David opened his eyes, then closed them. Mel was lifting him up. “Come on,” Mel said, “over you go. God.” Mel groaned. “Leave him, son, put him back down there.” Marion’s voice. “I want a look.” Soft, cool hands. “There’s a radio in my car,” Mel said. “But I’m not leaving them down here while—” “...
Lena said. “Don’t let Maynard eat off the plate. You’re getting him in bad habits.” “Lena, girl, you need another beer.” Judith gouged soft white bread balls from the belly of her pizza crust. “I can’t get the little boy out of my head. Rick, let’s go to Knoxville and look for him.” “Look for him...
She did not sound happy. Nothing new, David thought. Mel waved a limp hand. “Yo, Mama, how’s it hanging?” Walked hissed. “How is what hanging, Detective Burnett?” “Uh—” “As if I do not have the knowledge.” David sighed. This was not getting off to a good start. Mel squinted at her. “What is it yo...
Edmund University had Elaki faculty members, but not very many. The boy behind the desk was young. Most likely, David decided, a student on a work/study scholarship. He wore blue jeans, and squinted over a book on physical anthropology when he wasn’t answering the phone or admitting ignorance to ...
The library is no more than a block from Caroline’s bungalow – a large brick building, fairly new, across the street from a park that is shaded by old trees. A small train runs on a track that circles the park perimeter, with rows of seats for children who want to ride. Caro once told me that fif...
By the time he and Clements made it back to his office, the three of them were clustered around Della’s terminal—Della at the keyboard, the aliens at her back. Mel pointed a finger. “Harmony of the races.” He offered a bag to Clements. “Doughnuts? I’m hungry, Burnett, I didn’t get any lunch. Don’...
She opened her eyes, and saw from the satellite television box that it was almost two A.M. She had not expected Cory would stay the night; had been puzzled when he did not leave. Cory held his shoes in one hand and moved with great stealth. Kate pretended to be asleep, keeping her breathing norma...
The sign beneath the green awning promised Belgian/French cuisine, and announced a Sunday Brunch, from ten until two. McTavish guided Olivia through the double doors. The floors were dark hardwood, polished to a shine. A chalk board of features was propped on an easel in front of the bar, which w...
She looked in the rearview mirror. Nothing she could do about the hard exhaustion in her face and the newly acquired slump to her shoulders. She straightened her tie when she parked the car, then changed her mind and stuffed the tie in the glove compartment. Cujo’s was winding down—it was late, a...
She listened for the telltale hum of a swarm, but heard nothing out of the ordinary. A breeze blew in off the river. No body parts, she decided, trying not to feel disappointed. Sam was muttering. “Eight, twenty-six, four. Eight, twenty-six, four. Eight—” “Why don’t you write it on the palm of yo...
It was the kind of farm that made you catch your breath. A small sign, professionally painted, swung in the breeze, making a small creaking noise. Bisky Farms Cliff Bisky, Vivian Bisky Owners, Trainers Welcome Sonora, embryo horse owner that she was, felt a wash of envy and wistful admiration. A ...