Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #98 (20.7)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Well, all good things must come to an end, and so does our story. Thank you for coming along on this journey with me and the boys. Now let's see what the final word is for Vinnie and Ethan and this book! Don't forget to see what the other Briefers are up to. Their links follow the conclusion of my tale, and next week will see a new story begin! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #98 (20.7)

“To be honest, that wasn’t very hard. I mean seriously, that woman’s IQ is probably in the single digits. Much like that of her gay bosom buddy, Troy Whatshisface, future AIDS victim.”

“What about you?” Ethan countered, showing remarkable restraint, I thought, when all I wanted to do was plant my fist in that smarmy face. How dare he say that about Troy? “Weren’t you giving it to Eva June’s fiancé? And God knows how many others. Have you been tested lately?”

“I get tested on a regular basis,” Chip came back quickly. “Don’t worry, I won’t infect your little play toy. I just want to show him some sweet sweet loving, that’s all. He needs to know what else is out there in the world besides you. Right, sweet cheeks?” The smile he gave me was horrific. My stomach turned at the sight. Guess I should have moved faster when I had the opportunity. My bad.”

“Let’s get back to business, shall we? You realize your IP address on those emails you exchanged with Caroline is traceable, right? And everything you instructed her to do, laid out to the tiniest detail? Guess you didn’t want to leave anything to chance, did you?”

Chip laughed. “With a birdbrain like that, one can never be too clever.” He turned suddenly toward me. “Tell me, Vinny, how old were you when you had your cherry popped? Were you an early bloomer, or were you waiting for your Prince Charming to arrive on his faithful steed to sweep you away? Shame you didn’t wait a little longer, till I entered your life.”  He slapped the table with his manacled hands, which jingled, as if he’d made the best joke in the world.

Ethan laid a restraining hand on my arm, but it wasn’t necessary. I suddenly saw Chip for the pathetic coward he was, and any power he might have held over me dissolved in that moment. I would never fear this man ever again. He was nothing… less than nothing. And just as clearly, I realized why we were here. We didn’t need Chip to confess, or even explain himself to us. Ethan had brought me here to get the closure I so badly needed. To put the boogey man to rest and take away any power over me he’d once held.

The Florida Mangler was going away for a long long time. Despite his claims to the contrary, I didn’t think he’d ever see the light of day again.

A weight had lifted from my shoulders and from my soul. I began to laugh then, but if Chip thought I was chuckling at his wit, he was sadly mistaken. I glanced at Ethan, who was smiling at me, as if he understood, his beautiful blue eyes shining.

“Chip, you keep telling yourself that,” I said, turning my gaze to Chip. “But don’t worry, I’m sure there are plenty of guys where you’re going who’ll be glad to accommodate you. Although, I’d worry that there might be some who wouldn’t mind being known as the one who took out the Florida Mangler. I mean, when you’re a lifer, you have nowhere else to go, right?”

I took in a deep breath and exhalted it slowly. “Ethan…?”

“Yes, love?”

“I think it’s time we blew this popsicle stand. Nothing to see here.”

“You’re very right about that,” he agreed.

“Have a nice life, Chip,” I said. “And try not to drop the soap in the shower.”

Ethan and I rose at the same time, ignoring the frustrated howls from the prisoner. That’s what he was and what he would always be, from now on. Where he deserved to be. We couldn’t save Eva June, but we did avenge her death.

Ethan knocked on the door, and the guard let us out. I think Chip was yelling something, but I’d tuned him out. Never again would I let him get to me. Stick him with a fork, he’s done.

We walked out of the jail into the bright sunlight and paused to let our eyes adjust.

“Vinny, I’m so proud of you.” Ethan’s warm voice enveloped me like a hug. “I knew you had it in you. Just wanted to make sure you’d be all right.”

I knew he meant the bad dreams, and the way his name had made me almost cringe in terror. No more of that, ever again. “Thank you, Ethan.”

We reached out car and he slid his arms around me, held me close. “For what? I didn’t do anything, you did.”

“For believing in me. And helping me to believe in myself.” I closed the short gap between us and kissed him with all the love in my heart. “I think it’s time to pick up Benny, check out of the motel and head home now. Close this case and put it behind us.”

