Chapter 5

March 24^th, 2000

The problem of Sherry Lindquist has been resolved. An unfortunate fall down the east stairwell. Her record of me has been disposed of, the copy was nowhere to be found. I think she was bluffing. I attended the wake, it called for appearing appropriately sad. I think I did a good job. Several colleagues said I spoke highly of her. I will not write again until there is need.

Andrew Thorsen listens to sports analysts argue about how well the Minnesota Twins will do this year. Andrew agrees with Dominic Shuntz, they’ll maybe win sixty-seven games. He sits at the wood work bench in the garage, sharpening the lawnmower blades. He counts the strokes to make sure every blade gets the proper attention.

Beverly has returned from Rochester, and she is in the kitchen grinding coffee beans. He checks each blade with his thumb and nods satisfied with his work. He puts the blade back on the mower and heads inside.

“I’ve got coffee on for us,” Beverly says, kissing his cheek. She’s been doting over him since Sherry’s death.

“Thanks,” he says, taking a mug from the cabinet.

“Remember Theresa has a basketball game tonight, the high school coach is going to be scouting her.”

“Can’t wait to see her play,” Andrew says, sipping his coffee.