Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

“So why are you sitting on a mat by the Christmas tree?”
“Trying to figure out how to get in there. The mat was just here.”
“Getting in there is not going to happen soon.”
“Soon is not forever.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Day, and last week, we found out Andre was killed by having his throat cut. As a few of you pointed out, there should be enough blood on the participants to raise suspicions. Let’s hope that is the case. Pricilla puts some stock in the idea that Carolyn could turn on her phone and then be tracked. If so, that would be a direct lift of the most obvious trope on the planet. No, my friends, I think we are stuck till something breaks. Pricilla went to make a call last week, and now she is back. Let’s go and see if anything has come up.

 

“Before you go, Mr. Stannis, you should be aware that I talked to my contact, and it appears there was another body found in the train station.”

“What? Who was it?”

“So far, it is a John Doe, but we think it is the kid who was in the back seat. His hands and arms are covered with blood, and he took one shot to the head.”

“Oh, my God. These guys are not fooling around.”

“Yeah, it looks like the kid killed Andre and then was disposed of before anyone could grab him. He was found on the tracks under one of the train cars. He didn’t make it into the terminal.”

“He was shot, you say?”

“Yes. Real professional. So far, no one knows anything or saw anything.”

“Makes you wonder why the French didn’t lock down the station.”

“Yeah, Larry. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Too late for that now.”

“How about cameras. Any surveillance available?”

“Yes. Everyone who goes through passport control is photographed.”

“Well, maybe something will turn up there.”

“I wouldn’t count on it. If these guys could shoot and hide a body, it would be a no-brainer for them to stow Carolyn away somewhere in their vehicle.”

“You know they had a vehicle.”

“Well, no. It doesn’t make sense that they would be on foot-dragging a resisting victim.”

“Why didn’t the French check every vehicle leaving?”

“Another good question. They had decided to let all the cars that were in front of the blue Mercedes leave to minimize any colleterial injuries. My guess is Carolyn and her abductors were in one of the first cars to leave. The Mercedes did not move, and only after the agents saw the problem were all the other cars searched. “

“So, Carolyn and Cortez’s men are probably gone from the terminal.”

“My guess? Yes.”

“Now what?”

“I think we have to wait to hear from Cortez’s people.”

“Who are they going to call?”

“Again, I’m guessing, but I think Mr. Stennis here.”

“Me? Why would they call me?”

“With Mr. Popović in jail, I think they are smart enough to know he won’t have a phone.”

“How do they know I’m his lawyer?”

“You’ve represented him in the past, right?”

“Yes.”

“They know. You said you were going to leave. I think you should hang around to see if they call.”

“That fast? You think they will work that fast?”

“It could go either way. They might want to let Lazar know they have Carolyn and to keep his mouth shut.”

“Or?”

“They already know we are on to them and will want us to sweat a while. If we don’t hear pretty quick, you can go.”

 

 

62 comments

  1. rabirius's avatar

    Just a body so far, as it turns out.

    Liked by 1 person

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

    A perfect ending to the year. But the dilemma of the crossroads is that the choice is not ours to make. Of course, 2020 wasn’t of our creation either. Well done, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. Let’s hope there is some light somewhere when we round the corner and look 2021 in the face. 🤞🏻

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Keith Edgar Channing's avatar

    I have a theory, but I’ll keep it to myself for the time being. Let me just agree with the great Sherlock – Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.
    I shall say no more except, of course, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      A very wise saying, crisket. Happy New Year to you and yours as well, Keith. 🥂

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    I don’t think just waiting around until something turns up is a good plan. I better go and buy those fake nails!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Hahahaha. As I see it there isn’t much else to do. You never know though. Maybe with the new year something good will happen. I would get the nails just in case. Thanks, Jill.

      Like

  5. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Maybe they can read My GRL as they wait.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Great idea. Or HMS Lanternfish.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    So many questions, so few answers–and the body count rises.

    A word to the wise for little Twiggy: Don’t even think about going after that tree.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Hahahha. Twiggy thanks you for the advice. She explains that as a bulldog she must do the most impossible and self endangering stunts available. It is in the blood. She also acknowledges her skin parents efforts in protecting her from herself. Thank you, Liz. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Dale's avatar

    That face. How do you not give in? I mean other than to protect her, of course!

