Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

Lucy

“What are you doing, Lucy?”
“Just checking. I think I see Friday headed this way.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we had a round of doubt with Christine. Andrew was all in favor of heading back to Boston, but Larry talked him into going for justice for Alexis’ murder. Andrew wasn’t anxious to stay and drink with Christine. In fact, he thinks Christine’s days are numbered. Larry and Andrew head over to the Judge’s house. We need to get there and see how this scene is going to play out.

 

“Go ahead, Andrew ring the bell.”

“It’s after eight. Don’t you think it is a bit late to be calling on the judge?”

“I’m sure he’s expecting us. Ring the bell.”

“There, done. Man, does that thing intend to play the whole Westminster chime?”

“Someone is at the door. Let me do the talking, Andrew.”

“Can I help you, gentlemen?”

“Hello, we are from the Boston police department, and we believe the judge is expecting us.”

“Oh, yes, he is. Please come in.”

“Thank you.”

“If you gentlemen will follow me I’ll put you in the judge’s office and let him know you are here. Here we are. Make yourselves comfortable. The Judge will be right in.”

“Thank you, uh.”

“Oh, pardon my manners. My name is Thelma. I’m Judge Trimble’s wife.”

“Nice to meet you, Thelma. My name’s Larry, and this is Andrew, my associate.  We are sorry to disturb your evening.”

“Oh, not at all. This is commonplace in a judge’s life. He’ll be right in.”

“Judges’ wife Thelma huh?”

“Hush, Andrew. Remember where we are.”

“Gentlemen. It is always nice to meet those whose duty it is to bring criminals to justice.”

“Yes, sir, your honor. This is Andrew Cummings, and My name is Larry Dunfee.”

“Very nice meeting you. Now how can I help you this fine evening?”

“We need to take a look at the guest records of the Hyatt hotel.”

“And for what purpose?”

“We are trying to establish the whereabouts of one Janice Rafferty on the night her husband was murdered. She tells us she was in Boston, but there is some hearsay that she was actually staying at the Hyatt.”

“Hearsay? Any eyewitness?”

“No, that is why we need the warrant.”

“If you do determine she was at the Hyatt then what?”

“Then we believe she is guilty of obstructing justice for lying to us, and we will arrest her.”

“So that is the only charge, obstructing justice?”

“Well, we also believe she knows more than she is letting on about the death of her husband. The obstruction charge will allow us to further investigate her alibi for the evening based on the new facts. She may be in line for a murder charge or at least a conspiracy to commit murder.”

“Why isn’t local law enforcement involved?”

“We have reason to believe the locals don’t want to pursue the case because the man murdered was an employee of the Cortez cartel. His death has already been ruled an accident, but we believe otherwise.”

“Alright, I’ve heard enough. I will issue the warrant for the hotel records of the named person. You say the name is Janice Rafferty?”

“I think we will need to look at Alexis Rafferty as well. I don’t think she would sign in under her name.”

“Larry what about Ned Dixon?”

“Good point. Your honor if we could also see if Ned Dixon was in the hotel, it would be helpful.”

“Who is Ned Dixon?”

“Her paramour.”

“I’m sorry Mr.Dunfee but now you are running far afield of my comfort zone here.”

“Yes, sir. Just the Rafferty’s then sir.”

“I will need you to sign this affidavit as to the nature of the crime and the fact that you believe Janice Rafferty did it. Also, I need to see your official ID.”

“Yes, sir. Here it is. Do I sign here?”

“Yes, right on that line. Okay, here you are. The warrant is good for twenty-four hours. Good luck.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“And gentlemen.”

“Yes, sir?”

“You are running around, stepping on some pretty big toes. I would be careful if I were you.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.”

“Mrs. Trimble will show you out.”

“Nice meeting you, sir.”

“Yes, Mr. Dunfee. A pleasure. Goodbye, Sir

 

43 comments

  1. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Hopefully they’re making progress. Just need that one break in the case.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Hopefully in the case and not in the bones. Thanks, Charles.

