It is Wednesday Story Day, again and last week we witnessed Seth Gibson the sheriff once again outmaneuvered by Jason McDonnell, the lawyer. It looks like this occurrence will happen time and time again. It is clear Seth has an ax to grind with Lucas. As many folks have said, it is a good thing Lucas has a lawyer. It is time to go back to Harriet’s house since I see Frank Plano the private eye is getting ready to leave.
“So you would be willing to testify that you saw Set Gibson go into the Severides house after you left.”
“ I already said I would, Mr. Plano.”
“I know I’m just verifying is all.”
“I understand.”
“Mrs. Murphy.”
“Yes, Mr.Plano.”
“Are you willing to yes tiny as well?”
“Of course I am.”
“The part about the blood from Mrs. Weston’s heroine injection.”
“What about it?”
“You will testify that the blood trace found at the Severides which belongs to Mrs. Weston was a sloppy injection?”
“Well, sloppy is made a bit harsh, but yes. When the needle came out of her vein, the blood spurted to the floor.”
“And she was beginning to nod off after cleaning it up?”
“Yes.”
“You then left and went to your car.”
“Yes.”
“Did you also see Seth Gibson enter the Severide house?”
“Well, I was worried about Alice. I didn’t exactly see the sheriff enter the house.”
“Did Mrs. Weston tell you he entered?”
“She said something like, ‘There goes the sheriff into the Severide’s house.’ When I looked up, he was gone inside.”
“Hmm. So Mrs. Weston was the only one who actually saw the sheriff go in.”
“Excuse me, Mr. Plano, but I’m right here.”
“I know Mrs. Weston, but I’m interested in Mrs. Murphy’s observations.”
“Okay, then I’ll shut up.”
“Thank you. Now, Mrs. Murphy.”
“Yes, Mr. Plano.”
“How long after Mrs. Weston saw the sheriff go into the house did she nod off?”
“Excuse me?”
“You both said that Mrs. Weston was starting to nod off at the house and so you decided to leave. All I’m asking is how long after she saw the sheriff did she go to sleep?”
“I didn’t have a stopwatch, Mr. Plano. Besides what difference does it make?”
“If Mrs. Weston saw the sheriff enter the house and she says she was awake, I think it is important to determine if, in fact, that is the case.”
“I think we are through here, Mr. Plano. Let me show you to the door.”
“Yes, Mrs. Murphy I think I have what I came for. Thanks for the coffee.”
“Good day Mr. Plano.”
Category: Hump Day
Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day
Wednesday Story Day again and last week we witnessed Alice put the finger on Sheriff Seth Gibson as one who had entered the Severide’s house the night they were murdered. Alice was willing to swear to the fact. Speaking of Seth Gibson, I see he is going into Lucas’ room at the hospital. I see Jason McDonnell the lawyer in the room with Lucas, so obviously the doctor cleared Seth to ask Lucas some questions. Let’s get over there.
“Well hello, Jason McDonnell.”
“Hello, Sheriff.”
“So what are the grounds rules Counselor?”
“ As I said on the phone, you can ask Lucas any question you want, but I will advise him not to answer if I think the question is inappropriate.”
“Yeah fair enough. I want you to know this conversation is on the record and I will be recording it.”
“We understand, Sheriff. We are recording it as well.”
“Fair enough. So this is Seth Gibson, sheriff of Wayfare County. I am speaking with Lucas Severide in the presence of his lawyer Jason McDonnell. Lucas, you understand that anything you say here can and will be entered into evidence as part of an ongoing investigation of the murder of your parents?”
“Excuse me, sheriff. Is my client charged with any crime?”
“Not at this time.”
“So you are not reading him his rights?”
“No, I’m just advising him that this conversation is on the record.”
“Then let me remind you of the statuses around self-incrimination.”
“So noted Counselor. May I proceed?”
“With the stipulation that my client is here voluntarily and is interested in aiding the investigation into the horrific murder of his parents.”
“I understand that, Counselor.”
“You may proceed.”
“May I have your full name?”
“Lucas George Severide.”
“Your address?”
