FanStory.com - Neighborhood Dramaby Michelle D. Carr

Something terrible is happening at the Schaefer's. Annie peered out her back kitchen window. She could see her neighbor's backyard and shed. It was the police car with the accompanying ambulance that told her this was serious business. She saw Chuck Paulson, the chief of police, directing the EMTs and made a mental note to ask his wife, Liz, for a full report before tomorrow. The ringing phone startled her. It was Joan. She wasn't surprised to hear Joan’s voice. “I'll be right over.” Joan said and hung up. Joan was also Annie’s best friend. Their weekly morning coffee date was not till tomorrow, but the drama unfolding at the Schaefer's called for an emergency session. In less than five minutes, Joan was walking through the back door and joined her friend in watching the action next door. “ I feel like I'm watching reality television.” said Joan. “Yes”, said Annie, “ but I feel kind of guilty. I would go over to see if Gemma needs anything but maybe later is better.”she added. “ Are you wanting to avoid the police?” Joan asked. “ No”, said Annie. “ I wouldn't want to see Anton.” Joan nodded in agreement.

Anton and Gemma Schaefer moved into their neighborhood just two months ago. Joan had approached Gemma the day after they moved in to welcome her and extend an invitation to join her and Annie for one of their weekly coffee mornings. Gemma thanked her but never took her up on it. Joan didn't believe that her neighbor was anti-social but only shy. She seemed anxious about being approached but was a nice enough woman who kept to herself. Joan meant to try again but didn't want to seem pushy. “She’s like a timid mouse.” Joan told Annie, later that week. Joan also picked up on an accent. She was possibly German. Joan didn't want to ask questions during their first meeting but was curious about Gemma’s life before coming to the U.S. She reported all this to Annie and went on to give her first impression of Anton Schaefer. She had only seen him when he was working in his backyard. "He always looks so grim, even angry…such a contrast to his wife." She explained. She never saw any pets or children so she assumed that they were the only ones living there.

The two women continued to watch the activity at the Schaefer's with curiosity, which changed to horror when the grim-faced EMTs removed two body bags from the backyard shed. The women were silent.