#alwd.starter

@castillovalentina​

@marijonescott​

“Y’know I swear I left ‘er right there. Tied ‘er up an’ everything. Y’ go and get one meatball sub, an’ suddenly--boom, they’re too bored to wait.” Noah wasn’t necessarily talking to anyone, as he was letting the stream of consciousness fill the air with his worry as he searched around the scrub and grass outside of the collection of businesses. He’d been walking one of his younger gators, the harness securing it to the post on the outskirt of the parking lot, but all that was left was the tattered remains of the lead. He didn’t worry about Elphaba getting frisky with anyone, she was docile as a kitten, but she hadn’t been out on her own before and he didn’t want her to get hurt. He caught someone walking by from the corner of his eye, and turned towards them, “You, there. You seen a gator wandering around with a pink harness on?”

There truly was one thing that Adriana loved about research and it was the ability to lose herself in the process. She had adored the long research papers she completed in college. When she wrote her novels, she fell into the process and delighted in everything she found. Stats, fact sheets, and first hand accounts of all subjects excited her. Perhaps if her career as an author had not worked out she would have pursued a career in history and research. This passion was currently serving her well as she completely dove into the process of researching the Preacher Man’s murders. Records covered the table at the Historical Society which included articles in various newspapers, released reports from the police, and interviews with people who knew the victims and those who discovered the scenes. A kindly assistant was currently trying to find the papers that belonged to the parish that held other information about the victims. Information from the various censuses, birth records and other papers that would trace their life until their death were on her way to her. How all of this fascinated her! Adriana was truly not paying attention to her surroundings and did honestly think the person who approached her was the kindly elderly assistant with her requested reports. “You can just set them right there, thank you so much.” Her gaze did not lift from the article she was studying. Though she did speak with such a warm regard for the help. 

Lux’s voice was low as she spoke on the phone. “I told you, I can’t take your calls during the day. You need to call me about this at night when I can talk privately.” She sighed, “I suggest you-” she stopped and turned around when she heard someone behind her. “-call our store tomorrow when I’m in and I’ll check on the shipment of your favorite coffee beans. Have a nice day.” She hung up and slipped her phone into her back pocket. “That’s the problem with small town customers, a bunch of them know my cell phone number.” She gave a small attempt at a smile and nodded toward the small stage a short distance away where people were gathering. “Do you know what the show is tonight?”

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Tyler was, to say the least, exhausted. He’d gotten off work for Thanksgiving but other than that he’d been working all week without a break. It wasn’t an uncommon occurrence, something he was used to by now, but it was taking its toll on him. Finally, after being on his feet all morning, it was time for his lunch break at the Greasy Spoon. He wasn’t really hungry, but he grabbed a cup of coffee and a small slice of pie anyway. As he sat down in one of the booths near the window, he poked at the dessert with his fork and stared down at it, considering taking a bit but deciding against it, at least for now.