[right][h3]The Fed Zone[/h3]10:49 am, Saturday
November 6th[/right]

A lively murmur of conversation accompanied the aroma of maple syrup, frying eggs, bacon and coffee. Dishes clinked, silverware clattered, the front door squeaked as patrons came and went. The yellows and oranges and warm browns of the interior -- the old diner's original, lovingly maintained design -- almost made the room seem sunny, even though the wide windows looked out upon a chill gray sky.

A waitress tacked another MISSING poster alongside the others on the cork board by the front door. The usual business cards and tear-off phone numbers and event flyers had of late been smothered by black-and-white portraits and detailed descriptions of places last seen -- except a few ads that only started appearing recently:

[indent][i]Make contact with passed loved ones, professional and discreet: 846-5317

UFO sighting party, Mill Creek Park, Nov 6, 10 pm -- free to attend

Protection charms, crafted and enchanted by the Green Sisters' Coven, available now at Ivy Arts on Brightwell

Town Hall meeting, Nov 8, 6 pm: Duskwick Sheriff Chang will give an update on ongoing missing persons investigations[/i][/indent]

A shiny blue dragonfly buzzed overhead. It lighted on the edge of the pie display -- but after a waitress waved a napkin at it, the insect flew out over the heads of the seated patrons. It landed gently on a hanging light.

The light flickered.