“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.”
Keith Channing is still not settled in his house in the UK, so his prompt from Kreative Kue will not be done this week. I have substituted the Finger Point prompt. I have chosen the book Circumstances of Childhood from that internationally well-known author John W. Howell. I opened to a random page and pointed. The result is pictured below and is “big smack.” I could have just chosen big but thought it too easy.
This week marked the anniversary of the sale of the first massed produced Ford automobile. It was labeled the Model A Fordmobile (Not to be confused with the model A introduced in 1928) and cost $850.00. (Which is worth $23,404 in 2018 dollars)
If you were there, several precautions would be needed in order not to disrupt the time continuum. If you want to go, Take this list and spare us all from any disruption.
10 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not ask the salesperson if floor mats are included in the price. If you do, at best they will not know what you are talking about. At worst, the salesperson will tell you, yes and you won’t see the $100.00 charge on the invoice. (You only have yourself to blame, Ilima. They would have never thought of it until you mentioned floor mats.)
9 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not go on a demonstration ride with Tiny the WWF champ. If you do at best, he’ll let you drive. At worst, Tiny who could not pass the driver’s test insists on showing you how fast the Fordmoble can go downhill and in a curve. (Hanging on for dear life is not a sign of cowardice, Illan. It is considered normal behavior under the circumstances. Don’t worry, those knuckles will eventually turn pink again.)
8 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not wait while the salesperson goes and talks to the manager about a better price. If you do, at best the price will be the same. At worst, there will have been a mistake found, and your car is $100.00 more now. (You might eventually get the idea that the price is the price, Imani.)
7 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not take the free cup of coffee. If you do, at best they have run out. At worst at the end of the day, you may discover that cup of coffee was very expensive. (Made you feel beholden to the salesperson, huh Inay? Did you get the story about no shoes for the kids?)
6 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not buy an extended warranty. If you do, at best the company will actually honor it. At worst, the small type at the bottom explains your premium for the warranty is actually a gift to Mr. Ford’s favorite charity. (Fooled you huh, Ingram? Now you have to worry about pushing this thing back home.)
5 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not ask about gas mileage. If you do, at best, no one will know. At worst, the number will scare you so much you’ll want to leave the showroom. (You should remember that gas costs under a dime a gallon, Inteus. That is about a penny a mile, and even a skinflint like you can do that.)
4 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not ask about the President’s Day pricing. If you do, at best you’ll get strange looks. At worst, the owner of the agency will take your idea and become a kingpin in the car marketing business. (He’ll add at least 52 other days for an excuse for a sale, Iona. He’ll make millions and you’ll go back home.)
3 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not ask about the down payment. If you do, at best, no one will take you seriously. At worst, the manager will escort you to the door since buying on credit is an unknown phenomenon (Don’t get your feelings hurt, Iov. “Four flushers” is a term they casually throw around these parts.)
2 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not ask what color you can choose. If you do, at best, you’ll get a sympathetic smile. At worse, you get the Henry Ford quote, “You can have any color you chose as long as you choose black.” (You knew that was coming. Why you gave the salesperson the satisfaction of saying it is anybody’s guess, Irus.)
1 If you are at the first Ford sale, do not ask to buy the floor model. If you do, at best you’ll be told you need to order a car. At worst the salesperson will be confused about what you mean by floor model and call the police. ( He thought you were talking about the demonstration person, Iseabail. Good thing you cleared that up.)
I know the Producer, and I seem to be fixated on nurseries. Last week we had to visit another in the quest for an olive tree and Artichoke Agave. Our landscaper was having a difficult time finding them, so we thought we would help in the search. I hope you enjoy the quest.
Here is the main sign.
Parking lot with big trees.
The entrance.
A sign warning about falling trees Also, check the price of the Italian Cyprus – $12,000.
The greeter. She has to be brushed every night.
Love Hibiscus.
Cute farmhouse-like building.
Pathway through the jungle.
Clearer path.
Trees to go.
