Welcome Dear Readers! You’ll have to excuse the way I look (if you could see me). I’ve been cleaning out the blog. Vacuuming up all the blogwebs and sorting through my old posts.
Anyway here’s a little murder story that fell out. It’s not funny, but I kind of like it anyway.
Imagining Cottonwood
I awoke last night with memories of Cottonwood dampening my pillow. And though I lay there awake, I refused to go further down those corridors of thought — one room leading to another and another. The past is best left unruffled by middle night winds of regret and sorrow.
I looked over at Miles who lay peacefully next to me sleeping his untroubled sleep. As my eyes adjusted to the dark, I thought I might like to take his pillow, hold it over his face and suffocate him –so he could always stay just as he was forever and ever.
But what was I thinking! Killing Miles? And like that? I almost laughed out loud! I would never kill Miles like that. Never! That would be much too good for him.
I allowed my mind to drift to the cottage in Cottonwood; just the cottage. The weeping willow in the front yard, the line of pink roses along the split-rail fence and the sound footsteps made on the crooked path of pebbles that led to the front door. But then, Victoria started to creep into my mind and I pushed her out and slammed the door.
After that, I allowed myself to imagine the lake at Cottonwood, as I remembered it best, shining in the morning sunlight. How it looked before I knew about Victoria. But I wouldn’t let my mind wander down the path to the water’s edge. I only stayed to look at it from the safety at the top of the crest.
I fell asleep after that and when I awoke, Miles was gone. I knew where. Victoria’s flight was coming in early, and then they were leaving for Cottonwood. Miles didn’t know I knew. He thinks he got the best of me but he hasn’t. He doesn’t know yet about all the money I took and he doesn’t know about the gun I bought. And I love to imagine the look on his face when he sees it.
***
Until next time . . . I love you
Linda Vernon Humor 
Did I misunderstand the guidelines…isn’t it between 33 and 333 words? Diane
Whoops! You’re right it is between 33 and 333 words. Guess I better change that. Thanks for catching it, Diane! 😀
Ooh! I love this! I think it needs a part II so that we can all enjoy Miles getting his comeuppance.
Your right Lisa! Maybe I’ll do part two next week. 😀 So glad you liked it!
Wow, this sounds like the beginning of a real suspenseful drama. I love how you neatly tied the loose pieces in the last section!
Oh thank you lumdog! I think Miles is probably going to get what he deserves. HA! 😀
If only she could suprise both Miles AND Victoria. Perhaps part 2 should include the confrontation! Great story mom!
Something bad does need to happen to Victoria . . . it might be kind of fun to take some time to think about that one!
Talk about unexpected!!! Loved this. I also really liked the way she pushed her THOUGHTS of the people out, as if they were physical things like the people themselves. Very nicely done. I will be surprised if you are not in the top 3 this week. 🙂
best,
MOV
Oh Mov! Thank you for your kind words! I’m so glad you liked it! I just wish I could control my thoughts as good as this heroine does! HA! 😀
I just saw Diane’s comment about the word length……….. now I am upset if you cut it and I missed something great. *sigh*
Well, luckily I did manage to keep it right at exactly 333 words. But in my explanation I explained the challenge wrong in my introduction. The challenge is between 33 and 333 words and Diane’s was between 33 and 333 words and she thought maybe she did it wrong! But the good news is neither one of us did! Phew! LOl! 😀
What magic you weave in 333 words!
Addie!! Thank you so much! You made my day! 😀
Pillow over the face, huh? That would be too much of an easy out for a cheater. I liked your story.
Thanks Jeanna. We definitely want to make the villain suffer a little more than that! HA HA! 😀
Are you such a calm person your self? If you are it managed to get into your character…. In the end the placid manner seemed chilly… 😀
I don’t know if people consider me placid. I do know that people say I’m quiet. But I’m so glad you got placid out of this story because that’s the feel I was going for! 😀
You’re getting into a different genre, and are very good at it. Shivery tingles, that’s what you’re giving your readers. And that’s nothing to laugh at.
Thanks Ronnie. It’s a fun change of pace. The hardest part is toning it down when it comes to the names! I so wanted to name her Victoria Spluh! 😀
Uh-oh. If he’s smart (which is doesn’t seem so much so) he’d run off with Victoria and not go back home. I hope you do a second part to this one!
Haha! You got that right Jannat, he’s not very bright and now that I think about it, I don’t think I’ve ever written a story where the guy outsmarts the girl! It just wouldn’t be as much fun! And I may have to do a second one just so I can spend more time thinking about that cottage! 😀
I like this – she thinks like I do. Ya gotta make them suffer more for screwing with you! While I missed the first bits, I love this piece and want to know what she ends up doing.
Definitely looking forward to seeing a second part. I hope you continue this. Good job!
I really liked the tone of this piece and the way you let us in on just a little bit more in each stanza.
This was a departure from the type of piece you usually share on Trifecta. You have a real versatility as a writer and your work shines in any genre.
Thanks for linking up with us again. We hope to see you back tomorrow for the new prompt.
Oh thank you so much! I’m so glad you liked it. The challenges always have a way of getting my creative juices flowing! I really look forward to the prompts! 😀
Miles really shouldn’t be sleeping so soundly!
Ha ha! I totally agree Anabella! 😀
Cottonwood… it’s a rotten ‘hood… : P
I finished the post, and was covered with a cold sweat. Then I swear I heard two distant gunshots. That’s when I fainted… : (
OK, my favorite part was her not giving Miles the pillow treatment, ’cause then he woulda gotten off too, uh, soft… : )
Great atmosphere, tight little thriller, and good to read that nice compliment you got from Trifecta: Your work shines in any genre.
Indeed it does, maestro.
I’m just sitting here thinking how lucky I am to have such a supportive friend as you Mark. I’m thinking about how much I enjoy your outlook on life and how you are always so supportive, kind and funny. I consider myself a very lucky person indeed to know you Mark! 😀