A NEW LEASH ON DEATH A C.J. and Oliver Mystery by P.J. Robertson Prologue The vintage car crouched at the water’s edge like some futuristic insect, metallic wings folded back and shimmering in the mid-October sun, head lowered to the stream. Its underbelly revealed scars from travel over the rocks that now supported its elevated rear section, while the front tires rested on the rocky creek bottom. Once pristine paint bore scars from barbed wire, as well as mud slung during its travel across the sodden pasture separating the road from the storm-filled creek. Small ticking noises voiced the car’s disgust as the creek’s water washed the submerged engine. Inside, on the back seat’s passenger side, a toddler, copper hair sweat-glued to her forehead and flushed cheeks, hung suspended from the wide straps of her car seat. Gravity tugged the child downward, toward water flowing over the back floorboard. Soft hiccups punctuated her raspy breathing, along with an occasional sob. On the left, a blue strap dangled from the seatbelt, a shiny fastener at its free end. The right front window rested halfway down, allowing water-blackened hair to flutter and toss in the ripples as it escaped the car. Small fry nibbled at the tips, enticed by its movement. The pale occupant of the driver’s seat lay still. Down stream, in a deep fishing pool overshadowed by an ancient sycamore, a large fish arced from the water, engulfing an insect. Overhead, the cicadas took up their song that had been temporarily interrupted by the car’s intrusion into their space. A bustling blue jay landed on a tree branch, peered downward, and seeing nothing to interest it, flew way. Small water insects seemed unconcerned as they rode eddies around the unaccustomed obstacle. A few flies, warmed by the autumn sun, buzzed lazily through the open window, attracted by the scent of blood. **** A NEW LEASH ON DEATH is being circulated, seeking a publisher. P.J. is currently working on a second C.J. and Oliver mystery involving the death of puppy miller.