Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

 

 

Twiggy and Lucy

“Is that Friday at the door?”
“Nope, Little One. Just Wednesday. You can go back to sleep.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we got a little hint of Larry’s fears regarding the possible red tape that might be involved with the local police. It didn’t take long for the sergeant to ask questions regarding who shot first.  So Larry is off to the hospital to have his wound attended to, and Andrew is driving to meet him there. Let’s go into the ER where Larry is waiting for an attendant. Andrew was pretty quick in getting there as well.

 

“you pick up my ID and gun?”

“The sergeant kept the gun. I asked him, ‘why.’ And all I got was some mumbled thing about evidence. Here’s your ID.”

“Damn, Andrew. I knew these locals were going to be pissed about shooting some of their constituents.”

“Maybe those thugs were from out of town.”

“Yeah, let’s hope so.”

“Anyone see you yet?”

“One of the nurses says the Doc will be here shortly.”

“You have stopped bleeding, which is good.”

“You better not be caught looking at my wound. They might charge you with practicing medicine without a license in this state.”

“That’s funny. Who’s this guy coming up the hall?”

“A suit? Not the doctor, I’m sure. Looks like someone from the DA’s office.”

“Excuse me, gentlemen. Would one of you be Larry Dunfee?”

“Yeah, that’s me. The one with the bullet hole in the shoulder.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Well, I have been better, Mr. uh. I don’t believe I got your name.”

“My apologies. Spenser Taggett, Assistant District Attorney for Reno. Here’s my card.”

“Nice to meet you.  What can I do for you?”

“I was contacted by the Reno police and decided I would look into this case myself. You know professional courtesy.”

“I can appreciate that, thank you. By ‘case,’ I wonder what you mean?”

“Well, Mr. Dunfee. Two of Reno’s citizens have been murdered, and the police believe you are the shooter. We need to do an investigation to determine if your lethal force was justified.”

“Reno huh. These guys weren’t from out of town?”

“We have yet to determine their specific living arrangements. They both hold Nevada driver’s licenses with a Reno address.”

“Same address?”

“Yes, why?”

“I’ll bet the licenses are counterfeit.”

“Yeah worth looking in to.”

“Have you contacted the chief in Boston?”

“No, not yet. I wanted to get some information from you first.”

“Okay. What do you need?”

“Tell me why you shot those guys?”

“They were trying to kill Andrew and me.”

“How do you know?”

“This wound gave me a heads up.”

“You sure it was the same guys trying to kill you?”

“What do you mean?”

“The report says you were shot on the highway and then got down to the access road. How were you sure the guys were the same?”

“The SUV was the same and coming at us like a freight train.”

“We do know that these guys work for a construction contracting company with no priors or arrest record.”

“You check on the owner of the company?”

“Yes. The SUV is registered to Worldwide Enterprises.”

“Check into who owns the company. I’ll bet it doesn’t exist.”

“Why do you say that?”

“I believe these were guns for hire, and the construction company thing is a front.”

“Interesting. Okay, I’ll take that under advisement.”

“You gonna charge me?”

“Not at this time, Mr. Dunfee. If I get additional information that may change. For now, I’m going to ask you to stay in the neighborhood. I’m listing this as possible self-defense, but if I have reason to change it, I don’t want to try and find you.”

“How long do you think?”

“A week ought to do it. “

“Can we go to South Lake Tahoe?”

“Yes. I would appreciate a call with your temporary location and check-in once a day.”

“No problem. How about my weapon.”

“We would like to keep it for you until you are completely cleared.”

“Fair enough.”

“Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Dunfee. Your attitude goes a long way in making me want to believe your story.”

“Thank you, Mr. Taggett. I think you’ll find my story to be the truth.”

“I must admit the bullet wound does go a long way. What does the doctor say?”

“Haven’t seen him yet.”

“I’m going to need a copy of his report just so you know. He’s going to ask you to sign a waiver for that.”

“No problem.”

“Okay, then. I hope you heal fast. We’ll be in touch.”

“Want my phone number.”

“I have it from the police report.”

“Okay, then. I look forward to your final decision.”

“Goodbye, Mr. Dunfee.”

 

 

 

72 comments

  1. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    That seemed to go well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. Yes, it did. Thanks, Charles.

      Like

  2. Keith Edgar Channing's avatar

    How far can the ADA be trusted not to manipulate the evidence to suit his agenda?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      As far as you can throw him. Thanks, Keith.

      Liked by 1 person

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

    The calm before the storm, I’m anxious already! I think I’ll join the pups. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Good idea, Gwen. Best place to be. Thanks.😀

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    I’ve learned police reports don’t always have accurate phone numbers…hum. I sure wish Friday was at the door!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Hahaha. As Lucy would say, “It will be here very soon.” Thanks, Jill.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Jennie's avatar

    Why does this feel like a set up? Calm before the storm? Excellent episode, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yeah, Maybe. Heh heh heh

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Dan Antion's avatar

    Looks like the only cop on the ball here, is the one from out of town. I’m not liking where this is heading, John. I also think that maybe Larry and Andrew should keep a low profile, at least until he gets his gun back.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think Larry better get in touch with his chief before too long. Thanks, Dan

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dan Antion's avatar

        Sounds like a good idea, John. I know you have your characters’ best interests at heart. Not so much our blood pressure, but hey, we can’t ask for everything.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          See, I take medicine for mine so no problem for me.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. John W. Howell's avatar

          The right comes with age.

