fact or fiction
Is it fact or merely fiction? Fact or Fiction explores the myths and beliefs we hold about copycat killers, eyewitnesses testimony, what makes a murderer and more.
- Top Story - January 2024
The Case of the Missing Top Stories
This story is purely fictional. Any resemblance to real-life events is strictly coincidental. Maybe. ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** *
Mother CombsPublished 4 months ago in Criminal "The Scarecrow of the Dark Farm"
It was a tranquil farm on the outskirts of the small town of Willowbrook. The golden fields of corn swayed gently in the breeze, and rural life unfolded peacefully until autumn arrived. That was when the scarecrow, an inert figure of straw and tattered clothes, came to life on dark nights.
Hendrik SancheZPublished 4 months ago in CriminalThe Case of the Misplaced Jewel
The Whitaker family was in a massive panic. It seemed they were missing their patriarch’s most prized possession. Old man Whitaker had his entire family out looking for his Jewel. They had looked high and low, but no one had found his precious gem. The old man was sure someone had taken his dear love, so he called in Old Mother Combs to solve the crime.
Mother CombsPublished 4 months ago in CriminalThe Finishing Line!
Characters Beautifully bubbly Gloria Estefan; Brutally Brilliant,Ted Berne; Neurotically gregarious,Gerard; One fine morning two persons set forth in their usual quest of making a living. For a while, they had both reveled upon the idea of a good life.In some ways, they were quite alike; fully focused and devout in their work. Every day, for the most part, they were glued to their undying routines. And, to say the least ,their habitual inurements were becoming a sort of second nature to 'em ; making 'em stick to their beliefs. Day to day, their lives were ‘getting more and more centered around getting one job done, and then, moving to the next. And with each new task seemingly groaning as an ole hackneyed trite , it somehow, fetched them that utmost fervid pride. Perhaps, the two of them were so natural and so close to what propitiated them to have fully “arrived.” By nature ,the young man, Ted Berne, could be seen as a simple modest guy, and the lady named Gloria Estefan, was recklessly bold and obstinate in her instincts.For a long time, at length, they were lost in their own practices, so much so, that they were almost surfeiting sentiments to a reclusive demure. He was a doctor by profession and she a stage performer. And there they were, as it seemed, a match made in heaven , yet born to be lured to the elegant guiles of the unforeseen. And much so, an unimaginable thing happened one early sunny morn . The sun was rising bright thro' the crimson hues set afar at the oceanic bay . The horizon looked thrilled at the sight of every kindled ray. At that moment, Ted and Gloria came forth into the streets of NYC, and for what it appeared, they were both on an early morning jog -trot-retreat. It was a sort of wayfarers way of taking in some fresh air in order to get that much needed rest and relief. Being an early Sunday morn ,there was hardly any rush in the streets. No traffic.Every sound of the workday week had gotten arrested in a bliss. No hustle-bustle of the passersby, no rattling of the vehicular screech ! "It is a land of opportunity,” pondered Gloria as she gathered her steps to sprint up to a steady speed. Up ahead, at a furlong distance, Ted was winding down to a slower pace after his long rigorous jogging fleet. Ted was literally “beating retreat,” to his morning excursion as Gloria swiftly passed him by. Strolling along the street,he was now taking extra time to notice his surroundings a lil bit more intently. As he took his stride towards the bridge, he noticed Gloria gathering quite a pace ahead of him. He watched her slowly fade away but, somehow, his gaze stuck with her. But in all this, a fact was jarringly evident. Ted was getting weirdly restless after seeing Gloria. A feeling that he c’d neither resist nor overlook. "Wow, “ he said. “ Who was the person who just passed me by. She surely exudes a verve quite different from the others. Her stamina and strength surpasses the ordinary,” Ted reflected. Then, in the next instance , he withdrew his thoughts and tried swallowing those affixed notions. For years, due to the nature of his activities, he was predisposed towards noticing the weaknesses and strengths in his patients. And now, he was,once more, turning towards reading and redeeming magnanimous virtues of some stranger in the street. “Why am I meddling with this constant obsession trying to act aright for the mankind ? When will I learn to overlook and stop overloading myself with the role of the “ultimate benefactor,” driving away the infirmities and frailties of others. I am no god. Shouldn’t I steer away from these dastardly duties and open up to doing something else.” Thinking so, Ted continued on his riviera of exploring and spreading the arch of his wonderment.. A fiesta --along those city lines , or so it seemed, and though, it was strange and inappropriate to his usual demeanor, he continued to bulwark thro' it obstinately. In ways this was allowing him to seek —that much needed respite—not to mention—relief! Night before , Gloria , had grabbed a role of a dainty French lady ,all casted in that finesse jewelry, but awkwardly sounding like a comical misery. Her script was a thousand pages long, and she didn't