Tag: Wednesday Story Day

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

Hump Day

It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week we left the lawyer McDonnell and the private detective where the detective made the claim he could clear Lucas from the murder of his parents. Needless to say, McDonnell was taken back as most of us were as well. Unfortunately, we need to leave McDonnell and the detective alone for a minute because I’m seeing Alice almost running up Harriet’s front porch steps. It looks like she wants to talk to Harriet about something important. Let’s get over there. Oh, Dan. We’ll get back to the lawyer and detective after this little side trip.

“Harriet are you out of your mind?”
“Come in Alice. What has you fired up today?”
“You hired that lawyer for Lucas?”
“Yes, of course, I did. I told you and Seth about that a while ago. What’s the problem?”
“He hired some private eye who has been snooping around in Kenosha.”
“Here sit down. Would you like some tea?”
“No, I don’t want any tea. I want to hear again why you hired that lawyer.’
“I think he will clear Lucas’ name is why.”
“Why are you so all-fired interested in what happens to Lucas. He is a dumb assed kid.”
“Yeah and one you wanted to strip bare and have your way with him.”
“Oh please. Let’s not get carried away. I was just playing with him. I love to see little boys get excited over little old me.”
“You are a sick unit, Alice. That kid could no more handle you than he could a bucking bull.”
“Speak for yourself, Harriet. Now let’s get back to you funding Lucas’ defense.”
“I feel sorry for him is all.”
“You know, that detective is going to turn up some dirt on you and I don’t you?”
“Oh, so what. A couple of lesbian hags. Who will care.”
“I’m not talking about our sex life. I’m talking about that night in Kenosha.”
“What night?”
“The night you and I went to the Severides.”
“Nobody knows about that, Alice except you and I.”
“And if you tell anyone, Harriet?”
“I won’t say a word. I can’t be sure about you though.”
“Sure you can. I love you. We don’t know if we were seen that’s all I’m saying. It appears everyone in Kenosha has some information on what went on that night. I would fire that lawyer.”
“What kind of message would that send. It would raise all kinds of suspicions.”
“At least he would be off the case.”
“Have some tea, Alice. Let me think for a minute.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

Hump Day

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we got an earful from the private eye who explained that for some reason Sheriff Gibson tampered with some evidence to keep Alice from being arrested for cocaine possession. The question was,”Why would he help his ex-wife get out of trouble. The PI said he had the answer so let’s get back to the conversation and find out the reason.

“How’s the coffee?”
“Swell boss. I believe you asked why Gibson would help his wife with a drug charge, right?”
“Yes, it just doesn’t make any sense.”
“It does if the ex-wife had something on the sheriff and threatened to blab unless he helped her.”
“Is that what happened?”
“As I was digging into the Weston woman’s past I came across a reference to Trish Severide.”
“What do you mean a reference?”
“As I mentioned Trish did some in a rehab facility.”
“Yes.”
“It just so happened that the Weston woman worked in that facility as an administrator.”
“Odd coincidence wouldn’t you say?”
“Yeah, I think it is a little more than odd. I snooped around the facility but didn’t turn up a reason. I do know that when Trish was discharged Weston quit her job.”
“You think she was there to keep an eye on Trish?”
“Sounds that way to me. At this point, I also think maybe the sheriff was the one who told her to get a job there.”
“Why do you think that?”
“He was the one she used as a reference.”
“Now how do you find out information like that?”
“Let’s say if anything is written, scanned, and stored online I can look at it.”
“So you are making a connection between Alice Weston and the sheriff that caused the sheriff to squash a drug charge.”
“That is what I’m saying.”
“You have not proofed.”
“Wait until I talk to a few of the employees of the facility. I’m sure someone there has some information that will verify my theory.”
“I’m not sure it is going to be worth spending more money.”
“I think I can find out where Trish went and who killed the Saverides.”
“You just saying that to get the work?”
“No, I’m saying it because I think I can deliver.”
“Tell me you think my client did it.”
“I can clear your client. I’m almost sure of it.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we saw Sheriff Gibson try to Bogart Lucas into confessing a crime. Good thing Lucas had a lawyer tell him to keep his mouth shut. No telling what beans he would have spilled. I see the Private detective is in lawyer McDonnell’s office. I think we may get some information that might help clear up this mess. I know if there are facts in this case Dan Antion will be more than pleased. Let’s get over there and pick up the conversation.

