The evil that we are

In our lives, we bump into manifold interesting people, most of whom do what they do, or stopped doing it, without creating much of a ripple.

There's a slim chance that John Wayne Gacy lives down the block, or that some kid who sells lemonade in the front yard grows up to be a slasher or a mass murderer.

But if you're writing, everyone is a suspect.

I had occasion to discuss this with an 88-year-old man who had an established career as a community organizer, teacher, church leader. He said, "At my age, I've forgotten what I did 40 years ago."

"Maybe you were evil," I inquired.

He shrugged. "Maybe."

Somebody in town was probably murdered around that time.

Maybe they caught the killer.

In any event, wouldn't it behoove us to look into it?

This elderly guy has something to hide. He's not sure what it is.

Unless he's lying.

Then, there's a great story.