TESTING THE WATERS by Dan Maltbie features three short stories: "The Drought," "Lessons from the Guru," and "The Life and Times of Alvin Hall." In "The Drought" a young girl with baggage uncovers a conspiracy that may lead to her mother's killer. But, she must survive a harrowing experience with someone who she's supposed to trust. In "Lessons from the Guru" a young girl, Alice must find a way to escape the wrath of someone she calls 'a trashcan with arms.' Finally in "The Life and Times of Alvin Hall" a former standout athlete must decide between a job he hates and the future he wants for his young family.