Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell

Hump Day

 

Welcome to Wednesday Story day. Last week we saw Harriet Murphy get pretty annoyed at Frank Plano, the private eye. He was making some allegations about a cover-up in the murder of Lucas’ parents. Harriet asked him to leave which raises all kinds of questions about why she is so touchy. I see a young woman heading into Lucas’ room at the hospital. I think we better get over there since I have no idea who it is. It may be an old girlfriend of Lucas.

“Hello, Lucas.”
“My gosh, Trish. Where have you been?”
“It’s a long story, Lucas. How are you doing?”
“I’m on the mend sis, but I have been so worried about you.”
“I could tell when you left me for dead.”
“I’m so sorry. I really thought you had hit your head so hard you were gone.”
“I can understand that Lucas but why run away?”
“Please forgive me. I panicked and didn’t want to be accused of killing you.”
“Well lucky for me, I had some pretty good care. I didn’t tell anyone who I was and when it came time, I made my escape.”
“Where did you go?”
“I took off to Florida. I needed time to recover. I found a nice guy there, and he took care of me.”
“What made you come back?”
“I ran into a person who said he was a private detective and told me you were in the hospital.”
“Private detective?”
“Yeah. He said he was working for your lawyer.”
“Oh, I get it now. How did the detective find you?”
“I have no idea. I was having a coffee with the guy I mentioned, and he sat at our table and started talking.”
“Wow. That detective is good. Did he tell you the police have been looking for you?”
“No. he gave me the name of the hospital and suggested I come see you. Me? Why are the police looking for me?”
“When you went missing they are assuming you were done in.”
“How did they come to that conclusion?”
“I think your pharmacist buddy in Kenosha may have dropped some kind of hint to the local sheriff. The sheriff thinks I killed mom and dad and you.”
“Man, that is messed up. I’ll just go tell him I’m okay.”
“He thinks I did it for the insurance.”
“That’s stupid. Wait, what insurance?”
“Mom and dad left us each some money. Yours is still with the insurance company.”
“Ah. Makes sense. I can’t imagine anyone would think you killed me for such a pittance.”
“Five million.”
“What do you mean five million.”
“That’s your share.”
“What? You have to be kidding me. Where did our parents get five million?”
“Ten million. I already got my five.”
“Okay then. Where the hell did our parents get the money to take out a policy worth ten million.”
“Good question, sis. It was all paid up and named you and I. There has to be one naming the survivor of the two of them and a will. So far no paperwork has been found.”
“You think someone killed them for their money.”
“I do. We need to find out where the money went and at the end of that trail I’ll bet we have a murderer.”
“All I can say is, wow.”
“Indeed.”

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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

41 thoughts on “Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day”

  1. Wow, surprises abound in this story. All families have secrets, and Lucas’ family is no exception. With several possible trails to pursue, I think you’re having fun, John. Happy Hump Day! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Just when I thought this story couldn’t have any hard twists left, Trish walks in and there are millions of dollars to be had. Now I’m wondering, if he has plenty of money, why is he painting houses. The sly devil knows more than we do. Hell, everybody in this town knows more than we do.

    Nicely done, John.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. So many shocking turns in this one—Trish is alive, and an insurance policy worth millions! But I can’t help wondering why Lucas would be working painting someone’s house if he has 5 million in the bank. Hmmm….Methinks you’re up to something again, John.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. An insurance policy and the sister is alive…wow! Although i get the feeling all isnt what it seems. And, that is one darn good detective, too:)

    Liked by 1 person

  14. John, if I “did the twist” like you, I’d throw my back out! 😀 This was the best dessert to my lunch break.
    Double “indeed”! Indeedy-do!
    And why do I have a sneaking suspicion that mysterious man in Florida would be mighty familiar if we got a peep at him…?
    Thanks for making Wednesday wonderful. Hugs!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. I’m glad Trish is alive. That way, at least Lucas didn’t do her in! However, there’s a mystery as to what happened to their parents — and all those legal documents. Hmm, I’ll be tuning in next week to learn more — well written, John!

    Liked by 1 person

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