You're still perusing through his books when he suddenly stands and approaches you from behind.  You turn around, but not too quickly, as to appear nervous; although, come to think of it, you can't remember the last time you were so on edge.

You look into his eyes but they are calm.  There is no evidence in them of anger or suspicion or blood-thirsty urges. 

"What did you say you come for, good man?" He is standing unnaturally close; his eyes do not stray from yours.

"I came to talk to Gabrielle, of course.  I told you."

"Right, right."  He seems to be thinking but he doesn't move away or make to sit back down.

You're starting to panic now.  He knows I'm on to him.  He know's I'm not really here for Gabrielle.

You decide to improvise, try to throw him off your track.  "Listen, Cal, I'm just going to come out and say it.  Things are pretty uncomfortable between us and I'll tell you why."

Cal raises his eyebrows. "Why?"  He asks quietly yet confidently.

You're in it now; there's no turning back.  "The thing is, I don't want you with my sister.  You're no good for her.  Christ, you're nearly ten years older than her.  Anyway, I came to talk to her about it; try to convince her to leave you."  You can barely believe you said it to him.  It wasn't a complete lie, anyway.  He wasn't any good for Gabrielle, although your concerns went far beyond brotherly love.

You wait for a response.  Your still standing at the bookshelf while he's made his way over to the liquor trolley again.

"Is that so?"  He doesn't sound particularly angry. "You know, Edward, I've always liked you.  You're a good man."

Your eye's widen a little. "Er, well, you too, you too.  It's just, your not the man for Gabrielle, you see."  You clear your throat, trying to stick to your guns. "You understand."

"Of course."  Cal turns now to face you, holding his refilled brandy quite casually. "Edward, I've got a proposition for you."

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CHARACTERS:
-- You (Edward) - a police officer in your mid-30's
-- Cal Beauchamp - a wealthy, respected 28-year-old businessman who you know to be a murderer.
-- Gabrielle - your 19-year-old sister who is engaged to Cal and recently pregnant.
-- Joseph - normal-looking 30-something-year-old guy who does Tarot readings on the street.
-- Old man - an old man who dresses like a gypsy and works on the street, saying creepy rude things to people for money.
-- Nicolas Dias - depends on who you ask.

SETTING:
New Orleans, present day. Well, let's say pre-Katrina to keep it simple.

STYLE:
The title is Outsmart because the characters are constantly lying and hiding things from each other. OR ARE THEY??? Everyone has his own agenda and probably doesn't want to reveal what that is. But somewhere, deep inside this story, there really is a coherent plot.

NOTE:
If you want to add to the story and wish to know a little more of what Jillian and I are planning, email me and I'll be glad to fill you in!

updated Jul 7 by Rac7hel