MARCH - TUESDAY EVENING

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THE MEETING

It seemed, by the number of people that showed up at the town hall, that word had gotten out about some of the strange goings-on and other incidents. People were there looking for answers. The hub-hub of opinions and thoughts created a low, rumbling din. The air was warm and humid within the confines of the great hall. Condensation covered the windows, droplets of water left clear, vertical lines as they dripped down to the sill.

Deputy Clint Burke rushed into the room, red-faced and breathing heave. he made his way to the front of the hall, and the rumbling din quietened down to questioning whispers as people speculated as to why the mayor hadn't shown up yet. Burke turned his back toward the stage and placed his palms on the edge as he hopped up, landing his butt on the edge.

Sheriff Darby entered through a side door at the front of the hall and approached him. The two officers had a brief but private discussion. Burke shook his head, then nodded, then stood up on the stage and joined Darby at the podium. The mayor, it seemed, was a no-show.

The microphone squealed feedback throughout the hall, helping to quiet everyone down. It was time for the sheriff to start the meeting and make his announcements.

"Hello, everyone," he said almost too quietly. Darby had spoken at these meetings before, but never under these circumstances—it was a strange feeling not having the mayor open.

"Thank you all for coming, I see there are more here this evening than usual. I'm Sheriff Darby with the Elizabeth Sheriff's office," he winced at his awkwardness and hated that he felt the need to introduce himself to a room full of people he knew since childhood. He continued, "You all know deputy Burke." Burke nodded slightly. There were a couple of conversations still ongoing, but those ceased as people in shushed them. Other audience members fanned themselves in an attempt to cool down—that many people in one room and it doesn't matter how cold it is outside, things'll warm up in a hurry.

"I have a few things to discuss with you this evening, so it may be some time before we get to go home tonight," Darby said truthfully, and could hear disdainful grumblings of those who would rather be at home. A select few, whether they wanted to or not, would stay until the end just to find out what was happening around town.

Darby continued, "The Mayor will not be joining us for this meeting—"

"Why not, Sheriff?" someone near the back shouted. Darby stole a glance to Burke, who nodded as if to give the Sheriff permission to answer the question candidly.

"I'll answer that in just a moment," Darby said, "But, first, I would like to inform you of what's on the agenda." He adjusted his duty belt and took of his hat, placed it on the podium in front of him. "There have been many reports of strange things happening around town, which we'll address in just a moment, and phone and cell communications have been touch and go all day." The main door in the back of the room swung open as Jules came in with snacks and water. Darby was thankful for the short reprieve while he gathered his thoughts.

"Thank you, Jules," he said into the microphone for all to hear, and Jules's face lit up like a red bulb on a Christmas tree. "My assistant, Jules, has brought plenty of snacks for everyone," Darby said, and wiped his forehead with a handkerchief he pulled from his trouser pocket. He put it back and continued, "Earlier today, it was brought to our attention that the mayor hadn't shown for work. Several attempts were made to contact him but were unsuccessful. We aren't certain of the details surrounding his disappearance, however, we're working on it as quickly as we can." Murmurs rose to talking, and soon the room was full of conversation once more.

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