Free Wrapped Up in Crosswords by Nero Blanc

I’m talking about sincerity.”
    Martha put down the coffee carafe. Her customary flippant retort died on her lips; even her blonde, beehive hairdo seemed to crumple while something that could only be described as two tears filled her eyes.
    â€œBecause you are a sincere person, Marth,” Kenny continued in a softer tone. “And a caring one.”
    Martha screwed up her eyes, shook her head, sniffed, and gave a dismissive shrug. “Caring, shmaring—”
    â€œIf you don’t open your heart, how can you let people grow close to you?”
    â€œWho says I want anyone to?”
    â€œEveryone needs lovin’, Marth,” he added.
    â€œWhich is why I got Princess,” Martha rejoined.
    â€œHuman beings require more than just a dog’s affection.”
    â€œSays you.”
    â€œSays my wife.” Kenny smiled but didn’t speak for a moment. Finally, he said, “I worry about you, Madam M … All your friends do; that’s all I’m saying.”
    â€œWell, you needn’t bother. And you don’t want to go spouting that nonsense around Princess, either. Talk about hurting someone’s feelings. Good thing she didn’t hear you.”

Nine
    â€œT HE Staties must think we’re those three idiots who broke out of the Suffolk County Jail.” Al Lever slowly rolled his head from side to side as he spoke. “That’s the only explanation.”
    All vehicles were still being diverted from route I-195 at the exits closest to the unmarked police van driven by the three hapless Santas. The seven Massachusetts State Police cruisers—along with the troopers who were maintaining a weapons-drawn stance—continued to hold their position. Traffic was now backed up for six miles in both north- and south-bound lanes, putting those drivers en route to some festive holiday shopping in less than joyous moods.
    â€œOne of those jokers was African-American?” Abe asked, removing his dark glasses. The gesture hinted at the fact that he thought this might reveal his true identity despite the snow-white beard, mustache, and wig he continued to wear.
    â€œYep.”
    â€œThis is what I get for hanging out with white guys. If I miss the Pats game because I’m sitting in the state police barracks lockup, I’m never speaking to either of you again.”
    â€œHey, come on, Abe,” Rosco said with a laugh, “remember, it’s all for a good cause.”
    â€œAnd rooting for the Pats isn’t?”
    â€œNot if you’re from Tampa,” was Rosco’s response.
    â€œHo, ho,” Lever tossed in, but his tone was mirthless.
    â€œAnd another one was fat?” Abe continued. “This is too much.”
    â€œJust knock it off with the ‘fat’ stuff, okay?” Al grumbled.
    â€œSorry, Al, I meant to say heavyset.”
    â€œAre the escapees known to be violent?” Rosco shifted Gabby in his lap as he turned to face Al. “What were they in for?”
    â€œI’m trying to remember … I think they were awaiting trial.”
    â€œWhich means they couldn’t make bail.” Abe observed in a serious tone. “Which means they were dead broke, or more than likely, bail was set too high. Which means they were a flight risk.”
    â€œNot necessarily,” Rosco objected. A small smile began to play on his lips. “It’s possible that they’re so horribly violent, such despicable cutthroats, buccaneers, if you will, and are suspected of such heinously sadistic crimes that the state—”
    â€œThank you, Mr. Helpful,” Lever interrupted. “The point is, the Staties have the wrong people. How do we communicate that to them? Now that they’ve so brilliantly switched off our frequency.”
    â€œOkay,” Rosco said, “It’s simple: We just take off our wigs and beards and exit the vehicle with our hands up. What’s the problem? I mean,