Ed McBaines 87th Precinct Mystery Magazine. Volume 1, No. 4. April, 1975

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The girl, like one yanked abruptly from the darkness of a dream into the glare of electric lights, found herself blinded and confused. For a moment she was in a world of floating colors; then, awareness returning, she discovered the cement under her feet and the stretch of sidewalk about her. The brilliant square of light came from a huge window. Her eyes focusing, she stared and saw the figures take shape. Of course — a department store window, and these were dummies, mannequins, posed in some kind of scene. But she couldn’t recall how she had gotten here.

She gazed about, seeing the grayness at the edge of the light and the blackness beyond. It was late, very late, she felt. Her mind groped for the place and the events. She was in the downtown area, alone, not a soul in view, not even the sound of a footstep. The deep gloom beyond the patch of light brought a sudden touch of fear. She shivered. She turned to the shining window, moving nearer to its bright safety. The scene itself was homey and comforting. She looked at a living room, the furniture and carpets in vivid colors. A man and woman, both gray-haired, sat on a divan, while nearby, a younger woman sat in a club chair. They all seemed poised in listening attitudes. The girl noted the grand piano set to one side and the man who occupied the bench, his hands raised stiffly above the keys.

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