journal features

did my friends commit the murder

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

Vancouver, 2002.06.05

So I was watching Law and Order tonight (the episode where Dt. Logan makes his exit by punching a slime-ball city Councillor), and at some point, one of the cops asks someone they're interviewing if they could believe that [character] committed a murder.

I suddenly wondered, if the cops came 'round here and asked me the same about most of my friends and family, I'd have to say, "Yeeeah, I guess." I mean, if they asked if Gord or Ken or Heidi could be a killer, I'd say, "Yup." If they asked about Jon, I'd say, "over a woman, was it?" and even in some cases I could see my mum or friend Charlie doing it. Then I thought of Kamil. With him I'd have to say, "Yes, officer, he's probably your man," without even hearing the details. I mean, look at him!

All that Slavic brooding business, oh yes. I can only state that it's people like my Dad, my recently re-acquainted friend Arnon, and maybe Jan wouldn't be likely killers. I wonder if I'm imagining it all, or if I'm really surrounded by such people. Cos, I mean even some of my correspondents seem likely candidates, such as Blake.

rand()m quote

Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.

—Henry Ford