Like Sand Through My Hands

Like most people, when I check into a hotel room, I turn on the television and channel surf. I wanted to see if there was any news about Varden, so I turned to one of the local Albany channels; news only and then lay down on the bed.

I must have drifted off, because I remember waking to an adrenalin burst upon hearing Varden's name mentioned by one of the news presenters. Unfortunately, it was at the end of the broadcast for the rotation; a promo of a story to come later; I'd have to wait.

The cold water I splashed on my face, in the hopes of making me more alert, almost worked. I took the towel back into the room and sat on the bed to wait; it didn't take long.

"Local dignitary, Thomas Varden, was killed last night at his Hudson home. Varden served on the school board, city council and was Mayor of Hudson from 1984 to 1988. He was well liked by the community and is survived by two sons, both now living in Pittsburgh, and seven grandchildren.

The police are only saying he was killed last night in his home. As yet, they are releasing few details and have no suspects. A news conference is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 10:00."

Time to get out of here, I thought, before this blows up further. Whoever targeted me and killed Varden may be up to something else and I don't want to wait around and see. I had money stashed in Albany and getting it was first on my list. Then leave this area.

Without knowing whether the police are looking for me, I can't take any chances flying, train or bus. I thought this through while in the shower and decided to get a used car; not from a retail dealer; private sale only.

So, my plans are to go back into Albany and get to the bank where I have a safety deposit box; the library to use their computers and get on the road again. I'm hoping to find someone selling a decent road car through the classifieds or Craig's List.

I also decided not to shave and grow a beard as a partial disguise. A couple of day's growth, with my thick stubble and I'll have the beginnings. I'll shape it later.

When I get the car, I'll decide what direction to travel. What's the most important, however, is I can't do this forever. I have to find whoever did this to me and why.