In Plain View

SFX: Ker-flush

That's the sound of my career going down the toilet. Three months ago, I was the freelance reporter to call for full-color images of an international crisis.

Now? I'm stationed at the far edge of the Chicago flyover as a disappointing mother-sub to my eight-year-old niece and the babysitter for a newsroom College Boy.

Camera still: a man in Amish clothing hanging from a tree. Dead.

One photo of the lifeless man was all I needed to see—there's more to this story than anyone wants to admit. Especially Sheriff Jack Curzon, with his death-ray eyes watching my every move. I have a feeling that man wants more than my cooperation.

Quick-cut, pan, tilt and—run.

Someone is hiding, just out of sight. And I'll do whatever it takes to protect my new family.

Seeing the truth can be dangerous...

...when evil is In Plain View.

94,000 words