Blog #3 - A Dinner Out

After another week of painful walks with Johnny, Herman decided to consider
the note Susan left urging him to go to the doctor and find a dog walker. He
realized that he had no idea which doctor to call, so he went to ask some of the
other Maitland residents. He was out in the hall when he was bombarded by Lamar.

“Herman,” Lamar called out, blocking the path to the elevator. “What can you tell me
about Mr. Evans?” he demanded.

“He was a true friend,” Herman replied as he attempted to squeeze past Lamar.

“I mean about his murder,” Lamar sighed impatiently.

“I probably know less than you do,” Herman said pointedly. “We had dinner
together just a few nights before his death, and nothing seemed different to me.
We’ve enjoyed meals for years, so I would know if something was off. Trust me,
everything seemed fine.”

“Maybe that’s all you remember right now, but I know there’s something
you’re not sharing. Join me and the other old folks for dinner tonight. We’ll meet
at Alice’s at seven and solve this mystery.”

“See you then,” Herman muttered as he walked past Lamar towards the
elevator. He would at least enjoy talking to his neighbors. He suddenly turned
back. “Hey, Lamar!” Herman yelled down the hallway.

“Changing your mind already, Herman?” Lamar asked as he eagerly strode
down the hall.

“No, it’s not about Mr. Evans.” Herman watched as Lamar’s eyes quickly
lost their glow. “I hate to say it, but I think my daughter’s right. I’m in need of a good
dog walker for Johnny, and I was wondering if you might have anyone in mind to
help me out.”

“If you come to dinner tonight, I’ll give you a name.”

“Thanks, Lamar.”

Herman decided to wait until dinner to ask about a doctor, and he spent the
afternoon reflecting on his friendship with Mr. Evans. Herman would help Lamar
solve the crime, but only to honor his friend. Sunset came and Herman joined
the others at Alice’s.

“Anyone know a good doctor for a tired back?” Herman asked as he settled
into the chair Lamar left for him and sipped the coffee from Alice.

The others agreed that John Beal was a great option. Before the conversation turned to
Mr. Evans, Lamar slid Herman a note that read:

Oliver Moore

Age 16

0708W

Blog #2 - A Concert

Herman awoke to the pitter-patter of raindrops tapping against his windowpane. He
stretched his arms above his head and wiggled his toes, hearing the distinct creak of
his joints. He gradually sat up, grabbing his bedside table for support, careful not to
tweak his already sore back. He glanced at the clock, and saw that it was 5:37 am.
He turned the 6:15 alarm off and got out of bed, then shuffled to the kitchen to begin
breakfast. He ate a bowl of Cheerios while the kettle boiled, and flipped through
yesterday’s mail, seeing a flyer advertising Conrad’s concert. He immediately smiled.

After his coffee, Herman went into the bedroom to wake Johnny for his walk. Herman
did not see anyone out on the streets, partially due to the early hour and also because
everyone was terrified to leave their apartments. He was tired of everyone waiting inside,
as if the sadness and fear about Mr. Evans’ death would somehow disappear if they
stayed pent up long enough. He missed the conversations he was used to having with
the other Maitland residents.

The walk around the block took Herman longer each day. Now, he had to stop and rest
against the trash cans along the route and be careful to hold onto Johnny’s leash as he
lurched ahead after the exciting smells. His knees felt swollen and heavy, but Herman
was distracted by his excitement about the concert and the opportunity to catch up with
his neighbors as they left the isolation of their apartments. He decided to invite his
daughter, Susan, who lived less than an hour away.

Susan arrived the afternoon before the concert. She played some of Herman’s favorite
piano pieces while he prepared a light dinner. Then, they went to take Johnny out before
they left. Susan was immediately struck by her father’s short, painful strides, and she
offered to walk Johnny while he stayed at The Maitland and rested.

“Dad, please don’t hurt yourself,” Susan plead.

“I’m fine. Just because something has been happening as of late does not mean that it
is permanent. I’m sure it’ll set itself straight in a few days.”

Susan did not see the point of fighting her father, but she left a note on the kitchen table
begging Herman to see his doctor and hire a dog walker. Then, they went and
thoroughly enjoyed Conrad’s performance.