seem to be fitting in with the role. Moreover, she lingered far too long deciphering the dialogues alongside the things she had to say. The script didn’t draw out her best. Instead, she was barfing out ,every word, with that distinct verbiage, readily undulating in a clumsy manner. Anyhow, she regurgitated it all out—in one go, and finally, ‘left the rehearsals—literally—at bay. But that was the upper story. Unknowingly there was a decreed epiphany that Gloria was about to face. Soon she was to be subjected to an unfathomable change. It was like a “boom,” striking at her from nowhere. The most euphemistic way of putting that would be —“ a sleuth of fate,” launched and unicamerally hooked her to it. Unfortunately she was not aware of it coming. What she was about to experience ,shortly, was nothing less of another staged landing ; except that , it was of a different sort, with plot lines opening up to multitudinous fields. A mystery she was —yet to live, to believe! For now, sublimely she felt her thoughts were reading—half and half, through the scripted soliloquy of the previous day ; reciting and making virtues of everything that was necessary while she peacefully jogged along the sideways. Then , abruptly, an intuition slow coached her instincts. But unconvinced, she skittishly kinked her imagination, as though, engulfing some hot and cold play, all at once. Gloria felt stiffly held up while fielding such fierce opposition of mind over matter. Reluctantly, her crotchety mind hinged upon stubborn lolligags ; bestowing a unique method in madness. Inadvertently she found herself,unconsciously correcting the dialogues that were impinging upon her . Yes she was groping unduly! During her last rehearsal , her stint on stage, was an overcompensatory act , emerging irreproachably as a stunt, gnawing at her soul. She wanted to do better at her work. This morning, however, her audacious spirit was rising and she was recalling her arguments with Gerard ( scriptwriter) from the previous day. And then, a smirk appeared on Gloria’s face. A memory flashed across. She recalled the way she had corrected the playwright. “ This script needs urgent edits,” she had implored. Gloria’s urgency had rolled out as a command than request, and she felt vehemently pressed to say—“Hey, Gerald , these words sound offensive to ears polite. Could you please express this sentiment in another way.” “Somebody stole my car while I was wandering around completing this script last night,” Gerard spoke indignantly.” Right after that, he h’d jumped further to explain himself out. Gloria recalled how Gerard bustled forward and remarked in that horrendous tone—“ A cop came and took me to jail. Some enquiries were being made. I ain’t had a chance to get the damn thing off my mind, least to mention, taking a look at this script. You always come through as a pinch, Gloria.” To that , mumbling to herself Gloria had stepped away momentarily. She had stopped herself from correcting the errors in the script even though the entire narrative strangely swung between peddlers flash tongue and the queens speech. The recitation had felt very inappropriate to her but she had to put up with it. Strangled by words in that way, everything was failing to reach her senses. But leaning forward , she found herself disappearing into that florid rhetoric, which almost extended as an euphuist's essay . Reckoning ahead and disappointed by the charging rants and ramblings of Gloria, Gerard too had blurted out repress less—“do that please, or else I will pull my hair. That’s my ink 🖋️ which dissolved in water and concealed that which you were so ardently wanting to express. Now please 🙏 stand clear of that snooty act and behave.” And such so, Gloria found herself screaming into that problematic prose, with Gerard running mad at every call of her smarts. Apparently so, looking at them arguing, the rest of the people on the sets were giving them merry chuckles. Every other day , during rehearsals, the entire enactment turned into this pious recounting of amateur writings, incidentally inciting comic humor. In that sense, Gloria wasn't happy about her dialogue delivery but, the show had to go on as Christmas was drawing near. Perhaps, curtains had to be soon drawn up for public entertainment. But surprisingly, this Sunday morn ,Gloria wasn’t feeling any of that frivolous fickleness riding over her head. It was her day off. The becalming breeze was soothing her senses and the air was brushing her face to place some sort of a special honor. She was glowing ! The lovely lady was rejoicing in her spirits and she continued to stride through. Then along the coast , stretching out into the bay , she sailed away, catching every bit of freshness there. Meanwhile, Ted was prowling steadily towards her. His eyes were following along in a feverish excitement. He tried to locate her thro ' the visibility of the morning mist. . She ,on the other hand, was barging ahead with her ever-lengthening strides and quickly approached a slope down the lane. In a literal sense, now, the space between them was extending and they were almost at a disappearing point of sight . Ted’s attention got diverted by a procession of sea gulls passing by. These birds crackled amidst the soundscape ,as if, they were constantly chatting away. Ted looked at the blue depths of the waters and wandered along the shore. Sooner than later, he got mesmerized by the beauty of the autumn trees lining the