The sandwiches at Oscar’s Deli had names like “Julia Roberts,” “Hilary Swank,” “Halle Berry,” and “Charlize Theron.” Only Academy Award winners had the honor of having their names written, along with the lists of ingredients in their sandwiches, on the giant chalkboard that covered most of the deli wall.
Caroline stood in line and studied the menu. She was tempted by the “Tom Hanks”—corned beef, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Russian dressing—and the “Angelina Jolie”—sautéed peppers and onions, mushrooms, melted provolone, sprouts, and tomato. But by the time it was her turn to order, Caroline had decided it might be bad luck not to order the “Belinda Winthrop”—turkey, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and cranberry sauce on rye.
“You on vacation?” the man behind the counter asked as he slathered mayonnaise on the bread.
“Actually, I’m working,” said Caroline. “But it’s a nice assignment.”
“What do you do?”
“I’m a film and theater critic.”
“Oh, yeah? For a newspaper?”
“No, television.”
The man looked up from making the sandwich and studied Caroline’s face. She could tell he didn’t recognize her.
“What show would I see you on?” he asked as he went back to covering the mayonnaise with sliced turkey.
“KEY to America,” she said.
“That explains it,” said the man. “I never watch television in the morning. I have to get in here early to set up. But my wife watches it. I’m gonna tell her you were in. She’ll get a real kick out of that. What’s your name?”
“Caroline Enright.”
“Hello, Caroline Enright. I’m Oscar Dubinsky. I’d shake your hand, but…” Oscar held up his hands, which were covered by thin plastic gloves.
“Don’t worry about it,” said Caroline.
“So, you’re gonna review Devil in the Details when it opens tonight?” Oscar asked.
“That’s the plan,” said Caroline, eager now to get her sandwich and leave.
“This your first time in Warrenstown?”
“Yes.”
“Too bad you have to come when all this upset is going on. Warrenstown is usually such a nice, quiet place. But between those kids killed last weekend and the cops finding the librarian murdered this morning, I don’t know what our town is coming to.”
“I just heard about that,” said Caroline. “What a horrible
thing.”
“Yeah. One of our officers was just in for lunch, and he told me he never saw so much blood. Her carotid artery was completely severed.” Oscar finished wrapping the sandwich and handed it across the counter. “Poor Theresa.”