“So you went up to Kenosha?”

“Yeah, I sure did. Man, that is some out-of-the-way place.”

“Find anything interesting up there?”

“I did find a great steakhouse, but I’m sure that’s not what you want to hear about.”

“Quite correct. Start from the beginning. When did you go there?”

“After you and I talked, I did the usual background scan on the Severides, Gibson, and the Wilson woman. Nothing much came up. The Severides were an ordinary couple. He retired from the Kenosha police force. His daughter Trish went to college and got busted for controlled substance possession. Did some time in a treatment center as her sentence. She came out and went to work. She held a job at the hotel on the front desk. Seems like she went straight cause there was nothing else in the file.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, I’m sure. The Weston woman was married to Gibson. They split on the irreconcilable differences excuse.”

“What does that mean?”

“Well, as you know, most of the time it is usually a matter of infidelity or too much fighting. I really couldn’t tell by the court documents. They split everything fifty-fifty, so there was no accusation of fault.”

“Did you find anything out in Kenosha?”

“Oh, you bet. Wait one second though. There’s more on the Weston woman. She also had a stint in rehab. Officially it was to kick pain pills, but I suspect it was more serious than that.”

“How serious?”

“Big-time cocaine serious. It looks like she had an affair with a Harriet Murphy and then somehow went off the deep end. It was food for gossip for weeks.  She was found unconscious in the public park. No charges were filed, but the officer’s report was clear on the fact that charges should have been filed.”

“This sounds like the sheriff got in the middle.”

“No doubt about it. The record indicated that there was not enough evidence to charge her even though the arresting officer indicated there was over an ounce of cocaine on her person.”
“If the report said that, how did Gibson squash an arrest?”
“Yeah, I should have been clearer. The report said nothing. I talked to the arresting officer, and with a little help from my friend Jack Black, he spilled the beans. He called me the next day to beg for my discretion. I told him his secret is safe with me.”

“That is obstruction of justice.”

“Yeah, to you. To me, it is an ex-hubby trying to keep his wife out of trouble. Now the big question is why would he go to that trouble to bail out his ex-wife who maybe cheated on him?”

“You have an answer?”

“You have any coffee? This could be a long story.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

Hump Day Meme

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week it looked like Jason McDonnell was definitely taking measures to get more information on the circumstances around the murder of Lucas’ parents and the whereabouts of Trish, his sister. Oh oh, I see Sheriff Gibson approaching Lucas’ bed. We better hot-foot it over there to see what he wants.

