by Karen McCarraher
Murder on Skid Row by Charlene Wexler is based on a true story that occurred in 1966 in Chicago’s Skid Row. Skid Row was located between the intersections of West Madison and Halsted streets—a downtrodden community occupied by lost souls — mainly veterans from the war nobody wanted to recognize, winos, addicts, the destitute and the occasional well-meaning “do-gooder” hoping to help.
Mel Greenberg, a young, naïve and optimistic dentist opens a dental practice. He is on the second floor of a building that houses a physician’s practice across the hall and a pharmacy on the first floor. The pharmacy is owned by Abe Meyer. Abe employs a pharmacist named Dave Miller. Abe tells Mel that he expects him to write prescriptions for all the patients Abe refers to him. Mel knows what kind of prescriptions and how they will be used so he does not comply. The only prescriptions he writes are legitimate. The doctor in his building is not so altruistic and Abe does a good business. Mel treats any and all who come to him regardless of their ability to pay, and most cannot pay. However, Mel’s expenses are minimal since he purchased used dental tools and Abe has given him free rent for one year. Soon the population of Skid Row starts to come in for dental work so Mel hires a local girl, Darlene, to help with appointments, clean the waiting room, etc. Unfortunately, Darlene is accompanied by her boyfriend, Tyrone, an addict who considers himself her bodyguard.
Another dentist, Dr. Max Roy, has an office across the street. Unfortunately, one evening, his building burns down. Mel, trying to be a good neighbor, lets Max use his office on Tuesday and Thursday until Max can rebuild. Mel even lets Darlene work for Max. Max who is totally unappreciative, never offers to pay rent, utilities or Darlene’s salary. When he moves back into his own building, he leaves Mel’s office a mess. Lesson learned.
Shortly after Max moves back across the street, a young, black man comes into Abe’s pharmacy and asks to see the pharmacist. Dave Miller is working in the back but comes out front to see who wants to talk to hm. As he approaches the counter, the young man takes out a gun and shoots Dave. As the police make an effort to investigate the murder, it is difficult because on Skid Row “nobody knows nothin’.” Mel hasn’t seen Tyrone in a while and wonders if he could be involved. A couple of weeks later, a young, black man comes into Abe’s pharmacy and asks to see him. When Abe comes to the counter, he is shot. Two murders several weeks apart are big news. The police increase their investigation. The detectives contact Mel for questioning and seem to believe that he is involved. Mel decides to do his own investigating. He finds out that Max Roy paid Tyrone to kill Abe. Max was angry at Abe because he felt that Abe was responsible for burning down his store. Unfortunately, the first time, Tyrone killed the wrong man.
So here we are, folks. What happens to Tyrone? What about Darlene? Does Max get convicted? Does Mel keep his practice on Skid Row? Still, lots of questions that need answers as you read on. This was not a lengthy book, but it was certainly a good story.
Charlene Wexler is a native Chicagoan and a graduate of the University of Illinois. She has worked as a teacher and dental office manager. After retirement, she began writing –essays, short stories and novels.
Murder on Skid Row is published by Speaking Volumes, LLC in Naples, FL and available from amazon.com