bay. The gushing winds stirred the leaves and a potpourri of scents captured him spontaneously. Gently he put himself at ease and momentarily drifted away. A blissful peace surrounded him. The magical view of the rising sun and the spectacular sea felt ,as perfect as, it could ever be. And in that one moment, he allowed himself to sink in, and a joyous feel exuded through this alluring scene. And then, things changed. Evidently destiny was fabricating it’s own way through his thoughts. Somehow, automatically, his mind drew upon Gloria's subtle beauty, flashing across his mind--- ever so passionately. "I shall remember those looks ,even though, I wonder why our eyes met ," he mused silently to himself. And then , left alone in the wee hours of tranquil, Ted stepped up his pace in the direction where he had last seen Gloria. By then, she had caught up quite a distance. Invariably, Ted wanted to catch a glimpse of her again. Once more, he felt the urge to engross himself in silly nothings . Those natural organic seduction games were striking at him from nowhere. He had pledged never to go that route especially after his previous break up. Yet, in that moment, fate was taking its impish turn. It was playing its deceiving games of irony, and he was getting carried away. Gloria,on the other end, was pursuing her way and continued to jog. Within no time she had turned the corner at the far end and started reverting back. In a short while, she was at a visible from Ted. He looked up and noticed her looking at him. This, of course , led him to pace up further. "O! She's closer than I c’d have ever wished for. Not too far gone. " he exclaimed. Gloria , meanwhile , was making the most of her way inwards , and was, advancing along the narrow footpath by the sea wall ; unseen and concealed but, consciously determined to finish her jog and return to her apartment soon. She was a furlong away from her destination . "Let me take a cut across the road! ,” said the young lady. But thereupon awaited a tragedy. Next moment, her breath fluttered as she seized it in a sigh. Ever determined to set forth on her last lap by the river side, she leaped. But, fleeting along, she heard the laments of her soul sinking into poetic verses . Unknowingly she started reciting this ominous poesy. O! Live long, night and fondly day coming along most in usurping pace One hour after drawn in haste, O there comes another as fleets of waves Then unceasingly gone , begone, not to stay! Yet until the last syllable of ever—that “ever-never,” fades Yeah, far afar into that distant bay… Oft upon saunters sleepless in face And, in all this and more, where stillness doth stray; Solemnly bidden to that committed pace And Upon Oath as head shall answer ; unto faith as it pledges it's way Hurray ! Hurray ! Hurray! For now, I shall leap redoubling my pace, while thee may — Gather those mysterious forays, And from this day to that day ; just in time, Noticing -every other-ancient ray! Yeah, holding that torchlight steadily upright To unravel forever, in this heavenly space And, in such lengthening strides my resolve shall ever ride, doubling itself, in it’s ever determined ways. The next moment, suddenly a car sped out of the mist, and recklessly ran its arbitrary course with no stoppage. Seemingly, it’s breaks had failed! Thrown out of gear, the vehicle shuffled its way over the curb and moved higgledy- piggledy towards Gloria. Impervious to her surroundings , she didn't notice the car in her pathways. Before she could realize anything, she got pitilessly pulled into the chaos. A bit far in the distance, Ted , heard the noise of the loud screechy collision. Within moments, an eerie calm vaulted itself in reverie, and everything turned topsy- turvy. Gloria lay there in an accident with her body twisted under the rubble ..Blood oozed out of her body. In a reflex, she tried to move but found herself tragically tangled in the grips of enormous misery. Then, her senses got shrouded into stillness ,and one by one, a lull faintness started engulfing her. Soon, every noise seemed muffled , as though, every imagery was dancing back in ebb. Something let stupor agape into her face and slipped into further arrest. Subsequently ,her heartbeat lulled and she abruptly forged into silence. For a moment, a strange creepiness spread in the air. But somebody rushed up to the accident spot ,and immediately called for a cab ...With the headlights piercing through the glow of the dawn, the cab driver took Gloria to the nearby hospital. All of a sudden, things had changed in a wink of an eye . That’s how nature plays it's unexpected, hideous games. The sight of the accident was gory and it was threateningly sucking the joy out of life. Ted hastened towards the sight to catch a glimpse. The Imminent danger of what could have happened to Gloria gave him a shudder. A vacant stare and a look of terror coursed through his eyes. Shocked by what he had witnessed, Ted drew over his breath and mumbled to him — “Free! Her body and soul must be free! Beyond that bitter moment , he curbed himself from imagining anything else. Massive flames 🔥 had erupted within seconds, and Gloria was gone. Or so it seemed. The morning local news spoke about the incident briefly. The incident got crushed-hushed, amidst a world of other matters broadcasted. For the next couple of days, Gloria’s entity remained unseen and none of her colleagues at the theatre had any clue about her whereabouts.
