Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here to tell you to follow me on TikTok! Check out my videos here @MalteseFalcon210 in which I dress up as a DETECTIVE and lead you right to DETECTIVE WRITER!
Stay tuned for next week’s post, DETECTIVES! Until next time, keep on sleuthing!
Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here to tell you all just a quick update about my upcoming psychological thriller novel The Doctor has now officially been accepted by copy editing and officially submitted for proofreading and layout!
Within a few days, the novel will be ready to discuss the final touches for the official book cover and much more so you can pick up early copies on Amazon!
Stay tuned for next week’s post, DETECTIVES!
Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here to tell you all about a first-time Halloween-themed murder mystery riddle! Let me know your feelings for it and answer the riddle in the comments!
I’m nor person nor a thing
People can get lost in me
Especially curious souls
On Halloween.
People travel from far and wide
To see inside me.
Bones, shadows, tools, and more bones
Further the more you see my essence.
Souls have died inside and out,
Some tried to escape me,
But the Eiffel Towel is my ally
In luring you in.
What am I?
Give your best hints or possible solutions in the comments below, DETECTIVES! Stay tuned for next week’s post. Until then, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES!
Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here to chat with you about my all-time favorite murder mystery, suspense, and thriller international tv-shows that I grew up watching on my Ecuadorian grandma’s television, whether it was on Televisa, Telemundo, or any other Latinx channel! Check out the best ones in my opinion, that I absolutely adored and just couldn’t get enough of!
A brilliant work of art by Televisa’s own Salvador Mejía Alejandre, that takes you alongside the journey of a woman named Maria who was imprisoned for a murder she didn’t commit. When she is finally released after twenty years, she returns to Mexico to get revenge on her husband and friends who abandoned her and to get her beloved children.
2. Alguien Te Mira = Someone’s Watching You
I didn’t really watch this show growing up but long story short, a whole bunch of murders and no one knows until the very end of course!
I hope you’ve enjoyed these two shows, DETECTIVES! Stay tuned for next week’s post and until then, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES!
Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here to tell you all about 3 new and utterly divine YouTube channels that are just incredible and are perfect for the true crime and murder mystery fanatic! Check out the links below and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do, DETECTIVES!
A true-crime documentary series that distinguishes between real-life homicide cases, unsolved murders or disappearances, and much more! A guilty pleasure of mine.
Love how this woman just does her makeup and gets glammed up while discussing real-life unsolved or famous crimes!
Real-life crimes of all types are narrated short and sweet. Another guilty pleasure.
I truly hope you explore and enjoy these channels, DETECTIVES! Stay tuned for next week’s post. Until then, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES!
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-doctor-by-sally-barrilla/x/27177610#/
Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here to tell you that my official Indiegogo book campaign is now over and we have raised almost $4,000! Thank you, thank you, thank you all so many DETECTIVES!
The Doctor, psychological thriller book soon to come your way this winter!
Until then, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES! Stay tuned for next week’s blog post!
Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here to tell you all about another work of art I shared with y’all a while back but wanted to bring back with a bit more sparkle for your reading pleasure. But this time, it’s not a short story but a play that’s not exactly murder mystery-themed but I promise you it’s filled with tons of drama, inner and outer conflicts, the discovery of finding oneself, and a few food references here and there. Here we are, DETECTIVES!
Serving Up Sides of Hell
By DETECTIVE WRITER
Act 1 Scene i
The front door opens, the keys are placed in the small glass
bowl, and the lights are turned on. TANYA immediately pulls out
a water bottle from her bag, sits down on the couch, propping
her legs up, and closes her eyes.
TANYA
(with a deep sigh)
Oh, my goodness. When can I stop working at that damn office?
I’m exhausted. When I finally make enough money, I will go to
culinary school and become a chef.
(takes a long sip of her water bottle and places it down on
the nightstand)
I mean it will take a few years, but I know my dreams will come
true. They must. That’s what the American Dream is all about,
just like PAPA always says. Oh well, I might as well read
today’s news.
(pulls out the newspaper from her bag, skims through it
before gasping in shock)
Huh? What’s this? A cooking internship in New Orleans and one
chef will be chosen with the best dish! Ay Dios Mio! It’s like
my prayers have been answered. I have faith I will win this
competition. The judges will like me. I know they will. I just
have to give it my all.
Act I Scene ii
The door opens. MEGAN is walking through the front door of her
grey mansion. She sets her Prada purse down on the counter and
sinks down to her blue recliner. As she pulls out the newspaper
from under the seat that she left behind in the morning, she
begins to look through the paper. She then catches a glimpse of
a topic that catches her eye.
MEGAN
Huh? What’s this? A chef’s internship in New Orleans? Sounds
like my kind of game.
(leans back in her recliner)
All I need to do is find the stupid application and I will be on
my way to New Orleans in no time.
(stands up from the recliner to grab a cup of orange juice)
I think I’ve got this whole internship in the bag.
(Landline rings and MEGAN goes to retrieve it)
MEGAN
Hello? Oh, hi DADDY. No, everything is fine. How’s mom? Nothing
much. Just looking at an application for an internship for
chefs. Yeah, it’s in New Orleans. No worries DADDY. I will win.
I know it. Aww, love you too good night.
(takes a sip of her juice)
I know that I’ve got this internship in the bag. I know it.
