Mike Dixon

„I can‟t believe it.‟
Elizabeth shook uncontrollably.
„Melanie Milkovitz is in my class. It‟s her dad that was
killed. I just can‟t think what I‟m going to say when I see
her next … it‟s all so terrible!‟
„You don‟t have to say anything,‟ Humphrey said softly.
„But I can‟t just say nothing!‟
Elizabeth dissolved in tears and ran from the room.
Humphrey returned to his cooking. His world had fallen
apart and the repetitive action of cutting up vegetables was
soothing. He‟d not been sacked. Instead, he‟d been con-
signed to the unallotted list and was awaiting a full investigation
of his case. He was a soul in limbo, hovering be-
tween unemployment and reinstatement.
He would either get the sack or return to the Narcotics
Bureau. Neither was appealing but there was a consolation:
he was still on full pay. He finished preparing the vegeta-
bles and was wondering if he should add more chili to his
mix when Elizabeth‟s high-pitched voice announced the ar-
rival of a visitor.
„Daddy, a lady‟s just come in on a big motorcycle.‟
Humphrey went to the window and saw Janet Pulnitz.
She was dressed in a leather jacket emblazoned with signs
of the zodiac and witchcraft symbols – part of her undercover
gear for infiltrating motorcycle gangs. He went to the
door and let her in.
„Humphles! Have you read the newspapers?‟
„I‟ve done little else.‟
Humphrey led her into the house and introduced her to
Kirstin then remembered the meal he was cooking.
„Oops! My curry‟s burning.‟
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