had to stop. We fought. I
>>>> > >>>>threatened to tell Lucy and that was that. He left me
> promising
>>>> > >>>>to choose. I waited for an answer, but a week later, Henry
> was
>>>> > >>>>found dead."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Did you ever tell anyone?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"No."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden and Salma stood by the car outside Alice's house. A
> breeze
>>>> > >>>>tousled Ayden's hair and Salma gently combed her fingers
> through
>>>> > >>>>his
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>dark tresses.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Seems like all you Templeton men are irresistible," she said
>>>> > >>>>teasingly.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Unsure of how to respond to her comment, he grinned, but
> before he
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>could make a remark, her car door clicked open. He slid into
> the
>>>> > >>>>passenger seat, heart pounding.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"You promised me dinner," Salma whined playfully.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Munching on diner-style hamburgers and fries, they took the
>>>> > >>>>opportunity to relax.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"How come you didn't visit your grandparents much?" Salma
> asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Not sure. Mom and Dad were always busy. Usually just my
> sister
>>>> > >>>>and I came."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Did you ever notice anything between them then?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"No, but I was a kid."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"What about when you were older?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Naw, I was busy then too. After the accident, though, I
> spent
>>>> > >>>>more
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>time with my grandma. She was the only one who treated me
> like me
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>still, but she died shortly after that."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I wish I could have met her."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"She would have liked you."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I always hated seeing my family all the time, but now I'm
> glad
>>>> > >>>>we're so close."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Hey, let's walk around town." Ayden slid out of the vinyl
> booth
>>>> > >>>>and paid at the register.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Meeting Salma out by the car, they moved towards the downtown
>>>> > >>>>area. Salma kept up with Ayden's stride as his cane tapped
> from
>>>> > >>>>side-to-side.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Sometimes I think it would be nice to live in a small town,"
> she
>>>> > >>>>mused.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Really, you? Ms. Have-to-go-shopping-every-other-day," he
> joked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I could drive to the city. I don't know. It seems like a
> nice
>>>> > >>>>place to raise a family."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden had never heard Salma speak about wanting kids. As
>>>> > >>>>well
> as
>>>> > >>>>he
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>knew her, he realized there was plenty he still had to learn.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Yes, we could raise happy little kids who will grow up to
> cheat,
>>>> > >>>>lie and murder," he scoffed.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"We, huh?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden blushed, feeling the heat creep up his neck to his
>>>> > >>>>face.
> He
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>hadn't caught his blunder. He sputtered, but before he could
> make
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>sense of his words, Salma grabbed his hand.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Maybe we can live in the Templeton mansion," she said.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>They walked silently back to the car hand-in-hand.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"It's pretty late, what should we do?" Salma asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden flipped the crystal face of his watch up. Feeling the
>>>> > >>>>raised dots and arrows, he said, "It's a quarter to eleven.
> I'm
>>>> > >>>>beat."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Me too. I don't really feel like driving back tonight
> though."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>He scratched his head. "I guess we can stay at
>>>> > >>>>casa-de-Templeton."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Okay, but no funny business," Salma joked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Sitting in the car, Ayden said, "By the way, unlike some men
> in my
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>family, I'm more of a one-woman type."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Good to know." Salma kissed his cheek.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden laced his fingers through hers.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I was wondering when you would make a move," she said.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden reached for her face and leaned in to kiss her. Her
> lips
>>>> > >>>>were
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>smooth and tasted of cherry. Salma placed her hand on his
> face as
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>they held this pose for a minute.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Back at the Templeton house, they stood on either side of the
>>>> > >>>>king-size bed in the master bedroom.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Sure you don't want to sleep in another room?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Hell no! This house is creepy."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I thought you wanted to raise children here?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Shut-up. Scared to sleep with a girl?" The bed creaked as