(silence)
Act I Scene iii
MEGAN is walking away from the Cordon Bleu school in Pasadena,
California when suddenly she is knocked down to the ground.
TANYA
Oh, my goodness! I’m so sorry Miss! I swear I didn’t see you.
(raising a hand to help MEGAN up)
MEGAN
(lifting an eyebrow and giving a hand to TANYA)
Uhh, sure it’s fine.
(wipes dirt off of her dress as she stands up)
TANYA
Please. Let me make it up to you. I noticed you were also inside
the Cordon Bleu for the internship in New Orleans. I know we
just ate, but could I buy some coffee and doughnuts?
MEGAN
I don’t eat doughnuts. They are too fattening. I also don’t
trust strangers.
TANYA
Well, then just coffee and a scone then. Please, Miss, allow me
to make it up for accidentally pushing you down.
MEGAN
Not “Miss.” My name is MEGAN and really, it’s fine.
TANYA
Please. I insist. My name is TANYA by the way.
MEGAN
(with a deep sigh)
Sure. Why not? Oh, and I should also mention I only drink my
coffee with almond milk.
TANYA
(giving a soft smile)
Almond milk it is. Shall we go to the nearest bakery MEG?
MEGAN
(surprised at the nickname)
Huh. My father calls me that.
(with a small smirk)
Well then, lead the way TANYA.
(The two women then head into a nearby cafe and end up
talking for several hours about their aspirations to become
famous chefs).
Act I Scene iv
Lights up in MEGAN’s apartment. MEGAN is sitting on the couch in
the living room as she skims through a magazine.
Her father KEVIN enters from the kitchen drinking a glass of
wine before sitting down on the couch next to MEGAN.
KEVIN
(sets wine glass down on the coffee table and snatches
MEGAN’s magazine out of her hands)
You aren’t demonstrating your true potential as a chef. You are
choosing to slack off on boys, sleeping, and crap like this!
(raises the magazine to MEGAN’s face and throws it to the
ground)
MEGAN
(with a look of surprise and fear)
I’m sorry DADDY! I don’t know what more you want from me. I’m a
chef and applying for an internship in New Orleans. I’m trying
here DADDY. I am!
(stands up from the couch and slams her foot down on the
ground)
KEVIN
(with a bewildered look)
Ha! You’ve been trying? You think you’ve been trying anything.
You’re just a failure.
(stands up and paces around the living room)
I mean honestly. Sometimes I wonder why me and your mother even
paid for culinary school if you were just going to end becoming
just some ordinary cook!
(looks at Megan up and down while rolling his eyes)
MEGAN
(with tears in her eyes and a broken voice)
I’m not an ordinary cook, DADDY!
(sniffles)
I- I – I am Megan, the famous chef from Cordon Bleu. I am
someone and you know that better than anyone because KEVIN
(guffaws)
You are nobody MEGAN! An absolute loser who’s been a good-for-nothing ever since she was born. I knew it and your mother knew
it! You could never make us proud.
MEGAN
Don’t say that DADDY. You should know I’ve worked really hard to
be a chef. I mean yes, I did it at first to get CHAD to like me
but over time I’ve proven myself, worth DADDY!
KEVIN
The only way you could ever prove your self-worth is if you
crush that other girl’s chances of ever getting into that
internship. What’s her name? Robin? Tasha?
MEGAN
Do you mean Tanya?
KEVIN
Yeah… Tanya. You need to destroy her chances of ever getting
into that internship young lady! If you want a chance to redeem
yourself in my eyes, you need to crush her!
MEGAN
(with widen eyes)
But how can I do that DADDY? I barely know her. I mean what am I
supposed to do just so she doesn’t get it?
KEVIN
(rapidly swinging his arms)
Uhh… I don’t know. Poison her food or something. I don’t know!
But you need to think of something if you ever want to call
yourself my daughter!
MEGAN
(with tears running down her eyes)
Please don’t disown me, DADDY! I promise I’ll do whatever you
say! Just don’t leave me alone.
KEVIN
(with squinted eyes)
Oh, don’t worry my darling girl. I won’t leave you alone unless
you do just what I say and come up with the creativity on
your part.
(laughs)
You’ve disappointed me enough times MEGAN. I’d hate to see that
happen another time sweetheart. Make me proud MEGAN.
(pinches MEGAN’s wet cheek).
MEGAN
(silence)
I promise you DADDY that I will make you proud of me. I will get
that internship one way or another.
Act I Scene v
Hurried footsteps rush into the Cordon Bleu kitchen. Panting
with shallow breaths, MEGAN runs inside as she quickly pulls out
a small Tabasco hot sauce bottle.
MEGAN
(places a hand on her chest as she tries to calm her fast
beating heartbeats)
Come on. You can do this because you promised DADDY. You already
did it once. No one caught you.
(repeats mantra)
You can do this. Just a little hot sauce. You can do this. Just
a little hot sauce You can do this.
(walks around the kitchen, searching for TANYA’S chicken
dish under her name)
Okay. Now just do it and get it over with. Goddamn.
(takes a deep breath as she opens the hot sauce bottle and
slowly pours tiny drops inside TANYA’S chicken dish)
There. That’s it and now no one will know. That way stupid TANYA
won’t stand in my way, she’s only trying to stand in my way just
like DADDY said.