“Sheriff. Sorry to interrupt but my client is a patient in this hospital and has limited energy. Let’s just say his address is a matter of public record and proceed.”
“I’m just following protocol, Councillor. Do you live at 704 Drachma Lane?”
“That’s correct.”
“Do you live alone?”
“Yes.”
“Have you always lived there?”
“No.”
“Where did you live prior to this address?”
“In Kenosha, Wisconsin.”
“With your parents?”
“No, I had my own place.”
“Why did you come to Antion?”
“I believed the person responsible for my parent’s murder lived here.”
“And who might that be?”
“I’m not sure.”
“So you are speculating.”
“Yes.”
“Could it be that you are trying to deflect your own guilt?”
“Okay, Sheriff. That’s enough.”
“Let him answer, Counselor.”
“Lucas. Do not say a word. Sheriff this conversation is over.”
“Not saying anything is an admission.”
“Not in any court that I know of Sheriff. Good day sir.”
“You may think you are so smart, Counselor, but I’m going to nail this little prick and see that he is put away.”
“Don’t forget you are recording sheriff. Your threat is now a matter of the record. I have to believe that due process will wonder about a law enforcement officer with an obvious vendetta.”
“Up yours, Jason. This is not over.”
Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day
It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we left Sheriff Seth Gibson storming out of Jason McDonnell’s office because he was thwarted from interviewing Lucas without the permission of Lucas’ doctor. My assumption is Jason will talk to the doctor and then get in touch with Seth. We really have to get back to Harriet Murphy’s house. As you will recall, Frank Plano the private eye was on Mrs. Murphy’s porch the last time we were there. The beauty of a serial like this is these characters are frozen until we get back to them. Oops as I sit here chatting Mrs. Murphy is opening the door. Let’s hurry.
“Mr. Plano. Please come in.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Murphy. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
“Oh no. After all, Alice called you. Would you like some coffee?”
“I sure would. It has been a while since I had my last cup and I could use the pick me up.”
“Very well. Follow me to the parlor. Oh, Here’s Alice. You remember Mr. Plano don’t you?”
“You can call me Frank. It is nice seeing you again.”
“Thank you, Mr. Plano. Why don’t we sit while Mrs. Murphy gets your coffee.”
“Thank you. When we talked on the phone, you mentioned that you and Mrs. Murphy were wanting to tell your side of the story before I turn in my report.”
“Yes, that is true. We think there has been a lot of misinformation and want to set the record strains.”
“I think that is a good thing, Mrs. Weston. Do you mind if I take notes and do you want to wait for Mrs. Murphy?”
“No I don’t mind, and we can go ahead.”
“Okay then. What is it you want to tell me.”
“First of all. . . Wait here is Harriet with the coffee.”
“Hello, all. I took the liberty of putting a plate of scones on the tray. Please help yourself.”
“Oh, my this coffee is delicious.”
“I’m glad you like it. Now here is what we want to say.”
“Shouldn’t you let the poor man enjoy his coffee, Alice?”
“For heaven’s sake Harriet. He can drink and listen at the same time.”
“Very well, I just don’t want to be rude is all.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Murphy, but Mrs. Weston is right. I can listen while I enjoy your fabulous Coffee. Did you make these scones?”
“No, they are from the bakery.”
“Well, they are indeed tasty. Now, what did you want to know?”
“Well, Harriet and I believe we know who killed the Severides.”
“Seriously? Now, who would that be?”
“Well you know we were at their house the night they were killed.”
“Yes, of course.”
“We were trying to score some smack. Well, I was trying to score some smack. Dear Harriet doesn’t believe in such stuff. I shot up and spilled some blood from pulling the needle out. I cleaned it up, and we left.”
“The Severides were alive when you left.”
“Absolutely. Mrs. Severide gave me the paper towels to clean up.”
“So now you are starting to get high.”
“That’s right. I told Harriet that we should get to the car before I nodded off.”
“So you left. Then what?”
“We got in the car which was down the block and then saw a person go into the house.”
“Could you recognize the person?”
“Yes. It was Seth Gibson.”
