A gentle breeze on a hot day late in summer, brought with it, one tiny cold stream that hinted autumn was getting ready. She was always partially warm and partially cool to all who knew her. She was always dressed in such dramatic fashion. Yet her dark eye shadow hinted at a sinister secret, just past her sweet smile.

The way she wore her short gowns during the day and long ones at night, showed that she was comfortable in almost any crowd. She could flirt with the best of them but turn on you in an instant. She was a bright happy day and a dark stormy night all rolled into one. It was no wonder that so many were intrigued by autumn.

No other town could say it loved her more than Zephyr. Formerly known as Zephyr City, the little town in central Ohio boasted of a glorious fall festival every year that few places could match. It was like 'Christmas before Christmas' one resident was quoted to say.

The great festivities of Zephyr's festival to roll out the red carpet for her included a week of parades and contests, concerts and dances and of course political grandstanding that always accompanied this time of year. All of it however, always culminated in the final three day Harvest festival.

Local groups put on their best efforts to make their part of the events better than the year before. Many of the festival booths and concerts were put on by the school. The fire department, police department, city hall, and Parks and recreation department took care of most of the general set up and security. Various local businesses would have booths at the festival and other events and special pricing that week in their stores. One such vendor was the 'Bell, Book and Candle' bookstore owned by George Saunter.

'George was a bastard!' That was the running gag these days. You see, Pepper, as they called his wife Penelope, had just begun learning how to text recently on her new phone. She was excitedly responding to a text George had sent about going on a vacation and meant to type YOU'RE THE BEST but she hit an 'A' instead of an 'E' and the phone predicted what word she was trying to text. It came out YOU'RE THE BASTARD!

Zephyr Fall Fest had not officially begun, but the store was already busier than usual. The bell over the old door was ringing almost off the wall. The front window always displayed the latest novels and some of their other items. Originally it had been two businesses. There was a candle shop and a bell store here. Years ago, Pepper's great grandparents had been the owners of the bell store and turned it into a bookstore. When the candle shop was in trouble, they bought it. So they decided to combine them all together into one; thus the name, "Bell, Book and Candle."

George looked fairly young. Sometimes it shocked people when they knew he owned a store and had a daughter in college. He had dark brown, wavy hair and was usually clean shaven. He wasn't thin but he wasn't fat either. He had an unfortunate nose on his handsome face. It was a feature that he personally hated. He had brown eyes. His sideburns were long but they weren't mutton chops. Most people would say he had an 'average' appearance.

"Hey you old Bastard!' a tall, lanky blond man said as he walked in. He was wearing a light grey jacket over a tee shirt and jeans.

'Carl? I haven't seen you in weeks.' George replied from behind the counter. He was looking up from the morning paper. "Can I interest you in a nice new candlestick?" He picked up a brass candlestick on the counter and gestured like he was going to throw it at Carl.

Carl was an old retired man who lived in town. As far as anyone knew, he had worked for a local steel mill until he was forced into retirement early. Now he spent his days wandering town and being a casual nuisance.

"I heard there was a bit of trouble last night," Carl said.

George stood up by the counter, putting his paper and the candlestick down.

"Poor kid," George responded, "She was only 23."

"What was she doing here? I heard she was from Cleveland."

"Don't know. Nobody does." Georgeshook his head solemnly.

The bell rang as someone else walked in.

"How's Runa doing?" Carl asked.

"Leave her alone Carl Benton," said the lady who just walked in.

Carl turned to see a tall, pretty blonde woman walking in behind the counter. She wore a dark blue dress. It was cut above the knees and had an unusual neckline. It was a very pretty dress.

"Uh-oh," Carl blurted, "Hello Pepper."

"Morning Carl; Morning Honey," she said as she kissed George on the cheek.

"What took so long?" George asked her.

"Oh that old busybody Madison," she said.

"Again," George asked, "What is it now?"

"She's on the gossip trail about this park accident like everyone else," she said giving Carl a look.

"I wasn't gonna bother the kid. I swear!" Carl said. "I just stopped in for my book."

"Oh," George said, "Yeah." He looked under the counter and pulled out a book wrapped with a sales slip and a rubber band.

"What is it Carl?" Pepper asked him.

"Oh just a new bird book," he told her."You know me."

"Oh right," she said. "Why don't you ever try taking your own pictures?"

"Why should I?" Carl asked. "I can just look at these." He held up the book smiling.

"That's $19.50," George told him.

"No," Carl said, "that's highway robbery." He pulled out his wallet and took out his credit card. He handed it to George. "But I guess I have to have something to do these days."

"What ever happened to fishing?" George asked.

"I always fall asleep in the boat," Carl told him. "I discovered I like eating fish better than catching it."

George handed him the receipt.

"Well speaking of eating; I think I'll head down to Steiney's and get some breakfast."

"Breakfast," George said, "It's almost noon."

"Breakfast is good anytime," Carl said, "especially at Steiney's."

"Tell Wendy I said hi," Pepper told him.

Carl nodded his head while walking out the door. "Okay."