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? 😄
It wouldn’t surprise me! Cheers Sascha.
🙂
I’d be sleeping with one eye open.
I enjoyed the way this story was told via dialogue.
I’m pleased, thanks Tannille!
I have a strong feeling that she was wrongly accused
I think you might be right Shweta!
He missed the chance to corner Parsons
He certainly did! Cheers, Neil.
At that point, i’d be glad i was just dropping off a package and beat a hasty retreat!
I wouldn’t have got involved that’s for sure!
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!
They are always in a hurry, but I don’t blame them! Cheers Iain.
Reminds me of Downton Abby.
…the sinister version! Thanks Sadje.
You’re welcome 😉
Cleverly written and very intriguing, Keith.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
That’s kind of you Susan, thank you.
I wonder if this was Parson, or just someone looking for conversation.
Even I wonder and I wrote it! Cheers Gabriella.
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
Probably, then again it could be someone who found making up a story amusing! Thanks Rochelle.
good one Keith
Thanks so much, Di!
you’re welcome
I liked how disinterested the delivery guy was! Good dialogue.
Thanks so much for dropping by Polly.
Don’t think Parsons has disappeared.
Maybe, maybe not! Cheers Danny.
It’s almost like he wants to get caught! Though no-one’s actively looking for him – poor Mrs Jones.
He’d probably deny the conversation anyway!
Yipes! Methinks either the man was the poisoner or the one who disappeared because he knows who the poisoner is. Ah the intrigue!
Even I’m wondering and it’s my story! Thanks Jade.
lol You are most welcome, Keith.
Hi Keith – a murder mystery … but well done on the story line … stay safe – Hilary
…and you Hilary, thanks so much.
The indifferent listener is Parsons?
Another possibility! Cheers Reena
🙂
Parsons still delivering death? Nice one, Keith!
I wonder! Thanks so much.
Mrs Jones. In the kitchen. With poison.
Case closed!
You think? I haven’t a cluetho!
Hm … I wonder where Parsons is … 😉 Nicely done, my friend! (Am feeling very happy to not have a servant … ;)) )
He’s probably peeping at us from around the corner! Thanks for your lovely comment Na’ama.
Yeah, well, I don’t need Parsons’s help so … 😉
OOooo Yes, most definitely outstanding…love this interplay with the clueless know-it-all.
That’s so kind of you, thanks so much.
This is a perfect flash fiction story. Very clever, Keith.
Thank you so much, I’m really pleased you found it so.
lesson learned is to be always nice to folks working with you.
Indeed! Cheers plaridel.
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…
That’s precisely what was in my mind when I wrote it! Cheers Dale.
😊
I like the story being told through dialogue. Well done.
I find dialogue more engaging. Thanks Alicia.
I bet that guy was Parsons. To think he’s still in the vicinity of the murder site.
…lurking in and out of the shadows! A pretty safe bet I’d say.
Oh, Keith, you are the master. Well done (again). Fun story.
Bill, you say the nicest thinks! Thank you so much.
I never trusted my butler, had to let him go
Oh dear, I hope you are coping alright without him!
I’ve had to learn to wipe my own bottom
How aweful!
I think he’s trying to tell the delivery driver something. I wouldn’t stop to listen though.
Nor me Sandra! Best not to get involved.
Cool! Sounds like you could continue this story, actually. You have me clamoring for more.
Five out of five package tape rolls.
Haha, what more could I ask for?
Maybe the butler really did it? His disappearance raises eyebrows
Maybe, maybe not! Cheers Larry.
I think Mr. Parson returns to the scene of the crime. Intriguing!
I think you may be right! Thanks Brenda.
Using dialogue to tell the story is a wonderful tool :). The old guy seems more than a bit suspicious to me!
Either that or he’s playing a game! Thanks Linda.
Hmmmm…whodunit? Good one Keith!
I wonder! Thanks so much.