    As for this story… the French do seem to be bumbling this case. Now that there are two bodies on their soil, maybe they’ll double their efforts. Then again…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m in the then again camp. Thanks, Dale.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        Why am I not surprised 😉

        Like

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I found this in the spam folder. I’m sending it out of there. I have no idea how it got there anyway. 😁

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dale's avatar

          WP can be a real pain. I’ve noticed I end up in spam when I use my phone (sometimes). I took you out of spam yesterday!

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          Oh I hate that. 😬

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Dale's avatar

          So do I. So fusserating.

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          Also flusterating

          Liked by 1 person

        6. Dale's avatar

          OOohh, That too! 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  8. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Lots of guessing. Not a good sign.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree. Looks like everyone is flummoxed.

      Like

  9. John Hric's avatar

    Tune in next year for the further adventures of our surviving cast. Unless the French hold them for more questioning. Just the cute ones.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      French need to find them first. Then the questioning.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    And we all sweat along with them. Looking forward to next time, John.
    By the way, Twiggy looks mighty determined… 😉 Happy end of the year. Hugs on the wing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Twiggy has her “I’m going to do what I think best,” face on. Thanks, Teagam.

      Liked by 1 person

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

    Inspector Clouseau must be working the case…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I thinkyou are right. Thanks, Billy Ray.

      Like

  12. Dan Antion's avatar

    Somehow it seems fitting that this didn’t wrap up in 2020 – Let’s hope better news comes in the new year.

    Make sure you let Twiggy in before the ball drops.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We need some carryover from 2020. Hopefully things will get better in the story and in the world. Thanks, Dan. Yes Twiggy will be in. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    A dog’s optimism is definitely inspiring. Here’s to a ‘pawsome’ 2021!

    Liked by 2 people

  14. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    So many dead ends. I hope for a break soon and what was the dead guy’s name that started this quest? Lol, Twiggy. Never give up!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Looks like we are all at the mercy of Cortez. Sandusky is the guy who started all this.

      Like

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

    At least the daughter appears to be alive still and hopefulky she’s not the killer.
    I love this line: “Soon is not forever.” May have to try it on the grandkids:)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. It might help.Thanks, Denise.

      Like

  16. kethuprofumo's avatar

    “Christmas safety”…the annual report by Twiggy… She looks so sad next to the fence! 😊🎄🎇

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She has not forgiven us yet.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. kethuprofumo's avatar

        🤣🤣🤣 Oh, gosh! She mustn’t start the New Year this way.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          She’ll get over it. The tree comes down tomorrow.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. kethuprofumo's avatar

          Then, it’s all right. She will think that it has been just a bad dream…😁

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes that’s true 😊

          Liked by 1 person

        4. kethuprofumo's avatar

          A New Friday will come & will tell her a new incredible story & when the Christmas tree reappears, it will look pretty new for her.

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          That is a good way to look at it. Happy New Year, Maria.

          Liked by 1 person

        6. kethuprofumo's avatar

          Thank you, my dear friend. Same to you! Looking forward to 2021 as never before! 🥂🍰 Cin-cin!

          Liked by 1 person

        7. John W. Howell's avatar

          🥂За вас!

          Liked by 1 person

        8. kethuprofumo's avatar

          На здоровье! Ура! С Новым годом!🥂🎄

          Like

        9. John W. Howell's avatar

          Dear Maria, I just found this in the Spam folder. I think WP was thrown off with the Russian. So, to your good health and hurrah. Happy New year.

          Liked by 1 person

        10. kethuprofumo's avatar

          What to do, dear John! Thank you! Spasibo!😁😁😁😂

          Liked by 1 person

        11. John W. Howell's avatar

          Bolshoye spasibo, Maria. 😁

          Liked by 1 person

        12. kethuprofumo's avatar

          Brilliant, dear John! Your Russian is getting better! 😊😉

          Liked by 1 person

        13. kethuprofumo's avatar

          Spasibo is the right form. My pleasure (Pogialuista). 😁😁😁

          Liked by 1 person

  17. Sorryless's avatar

    Tom Petty was right, the waiting really is the hardest part.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. TanGental's avatar

    well there’s one person who’s not going to enjoy the new year… maybe more

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes indeed. There may be more for sure.

      Like

  19. Jennie's avatar

    Well, I certainly won’t be needing my nail clippers! Excellent, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      hahahaha. Thanks, Jennie.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        You’re welcome, John. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person