Glass Castle Offense Tony’s cell phone purred in my ear as I drove, evidence he hadn’t turned it off. He answered with crackle and static, fading in and out, words plucked at by the wind and sky that carried them. “Miss me already?” “I talked to the local Doc,” I...

Doc Has To Eat Disturbed graffiti from the restroom wall echoing in my head, I was forced to wait at the cash register while Faye took an order down range.  She shouted orders with confidence while my fingers drummed the countertop. Her redheaded way of taking charge...

Three Musketeers “You are the Lifesaver candy I always believed in.” Renée had her arms wrapped around Tony’s neck, eyes shimmering with relief and delight, openly displaying her gratitude. She nearly glowed—a rare sight in my recollections—untouched by the gray cell...

Just for Kicks Before we made it halfway back to the police station, the jovial and infectious Officer Ollie Gerulis pulled me over for the second time in two days.  I watched in the rearview mirror as the emergency lights from the cruiser splashed cheerful colors all...

Truth Or Lies We drove to meet with Lorna and Vicky overflowing with conjecture about strange Deputy Spiesz and his dimwitted devotion to simplicity.  “I’ve known a couple cops like him,” Tony said, his words laced with a hint of admiration. “Good to have for backup....

Bad Water, Bad Timing Officer Gerulis was chomping on a bologna sandwich when we arrived at the station. I noticed for the first time the outdated posters on the walls, faded and peeling from years of exposure to the cigarette and cigar smoke of railroad magnates....

Dinner with Friends The diner’s bell resounded with less cheer on my second visit. Faye Jenkins, however, glowed behind the counter, red hair piled high like an undiscovered comedienne from the 50s. Vibrant energy lent a playful twinkle to her bright blue eyes. Her...

Back Off The vast expanse from the station door to Ollie’s island desk took a lifetime to cross before I halted in front of him and asked, “Just how unhinged is that Aidan Peale?” Ollie gaped. Settled back in his chair, thick fingers interlaced behind his head, he’d...

Aidan’s Castle Dreams I parked the Tacoma near the entrance to Aidan’s property and edged along the piney woods twenty feet from the main pathway. This time around, I planned to get the drop on him before he prepared a story. A carpet of pine needles muffled my...