(quietly walks out of the kitchen in silence when she
Suddenly jumps)
TANYA
(with wide eyes)
MEGAN! That’s my dish. What the hell are you doing to it?!
MEGAN
Uhh- see I– uhh. There’s a good explanation.
TANYA
(folds her arms)
I’m waiting.
MEGAN
(takes a deep breath)
Okay, well TANYA… I guess it’s time that you know the truth.
Act I Scene vi
Sickened and hurt by twenty-seven-year-old Megan’s cruel
sabotage of her dish during a “friendly” dual cook-off,
twenty-three-year-old Tanya confronts the betrayal. She attacks
Megan’s behavior from the moment they met, belittles her
distinct background to hers while confessing a secret.
TANYA
(with a raised voice and anger in her tone)
How dare you! How absolutely dare you! I thought you were my friend and I believed you when you kept saying we support one
another not bring each other down. You have only ever viewed me
as an enemy and didn’t even want to take the chance to get to
know me before you decided to judge me because I’m some poor immigrant from Columbia. What, you think that because you were
born in some rich ass family with servants and a sports car that
Mommy and daddy still pay for to this day that you are better than
me?
MEGAN
(with wide eyes)
It’s simple as that TANYA. I was always the better chef and you
needed to know that one way or another. I am better than you
TANYA and you should accept that.
TANYA
Ha! You have never had to struggle to fight for what you want.
Unlike you, I’ve never been able to just say I want something
and just had it given to me. Unlike you, I know how to look past
someone’s background and actually getting to know the person
beneath.
(Begins to walk around in a circle while moving her arms
around before resting them on her forehead)
MEGAN
I am not some bratty little girl you think I am. I know how to
be kind to others. You just weren’t my cup of tea that’s all.
TANYA
(jaw-dropping)
I just wasn’t your cup of tea? Are you freaking kidding me?
(yells)
I mean, god damn it, Megan! You just deliberately put hot sauce
in my chicken casserole recipe and nearly caused me to lose a
competition YOU so nicely asked to help me out with! You said
“it’s just a nice cook-off between friends. No pressure and just
think of it as a barbecue.” You lied to me. I should have
known it was you who set the timer longer when I was baking my
chocolate soufflé. It was you who added cumin to my meatballs
when you and I know very well that one of the judges was
allergic and he ended up getting sent to the hospital! And it
was you who tricked me into ever believing you were my friend
only to stab me in the back, but you never really were a friend
because you have never liked me ever right?
MEGAN
(with a light scoff)
You know, despite what you may think. I did like you in the
beginning. It was just until a little voice in my head told me
that you were the enemy and rivals don’t get the nice me, they
just get hell.
(chuckling)
TANYA
You have no idea how much I trusted you. I let you in my home
even though I was nervous to show you my apartment because it’s
small and what did you tell me? “Oh no worries, I love any
humble home. It’s much cozier than the mansion I grew up in. How
could you use me? You have absolutely no idea how much I have
grown to care for you. I mean really care for you that it became
really hard to imagine my life without you.
MEGAN
(with a sharp gasp and holding her hand to her chest)
Yo– you– you’re not saying…
TANYA
Yes MEGAN. You are hearing me right and you will hear me say it
now. I love you. I love you because I thought I finally had
someone who wouldn’t EVER deem me a simple stupid girl with a
dream to make a new life for herself.
MEGAN
(with a shocked expression and beginning to stutter)
Oh my… god. TANYA. I–I– I don’t know what to say.
TANYA
(tears now streaming down her face)
It doesn’t matter now. You have shown me that you are nothing
more than a spoiled little rich girl who doesn’t give a crap
about anyone else other than herself. I never want to see you
again because you are dead to me. Goodbye Ms. Hart.
(with squinted eyes giving a teary final glare at Megan,
walks away from her)
MEGAN
(stunned)
Oh, man. TANYA loves me. I- I can’t believe this. But I won’t
stop her. She is still my enemy set to destroy me just like
DADDY said. Just focus on that okay MEGAN? That’s all.
(closes her eyes and trying to steady her shaky breathing).
Act I Scene vi
Pacing back and forth in her living room as her father continues
to glare at her, MEGAN suddenly stops at her pace and looks at
her father who is standing a few feet away from her with tears
in her eyes.
MEGAN
I did everything you told me to do DADDY! What more can you
possibly want from me?
KEVIN
(folds his arms close to his chest as he raises an eyebrow)
Oh, you know very well what more I want you to do. Destroy that
slut’s chances of beating you for the internship one way or
another. What exactly do you not understand MEGAN?!
MEGAN
(crying and with a broken voice)
Like I told you DADDY I did everything. Everything you ever
asked me! Is it too much for you to just trust that I can beat
TANYA with my skills and talents as a chef?
KEVIN
(guffaws)
Huh! Skills and talents as a chef? What qualities could you
possibly possess for anything MEGAN? I swear you know how to
make me laugh sometimes.
MEGAN
(with a gasp and clutches her hand to her chest in shock)
You don’t have faith I can win this competition at all DADDY?
KEVIN
Just do as I ask and everything will be fine.
MEGAN
No.
KEVIN
Excuse me?
MEGAN
(wipes her tears away with her sleeve)
No. I won’t do anything else until you tell me just why you want
me to destroy her chances so bad.
KEVIN
Because you need to have a reputation
MEGAN
No. That’s not it. Tell me, DADDY!