“You’re absolutely right, Detective Delarosa.” Ethan kissed me softly.

“Not to mention, Detective Thorne, we have to get ready for our new roomies.”

That would be a challenge, but one I was more than happy to face.

The End

 Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #97 (20.6)

  Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

While Ethan is trying to get the truth out of Chip, aka the Florida Mangler, he is doing his best to get a rise out of Ethan and Vinny. Who will emerge victorious? See what's happening in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #97 (20.6)

“I’m not going to dignify your stupidity with an answer,” Ethan said in a voice filled with disdain. “You’re just a shit-disturber, Chip, and you know it. You think you’re someone special because you killed some poor innocent people and managed to make it into the news. You made headlines all across the country and you even got your picture on  national TV. You made people frightened of you and the idea of what you might do to them.  So they dubbed you the Florida Mangler. You think that’s something to be proud of?” Ethan snorted. “You know that there are serial killers out there a lot smarter than you are. How do I know that? Because they’re still out there and you’re here.” He waved his arms to encompass the small room in which we sat.

“Not for long, dickhead,” Chip replied, but I got the feeling his bravado sounded a little forced.

“You tell yourself that, Chip. But DNA doesn’t lie. And neither does Vinny.”

Chip laughed. “And when I tell them he’s my lover, what then? A jilted lover at that. Who will believe him then.”

His words both angered me and wounded me, probably at the idea that people might actually believe I would ever have anything to do with this scumbag. Before I could respond, Ethan had taken the ball and run with it.

“Vinnie with a piece of shit like you?” He shook his head. “Vinnie’s way out of your league. No one would believe that for a minute. Not to mention you put him in your trunk.” I felt Ethan’s hand tighten in mine, and I realized what self-control he must be exerting not to fly across the table and beat that asshole right there and then. “Do you treat all your so-called dates that way?”

“Only the special ones.” Chip’s smile was chilling as he turned toward me. “Aren’t you afraid you might end up like your little buddy? Eva May? Eva April? What was her name again? Oh yes, Eva June.”

This time Ethan gripped me a little more tightly. But surprisingly I wasn’t about to react in any violent way. He wasn’t worth it.

“You got to her when she was the most vulnerable. You made her believe you were someone you weren’t, gained her confidence and then took her life. That’s nothing to be proud of, Chipper, now is it?”

Chip’s smile faltered just a little more before he turned toward Ethan, nodding his head to indicate me. “See why I love him so? He’s such a wit.”

“And yet you can’t have him,” Ethan replied. “Sucks to be you.” He quickly changed the subject before Chip lost his temper and turned even more petulant than he was. No telling what this mercurial menace might do, including concluding our interview. If he decided we were out, there would be nothing we could do about it.

“So, how did you convince Caroline that you were William Faulkner, the director?”

To my surprise, Chip smirked.

to be continued

Go visit the other Briefers and see what's new with them!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #96 (20.5)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

The conversation between Vinnie and Ethan and the Florida Mangler continues. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #96 (20.5)

“You want to talk to me about your engagement? How sweet.” His eyebrows raised in an affectation of surprise even as he glanced back and forth between us. “So, I take it you’d like some advice? Color schemes? Menu choices? What font to use on your invitations? Ask away. Mayvbe you’d like me to give the bride away?” This was said with a wink at me.

As if.

Ethan’s response was to laugh, a deep, rich sound that showed me he wasn’t in the least intimidated by this lowlife scum sitting before us. I wish I could have said the same.

“If we wanted or needed that kind of assistance, Chip, you would be the last person we would ever turn to for advice.”

Did I imagine Chip faltered for just a second before he immediately came back with, “Oh darn, does that mean I won’t make the guest list either?”

“You got that right,” I managed to get out, which only produced a grin from him.

“Okay, enough of this, I’m going to get right to the point, Chip,” Ethan said in a no-nonsense voice. “This has got to stop. Now.”

I knew Ethan intended to question Chip about everything that had been happening to us, to Uncle Benny… to all of us. But I hadn’t expected this. I tried not to let my surprise show, but Chip wasn’t focused on me. He was intensely regarding Ethan, his bland expression revealing nothing.

