24 March 2017

Published March 22, 2017 by rochellewisoff

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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit. 

PHOTO PROMPT © J Hardy Carroll

PHOTO PROMPT © J Hardy Carroll

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Genre: Fiction

Word Count: 100

COLD CASE

Mystery shrouded the vacant house at the end of the block.

According to the fifteen-year-old newspaper article I found while researching for a term paper, the place belonged to a young couple. One night someone broke in and savagely gutted Mrs. Jenson in her eighth month.

I asked my parents about it.

“Mr. Jenson hung himself,” said Dad. “Pity, they never found the baby.”

Mom flinched. “Glad they’re finally tearing that eyesore down.”

Dad’s spectral smile vanished and Mom turned ice-white when I presented them with the yellowed clipping and a photo of Mrs. Jenson who could’ve been my twin.

151 comments on “24 March 2017”

  • Dear Nancy Drew,
    Looks like it time to call Mystery Inc. and gather the original cast of Scooby-Doo to solve this crime. Personally, I suspect Ted Cruz and Paul Ryan, although I’m sure both will blame the untimely abortion on Obamacare. Stay close to your phone. More Tweets to come.

    Detective Lowry

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • Dear J Hardy,

      Ray Bradbury had a knack for making us feel creepy about Small Town, Illinois. When I visited New Salem, IL I felt like I in one of this short stories.

      This photo sent me straight to Creepy Town. No passing Go no collecting $200. Thanks for a great pic and a nice comment.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply ↓

      • Dear Rochelle,
        My pleasure 🙂 It’s such fun, don’t you think, turning one’s hand to all types of fiction? I find that FF has really broadened my scope and given me a clearer idea of what type of stories people like best. Also, if a story promotes spirited discussion, that’s an entertainment in itself.
        All best wishes,
        Sarah

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply ↓

        • Dear Sarah,

          I love it when the audience gets so into the story and the characters they forget to say anything about the writing. I’ve heard that’s the mark of good fiction…you forget about style and print. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
          And, yes, it’s great fun to dabble in other genres. Always good to step outside the comfort zone.

          Shalom,

          Rochelle

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply ↓

  • I have the feeling we’ll have a lot of creepy stories this week, but what a way to get the ball rolling! So deftly done in so few words – a murder mystery set and solved in a neat 100. Nicely done, ma’am 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Dear Sabina,

      Why indeed? Yet those stories are all over. I could send you links but I won’t. I do feel for an 18 year old in Florida who found out recently that she had been stolen from a hospital nursery and raised by her kidnapper. So many emotional conflicts.
      Sorry, but not sorry to evoke such emotion from you. Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

      • Don’t be!
        I am angry that, when there are so many children who have been abandoned, so many refugees who need rehabilitation, so many orphanages overflowing with little ones needing care, someone would resort to such a heinous crime!
        Methinks they did it more out of jealousy and an intent to destroy a family!

        Like

        Reply ↓

  • I have to agree with Sarah. Sandra has a good bit of competition!
    Here’s another twist. Let’s say the parents adopted the baby, not knowing she was the result of such a heinous crime? Until she pulls out the photo…

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • Dear Magaly,

      Everyone seems to have a different take on who did what. 😉 That works for me. Mom and Dad definitely have some ‘splanin’ to do and I think it might be from behind bars. Thank you for taking your time to read and comment. 😀

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

    • Dear Sandra,

      I’ve been accused this week by a couple of others of competing with you for dark and sinister. Not so, just a temporary hike from my beaten path. 😉 Your comment/compliment means a lot to me. Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

    • Dear April,

      Astute observation. The word is deliberate to point a finger at Dad. The rest is left for the reader to ponder. Was Dad involved in the act or not? The author’s not even sure. Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

      Reply ↓

    • Querida Isadora,

      ¿Quién sabe? Perhaps one day I’ll expand this one. Unfortunately, it’s based on more than one true story. Every so often I get a wild hair to leap outside my comfort zone. 😉 Glad you liked it. Thank you.

      Shabbat Shalom y abrazos,

      Rochelle

      Like

      Reply ↓

  • I’m certain mum and dad are behind it all, their body language tells it. Why is it your stories always feel like having watched a movie or been there? Good writing, I’d think. 😉 How about historical crime fiction, eh?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Dear Gabi,

      Thank you for such a wonderful comment/compliment. Even if the “parents” didn’t do the deed themselves, I’m sure they know who did. And yes, they played a huge part.
      Historical crime fiction? Not sure. I came close with Quinnon in FSAA, but I’m not sure I’d be up for an entire book. I’ll give it some thought. 😉

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  • Dear Rochelle

    It seems we have both been in a dark place in order to respond to the prompt this week. A very upsetting tale, with shades of the Manson Family.

    Well written, as always.

    Take care
    Dee

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Dear Dee,

      Unfortunately, the concept wasn’t original with the Manson family. Something about that photo sent quite a few of us to the dark side this week. Thank you for your kind words. So happy to see you back.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

    • Dear David,

      Unfortunately, my little dabble in horror is based on more than one factual story. I just sort of melded them into one. 😉 I’m pleased that it worked. It’s not a genre I often tackle. Thank you…and great to see you here. 😀

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

      Reply ↓

  • Hi Rochelle, It took me a few times of reading this to ‘get’ it – but that’s the sign of a good story, that it’s not all laid out on a plate and you make the reader do some work! A chilling little tale which throws up many more questions…great!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

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