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The Writer Solves a Mystery Series
The Case of the
B-Ball Basher
by Paul R. Lloyd
Louie, the bartender at the Black Dingus, was a weasel of a man, a little squirmy guy with a long snout and balding, greased down hair. “So you solve any interesting mysteries lately?”
I gave him the look I reserved for traffic cops who stop me to ask if I knew how fast I was going back there. I was parked on my favorite stool. “You know I never mix work with pleasure. Besides, I’m a writer not a detective.”
Louie handed me a cup of high test. “Couldn’t tell by Lieutenant Lawson.”
“Okay, so I’m part of Lawson’s brain trust. No big deal. Say, how’s your kid sister doing with the basketball?”
“Funny you should ask. Been meaning to talk to you about her.”
One look at Louie’s face told me this was about to become work, not pleasure. “What’s on your mind?”
“Extortion racket. Somebody’s trying to get 10 grand out of me or they’ll kneecap Nancy.”
“Nasty business, Louie. Any ideas who's behind this?”
“That’s where I need your help. This has been a real stumper. It’s one of the girls right here at the Black Dingus, but I can’t figure out which one.” Louie points at my second favorite brunette. “Lois says it ain’t her, that right, Lois?”
The brunette sauntered over and said, “Don’t know nothin’ ‘bout nothing, Louie. I told you that before. Try talking to that barmaid of yours. She knows more than she’s telling.”
I eye the brunette as she walks away and then lock eyes with Louie. “What about the barmaid? She know anything?”
“She’s circled the bricks a few times. Wouldn’t put it past her. Just don’t know.” Louie shook his head back and forth a few times.
“What about Shirley?”
“Shirley? You kidding? She’s a sweetheart. Wouldn’t hurt a fly.” Louie dusted an old fashion glass with a towel.
“But one of them is behind this racket, right?”
“Yeah, but which one?”
Three coffees later, I headed back to the kitchen to talk to the hash slinger on my way to the head. One look at the place and I was glad my life insurance was paid in full. The hash slinger denied knowing anything about Louie’s kid sister, except she thought Nancy was a nice kid and wished her basketball team well in the playoffs.
On my fifth cup of joe, Anita sidled up next to me just a little too close and whispered, “Heard Shirley talking to the waitress and she sounded mighty guilty to me.”
Louie was right, the case was a stumper. Then later that evening, the guilty suspect gave herself away by calling in her extortion demands to Louie while I was busy talking to the waitress and the barmaid. That meant the extortionist had to be…
Who done it?
| Hint | Anita | Lois | Shirley |
Paul is available as a motivational speaker covering marketing communications and general business topics. He also is a workshop leader and speaker on creative writing. Call Paul for your business writing and marketing communications needs.
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