Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell

Hump Day

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were present when Frank Plano and Jason McDonnell had a meeting. We discovered that Frank Plano has a hunch that he wants to follow. He even offered to do it on his own time. Jason McDonnell gave him the warning to be careful. So now I see Frank Plano walking into the sheriff’s office. I can’t imagine what he is thinking right now. Let’s pop in and see.

“Well, well, well. You got a lot of nerve walking in here.”
“I know sheriff. Just give me a moment.”
“Why should I? You work for that weasel McDonnell.”
“Yes, I do. You are a man of the law right?”
“I swore to uphold the law. Why?”
“Well, I am getting a feeling that the Saveride murder has some elements that have not been uncovered yet.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“You have a belief that Lucas killed his parents, right?”
“You damn well know I do.”
“Based on what evidence?”
“Let’s just say, I find his story about that night to be full of holes.”
“Care to elaborate.”
“I’m assuming you, and I are on the same side, Frank.”
“Good assumption, sheriff. I’m trying to get to the bottom of this.”
“Yet you are trying to clear my primary suspect.”
“True, but let’s say for argument sake that Lucas is innocent. Don’t you want to bring the real killer to justice?”
“Hmmm. I see what you mean. Okay, I’m telling you this in confidence. Deal?”
“Deal.”
“You asked about the story that doesn’t add up. Well, the idea of a kid coming home to a house that was a bloody as the Saveride come scene and not noticing anything is pure hogwash.”
“Say more.”
“The smell of the blood when you walk through the door would have been enough to tell someone there was something wrong. I’ve been to scenes like that, and it is unmistakable.”
“Yeah, I get your point. Anything else?”
“According to the police report, there was broken furniture and torn up upholstery. I cannot imagine anyone walking into that house and missing the debris. In fact, when I looked at the report and the sketch of the layout where Lucas’ room was located he would have to kick several items out of his way to get there from where he came in.”
“Hmm. That does sound incriminating. What about the little dog? Let’s see. Ah yes. Buffy.”
“He says the dog came into his room and the reason he was so calm on the 911 call was he was holding the dog and didn’t want the dog to get agitated.”
“Yeah so?”
“Come on, Frank. Since when do you think clearly enough in a dramatic situation to want to keep a dog calm?”
“I see your point. Could I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Were you at the Saveride house the night they were murdered?”
“Where did you get that information?”
“Alice Weston said so. Well, were you?”
“Yeah, I was.”
“For what reason?”
“I don’t have to answer this you know.”
“I know, but you have to admit that doesn’t look good.”
“I know. I was there to drag Alice out of there.”
“So you knew the Severides sold drugs?”
“Everyone knew.”
“Why didn’t you shut them down?”
“Not my jurisdiction. I talked to the Chief in Kenosha, and he said he was working it. That was about all I could do.”
“Sad. So you found Alice was gone, then what?”
“I left.”
“You sure?”
“Come on Frank. I didn’t kill the Saverides.”

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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.

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

  1. The sheriff makes some convincing points. Given the scene, it’s not looking too good for Lucas. I’m going to have to think about this over another cup of coffee! Great story, John.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. The pendulum is swinging back, and it’s looking like Lucas is the guilty party–again. I like Craig’s answer about the dog 🙂

    The truth is you have me thoroughly stumped. I thought I had it figured out but now I’m clueless again. You are a master of twisty plots, John!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Horsefeathers, John! Seth had a good argument… But after “That’s the Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” I don’t trust Lucas’ soul to no backwoods southern lawyer, and I know the judge in the town has blood stains on his hands. Oops… that’s the judge, not the sheriff. Is Seth also the judge there? o_O

    Part 1 of our joint effort is up at my place, but I held back your list for potential spoilers. So I’ll post with your list next week.

    Jazz Age Wednesdays 22 ― Pip Meets Tiny (Part 1)


    Happy Valentine’s Day hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. The good sheriff made some valid points. And, I’m glad he was forced to admit he was there the night of the murder. Right now, I don’t trust any of them!! 🙂 Well played, John.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. A lot of visitors in that house the night of the murder! Got the Sheriff to admit he was there and a rather incriminating tale that leads back to Lucas. I wish the dog could talk:)

    Liked by 1 person

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