It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we attended a gathering of the characters in this novella. It was there we watched Frank circle the room with his comments until he made a strange statement in which he used the phrase, “soldier of the Lord.” We need to get back because Frank is continuing his discussion.
“So Henry. What does Soldier of the Lord mean to you?”
“To me? Why absolutely nothing.”
“Oh, come on Henry. You are a devout believer aren’t you?”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“Don’t you just hate sin?”
“Sin is the devil’s work if that’s what you mean.”
“What I really mean is don’t you just hate people who do nasty things like selling illegal drugs?”
“It’s against the law if that’s what you are saying.”
“Isn’t it a fact that you hated the Severides.”
“They were scum.”
“And you have been spreading all kinds of lies to take the spotlight off the fact that you were involved in a plot to have them killed as a form of revenge?”
“You have no proof.”
“Would you like to know what is in this envelope?”
“What do I care?”
“It is a copy of your bank statement showing the deposit of sixty thousand dollars in your savings account.”
“That is private. You have no right to invade my privacy.”
“Maybe so, but the fact that I did will be overshadowed by authorities issuing a subpoena for all your finances. Seems like you have been running an interesting little business in the drug trade. Sheriff do your duty.”
“Not so fast, Sheriff. You know full well that if I go down, you are going with me. So far this private dick has nothing. You need to make sure it stays that way.”
“All I ever did with you Henry is to buy a couple of ounces of Cocaine. That doesn’t stop me from doing my duty. I’ll take the hit on that. Right now you are under arrest for the murder of the Severides.”
“How about you Mr. Big lawyer McDonnell. You going to stand there and let them do this?”
“Shut up Henry. As your lawyer, I’m advising you to be quiet.”
“Yeah and take the fall for you? You wanted all that insurance money and talked the Severides into making you executor of their estate. You figured by getting the Severides out-of-the-way you would have a clear shot at the money. Well, the laugh is on you. Old man Severide hid all the cash and the big policy. No one knows where it is now.”
“Henry. You are upset, and your lies are not helping you. Please be quiet.”
“Then you got chummy with Trish thinking that she might know something. You better watch your neck, Trish. This man is evil.”
“Henry you willing to swear all this is true?”
“You bet, Sheriff. Can we talk deal? ”
“Jason McDonnell you are also under arrest for conspiracy to commit murder.”
“Sheriff you are making a big mistake. My only involvement here is trying to clear Lucas.”
“Makes me wonder, Jason, why you did such a good job given Frank’s expertise.”
“Because I’m an innocent man, Sheriff. Tell ’em, Frank.”
“Sheriff I have other evidence to the effect that Jason was not only responsible for the Severide murders but is the kingpin of one of the largest illegal drug operations in the US. He didn’t kill the Severides for money like Henry suggested. He did it for the pure pleasure of eliminating competition.”
“Bold words Frank. You’ll be truly sorry for your part in this miscarriage of justice.”
“See you in hell, Jason. I would cuff these two Sheriff and call the State police. I have a lot of information for them.”
“Thanks, Frank. Alright, you two. Let’s go.”
“I’m shocked.”
“I know Mrs. Murphy. It is shocking.”
“What happens to me?”
“Well Trish, I think you better find a new boyfriend.”
“Seth bought that cocaine for me. He is innocent.”
“I’m sure he will be cleared, Alice. Don’t worry. He’s a good man.”
“Did I miss anything?”
“No Lucas, you’re innocent. I can also tell you where your father buried all that money and the policy.”
“Can you donate it to charity? Seems like it’s dirty.”
“It’s going to be tough eliminating Jason as executor, but I think it can be done given his involvement in their deaths.”
“Thank you so much, Mr. Plano.”
“Just doing my job, Lucas. Just doing my job.”
That concluded this novella. Tune in next week for a new story.
