by Shannon Eshnaur

Created on: May 25, 2008

Detective Kronaur brought his state issued Crown Vic up the gravel driveway a little to fast and had to skid to a stop in front of an unassuming and simple rambler belonging to old man Dan Shivers. The detective had not wanted to appear overly alarmed and cursed himself as the driveway dust caught up and enveloped the car, flooding into his windows.He drove all the way out here because He had received a bizarre phone call from a woman claiming that old man Dan was in some kind of danger.No, that's not what she had said, "trouble" was the word she used, Dan was in trouble. This Detective wasn't usually rattled by hysterical phone calls to the police station but this woman was anything but. She had been quite composed and seemed less concerned for old Dan than she was for the Detective and his sheriff's. Maybe it was his nerves,or just too much coffee today, maybe he'd go and see Shirlee at the Red Rooster after this and have a couple of Whiskey Sours and take the rest of the day off. Old Dan's covered porch was clean and simple save for an old rocker and a dull wooden,hand painted, welcome sign hanging next to the screen door. There was no need to knock as the old man was making his way to the front of the house, stopping just inside the screen door, face expressionless,white beard well groomed and with barely a nod, he simply said, "Sheriff". "It's Detective now Dan, has been for a year. your phone working? been trying to call, but it just rings, came out to see if your OK." With a shaky hand, the old man pushed open the door and shuffled out on to the porch saying, "ain't been ringing." Old Dan sat down in his rocker slowly, he caressed the arm rest's as if to confirm they were still there,the detective watched him settle into his seat and was about to speak when the old man said, "But you ain't here for that,less you changed job's...hmm." Dans eyes were gray and had an almost wet look to them. "Alright" Kronaur said, "it's probably nothing but, last night a fella got pretty drunk and busted up the tavern, beat up all the bouncers, and punched my deputy in the jaw. He's sleeping it off in the drunk tank now, been mumbling your name all night, you know anyone like that? Then, this morning I get this phone call about you from some woman says your in some kind of trouble and well,I'm starting to think you might be able to shed some light on the whole thing. You got any idea who this boy is in my jail? His I.D. says his name is James Slade, ring any bell's?" The

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