The next picture is the PHOTO PROMPT. Where does it take you? Can you tell us in a hundred words or less? Take the road less traveled if you dare!
My story follows the prompt and the blue inLinkz frog. I enjoy comments and welcome constructive crit.
PHOTO PROMPT –© Dawn Q. Landau
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
WHODUNIT
“A moving picture is the last thing I want to see, Amy,” said Lizzie Le Prince. “‘The Great Train Robbery,’ indeed—starring Thomas Edison as the ring leader.”
Amy patted Lizzie’s hand. “Let it go, dear. It’s been thirteen years.”
“It was Edison all right. He had Louis murdered for his invention and tried to take sole credit.”
“Police didn’t find any evidence. Louis just vanished without a trace.”
Across the aisle in the darkened theater an elderly man peered at them over his program.
“Poor Lizzie, my dear little martinet,” Louis whispered. “Perhaps a simple divorce would’ve been kinder.”
(I take no responsibility for the typo)
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Ha.. that would be a great reason to solve a case like that… but for sure you have to be able to have good lawyers to fight a game like this.. I think I need a while to get a story out of this, but I love to read yours first.
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Dear Björn,
Alas, my solution is mere fiction. In reality, there were no clues. Lizzie actually did take Edison to court, not for murder, but for theft. Fascinating history.
I hope my stories don’t distract you from your own writing.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Faking murder instead of divorce! Ahh, what a tale! I love how you weave fact into fiction and tell a brilliant story while doing it 🙂
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Dear Jessie,
Of course it’s my imagination at work. No one really knows but what a piece of history, eh?
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ouch, that would be cruel… You’ve dished up another intriguing morsel of history, Rochelle.
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Dear Sonya,
It would be cruel, wouldn’t it? I would really love to know what actually happened to Le Prince. Alas, we’ll never know.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That Thomas Edison was a really shady character. Another gem out of your collection, Rochelle.
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Dear Loré,
The more I read the more convinced I am that Edison had something to do with Le Prince’s disappearance. Alas, nothing can be proved.
Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well, considering the fact how easily he misused and discarded Tesla, I don’t think it would be out of his character to have something to do with that. Some things might forever remain a mystery.
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I have learned something new from you, yet again. Brilliant as ever.
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Dear Louise,
You couldn’t give me a better review. Now get well!
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Edison was certainly capable of that, and worse. Tesla died penniless in a flop hotel (for him, anyway. The New Yorker was hardly the Plaza). Nice story, Rochelle. Love this part of the week.
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Dear J Hardy,
The more I read about Edison, the more convinced I am that he had something to do with the disappearance.
I know what you mean about this part of the week. I started in April of 2013 as a mere participant. I was hooked straight away. Glad you are, too. 😉
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice that Louis got to enjoy the electric fruits of his engineering labour. Sad for Lizzie that he engineered his disappearance.
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Dear Patrick,
He enjoyed them in my stories, but I doubt it was so in real life. I think others had too much to gain from his disappearance.
Thanks for swinging by. Again, I loved your story this week.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Quite a way to get rid of your wife – perhaps in your story he got what he deserved (becoming a lonely old poor man in a movie theater). Nice story – and once again, an education!
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Dear Claire,
Always happy to educate, particularly since I’m the one who receives it first.
It would be a crummy way to get rid of your wife.
Thank you so much for taking time to comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I choose to stay in my youth and I can blame everything on the older generation!
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Dear Betty,
Maturity is highly overrated.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Agreed! 🙂
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Your sotires must take much longer than mine to research! And I loved the little film 🙂
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Stories – oops!
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Dear Liz,
This research trail was surprisingly short. Isn’t that film great? I had to include it.
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another fascinating riddle to think about – I don’t know how you keep finding such interesting morsels of controversy/speculation/history. Nicely done, with an inventive alternative explanation for the mystery. Poor Lizzie.
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Dear Sandra,
You’d be amazed at how much is out there on the net. I usually start with a word for phrase and then follow the trail. I had way too much fun with this one. 😉
Thank you for taking time to read and comment. I hope this saved you a few kleenexes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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OR, Lizzie took an axe and gave ole Louis forty whacks. 😱
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Good Victorian mystery, Rochelle. Well done as always. 🙂 Just an additional note: I have to cut back on computer time right now as my husband may have to go to the hospital for tests, etc. I hope to be back in the near future. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
I’ll be shooting out some prayers for your husband and hope all goes well for him.