KEVIN
(with a deep voice)
Leave it alone MEGAN.
MEGAN
Tell me why DADDY.
KEVIN
(with a harsher tone)
You don’t want to push my buttons MEGAN.
MEGAN
(growing frustrated with her father’s attitude and with a slam of her fist on the coffee table)
Goddamn it! Tell me the fucking truth already DADDY!
KEVIN
(taking rough breaths and tightening the grip on his shirt)
Because her mother doesn’t deserve to have a happy daughter!
MEGAN
(taken aback and takes a few steps towards her father)
What? What does TANYA’S mother have to do with this?
KEVIN
(with a deep breath and stares at MEGAN directly in the
face)
Her mother was my lover. Long before I met your mother, I went
on a senior trip to Columbia and I met and fell for a woman with
beautiful brown eyes and shiny hair. But she chose someone else.
MEGAN
(with a soft chuckle)
So… all of this has been about an old love affair? Really DADDY?
Must you have been so stupid?
KEVIN
(angered at her words and rapidly raises his hand to slap
MEGAN)
I am your father and that will be the last time you ever call me
stupid. I may not be the same as some shithead twenty-year-old
but I am still strong enough to knock out your teeth! The only
stupid one here is you! You, MEGAN are the only one to blame
because you still question me and doubt my words.
MEGAN
(holding on to her red cheek while slowly turning to her
father)
You… hit me. You hit me, DADDY.
KEVIN
You deserved it.
MEGAN
No, I didn’t. What I deserved was you being honest with me from
the beginning instead of critiquing me and judging me as you
have my whole life. I have never been enough for you and all you
can think about is some stupid revenge plot.
(scoffing softly)
And I was the stupid one to ever believe you knew what was best
for me. When TANYA has been nothing but kind to me. She trusted
me. How could I have been so-
KEVIN
Don’t you dare give up on our plan!
MEGAN
No DADDY. I’m giving up on you! You don’t deserve to have me as
a daughter. I’m worth more than that. I deserve a family.
(taking a deep breath to steady her breathing)
And with that…
(walks to her front door and opens it)
I’m afraid I must ask you to leave.
KEVIN
(with wide eyes and his jaw-dropping)
I am still your father. Remember that. You can’t get rid of me
so easily.
MEGAN
(still holding on to her door)
No. You are just someone I used to know. Please leave.
KEVIN
You need me MEG. Don’t forget that.
MEGAN
Forget about me and no worries I will make do what I have.
Goodbye… Kevin.
KEVIN
(with a surprised gasp)
So, it’s like that now?
MEGAN
This is how it will always be. Goodbye Kevin and now please
leave. You have overstayed your welcome.
KEVIN
(walks out the door)
MEGAN
(quickly slams the door behind him. She begins to rub her
arms back and forth before sliding down the back of the
door
and begins sobbing).
Oh my god TANYA. All I can ever hope is that you forgive me one
day.
(silence).
I hope you enjoyed this ending, DETECTIVES! Stay tuned for next week’s post. Until then, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES!
Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here to tell you all about another murder mystery short story I shared with y’all a while back but wanted to further emphasize how much I have always adored thriller, suspense, and fictional true crime. Anyways, here it is… a short story I wrote back for a course in college, aah… you see how much I loved murder mystery for a while. Here it is… DETECTIVES!
A Rose in Winter
By Detective Writer
It is said that everything happens for a reason. Does it actually? What possible explanation could there be for everything going wrong and completely changing someone’s life? It all began on a chilly day in Casper, Wyoming on April 18th of 1994, to where a twenty-four-year-old woman named Jessica Stanhope would have the biggest terror-filled moment of her life in an instant. Her day had started the same as anyone else, Jessica had woken up early, she got up to shower, brushed her teeth, got dressed, got some breakfast, and was on her merry way to work at the local restaurant called “The Cozy Soup.”
However, the minute Jessica had gotten into her car, she couldn’t help but notice there was a strange man with extremely baggy clothes, he had one droopy left eye and his right eye a mysterious blue with a shining blue pupil nearly blinding that is not hard to see, standing a few feet away from her car and staring directly at her. Not trying to allow the man’s piercing gaze to nerve her, Jessica quickly turned on the car ignition and got the car started.
Yet, as Jessica made sure to pull her car out of the driveway, the strange man
who kept on staring at her made a fast approach to stand in front of the car just as Jessica was out. Quickly sighing, Jessica then turned to move her car a few inches to the right, when once
again the man went in front of the car, blocking her exit. This process would continue to happen several times more, Jessica attempting to move the car in a new direction and the man blocking it once more, despite her numerous horn honking. Realizing she was already running for work, Jessica knew she had to do something to leave, even if it meant actually confronting this unusual man.
“Hey! Hey! Listen, mister! Can you just move already?! I’m already running late to work because of you! Can you just go somewhere PLEASE?!!!” said Jessica.
“No, just why should I? There’s a beautiful lady in my eyes and if anything, you’re
blocking me here sweet doll face,” said the man.
“Just leave me alone you creep. And if you don’t move, I’m calling the cops for
harassment!” said Jessica.
