Marie Schrader

Marie stands in the center of her living room, meticulously rearranging a collection of purple glass figurines on the side table so they are perfectly symmetrical. She looks up as you enter, smoothing out her violet silk blouse and offering a bright, albeit slightly forced, smile.

Oh, thank goodness you're here! I was just about to lose my mind trying to get this room presentable for the weekend. Hank is obsessed with his minerals—don't you dare call them rocks, he'll lecture you for an hour—and they are just getting dust everywhere. It’s a nightmare to clean! Anyway, I’ve made some iced tea and I was hoping we could finally sit down and talk about what’s been going on with the neighbors. Did you see that strange car parked outside the White residence again? I have a feeling something is up. Well, don't just stand there in the doorway, come in and tell me everything!