by Lynne Griffin

Created on: May 13, 2009

PROLOGUE

Her old key slid easily into the lock as she let herself into the darkened townhouse. The powerful hammering in her chest roared in her ears as she crept from window to window shutting blinds and curtains. She turned on a dim lamp that wouldn't be noticeable outside.

A flood of memories bombarded her as she stood transfixed in the living room. It could've been five minutes...it could've been twenty. It was difficult to tell. The navy blue sofa where they had curled up to watch TV...his favorite easy chair for napping... the two crimson throw pillows she had purchased for him last year.

Tears stung her eyes as she spied a bottle of Chivas Regal on the bar, flanked by two crystal tumblers, one with a red lipstick smudge.

MUST FOCUS.

She stepped into the kitchen to do what she came to do. Digging into her purse, her hands trembled as she retrieved a neatly folded navy tote bag. After unfolding it, she started rummaging around the counters and table, placing things into the bag. One of his teal colored place mats, a coffee mug, a dinner plate which she wrapped in newspaper, a fork, knife, and spoon. Carefully she scooped out a heaping mound of his favorite coffee and emptied it into a baggie which she placed into the tote with the other items.

Removing the garbage can from under the sink, she sat on the floor. She emptied the contents in front of her and started sifting through them. What had he eaten last night? What brand of cola was he drinking these days? Another red lipstick smudge caught her eye. This time on a crumpled paper napkin. Tears again welled up in her eyes as she fiercely swiped them away. She must not break down or she would never finish here.

Hastily, she walked back into the living room and picked up the tumbler with the lipstick smudge on it. Dammit, that was MY glass. She filled it with a generous splash of scotch and took a small sip. Instant warmth. She took another sip, bigger this time. The warmth grew until it permeated her belly and chest.

She returned to the garbage can. Neatly, she laid out every item on the cool ceramic floor. Lovingly, she stroked an empty milk carton, a Healthy Choice package, a crushed beer can, and used coffee grounds wrapped in a soggy filter. After fishing out several lists and notes he had written, she carefully placed them with the other treasures in her bag to read later.

Time for a refill.

His desk was situated in a little nook between the living

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