          Liked by 1 person

  7. Website: http://brchitwood.com - B R Chitwood - My Mission: Writing to Discover Me's avatar

    Love the pic of Zig and Lucy! ♥♥

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Billy Ray.

      Like

  8. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Maybe he needs a copy of that report too, just to make sure it matches later on. They need to remember there’s a state line at Tahoe and not leave Nevada.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Good points all. I’ll tell Larry.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Sorryless's avatar

    John,

    That interview went smoothly. TOO smoothly . . .

    A front company and a couple hired hands has me thinking the puppet master wears a full body bib so nothing gets on him.

    Ooop. Did I say ‘him’? 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes you said “him.” Now you’ve done it. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

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

    That was too easy. I don’t trust his motives. Yoo bad they are unarmed now. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, they have to face the world without a weapon. I hope there isn’t a second try. Oops just crossed my fingers.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Teri Polen's avatar

    I’m betting the address and company are also fake. Such a sweet pic of the girls!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Mae Clair's avatar

    I don’t know about all this questioning. I hope Larry and Andrew aren’t being railroaded. Right now, they’re the only two I trust!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Looks like hot water ahead. This ADA has some agenda which I haven’t figured out yet.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. kethuprofumo's avatar

    Dear John, check my latest post, please. I dedicated it to you…to much you seduced me with the idea about two Ivans-Johns. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thgnk you for the reminder. I thought I had commented on your post. It is sad how we age, Dear Maria.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. kethuprofumo's avatar

        Hmmm…Your soul is yet young to get old! 🙂 Don’t worry!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Thank you. Now I won’t. 😀

          Liked by 1 person

        2. kethuprofumo's avatar

          Bravo, John! We are too young for this world! Too young & merry!

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          I was asked once when I was going to grow up. I answered with “never.” I think that may be true.

          Liked by 1 person

        4. kethuprofumo's avatar

          Do you remember my old post about age of our soul? You gave the right answer. No matter what is written in passport, our spirit guides us. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          Always, Maria. Thanks. Have a great weekend.

          Liked by 1 person

        6. kethuprofumo's avatar

          Not at all! Same to you! Even with the deer!

          Liked by 1 person

      2. kethuprofumo's avatar

        I’m younger than you but when I’m tired or worried or ponder upon something I might try to open the door with my credit card or a transport card instead of keys. I don’t why though 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Hmm. A card fixation for sure. 😁

          Liked by 1 person

        2. kethuprofumo's avatar

          🙂 🙂 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  14. Debbie's avatar

    Oh golly, nothing here that makes my skin crawl. (Right!) I think I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Follow the money. And that photo of your girls is a keeper!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Debbie.

      Like

  15. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Good grief! A person can’t defend himself without being a murder suspect! Well, I suspect that Larry may find that some of the local “law enforcement” personnel are on someone else’s payroll!

    Like

  16. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Horsefeathers about the gun. Otherwise, was that a little too easy? Personally. I’m more worried about “the doctor” than the police. Terrific segment, John. Hugs on the wing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ah yes, the doctor. Good point, Teagan

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Miriam Hurdle's avatar

    Of course the ADA can’t charge Larry at this point. I wonder what will happen next!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We will need to stand by and let the story unfold. Oh, wait. I’m the unfolder. 😄

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Miriam Hurdle's avatar

        Haha, yes, I’ll wait for the pages to turn. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Thanks. Me too.

          Liked by 1 person

  18. TanGental's avatar

    Why does this scream ‘this went well… too well’ at me as I peek through my fingers

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree. There is more to this situation. I never met an ADA who didn’t want something great on his resume.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. The Hook's avatar

    I look forward to the final decision as well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      May be a year off. 😁This is a serial don’t forget. Thanks, Hook

      Like

  20. patriciaruthsusan's avatar

    Everyone seems to have been very civil. This sounds like a busy hospital. You lay there for a while if you’re not critical. A good installment, John. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They are civil which is not a good sign. Typical hospital. Thanks, Suzanne.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. jaysquires's avatar

    Another good one, John. I almost missed it. This morning I was checking my emails and I thought, “Crap, this is Thursday.” I went back to yesterday’s emails and there it was. I hope Larry’s got another gun Word gets around fast in the underworld. I guess. Doesn’t it?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Unfortunately, Larry only has one. Thanks, Jay

      Like

  22. Dale's avatar

    This feels slippery smooth. I do not have a sense of comfort whatsoever. I think our buddies should keep their guards up at all times.
    Good episode!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I can’t offer comfort here. Thanks, Dale.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        Why am I not surprised?

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Maybe you have had a taste of my devious mind.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dale's avatar

          I am thinking so… and yet, I keep coming back for more!

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          You may like devious. Who knows?

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Dale's avatar

          I can confirm I do 😉

          Like