Madhu GotetiPublished 4 months ago in CriminalAn Encryption of Time
It was a rainy afternoon in the small town of Baden-Baden Wurttemberg where the streets were so drenched with the downpour only a few ventured outside that day. It had rained for almost a week where town folks thought of it as a curse. Yet inside a particular Cafe two distant travelers bumped into each other, making the murky circumstance a blessing instead. One young man was a migrant farm worker from China, the other gentleman was a private investigator who traveled from the French countryside. The two were caught up in the unusual situation where one was a scapegoat, the other the hero. The farmhand had accepted the job where he made more salary then in his native country. The detective wasn’t originally from France, as his home world he kept a secret. Both had long hair for gentlemen of today & lovers of the distant past. The only item available on the menu besides a mug of beer was wurst sausages served with Sauerkraut & mustard. The Chinaman sat at a table with his tangled dripping hair ingesting the sausage while an old record played Bavarian music next to a Christmas tree. The Detective sat at the bar conversing with the bartender. Eating alone had become a daily routine for the farmhand since he was laid off making finding something to eat a difficult endeavor. Slurping his beer in silence as the windows slicked with raindrops, he began to choke on his sausage. The Detective immediately ran over to render his help by administering the heimlich maneuver. Clenching his gloved hands below the ribcage he allowed a gust of air to escape where the sausage flew out from the thrust. Helping the frail man stand up, the two stared into each other’s eyes. You saved my life! It’s the least I could of done, I’m just glad it worked. A dog that had been sleeping by the fire found the meat and devoured it. The two strangers laughed at the sight. How did you learn the Heimlich maneuver? Are you a Doctor? No, I’m not, I’m not sure how I knew what to do, it just seemed natural. The Inspector stood with his old fashioned suit, top hat & cane looking like a man who stepped out of the past. The Chinaman was so intrigued he invited him to sit at his table. The two sat opposite each other while the bartender brought over the beer left at the bar. Taking off his leather gloves, the detective thanked him for his humility. Studying the tall figure before him, the farmhand asked, how do you fit into this distant town? You dress as the ancestors did.. My name is Augustus Dupin, I am a detective from across the border, a Frenchman with an old fashioned taste. I am just a humbled farmhand in search of enough money to travel back to my homeland. Ever since the downpours their hasn’t been any work with the fields drenched in water. Farming? Why don’t you come back to Paree’ with me, there are plenty of farms that would hire a worker like you. The Chinaman looked up at the many facets of tiny clock dials upon his top hat that all seemed to be ticking simultaneously’ And if you don’t mind me asking, where did you acquire such a mechanical piece of headwear? Dupin leaned back, laughing at his inquisitiveness. Let’s just say I have a knack for inventions that I designed from pure imagination.. Smiling together they clicked their mugs at their new friendship that renewed the broken spirit of the man who came from the Far East. Outside the rain had finally stopped with a streak of sunlight breaking through. Looks like the sun is on our side. Leaving some old coins on the table for the beer they steeped outside. A old fashioned car stood along the curb that resembled that of a model A. The paint job was fresh making it look like it too had driven out of the past. Is that your car? Dupin smiled saying, the deluxe coupe was the only horsepower he owned. His gloved hand opened the passenger door allowing The Chinaman to step inside. Starting the ignition, Dupin inquired..You haven’t told me your name.. The slender man who wore only tattered clothing & a small coin purse said, I am called DerSu Uzala named after the wind in Mongolia. The car drifted down the open road while DerSu told of how he was born a Mongrel among the wheat fields where life was harsh for his family especially in the winter. His father left home for work in the distant city, yet never returned. His mother caught pneumonia & died leaving him to fend on his own as a boy until he was adopted by a Chinese woman who lived alone as a wealthy widow. She took me in out of compassion, yet I could not adapt to the strict life of the city. The car kept driving as his story unwinded like the dark road they drove in the now darkened sky. Their was silence for a few minutes between the miles of highway that stretched underneath a full moon. Where did you go then, if you did not fancy the city? I tried to return to Mongolia, yet