The Key

“Two coffees, black, and one water in a warmed glass with no ice and two wedges of lemon,” Darlene said as she handed the FBI agents coffee, and the water to Mrs. Crawford.  Though grateful that Myrtle saved her life, she couldn’t help but think that the picky drink order suited her personality well.

“Mrs. Crawford, think back to last night.  Tell us everything you remember.”

Darlene leaned back in the chair.  This will take a while.

Myrtle closed her eyes.  Her breathing slowed and a slight smile tugged on one corner of her mouth.  Each hand rested on a knee, palm up with her index finger and thumb touching.

The agents leaned forward in anticipation, pens ready above steno pads.

Darlene sipped her own glass of water in hopes of averting laughter.

After two minutes, the younger agent, Haversill, looked to the more seasoned agent.  Mulroney shook his head.  They waited.

Darlene wondered if Myrtle was summoning the gods of gossip to help her recall details that no mortal person could possibly remember.   The expression on her face made it look like she’d entered some kind of ecstasy or enlightenment.

“My knee hurt so I had gone to bed early.  My left knee always aches during monsoon weather,” Myrtle said in a low voice.

They asked for everything, Darlene thought.

Twenty-five minutes later, Myrtle opened her eyes, her recollection of last night complete.  She winked at Mulroney.  “You boys are even more handsome up close.”

“Oh, uh.  Okay,” Agent Mulroney said.

“I-I found something that might help you.”

Both agents turned to Darlene.

She drew out her exhale and then handed them the paper she’d lifted from Jeff’s pocket when he was unconscious on the floor of her cabin.  She kept a copy in her pocket.

Mulroney took the paper and unfolded it.  He stared, brow furrowed.  Several minutes passed before he showed a flicker of understanding.  “Where did you get this?”

Darlene sighed.  “It’s a long story.”

“This is key evidence.”

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This is my response to the Trifecta weekly challenge, which is to write a 33 to 333-word response (mine is 333- again) using the following word/definition:

ECSTASY (noun):  trance; especially: a mystic or prophetic trance

If you want to read other responses, or try the challenge yourself, click on the tricycle picture to view Trifecta’s site.  Happy writing (and reading!)

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This continues Darlene’s story (if you haven’t read the other parts and are curious about what has transpired so far, here are the links:)

First Part (Dead Flowers)   Second Part (Investigation)    Third Part (Unknown Path)

Fourth Part (Missing)    Fifth Part (Facing Memories)   Sixth Part (Hunted or Hunter?)

Seventh Part (Indecision)     Eighth Part (Ties That Bind)    Ninth Part (Skeletons)

Tenth Part (Truth or Lies)     Eleventh Part (Rain)     Twelfth Part (Neighborhood’s Watch)