Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell
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 thoughts on “Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day”

  3. 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

  4. 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

  6. 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

  10. 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

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

    Like

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

    Like

  15. 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

  18. 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

  19. 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

Comments are closed.