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THE BEST LAID PLANS OF THEOBALD STERLING MANN part 2

As promised! PART 2! If you missed Part 1, you can read it HERE.


Once back in his own neighborhood, Sterling kept a vigilant eye out for neighbors, the postman, and
any assorted passersby. He could not be seen. He slipped along the side of the house and into the backyard just after noon. It was sunny but not too warm. The bathroom window was still open...just enough.

Perfect.

He picked up a twig from the slightly unkempt yard, just to be safe, then climbed the maple and made his way quietly onto the garage roof. All he had to do now was wait.

Inside, Betty's television blared. She was watching a game show from the sound of it. She was a creature of habit, just as he was. As soon as he could no longer hear the television, he knew it would soon be time.

Betty had been watching The Price Is Right. Even though she didn't like the new host, she still enjoyed watching contestants over guess prices and spin the big wheel. She didn't know why she liked it...she just did.

She knew Sterling hated game shows, but she was happy to be married to such a practical man. He provided her with a nice home and never seemed too upset when she bought a new knickknack or collectible TV tray. Sure, he would grumble from time to time...but he worked long and hard. He needed to vent now and then.

They had never been blessed with children, but she was happy all the same. She thought maybe she would sell some of her collectibles on eBay and surprise Sterling with a weekend getaway. They hadn't gone anywhere in years. It would be nice to relax together.

Betty climbed the stairs, feeling every day of her forty-seven years. She was out of breath by the time she reached the bathroom. She thought to herself, I really need to drop a few pounds.

She turned on the water and sat on the toilet while the tub filled. Sterling had left his radio on the sink. Strange. She turned it on anyway.

Then the pain came.

Her left arm.

Cold sweat.

Her teeth aching.

Then the chest pain - like being struck with a sledgehammer.

She was having a heart attack.

Just like her father.

That was Betty Mann's last thought.

Her large frame slid against the wall beside the toilet.


The tub was just about to overflow.

Outside, Sterling Mann lay waiting.

He could hear the muffled sound of the radio. He inched closer. He could see the radio resting on the sink.

Another minute.

Just to be sure.

Something tickled the short hairs behind his ear.

He ignored it.

Again.

He reached back.

The mouse bit him.

Sterling jerked violently and rolled off the garage roof. The mouse clung to his hand, teeth embedded. Sterling flailed and landed headfirst on the concrete driveway.

His neck snapped.

He didn't die instantly.

His body jerked and twitched as he realized he was paralyzed.

The last thing he saw was the little mouse.

A drop of his blood stained its muzzle.

Its nose twitched.

Theobald Sterling Mann died.




copyright notice © 2015/2026 Michael C. Metzger


If you're enjoying my torrid tales, you might get a kick out of this one HERE

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