“Fine, fine sugar. I’ll move but only because I know that I’m gonna see you again sweets. I just know I’m gonna make all your dreams come true too very soon,” said the man with a wink and blowing an air kiss to Jessica and walked out of Jessica’s path. Slightly stunned with a flabbergasted expression, Jessica gave a slow shudder as she did
not wish to imagine anything more than man had thought of her. As if she would ever go out with him! The absolute nerve! Even though she was now free to drive in any direction she chose, Jessica couldn’t help but think about the man’s last words. What could he have possibly meant when he said that he could make her dreams come true very soon? Quickly deciding that it was just some random creep, Jessica chose not to make a big deal and go about her day as planned.
Once she entered the parking lot of The Cozy Soup and saying numerous apologies to her boss Alexa for being late and simply receiving a glare in return, Jessica immediately donned her chef’s uniform and set off into the kitchen.
“Hi guys, sorry I’m late. There was a crazy guy who kept getting my way every time I kept trying to drive away from him, he just kept getting in the way,” said Jessica.
“Oh, I hear you girl. Some guys just don’t know when to quit. Sometimes you just gotta give them a good talkin’ too or a good smack and then trust me, they’ll leave you alone,” said Aisha, Jessica’s coworker.
“Yeah, just a few weirdos out there. But nothing to fret about,” said Jessica.
“That’s the spirit!” said Aisha before resuming to work. As Jessica and Aisha began to work in the kitchen and chopping vegetables, they couldn’t help but overhear the noise of the television that was hanging on the wall upstairs.
“Breaking News Update: ‘the body of a man was just found a few feet away from the local pier off of Highway 16. None of his belongings were stolen; however, he was found with a small black rose on his chest. He has not been identified yet. Although, the discovery of the body has to lead the police into a homicide investigation,” said Tyler, the news anchor.
“Ooh, somebody got in trouble but at least he’s resting in peace now,” said Jessica while stirring the pot of chicken stew. Several hours had passed, Jessica continued to cook and plate dishes, only stopping for a quick water break and a few bites of an energy bar as she tried to work hard and fast to keep up with the lunch rush. Various hours went on, eventually reaching six-thirty in the evening, which was usually the beginning of the dinner rush at the restaurant. By
then, Jessica became nearly wiped out by the stress of the lunch rush that once her replacement Shane entered the kitchen to take over for her shift, she was set to leave as soon as possible.
“Oof, Shane you’ve got a heavy-duty in front of you. Best of luck pal,” said Jessica.
“Thanks, love. Have a good night,” said Shane to an already sleepy Jessica. Once Jessica left the restaurant, got in her car, she was headed straight to bed. Trying desperately to keep herself up, Jessica began to turn on the radio as well as grabbing her cellphone out of her purse to be held by the phone holder, and the minute she hit a red light, she began to scroll through the news. Remembering the news she heard earlier that day, she began to search for it, and once she found the breaking news update. Suddenly, jumping up and down out of her seat in fright with a loud, booming scream
“AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!,” she simply couldn’t believe it. The same
weirdo with the freaky eyes she had threatened to call the police on was the same guy the police found dead today.
“Holy crap! I mean I didn’t like the guy and I’m sure no one did. But to have killed him? He was killed right by my house in cold blood. And with a black rose? Who would do something like that?” said Jessica, once the red light changed to green, and she was clear to continue driving. No matter how much she tried to stop herself from thinking about it, Jessica couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe someone was out to get her next. If someone was willing to murder someone right by her house, who’s to say the killer wouldn’t try to get her as well?
“Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, oh…” said Jessica who continued to get such
tight knots in her stomach. ‘I mean whoever did it is probably out to get me too just for even talking to him. But I told him to move and it was for less than ten minutes and most likely he pissed someone off and that got him to buy the farm, nothing to do with me. So Jessica
RELAX!” she said. Taking slow deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling, and forcing her hands to stop shaking, unless she hoped to get in an accident, Jessica gradually felt herself beginning to calm down. She was beyond relieved to see her front door from a few feet away, drove into the parking lot, quickly put the car into park, and hopped out. Simply a tad curious, Jessica couldn’t help herself but take a peek into the spot she had first seen the man that morning and was a bit surprised to see a few drops of blood. Swiftly shaking her head and deciding not to follow the drops any further before she found something she would not like to see…
“Stop it. Stop it, Jessica, it happened and it’s over. Now just get upstairs, take a shower and go to bed,” she said. Jessica then made her way towards her house, grabbed her key, went inside, and shut the door with a quiet and fast turn of the locks. As she slid against the door in relief, no matter how many times she would begin to reproach herself for that, Jessica couldn’t help but think about the person responsible for the strange man’s death. Will he be caught? Will the police find out his identity before someone else gets hurt? Why was the man a target? Making a choice fast to have a glass of wine before she made herself panic with utter fear before going to bed was soon calling her name and Jessica slowly made her way to the small kitchen, grabbed a bottle of Pinot Noir, and turned on her television to watch “The Golden Girls” for the rest of the night.
The next day, Jessica once again woke up early, get dressed, and had breakfast before heading out to her car for work. However, before she could enter her car, she found herself brushed up against a man with a small scar above his left eyebrow, a big forehead, and dark brown hair.
“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t see where I was going,” said Jessica.
“No no, it’s alright. Really it was my fault, I shouldn’t have been blinded by a truly
beautiful woman,” said the man. With a slight burn on her cheeks, Jessica quickly remembered she couldn’t stand all day and flirt with a cute guy, she actually had to go to work.
“Thank you and well I should get to work now. Nice to meet you Mr…” said Jessica.
