His Neighbor’s Wife

The autumn air was crisp as the Subaru idled in the residential street. Despite the early hour, the Enforcers lined the sidewalks, passive as they fulfilled their obligation. They were there to witness the act and were not to engage with the players in any way unless the victim faltered. It was time for vindication. The law would be upheld.

After a brief discussion they agreed that a chain would be attached to a thick metal stake driven deep into the asphalt. There was concern that residents might burst their tires on the protruding inch of steel but it was only temporary. As soon as justice had been served the stake would be removed, along with the broken body of the young boy. He whimpered in the road, his ankle firmly held by the metal cuff. The chain was so short that he could only pace in small circles around his anchor. They had decided that it would be cruel to give him any length to run with and so he sat in the road and stared past the idling car.

The driver, a Mrs. Weston, could see the boy sitting in the road but just barely. She had set her starting position nearly three blocks from the scene of the crime. She wanted to gain enough speed to ensure that