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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><u><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black">This
does give a Veronica eye view on the town and her background. </span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><u><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black">She
gives the impression that she doesn’t like the place she is in, </span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><u><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black">or<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>probably none of the places she’s been in. </span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><u><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black">I
don’t<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>think she had a positive view of
herself. </span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><u><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black">She
doesn’t know who she is<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>or how she fits
in. </span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><u><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black">It is strange,
but she is probably very much like her mother, </span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><u><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black">as much
as she avoids being under her sway. </span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><u><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black">She may
have her life worked out with a plan, </span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><u><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black">but she
isn’t<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>headed to a good life. </span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><u><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black">These
are just my impressions of Veronica. </span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><u><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black">Somebodie<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>else’s impressions may be much different than
mine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><u><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black">The
piece accomplishes what you want it too </span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><u><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black">It
helps me to identify with Vieronica and her<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>perceptions.</span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black">Martia
sub for Nov 22</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black">1273
words</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#181818"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#181818">Veronica</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#181818"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Why was I killing time in a sleepy town stuck in
the middle of nowhere? The simple answer, I was desperate to escape the
paparazzi. No one in Doe Lake recognized me. As red-headed Veronica Barringer,
I bore little resemblance to my blond bombshell mother whose stage name was Mia
Castle. Fortunately, I took after my absentee father, a man of no importance,
in looks and name.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">My soap opera star mother had hoped I would
pursue a modeling or acting career like her, but that appealed to me about as
much as diving into a hill of biting ants. In Hollywood, the gossip rags
relentlessly hounded her. Droves of ravenous rats stalked my mom for money or a
share of the spotlight.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">By the time I was 12, the glamour and glitz of
Hollywood had worn thin. I convinced Mom to send me away to a boarding school
in the northeast so I could escape the fans who wanted to touch anyone in her
orbit. And by touch, I mean literally. I was pinched and patted by the parade
of actors, gossip mongers, and a revolving door of stepfathers who crowded us
at every turn.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">At boarding school, I was welcomed by other
girls whose wealthy parents also under-valued their children. Without loving
families, we learned to value friendship and loyalty instead. At the same time,
I discovered a love for reading which spawned my interest in a writing career.
Later, I earned my communications degree at a remote college for girls in New
England.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">That tells you a lot of nothing about me, other
than I was neglected by both my parents, leaving me to find my own way as a
liberated woman in the 70s with a college degree in hand. When my advisor
pointed me to a job opening at the Millwood Furniture factory in rural
Michigan, it seemed the perfect opportunity to continue my subterfuge.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">I didn’t intend to remain in Doe Lake for Long.
My trust funds would be released the next summer when I turned 26, then I
planned to hole up in a New England cabin and write my first novel. Meanwhile,
my salary at Millwood was generous, allowing me to settle into a modern town home
on the outskirts of town. My allowance from Mom was ample, so I indulged myself
with a new Camaro.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">I couldn’t complain about my situation, other
than I was isolated and lonely without my school friends. I had little to
nothing in common with the women in Doe Lake who were all about marriage and
making babies. I was a big city girl out of water in a small town. I wanted to
blend in, to fit in, to appear invisible, but I stuck out like a sore thumb. It
was impossible to avoid the prying eyes of Doe Lake’s nosey locals.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Fortunately, my demanding job provided the
perfect distraction. Millwood Furniture was tucked away in a dead-end town, but
its products were aggressively marketed nationally. I pumped out copy for
brochures, advertisements, and press releases. I traveled frequently for trade
shows in Chicago, Dallas, Manhattan, and L.A. Millwood’s high-end hardwood
office products furnished Fortune 500 companies and government entities on a
large scale.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">I had no intention of complicating my situation
by dating. At work, I declined any and all invitations to go out, using the
excuse that business and pleasure didn’t mix. Whether from a big city or small
town, men were all the same. They only wanted to poke and prod the merchandise.
For 25 years, I had successfully evaded the charismatic charms of hot-blooded
woman-hunters. I knew all too well a man’s sex appeal didn’t guarantee
happiness. My own father was a good looker, but he had disappeared soon after
learning my mother was pregnant.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Unfortunately, fending off the attention of Doe
Lake’s most intrepid bachelor, Officer Hank Braun, proved more difficult. The
guy was gorgeous, after all. Unlike a TV star, Hank didn’t require make-up or
special lighting to bring out his rugged good looks and sex appeal. He was a
walking billboard for what a woman desires in a man. Best to steer clear of the
big buck, I tried to convince myself.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">I first met Officer Braun when he answered a
call for a motorist assist. I had locked myself out of my Camaro at work. It
was after hours. I had worked late to prepare for an upcoming trade show. I
waved down the patrol car, blinded by the advancing headlights. My car was easy
to spot in the deserted Millwood parking lot.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“Howdy, maam.” I flinched at the country
courtesy as the officer approached. “My name is Officer Braun, Hank Braun. Nice
ride you’ve got there. How can I help?”</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“I’ve locked my keys in the car,” I explained.
“Can you unlock the door?”</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">The cop peered through the driver’s door window
and said, “Sorry, but my slim jim won’t work. Looks like your car’s got those
new-fangled power locks.”</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“Isn’t there a new-fangled tool you can use,” I
asked, cinching the belt of my rain coat to keep out the night air.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“I can call a locksmith, but Charlie’s not
likely to come out tonight.”</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“What kind of locksmith doesn’t come out after
hours?” I complained.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“The kind with six kids and one on the way,” the
cop said.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“You mean to tell me there’s only one locksmith
in town?” I pulled up my collar in exasperation.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“One is more than enough,” Hank laughed. “Most
people don’t bother to lock their doors around here.” Officer Braun’s amusement
put me on the defensive.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“Well, I can’t spend the night in my office.
What am I supposed to do now?”</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“I can warm you up in my squad car,” the cop
suggested. “If I give you a lift home, maybe you’ll invite me in for
coffee…then give me your phone number.”</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Braun might be the most attractive guy I’d ever
met, but I was wary of his silky-smooth advances.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“I’ll give you my address,” I said, “but I’ll
keep my phone number to myself, thank you.”</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“Aw, don’t worry none,” Braun grinned. “I just
mean to give your number to Charlie so he can call you in the morning.”</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“Why don’t you give me Charlie’s number,” I
countered. “I can call him tomorrow myself.”</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“Have it your way, Veronica. I can always get
your number from Charlie,” Hank shrugged.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“Hey, how do you know my name? I don’t think I
gave it to the dispatcher when I called for assistance.”</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“It’s a small town,” Braun said. “Everyone knows
everyone around here – especially pretty girls from out of town like you.”</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“So, you know my name…you probably have my
address already,” I chided.”</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“Thought I’d be friendly and ask, but you’re
right. You live in one of the new town homes east of town, right? Hop in. It’s
my job to look out for helpless women, you know, to maintain public safety and
all that.”</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">Warning bells were going off in my head. Officer
Braun might be handsome, but he was too familiar for my comfort. I also sensed
something about the man that spelled “danger,” although I couldn’t quite put my
finger on it.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“Never mind,” I said, turning back to my office.
“I’ll ask Millwood’s security guard to drive me home. I’m sure you’ve got more
important things to do.”</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“You mean pretty boy Pete? I wouldn’t encourage
the guy if I was you.“</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:22.0pt;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black">“I don’t intend to encourage any of the guys
around here, including you,” I said over my shoulder as I walked away.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#181818"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#181818"># # #</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;background:white"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:black"> </span></p>
<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>