the Government would not allow me refuge having a civil war of renegade soldiers patrolling the woods that blocked me from returning to the house I was born into. I became a survivalist where the soldiers found my help while surviving among the high winds. How did you help them? I can gather sticks & straw in a matter of minutes to build a yurt when a storm breaks out. This is how I preferred to live, as a survivalist & teacher, rather than being confined to the restrictions of the city. And yet, you traveled to Alemania? The Chinese widow named Madam Ping had a cousin who was a baroness to a Deutsch Baron who owns the farm. Ping had gotten me the job. Why don’t you ask her for a ticket back home? I’d rather find my own way, it’s a matter of humility. And, What brought a detective to the quaint small town of Baden-Baden during the worst rainy season? I’m afraid I wasn’t aware it would rain so hard, my deer hunting in the Black Forest was swamped. You! A man of weapons? Dupin chuckled looking at his found friend, My crossbow is in the trunk. That’s a better way to hunt! I’ve heard many stories about the forest where even wild boar are said to roam near Hohenzollern Castle. I prefer Venison to pork, as I was looking forward to bringing one back for the festive season. I’m sorry you are returning empty handed. The cars idle slowed down as they had already crossed the border as Dupin exited the autobahn turning into a side road. The road turned into a lane that led to a narrow house surrounded by a odd looking trees that held what appeared to be gears. Vines grew over the brickwork giving it a old feeling. I guess I’ll have to have have something else for the holidays, maybe mutton stew. Dupin said as he parked the car walking to the mysterious house. DerSu followed as the moon seemed to glow a golden hue over the home. Pulling out a huge key the inspector opened the door where strange lanterns hung made of copper & brass. Ive never seen lanterns of this nature, why do they require water? Each lantern is steam powered inside an electrical vacuum. Dupin said switching them on as they began to bubble. DerSu looked around the living room, noticing a glass dome shaped object also covered with copper. Walking over to it, he had to see closer. Inside the glass there was nothing but a touch screen panel applied to the inside wall. What is this device used for? It’s an invention of mine used for time travel. DerSu couldn’t believe it, asking for a demonstration. Walking over to it, he hit a hidden side button. The dome lifted up where Dupin stepped inside. If you want to see how it works, you must also step inside. DerSu felt reluctant in fear it was dark magic. Would I disappear? Well yes, but it’s perfectly safe yet limited to areas where there are receptacle domes to teleport to. DerSu decided to trust the contraption, stepping in while the glass moved back down covering them. Where would you like to go? To the city library or the floating prison? Where is your favorite place? Being a detective, I enjoy strolling through the labyrinth of the city cemetery where my most unfortunate cases reside in elaborate crypts. Show me! The inspector used the miniature touch screen, programming the course. Almost instantly they vanished in a flash of terabyte light appearing far across the city inside the cemetery gates. The domes door lifted up where the atmosphere glowed of millions of lit candles making it look absolutely stunning. Huh? I have shifted from one area to another! DerSu felt a surge of excitement as the transition completely opened his skeptic thinking. What a head rush! Dupin stood proudly with his mechanical top hat & cane overlooking the candelabra of wax, smiling at his inquisitiveness. I’m guessing that they haven’t these domes in Almania? Not yet, that’s why I drove my auto. How did you get permission to install such a device? I didn’t, but no one has vandalized them or asks questions as visitors think it’s an art object. The two strolled down the cobblestones while statues of angels stood guarding the tombs with flower offerings making them the graves seem more like an eternal resting area & not entirely buried. They came to a clearing where a white painted porch swing stood among the tall grass. Sitting down upon the swing, DerSu took a small pipe from his pocket. Lighting the fire he puffed out smoke, exhaling at the experience. I should return home now friend, I have a new case I must work on. Of course, I can’t wait to time travel again.. What other inventions do you have, may I ask? They stepped back inside, teleporting back through time & space. I shall tell you of one other invention, but first we must eat, bathe & sleep since it is almost four am. A large pendulum clock chimed with bells that chimed as he spoke. The two had grown so hungry from traveling they ate a dinner in complete silence. Afterwords