Thank you for eking out the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I especially love what you’ve done with this. It used to be so much easier to disappear completely. The world is a much smaller place today. Nice use of multiple train references also.
Peace,
Marie Gail
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Dear Marie Gail,
Can you imagine trying to disappear today? I’ll admit that I had a lot of fun with this. I live for finding little-known factoids like this. 😉 Glad you liked it and dropped by to say so.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, I can imagine. I used to fantasize about dropping out of the picture for an extended period of time. About five years ago it dawned on me that the process would now be nearly impossible without professional assistance and perhaps plastic surgery. Still, when things get too intense, I fantasize about the idea of getting away from it all.
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Rochelle… ah, Thomas Edison… one of history’s most beloved scoundrels and opportunists! Love your take on the tale.
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Dear HK,
That’s the beauty of being a fiction author…if you don’t know the answers make them up. 😉
I’m pleased that you liked my take.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle … Very good. No wonder she didn’t want to see the movie, poor thing!
I’m beginning to think what happens to us today has occurred a million times before. History as they say … repeats itself.
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Dear Lilie,
I’m sure it’s the last movie Lizzie would want to see in truth or fiction. I’ve no doubt that history repeats itself…because we don’t learn from it.
Thank you for coming by for a read and a comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, Proof positive why you are our leader – you are so talented and I read a lot about your book, which is awesome! Nan 🙂
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Dear Nan,
Such kind words. 😀 Thank you very much for the kudos.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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An interesting speculation! Well done and educational as always.
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Dear Michael,
I’m pretty certain it didn’t play out this way, but I’d certainly like to know what happened to Mr. Le Prince.
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You shined a light on something stranger than fiction this week, Rochelle. Shady characters lurk everywhere in our history, don’t they? Excellent story.
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Dear Stephonie,
So much for sweet faced Mickey Rooney as young Edison. Fact is definitely stranger than fiction. As for my story, it was fun to write, but pure fiction.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Who knew? Thanks for a bit of history – imaginary or not. Your link about Edison me lead me down a lovely path.
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Dear Alicia,
I’m pleased that you followed a path. I always love where the research trails lead me. Glad you enjoyed my little bit of fiction.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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These unsolved historical mysteries are so much fun and allow for so many wonderful stories. I’m tempted to say yours is a shocker or electrifying, but I won’t, right? 🙂
janet
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Dear Janet,
I admire your self restraint. You could’ve derailed my train of thought. 😉 (Yeah, one of us had to say it.)
I’d love to know what really happened to Louis but the fiction was kind of fun to write.
Thanks for coming by.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, a very intriguing tale! I agree with the others, how Edison discarded Tesla (who I admire greatly), I would not be surprised if he also had something to do with this.
But unless someone invents the TARDIS, we will probably never know the truth, which is a big shame.
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Dear Francesca,
Indeed, we’ll never know. I found the whole scenario intriguing, wondering how a person could just disappear without a trace like that.
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fascinating. I had to read this forwards and backwards to get my head round it.
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Dear Hilary,
Forwards and backwards? Well, two reads are better than one. 😉 Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I see I am going to have to come back to this when I have more time and peel back the layers. Perhaps tonight on my lunch break, but I won’t be able to comment from there.
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Hope the return visit shed some light on it, Dawn.
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You took your own advice – it ‘s not what you look at, but what you see. That’s what makes this such a wonderful, eclectic mix! I enjoyed your story as always.
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Dear Erin,
I nearly always take my own advice. 😉 I really do start with something in the photo until the path takes a turn. Thank you for such wonderful comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
after that amazing story I had to click on the link and learn more. What a weird, fascinating incident. I’ve heard a lot of negative things about Edison lately, about his business dealings and whatnot, but murder? I like your interpretation, although it’s drastic, to be sure.
-David
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Dear David,
Really I was just having some fun with an unfortunate event. The fact that Le Prince disappeared without a trace…no body…no luggage…intrigued me. I doubt that he did it to leave his wife. 😉
I’m glad you clicked on the link. I’m also glad that you took the time to read and comment.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Disappearances like that are intriguing and it’s interesting to speculate what really happened. I like your explanation, although he’s still a jerk. 🙂
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Interesting piece that you put to flash.