“You sure about this?”
“Pretty hard to miss him, Mr. Plano.”
“Could you swear to this in court.”
“Absolutely.”
Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day
It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we learned a little about why Lucas was painting houses. He also gave an opinion that Harriet and Alice were too incompetent to be responsible for the murder of his parents. The final piece of information is that Lucas thinks maybe Seth is involved. Speaking of Seth, i see him going into the lawyer’s office. This could be real interesting, so I think we need to leave Trish and Lucas and head over there.
“There is a Sheriff Gibson here to see you.”
“For heaven’s sake. I wonder what the hell he wants?”
“Shall I tell him you are busy?”
“No. That okay. Tell him to come in.”
“Thank you for seeing me, Jason. I want to advise you that I have a court order here demanding that your client meet me to answer some questions.”
“Why don’t you have a seat Sheriff.”
“Oh. Yes, well, thank you.”
“Now what is this about.”
“Your client is a person of interest in the slaying of his parents and Judge Jeremy has graciously granted me the right to question him.”
“You didn’t need that, Sheriff. I would have allowed you to question Lucas anytime you wanted. All I asked was that I am in his presence when you do so.”
“Yeah, but you got all high and mighty on me. I figured I would get something official so you can’t weasel out of a meeting.”
“Never my intent, Sheriff. I only want to protect my client’s rights. When do you want to see him.”
“I would like to question him as soon as possible.”
“Let me see the order, Sheriff.”
“Sure, here you go.”
“Hmm, says here that access to Lucas will not be unreasonably denied.”
“Yeah. The way I see it, that means right away.”
“Well, sir. The way I see it is you can have access to Lucas when his doctor says he is fit to be questioned. That is not unreasonable.”
“I think not. If I can’t talk to Lucas when I want I think it is an obstruction to the intent of the order.”
“You and I both know that order will need to go back to the judge if you decide to get technical. How about we just find out if Lucas’ doctor has a problem with him being questioned?”
“I think you are trying to delay.”
“If you have to go back to the Judge it may take days.”
“Okay, Mr. McDonnell you win. Give the doctor a call.”
“Hold on, Mr. Gibson. Let me call. Hello, may I talk to Dr. Naismith. Oh, I see. Yes, this is Jason McDonnell. He knows me. Tell him it is a legal matter and I would appreciate a return call. Thank you.”
“What the hell?”
“The doctor is in surgery right now. He won’t get back for a few hours. So what do you want to do?”
“Damn. I sure don’t want to sit around here. Call me when you are ready to meet with me.”
“Very good Sheriff. I will call you. Let me walk you out.”
“Forget it. I know my own damn way out.
Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we left Harriet and Alice who were contemplating what to tell Frank Plano the PI who was at the front door. It seems there was a little of Alice’s blood left at the Severides on the night they were murdered. Harriet and Alice are contemplating what to tell the detective. In the meantime, Lucas and his sister are having a conversation that we should witness. The problem with this storytelling is we cannot be in two places at the same time. Last time we were with them, Lucas told his sister Trish about the insurance. Let’s get to the hospital and pick up the conversation.
“So you are telling me we are both worth five million dollars.”
“That’s right, Trish. Our parents left insurance money to us.”
“And also there is another policy on their lives as well.”
“So I have been led to believe.”
“I have a question for you.”
“Okay sis, shoot.”
“If you have five million dollars, what are you doing painting the Murphy house.?”
“How did you know about that?“
“That private detective told me you were working in Anton as a painter and working for someone named Harriet Murphy. I thought it made sense until you told me about the money.”
“I have to be able to trust you. Can I?”
“Can you what? Trust me? You and I are all we have left as family. I hope you can trust me.”
“Okay. Makes sense. You can’t tell anyone what I’m about to tell you. Promise.”
“I promise although I think that is a ridiculous request. I’m your sister for God’s sake.”
“Thank you. So the reason I took up painting Harriet’s house is I thought she and her friend Alice had something to do with our parent’s murder. I also suspected they took the policy and any money that was in the house.”
“Where ever did you come up with that assumption and how much money did out parents have.”
