Dave Parker leaves his wife and twin daughters, emptying out the checking account and one of the girls' college savings accounts. He moves to Nebraska and breaks off all contact with them.
A 30-year-old 3rd grade teacher for Poughkeepsie Public Schools was found in her home after hanging herself. Marek, Amy, Vinny, Steve, and Denny were all previously in her 3rd grade classes.
Two of Bitch and Vinny's extended family are killed in a car crash at 20 and 18. Heartbroken, they both attend the funeral.
During an exceptionally rare bender, something causes psychic imaginings to manifest. Among these imaginings is the Mantalope, an in-joke between Elle and Marek regarding signage at the library. Unfortunately, it got away from them and there appear to be several stalking the outskirts of Poughkeepsie now. Carolyn Lockard has been keeping tabs on them after reports came in through her werewolf contacts.