Author Anon

“We’ve settled on a plot of land near Lake Shimmering,” says Paul. It’s not too far out but not too near to town, so we can expand in the future.”

“The view of the lake would be fantastic from there as well,” says Sylvia.

“Are designs for the buildings ready?” asks John.

“Belle has been working on them with the architectural firm you hired,” says Sylvia. “And I must say they are quite impressive.”

“Belle is very good at all designs,” says Paul. “She’ll go far when she finishes school.”

“What about the construction crew?” asks John.

“We’ve contracted with a local company and they are set to begin next week,” says Paul, “once the building designs are approved.”

“The next step is to advertise and promote our publishing company,” says John. “Obviously, we’ll have to start small. But we need to get new writers, fresh young voices who may be overlooked by bigger, older firms.”

“Perhaps, we can get Ashley to work on that part,” says Sylvia. “The girl needs something to keep her busy and out of trouble.”

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“We have the Silverman expansion, a multi-million dollar endeavor that’s sure to bring more business to the community,” says Frank. “And my star reporter is off on a private investigation.”

“If you don’t like your other reporters,” says Carol, “maybe you should call Steve or Laura to fill in.”

“I can’t do that,” says Frank. “If I take one without the other, there may be hell to pay. They both need to stay in Clearwater to run the other paper together – a nice balance.”

“What is Nicholas up to anyway?” asks Carol.

“He won’t say,” says Frank. “But I saw Marie Golde-Flint here shortly before he took off.”

“Hmmmm. He’s always very interested in that family,” says Carol. “No matter. I think you ought to give Rachel Beaumont the story. That girl should be on TV, but she seems to prefer staying behind the camera.”

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Michael is having lunch alone in the hospital cafeteria when he spots Amanda entering with a male colleague. His face shows annoyance and impatience as he watches them laugh together. As Amanda and her friend are walking towards a table on the other side of the room, Michael sees an elderly woman approach them. Shortly after, the colleague takes Amanda’s and his trays toward the table while Amanda and the elderly lady leave the cafeteria. Having finished his lunch, Michael decides to leave as well. He sees the two women in the lobby, standing behind a decorated Christmas tree and moves to stand on the other side.

“I’m sorry about yesterday,” Blanche was saying. “I got upset when I thought you were going to hurt my granddaughter.”

“I had no intentions of hurting Lisa,” says Amanda.

“I know that now,” says Blanche. “I overheard what you were saying and I agree with you completely. But Lisa doesn’t see it the same way. I hope you won’t give up on her, though. She does need a friend and I don’t think there’s anyone in this town that she can count on.”

“As I said to Lisa, I want to be friends for Rick’s sake.”

“Yes, and I hope you will continue to come around. Perhaps you can join us for dinner tonight.”

“I’m not sure-”

“Please.”

“OK.”

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As he is performing his janitorial duties, Nicholas keeps close to Carl and Floyd. Floyd does his best to keep Nicholas moving further away. Once, when Floyd’s back is turned, Nicholas sneaks into the room just vacated by Carl. He is looking around to see what has been disturbed when the door opens.

“Looking for something, Cole?” asks Carl.

“Just came to clean,” says Nicholas.

“Without your supplies?” asks Carl. ‘Besides, I just did this room.”

“Oh, well I guess I’m not needed,” says Nicholas, walking towards the door.

“Wait,” says Carl, and Nicholas turns around. “Why don’t you come clean, Cole?”

“What do you mean?” asks Nicholas.

“Why would a star reporter like you need a job like this?” asks Carl. “What’s your game?”

“Why should there be a game?” asks Nicholas. “Reporters don’t make that much.”

“No, but janitors make even less,” says Carl. “Maybe you were interested in seeing some of the fabulous jewels around here.”

“Well, that is a temptation,” says Nicholas. “But in our position, that’s impossible.”

“Impossible? I don’t think so. Or do you think I’m just hallucinating?” says Carl, as he brandishes a small box in front of Nicholas.

“What is that?” asks Nicholas.

Carl opens the box to reveal a row of uncut diamonds.

“Are they real?” asks Nicholas.

“Are they real?” laughs Carl. “Of course, they’re real. But, unfortunately, you will never get to touch any of this.”

“What-” Nicholas begins as a lead pipe hits his head. Nicholas slumps to the floor.

“Let’s move him,” says Carl to Floyd. They drag Nicholas into another room.

“I need a drink,” says Floyd.

“Yes, that’s a good idea,” says Carl. “Keep drinking and tomorrow, when you come in, you know nothing. Understand?”

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Filed under: All That Glitters