<div style="font-size:10pt;font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;color:black;"><br><br><br><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Leonard I. Tuchyner, Author</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.dldbooks.com/tuchyner/">https://www.dldbooks.com/tuchyner/</a><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="text-decoration:none;"> </span></u></p><br><div style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:10pt;color:black;"><br><br><br>-----Original Message-----<br>From: Leonard Tuchyner <tuchyner5@aol.com><br>To: group1!bluegrasspals.com@aol.com <group1!bluegrasspals.com@aol.com><br>Sent: Thu, Sep 29, 2022 4:38 pm<br>Subject: Leonard's comments on Martia's sub<br><br></div><div id="yiv2668212590"><div style="font-size:10pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black;">
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">One thing I’ll mention is that I’m
having a difficult time with following all the names and<span style=""> </span>who they are. </span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">But, that’s my fault </span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">and the fact that we only get to see
the piece unfold one <span style=""> </span>month at a time. </span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">I have no suggestions. </span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">The inquisition was interesting. </span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">If Robbie wanted<span style=""> </span>to intimidate<span style="">
</span>the people at the furniture factory </span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">he<span style="">
</span>might have succeeded in pissing them off.<span style=""> </span></span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Subtly making sure that they knew he
had a gun, </span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">using language that served to
intimidate, </span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">exercising his authority, </span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Staring down the bosses<span style=""> </span>would serve to antagonize them. </span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Is that what he wanted? </span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Or did he simply want them to get
nervous and stir up their sense of well-being.<span style="">
</span></span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">He used language that was unseeming
like bitch.<span style=""> </span></span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">It was unclear whether Robbie had
left when Hamilton<span style=""> </span>talked to the bosses,
</span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">threatening<span style=""> </span>them with exposing that they were having
troubles. </span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Was this said in Robbie’s presence? </span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Is she talking about something we
don’t know yet? </span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Anyway, if Robbie wanted to stir
things up, he succeeded. <span style=""> </span></span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Robbie adds spice to the story. </span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">That’s a good thing.</span></u></b></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Martia sub for September 22, 2022</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">1740 words</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Chapter 18</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">The Investigation</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Six fresh inches of snow covered the
lot at Millwood when I parked my cruiser next to Reed’s Lincoln. The lost was
nearly empty by the time I arrived late Monday afternoon to begin my
investigation. It was after hours for the factory workers. Only die hards like
Reed and Hamilton would be working late. Veronica, I knew, was out of town on
business. As I had expected, Pete’s idle butt was planted in a swivel chair
behind the security desk in the lobby.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“What’s up, Robbie?” he looked up
from a magazine and asked. “You here to see Veronica? Too bad, she’s out of
town.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Actually, Pete, I was hoping to
talk to you. I know that you keep a close eye on the goings on around here.
Seems Veronica may be in some kind of trouble at Millwood. Has she done
anything lately to attract your attention?”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Yeah, she’s got my attention, all
right,” Pete said. “I like watching Ronnie strut her stuff, “but I don’t know
nothing about her business.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“That’s funny. I thought it was your
job to know what’s going on at Millwood. I heard maybe someone is unhappy about
how Veronica is sharing her benefits around here. Know what I mean?”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Sharing her benefits? Veronica’s a
tight ass, strictly hands off, you know. I heard that she’s even tossed you
off, Braun.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Pete had taken the bait. As I
figured, he was eager to dish the dirt. If I could convince him to join forces
with me, he might reveal his suspicions about who could be stalking Veronica.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Setting the hook, I said, “You got
that right, Pete. “Has she blown you off, too?”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“No one around here gets near the
fancy bitch except Karl, and that’s ‘cause he’s a fag.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Karl? The dude with the handlebar
mustache who works with Hamilton?”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Yeah, that’s right. Veronica goes
out to lunch with Karl now and then. That sure sticks in Michelle’s craw.
You know that Veronica is going after the promotion Hamilton wants, don’t
you?””</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Is Karl around today,” I asked
Pete. “Maybe he knows who is pestering Veronica.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Karl’s gone for the day. Want his
phone number?”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Sure. He might have some ideas
about who is hounding Barringer.” Pete scribbled Karl’s phone number on a note.
