Pretty miss trouble
Telltale crimson trail part 7 ~ republished from 2024
“You forget where the vacuum is kept?”
It was the first thing she said, glancing down pointedly at the little heap of cigarette litter. I stooped to pick up the pieces.
“So… how was the coffee?” Standing back up, I tried to frame a smart comeback, but settled for just looking bemused. I’m no actor.
“Long wait, was it?” This was torture. “Or maybe you went for groceries?”
It was like being quizzed by a wife suspicious of another woman. I tried to play the faithful husband, hurt by the insinuation. Did I say I was no actor?
“What is this, Stevie?”
“What is what, John?” Her voice was neutral. Clinical. “I’m just curious what was so important, it took you away from your crime scene, earlier.”
I didn’t like the emphasis she placed on “your.” Maybe I’d just imagined it.
“Stevie, I stopped for a coffee is all. Why the fuss?”
“No reason, John. Just wondering… By the way, Captain wants to see you.”
This made me jump. I bit off the “What about?” I nearly said. I must have looked guilty as hell. I could feel her eyes bore deep into my being, as she fixed me with a cold glare.
“You better go. You know what he’s like.” She made no move to leave. This time it was me that left her inside the house.
“I’ll help myself to coffee,” she said as I stepped out through the doorway. “You need to get a better door lock.”
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Read episode eight: Comeuppance
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About the Creator
Raymond G Taylor
Author based in Margate on the English Kent coast, having moved from London. Known for his short stories and flash fiction, as well as poetry and non-fiction writing on subjects such as art, science, technology and the human condition
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