Greg knew that if he didn’t jump soon Sondra would shoot him again. Which one was he more likely to survive—a bullet in the back or a seventeen-story fall? Maybe the pistol would misfire. Maybe she’s out of bullets. Lord, I really need a miracle—and I need it fast. “Okay, fine,” said Sondra. “It will [...]

“Oh, no,” said Cynthia. “Look at all the police cars.” E. Z. pulled over to the side of the road. Cynthia scanned the area. “I don’t see Greg’s car.” “Good.” “But where is he?” An ambulance drove past them and pulled into Valerie Crench’s driveway. “Wonder why they don’t have their lights flashing?” Cynthia looked [...]

When Sondra drove up to the house and parked, she could see that the living room lights were still on. It was after midnight. Val was either drunk or asleep in her recliner—or both. Sondra unlocked the front door and walked in. “I hope you didn’t wait up for me.” “Nope. Just watching Leave It [...]

Cynthia decided to wait until E. Z. had finished her conversation with Cindy Banya before approaching her. Craig Buttard walked up behind Cindy and put his arm around her. Almost immediately the couple said their goodbyes to E. Z. and walked away. “Could we please talk now?” E. Z. looked around to make sure Sondra [...]

Greg had talked to a waitress at The Biscuit and found out that the house band at Billy-Eye’s, Orange Puke, would be performing two one-hour sets: one at 7:00, the other at 10:00. He and Cynthia decided to go back to their hotel and relax for a while and then go out for nice dinner. [...]

By the time Greg and Cynthia made it back to The Biscuit, Norma was nearly finished bagging up all the presents. “I’m sorry we missed your party,” said Greg. “Yeah, well I figured you’d find some way to weasel out of it,” said Ralph. “Ralph! They had to check on Edsel,” said Norma. “How’s he [...]

Greg and Cynthia rushed into the Emergency Room waiting area. Angie peeked through the Emergency Room doors and spotted them. “Greg?” She stepped through the door and walked toward them. “Hey, Angie,” said Greg. “How’s Edsel doing?” “It’s not as bad it first looked. I thought he’d gone into a coma.” “What happened?” “He was [...]

Any time Herman Mayberly walked into the restaurant, the wait staff scattered. At 76, Herman was like an older John Wayne—but without the charm. Occasionally patrons would hear him in the kitchen clanging pots and pans, yelling at the top of his voice over something that wasn’t cooked according to his standards. He was a [...]

When Angie had walked over to Edsel’s house after the dance accident and discovered he was not at home, she had assumed he’d gone for a walk. It was not unusual to see him walking the streets after dark. She had encouraged him to get a dog so that people would be less likely to [...]

“Join me for dinner?” “Sure.” Angie spun around, expecting to see Edsel in his overalls. But tonight, he was wearing slacks and a polo shirt—which, for Edsel, was formal attire. “What’s the matter? You’re looking at me funny.” “Well, you’re just so…dressed up. What’s the occasion?” “It’s Saturday night, and I’m having dinner with Miss [...]