Page 28 of The Wives of Hawthorne Lane
“Mike offered me a business opportunity.”
“What kind of business opportunity?” Maggie doesn’t know what Mike does for a living, but she’s always gotten the impression that it’s best if she doesn’t ask—she might not like the answer.
“The kind that’s going to finally move us up in the world. That’s going to have the rich fucks across town kissing up tomefor once.”
“Dean,” Maggie manages to say past the lump that’s formed in her throat, the storm drawing nearer. “I’m not sure what this is about, but it sounds like something that could maybe get you into trouble. I don’t think—”
Dean steps forward, grabbing her throat so quickly that Maggie doesn’t have time to react. “That’s right. Youdon’tthink.”
Maggie feels her airway closing as his fingers tighten on her neck.
“I don’t need you second-guessing me. I’ve already thought about it, and this is what I’m going to do. Got it?”
Dean releases her, and Maggie gasps for air. “Okay,” she says, her voice raw and hoarse. “Okay.”
Halloween
Night
Sterling Valley Community Board
Forum:Neighborhood Happenings
10/31/2024
Poster: Anonymous member
Does anyone know what’s going on over on Hawthorne Lane? We skipped the fall festival this year because my son has the flu (what’s the point of getting a flu shot if they still get sick?!?), but I saw a bunch of police cars and an ambulance heading that way.
Reply: Jeff Scarlotta
What’s with all these anonymous posts lately? This feature is so overused!
Reply: Piper Grow
I don’t know about what happened at the festival (we never go. Too many processed snacks), but my daughter had the flu last year and we treated it at home with elderberry syrup. Works better than any prescription medication!
Reply: Lauren Arca
I was there. Someone was killed! The police are calling it a homicide. On Hawthorne Lane, of all places, can you believe it? I don’t know what this town is coming to…
Reply: Original poster
A MURDER?!? So glad we didn’t go! I never thought I’d say this, but thank God for the flu!
Reply: Beth Patterson
You mean—gasp—life isn’t perfect over on Hawthorne Lane after all? The grass isn’t always greener, people! I’ve been saying it for years! They all walk around like they’re breathing rarefied air up there on Hawthorne Lane, but this just goes to show you that they’re even more messed up than the rest of us!
Reply: Jeff Scarlotta
More money, more problems!
Poster: Anonymous member
Update, everyone: My sister’s boyfriend’s cousin works at the police station, and he said that they just made an arrest.
One Month
