Its surface ruffled. Reeds swayed and bobbed like members of a crowd jostling for a better view. Mario stopped at the edge of the water, and his designer shoes sank into the mud. He pulled them free with a wet smacking sound.“Your shoes are ruined,” mentioned Kerry. She stayed away from the water, stilettos safe from the hungry mire.“I can buy new ones,” said Mario and turned away to gaze across the large pond. Nothing lived on the waves that licked the shore. He’d never seen a duck or any kind of bird paddling on the border, nor had he seen any anglers trying their luck. The muddy water appeared thick as cold hot chocolate. If any fish were hardy enough to live in such an isolated hole, they never broke the surface.“The only wildlife we ever saw here were other people walking other dogs,” he said, looking into the past.“We, sir?”Mario swallowed. “Laurie and me.”The old man bowed slightly. “Ah yes. You mentioned the name earlier. I’d be interested to hear more, should you want to share.
