THE BLUE STALKER by JEAN AVERY BROWN Page A

work.  It sure seems like the teacher over loads these kids with home work.”  Mrs. Ferguson said as she closed the door to keep the cold out.
                  “Could you ask Ella to come downstairs?”
                  “Well certainly I’ll get her.”  She called Ella from the bottom of the staircase.
                  “Ella can you come downstairs?  Sheriff Bill would like to see you.”
                  Ella came to the top of the stairs and abruptly stopped.  She could feel something is seriously wrong. Her stomach tied in a knot.
                  “Come on down Ella.”  Her mother urged.  Ella’s hand held to the rail; her legs trembled as she took each step down the long stairway.  When she got to the last step Sheriff Bill took her by the hand leading both ladies to the sofa just inside the formal living room. 
                  “I don’t know how to start but…his voice trailed off.  Sheriff Bill cleared his throat. 
                  “Mrs. Ferguson, Ella, Mr. Ferguson was flying over the mountain range this evening and,” Sheriff Bill took a deep breath, “they crashed into the side of the mountain.  I’m sorry but…Mr. Ferguson and his pilot died on impact.”
    Both ladies were silent for a quiet moment. 
                  “No, this can’t be.”  Ella screamed.  “It wasn’t my day he’s not coming home tonight.  The fog is so bad he decided to wait until morning.  I stalked to him a few hours ago.  It’s someone else, it’s not my dad.”
                  “I’m sorry Ella.”  Sheriff Bill told her.
                  Mrs. Ferguson was silent.  Tears began to stream down her face.  She was in total shock.  Ella noticed the sadness on her mother’s face.  She wrapped her arms around her mother.  They both sobbed wet tears of sorrow. 
    Mrs. Ferguson looked into Ella’s eyes pushing her blonde hair from her face.
    “Young lady we have to be strong.  We only have each other.”
    “I know Mommy, I know.”  Ella sobbed.
                  Sheriff Bill stood up wiping the tears he couldn’t hold back with his sleeve.
                  “Mr. Ferguson was a well thought of man.  Many in this town will miss him.” 
    Sheriff Bill’s chin quivered.
                  “You will need to identify the body tomorrow.  Call me and I will give you a ride to the coroner’s office.”
                  I can drive myself.  Ella will go with me.  We have to lean on each other now.”  Mrs. Ferguson pulled Ella close to her bosom.
                  “As you wish but if I or my office can do anything for you ladies please call on us.” 
                  “Thank you.”  Mrs. Ferguson stood up and pushed her shoulders back trying to look as if she had her composure.
                  Sheriff Bill showed himself the door and was gone.  He made his way to the patrol car.  Setting behind the steering wheel he began to bawl.  His big fist pounding the steering wheel.  This is the part I hate about my job.  The bearer of bad news.  He inserted and twisted the key starting the engine his patrol car slowly drove away from a home filled with happiness yesterday and this evening the rooms are engulfed in sorrow.
                  The word was soon out and people were visiting the crash site.  Ella couldn’t bear to visit the spot where her father drew his last breath.  She would be glad when the crash site was cleaned up.  A few of her classmates offered their condolences but only one knew what to say.
    Phil Young a handsome young man made his way to Ella’s locker knowing she would be there before her first class.
                  “Ella,” he managed to get out.  He took her in his arms consoling her.  Phil was student body president.  They had causally