Jane Sloven

writer, psychotherapist, and retired attorney living in Portland, ME; winner of Maine Romance Writers Readers’ Choice Award in Contemporary category and Readers’ Choice Grand Prize; finalist for 2019 Next Generation Indie Awards in Suspense category and Foreword INDIES awards in Thriller & Suspense category

Prologue

I stand on a dias looking out at a sea of purple and gold gowns, mortarboards with dangling tassels, and the exhausted but exuberant faces of law-school graduates. Sensing movement to my left, I glance over and startle at the sight of Miriam, who is standing beside me and smiling. Gaping at her, I barely have time to collect myself before the dean introduces me. I suck in a deep breath and step to the podium.

“Congratulations, graduates.” My voice falters, but I pull myself together. “I’m honored to bestow the Miriam Moss Award upon a special student. The award is dedicated to the memory of my dear friend and study partner at this law school. Miriam’s life ended too soon, but her unfaltering commitment to justice made a difference in the world. Please join me in applauding this year’s recipient, a woman who shares that dedication – your classmate, Jessica Burns.

As the students stand and clap wildly, a fresh-faced young woman wends her way through the crowd. She runs up the steps to the podium and shakes my hand. I step back as she launches into a short acceptance speech. While listening to Jessica’s words, an irresistible yearning prompts me to turn my head. Though Miriam’s presence remains palpable, she’s no longer visible.

Memories sweep me away. Freshman year, I dragged my suitcase into my college dorm room to be welcomed by my roommate, a young woman with long, straight, dark hair, almond-shaped eyes, and a wide smile. She wore dungarees and an Indian print blouse, and had already decorated the lower bunk with purple bedspread and fringed gold pillows. The scent of jasmine wafted from a pot of tea, which sat beside a tin overflowing with homemade chocolate-ship cookies.

“Hi. I’m Miriam Moss. You must be Sarah Green!” She stood and flung her arms around me. “I know we’re going to be best friends.”

from Termination of Benefits by Jane Sloven (Maine Authors Publishing)