“Okay, nobody panic!” Mindy said, sounding panicky. “I’ll handle this. You just go along with whatever I say.” She walked over to the door and swung it open with a smile. “Mindy Margolis, FOX News. What can I do for you, officer?”
“I’m Patrolman Douglas. We’ve received some reports of strange activity in your building. Can I come in for a moment to ask you some questions?”
“Of course,” Mindy said standing aside as the cop walked into the room. “But I can’t believe that there would be any strange activity in this building.”
“Right,” Douglas said eyes resting first on Trog’s bloody nostril plugs and then moving on to my plastic-encased head.
“We’re having a costume party,” Mindy explained.
“And what are you dressed as?” the cop asked looking at her.
“A reporter,” she said as if it were obvious.
“Right.” He removed a small notepad from his pocket. “A few of the neighbors reported some strangers in the building; maybe it was your … guests but they said they were visiting someone named Vivian.”
“That’s my middle name,” Mindy explained.
“Your name is Mindy Vivian Smith-Jones Margolis?” he asked.
“Yes. That’s right. It’s a family name.”
“And they’re here for a party?”
“Yes, it’s my birthday.”
“I thought you said it’s a costume party.”
“It is. It’s a costume birthday party.”
“Your neighbor, Mr. Fleischman in 3C says that he found them in his apartment.”
“They got the wrong address.”
“Hiding in his bedroom.”
“It’s a surprise costume birthday party.”
“You threw yourself a surprise party?”
“Yeah, well, I’ve never had one before.”
“Mr. Fleischman also said that someone kicked him.”
“Well, they thought he was a burglar.”
“He was dressed in his underwear at the time.”
“And a flasher.”
“Okay then,” Patrolman Douglas said resignedly. He had obviously decided that whatever was going on, he didn’t really want to know. “Can’t wait to write this one up,” he added under his breath as he turned and walked back out the door.
N. M. Silber 
This sounds so exciting!
Sandy
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
I can see Abby’s people are right on top of things – sort of make Gabrielle looks centered and sensible.
I can’t wait to see the context for this….
I miss your writing. I hope all is well, and that one day you may write again.
Thanks. I went through a bit of a difficult period but I’m writing again. I’m still working on completely rewriting the POA novella and expanding it to novel length. The story and many of the characters are different, but I like it a lot better. I don’t want to let anyone down, so I’m not going to set a release date until it’s through editing, but it’s going well and I’m crossing my fingers. 🙂
Great to have you back! I was so sad when I saw you and your books drop out of sight….
Whenever it’s ready, we’ll be happy to read it. 🙂