“You of all people should know out parents were pretty heavy into drug distribution.”
“Yeah, I knew they were involved. I just accepted it since it was easy to tap into the inventory so to speak.”
“I figured. Well, when you think of the drug trade you have to think cash. After all, you don’t use banks to tip-off the feds about your activity.”
“Yeah so?“
“So I think there could have been as much as a million in cash.”
“A million? Are you crazy? How could they hide that much money?”
“A million in one-hundred-dollar bills weighs a little over twenty-two pounds and when stacked is only twenty-five inches wide by six inches long and under five inches high. It could fit under the bed. I’m only guessing at a million. It could be more.”
“Whoa, this is way over our heads.”
“You know the funny part is Harriet hired a private detective to look into the whole thing.”
“She did? What the hell for?”
“Well she really hired a lawyer to help me, and he hired the PI.”
“This is getting more confused the more you tell me.”
“The point is you, and I have to be careful. the person or persons who killed our parents won’t stop if they think we know who they are.”
“Do you know?’
“Absolutely not. I don’t think it is Harriet and Alice though.”
“Why don’t you think it’s them.?”
“They are too incompetent. Whoever did it knew not to leave any clues.”
“A professional?”
“I’m even thinking of a law enforcement officer.”
“The sheriff?”
“Wouldn’t put it past him.”
“You say you have a lawyer? We need to talk to him.”
Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day
It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we witnessed Harriet and Alice in a bit of panic over the information Frank Plano had to offer about them being seen in Kenosha. What was especially troubling to them was the possibility that Frank knew they were frequent visitors to the Severides. Harriet made the suggestion that Alice call Frank and see if he has filed his report. If not, she reasoned that they could do something to silence him. I see Alice is on the phone, so let’s get over there.
“So, Mr. Plano you are still open to getting our side of the story? Oh I know I was rude, and I apologize. Well, Harriet and I are at her house. You can come over, and we will speak openly. Yes, we will tell you what we know. You can be the judge as to the relevance of the information. Okay then. We will see you shortly. Goodbye Mr. Plano.”
“What did he say?”
“He has not completed his report.”
“Is he coming over?”
“Yes. I thought you would know that from my side of the conversation.”
“Just checking. What are we going to tell him?”
“I think we ought to let him know we visited the Severides.”
“You crazy? What excuse could we possibly have to be visiting the Severides.”
“I’m sure he knows they were major drug dealers.”
“Yeah, so you gonna confess your habit to him?”
“What’s the big deal? So I used to pop heron. So what.”
“How about the coke? You were arrested for possession.”
“And where did that lead? Seth killed those charges. You think just because I tell a private eye I used to do drugs, I’m going to get arrested?”
“You still using?”
“You know I’m not.”
“I see your point then.”
“So, what do we have to lose? Let’s just come clean. We bought drugs from the Severides. Yes, we were there the night they were killed. We didn’t do anything and have nothing to hide.”
“What about that blood spurt when you shot up.”
“What do you mean?”
“You pulled the needle out too quickly, and your blood fell on the floor.”
“I wiped that up.”
“You ever see CSI? You can’t just wipe up blood. If the lab guys go in there for more testing, they will find your blood. How do you explain that?”
“Let me think.”
“Oh oh. Frank’s at the front door.”
“Let me think Harriet. I’ll just say I cut myself.”
“With a large knife as you were killing the Severides?”
“Very funny, Harriet. Let Frank in. I’ll think of something.”
Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day
It is Wednesday Day again. Last week we witnessed Frank Plano asking some questions of Alice Weston. When he got to the point of asking Alice about being in Kenosha the same day Lucas’ parents were murdered, Alice pretty much showed him the door. I see Alice is approaching Harriet Murphy’s house, so I guess she is in some kind of hurry to relate the conversation with Frank. Let’s go and maybe learn something about that night in Kenosha.
“Open the damn door, Harriet. Since when do you lock it?”
“Since we have that private eye snooping around. There come on in.”
“For heaven’s sake. That’s all I need. To have that Frank character see me hustling over to see you right after I threw him out of my house.”
