The Money Shot by Glenn Dier

Author:Glenn Dier [Dier, Glenn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781550816624
Publisher: Breakwater Books Ltd.
Published: 2016-10-01T04:00:00+00:00

Someone had scrawled scarlet letters across the windshield. Sebastian took tentative steps around the hood.

ADULTERER.

Sebastian’s aghast eyes ricocheted around the neighbourhood. The only person seemingly about was Mr. Wade across the street. He pulled out of his driveway in his beloved ‘69 Camaro convertible. The top and the windows were down. Sebastian stood by the defaced windshield, hoping the angle would hide the communiqué. Mr. Wade stopped alongside.

“Beautiful day for a spin,” said Sebastian.

“It certainly is.” Mr. Wade stretched in vain to look around Sebastian. “What’s on your windshield? I saw something when I was getting in the car.”

“It’s nothing. Just some graffiti.”

“What does it say?”

Sebastian allowed himself a half smile. “Asshole,” he said, attaching a titch of laughter to appear bemused. “Probably an NTV viewer.”

“There goes the neighbourhood,” chuckled Mr. Wade. “See you later.” He and Sebastian exchanged waves as he drove off.

Wherever Sebastian turned there was jeopardy. The neighbourhood was coming to life. Mr. Dyer uncoiled a garden hose and sprinkler on his new sods. A construction crew unloaded scaffolding by Mrs. Hayward’s house. Sebastian scrambled to park the Acura in the driveway, windshield facing in.

He rubbed a finger down the R. The red felt waxy and stuck to his fingertip. He sniffed a faint aroma of flowers.

“Lipstick.”

His thumbs typed get lipstock off windwhield on his iPhone. Google knew what he wanted despite his poor spelling and showed 281,000 results.

“For Christ’s sake. Is there a pandemic?” He picked the first one.

Step 1 – Mix dish-washing liquid into hot water.

Step 2 – Dip clean cloth in water. Wipe window with small circular motions to loosen the lipstick’s oil base.

Step 3 – Rinse thoroughly and dry with paper towels.

Step 4 – If the lipstick stain remains, add ammonia to water and clean window again.

Step 5 – Rub salt over any stubborn smudges. Scrub with toothbrush.

Step 6 – Remove any remaining discolouration with isopropyl alcohol.

“Not the sanitizing wipes again.”

Sebastian tore into the house. Check bedroom. Door closed. Dash to closet. Grab bucket. Race to kitchen. Run hot water. Squirt dish-washing liquid. Fill bucket. Throw in dishcloth. Seize paper towel roll. Scour under sink. No ammonia. Shove salt grinder in pocket. Drop supplies at front door. Gallop to bathroom. Confiscate sanitizing wipes. Snatch tooth brush. Catch breath.

“Sebastian, is that you?” He heard Roxanne’s feet hit the floor.

“Yes, it’s me.” Sebastian scurried down the hall.

“I thought you were gone to work. What are you doing?”

He turned the knob on the front door. “Some kids smeared crap on the windshield. I’ve got to clean it off before I can drive.” Sebastian hugged all the cleaning supplies in one arm and grabbed the bucket with the other.

“Would you like some help?”

“No, thanks. I can handle this.” He heard a dresser drawer open.

“I really don’t mind.”

“No. It’s a job for one.” Clothes hangers shuffled along a rod.

“You’re already late. I’ll be right there.”

Sebastian needed a few precious minutes. Something had to die. He spied a victim on the hallway table—the bird vase. China had never mass-produced a finer ceramic swan.

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