Harry was about to die, but he didn't know it.
On April first, Fellie left him, no fooling, and took their twelve year old daughter with her. Harry came home to find a note on the refrigerator where he wouldn't miss it. In the note, Fellie claimed Mark was a better provider and a good man. She hoped Harry wasn't unduly hurt by her departure, but she had to do what was good for their daughter.
That was two days ago, and Harry hadn't slept. Nobody answered his texts or phone calls. He didn't know where Mark lived, or Mark would be toast. Fellie was savvy to that. Now in an April heat spell, he mowed his lawn to calm his mind. His old gas powered engine was perking along, so he left it running while he went back inside for water. Before he could make it to the kitchen his phone vibrated in his pants pocket. He answered it.
"Madison? Sweetheart. How are you?" He could hear sobs on the other end.
"Daddy, mom left for the grocery store, and her boyfriend, Mark gave me a twenty-dollar bill and pulled down his pants. I ran into the bathroom and locked the door. I sent mom a text, but she hasn't read it yet." Madison went to the bathroom window. It was big enough to step through, but the screen was made of wire and wouldn't push open. "Come and get me out of here! I just sent you a text with the address. It's in Pleasanton."
"Listen, Madison. Call 911. Daddy's coming to get you."
"Daddy, hurry. Please, hurry."
He headed out the door to run to his car. A softball from across the street bobbed up on his lawn and was rolling down past his car parked at the curb.
"Daddy. He's beating on the door."
"What's that, sweetie. The lawnmower's on. I can't hear you." He chased the ball into the street just past his front bumper, thinking he would pound Mark to a pulp, when BAM! He was hit side on by a silent electric truck.
At first, and for quite some time, Harry didn't know he was dead.