“Then why are you here? You could have called.”
“I don’t trust the phones anymore. He may have mine bugged.”
“Oh come on, Alice. Aren’t you overreacting?”
“How about if I told you he knows we were in Kenosha the night the Severides were murdered?”
“Okay. That is a little concerning.”
“You bet it is. Also, he knows that we used to visit the Severides.”
“No way. How could he find that out?”
“Beats me. This guy may have a crystal ball for all I know. I’m telling you we are in deep yogurt.”
“Come on. Alice. Get a grip. So we visited the Severides? So what?”
“And we saw them right before they were killed. You think that is just a piece of idle gossip that is going to go away if Frank finds that out.”
“Did he say he knew?”
“No, he just said he knows we were in town.”
“Okay then. We were in town. We had shopping to do or something. No harm no foul.”
“You gotta keep these basketball sayings to yourself. If he knows we were in Kenosha, how long do you think it will take to track us to the Severides?”
“Unlike you, I don’t think that’s possible. Hell, we were discreet as always.”
“How did he know we had visited them before?”
“Hmm. I see what you’re saying. You want some tea?”
“Tea is not the answer, Harriet. We need to do something.”
“Let me think. Do you think Frank has made this report yet?”
“How would I know?”
“Why don’t you call him and tell him you’ve been thinking and maybe you need to talk again.”
“Yeah, then what?”
“You’ll ask him if he’s filed his report.”
“If he has?”
“We’ll have to ride it out.”
“If he has not?”
“We might need to think of a way to silence him. Here give him a call.”
Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were treated to seeing Alice almost fall over herself when she learned from Frank Plano the private detective (got it right this week) that Lucas had a five million dollar insurance payment. She got on the phone with Harriet and promised to get back to her. I see she is going back to the living room where Frank waits.
“I’m sorry the coffee took so long, I had to make fresh. Here you are.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Weston.”
“Do you take anything in your coffee?”
“No, I like it just like this. It’s delicious I might add.”
“Why, thank you. It’s a blend I have made up special.”
“I would love to know the recipe.”
“Ah, my little secret, Mr. Plano. You’ll just have to keep coming back for more.”
“Ahem. Well yes, thank you. Now, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”
“Questions? I thought we were going to discuss Lucas.”
“In due time, Mrs. Weston. First, I wonder if you have any reaction to the information I uncovered that you and Mrs. Murphy used to travel regularly to Kenosha to meet with the Severides.”
“Where did you get that information?”
“My sources are confidential, Mrs. Weston.”
“Well, then my reaction will remain confidential, Mr. Plano.”
“I see. Okay, let me go in a different direction.”
“I’m not sure I like this line of questioning, Mr. Plano. What gives you the right to come to my house and ask me questions?”
“I have no right what so ever, Mrs. Weston. I am conducting an investigation that will form the basis for a report to my client. I would like to have your side of the story included, but since you don’t seem to want your side told, I’ll just present the information that I have.”
“Okay. Yes, Harriet and I used to visit the Severides. So what?”
“You were seen at their house the night they were killed.”
“Now you are fishing, Mr. Plano. No one saw us at their house.”
“You sure?”
“Yes, because we were never there that night.”
“You were in Kenosha that night though, right?”
“I don’t think that is any of your business.”
“Fine, I’ll just use the sworn statement of the person who saw you.”
“For heaven’s sake. So we were in Kenosha that night. What does that prove?”
“You tell me, Mrs. Weston. You seem pretty defensive to me.”
“Are you finished with your coffee?”
“Yes, and it was divine.”
“Then I’m going to ask you to leave.”
“I sure wish I had your side of the story before I go.”
“There is no story Mr. Plano. Good day to you.”
“Good day, Mrs. Weston. If you change your mind give me a call. Here’s my card.”
“You can keep it, Mr. Plano. As I said, there is no story. I’m going to shut the door now. mind your toes.”
Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were stunned to have Trish Severide show up at the hospital. She learned that there was a pretty big insurance policy payment waiting for her. She and we all learned that the insurance policy and will of the parents has gone missing. So I am seeing Alice answering her front door. Who is there but none other than Frank Plano the private detective?
