Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

Hump Day

 

It is Wednesday Story Day, and last week we went with Frank Plano to Jason McDonnell’s office. Frank asked Jason a few questions that seemed to put Jason on edge. “When did you meet Trish and does she have a boyfriend?” got Jason a little cranky. We ended last week’s discussion with Frank telling Jason that he was going to interview Trish. I don’t know about you, but if I were Trish, I don’t think I would talk to Frank. He defiantly has a way of getting down to the bone so to speak. Well, I can see Trish letting Frank into Lucas’ apartment. So much for our opinion on what she should do. Let’s hurry since this might be an interesting conversation.

“Come in Mr. Plano. What can I do for you?”
“As I said on the phone, I just have a few questions that relate to the killing of your parents. Oh, and you can call me Frank. We are all friends here.”
“You have been hired by Mr. McDonnell, right?”
“That’s right, Trish. So as you can see we are all on the same team.”
“I am worried about my brother. Do you have the evidence you need to clear his name.”
“I think I do. I just have a few loose ends, and then I think I can safely present the case to the DA here in Antion.”
“The DA? I thought you work for Mr. McDonnell.”
“Oh yes. I guess I should have said that Mr. McDonnell would be able to present the case. My mistake. Once I start working on a particular situation, I tend to think of it as my own. I hope I didn’t alarm you.”
“I was just surprised. I didn’t think you were working on your own is all.”
“I understand. You ready for a few questions? By the way, these are just for the record so that all the facts line up.”
“I-I guess so.”
“And if you are uncomfortable you can let me know. I certainly am not here to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“I appreciate that, Mr. Plano.”
“It’s Frank but okay. My first question is about the time you spent in rehab.”
“What about it?”
“Did you know Mrs. Weston was working at the facility?
“Who?”
“So you didn’t know Mrs. Weston?”
“No, I can’t recall that name.”
“Okay, thanks. The next question I have is about Sheriff Gibson.”
“What about sheriff Gibson?”
“You used him as a reference to get the job at the hotel.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“How well did you know him?”
“He got me off a charge of drug dealing depending on going to rehab.”
“Why would he do that?”
“I think he thought I would want to pay him back with sex.”
“Really?”
“Well, he never said anything, but I got that opinion.”
“Did you know he was married to Mrs. Weston?”
“That name again. I knew he was married and divorced. I never heard a Mrs. Weston mentioned.”
“How about Alice?”
“Yeah, he mentioned Alice. That was his ex-wife.”
“Switching gears a minute. When did you meet Jason McDonnell?”
“Lucas introduced us one day when I was visiting at the hospital.”
“I see. So you never met him before then?”
“What are you trying to say?”
“Nothing. I’m just verifying what you said.”
“You implied that I met him some other time.”
“I didn’t imply anything of the sort. Anything on your mind that you would like to tell me?”
“I would like you to go and ask someone else your hundred questions.”
“You ever have sex with Jason McDonnell?”
“Where did you get that idea?”
“Oh, let’s just say others don’t have your integrity and like to flap their gums.”
“So Jason told you we were lovers?
“Were you?”
“No more questions Mr. Plano. I am asking you to leave.”
“Thank you, Ms. Severide. You have been very helpful. Good day.”

45 comments

  1. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen Plano · ·

    Small towns and secrets don’t coexist easily. I think we’re nearing the end of this mystery. Can’t wait till the next installment. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      To quote the old Abbott and Costello movie, “Step by step.” Thanks, Gwen.

      Like

  2. Keith Edgar Channing's avatar

    I think Ms. Severide is more than a tad defensive.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She does seem that way for sure, Keith.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    Yes, she’s been very helpful indeed. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Thanks, Jill.

      Like

  4. davidprosser's avatar

    No denial that she and Jason were/are lovers I note. There doesn’t seem to be anyone in town who’s ever going to finish an interview with Frank.
    Hugs

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      If I were him I think I would give up. Thanks, David.

      Like

  5. patriciaruthsusan's avatar

    Wow, that didn’t t last long. Frank asks the tough questions. He’s finding out a lot of background on these people. A good installment, John. I like the angry cat at the top. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. The cat is a good visual for mid week. Thanks, Suzanne.

      Like

  6. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    These people clam up fairly quickly. So suspicious. By the way, do you plan the path of these stories or is it improve every week?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      As I normally do, I have a rough outline and then let the characters carry the story forward. I always write the ending first so I know where the direction needs to go. When I say I’m not sure what’s going to happen next I mean it.

      Like

      1. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

        Smart way to do it. Makes it a grand adventure.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Dan Antion's avatar

    Seems like the most dangerous thing to do in my namesake town is to take someone into your confidence. What a tangled little web. Great episode, John – even considering the knots in my stomach.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Thanks, Dan. I can feel your pain from here.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    No doubt, Trish Severide is not being totally honest and what in the heck is the connection with the lawyer? If he is after the millions, he wouldn’t be defending Lucas. He’d be trying to get him convicted and out of the way. Sorry, John. Just talking it out. 🙂 Another great segment of this story.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I know. It is complicated for sure. The one question that bothers me is why the heck Trish disappeared in the first place? Maybe we’ll find out next time. Thanks, Jan

      Like

      1. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

        True, John. I had assumed she was in rehab, but you raise a good question.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yeah. Enquiring minds want to know. Let’s put Frank on it. 😀

          Like

  9. Sorryless's avatar

    Boss,

    This is a Hump Day page turner you’ve been taking us on, and I love that! It’s like the old Peyton Place meets a modern day crime show (pick a crime show of your liking since there’s like 1,000 of ’em).
    Too many secrets for a small town to keep . . .

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Marc. I’m glad you like it. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Nice man. 😀

          Liked by 1 person

  10. Debbie's avatar

    So many secrets — just like a small town. And yet the gossip and innuendoes seem to thrive. A nicely written segment, John. Now we need next Wednesday to hurry and arrive!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes we do. Thanks, Debbie.

      Like

  11. Teri Polen's avatar

    I’m pretty sure Frank’s on to something here.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha haha. I think you may be right. Thanks, Teri.

      Like

  12. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L Finn, Author · ·

    Lots of good information this week and couples:) So many secrets…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So many secrets is right.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Jennie's avatar

    So, she was willing to talk until the questions got tough. Frank doesn’t beat around the bush! This was an excellent episode, John. I don’t have many nails left to bite.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I use celery as a nail replacement. Thanks, Jennie.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        Great idea! I’ll make sure I have some next Wednesday. 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Mae Clair's avatar

    Oh, my! I’m shifting the focus of my suspicions yet again. This story is like a roller coaster and seesaw on steroids. Great build up of tension. And suspicions. Did I mention suspicions?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Suspicions? You have suspicions? 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  15. John Fioravanti's avatar
    John Fioravanti · ·

    Good job, John, cranking the suspense up one more notch!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, John

      Like

  16. circadianreflections's avatar

    Hum, she’s not so open now! Looking forward to the next installment.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Deborah.

      Liked by 1 person