"I hope I'm being clear here, Edward."

You say nothing but give a nod of assent.  The situation is becoming clearer to you by the minute.

Cal continues, "So, perhaps, if you cannot help me, and I cannot satisfy your wants, it is best we end this affiliation between us here and now; you forget what I've said, I'll forget you know anything about me and my...goings on."

For a brief moment, this idea sounds marvelous to you.  Forget everything!  But then, you remember: your sister...I cannot leave Gabrielle on her own, with only Cal to trust or turn to.

"Wait." You can barely believe what you're about to say, but you see no other way. "I'll help you.  I'll do it."

Cal seems surprised.  You try to determine if he's merely acting out a big ploy, which you are falling for miraculously.  Either way, there's nothing you can do about it now. 

"Why the change of heart, Edward?"

You let out a sigh of defeat. "Turning a blind eye will solve nothing.  If I help you, I help Gabrielle.  And this whole situation will be brought to an end.  I guess that's all that matters."

"Are you sure about this?"  Cal looks at you intently, intesely.

Is he trying to make me second guess myself?  Put doubts in my mind about my own abilities?  It's impossible to tell; everything is lost on you now.  "Don't worry about me." You reluctantly brush these thoughts aside.  "It's time you tell me everything."

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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