Always something new to learn from you Rochelle.
Randy
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Dear Randy,
I’m happy to pass on my learning experiences.
Live long and prosper,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i guess anything is possible. my two cents is he committed suicide.
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Dear Plaridel,
No one will ever know for sure.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Brilliant and informative, as always!!!
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Dear Jan,
Brilliant is a powerful word that I never use or take lightly.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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story intriguing, accompanying information revelation for me, thanks for both
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Dear IB Arora,
I’m always happy to pass on information as I learn it. The story is pure fiction. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I hadn’t heard that little piece of history. Edison sounds a bit shady! I’m sure he had enough inventions of his own, the greedy chap.
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Dear Ali,
Well said. Greedy indeed, I think.
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And again, I learned something new. What a great story–but such a mean way to get rid of a wife.
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Dear Gah,
I doubt that my bit of fiction has anything to do with fact. My guess is that Louis met with foul play, but we’ll never know for sure.
Thank you for coming by with your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I never knew this story! How fascinating! Great story.
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Thank you, Tiffany. Glad you liked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Laverne,
There are certain hazards that go with being a genius. I can’t tell you how many people have tried to knock me off just to steal one of my stories. That’s why I’ve had to go into a witness protection program and hide out in a root cellar behind Shorty’s garage. Don’t tell Dave Barry where I am at . . . or Perry Block either.
– Rin Tin Tin, aka Chester Markum
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Dear Rin Tin Tin,
Your secret’s safe with me. 😉 Thank you for coming out of hiding long enough to comment. It means a lot. L’chaim.
Live long an prosper,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I just love how you mix the history into your stories Rochelle!
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Dear Joseph,
Thank you for that. I was beginning to wonder if people might be tiring of my historical fictions.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Not at all. They are wonderful reads.
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Thank you, Pastor J. I really needed that.
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Ha! Loved that twist at the end 🙂
I’d known about the various accusations of Edison thefts (apparently this was pretty much his thing), the rest was new to me 🙂
Cheers
KT
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Dear KT,
It would’ve been terribly cruel, I think, if Louis had really disappeared to leave his family. I’ll admit the twist was fun to write. The history was new to me as well.
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. It means a lot.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great twist. And again, you introduce me to a part of history I knew nothing of.
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Dear Audrey,
Happy to pass along history as I learn it.
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Interesting that I live near the Edison summer home in Florida and have taken tours of their residence but have never heard of this. My curiosity is peaked. Nice write …
Isadora
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Dear Isadora,
Over the past ten years I’ve fallen in love with history. I’m always amazed at how far afield the research trail can take me.
I’m pleased that you took the time to read and comment on my little fiction. I’m afraid I gave Lizzie and Louis a rather bad rap, though.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh that is an interesting explanation!
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Dear Sonia,
It’s certainly not a true explanation, just a writer letting her imagination run wild. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, I know, but interesting all the same.
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Hi Rochelle,
Fascinating bit of history! It’s somehow fitting that the guy credited with the first moving pictures meets his demise in a way well suited to a motion picture.
Happy Friday!
Emilie
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Dear Emilie,
Please keep in mind that my story is pure fiction as far as the ending goes. Louis was never found, nor any trace of his belongings. I fear I’ve been unkind in my story.
Thank you for coming by and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Gasp! So that’s what really happened. I wonder if Edison and Lizzie have any other secrets.. 🙂 Great story, Rochelle, as always.
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Dear Anne,
I really don’t think that’s what really happen. I was having a bit of fun with the scenario. I think perhaps Mr. Edison had some secrets, I don’t know about Lizzie. I fear I’ve been unkind to her.
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I learnt something today. Great research and story Rochelle.
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Dear Irene,
Thank you for your kind words. They mean a lot.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Today is Friday- is there going to be a new photo prompt??
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Dear Karyn,
The prompts go up on Wednesday. The original idea was to take two days to think about and write your story. The current prompt will be up through Tuesday.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A giant Mazel Tov to you, Rochelle, on your grand success with your 2nd book! So excited for you, and very proud of your tenacity and skill.
Another wonderfully historic tid bit, to go with my photo. Nice job!
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Dear Dawn,
It’s a beautiful photo and I appreciate the loan of it. I’m glad you enjoyed my story. Of course the last line is merely my imagination at work and has no basis in fact.
