The 826NYC Review, Issue No. 12

time with some gangs from the bigger towns, where he had grown up. He was still causing trouble in the army, and when he got back he became an official member of one of the most notorious gangs around. But something happened which caused him to leave the gang and move here. The questions now circled more frantically around Olive’s brain. Was this gang responsible for or related to his murder? Why did he come here? Was he trying to run away from the gang? What happened that caused him to leave the gang?

Then, on her way back home, Olive decided to stop by and check in on Mrs. Smith, to see what she knew, and, of course, to give her condolences for Mr. Smith. She knocked on the door, and as Mrs. Smith opened it, Olive was overwhelmed with the incredibly overpowering scent of flowers. Daisies, peonies, tulips, poppies, lilacs, every kind, all shoved in vases, and bowls, and cups, and any dish that could hold flowers, all had flowers in them. She stood there for a minute, then comprehended that Mrs. Smith was inviting her in. She gave her condolences and decided on not hugging Mrs. Smith, since she clearly had been hugged, patted, and cried on one too many times. Then, Olive got down to work.

“So, Mrs. Smith, what do you know about Mr. Smith’s past? I know he didn’t grow up here, but what do you know of the matter?” she asked.

The old woman sat down in a giant armchair, then gestured for Olive to do the same, which she did. “Well, I only knew Herbert when he first came here, after fighting in the war. I was born and raised here, whereas he moved 152