High wind victim.
The nursery is on an old putt-putt golf course.
Some Italian Cyprus.
Small utility building.
Lovely roses and Lantana. Moon Valley did have olive trees and Artichoke Agave. We gave the landscaper the Nursery name and location. He knew of that firm and liked that we did the footwork.
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this weeks prompt is, “frame.” Here is how Lind Hill describes the assignment. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “frame.” Use it as a noun or a verb or any way you like. Have fun!” Notice how easy it is for her to say, “have fun.” If you would like to join in and have some fun, go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.
“I call this living Little One.” “Me too, Lucy. Me too.”
Friday is here at last. “Gee, I wish it was Monday,” said no one ever. Always lovely to see the weekend within sight.
If you checked out my post yesterday then you know the landscaping at our place is done. We are all so happy to have that item checked off. We were plagued with gumbo mud every time it rained, which was often. The dogs were forced to stay on a leash until the mess dried, which was about three days. Then we would get a day or two of no rain followed by rain and another three days of the leash. Well, those days are hopefully over.
My WIP is plugging along. I am at 28,000 plus words, which means my 1000 word a day goal is being met. The story is developing well, and it sounds like it might fit the speculative fiction genre. A lot of stuff happening that is not necessarily confined to one or more traditional genres. All I know is it is fun to write, and so I’ll just keep plugging.
Today’s JohnKu talks about fun and writing. I hope you have a very restful and fun weekend.
“Twiggy? You ready for Wednesday? “Ask me on Friday.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we witnessed Larry going off on a security manager at the Heavenly Ski Resort. The manager did not take kindly to his rudeness and told him to take a walk. If he needed more information, it would require a warrant. Larry and Andrew are not local investigators so an order probably won’t happen. Let’s join them at the California bar where Andrew took Larry to cool off.
“So, what do we do now, Larry?”
“Let’s get a drink, and then think about this for a moment.”
“Yes, gentlemen, can I help you?”
“You can. I think I’ll have whatever IPA you have on draft. How about you, Andrew?”
“I have a taste for a nice Bourbon. Do you have Willet Reserve?”
“We do sir. How would you like that?”
“Just neat is fine for me.”
“Very good sir. As far as the draft is concerned, we have a couple. There’s Hoppadillo which has a wonderful hop infusion, and there is Slam Your Face which carries a 10 percent load of Alcohol.”
“I’ll take the Hoppadillo. Not sure I can handle the other.”
“Yes, gentlemen. Coming right up.”
“Thank you. So, Andrew. We need to get information, and we don’t have a portfolio to force it.”
“And we have a hot head from Boston who gets us tossed out of the places we need to be in.”
“Yeah, sorry about that. I do have an idea, though.”
“Love to hear it. Oh, here are the drinks.”
“Here, you are, gentlemen. If you would like to order food, I brought the menu.”
“Thank you so much. We have a drink and then see from there.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll keep an eye on you. Give me a wave if you need anything.”
“Thanks. So Andrew here’s to Rafferty.”
“Hear, hear.”
“Excuse me, gentlemen. Did you just say, Rafferty?”
“We did miss er..”
“Name’s Christine. Christine Bonner.”
“Pleased to meet you, Christine. My name is Larry, and this is Andrew. Does the name Rafferty mean anything to you?”
“Yeah, he used to come in here all the time. That was before his, …uh…accident. You friends of his?”
“Well, no. We are Police officers from Boston.”
“What does Rafferty have to do with Boston?”
“It sounds like you knew him pretty well.”
“You know, before I say more, I would like to know why you two are asking. I was very fond of Alexis and don’t want to denigrate his memory.”
“Oh no, we wouldn’t do that. We are investigating a murder that happened in Boston, and his name came up as someone who might know something.”
“He worked for one of the biggest cartel bosses. You know that, right?”
“Yes, we know that.”
“So, you don’t think his death was an accident?”
“Why do you ask?”
