The sunrise on October second found Thomas Able belly-down in the mud, wearing a rented tuxedo. His face, submerged in opaque brown water, had not the benefit of air for more than five hours. He remained where he was, silent and alone, until twelve-year-old Rodney Pinkerton discovered him in the backyard while searching for a baseball. The boy did not try to help Mr. Able to his feet, nor were there any words exchanged. It was assumed the man was in no condition to be sociable due to the axe implanted in his back. Rodney took a moment to scream, then rushed inside to inform his mother.
