Sliding Doors: Elyse Opens One, Then Closes Another
Gunnar Olafsson I arrive at the Hughes’ porch and I hesitate. I ring the doorbell. Elyse answers immediately. “Come in.” She smiles, but I can tell she isn’t at ease – or…
mystery
Carson’s a Caged Animal and Wants Out
I feel sick. I could throw up. I look around this home that I live in, at these people I’ve taken pains to get to know and move among –…
Saved By the Bell? Paul’s Story Starts Trickling Out …
A guard leads me to a monitored meeting room where my visitors were waiting. I recognize Mercury immediately. “Glad to see you,” I say. “Gets kinda lonely here, especially since…
Mercury & Silas, a Meeting of the Minds
I am half an hour early for brunch with Silas, tense already from strolling in on Lindy and his merry band of entrepreneurs. First issue jitters, I reckon, and with…
Shirley Finds Silas’ Jail Away from Home
I am anxious to meet Silas, the new guy in town, who we hope will sort out all our mysteries. We spoke briefly by phone last evening and agreed to…
A Quiet Night in Middle Valley: Secrets, Scandals and a Cat Named Chuckles – Part 2
Dear reader, I’ve returned. Not heat, nor the dark of night would keep your Miss Comportment from walking the five blocks to the Riverside and collecting three fresh bottles. Mission…
A Quiet Night in Middle Valley: Secrets, Scandal, and a Cat Named Chuckles Amid This Small-Town’s Turmoil – Part 1
There is something luxurious about spending an entire evening at home. It’s rare, but what’s even more rare is that I’m really happy about it. No social obligations. No hunting…
From Badge to Behind Bars: Paul’s Singing the Jailhouse Blues
Another day in this hellhole. Haven’t seen anyone from Middle Valley in quite a while with the notable exception of my lawyer, that is, and he isn’t really helping matters…
His name is Lindy, Mother
I was bored and worried. That’s what I told Lindy. He didn’t answer my question about Bitsy. Lindy downed his beer quickly and was off to talk to his crew.…
Friday Fatigue: Finding the Middle Valley Voice
Four hours of meetings and I am worn out. The regular work sessions with Carson have presented challenges – no doubt tomorrow will be more of the same. Lots to…