It would be impossible to compare the writing sample of numbers with the
messages left for Veronica written with capital letters. </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Hamilton watches Veronica like a
hawk. Why don’t you ask her?” Pete asked.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Good idea,” I said. “If it’s not a
local, Hamilton is sure to know if Veronica is messing around with a
city-slicker. I’d like to confront the competition, you know?”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Right,” Pete agreed. “Veronica is
more likely to go for an outsider. She stomps on us local boys like we’re
little ants.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“What about the big boys around here
like Reed or Roberts? They’ve got money and prestige. Could one of them be
under Veronica’s spell? </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Could be, said Pete. “Her good
looks are hard to resist. If Veronica is in some kind of trouble with the
bosses, she’s been looking for it if you ask me.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“You got that right, Pete. The way
she struts in her low-cut tops and tight skirts, she’s just looking for trouble,
“I said. On the other hand, Veronica could be lying about the threats she’s
getting. It would be just like her to stir up trouble for entertainment.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">At the sound of a ding, Reed and
Roberts emerged from the elevator. Pete ducked behind the security desk. I
wondered if he was supposed to be on his rounds. It seemed unlikely the wimp
had enough guts to go after Veronica.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">I turned my attention to Veronica’s
bosses. “Hey guys,” I said. “Do you have a few minutes? I’d like to ask you
about one of your employees.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Roberts and Reed exchanged wary
glances. “Who you asking after?” Roberts wondered.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Is there a private office where we
could talk?” I hitched up my holster for effect.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Let’s go back upstairs,” Reed
suggested. “What’s this about?” he asked as the elevator doors closed. I
reserved my answer until I was comfortable in one of the guest chairs in front
of Mr. Reed’s presidential desk. Roberts took the other seat. </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Someone at Millwood has been
threatening Veronica Barringer. Any idea who might have it out for your gal?” </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Roberts and Reed straightened their
posture. “Well, Veronica has made a few enemies around here,“ Roberts ventured.
“With her good looks and fancy attitude, she was bound to make someone
jealous.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Jealous enough to threaten her?” I
asked.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“What kind of threats are you
talking about?” Reed asked.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“The kind that might get you locked
up for intimidation,” I answered. I didn’t want to divulge the details.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Slow down, Robbie.” Reed stood to
impose his imposing height behind the shield of his desk. “No one at Millwood
is threatening Veronica. She’s a valued employee with a bright head on her
shoulders.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Although Reed was defending
Veronica, he avoided looking directly into my eyes.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“What about Hamilton? “ I asked.
“She’s competing against Barringer for a promotion, right?”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Aw, that ain’t nothing,” said
Roberts. “There’s bound to be a cat fight when two women go head-to-head for a
high-profile job.” </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Seems unusual that two women are
competing for a promotion at Millwood. Aren’t most of the good-paying jobs
reserved for men like you?”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“This is the age of equal
opportunity,” Reed said. “That’s why we recruited Barringer. It’s just
unfortunate that her competition for the marketing position is another woman.” </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“It could get dirty,” I suggested.
“Hope no one gets hurt. I hear Hamilton is a fierce competitor.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">As if on cue, Michelle Hamilton
tapped on Reed’s door. She looked surprised to see me seated at Mr. Reed’s
desk.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Hey, Michelle. Working late?” I
fixed my sights on Veronica’s rival. Hamilton definitely had a motive to take
Veronica down. She eyed me like a spider sizing up its prey. </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“What brings you around here,
Braun?” she asked.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“I’ve been asked to look into some
security issues at Millwood,” I said. </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Pete popped into Mr. Reed’s office
behind Michelle to prove he was on the job. </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“I tried to tell Officer Braun most
everyone has left for the day, but he insisted on talking to you about the
trouble Veronica is in.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Veronica creates her own trouble
around here,” Michelle said. “She should go back where she came from. Although
it’s funny that no one knows where she came from. Maybe she’s hiding out in Doe
Lake because she pissed off everyone last place she worked.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“You could be right,” I said. Maybe
whoever has it out for Veronica has tracked her to Doe Lake, but who’s passing
the threats to Veronica at Millwood? You’re not the one pressuring Barringer,
are you, Michelle?”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“If I could run Barringer out of
town, I would,” Hamilton admitted. “She’s been kissing up to the management at
Millwood, going after the promotion I was promised. But, I’ve got nothing to
hide.” Hamilton continued to sneer, “Veronica will hang herself without any
help from me. She’s pissed off enough people around here.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Who would be at the top of your
list?” I asked.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Well, there are too many
possibilities to count,” Michelle said, lifting her spiny fingers one by one.
