Goodreads asked Staci Troilo:

What mystery in your own life could be a plot for a book?

Staci Troilo When I was planning my wedding, I lived with my parents to save money. An ex-boyfriend lived down the street with his wife and kids. He had broken up with me for her, and then they got married. I assumed they'd live happily ever after, as they were together so long, but once they lived near me, I saw that they had problems. A lot of problems.

I started seeing him every time I left the house. It was almost like he was waiting for me, but he never actually approached or said anything. I was happily engaged and not interested in whatever drama he brought to the table, so I ignored him.

One day, while I was out, my mom took a call for me. She said it was a man who sounded upset, but he wouldn't leave a message. I didn't think much of it. I had too many things going on (work, planning the wedding, preparing to move, renovating our new place) to dwell on a strange phone call.

Then came the police sirens.

My ex-boyfriend died of "a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the stomach" in his house. From a rifle. When his wife was home but the kids were out. Did I mention it was a rifle? A shot to the stomach? Self-inflicted?

I'm pretty sure it's clear how he died, so that's not too a big a mystery for me. What I'd like to know is whether it was my ex who called that day, and if so, what did he want to say?

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