Author Anon

“Glad to see you back, Nicholas,” says Frank.

“Doctor’s orders, really,” says Nicholas. “So, what’s happening in the real word?

“Besides the news about you,” says Frank, “our biggest story is the expansion of Silverman Corp. Rachel’s got the scoop on that for now. Maybe you can lend her a hand.”

“I don’t want to step on her toes,” says Nicholas. “You gave her a break and she would resent any interference.”

“Well, what would you like to do?” asks Frank.

“To be honest,” says Nicholas. “I want to finish my investigation. I feel there’s something big there. The Goldes wouldn’t want anything published until everything is resolved, so I’ll have to be quiet about it.”

“Don’t you think that’s dangerous?” asks Frank.

“Maybe,” says Nicholas, “but supposedly, the criminal has fled.”

“Then how are you going to investigate?”

“I’ll have to go about it in from a different angle and take notes. I can’t rely on my head right now.”

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“Hello, darling,” says Carl, into the phone. “Is your mother home?”

“Daddy!” cries Leslie. “Where are you? When are you coming home?”

“I don’t know yet,” says Carl. “How’s your mom?”

“She’s fine,” Leslie answers. “She’s been spending a lot of time with that William. They’re talking about getting married. Are you going to let that happen?”

“I don’t know,” says Carl. “How does your mom feel about it?”

“She’s very excited,” says Leslie. “She said it was part of your plan.”

“If I had to change my plans, would she be very happy?” asks Carl.

“I don’t know,” says Leslie. “She seems to really like him.”

“Did she say anthing else?” asks Carl.

“Yes. They’re going on a trip together. To Hawaii and/or Vegas.”

“Interesting.”

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“Amanda, I think you and David make such a nice couple,” says Blanche.

Amanda chokes on her coffee. “We are not a couple,” she corrects Blanche. “We are acquaintances with mutual friends.”

“But you go so well together,” says Blanche. “You should consider it.”

“Yes, he’s a wonderful boy,” says Lucy dreamily.

Lisa bursts into the room. “I’ve had the best news,” she says. “Rick may be coming home for Christmas!” She stops and looks around at her audience.

Everyone is quiet for a moment. “That’s great,” says Lucy. “I’ll finally get to meet him.”

“Oh, yes,” says Lisa. “I forgot to tell him about you.”

“No matter. He’ll meet me in person.”

Lisa look at the other two, who are exchanging significant glances.

“I’m very glad to hear that,” says Amanda. “You should be together for your first family Christmas.”

“Yes, we wouldn’t want anything to interfere with that,” says Blanche.

“The only thing missing would be your father,” says Amanda to Lisa. Blanche gives a start and turns red.

“That would be a Christmas miracle to find that he was still alive,” says Lisa.

Lucy starts to cry. Blanche becomes angry. “That’s enough talk of the dead.”

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“What’s wrong with you?” asks Paul.

“Nothing,” says Michael, pacing the living room floor.

“Would you mind if I put my gifts under the tree?” asks Paul.

“Sorry,” says Michael, stepping aside.

“Is it the ghost of Christmas Past, Present or Future that’s got your goat?”

Michael looks at him questioningly.

“You look like you’re haunted by something terrible. What are you doing pacing up and down here?’

“I came to see what mom wanted but she wasn’t here,” says Michael.

“Well, your face suggests something more torturous than impatience,” says Paul. “Could it possibly have anything to do with Stephanie?”

“That Christmas Past no longer haunts me. Why do you bring it up?”

“Because I heard she’s back in town.”

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Filed under: All That Glitters