The Hunt

A Novella

by Chico Montecristi

Chapter ONE: What Robbin Told Alma

Robbin sat with the new nurse, Alma Mae, discussing the events of Gertrude's death.

Alma didn't know what she was in for. That within forty-five minutes the story of a teacher's suicide would be mustered over lunch like fries. Some of Robbin's information isn't reliable, for she wasn't there, but she's as close to the truth as anyone else.

"So, where should I begin?" Robbin said. "Mrs. Gertrude Barrow was a teacher at the Little Pines School. Loved and respected by everyone; she lit up the room with her Colgate smile! Robbin was a fat slob, a careless waste. Her jealousy oozed through her pores and pig-haired skin like the ketchup from its glass bottle. She continued her explanations in an envious tone to Alma."Growing up, her dedication to schooling, her authority and leadership among us left many in awe. Her parents, the Sanders, die-hard community members! Always at Sunday mass, members of the school board... to add, college funds in place; declaring them THE best parents you can imagine. No wonder she turned out so perfect..." she paused and smirked.

"Gertrude was so popular we created a darn chart so everyone knew when she was available! Can you believe that?! Sunday dinner, birthday parties and baptisms were booked months in advance," she laughed throwing her head back. "You can imagine how the town felt when we heard the news of her death... I was one of the first to hear, I'll have you know... My friend in the department called me late that very afternoon. I cried the second he hung up the phone. Couldn't believe she was dead... I thought it was a joke!"

"It was the talk of town; people drew their own conclusions, and,"Honey", suicide was not one of them," she said, touching Alma's arm. As she reached over for her coffee some had spilled in the process.

"How's that coffee, Alma?"

"It'll do!"

"You sure don't drink coffee for a nurse. Well, where was I?"