“Hey, kid . How you doin’?”
“S-sheriff Gibson. What are you doing here?”
“Aw, I just stopped in to see how you were. Any law against that?”
“I thought my lawyer made it clear you and I should not talk if he isn’t here.”
“Oh, I know, kid. Don’t get your panties in a bunch. I’m not going to ask you anything. I sincerely want to know how you feel.”
“I’m fine, sheriff.”
“That’s good, son. Any idea when you are going home?”
“That’s a question, sheriff.”
“I suppose it is. Okay, let me say I hope you’ll be going home soon.”
“Thanks, sheriff. Any reason for wanting me home?”
“So, the question thing is not a one-way street. You just asked me one.”
“Sorry. I am confused as to why you have any concern about me.”
“Since you don’t pose that as a question I suppose I can give you some information. I would like you to go home so I can serve you with a warrant for your arrest.”
“Arrest. What for?”
“Uh. A question.”
“You want to arrest me when I go home. Let me guess. You think I killed my parents.”
“That’s a statement which I will confirm.”
“No more talk, sheriff.”
“Now son. I’m not sure you know how the system works. Let me explain something to you. If you go ahead and tell me you killed your parents, I will try everything under my power to get you the lightest sentence possible. On top of that, we will let the fact that your sister is nowhere to be found to remain an unsolved case. How would you like that?”
“Since you asked a question let me respond with another question. What is your problem?”
“I can see you don’t get the subtle nature of my offer. Let me just say I think I have enough evidence to put you away for a long time. If we can’t make a deal, then you will be looking at thirty years or maybe even the death penalty. I would think it over if I were you.”
“Thanks, sheriff. I don’t know why you are doing this, but I am certainly going to follow my lawyer’s advice and say no more.”
“Your choice kid. Don’t ever say I didn’t make an attempt to help you. Once they strap you on that gurney and start the slow drip to hell, I hope you remember this conversation.”
“I would appreciate it if you would leave, sheriff.”
“With pleasure kid. With pleasure. See you in the lockup.”

 

 

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

Hump Day

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we left Lucas and Jason McDonnell (his Lawyer) just as Lucas asked the question, “I’m in trouble huh?” His lawyer wisely begged for a moment before he answered the question. Let’s go back and see what the lawyer has to say.
“Okay, Lucas. I have another question for you.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Do you know for a fact that your sister is dead?”
“For a fact?”
“Yes. Think hard now. Your answer is pretty important.”
“When I left her she was breathing. I just assumed she wasn’t going to make it.”
“Why is that?”
“I’m not sure. She was so pale, and she was bleeding.”
“From a head wound?”
“Yes, as I said she hit her head.”
“Think Lucas. Did you kill her.”
“No. She was alive when I left her. You’ve helped me realize I did not kill her.”
“But, Lucas and this is a big but. You left the scene and could be charged.”
“Charged with what?”
“For one thing aggravated assault. For another, failure to render aid. The next could be leaving the scene to avoid arrest. All these could put you in jail.”
“I was just trying to defend myself. She came at me.”
“And who knows that, Lucas? You left the scene.”
“What should we do now?”
“I think we had better determine if anyone knows what happened to your sister.”
“The sheriff is working on that I hear.”
“Yes, but we don’t want to rely on him to come up with the information. I have a better way. Let me ask, can you afford to hire a private detective.”
“How much will one cost?”
“I think we can get the information we need for five thousand.”
“I can afford that. I have some money from my parents passing.”
“Tell me about your parents.”
“They were killed. Someone killed them in their sleep.”
“Any idea who killed them?”
“No. Why do you ask?”
“No reason. It is a complication to your case is all.”
“Complication?”
“Well, sister, parents. Someone could say there’s a pattern.”
“I think Seth Gibson is going down that path.”
“I’m not surprised.”

 

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

Hump Day

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week we left Lucas and Jason McDonnell, Lucas’ lawyer in deep discussion about Lucas’ sister. We should go back since I see the lawyer has additional questions.

“So, Lucas you called her a loser?”
“Yes. I should have kept my mouth shut.”
“Let’s not worry about that now. When she came at you what did you do?”
“I shoved her and she fell.”
“I thought you said you hit her.”
“Well shove or hit. What’s the difference?”
“A lot. Tell what happened after you shoved her.”
“As I said she fell.”
“What did you do next?”
“I checked her and she was knocked out.”
“How do you know?”
“Well, it was like she was sleeping.”
“You could see her breathing?”
“Yes for sure.”
“Then what?”
“I ran for help.”
“Ran for help? Where did you run?”
“I had to go down the street. I pounded on a few doors but no one was home.”
“Then what happened?”
“A guy called 911.”
“So the EMTs came to the house?”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know? What do you mean you don’t know?”
“I ran.”
“Oh, that is information I don’t need.”
“What do you mean?”
“Why did you run?”
“I was scared. I didn’t know what to do.”
“Yeah. Why is it when we get scared we decide to run?”
“I’m in trouble huh?”
“Let me think before I answer that question.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

Hump Day

 

Wednesday Story Day again and last week we had a revolution that Lucas says he killed his sister. He admitted this to his lawyer, and some of you wondered if he Lucas was confused and though the lawyer a priest. It seems the lawyer is committed to client privilege where the priest might be tempted to obey secular law. So let’s go back and see the reaction of the lawyer.

