Preview

[Ron. Lavalette]

He’d come fairly quickly to the realization that, despite the agency’s best efforts, most of his clients would remain reclusive, either reluctant or outright refusing to venture out, and often unwilling or unable to answer even the most tentative knock. One time he visited, concerned at the lack of response after three days calling, tried the door and, surprised to find it unlocked, entered.

Despite the previous night’s rain and the morning’s gusts and bluster, the apartment’s single window was opened wide. He spotted the few scattered feathers on the floor first, then noted the two avian corpses on the grimy sill.

He’d been with the agency a while, and thought he was prepared for almost anything. He stepped closer, gazed out the window briefly, hopefully, then forced himself to look down into the alley.

[Angela]

Oh, oh no.  This can go so many ways.  Waiting for more.  Fave.

[Jeanette Cheezum]

Well, I'm sure there's more to follow.  Why were the birds dead on the sill? Who was in the alley?

[Judy Thompson]

Then again, ive got a few ideas, but I don't want to spoil his surprise (if there is one) by stealing the thunder out of it.   It is crazy making,  I'll agree. 

[Jamie Hogan]

Definitely gets things churning in the brain, Ron, which I believe is the design of the piece. I can't make heads or tails of the feathers either, but I think you'll soon help us out with that, and I think it will be masterful. The set up certainly is.

[Bill Lapham]

Then there's the title. Hmm.

[Bill Lapham]

I've read this several times and I cannot make the connection between the dead birds and the missing client/customer. How did the birds get dead? Gas? Canary in a coal mine? Or did our guy wring their necks? Did our man open the window to air the place out and fall by accident? Or did he jump? How high was the window from the ground? High enough to die if he jumped? Recluses aren't always crazy. Some people just don't like other people. Would rather spend their time with birds. Or, maybe we are being led down a dead end path in the author's opening sentence. Or, maybe the guy was crazy and tried to fly like his pals. What was in the refrigerator? Was he planning his next meal? Did he have enough to eat for a few days? That would imply he planned to stick around, not commit the big S thing. Ugh. I'm perplexed. So many questions, so little time.

[Sandra Davies]

The more I read of this writer's life the more I know it takes an especial talent to do it, and the more I know it is one I do not possess one iota of.   Admiration in spades.   And for the writing.

[Judy Thompson]

Just gonna leave us hanging there, eh?  Surely, surely there's more...

[Bill Floyd]

I've said before that I think you do very important and worthwhile work, but if the economy does indeed come back to life, perhaps a change in career-path might be in order.  Seriously, you're a damn fine writer, and a rote, regular day job might be just the ticket to dislodge one whale of a book.    

[Paul de Denus]

I hope he'd maybe gone out somewhere- but I'm thinking not.