“Lydia gave that to me for my birthday,” Brian said softly, interrupting my scrutiny. “It’s the best thing she’s done, though not really my cup of tea.” “Does it have a title?” I asked, curious about the nomenclature of such an evocative piece of art. “Willows Weeping,” Brian said, his eyes tearing up. “It’s almost… Continue Reading
Duck, Duck, Dead Duck; chapter ten, part one
I slid into my mother’s Honda, determined to drive it. I slowly backed out of the garage and started down the street. I decided to go to Grand Street in St. Paul to shop because they had many eclectic shops on that street. I hated malls with a passion, and I never went to the… Continue Reading
Duck, Duck, Dead Duck; chapter nine, part three
“What happened exactly, Bet?” Rafe asked as he drove me to my apartment. I was still groggy and not up for a conversation, but I gave it the old college try. “I’m not sure,” was my detailed answer. “It happened so fast.” Rafe sighed, but refrained from asking additional questions. “How long do you think… Continue Reading
Duck, Duck, Dead Duck; chapter nine, part two
“Well, whoever did this missed everything vital,” Dr. Green said to me sternly, looking at me over the top of her glasses. “You’re lucky, Ms. Chen. Whoever did this either didn’t intend to kill you or had really bad aim. Either way, you should be thankful. You’re also damn lucky you made it here in… Continue Reading
Duck, Duck, Dead Duck; chapter nine, part one
“Bea, you’re running late,” Antoinette said in a bossy tone as I dressed for work Monday morning. I ignored her as she was not the boss of me, no matter what she seemed to think. A huge yawn escaped from me before I could swallow it. Rafe and I hadn’t gone to bed until well… Continue Reading
Duck, Duck, Dead Duck; chapter eight, part four
“Well, here we are,” Brian said, flicking on the lights. “Home, sweet home.” “You didn’t live together?” I asked, already knowing the answer. I just wanted to see his face when he tried to explain why they weren’t living together. “Nope,” Brian said easily, ignoring the implied question. “Take all the time you need.” He… Continue Reading
Duck, Duck, Dead Duck; chapter eight, part three
“Bea? Oh, I’m so glad I caught you,” she sobbed, making it difficult for me to understand her. “Please, can you come over again? I-I really need to talk to you.” “I was just going to dinner,” I protested feebly, knowing that I’d cave in the end. Something about an older person weeping on my… Continue Reading
Duck, Duck, Dead Duck; chapter eight, part two
“Ms. Chen?” It was Detective Bradley, and he was with another officer who wasn’t the other detective. “Detective Bradley and Officer Johnson. May we come in?” The detective was glowering at me, though it seemed a bit perfunctory. The officer, on the other hand, kept his face bland. “This way.” I gestured for them to… Continue Reading
Duck, Duck, Dead Duck; chapter eight, part one
I arrived at the park a few minutes late, but I didn’t care. I wasn’t even supposed to be at work, but I had to find out what was happening with the park. There was an unfamiliar car parked in Eddie’s usual spot. I wondered who had the gall to use his space. I glanced… Continue Reading
Duck, Duck, Dead Duck; chapter seven, part two
“You have a girlfriend, Henry?” My mother said, her eyes lighting up. I could see the vision of plump grandbabies dancing in her thoughts. Never mind that Hank was only twenty—if he had a girlfriend, then hope sprang eternal. “Yup, her name is Beth. I met her in an ethics class.” Hank attended Century College—a… Continue Reading