“Whoa, Lucas. Don’t say any more. Let me ask you a couple of questions.”
“Yeah, okay. You are going to keep my confidence right?”
“Yes, there is no issue there. I just need to get some facts before I advise you on what we are going to do. So let’s start at the beginning. What caused you to hit your sister?”
“She was all coked up and came at me with a knife.”
“A knife? Why was she coming at you with a knife?”
“She was very upset. She came into my house and was yelling something about me killing our parents.”
“Go slower Lucas. Your parents are dead?”
“Yeah, some low life came into our house and killed them. That’s when my sister showed up and was banging on my door.”
“You let her in?”
“She’s my sister uh she was my sister. Of course, I would let her in.”
“Then what happened.”
“As I said, she came at me with a knife and that’s when I hit her.”
“Before she came at you did she say anything?”
“Mmm yes, she asked me if I knew anyone who would kill our parents?”
“What did you say?”
“I told her the only people who I knew who would kill our parents were the scumbag drug dealer friends she hung around with.”
“Then she came at you?”
“No. She looked at me like maybe I was right.”
“What caused her to come at you?”
“I asked her how much money she thought she was going to get from the will?”
“That did it?”
“What did it is when I told her our parents were fed up with her and she was not sharing in the proceeds of the will. I told her the only way she would get anything is if I were dead.”
“So she came at you with the knife?”
“I might have said something else, but yes that was when she came at me.”
“What else?”
“I called her a loser.”
“I see.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

Hump Day

It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we left as Seth Gibson huffed out the door after Jason McDonnell the lawyer, hired by Harriet Murphy, laid down the rules of engagement with his client Lucas. So, let’s get back to Antion Illinois and see what the lawyer and Lucas are discussing.

“Lucas now that we are alone I need to give you some advice that should be followed to the letter.”
“Y-yes sir.”
“You need not sir me, Lucas since in effect I work for you. Speaking of that I need you to declare that you want me as your lawyer.”
“But why do I need a lawyer?”
“Did you see that big hulk that just left. He is trying to build a murder case on you, and it isn’t even in his jurisdiction. I don’t know what you did to make him launch his vendetta, but he sure has one going.”
“I haven’t done anything to get the sheriff on my back.”
“All The more reason for having someone look after your interests. Now, do you want me to represent you or not?”
“I guess so.”
“Not good enough. You need to tell me I’m hired to be your attorney.”
“Okay, you are hired to be my attorney.”
“Good. Give me a dollar.”
“A dollar?”
“Yup. I need a retainer.”
“Uh. Look in the drawer there and see if my wallet is in there.”
“Okay, here it is.”
“Pull out what you need and then put it back please.”
“Alright. I have my retainer. Now going forward anything you and I discuss is privileged information and not to be shared with anyone. Also, no one has the right to ask you about our conversations, and certainly no one has the right to question you without me being present. Understand?”
“I-I think so. Does it mean whatever I say to you no one else will ever know.”
“Not unless you tell them.”
“Oh, thank God. I need to tell you something.”
“Is it about the sheriff?”
“No, it’s about my sister.”
“Your sister. What about your sister.?”
“I killed her.”
“What do you mean you killed her?”
“What does killed mean? I hit her, and she died.”

 

 

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

Hump Day

 

Wednesday story day again. Last week we were there when Mrs. Murphy came off hook regarding Seth’s pressing an investigation on Lucas. Most of us believe Seth and Harriet have some kind of agenda in this whole matter. I see that Seth is entering Lucas’ room right now, so we better get over there.

