TODAY, OUR GUEST AUTHOR AND PODCAST HOST, MICHAEL SANCHEZ, SHARES AN EXCERPT FROM HIS NOVEL, 'SOMBER TOWN'
- Eva Bielby
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 23
It was another beautiful morning in Points Peak. It was August 9th and no one was out except for the Filmore twins walking out and about this early morning Sunday, creeping away ever-so-slowly as their canes held them upright, they walked about trying to see what they could get their hands on. At least, that was the word. Their reputation made them the talk of the town even if the label was not so fitting for two women, who should be enjoying their final years but there was no one to blame but themselves. The sun was barely out for the Filmore twins, but it was never too early to begin their rounds.
As the twins walked about in the neighborhood they were not alone, something else was walking about, the four-legged kind. It was Scooter and his partner Caesar, two English Foxhounds that always had a way of getting into trouble, but they seemed to enjoy the attention. They would run back and forth in the neighborhood until their owner arrived home. That was when you would see them scurry almost in a state of panic, trying to beat the owner home by taking shortcuts across front and backyards almost daily and always around the same time. It was a sight to see, especially when they would confront the Filmore twins. They would run around the twins in circles purposely harassing them by barking and acting furiously, forcing the twins to find refuge from the two hounds that appeared to have it in for them.
On this morning the hounds appeared to have other plans and left the twins alone to do whatever it was they were up to but then again it was still early. The town was slowly waking up but this gave time for the Filmore twins to conduct their daily routine, which gave the community a reason for suspicion on why things went missing knowing that the twins were out early in the morning hours when no one could see them.
The joggers were finally doing their thing but were paying no mind to what was going on in front of them or anywhere else, they were doing what they enjoyed but the town sheriff was out early and conducting his daily patrol when he came upon the twins walking out of an alley.
"Hello there," shouted the Sheriff. "What are you ladies up to?"
"Oh, nothing, we were just leaving."
The sheriff just looked at them but did not think it was necessary to ask any further.
"Okay ladies," shouted the sheriff. "Be careful out there, and watch your step."
Frannie was the life of the two and crafty, but Harriet did not care much for conversation and gave everyone the evil eye.
The sheriff continued conducting his routine and drove upon Scooter and Caesar. The two English Foxhounds were tearing up the trash from a trash can.
"Come on, Scoot," shouted the sheriff.
The two dogs looked up at the gray, Ford utility vehicle that the Sheriff was driving and ran off to cause more mischief. The sheriff continued down the road and saw that everything was okay, while everyone else was just waking up.
The smell of breakfast was in the air and soon the patrons would be filling up the Four Seasons Diner enjoying Mr. Morano’s pancakes that everyone loved. Alice was finally up and sitting on the front porch, enjoying the sunrise.
"Hello sheriff," she shouted from her front porch as she sat on her rocking chair, but he continued and did not respond as he drove forward toward the diner to enjoy his morning coffee. Alice was not bothered by this. She had grown accustomed to being ignored by the Sheriff.
Alice continued rocking on her rocking chair when she saw the two Foxhounds running out and about, causing mischief as Alice looked on, then suddenly the twins showed up out of nowhere in front of Alice’s picket fence, and with their eerie voices almost simultaneously said to Alice,
“We're watching you, stay out of our way or else!”
Alice was surprised by the encounter and was left speechless. This was unheard of for Alice because she loved the attention, got along with everyone, and always looked forward to having someone to listen to her but the twins were the exception. They always gave Alice the chills, and on this morning, it went a bit further. Then the twins went on ever-so-slowly, walking away toward the other side of the street. What a relief this was for Alice as she finally gained the courage to sit up from her rocking chair and set her sights on heading to the diner to meet up with her friends and have breakfast, even if no one showed up to entertain her curiosity on the rumors of the day. The sounds of the canes could be heard scraping the sidewalks and street as the twins went on their way, but Alice waited until the sound could be heard no more, which would let her know that the coast was clear for her to head inside and get herself ready to spend some time at the diner and hopefully meet up with a friend or two.
While Alice went on her way to get ready, the sound of a skateboard could be heard coming from a distance. It was little Billy and his brother Andy riding their skateboard and scooter. This was a daily routine for the two boys in the summertime, it was like clockwork, having a good time without a care in the world! They were only curious, but most of the time they minded their business and continued doing what they did best. Sometimes you would see them trying to catch Scooter and Caesar, the two foxhounds, but the two dogs always appeared to outsmart the two brothers. The boys were fearless and were not afraid of the dogs so they always tried to get a hold of the dogs whenever they would get the chance. It was a sight to see!
COMING SOON: On Friday, 25th April, team member and author, Eva Bielby, shares a chapter from 'The Hurt', first book of 'The Hurt' trilogy.
This town has some interesting characters. My curiosity is piqued, wanting me to read this entire book! Sounds like those twins are up to no good. Great excerpt!