Free Evil in the 1st House by Mitchell Scott Lewis Page A

driving through a raging blizzard on the back roads of Vermont. There were twenty-four mini speakers in the limo to create the sound effects associated with the scene being projected. A howling winter wind could be heard in the background.
    â€œYou do like your toys, don’t you, Dad?”
    â€œThis toy as you call it has come in handy in several cases.”
    â€œYes, I know.”
    â€œAnd once Delaney works out the kinks and his patents come through, you’ll see these in homes, restaurants, and everywhere.”
    Andy drove them up the New York State Thruway. It was a boring route, and Lowell kept the computer-generated scene in place until they got off the highway and headed down the country roads. Then he turned it off and opened the windows.
    It was quiet. Lately Lowell had found the noise of New York City more difficult to bear. The stress level one feels continuously in the big city eventually took its toll. That’s why any Manhattanite who could, got out on the weekends. Everyone else headed to a park, or got lost in the Sunday paper.
    Melinda leaned out the window and took in a big breath. “This is so much better than your phony movie scene.”
    â€œYes, but this winter when it’s snowing and the wind is howling for real you may enjoy a drive along the beach through Southern California.”
    It took them a little over two and a half hours to get from the city to Woodstock. Andy drove into town down Mill Hill Road onto Route 212, which turned into Tinker Street. The small town feel was refreshing and comforting. Lowell particularly liked the unhurried pace, and when the kids were young, he would take his family there whenever his schedule would allow. He didn’t realize how much he’d missed it until now.
    Andy took a right onto a small country road and followed it until the dead end. Then he pulled up in front of a pale blue shingled house with a wraparound porch.
    Melinda and Lowell got out and stretched their legs. The house bordered the woods and they could hear numerous birds chattering their daily gossip. The front door opened and Catherine came from the house. She was dressed in a pink top, jeans, and sneakers with no laces, her signature casual attire since high school.
    Every time Lowell saw her he felt a sense of excitement. When he saw her dressed like that he suddenly felt at home and smiled. She was very beautiful in an earthy way. Her brown hair glistened in the sunlight. Her radiant green eyes were striking. Wherever they went men noticed them and often commented. But then, most men noticed her long before they saw her eyes. At five feet, nine inches she was a little taller than Lowell, but still quite a bit shorter than Melinda. She’d worked as a model in her twenties and kept her fabulous figure through a steady passion of yoga and running.
    She went over to her daughter and they hugged. “Let me look at you.” She stepped back. “You look tired, and a little thin.”
    â€œOh, Mom, you sound just like Dad, you know that? I’m fine, really.”
    Catherine laughed. “Yes, we’re both your parents. And love you dearly.” She turned to Lowell. “David, how are you?”
    â€œNever better. It’s good to see you.” They hugged, distantly.
    â€œAndy, it’s good to see you again, too.”
    â€œHello, Catherine.” He picked up the bags. “Where should I put these?”
    â€œJust leave them at the top of the stairs, if you don’t mind.”
    He picked them up. “My pleasure. You’ve had the house painted since I was here last. It looks great.”
    â€œThank you for noticing.” She glanced at her ex-husband.
    They went into the house and Andy climbed the stairs with several bags in each hand. Melinda went up with him and settled into her room.
    Catherine turned to Lowell. “You look a little tired too.”
    He smiled. “Maybe just a bit. It gets harder each year