“Hey, Lucas. How you doing?”
“F-fine sheriff.”
“You can call me Seth if you want.”
“W-what can I do for you, sir?”
“Okay, Lucas I understand. I just stopped in to see how you were doing.”
“Well, I’m getting better. Some how I think there is another reason.”
“Well, I placed a call to the lawyer your friend Harriet employed, and he said I’m not supposed to ask you any questions until he has a chance to visit with you. So I’m not here to ask anything, just to see how you’re doing.”
“If that’s the case then you should know that I’m doing fine and expect to get out of here soon.”
“That is good news. Where do you plan to go when released?”
“Isn’t that a question?”
“My goodness boy. I can attest to the fact that your brain is working well.”
“Okay, gentlemen. Let’s not have any conversation until I give this man a briefing. Has the sheriff asked you anything Lucas?”
“Just where I’ll be staying after I get out of the hospital. Are you Miss Harriet’s lawyer?”
“That’s correct. Jason McDonnell at your service. Now sheriff would you please excuse us.”
“Sure will uh, Jason. Bear in mind I would like to get a statement from your client here.”
“For what purpose Sheriff Gibson?”
“An ongoing investigation on the murder of his parents and disappearance of his sister.”
“Have you filed any charges?”
“Well, no. I’m just in the investigation phase.”
“We will help in any way we can, Sheriff, but until charges are filed, I see no reason for you to meet with my client. If you want to talk, please call my office, and I will set up a time that is convenient.”
“How about we talk now?”
“Not a chance. I need to discuss this with my client. Please excuse us.”
“You lawyers sure make things complex.”
“And keep innocent people from being railroaded by the likes of you. Good day sheriff.”

 

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

Hump Day

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we stood by as Harriet offered to get Lucas, a lawyer. We all thought that was a little odd and asked ourselves the question, “What is on her agenda.” Well, it is hoped that we find out over time. Let’s get back to the hospital since I see Harriet has left Lucas’ room and is heading toward the cafeteria.

“Well, well, well. look who’s here.”
“Hi, Harriet.”
“Hi, Alice. Hello, Seth or should I call you the High Sheriff.”
“Now what’s that supposed to mean.”
“Your ex-husband is harassing my employee.”
“Now Miss Harriet.”
“Don’t Miss Harriet me, Seth Gibson. You know you are way outside your jurisdiction when you are messing around in affairs that are supposed to be handled in Kenosha.”
“I’m a peace officer. As such I can investigate any situation where I believe the law has been broken. Also, as a private citizen, I have a responsibility to uncover any situation where I think the law has been broken.”
“Hog wash, Seth. For some reason, you are putting your big nose into things that don’t concern you. I’m beginning to think you have something against Lucas and you are trying to railroad him into jail.”
“Not true, Harriet.”
“Oh, my. A little close to the bone Sheriff Gibson? You dropped your Miss Harriet mannerism.”
“You know what? I don’t have to sit here and take crap from you. I’m going in there and have a little discussion with Lucas right now.”
“Good luck with that. You are going to have to go through Lucas’ attorney. You want to speak to Lucas you call this number on his card.”
“What’s this now? Jason McDonnell, Attorney at Law.”
“Yup. He’s the one. Give him a call.”
“Why are you doing this, Miss Harriet?”
“Yes, Harriet. Why?”
“Let me tell you two. One. I think ole Seth there has a crush on you Alice and wants Lucas out-of-the-way. Two. I’m not about to see an innocent boy get swept up in the justice system on the whim of a fat, out of his element, overblown, and judgmental sheriff. So, Seth you better make that call or I will be calling the county prosecutor regarding your disregard for legal rights.”
“Boy, Miss Harriet. That sure came from a dark place. Fine, I’ll call then speak to the boy. Good bye ladies.”