      Like

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

    What a great photo, with Lucy reflected in the window. Perfect timing by the photographer! As for the story, the “big toes” are worrisome. I hope no one gets hurt!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Big toes are worrisome. Gotta have a foreshadowing though. Keeps us all on our toes. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    I hope these warrants give us some answers.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Well, the way this thing goes maybe or maybe not. Thanks, Jill.

      Like

  4. morristownmemos by Ronnie Hammer's avatar

    He shouldn’t have said that Ned Dunfee was her paramour; he could have gotten the information if he hadn’t divulged that information.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true. Thanks, Ronnie.

      Like

  5. Mae Clair's avatar

    Hmmm…”pretty big toes.”
    I sense BIG trouble afoot (sorry….couldn’t resist!) 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Good one, Mae.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Teri Polen's avatar

    I’m thinking this won’t go smoothly.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Naw. Not at all.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Sorryless's avatar

    I wonder if the boys were high on adrenaline, or if it was just a ploy when they mention Dixon. When these two overstep, I’m always mindful that they might be pushing the envelope in order to gauge a reaction.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I would have just kept quiet so of course, the characters run off at the mouth and place me in a cleanup position. Sheesh.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        You ain’t fooling me. . . 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  8. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Man, they have 24 hours, but we have to wait a week.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I know right. Not fair. Dan Antion wants a Wednesday /Saturday post.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. coldhandboyack's avatar

        Life isn’t fair, but I like seeing fair and Saturday in the same line. I’m going to the State Fair on Saturday.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          YAY. I remember your trip last year. (it was last year wasn’t it?)

          Liked by 1 person

        2. coldhandboyack's avatar

          Doesn’t feel like it, but yes, a whole year.

          Liked by 1 person

  9. Debbie's avatar

    Building … building. Soon this thing’s gonna POP wide open, right?? We’re getting close, right? I don’t know how much more I can take (though when I see cute photos of your pups like this one, I simply melt!)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Hopefully, it will pop wide open. Thanks, Debbie.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Dan Antion's avatar

    Straight to the point with a ominous warning. Just the way a mystery-thriller needs to end an episode. You sure you don’t want to make Story-Day a Wednesday/Saturday thing, John? I hope they find something worth looking into. I for one will be happy when they head back to Boston – if the local authorities let them.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Heading back to Boston is a little way off. The next 24 hours are going to be pretty hectic.

      Liked by 1 person

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

    They got a warrent and a warning, along with a time limit. I think the next 24 hours will be interesting.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It should be. Thanks, Denise.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    John, you’re a crafty one… I think you’re up to something with the scope of that warrant. o_O Excellent use of dialogue to set the scene. I felt like I was inside the house.
    The photo of Lucy is priceless. Hugs on the wing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teagan. Hugs back

      Like

  13. jaysquires's avatar

    Too bad the judge felt uncomfortable about including the lover on the warrant, but I have a hunch Larry and Andrew will uncover the dirt about him as well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think you are right, Jay. Thank you.

      Like

  14. Dale's avatar

    That went well…
    As for the guys mentioning Dixon out of the blue… It could somehow prove beneficial down the road… or not.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They took a shot. Hope it doesn’t come back to haunt them.

      Like

  15. jilldennison's avatar

    I await the next chapter with bated breath … hurry, as I have asthma and cannot hold my breath for long 😉

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Hahaha. I have asthma too so I will try to give us a break. Thanks, Jill.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Well, that went well. I think the judge’s advice is good. They are stepping on some pretty big toes! Good segment, John.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Jennie's avatar

    That was pretty easy. Let’s hope it’s a break in the case.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Might be if the boys can remain out of trouble.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        Yup! But that’s probably not likely to happen. Right?

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Jennie's avatar

          I knew it!!

          Liked by 1 person