The Black Van

It was a summer night.

The man with the barbecue tongs in his hand beckoned.

Everyone there was

Alarmingly successful.

To add to the horror,

There was open talk of golf.

She knew

If she stayed much longer,

She would hear herself making vague future plans with women named Toni.

She knew

If she stayed much longer,

She would find herself flirting with mid-level executives named Bob.

It was then she saw the black van

Slowly trolling among the Beemers and PT Cruisers.

Hooded figures loomed inside.

She kicked off her heels and ran, just as the side panel door slid open.

As one, witnesses described how she had called desperately for help before being pulled inside.

To the cop with his notebook,

Bob expressed several theories in a mellifluous baritone,

Some involving the CIA.

Toni dabbed her eyes and leaned upon the starched blue sleeve of a handsome young officer.

All agreed it had been an abduction.

And then there was barbecue and Heinekens,

Talk of portfolios

And a detective getting amiably smashed in an Adirondack chair the hosts had ordered from L.L.Bean.

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