“Oh Ashton, I’m Ashton Cooper,” said the man.
“Jessica and again it’s nice to meet you,” said Jessica before getting into her car and
beginning to drive away while giving Ashton a quick wave goodbye. Within fifteen minutes,
Jessica found herself arriving to work and after giving a quick greeting to Alexa who simply waved her two fingers in response, she made her way into the kitchen. After donning her chef outfit and giving Aisha a brief hug, Jessica sets right to prepping the vegetables for the daily soups and stews. After about two hours have passed, Aisha lightly taps Jessica’s shoulder as she is chopping garlic and begins to wonder just why she is stopped from doing her job. Aisha is holding a nearly empty plate of food.
“Yo girl. Who’s that hot guy checking you out?” said Aisha.
“What are you talking about? What guy?” said Jessica.
“Dude that guy giving you that look and who asked to give his compliments to the chef,”
said Aisha who holds the plate closer to Jessica’s face. She then brings a tiny note attached that says “Hello my beautiful Jessica. Won’t you please give me some time to speak to you and have dinner with me tonight?” With both cheeks burning by the minute and a soft smile, Jessica slowly looks up from the note to the small window that allows kitchen staff to view the restaurant and sees Ashton raising a glass and giving her a wink and winning smile. Giggling softly and as she shakes her head, Jessica smirks a little to Ashton and mouths “yes,” much to Aisha’s delight. As only a few moments pass, Jessica unties her apron and changes out of her uniform, and goes to talk to Ashton at the table about dinner.
“Hey, stranger. So, you want to take me out?” said Jessica.
“Oh of course gorgeous! Do you like Italian? There’s a really good Olive Garden near here,” said Ashton as he holds out his hand for Jessica to take. Slowly, they leave The Cozy Soup for Olive Garden. They both drive out in their own individual vehicles and soon meet up at the restaurant. The pair soon head inside for their date and after engaging in conversation with dinner and drinks, Jessica has had such a good time with Ashton that she can’t help but immediately agree to head back to Ashton’s place to talk more.
After Ashton pays the bill, once again, the two head to their respective vehicles while surprisingly managing to drive without heavy traffic and reaching Ashton’s apartment until less than twenty minutes. The moment they both went inside the elevator to the third floor and step inside the apartment. The minute the pair get settled in, share a bottle of wine and start to talk about their lives, goals, and hopes for the future.
Although, despite how comfortable Jessica feels at that moment, she knows she can’t ignore the bathroom issue and excuses herself to the restroom. After Jessica freshens up in the restroom, something stands out to her through the corner of her eye. She wonders as to why there is a thin line of blood splattered on the wall. Letting her curiosity get the better of her, she begins to rummage through Ashton’s things and is extremely shocked at what she finds next: a black rose! Remembering the strange man was found with a black rose on his chest, she is completely traumatized by what she has found that she stands in total silence until she hears a knock on the door.
“Jess, are you alright in there? You’ve been in there for quite a bit,” said Ashton.
“Yeah, no worries. I’ll be out in a second,” said Jessica as she tries desperately to control her breathing and relax her rapidly beating heart.
“Are you sure? I mean if you need help or anything I’m here, you know,” said Ashton as he swiftly opens the door.
“NOOOOO wait doesn’t PLEASE!” said Jessica. But it’s already too late, Ashton has already opened the door as Jessica made the mistake of not locking herself in.
“Wait. What’s going on in here? Why do you have that black rose?” said Ashton.
“I think I should be the one asking you that question, why do you have it? Do you have some kind of obsession with black flowers?” said Jessica.
“I guess the cat’s out of the bag. Yes, I killed that strange, smelly man. But only because I saw him bothering you and I knew I had to do something about it. No man should get away with harassing a nice girl such as yourself,” said Ashton as he slowly shakes his head.
“So, you just killed that poor man in cold blood because of me?” said Jessica.
“Haha, no my dear I did it because of you and me. So, we could have a shot together but now you know what I did and I’m sorry to say it, but I just can’t let you live now,” said Ashton gradually taking slow steps towards Jessica.
“I won’t let you get away with this. Everyone will know what you did,’ said Jessica as she slowly backed away from Ashton.
“I’m sorry my dear. I really do like you but I’m afraid you don’t have that choice
anymore,” said Ashton as he took the black rose from Jessica’s hand. Little did either of them know that the sudden rush of a winter snowfall coming down on the quiet town of Casper, Wyoming would soon become Jessica’s undoing. Not even the volume of her screams could compete with the howling of the strong wind.
I hope you enjoyed this ending, DETECTIVES! Stay tuned for next week’s work of art. Until then, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES!
Hey there, DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here to show you a recap of a short story I once shared with y’all and my first ever murder mystery short story that I wrote back in high school! I know, I know, it’s old school and sort of cliche but I thought I would take this opportunity to share how far not only my writing has gotten thank you very much but also how long I have loved murder mystery, suspense, thriller, and just the overall “Dun, dun, dun!”
