Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

Twiggy and Lucy

“You know Lucy?”
“What?”
“Friday is so far from Wednesday.”
“Profound Little One. Profound.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were relieved that Larry and Andrew ran into someone who had some information about the Rafferty murder. Christine Bonner knew Alexis Rafferty and his connection to the Cartel boss Cortez. She didn’t want to talk in the bar, so she made an appointment to meet at her place at 7:00. Okay, it’s five minutes after seven. Larry and Andrew are at her door. Let’s get over there quick.

“Did you try the bell?”

“Yes, Andrew, you saw me push the bell.”

“Why doesn’t she answer?”

“You know, Andrew. If I knew that I would go on stage as a mind reader.”

“A very grumpy mind reader I might add.”

“Let me try the door. Nope locked uptight.”

“Should we go around back and see if another door is open?”

“If this were a weekly cop show I would say yes. Since it is just you and I standing here, I would say we have been stood up.”

“If this were a weekly cop show I would say ole Christine is laying in the kitchen deader than a doornail cause Cortez found out she was going to talk to us and we would discover her body by going around back.”

“What body boys?”

“Oh, hello, Christine. Andrew was waxing dramatic.”

“Let’s go inside quickly. Sorry. I’m late. A big bunch of party types and my relief person was late. Stupid stoner.”

“After you.”

“Please, gentlemen, have a seat. Let me get you something.”

“We are good, Christine. I think we should talk and then let you relax for the evening.”

“Very kind of you, detective.”

“Larry. You can call me Larry. So tell me. How well did you know Alexis?”

“Pretty darned well. He and I were having an affair for the last year or so.”

“Affair? Did anyone know about it?”

“We didn’t think so.”

“Okay, so what makes you think he was murdered?”

“The important question is why, Larry.”

“Okay, why?”

“I think he got into a scrape with Cortez. One night he was telling me about some invention that Cortez wanted him to certify as defective. He was pretty pissed that Cortez wanted him to lie.”

“So he thought it wasn’t defective?”

“Yes, that’s right. In fact, he thought it was a wonderful thing. I don’t know too much about the machine, but Alexis was crazy about it.”

“So, Cortez had him killed.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“I guess I should let you tell it then.”

“Thanks. I think the reason Alexis was killed is he found out that his wife and a guy named Ned Dixon were in partnership together and out to defraud Cortez.”

“How did that work?”

“Let me take a minute and just change out of my work clothes. This is a pretty involved story and might take some time. Also, I need a drink. While I’m changing why don’t one of you nice guys make me a tall bourbon and water. You’ll find the makings in the bar over there. While you are at it make something for yourself. I’ll be right back.”

 

 

39 comments

  1. Jill Weatherholtj's avatar

    Hum…that Christine seems a little too relaxed.

    Like

  2. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Good thing they aren’t looking at the fourth wall.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, it is true.

      Like

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

    I don’t trust Christine at all and have this awful feeling that something bad is going to happen. Bummer…just when I thought the pieces were falling into place. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Pieces in place? Humm. I’m not sure that is ever going to happen. Thanks, Gwen.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Dan Antion's avatar

    I’ll start with the image at the top, John. Twiggy looks like she either wants a different channel, or perhaps the remote.

    I don’t like the idea of Christine leaving the room. I know, I might just be jumpy, but not without good reason. I mean this is one of your stories. Hopefully, she changes, drinks, talks.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I was a little spooked when she did that too. Why was she late? Well, we got one excuse. Is it valid? Why do I go on this way? Maybe she just wanted to change.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dan Antion's avatar

        I was hoping for clarity, John. I guess I’ll wait until next Wednesday.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Ha haha. Clarity? I don’t have to give no stinking clarity​. 😀

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dan Antion's avatar

          Apparently not… 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  5. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Geez. They probably ought to start dialing 911 now.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Mae Clair's avatar

    So Mrs. Rafferty is up to her eyeballs in this mess, too?
    And I have a feeling no good is going to come from Christine’s involvement.
    I feel like I’m waiting for another hammer to drop!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I have a bag of them up here on the roof. (Hammers that is)

      Like

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

    Do people ever occupy your furniture, good John? 🙂 ♥

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha hahaha. Never any room with the dogs all over the place, Billy Ray.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. The Hook's avatar

    I’ve never really mastered the art of waxing dramatic.
    I’m more a wax nostalgic kind-of- guy…

    Like

  9. patriciaruthsusan's avatar

    This is getting more complicated. The dogs look either tired or bored, John. Of course, they have been busy inspecting. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Like

  10. Sorryless's avatar

    Christine is a pretty cool customer for someone who professed to be freaking out about being seen in public with them. Maybe she’s just tired and looking to unwind. Maybe she’s relieved that she gets to tell someone her story. Or maybe it’s much more than that and now we have to wait another week . . . .

    Imma go with the last choice. 🙂

    Like

  11. Almost Iowa's avatar

    Wednesday used to be hump day. Now it is garbage day, the highlight of the week.

    Like

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

    Sounds like they are sbout to get an interesting story. I wasn’t expecting the mistress!

    Like

  13. Debbie's avatar

    More complications … why should I not be surprised? Hanging in, John, though I can’t yet guess where this one’s headed.

    Like

  14. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Wow! I would say that Larry and Andrew may have just hit the motherlode!! Great segment, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jan. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Dale's avatar

    Ach, John! Honestly… you are being such a tease.
    I don’t like that she is all “make me a drink, boys” while I get comfortable and you get killed…
    ‘Course, I shall be patient to see what happens next…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Pretty cool tomato​ I woulds say.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        You woulds, would you? 😉

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Dale's avatar

          🤣😂

          Like

  16. jilldennison's avatar

    Always leave ’em hanging, eh? Now I won’t sleep!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha haha. A bourbon could help that. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. jilldennison's avatar

        A glass of wine did the trick nicely! 😊

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          There you go. 😀

          Liked by 1 person

  17. Teri Polen's avatar

    I was thinking Christine was deader than a doornail, also.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      There is still time. Thanks, Teri 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Oh-oh… This delay in finishing her story has me worried. Although I’m not sure whether I should be worried about Christine or our heroes. Well played, John!

    The new place really is coming together. (Wish I could say the same.) I love those end tables. I splurged and took advantage of the competition created by Amazon Prime Day. My desk arrived last night. Silly me… I had gotten a pair of bookcases from the same brand, and I managed with them. I thought the desk would be the same weight or less. Wrong! I thought I’d never get it inside. The good thing is I feel like I had an all day workout at a gym. The bad thing is well… the same thing. Ouch. LOL. Have a great rest of the week.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Thank you, Teagan. I feel your pain. Virtually everything in this house came through the front door in a box. Lots of sore muscles. Hugs

      Like

  19. Jennie's avatar

    Well, I didn’t see that coming with his wife. And isn’t Christine awfully laid back? Great episode, John. I love this story!

    Like