Names Named

The police have finally released the names of the victim and the killer, which most of us knew hours ago.

The victim, Michael Martin, was just starting at my workplace when I retired. He'd been hired as a Sales Manager, to oversee the department managers and make changes. The shooter, Richard Gagnon, I've known for 16 years. Not well, he wasn't a buddy. But I remember when he was building that wine department from nothing and how successful it became. I know his wife, too, and am most concerned about her right now. It's tough when you don't know the people well, just for a long time... what to say? Do I say anything at all?

Rumors swarm about the reasons behind it. We know the truth, but it won't make a difference to tell it.

And all day I've gotten calls and emails, vultures circling for tender morsels so they can gossip and show they know something. Things like this really bring out the best in people.

I'm gonna go alter my mind.