“Maybe Pete here, or you Braun? Either of you could be a suspect. When it comes
to the number of men she’s blown off, the list is long. Don’t overlook the
married sales reps from out of town who will pay dearly if their wives hear
they’ve been fooling around. Should I go on?”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Sounds like we’re in agreement that
Veronica has made a few enemies at Millwood,” I said. “But that doesn’t mean I
can look the other way if she’s in harm’s way. I took an oath to protect and
defend, even the bitches from out of town.” </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Hamilton clenched an unlit cigarette
between her teeth and said, “Sounds to me like you’re working up an alibi to
cover your own tracks, Braun. What do you think, Pete?“</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“I gotta go on my rounds,” Pete
said, dodging the bullet. </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“It’s most likely whoever is
hassling Veronica is just trying to get a reaction out of her,” Reed said. “I’m
sure the threats aren’t serious.” “If your questions have been answered
satisfactorily, Officer Braun, this inquisition is over.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">I stood to meet Reed’s stare. “I’ll
be satisfied when the threats stop. Let’s see what happens after the word gets
out that the police are involved. I don’t doubt Pete will fire up the rumor
mill at Millwood.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“I’ll ask around,” Roberts offered.
“We’ll be sure to notify you if any relevant information emerges.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Thanks gentlemen, and ‘gentle’
woman,” I added with a nod to Michelle. “I’ll see myself out.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">* * *</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Hamilton’s glare pinned Reed and
Roberts to their chairs like invisible duct tape. “I tried to tell you that
Barringer is trouble, but you wouldn’t listen,” Michelle said. “You might as
well be wearing blinders because you can’t take your eyes off her figure.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Reed squirmed and his potato head
bobbed. Roberts pumped his leg up and down like he wanted to run. The men knew
Michelle’s venomous wrath all too well. </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">She continued to jab. “Don’t you
know better than to invite a cop to nose around in Millwood’s business? Next
thing you know, Pete’s loose-lips will have everyone talking. Then The
Messenger’s snoopy reporter will come around to investigate the story.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“There’s nothing to investigate,”
Reed said. Braun will figure out that Veronica is a drama queen. She probably
made up the story to get Robbie’s attention.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">Roberts sent a sideways nod to
appease Hamilton. “Let me talk with Veronica when she returns from New York. I
think I can convince her to tone things down, that no one around here is out to
get her.” </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Sure, that’s the answer,” Hamilton
shot back. “Simply assure Barringer that she’s safe and secure at Millwood,
that you and Mr. Reed will watch her back side. While you’re at it, go ahead
and give her the marketing department promotion.”</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Now, Michelle…” Roberts attempted
to placate her.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;">“Better yet, I’ll take the matter
into my own hands. I’ll simply inform the mayor about the problems we’re having
here at Millwood.” Hamilton spun on her heels and left Roberts and Reed to
sweat in their shoes.</span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height:normal;" class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:New serif;">_</span><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://bluegrasspals.com/mailman/listinfo/group1"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:New serif;color:blue;"></span></a><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p>
<br><br><br><p class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal">Leonard I. Tuchyner, Author</p>
<p class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.dldbooks.com/tuchyner/">https://www.dldbooks.com/tuchyner/</a><br></p>
<p class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="yiv2668212590MsoNormal"><u><span style="text-decoration:none;"> </span></u></p><br></div></div></div>