“The Love By Night and Day”
By Detective Writer
It is said that blood is much thicker than water. Or is it? What can truly be thicker than blood? Revenge? Theft? Murder? It all began on a winter night of 1952, to where Mr. and Mrs. Anderson: a wealthy couple would have both of their lives changed forever. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, a well-known married couple for more than ten years have never been seen as to ever have a fight or quarrel. The two are seen to be such a perfect couple. One would think that their happily married life together would never end. Or would it? Until one night in 1952, everything one would ever think he or she knew about the Anderson couple, they thought wrong. The Anderson couple were never seen to have any conflict with one another. They were seen as the happiest couple there was. Even their servants never once had either one of them yell at each other.
“They are so sweet together, they have always been in love”, said one of their maids.
However, what a couple does behind closed doors may not stay behind closed doors.
It all started one cold winter’s eve night of January 1952 when the Andersons arranged a
dinner party in their luxurious mansion. Everything had been arranged from top to bottom. The day prior, Ms. Anderson had spent the entire morning getting ready for the party. She did not let her employees rest until the prized silverware had been perfectly placed and polished. Mr. Anderson had spent the day arranging his best brandy and cigars to share with the gentlemen later on in the evening.
Their head butler Charles Ramson, also known as “Ram,” had spent the day with Mrs. Anderson, making sure anything she asked of him was done. Around five o’clock, the mansion had been set to perfection for a busy night of socializing and laughter, with rich food and wine provided. The guests had begun to arrive around seven-thirty. Once they arrived, not a single soul was surprised by the extraordinary shining silverware, great amounts of Mr. Anderson’s famous brandy and wines, glorious food enough to last them for days along with a beautiful dance floor ready for anyone to head into. The party was set to begin.
The party began with a simple toast given by Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, letting their
guests know to enjoy the party and to be aware of any funny business that may come their way on the dance floor.
“We would just like to say now that we are very glad you all could come and spend the evening with us. I have a feeling we are in for a night no one will ever forget. The dance floor is yours, do with it whatever you wish. Also, we ask that you all be cautious as to what could happen on the dance floor tonight. After all, what we don’t know, we will know, right?” The crowd did not take what he had said to heart and had laughed.
A few hours had gone into the party. Everyone was having an excellent time: smoking,
drinking, dancing, eating, and talking. The wine was almost finished and a few gentlemen were drunk. By orders given by Mrs. Anderson, Ram was sent into the wine cellar to get more alcohol. Ram did not question Mrs. Anderson’s orders, especially when he noted her strange appearance of having her makeup smeared and her legs looking a little swollen. As he was coming up the stairs back to the party, a blood-curdling scream was heard, along with a heavy crash. “BANG!”
A dark figure had fallen out and hit the dance floor. The figure broke his neck and cracked his head open, bleeding to death. The figure did not scream nor made a move He had a dark handprint on his dinner blazer of black paint. He was also holding onto his favorite glass of brandy. The dead man was Mr. Anderson.
Mrs. Anderson ran into the room, not caring a single bit about the guests viewing her questionable appearance.
“NOOOOOO!” she screamed. “My love, my love, my love, you cannot leave me! You can’t!” Mrs. Anderson wailed. The guests looked around each other, wondering what happened. No one had any idea. How could Mr. Anderson have fallen through the chandelier onto the dance floor headfirst? Was it an accident or was it murder?…
Mrs. Anderson could not comprehend anything at the moment. She was too emotional to feel anything other than seeing her husband dead. One of the guests, Mrs. Lisa Feldman, came up to Mrs. Anderson and asked her if she needed anything. Mrs. Anderson said “My husband”. With the corpse lying in the middle of the dance floor still bleeding out, the guests had gathered together. They tried to figure out what exactly happened; however, they found no answer. How could Mr. Anderson be dead? Who would have killed him? Why?
Mrs. Anderson had excused herself into her room for the remainder of the evening. She would not speak or open the door to anyone, except Ram. Meanwhile, the guests had come together once more to possibly track down the killer of Mr. Anderson. They began to look around the mansion, searching for any clues that could help them find him or her. They found nothing. The guests then went to question the servants: especially Ram. The servants all had clear stories, including Ram, who would occasionally return to Mrs. Anderson’s room to check up on her. It wasn’t until another of the guests, Mr. Avery Jackpar had come up with the idea to possibly turn off the lights and check on prints of the possible assailant. He had a reputation for being a very curious man. Whenever something fishy was going on, Mr. Jackpar just had to find out what went on. The guests did not think they would anything. Until they stumbled upon the wine cellar.
The guests had found a mysterious-looking handprint on one of Mr. Anderson’s best
whiskeys. It was noticeable because the handprint was covered in black paint which had been on the front pocket of Mr. Anderson’s dinner blazer. The guests were clearly on to something. They soon realized that Ram had a strange-looking thumbprint on the whiskey he had brought out earlier to the party. The guests then went up to Mrs. Anderson’s bedroom.
When they arrived, one of the guests had knocked on the door, it opened just a crack. The room was completely dark, pitch black. Until the group had begun to hear mysterious sounds coming closer from the bed. Deciding to go in no matter what they might find, the group took the risk. Once they kicked the door open, they found Ram and Mrs. Anderson together on the bed she shared with her husband in a compromising position. The group decided to question them. Ram, wrapping himself up in a towel, decided to tell the group he was just trying to comfort Mrs. Anderson.
“Now, now, everyone, I realize this may seem like it was something absurd, but I swear to you all, I was just trying to comfort her. I mean, for God’s sakes, the woman just lost her husband, she needs to heal”.
Mr. Jackpar, being the inquisitive man he always was, would not go along with what Ram was saying.
