As I dropped the package beside the gate, a man sidled up to me.
‘Magnificent isn’t it, the house. Lord Harrington once lived here’.
Really’ I said.
‘Yes, he had a butler. Parsons was his name’.
‘Was it?’ I said as I walked away. He followed me.
‘And a cook. Mrs Jones. She prepared the Master’s food and Parsons took it to his room’.
‘Fascinating’ I replied as I jumped into my truck.
‘He died of food poisoning. Deliberate the police said. Mrs Jones was blamed and went to prison’
‘And Parsons?’ I asked.
‘Disappeared’ he muttered as he wandered off.
Thanks to Rochelle for hosting and Jean L Hays for the photo.
Click the servants to join in the fun!
The butler did it? 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
It wouldn’t surprise me! Cheers Sascha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d be sleeping with one eye open.
I enjoyed the way this story was told via dialogue.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m pleased, thanks Tannille!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a strong feeling that she was wrongly accused
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you might be right Shweta!
LikeLike
He missed the chance to corner Parsons
LikeLiked by 1 person
He certainly did! Cheers, Neil.
LikeLike
At that point, i’d be glad i was just dropping off a package and beat a hasty retreat!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wouldn’t have got involved that’s for sure!
LikeLike
Parsons just wants to tell his story to someone. A very accurate depiction of all delivery drivers Keith, they never have time to stop and chat!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are always in a hurry, but I don’t blame them! Cheers Iain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reminds me of Downton Abby.
LikeLiked by 1 person
…the sinister version! Thanks Sadje.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cleverly written and very intriguing, Keith.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s kind of you Susan, thank you.
LikeLike
I wonder if this was Parson, or just someone looking for conversation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even I wonder and I wrote it! Cheers Gabriella.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Keith,
Parsons, I presume? I had the feeling the man was confessing. Then there are those people who want to tell you their life stories upon introduction, aren’t there? Nicely done either way.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Probably, then again it could be someone who found making up a story amusing! Thanks Rochelle.
LikeLike
good one Keith
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Di!
LikeLiked by 1 person
you’re welcome
LikeLike
I liked how disinterested the delivery guy was! Good dialogue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for dropping by Polly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t think Parsons has disappeared.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe, maybe not! Cheers Danny.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s almost like he wants to get caught! Though no-one’s actively looking for him – poor Mrs Jones.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’d probably deny the conversation anyway!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yipes! Methinks either the man was the poisoner or the one who disappeared because he knows who the poisoner is. Ah the intrigue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even I’m wondering and it’s my story! Thanks Jade.
LikeLiked by 1 person
lol You are most welcome, Keith.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Keith – a murder mystery … but well done on the story line … stay safe – Hilary
LikeLiked by 1 person
…and you Hilary, thanks so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The indifferent listener is Parsons?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another possibility! Cheers Reena
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Parsons still delivering death? Nice one, Keith!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wonder! Thanks so much.
LikeLike
Mrs Jones. In the kitchen. With poison.
Case closed!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You think? I haven’t a cluetho!
LikeLike
Hm … I wonder where Parsons is … 😉 Nicely done, my friend! (Am feeling very happy to not have a servant … ;)) )
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s probably peeping at us from around the corner! Thanks for your lovely comment Na’ama.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, well, I don’t need Parsons’s help so … 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
OOooo Yes, most definitely outstanding…love this interplay with the clueless know-it-all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so kind of you, thanks so much.
LikeLike
This is a perfect flash fiction story. Very clever, Keith.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, I’m really pleased you found it so.
LikeLike
lesson learned is to be always nice to folks working with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed! Cheers plaridel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was great, Keith. Ballsy bugger, telling his story to a non-interested party… Years later, IF he gets caught, the delivery guy, IF he remembers him, will think… damn…
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s precisely what was in my mind when I wrote it! Cheers Dale.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the story being told through dialogue. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find dialogue more engaging. Thanks Alicia.
LikeLike
I bet that guy was Parsons. To think he’s still in the vicinity of the murder site.
LikeLiked by 1 person
…lurking in and out of the shadows! A pretty safe bet I’d say.
LikeLike
Oh, Keith, you are the master. Well done (again). Fun story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bill, you say the nicest thinks! Thank you so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never trusted my butler, had to let him go
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh dear, I hope you are coping alright without him!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve had to learn to wipe my own bottom
LikeLiked by 1 person
How aweful!
LikeLike
I think he’s trying to tell the delivery driver something. I wouldn’t stop to listen though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nor me Sandra! Best not to get involved.
LikeLike
Cool! Sounds like you could continue this story, actually. You have me clamoring for more.
Five out of five package tape rolls.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, what more could I ask for?
LikeLike
Maybe the butler really did it? His disappearance raises eyebrows
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe, maybe not! Cheers Larry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think Mr. Parson returns to the scene of the crime. Intriguing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you may be right! Thanks Brenda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Using dialogue to tell the story is a wonderful tool :). The old guy seems more than a bit suspicious to me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Either that or he’s playing a game! Thanks Linda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmmm…whodunit? Good one Keith!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wonder! Thanks so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person