> Salma
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>lay down on it. "A bit musty."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>They had found spare bed linens in a box and had attempted to
>>>> > >>>>shake them out as best they could. Ayden had noticed a
> lingering
>>>> > >>>>wispy scent of flowers that he could not place. It may have
> been
>>>> > >>>>the remnants of something used to launder the linens years
> ago, he
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>had thought.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Without thinking, he removed his shirt and handed it to
>>>> > >>>>Salma. "Here. You can wrap your pillow in it."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Thanks," Salma said drawing the word out.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Realizing what he had done, he blushed for the millionth time
> that
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>day. Not able to turn back what he had done, Ayden lay slowly
>>>> > >>>>down, sticking close to the edge.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Keep your hands above the blankets," she yawned.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden woke disoriented at first, but comprehension quickly
> dawned
>>>> > >>>>as
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>he felt Salma's small body nestled against his. She snored
>>>> > >>>>quietly and Ayden smiled. This was nice, he thought. He
>>>> > >>>>extracted himself gently from the bed, trying to not wake
> Salma.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>He needed to use the bathroom, but it struck him that the
>>>> > >>>>bathrooms would not be in working order. It was primitive,
> but it
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>would have to do, he thought as he found his way downstairs
> and
>>>> > >>>>out into the back garden. Hoping no neighbors were awake to
> see
>>>> > >>>>him, he relieved
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>himself.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Half asleep still, his eyes snapped open as a slight shuffle
> came
>>>> > >>>>from behind him. Finished with his midnight chore, he
> listened
>>>> > >>>>intently, but no sound came again. He turned around,
>>>> > >>>>gripping
> his
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>cane like a weapon in one hand.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Hello," he said.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>No response came. He turned back towards the house and as he
>>>> > >>>>walked, Ayden felt his back tingle. It was the sensation he
> felt
>>>> > >>>>as
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>a child when terrified, feeling a presence behind him. He
>>>> > >>>>was thirty-years-old now, he chided himself. Forcing himself
>>>> > >>>>to
> walk
>>>> > >>>>calmly back into the house, he reached the French doors and
>>>> > >>>>entered.
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>As he went to shut the doors, a soft shuffle started in the
>>>> > >>>>darkness
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>again. It could have been the long dead foliage of the
>>>> > >>>>garden rustling in the breeze, but Ayden couldn't be sure.
>>>> > >>>>Placing himself
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>in the doorway again, the noise instantly stopped.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Slamming the door and locking it, Ayden flew to the stairs,
> taking
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>three steps at a time. Heart pounding, blood rushing in his
> ears,
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden felt a cool breeze cut through the stuffy air of the
>>>> > >>>>bedroom.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Danmit, he swore to himself. They had opened windows before
> going
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>to bed, hoping to air out their lodgings for the night.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma still was sleeping peacefully on the bed. He sat on
>>>> > >>>>the
> bed
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>resting his head on the large carved headboard, listening.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Crickets chirped outside and the breeze rustled the leaves of
>>>> > >>>>trees from time to time. Salma continued her snoring as
>>>> > >>>>Ayden waited to hear the shuffle again or a step on the
>>>> > >>>>stairs, but nothing came. He relaxed after fifteen minutes of
>>>> > >>>>his
> vigilante
>>>> > >>>>watch.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Laying back down on the bed, one arm behind his head, he
> smiled
>>>> > >>>>when
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>Salma threw an arm across his chest. Thinking only of Salma
> by
>>>> > >>>>now,
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>Ayden drifted back off to sleep.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>The second time Ayden woke he knew where he was, but
>>>> > >>>>something
> was
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>not right. Salma still snored next to him as he spooned her,
> but
>>>> > >>>>an
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>acrid odor filled his nostrils. A loud crack made him bolt
>>>> > >>>>up
> in
>>>> > >>>>bed.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Salma! There's a fire!" He shook her until she woke up.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"We need to get out of here," Ayden shouted as she slowly
> regained
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>conscienceness.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden flew to the open door. Smoke filled his nose and made
> his
>>>> > >>>>eyes water. "Salma, I can't tell if we can make it down the