“I don’t think you would be here if you thought it was an accident. Look I’m not comfortable talking in this place. I would like to help find those who killed Alexis and see justice done, but I have to protect myself. You boys don’t know how vicious that Cortez can be.”
“We have an idea. Is there a place we can talk?”
“Yes. I have a place in South Lake Tahoe. 21 Rancho Circle. It’s near the Bijou Community Park.”
“I think we can find it.”
“I get off at six. Why don’t you meet me there at about seven? That will give me time to get some dinner.”
“We would be happy to buy you dinner.”
“You don’t get it. I can’t be seen with you. In fact, pick up that menu and pretend to be asking me something. We have been talking way too long.”
“Okay. So is the fish sandwich good?”
“Yes, it is excellent.”
“We’ll take two with fries and see you tonight.”
“Excellent choice, sir. This will be right up. Do not tell anyone about our meeting.”
As a member of Rave Reviews Book Club, I am proud to showcase several exceptional writers. All are members of the literary section of the club titled Rave Writers – International Society of Authors. RWISA.
Today I want to welcome Karen Ingalls with her story Nature Speaks.
Karen Ingalls
NATURE SPEAKS
Why did my life spiral into darkness in a second? One minute I am married to my soulmate, a mother to a beautiful daughter, and owner of a successful bookstore. My friends asked me, “How do you have the perfect life? It is so easy for you.” They were right. I had the perfect life.
My husband was an engineer, and I opened a bookstore naming it Mile High Books offering old and new books, coffee or tea. Leather chairs and couches provided comfort to the patrons. Classical music played in the background. I loved going to my store enjoying the smell of books, coffee, and leather.
We had our first and only child, Lynn who also loved classical music and dreamed of being a ballet dancer.
One Saturday morning, my life changed forever. I had awakened with a migraine headache, which was intolerable. It was best if I stayed in a dark, quiet room until the medication relieved the blinding pain.
My husband, Miles volunteered to run the bookstore that fateful day. “Lynn and I can manage the bookstore today. You stay home and take care of the headache.” He leaned over and kissed me. “I love you,” were the last words I would hear him say.
I curled up, closed my eyes, and waited for the pain to go away.
A pounding on the front door and the continuous ringing of the bell awakened me. “This had better be important,” I muttered while staggering down the stairs. Two police officers with grim looks were standing on the porch. I collapsed when the words, fire, death, husband, daughter floated around my confused mind.
My once perfect life was unbearable with the memories of it everywhere. I sold everything, bought a second-hand Volkswagen Beetle, and drove west with just the clothes on my back and a photograph of Miles, Lynn and me. I didn’t know where I was going, but I didn’t care.
The small cabin in the foothills of Costa Mesa, California overlooking the Pacific Ocean was my new residence. It was not a home. It was a place to sleep, eat and try to escape from my past.
The land was arid with brush, oak trees, scattered thistle weeds, and clay soil. Every evening, I walked down a short path from the cabin to a flattened area where I sat under a large oak tree and watched the sun dip into the ocean. One day at dusk, I leaned against the tree, closed my eyes and dreamed that Miles arms were around me while we watched Lynn ballet dance on a large stage. I could hear the music of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.
When I awoke there were two limbs embracing me, and leaves and acorns were swirling around creating Tchaikovsky’s music. “Am I still dreaming?” The bark of the trunk and the limbs was rough and uncomfortable. I squirmed and pulled at the limbs. “What is happening? This is crazy.” I yelled for someone to help me, but the only words I heard were not human.
Ginny, you are a strong woman. Use your strength to get through this storm in your life.
I pulled the limbs off, jumped up, and looked around expecting to see someone nearby. “Is anyone here?” I yelled again. Everything was quiet. A full moon radiated light around me.
Staring at the tree, I brushed my clothes, scratched my head, and said, “That was quite a dream, but how did those limbs wrap around me?” I shook my head trying to clear the confusion. “It was a beautiful dream of Miles and Lynn. I miss them so much.” With the sleeve of my sweater I wiped the tears. “I’ve got to get hold of myself. I’m losing my mind.”
