JT EVERGREEN SHORT STORIES

“In the six years I devoted to tracking David Cromwell, it never occurred to me that he didn’t exist.” Martha was disconsolate.  “Why not for heaven’s sake?” Cindy looked sympathetically at her old friend. “Because I was purposely being misled.” “By whom?” “That’s just it, I don’t know. But, I’m going to find out.” “I think it goes without saying, when you discover who’s been misleading you, you’ll know who stole all of your money. Do you have any suspects? “Oh, yes, I certainly do. And, just in case you’re wondering, you’re on the list.” “I am?  How delightful. I would consider it a pointed insult if I weren’t. Is your ex-husband on the list?” “No.” “Why not? What was his name, I forget?” “He’s dead.” “That’s not what I asked you.” “His name is, was Rick Shaw.” “That’s right. Now I remember. How very funny — married to a Rickshaw.” “He didn’t think so.” “I’ll just bet he didn’t. So he’s dead?” “As a doornail.” “That’s just like him....

“You’re awfully gloomy.” “I put my foot in it.” “Which foot, dear?” “My left foot.  “Tell me about your left foot.” “I volunteered to write an article.” “Have you written anything?” “A headline.” “Which is?” “By the fifteenth month of the drought, the lake no longer held her secrets.” Grace’s face blanched. “Mom?” “Nothing, dear.” At dinner, her father asked about the article. She repeated the headline. He looked at Grace who shook her head slightly. Meredith saw the exchange and wondered. Later, she overheard… “Does she know?” “No.” “What if she asks questions?” “No one will tell her.” Tell me what? Meredith thought. She called, David. “Buckeye Lake is man-made.” “It is? My parents know something. How do I find out?”  “Father Rick.” “I’d be breaking my vow if I told you. “Can you point me in the right direction?” He shook his head. An anonymous e-mail arr...