>>>> > >>>>stairs."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Standing next to him, she said, "All I can see is smoke. Can
> we
>>>> > >>>>jump out the window?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"We're on the second floor. It's pretty high up."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Now across the room, Salma cry, "Oh-my-god! Ayden!"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"What?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I can see flames around the base of the house."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Shit." Trying to think, Ayden gathered up the sheet from
>>>> > >>>>the bed. Dousing it with water from bottles purchased the
>>>> > >>>>night before, he threw the sheet in Salma's direction. "Wrap
> yourself
>>>> > >>>>in this."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Why?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Just do it."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Making sure her long hair was covered, Ayden threw Salma over
> his
>>>> > >>>>broad shoulder. Grabbing his cane by the door, he moved into
> the
>>>> > >>>>hallway. Hoping the shirt tied around his face would keep out
>>>> > >>>>smoke,
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>Ayden ran to the top of the stairs. Despite the situation,
> Ayden
>>>> > >>>>could not help notice the harlequin-romance-like predicament.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>He heard Salma say something, but her face was muffled and he
>>>> > >>>>could not understand her. Tucking his cane underneath his
> arm, he
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>groped the banister which still seemed intact. Finally
> reaching
>>>> > >>>>the bottom, he found his way to the front door and opened it.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>A rush of fresh air greeted him. Feeling heat, he hoped they
>>>> > >>>>could make it off the porch. At the porch steps, panicked,
>>>> > >>>>he placed Salma upright again. She struggled to loosen the
>>>> > >>>>sheet around her.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Are the flames here too?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"No, but there coming from behind."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>At the end of the drive, Ayden dialed 911 on his phone.
> Neighbors
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>could be heard coming from their own houses. A few ran up to
>>>> > >>>>Ayden and Salma asking if they were okay.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Standing at a distance, the flames roared. Salma held his
> hand as
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>they waited in silence for the sound of sirens.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden rested on the back bumper of Sheriff Jenkins's police
>>>> > >>>>cruiser.
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>The mid-morning sun warmed his face. Still shirtless, a
> blanket
>>>> > >>>>draped his shoulders. A gritty smudge crossed his forehead
> and he
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>could still smell the smoke embracing his body.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Once the firemen had extinguished the fire, Sheriff Jenkins
> and
>>>> > >>>>his deputy, a man about Ayden's age, drove Salma and Ayden to
> the
>>>> > >>>>police
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>station. Each gave a report before Ayden's father was
> contacted.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma approached Ayden now offering a cup of water. He
>>>> > >>>>gulped
> the
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>cool liquid down as she rested her head against his shoulder.
>>>> > >>>>Sniffing her hair laced with the jasmine and vanilla scent
>>>> > >>>>and smoke, Ayden protectively placed an arm around her.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Ayden," Salma said in quiet surprise, "Alice Madison's
>>>> > >>>>here."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden pulled the blanket closed as he waited for Alice to
>>>> > >>>>approach.
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>A new scent filled his nostrils. This too smelled of
>>>> > >>>>flowers,
> but
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>it was not the framiliar scent Salma wore. Through the fog
>>>> > >>>>of
> his
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>brain, he tried to place where he had smelled this before.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I'm glad you two are alright," Alice spoke quietly. "I
>>>> > >>>>can't believe this. Do you need anything?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Thank you, but we're okay," Salma said warmly.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Pete phoned me this morning-"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Sheriff Jenkins? Why?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Alice didn't respond.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Waiting for an answer, Ayden finally recognized the flower
> scent
>>>> > >>>>that had lingered in the closet where he and Salma had found
> bed
>>>> > >>>>linens.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Alice, did you visit the house after we left you yesterday?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Alice made a suppressed-sounding noise. She never answered
> and
>>>> > >>>>before Ayden could ask anything else, her muffled footsteps
> padded
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>on the grass as she walked briskly away.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Ayden?" Salma puzzled.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Her perfume, it's the same smell I noticed in the closet
>>>> > >>>>last night."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Ayden, that's where I found the letter too," Salma
>>>> > >>>>whispered.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden heard the swish of grass as someone else walked towards
>>>> > >>>>them.