The voice said. That was not a dream. I am here to help you.
“Oh, my God, I am going crazy. Trees don’t talk.”
Ginny, you are not going crazy. All trees talk, but humans do not listen. Do you remember your friend, Meredith who told you she talks to trees?
I nodded. “How do you…?”
I saw a friendly face of a kind, elderly man etched in the trunk. Every flora and fauna communes with humans, but they are too busy or unbelieving to listen and learn from us.
I fell to my knees, grabbed a handful of soil, and watched it slowly stream out of my clenched fist. “This was my life. Time was going by with no troubles.” I opened my fist and let the soil out in one burst. “Then everything changed. My life was never the same. It is now an empty hand.” I sobbed and my whole body shook.
You are strong. Your faith is like my roots: stretching wide and going deep.
The limbs stretched out, wrapped around my shoulders and leaned me against the trunk. Miles and Lynn are speaking to you through me.
Then I heard them say, We love you and will always be with you. Follow your heart.
The limbs were gentle and comforting. The rough bark was now smooth. My tears dried up, and I drifted into a deep and peaceful sleep.
The warm and bright rays of the morning sun radiated through the tree’s canopy bringing warmth to my body nestled against the oak tree. Standing up, I stretched and looked out at the blue waters of the Pacific marveling at its majesty and beauty. I smiled as the words follow your heart floated around. “Wow! That was quite a dream.”
I walked a few steps on the path back towards the cabin. I stopped and looked back at the oak tree. “It might have all been a dream, but thank you.”
A thistle plant with its purple flower in full bloom was further up the path. I stopped. “You are beautiful, but your spikes are sharp.”
The spikes turned inward. Do not let fear hold you back.
I couldn’t believe what was happening. “Now I hear a flower talking to me. I am going crazy.”
The thistle plant swayed back and forth though there was no breeze. It bent forward bringing its flower near my hands. Touch me and accept my gift of peace.
I placed my hand on the purple flower and a deep sense of serenity swept over me. For the first time since the deaths of my family I was at peace. I whispered “Thank you.”
A short distance from the cabin porch, I saw the white silken top of a trapdoor spider’s home. I did not remember seeing it before and bent down to get a closer look. The trapdoor opened and a dark spider poked his head out. I stumbled as I tried to jump back.
The spider was small and ugly with fine hairs covering its dark brown body. He was frightening to look at, but his kind words put me at ease. You have walked by many doors, but you didn’t open them.
“What is going on? I am hallucinating with all these voices in my head.”
You are not hallucinating. Your family is talking to you through the oak tree, the thistle and me. The spider moved back into his home and closed the trapdoor.
For days I paced around the cabin, reliving each moment and the words about strength, peace, and opportunities. I prayed and cried. I read about mysticism and nature.
One morning, I awoke and saw Miles and Lynn standing beside my bed. We will always be with you in your heart. Let nature continue to teach you.
The magnificent oak tree taught how to be strong of body, mind, and heart. Staying healthy and opening my arms to others became my ways of living.
I found beauty in my life and other people after removing my thorns of bitterness and self-pity.
My cabin was a trap shutting out people until I opened its doors and made it a home and retreat center. I added rooms for guests to stay and classrooms for teaching.
I called my new endeavor Nature Speaks, helping people to commune with and learn from all aspects of nature. When people open their hearts and minds to nature there are opportunities for a richer life.
∼∼∼
Thank you for supporting this member along the WATCH “RWISA” WRITE Showcase Tour today! We ask that if you have enjoyed this member’s writing, please visit their Author Page on the RWISA site, where you can find more of their writing, along with their contact and social media links, if they’ve turned you into a fan.
We ask that you also check out their books in the RWISA or RRBC catalogs. Thanks, again for your support and we hope that you will follow each member along this amazing tour of talent! Don’t forget to click the link below to learn more about this author:
