Chapter 1: Trick Or Treat
Senator Cal Trent’s Home
October 31, 9:12 p.m.
It was October 31, Halloween. And like most couples on Halloween Dixie and Bob was going to a Halloween party. It was going to be a small affair at the local Senator’s home. Of course, a small affair for him meant somewhere in the neighborhood of fifty couples.
Dixie had known Senator Cal in high school and had helped to get him elected to his first government job. To the Senator's credit he never forgot that. He invited Dixie, and of course her husband, to every social event that he threw. To Dixie’s credit she only attended those events where the chance of a faux pa was minimal.
Dixie had opted for the Middle Ages look with a full-length gown that flared at the waist before dropping all the way to her ankles. The low cut neckline showed just enough cleavage to be a bit risqué.
Bob, Dixie’s husband, had opted for something a little more modern. He wore boots with spurs, black slacks, a tan shirt and a black mask that fit snuggly around his eyes. Around his waist he wore two toy six-shooters. Fastened to the belt of the gun holsters were the obligatory 'silver' bullets.
In the 40's a most opulent hotel had been built. At the time the area had promised to become the commerce capital of the area. Along with its ornate facade, multiple rooms, extensive grounds it boasted the most extravagance hedge maze of its time. Unfortunately, the booming commerce bypassed the area and the hotel fell on hard times.
In the 60's the governor of the state bought the hotel and had it restored to its former glory. For awhile it became the governor's mansion. But the 70's brought a new conscience to politicians and the governor's mansion was considered to be much to gaudy for any sensible politician. So the Trent family had purchased the mansion for next to nothing.
The Trent's had a single son who inherited the mansion. The mansion was his office away from work, his campaign headquarters and home. Once again the hotel had made it into politics, this time in the form of Senator Cal Trent's home.
Dixie and Bob arrived at the party just after 8 o'clock. The evening had turned out to be warm and hospitable. As they arrived a full moon was just peeking up over the hills. It promised to be quite lovely.
By ten things had progressed much as Dixie had expected. She had said hi to some of the most influential people of the area. Senator Cal had made the unofficial announcement that he would be running for a higher office this year. Bob had had too much to drink.