Dwayne is standing at the back of the room. His sport coat is too narrow in the shoulders, and his tie is askew. Standing next to him is Marlene Preen, President of the McLennan County Republican Club. She wrings her hands and scans the crowd for signs of trouble. “I’m worried he’s going… Read More
Gonzo Garza reclines in his bed, watching the storm rage outside. The rain falls in heavy curtains, obscuring his view of the Capitol’s pink dome. Tori Mangonel sits naked on the other side of the bed, facing the wall. Gonzo stares at her back. “Where’s your car?” he asks. Mangonel ignores him… Read More
“I’ve been workin four tens, and then I’m doin this now on my days off. The money’s good.” He purses his lips, and nods slowly, “I’m thinkin about doin it full time.” Carol Ann King does not respond, and the man seems to realize that he’s said too much. He smiles sheepishly. King… Read More
Ellie Endsley wakes when the heavy door in a neighboring hotel room slams shut. The computer on which Endlsey was working when she fell asleep comes to life. She squeezes her eyes shut and turns away. “Off” she pleads, and the light is extinguished. It’s late. Through the wall, she hears a man’s… Read More
Ellie Endsley and James Carlos Cates are huddled together around a small table. Just down the hall from the kitchen in which they sit is the City of Edinburg’s Council Chamber and public hearing room. There’s another couple in the kitchen – a man and a woman. They are huddled close, toying with empty… Read More
They’ve been putting out yard signs for more than 12 hours, and it’s just after midnight on a Thursday. Bud’s driving, and Kerry is curled up in the passenger seat, trying to sleep. “He’s the one, right?” Bud asks again. Kerry moans plaintively. She tries to turn farther away from Bud, but her… Read More