Dupin led the way to a outdoor hot tub where the misty water soothed away the sweat. Dupin took the mud drenched clothes of DerSu placing them into a washer & steam dryer. He then found suitable new clothes for him that matched his style. I havnt a guest room as I rarely receive visitors. It’s alright, I would be happy to sleep here in the garden. Dupin gave him a blanket while the inspector went upstairs to his bed chambers. The following morning DerSu was anxious to know of his other invitations. Alright if I can trust you to tell no one. I have no one to tell! Dupin walked over to a cabinet made of French Decor. Opening it he took out a Golden disc resembling that of a record. The grooves seemed to glisten as the rings of Saturn. Holding it before the cleanly shaven & dressed Chinaman who sat upon a Rococo velvet sofa, Augustus explained. This is a record of all recorded time of everything that happened on Earth from the beginning of time until the New Year of 2024. Where did you acquire such a artifact? Can it see my life? My wife, who talks to angels only knows it’s true origin. Augustus held the record with cotton gloves, carefully not to imprint a smudge. It sees all life from their birth to death as recorded from the heavens. The record reminded Uzala of a golden Buddha sitting high up in the sky. Has it a name? It does’ it’s called an Akashic record. Described as a compendium of all Universal events, thoughts, words, emotions & intent. He went on with the description.. A record of all occurrences in the past, present or future in terms of all entities & life forms, not only human. How is it so? Augustus walked over to a sophisticated record player opening another glass covering to place the artifact. It is believed that the record was encrypted vibrationally from the inherent fabric of space from the laser light of God creating a holographic picture of what exists below. Nirvana! I’d like to see it! Placing the record within the receptacle where a silver needle began to play out recorded history on a above screen that held a overhead projector. Augustus dialed in a time date as the screen displayed what he indicated was the lost city of Atlantis. Ocean waves washed over a undersea sunken city while people swam like mer people that few would believe. I never studied history, but I’d like to see Confucius, 551 c - 479 bc. There on the screen appeared the body of a elderly man holding a sermon along the yellow river. The sky looked more golden with clouds in the shapes of dragons. Flowering trees stood within the tall grasses blowing lotus petals making DerSu shed tears’ It is so beautiful, they say China once was called, the sleeping dragon. How do you use this device? I just recently received it, as my wife teleported it from our home world. I plan to use it to solve unsolved cases where the criminals were not found. Yes, you can find the victims & arrest them with proof if a court would believe. But tell me, where just is your significant wife? You spoke of a home world. She & I are time travelers from a galaxy light years away known as a bird galaxy’ oh my, fireworks in stars! I know how cloud dust forms such things, yet to travel from them at light speed I not know the secret?? It’s alright, I can explain more although there’s an urgent case I must use to find a missing boy. Stepping over to a desk that displayed a computer, the inspector stood viewing an amber alert. Uzala followed to view the screen. There on the screen was a face of a boy about ten years old with a report of his disappearance. Writing down the time & location of the occurrence as a code, Dupin keyed it in the Akashic device. There upon the screen one could see the victim. Oh ! I see he’s an oriental child, with strong facial features resembling Buddha! DerSu exclaimed. Rewinding the time, the inspector caught the moment the intruder entered the home. There was only one problem, the dark figure had no physical characteristics to identify, as his features had been scrambled. Dupin tried turning the sound up for voice tracking, yet the only audio heard was the muffled scream of the child. Remotely rewinding, then playing in slow motion, Dupin hoped to detect a unscrambled face. The perpetrator had been smart, as though he had known about the holographic artifact. You said it can see also the future, try playing his whereabouts until the current time! Dupin let the record play until he could see the victim sitting in a locked room, where he couldn’t tell. What do you do now without an address? I’m not sure, I must consult my wife who has psychic abilities. After sending a teleported message by tube, a message came back saying that she had to be in there in physical form to feel the psychic energy. Crumbling up the note she had hand written, Dupin said she would be there as soon as she could. It takes time for real detective work, I wish