Last week we saw the conclusion of the saga around Lucas. This week is a new story and the only introduction needed if to let you know our protagonist Larry Dunfee is heading into a small shop in the heart of China Town. The sign above the door says, “Fortunes, Tarot, Spiritual Readings.” Let’s follow Larry in.
“Hello anyone here?”
“Yessir. I’m in the back. Take a seat, and I’ll be right with you.”
“Okay, thanks.”
“Are you here for a reading?”
“Uh, I think so.”
“Well, here I am. Let us just see what I can do for you.”
“Erm. I just want to know a couple of things, so I am not sure how we go about it?”
“Does this have to do with a family member?”
“Uh no.”
“Do you want to contact someone who has passed?”
“That is an interesting concept that might be useful, but not right now.”
“Okay, twenty questions are over. Tell me what you are looking for?”
“Can you give me an idea of how my life is going?”
“How do you think it is going?”
“Kinda messed up if you want to know the truth.”
“Have you consulted a psychologist?”
“God no. That’s for crazy people. I’m not crazy. Just confused.”
“So…you think I can—”
“Look in a crystal ball and read my fortune.”
“Why didn’t you say that in the first place? Of course, I can.”
“Excellent!”
“Come with me. We need to go in a different room.”
“Wow, this is nice.”
“Close the door, Larry.”
“How did you know my name?”
“It’s on your name tag detective. Please sit.”
“I always forget I have that thing on.”
“Now Larry. Just relax. Let me concentrate a minute.”
“Sure.”
“Hush.”
*
“Okay, I’m ready. I see by the ball that you are involved in a difficult case. You have no idea on how to proceed. You are thinking of asking for a transfer. How am I doing?”
“I’m amazed. How did you know all that?”
“To be honest, I pulled out the transfer part just looking at your face. Your picture and the story of the killing was on page two of the newspaper. I must say that photo must have been taken ten years ago. The way you are looking now, tells me you do not have a happy life.
“So I’m wasting my time?”
“I wouldn’t say that, Larry. Let’s chat.”
Fiction Favorites 
Hmmm, the Tarot reader is very observant and keeps up with the news, if nothing else, she might offer Larry practical advice. Great opening hook; I’m in. 😀
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Excellent, Gwen. Thank you. 😀
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Good start, John. Looking forward now to see how it develops.
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Thanks, Keith. I will be too. 😀
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That’s an interesting beginning, John. I like the honesty of the fortune teller. A story with a police detective should be good. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you, Suzanne. Hopefully it will be an interesting ride.
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You got me hooked, John. I’m feeling like that dog this morning. 🙃
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Ha ha ha. Get up and get out.:-D
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A great start to our new Wednesday treat.
Hugs
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Thank you, David. 😀
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Entertaining start. I sense a lot of sass in the future. 🙂
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I have to agree. Notice she didn’t intorduce herself.
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I didn’t even realize the character was a she. Oops.
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Ha haha.
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Here are my two tickets, I’m in for this ride, John. Great opening!
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Thank you, Dan. Here’s your popcorn. 😀
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An intriguing beginning. I’m hooked and ready to see where this one heads!
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Thank you, Mae.
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I’m kind of wondering if Larry’s in the right line of work.
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Ha haha. I’m with you. Thanks, Teri.
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Applesauce… You wasted no time jumping into a new series. Now this is an auspicious beginning, John. I already love it. I see in my crystal ball, a fantastic new Story Day. 😀 Hugs!
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Thank you, Teagan. Looks like it will be fun.
😀
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So here comes Larry . . welcome Larry!
I feel sorry for the guy already. I would tell you to go easy on him, but what you do . . it’s the kind of voodoo that doesn’t take directives.
This is a good thing.
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Marc. Poor Larry.
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Love the beginning!
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Great start! I’ve always shied away from Tarot card readers. Maybe I’m scared of what they would find 🙂
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I’m with you, Jacquie so this might be a terrifying adventure for both of us.
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This is a great start to a new story. I always love any story that starts off with a psychic. Can’t wait to see how this will all go. I’m on board.
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Thank you, Jan. 😀
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Well written…but hey, when it wasn’t? Right? 😄😂
About Larry – ah, he does look a bit like a dummie lol but who knows maybe he just pretend to be one
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You will find out eventually. The fortune teller creeps me out.
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I don’t know… I’ve visited some lol they r okay, not so scary 🙂
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I’ll bet you like circus clowns as well. 😀
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Mmm, not sure. Depends on the show 🙂
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😀 Of course it does.
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“Are you here for a reading?”…”You’re the psychic, you tell me.”
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Ha haha. Good one. 😀
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This has grabbed my interest already. I love it opening with a reading and some truth. Can’t wait to hear about the case:)
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Thank you. Denise. I’m sure it is going to be a rough one. 😀
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Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out this short story from author John Howell from this post on his Fiction Favorites blog.
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Thak you, Don 😀
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You’re welcome.
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A fortune teller and a police detective? Hmm, interesting chapter one. I’m looking forward to many twisty paths along the way, and I’m confident you’ll be spinning a web of deceit along the way. I’m hooked!
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I’m in. All the way in. Tarot cards, Chinatown, police detective, and fortune teller- I rest my case.
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Thank you, Jennie. Wait! We forgot the kitchen sink.
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You’re right!
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😀
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Are you going to put a link to all of Lucas’ story so I can find out what happened? I got behind when I got the flu and never caught up. I want to know what happened?
Hopefully, I won’t get behind with story. It’s already a page turner!
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Hmmm. Here is the link to the finalie, Deborah. I hope you like it. https://johnwhowell.com/2018/05/02/wednesday-story-day-aka-hump-day-conclusion-2/
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Thanks John!
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