Smoke:Episodes of the Windy City

Ch. 1 In the Auction

Narrator:

In the 1940's it was every mans dream to be the star of any woman. Well in Chicago a man named TK or Thomas Kerrington had it all figured out. He was the coolest man in town the smoothest and to top it off he was a cop. A rookie making it into the big leagues he wasn't scared at all. He walked with a confident stride, a tailored 3 piece suit, fitting hat, and his best friend John Boston to back him up. Whenever women looked at him they go jumping through obstacles just to get to him. Like he was a lost puppy looking for love. But maybe if they ever thought why he never payed attention to them maybe they'll know he wasn't looking for love. He had no clue that it was going on, that each woman possible in town knew his name or had to know his name, he never knew or guessed.

He may be cleaner than any dime and smoother than any nickle but he hadn't found the one. Well ya say how does a man so fly and remarkable at what he does for a living not catch any of these woman swimming around waiting. Sadly that women didn't exist in TK's life, he hadn't met her yet he wasn't really trying to meet her but its gonna happen sooner or later.

It was a sunny Monday morning down here in the Windy City. The sun had just emerged about a couple hours ago. Traffic starting, kids playing, businesses opening, and Laura Miller was waiting. She worked at the Chicago Tribune Tower a tabloid writer looking for her mark. But maybe she is too quick on her scrawny feet to see whats going on.

Monday, 3/10/1946, 9:30 a.m.

435 N Michigan Ave #6, 60611 Chicago Tribune Tower

Laura Miller's POV

I'm one of the best writers out here, and clearly I'm Mr. Websters favorite. I have no idea why I'm stuck in the waiting room of Mr. Websters office. I've played around with my fragile hands for the past 10 minutes and I'm still in questioning is it bad or good. I wore my light blue polka dot dress and my brown flats and I put a bow in my brown short hair, I know Mr. Webster will appreciate it.

Later on I see Paul Macintosh walking out Mr. Websters office with a pitiful but upset face. He was wearing a plaid suit with a matching hat on caring a briefcase. I winked at him.

"Laura your next," he said making it sound as if I'm the next victim. Mr. Webster yelled with his smoker voice for me to get my narrow behind in the office.

I came in smiling showing all my lovely teeth. I kept my hands crossed for good luck and take a seat in front of his desk.

"You look rather stunning Laura as usual," he said. I nod taking the compliment. He pulled out a big fat cigar out of his square pocket inside of his coat jacket. He opened up a drawer and got out a lighter pausing before he lit it up. I continued to smile trying to stay calm.

"Whats goin on wit you woman?" He starts to smoke.

"I don't understand," I said waving my hand relieving myself from the smoke.

"You've been slackin' on me lately. Ya stories ain't gonna cut honey, its not strong," Mr. Webster said raising his voice continuing to smoke.

I had a puzzled look on my face right now. I'm stuck between words. "I have a knew headline sir. Y-you can read it right now." He took the offer. I stick my hand in my dress pocket taking out the folded piece of paper. I handed it to him and it was the headline I wrote not too long ago.

Mr. Webster skimmed over it and nodded and shook his partially bald head. Once he finished he handed it back to me and adjusted his big leather belt buckle.

"You wrote about the Diner Massacre that happened last week at Jacks'. Wow, your a real good writer Laura not gonna lie. But your not cooking with gas. You've been flippin' your wig lately and I don't like it Laura," his voice got deeper, "I'll tell you this. . . Jim's not gonna like it either. I know y'all had this lil hook up but it doesn't change a da** thing," he said standing up putting his cigar down. He adjusted his suspenders that were pulling up his corduroy pants.