Thank you for the continuing support and kudos. As I said, it’s another step closer.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Spineless villain. Drat! Well at least he didn’t tie her to the railroad tracks instead.
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Dear Tracey,
I doubt that my version has anything to do with reality. 😉 Louis’ disappearance shall remain a mystery. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I never trusted that Edison, and I now I know why. Great investigative report, Rochelle. I know it’s fictional, but I like your side of things. Great bit of history and I like the way you moved the story along with the backdrop of the theater. Nice!
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Dear Amy,
I appreciate your kind words and understanding. I feel a twinge of guilt in painting the Lizzie and Louis in such a light. But then again, we’ll never know the truth, will we?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, I wouldn’t feel any guilt. I’m kidding a little, too. It’s fun to explore the “what ifs,” is it not?
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That’s exactly what I was doing. I was just a little taken aback by some comments about what a villain Louis was. 😯
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I hope you don’t let those comments get to you, Rochelle. I get it! 🙂
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Dear Rochelle
There you go again weaving your magic, a little bit of fact here a touch of fiction there. Your stories are always a pleasure to read and I admire the research and time you take over each one. Just brilliant.
Best wishes
Dee
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Dear Dee,
I’m glad you recognize the fictitious part of it. I’d love to know what really happened but I’m sure it will remain a mystery.
Thank you so much for your glowing words. Nice to read to warm a cold day.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Interesting story and the link provided. Edison was an uninhibited egoist and said to be a tyrant to employees and a ruthless competitor. He didn’t socialize well and often neglected his family. But he was also at the forefront of a technological revolution that changed the world. Agents Scully & Mulder need to look into Louis’ disappearance now.
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Dear Subroto,
I hadn’t thought of Scully and Mulder. Where are they when we need them?
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You always bring history alive for me, Rochelle. I loved this. Like always I followed the additional link and learned something new today. I love that too. Great story, Rochelle!
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Dear Eric,
What a wonderful thing to say. I appreciate you coming by to read and comment.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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AnElephant is so distracted by the back story that he forgets to comment here.
Great stuff, as always.
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Dear Elephant,
I’m glad you hefted your bahookie over to my page. 😉 Thank you for taking time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love the idea of a complete story in 100 words or less. Suits my short attention span! 🙂 Hope you don’t mind if I follow. Maybe even contribute one day!
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Dear Emilio,
Jump in any time. Flash fiction is great for short attention spans. ;). I hope you’ve read my story an a few others. Half the fun is reading an commenting. Many bonds have been formed in our global community this way.
Thanks for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle. I did read your story and thought I had commented but I’ll get back and do so. I haven’t read too many others. How do you find the time to comment on everything and to everybody?
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Dear Emilio,
It’s a bit daunting as this group has more than doubled in size over the past couple of years. I try to at least read all the stories. Some weeks I’m more successful than others.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m always fascinated by your little journeys into history, Rochelle. I didn’t know this story and enjoyed following the link to find out. It’s all very mysterious and I love the way you weave the disappearance/murder into your tale. Divorce would definitely have been much easier. Cleverly done, as always. 🙂
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Dear Millie,
This story really took me by surprise. I started the research trail with railroad history and came up with the disappearance of Louis Le Prince. It sent my imagination in motion.
Thank you so much for your sweet comments. Much appreciated.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My education soars with posts like yours. Thank you. 🙂
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I’ve heard a lot of disparaging things about historical figures lately. Much more interesting than what we read in our textbooks when in school. Love this story, too. Who cares if it’s true. I’m not sure our “history” was any more factual.
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Dear Emilio,
I’m a great fan of history and historical fiction. I’m sure our ‘heroes’ weren’t what the books crack them up to be. They were human after all.
I’m glad you liked my story. 😀 and took the time to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I am following you now and may one day surprise you, and myself, with a piece of short fiction. 🙂
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Dear Rochelle,
Another thread gets added to the warp and woof of the tapestry of your writing. You’re building an impressive body of work. It would be easy to get overwhelmed by it all…BYTDOTBS….so back to work. We love you. Thanks.
Aloha,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
I’m letting your words sink in. IATDOTBS, but sometimes that pole has a way of tripping me up. Your constant support is the wind beneath my wings. I’m fortunate in calling many Friday Fictioneers, including yourself, friends in the truest sense.
Taking deep breaths and diving in.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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