18
A Truth Told with Bad Intent

 

Upton-Haywood, John. “Stonehouse Hits the Big House.” Colta City Herald 09 Jul.

Local business magnate Dexter Stonehouse intends to fight the charges related to his supposed “death” two days ago on Liberty Pier. Stonehouse’s charges include fraud, wasting city resources, and endangering the life of a child. In a statement released late last night he accused his business manager Gerald Applebottom of masterminding the plot.

Applebottom, who is presumed dead after crashing Stonehouse’s boat, had no representative to reach for comment.

The police recovered Stonehouse moments before his ship disappeared into the whirlpool that formed in the river near Thoth Chemical when an old subway tunnel collapsed earlier this year. Police report the presumed “superhero” known as Dogboy was involved, although the exact nature of his involvement was left unclear. The police also arrested Wylie Morgan, 36, a traveling magician who turned himself in moments after the police apprehended Stonehouse. According to Morgan, Applebottom hired several local performers in order to fake Stonehouse’s death. Morgan was hired as the “shooter” but gave no information as to the methods he used.

This reporter was on the scene of the “shooting” and even confronted a police officer about their lack of involvement after the shooting. Police suspect the officer was one of the performers hired by Applebottom. If true, I’d like to offer a heartfelt apology to the Colta City Police and the mayor’s office. We regret any inaccuracies in our reporting of the story.

Morgan faces up to five years in prison for his part in the crime, but the district attorney has implied a deal might be in the works. Stonehouse is currently being held in the main precinct jail next to City Hall, where he awaits trial on the 29th of August. In his stead, his wife Olivia Stonehouse will oversee the day-to-day operations of his various holdings.

When reached for comment Mayor Lane said, “It saddens me to see what some men will do in the pursuit of somebody else’s money. Dexter is a close personal friend and a great asset to Colta City. I expect him to be fully vindicated by the time the trial concludes.”

 

“Yeah, I’ll bet he does,” Cindy said as she handed her copy of the Herald over to Bronson.

Bronson shoved the last bite of his pastrami sandwich into his mouth as Mr. Horum steered Mariska out across the brown water of the Stratemeyer. A gust caught the sails. The boat picked up speed.

“It’s like they don’t even realize Stonehouse was involved,” Bronson said. “And after Applebottom told them why he did it too.”

“Maybe that’s why,” Cindy said. “Maybe they were embarrassed they got tricked.”

“You know, Mr. Applebottom kind of did what you were saying the other day, Mr. Horum.”

“Other day? How Horum remember so far back?” Mr. Horum said.

“You know. Like how it’s easier to get people to believe a story if there’s a little bit of truth to it. We heard him tell the mayor why Stonehouse was faking his death. If he’d actually killed him I bet the mayor would’ve figured the plan went sour. He definitely wouldn’t suspect the guy who ratted Stonehouse out.”

“Or the mayor’s protecting Stonehouse for some other reason,” Cindy said.

“What do you mean?” Bronson asked.

“Nothing,” she said.

“You aren’t still sore about him turning you down for the interview are you? That was forever ago,” Bronson said.

“You’re barking up the wrong tree. It’s a long story,” she said. “Maybe if you’re really nice I’ll tell you one day.”

“Is good view, no?” Mr. Horum asked Cindy, pointing out across the water.

“Very,” she said, sliding closer to Bronson. He put his arm around her.

She leaned her head on his shoulder as Mr. Horum turned the boat around, due west to Liberty Pier.