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>It was His father, Nick.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Are you crazy?" Nick asked, bewildered.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I'm fine. Nice to see you too, Dad."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Nick let out a long breath before saying, "Your mother and I
> went
>>>> > >>>>crazy when we heard what happened. We're glad you're okay."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Is the house ruined?" Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma shifted and sat upright next to Ayden.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"It's mostly the garden that was ruined, but there is damage
> to
>>>> > >>>>the house."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden felt his chest tighten. The garden had been His
>>>> > >>>>grandmother's
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>favorite place. Ayden remembered playing among the walk-ways
> and
>>>> > >>>>tall bushes as she tended to her beloved flowers.
> Interrupting
>>>> > >>>>his thoughts, he heard a shuffling footstep approach.
>>>> > >>>>Another memory pushed itself front and center in his mind.
>>>> > >>>>As Sheriff Jenkins stopped his pace, Ayden gave a hard look
>>>> > >>>>in the
> direction
>>>> > >>>>of the noise.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Tom says it will take a few weeks to get reports back, but
> there
>>>> > >>>>is
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>some structural damage to the house, Nick," the sheriff said.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Taken any midnight strolls to clear your mind lately?" Ayden
>>>> > >>>>directed to Sheriff Jenkins.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>No one spoke. Salma gripped his hand.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Any reason why you'd call Alice Madison early this morning?"
>>>> > >>>>Ayden asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Drop it," Nick hissed.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Thrown off by his father's tone, Ayden squeezed Salma's hand,
>>>> > >>>>unsure
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>what to do.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I'm sure we're all tired and need to collect our thoughts,"
>>>> > >>>>Sheriff
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>Jenkins said. "Maybe you ought to take these two home,
>>>> > >>>>Nick."
> He
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>shuffled off.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden sat in front of the computer. A humming buzz issued
> from
>>>> > >>>>the speakers as Ayden worked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Still working?" Salma asked from behind.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden leaned his head back against her stomach. She was
> wrapped
>>>> > >>>>in a large soft towel. Remembering last night, he slipped
>>>> > >>>>his hand through the folds, but she turned swiftly away,
>>>> > >>>>laughing.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>It had not been the first night one of them slept over at the
>>>> > >>>>other's apartment, but it had been their first time together.
>>>> > >>>>Excitement had rushed over Ayden, but it had not felt
>>>> > >>>>awkward.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma spewed a torrent of Spanish at him, and he chuckled.
> "That
>>>> > >>>>just turns me on more."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"I called you a great big moron whose brain is tiny like
>>>> > >>>>his-"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Doesn't matter. Still sounds sexy."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma whipped another towel at him before scampering to the
>>>> > >>>>bedroom.
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>Turning back to his work, Ayden decided to check his email.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>As he clicked on the necessary links using Hotkey commands,
>>>> > >>>>he thought over the past few weeks.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden had told his father what happened, but Nick said that
>>>> > >>>>everything was circumstantial. Ayden knew this, but he also
> knew
>>>> > >>>>he
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>had opened something up. Something that had been meant to
> remain
>>>> > >>>>secret. Nick refused to open any investigation and he
> remained
>>>> > >>>>tight-lipped.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>The fire was officially reported as an unknown accident since
> no
>>>> > >>>>evidence, either way, had been found determining a cause.
> This,
>>>> > >>>>at least, was how the police report read. Ayden, though, had
>>>> > >>>>inquired into the fire-chief's report. It too was
> inconclusive,
>>>> > >>>>but this report did mention that a match book had been found
> near
>>>> > >>>>the premises. Salma had advised him to wait before
>>>> > >>>>attempting
> any
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>further investigation. She was worried about him. Unsure if
> the
>>>> > >>>>fire had been an accident or not, he agreed with her.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>She had been the reason he was able to let the weeks slip by
>>>> > >>>>without
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>searching for more clues. Once they had returned to the city
> a
>>>> > >>>>couple of days after the fire, Ayden had found the courage to
>>>> > >>>>express his budding feelings towards her.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>They had sat on the couch talking; a typical Friday night for
>>>> > >>>>them, except this time Ayden could feel a growing
>>>> > >>>>anticipation between them.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma had stood to get another beer from the kitchen when
> Ayden
>>>> > >>>>reached for her wrist. His large palm had felt bigger next
>>>> > >>>>to
> her
>>>>
>>>> > >>>>slim wrist. Both had stared silently at one another. Ayden,
>>>> > >>>>thinking he would win this game since he couldn't see, broke
>>>> > >>>>first.
