They leered at each other like a standoff between two gunslingers waiting for the other to make the first move — Edwin knew he’d have to pull the trigger first. He brooded behind his 1950s Hermes Baby typewriter with the clattering of dishes in the next room. The blank paper was a frequent visitor in their quaint apartment. Then like a flash, an idea sparked — his fingers twitched on the keyboard. “Ed, a little help might be nice,” barked Elizabeth from the kitchen.

&l...

Melissa Fredrikson glanced up from petting Princess, a three-pound Yorkshire Terrier, and found Mike piercing into her from the rearview mirror. “Mike, look out!”

He slammed on the brakes and screeched the Blazer to a stop. “Mel, it was just a squirrel.”

Jeffrey, Melissa’s ten-year-old brother, shook his head. “Was a squirrel.”

Melissa marveled at the fragrant charm of the San Bernardino mountains and its flora. The quaint log cabins tucked in p...