there weren’t bad people in this world. DerSu lit up his pipe of cherrywood fruit, puffing when a light glowed from the teleport. It was brighter since the distance from ESO 593-8 was 650 light years from Earth. Each side of the teleport contained a bubble meter that churned steam pipes that DerSu hadn’t noticed before. Slowly the form of a body inside the dome condensed into a solid body out of the void. The dome lifted, revealing a woman dressed in a Victorian dress with brown hair stacked like a layered cake & holding a traveling bag. She is beautiful! Having the same style as her soulmate, if I do say. Mrs Dupin greeted her husband where he kissed her checks in the manner of a Frenchman. They sat down on the couch divine to discuss the urgent matter. Leading her to the computer, he showed her the face of the missing boy. There were no questioning of the parents since they had seen nothing. She then requested to see the Akashic record that documented they case. Closing her eyes she envisioned what she described as a twirling fan spinning outside a farmhouse. Oh I know what she means, one of those windmills as they have where the tulips grow! DerSu could feel her thoughts it seemed. Could she be in the Netherlands? It would take time to locate all windmills throughout the country. I should need an item belonging to the victim, a coat or something he wore to see more. I shall visit the abduction scene at once! It took some time to obtain a belonging of the boy, his folks felt sensitive to the situation. Returning home with a woolen coat, Dupin handed it to the clairvoyant Madam. Running her palms over the material she concentrated deeply. She began to cry out in the voice of the child. Help me mom, help me.. I’m in the room of a orange farm house in the wooden shoe district of Amsterdam. Her feelings were emotionally straining to hear as she wept for the child. After giving the computer the clues & location, an address was found fitting the description. It’s very far, I’ll inform the international authorities to send a car. Waiting the day out seemed like an eternity until the telephone buzzed with an answer. The inspector clutched the antique French phone waiting for the news. Setting the receiver down, he announced..They have apprehended the boy, a suspect was taken in for questioning.. DerSu hugged the Madam stating that she must be an Angel! And that’s how detective work is done in the world of Inter dimensional travel using an old fashioned method of using steam inventions.
City of Shadows
In the heart of the city, where skyscrapers touched the clouds and the hum of urban life never ceased, Detective Alex Mercer found himself entangled in a web of mystery that would push the limits of his investigative prowess.
Mahad Salam AnsariPublished 4 months ago in CriminalScrambled Eggs and Bacon
Disclaimer: There are references to murder, cannibalism and other unsavoury themes. Reader discretion is advised. Before I begin my tale, I feel it is important you read Mommy Loves You by Dharrsheena.
Donna Fox (HKB)Published 4 months ago in Criminal“The last night of the year at the North Pole”
"On the night of December 31, at the North Pole, Santa Claus was delivering the last of Christmas presents. Suddenly, a heart-rending scream was heard in the distance. Santa Claus rushed to investigate and found his wife, Mrs. Claus , dead on the ground. The North Pole police quickly arrived at the crime scene and began investigating. However, they could not find any clues that could lead them to the murderer.
Hendrik SancheZPublished 4 months ago in CriminalChocolate?
Disclaimer and Spoiler Alert: It’s not chocolate. If your stomach can’t handle a sh*tty story, this is not the one for you.
Donna Fox (HKB)Published 4 months ago in CriminalShadows Reclaimed: A City's Redemption
In the heart of the sprawling metropolis, where skyscrapers touched the heavens and alleyways whispered secrets, a lone figure emerged from the shadows. His name was Alex Mercer, an enigmatic force of justice who had once battled against the machinations of a clandestine organization known as The Umbra.
MR.MahmouedPublished 4 months ago in CriminalThe Millennium Bug Hoax - A Real Whodunit
The Prompt Write a crime fiction story. The music is "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" by R.E.M.
Mike Singleton - MikeydredPublished 4 months ago in CriminalThe Enigmatic Heist at Nightingale Manor
The streets of Eldridge City lay shrouded in a thick fog that crept in from the bay, casting an eerie glow on the towering structures that defined the skyline. In a corner of this sprawling metropolis stood Nightingale Manor, an opulent estate cloaked in mystery. Its owner, the enigmatic billionaire Richard Nightingale, was a recluse rumored to possess a collection of priceless artifacts from across the globe.
Clifford EdwardsPublished 4 months ago in Criminal