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>Grinning with a smirk, he had pulled Salma to him and kissed
> her.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Weeks later, their routine was continued as normal, yet
> something
>>>> > >>>>was different. They had transitioned into this new element
> with
>>>> > >>>>ease, as though it were meant to be. Their friendship was
>>>> > >>>>strengthened by the new romance.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Still reminiscing, Ayden did not recognize the name given for
> the
>>>> > >>>>first email he came across. Opening it up, he read the
> following:
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>I'm glad you have stopped your investigation. It is best to
> let
>>>> > >>>>the
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>dead rest. Enjoy your new love and look only towards the
> future.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>There was no signature. Alarmed, Ayden checked the From
> field,
>>>> > >>>>but the only information this provided was
>>>> > >>>><mailto:aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.>
>>>> > >>>>aconcernedfriend at gmail.com.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Ayden's pulse quickened. Hearing Salma pad lightly back into
> the
>>>> > >>>>room, he closed the window he was in. He thought it was best
> to
>>>> > >>>>not
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>alarm her just yet.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Wann' stay here again tonight?" he asked.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"You know, we live across the hall from one another. Should
> we
>>>> > >>>>just
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>>make this permanent?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Sure you can live with a guy?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Well, I guess if it's you I can."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>He lunged for her, but she ran giggling across the room.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"This is the great thing about dating a blind guy, he can't
> catch
>>>> > >>>>me."
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>"Oh yeah?"
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>Salma shrieked as he flung his body across her path, blocking
> her
>>>> > >>>>dash to the bedroom. Holding Salma close against him,
> wrapping
>>>> > >>>>her in a bear hug, Ayden knew this was just the beginning.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>_______________________________________________
>>>> > >>>>Writers Division web site:
>>>> > >>>>http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>>>> > >>>> <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>stylist mailing list
>>>> > >>>>stylist at nfbnet.org
>>>> > >>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
>>>> > >>>>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
> info
>>>> > >>>>for stylist:
>>>> >
>>>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/lists%40b
>>>> > >>>>ra
>>>> > >>>>ddunsemusic.com
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>__________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of
> virus
>>>> > >>>>signature database 5555 (20101022) __________
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
>>>> > >>>>
>>>> > >>>>http://www.eset.com
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Brad Dunse
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I'll remember. Involve
> me,
>>>> > >>>and
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>I'll learn
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>E Mail: brad at braddunsemusic.com
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Website: http://www.braddunsemusic.com
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1464323555
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/braddunse
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/braddunse
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>_______________________________________________
>>>> > >>>Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>>>> > >>><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>>>> > >>>
>>>> > >>>stylist mailing list
>>>> > >>>stylist at nfbnet.org
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>>>> > >>>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
> info
>>>> > >>>for
>>>> >
>>>> > >>>stylist:
>>>> >
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>>>> > >>>to
>>>> > >>>nline.net
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >>_______________________________________________
>>>> > >>Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>>>> > >><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>>>> > >>
>>>> > >>stylist mailing list
>>>> > >>stylist at nfbnet.org
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>>>> > >>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
> info
>>>> > >>for
>>>> > >> stylist:
>>>> >
>>>>
>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/lists%40brad
>>>d
>>>> > >>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
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>>>> > > for
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>>>>c
> k
>>>> > > inley%40gmail.com
>>>> > >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >------------------------------
>>>> >
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>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >End of stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 45
>>>> >***************************************
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >_______________________________________________
>>>> >Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
>>>> ><http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>>>> >
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>>>> >er.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>------------------------------
>>>>
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>>>>
>>>>End of stylist Digest, Vol 78, Issue 47
>>>>***************************************
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>_______________________________________________
>>>>Writers Division web site: http://www.nfb-writers-division.org
> <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
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> ***************************************
>
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