"What Cricket Knows" was born in 2014 as a creative writing prompt for a theater module at Castleton State College (now Vermont State University). The assignment was to craft a single scene from the middle of an imaginary play. From this, I wrote what would eventually become Scene 4 of Act 1. The work earned top marks and came with enthusiastic encouragement from the class instructor to expand it into a full manuscript.
By the following year, the first draft of Act 1 was complete and shared with Susan Haefner, then-Education Director of the Weston Playhouse Theater. Susan provided invaluable feedback, noting that the act struck a compelling balance between drama and humor, with intriguing scenes and richly developed characters.
However, life’s unpredictability led to an unintentional hiatus that stretched nearly a decade. Despite limited time to write, "What Cricket Knows" was never far from my thoughts. In 2024, the opportunity finally arose to return to the story with renewed focus. At last, "What Cricket Knows" is complete—a contemporary murder mystery that seeks to capture the essence and style of a classic whodunit.
We have since moved from Vermont, and I now live with some of my large family in Missouri and, when I'm not writing, I am a caregiver to my young adult autistic son.
WARNING:
THE FOLLOWING EXCERPT CONTAINS ADULT LANGUAGE AND SITUATIONS AND IS BEST VIEWED BY AUDIENCES OVER 16 YEARS OF AGE
ACT I
SCENE 4
Later that same afternoon, on stage. City park picnic table. STORMY is dressed provocatively; the tips of her hair are sprayed in multiple colors and her make-up is overdone. CRICKET is seated at the picnic table coloring. STORMY, agitated, is leaning against the table continually checking her cell phone.
STORMY looks CR, stands and crosses her arms in disgust. CRICKET looks CR, waves and smiles.
STORMY
‘Bout fuckin’ time! You know, I actually got places to be.
JEREMIAH enters from CR wearing an unbuttoned suit jacket with a loosened collar and tie
JERRY
Sorry, girls. I left my phone at the office, or you know I would have called.
Kisses CRICKET on the head
STORMY
This happens all the time, Jeremiah. You shoulda been here like an hour ago, son of a bitch. It seems like you try to fuck up my Fridays on purpose. You know they’re like, the only day I get a frigging break.
JERRY
I know you enjoy your breaks. It’s just that I got on a phone call with Carter, and you know how long winded he can be. Like I said, I would have called, but I left my cell on my desk.
STORMY
Whatever. It’s just, you know I need my Fridays. After I’m done with that crappy-ass job, I like hanging out with my friends, for Chri’sake.
JERRY
You have obligations, too, Stormy! (points to CRICKET) You need to spend time with her. In fact, you are more than aware that’s something I’ve been trying to talk to you about.
STORMY
(calming down) Nah. Forget about it, Jere. I was like, overreacting. I’m just burned out this week. It’s all good.
Grabs a suitcase off the table and hands it to JERRY.
Seriously, Cricket’s been sayin’ she misses you like crazy. No bigs.
She hugs CRICKET; JERRY lightly grabs STORMY’s elbow and pulls her to him, away from CRICKET.
JERRY
(just above a whisper) Now, hold on a minute, Stormy. You know we need to talk about this. Hell, I’ve been trying to talk to you about this for months. No more slipping away. No more excuses. You’re not brushing it off anymore.
STORMY
Jere, like you know I been having it tough. The store’s only got me workin’ like twenty-eight hours a week, now. Plus, my rent just went up. (points toward CRICKET)And you know paying for stuff during her visits ain’t exactly cheap.
JERRY
Do not use Cricket as an excuse! You only have her three days a week, and you don’t pay for any of her expenses. I give you money for her time with you and I don’t ask for any of that back. Ever. Plus, the judge agreed to let you pay a hundred dollars a month for back support, Stormy. How much do you spend on make-up and dresses and your Fridays?
STORMY
That ain’t fair, Jerry. I told you, they’re like, my fuckin’ break.
JERRY
Not anymore, Stormy. That’s what we need to talk about. You’ll be getting a letter from my lawyer next week.
I’m requesting full custody of Cricket.
STORMY
(softly) No.
(louder) No!
(shouts) No! No, you can’t!
JERRY
This can’t keep happening, Stormy. I have grounds. It’s not even about the month and a half of child support you owe her, either. You’re not taking care of her, and you know it. Your mouth is foul. I know you’re still using. And you hang out with that deadbeat, Weasel! (pauses)
And now Sunday was the last straw, Stormy.
STORMY
You bastard! That was an accident. You saw she was fine when you picked her up. You know she was fuckin’ fine.
Fuckin’ bullshit. This is like, fuckin’ bullshit, and you know it, Jeremiah.
You will never take Cricket away from me. I will never, as long as I’m alive, let you take her from me. I will fucking kill you first!
END SCENE