Free Cover Story by Rachel Bailey

Santa Fe’s Los Alamos Court. The crimes, which occurred over two nights last week, are the first such events to hit the street.
    Shocking scenes greeted the surviving gnomes as they awoke last Monday to find two of their kin murdered in the front yard of one residence and another in front of a residence two doors down.
    A fourth gnomicide was committed in the yard of a third house in the street.
    The gnomes and their humans, who are fearful of further attacks, were left shaking their heads at the senseless acts of violence.
    “ We can’t understand why anyone would want to do this,” said resident Dot Hanson. The children of the street were particularly distressed, and the perpetrators are asked to consider this distress before taking any further action.
    Police investigations failed to provide a lead and residents have been left to postulate their own theories. Early reports of links between the crimes and the lewd behavior of several gnomes have since been discounted.
    All gnomes in suburban Santa Fe are warned to be vigilant.
    *
    The day after the gnome story appeared, Kevin called me into his office. Not usually a good sign. There could have been complaints from people involved in the article or negative reader feedback. Or maybe I used his coffee cup the day before.
    But he was beaming. “Tobi, this piece about the gnomes is gold, pure gold.”
    I heaved a sigh of relief. “Excellent.”
    He walked around his desk and leaned back onto it, arms folded. “We’ve had great reader feedback and it’s been picked up by the L.A. and New York papers. Good work.”
    I smiled—this could work to my advantage. While he was happy with me, perhaps I should push for Sofia and me to work on the scandal in the senator’s office. I’d just submitted my latest story, so the timing was perfect. “Kevin, I’m glad you’re pleased with my work and—”
    “I am. In fact, I’m so pleased that I want you to get back out there and write a follow-up.” He scrubbed a hand through his gray-flecked hair then looked down at his computer, as if that was the end of the matter.
    I felt a touch dizzy. “A follow-up?” I squeaked out. “The story was barely big enough for one article.”
    “Baloney. What are the gnomes doing today? Have they had any more trouble?” He waved a hand around, as if conjuring up ideas. “Maybe get the kids’ perspective—you’re the journalist, you’ll think of something.”
    “I don’t think—”
    He pointed a stubby finger at me. “The people want more about the gnomes and you’re going to give it to them. On the strength of a follow-up coming, I could sell the story on to all the national papers.”
    I saw my career flash before my eyes—interviews with the tooth fairy; on the road with Mr. and Mrs. Claus; exposés on the treatment of elves in the North Pole. “Kevin, it’s not going to be that easy, I—”
    “You’ve got twenty-four hours. Don’t waste any of them standing here arguing with me.” He moved back to his chair and began typing.
    “Yes, sir.”
    I dragged myself back to Sofia and sat on her desk. “He wants a follow-up on the gnomes.”
    “Well, it was funny. And it can’t be worse than my story.” She turned her computer screen to face me. “I’m covering another boob enhancement technique involving vacuum cleaners.”
    The pictures were graphic and plain icky and I shuddered. “I suppose that’s worse.”
    Matias walked past and punched me on the arm. “Hey, gnome-girl, hear you landed a follow-up piece. Nice one.”
    I scowled. “Matias, you do realize I dislike you?”
    “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a gnome.” He winked and walked off.
    I groaned, went back to my desk and called Simon.

Chapter 6
    Simon and I met at what was becoming “our” deli two hours later for lunch and ordered our usual bagels.
    “I liked the story, Tobi,” he said as we took our seats.
    A glimmer of warmth unfurled in my chest. “Thanks. What did the others