Forever Man by Brian Matthews

knocking her to the ground. Then he launched himself at Owens. Bob Talbert, apparently surprised by the pharmacist’s transformation, hesitated only a moment before starting after his boss’s husband.
    The rest of the search party took a startled step back.
    Stanley threw a wild, roundhouse swing at Owens’ head. The other man easily ducked beneath the blow, straightened, and lifted his hands, putting them defensively in front of him. He’d clearly been in a fight or two.
    Snarling, Stanley tried a quick left, but Owens bobbed his head back, and Stanley’s jab hit nothing but air. Stanley followed with another right, this one coming in high over his shoulder. Owens shifted to his right, and Stanley’s fist passed harmlessly through the space where the other man had just been standing.
    Stunned by her husband’s attack, Izzy scrambled up from the ground. A dozen or so yards away, Denny shouted insults at Owens until Sten clamped his other hand over the man’s mouth.
    Stanley, his eyes shining with rage, drew his right fist back—and Bob Talbert grabbed his arm.
    “That’s enough, Dr. Morris,” Sgt. Talbert said. “It’s over.”
    Without hesitating, Stanley snapped his left fist up like a piston, slamming it hard into Talbert’s jaw. The cop grunted as blood spilled down his chin. He released Stanley, his hands coming up to his face.
    “My fucking tongue!” Only it came out my fuhin on!
    Stanley slid his hand down to Talbert’s belt, found his gun, and yanked it free of the holster. He stepped back, brought the big Glock up until it pointed at Owens. Shaking, he gripped the pistol with both hands.
    Izzy shouted, “Stanley, no!”
    “He killed Natalie.” Stanley racked the slide, chambering a round. “He has to pay.”
    Bob Talbert, his lower face coated with blood, took an angry step toward Stanley.
    “No,” Izzy told her officer. “Let me handle this.”
    Glaring at Stanley, Talbert backed off.
    Speaking calmly, Izzy said, “Put the gun down, Stanley.”
    “I won’t let him get away with this!” Tears were running down his cheeks.
    Owens, his hands still held protectively in front of him, said, “You don’t want to shoot me, Dr. Morris. Or you would have already pulled that trigger.”
    “Shut up!” screamed Stanley.
    Izzy said, “Mr. Owens—”
    Owens shook his head. “I’m the one with the gun aimed at my head, so I suppose that gives me the right to speak.” His attention shifted to Stanley. “I’ll make you a deal, Dr. Morris. You put the gun down, and I’ll willingly go down to the police station. Your wife can question me all she likes.” He took a deep breath, then lowered his hands. “I have nothing to hide. I didn’t take or hurt your daughter. For all anyone knows, she might still be alive.”
    Stanley slowly lowered the pistol. Izzy thought Owens had gotten to him, but what he said next puzzled her.
    “Heavy,” he panted, his face coated with sweat. “Why’s it so heavy?” He jerked his arms up, but the weapon only moved fractionally.
    Izzy took another small step near her husband. “Let me take him in,” she said. “See if he knows anything.”
    “No no no,” Stanley cried, sounding like a little boy whose favorite toy had been taken from him, broken, and then returned. “I can’t let him live, not after what he did!”
    With an effort that made his arms shake, Stanley wrenched the gun up and fired. The crack of the gunshot shattered the chill air, echoing loudly across Black Pine Lake. Mud flew up from the ground inches away from Owens’ feet. One of the girls in the crowd screamed.
    Bob Talbert shot forward and made a grab for the gun, but Stanley twisted, heaved the Glock around until it was pointed at the officer. Talbert’s eyes grew wide, and he threw his body to the side. Another shot. Behind Talbert, the trunk of a gnarled oak exploded, sending pieces of wood hurtling through the air. There were more screams, and people scattered.
    When Stanley