“Yes, can I help you?“
“Hello, Mrs. Weston.”
“Yes I’m Mrs. Weston, and you are?”
“Frank Plano private detective.”
“What can I do for you, Mr. Plano?”
“Well, for one thing, you could invite me in.”
“To what end?”
“I just want to ask you a few things about Lucas Severide and his parents.”
“Things? What kind of things?”
“Please Mrs. Weston. It’s hard to talk through a screen door. May I please come in?”
“I’m not sure what information I have regarding the Severides. I do know Lucas though.”
“Great let’s talk about Lucas then.”
“What do you want to know?”
“I am a little unclear on why he is painting houses.”
“Why so. He’s a young man needing money for school or so he told me.”
“Yeah, see that’s just it.”
“What’s it?”
“The kid got five million from an insurance policy his parents had on their lives.”
“What? Oh, do come in Mr. Plano.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Weston. Thank you. I was beginning to get a sunburn out there.”
“Would you like some coffee?”
“That would be nice, thank you.”
“I’ll be right back. Have a seat.”
“Hello, Harriet. I’m whispering because I have that private eye in my living room and he’s telling me Lucas got five million from his parent’s insurance policy. Calm down, Harriet. I will see what this is about and call you back. No, you can’t come over. I’ll handle this. Bye.”
Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day
Welcome to Wednesday Story day. Last week we saw Harriet Murphy get pretty annoyed at Frank Plano, the private eye. He was making some allegations about a cover-up in the murder of Lucas’ parents. Harriet asked him to leave which raises all kinds of questions about why she is so touchy. I see a young woman heading into Lucas’ room at the hospital. I think we better get over there since I have no idea who it is. It may be an old girlfriend of Lucas.
“Hello, Lucas.”
“My gosh, Trish. Where have you been?”
“It’s a long story, Lucas. How are you doing?”
“I’m on the mend sis, but I have been so worried about you.”
“I could tell when you left me for dead.”
“I’m so sorry. I really thought you had hit your head so hard you were gone.”
“I can understand that Lucas but why run away?”
“Please forgive me. I panicked and didn’t want to be accused of killing you.”
“Well lucky for me, I had some pretty good care. I didn’t tell anyone who I was and when it came time, I made my escape.”
“Where did you go?”
“I took off to Florida. I needed time to recover. I found a nice guy there, and he took care of me.”
“What made you come back?”
“I ran into a person who said he was a private detective and told me you were in the hospital.”
“Private detective?”
“Yeah. He said he was working for your lawyer.”
“Oh, I get it now. How did the detective find you?”
“I have no idea. I was having a coffee with the guy I mentioned, and he sat at our table and started talking.”
“Wow. That detective is good. Did he tell you the police have been looking for you?”
“No. he gave me the name of the hospital and suggested I come see you. Me? Why are the police looking for me?”
“When you went missing they are assuming you were done in.”
“How did they come to that conclusion?”
“I think your pharmacist buddy in Kenosha may have dropped some kind of hint to the local sheriff. The sheriff thinks I killed mom and dad and you.”
“Man, that is messed up. I’ll just go tell him I’m okay.”
“He thinks I did it for the insurance.”
“That’s stupid. Wait, what insurance?”
“Mom and dad left us each some money. Yours is still with the insurance company.”
“Ah. Makes sense. I can’t imagine anyone would think you killed me for such a pittance.”
“Five million.”
“What do you mean five million.”
“That’s your share.”
“What? You have to be kidding me. Where did our parents get five million?”
“Ten million. I already got my five.”
“Okay then. Where the hell did our parents get the money to take out a policy worth ten million.”
“Good question, sis. It was all paid up and named you and I. There has to be one naming the survivor of the two of them and a will. So far no paperwork has been found.”
“You think someone killed them for their money.”
“I do. We need to find out where the money went and at the end of that trail I’ll bet we have a murderer.”
“All I can say is, wow.”
“Indeed.”









