They watched for the signs and portents, but still they missed the evidence that the end was near.

She shivered slightly at the mention of his name.

The crumbling building was there only inheritance.

His science was flawed, but his backer's money was good as was his smile.

"That ol' judge spit in me eye and told me I'd hang, but I showed him. I'm still here and he's long gone," said Teddy, slowly rocking back and forth on his porch, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Sylvia felt like a jack-o-lantern — hollowed out inside with a ghastly smile on her face — as she waited on the louts and rednecks at the local diner.

I was a carrion crow of sorts, picking off the small time drug dealers and street thugs to make my living.