Schuyler Square Day 120 Veronica is Annoyed by Jim

"This isn't necessary," Veronica said, shaking her arm out of Jim's iron grip. "I used to live in this house. I know how to find my way upstairs."

"No need to be so touchy," Jim responded. "Just doing my best to help a lovely lady."

Veronica tried not to gag. She couldn't stand men like Jim Waterston. They were trapped in some Stone Age macho act that hadn't aged well. She was glad Tom wasn't like that. Tom and Jim were around the same age but Tom was considerate and sweet whereas Jim was boorish and offensive. "Well, I don't need any help. Why don't you stay downstairs?"

"Because I'd like to see what Peter's doing upstairs too," Jim said.

"Why?"

Jim shrugged. "We work together and I want to make sure he's all right. He's been acting kind of--" Jim twirled a finger next to his ear. "You know. Loony tunes lately."

Veronica did know what Jim meant and unfortunately she agreed with him. Peter Van Husen had been acting quite oddly lately and there was more to it than his messed up marriage and even more messed up affair with Mavis Schuyler. A loud thump sounded over their heads. "All right,' she said, "you can come upstairs with me."

"Gee, thanks," Jim said. "I'm so happy that I have your permission."

Veronica decided to ignore him. Quickly they climbed the stairs to the second floor and then opened the door that led to the attic stairs. "I'll go first," Veronica said as she took the lead.

"Whatever you say," Jim replied. "I can see that you're a take charge kind of woman."

At the top of the steps Veronica paused. Her eyes sweeping the attic, she didn't see Peter anywhere. "Peter? Are you still up here?"

Jim joined her. "He has to be up here. We would have seen him if he left."

"Well, I don't see him now," Veronica replied.

"Here I am." Peter stepped out from under the eaves. He stared at Jim, his eyes wild. "So you're back at the scene of the crime?"

"What are you talking about?" Jim questioned. "We came up to see if you're all right."

"No, you didn't! You came up here to look for the evidence! I knew it was you all these years but I couldn't remember--you're the one who killed Mary Austin! I remember everything now!"

Veronica screamed as Jim Waterston lunged for Peter. The two men grappled on the dusty attic floor before rolling toward a small window. "Stop it! You're going to go through the window!"

But it was too late. Veronica ran toward the window and stared out at the body that was flung on the lawn below.