“No, you’re lying, you are absolutely lying. You two are having an affair and you
arranged to have her husband killed just so you could continue to have your little fun.”
“No, that’s not what happened,” said Mrs. Anderson. “We were just, we were just, we, we, we, we were just…”
“There you go, my point exactly, you had your husband killed just to keep being the little strumpet you are,” said Mr. Jackpar.
“I’m not a strumpet, I was just lonely. Ram was there and he made me feel better. I didn’t expect it to happen, but I fell in love with him. He fell for me. We have been lovers for quite some time now and I admit it was wrong to see him, but we needed to be together.”
“We are responsible,” said Ram.“We are responsible for the death of her husband. That scoundrel did not appreciate her as much I do. He did not love her as I do. He would never make her happy. He was not me.”
“Ram and I set up the whole thing,” said Mrs. Anderson. “This all felt like a dream.”
Slowly looking back to Ram and placing her hand on his cheek softly, she said “But I love you too. Even if we do go to prison, I will happily stick by you. It’s you and me Ram: forever.” Turning back to the group, Mrs. Anderson said “You can send us to jail. It doesn’t matter but you can never send away the love we feel for each other. Ever.”
Therefore, the police were called and Ram and Mrs. Anderson were taken into custody. The body of Mr. Anderson was set to be buried in the Anderson mausoleum. Former friends of the Andersons no longer came back to the mansion and it was soon sold. Life had become a real heartbreaker for those who knew the Andersons as a perfect couple.
It was a few days after the dinner party, Ram and Mrs. Anderson were going to be
taken down to the county jail where they would await their trial. As they were walking down the street, escorted by an officer, a car had come up from out of nowhere. The car had seemed possessed as it swerved through the road. The car came up very fast and ran over Mrs. Anderson and Ram, killing them both upon impact. As people in the distance began to gather around to see what happened, a lone dark aura came from around the corner. The aura transformed into the ghost of Mr. Anderson. He was watched Ram and Mrs. Anderson as they were taken away. People gathered around the two.
Mr. Anderson threw his head back and cackled, revealing two bright red eyes as he did.
“Haha, oh death, it does not wash all sins. A marriage is a marriage. Do not cheat. It just brings you down to suffer like me.“Hahahahahahahahaha!!!”
Did you enjoy that epic first short story from me, DETECTIVE WRITER, DETECTIVES?? Stay tuned for next week’s short story that’s a little less obvious. But as always, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES!
Hey there DETECTIVES! DETECTIVE WRITER here to tell you of another request sent over to me to discuss how to popularize and create a successful brand whether through influencers, social media, or excellent public relations! I promise, this is the last non exciting post but I swear DETECTIVES, it’s really informative and truly beneficial for anyone who’s seeking to build a brand. Anyways, shall we begin DETECTIVES?
Are you seeking to establish a business or brand or have no idea how to get the word out about what you’re doing to the public? No need to worry, building brand awareness does not have to be incredibly stressful nor break the bank. Nor does social media have to be extremely complicated or complex when making a post. Public relations can be truly much more interesting than you may assume. Building your brand to success is an adventure that appears nerve-racking and taxing but the work put in will ensure it’s worthiness when you triumph with benefits included.
According to Insyntrix, a highly successful marketing firm, public relations has the power to help build your brand through several aspects. For example, PR aids brands in telling their own story and why the brand was created. PR also attracts a target clientele through the type of story the brand projects to the public in genuine manners. The website states that with PR, brands discover how to choose the proper communication channels to form strong and caring connections with social media influencers and input the kind of information designated for the brand. PR not only helps accentuate the brand by creating friendships and passionate leadership but also presenting to the public that your brand is trustworthy and reputable.
Nonetheless, not only PR is valuable for building brand awareness but social media as well. As reported by 5W Public Relations, an award-winning public relations firm, social media combined with PR emphasizes the significance of your brand. Especially through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Snapchat, and much more. Most times, you have the choice to use multiple or incorporate one form of social media for your brand but 5W Public Relations states that not everyone has the time to use all social media for their brands so it is essential to ensure one profile is intersected with client persona.
Furthermore, obtaining efficient social media for your brand is excellent for your personal and public image and quite beneficial. According to the Digital Marketing Institute, a partner of Pearson VUE and professional digital marketing course and classroom, there are ten simple ways to beef up your social media game for your brand without breaking a sweat. A few top strategies are to check that you share content regularly about your brand around three to four times a week so that you not only gain followers but the public views what your brand is based on. You also can find groups on social media in which you can receive feedback on your content, positivity, learn skills of leadership and communication, and even use your Instagram followers, Facebook friends, and contacts to increase your network for your brand. You also want to make certain that your content about your brand is engaging and an eye-opener and does not appear desperate with thousands of social media posts about it.
In conclusion, integrating social media and PR altogether for your brand is not difficult at all and can be so incredible to get your business, company, artist, album, book, and much more of your creation noticed! The work you put in is the work you get back and your brand is always one hundred percent worth it. To build a brand with your trusty helpful friends’ social media and PR, you will note that not only would you gain an amazing public reputation but perhaps a virtual and management family that will be there to support you every step of the way.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief short and sweet info synopsis, DETECTIVES! No worries, we’ll be back with murder mystery next week.
Until then, keep on sleuthing, DETECTIVES!
Detective Writer