“Whatever do you mean?” he asked in a voice filled with disdain. The flip side of the coin. From laughing prep boy to cynical narcissist at the speed of light. “To what this do you refer? I assume you don’t mean my current accomodations, which are temporary at best. Amazing what a good lawyer can do. And, of course, the right judge.” He winked at me agan. Shivers coursed down my spine.

Maybe this had been a mistake after all.

“I mean I know you’re the one who put Caroline St. Clair up to everything she did, thinking she was auditioning for some supposedly legitemate director. William Faulkner? Really? Maybe she didn’t catch on, but we certainly did.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Chip gave an overly loud yawn and patted his mouth to show his boredom, along with more than a touch of contempt. “You mean that lovely actress from the Civil War drama I’ve heard so much about?”

I was startled for a moment that he knew about a film that hadn’t even been released yet, but then I realized people were probably talking about it already. After all, it was also a Troy McGarrett film, and he did hold a certain place in the hearts of moviegoers. A deserved place. Plus he was a great guy offscreen. I could think of nothing nice to say about St. Clair other than she was safely locked up in a rich person’s mental health facility, at least for now.

“You know very well who I mean,” Ethan replied. Beneath the table, he squeezed my leg for reassurance. He knew how mention of that particular actress agitated me.

“I heard the two of you were once engaged,” Chip replied. “Was that before or after you became engaged to dear sweet Vinnie here?”

How did he even know about that?

 to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #96 (20.5)

  Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

The conversation between Vinnie and Ethan and the Florida Mangler continues. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #96 (20.5)

“You want to talk to me about your engagement? How sweet.” His eyebrows raised in an affectation of surprise even as he glanced back and forth between us. “So, I take it you’d like some advice? Color schemes? Menu choices? What font to use on your invitations? Ask away. Mayvbe you’d like me to give the bride away?” This was said with a wink at me.

As if.

Ethan’s response was to laugh, a deep, rich sound that showed me he wasn’t in the least intimidated by this lowlife scum sitting before us. I wish I could have said the same.

“If we wanted or needed that kind of assistance, Chip, you would be the last person we would ever turn to for advice.”

Did I imagine Chip faltered for just a second before he immediately came back with, “Oh darn, does that mean I won’t make the guest list either?”

“You got that right,” I managed to get out, which only produced a grin from him.

“Okay, enough of this, I’m going to get right to the point, Chip,” Ethan said in a no-nonsense voice. “This has got to stop. Now.”

I knew Ethan intended to question Chip about everything that had been happening to us, to Uncle Benny… to all of us. But I hadn’t expected this. I tried not to let my surprise show, but Chip wasn’t focused on me. He was intensely regarding Ethan, his bland expression revealing nothing.

“Whatever do you mean?” he asked in a voice filled with disdain. The flip side of the coin. From laughing prep boy to cynical narcissist at the speed of light. “To what this do you refer? I assume you don’t mean my current accomodations, which are temporary at best. Amazing what a good lawyer can do. And, of course, the right judge.” He winked at me agan. Shivers coursed down my spine.

Maybe this had been a mistake after all.

“I mean I know you’re the one who put Caroline St. Clair up to everything she did, thinking she was auditioning for some supposedly legitemate director. William Faulkner? Really? Maybe she didn’t catch on, but we certainly did.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Chip gave an overly loud yawn and patted his mouth to show his boredom, along with more than a touch of contempt. “You mean that lovely actress from the Civil War drama I’ve heard so much about?”

I was startled for a moment that he knew about a film that hadn’t even been released yet, but then I realized people were probably talking about it already. After all, it was also a Troy McGarrett film, and he did hold a certain place in the hearts of moviegoers. A deserved place. Plus he was a great guy offscreen. I could think of nothing nice to say about St. Clair other than she was safely locked up in a rich person’s mental health facility, at least for now.

“You know very well who I mean,” Ethan replied. Beneath the table, he squeezed my leg for reassurance. He knew how mention of that particular actress agitated me.

“I heard the two of you were once engaged,” Chip replied. “Was that before or after you became engaged to dear sweet Vinnie here?”

How did he even know about that?

 to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #96 (20.5)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

The conversation between Vinnie and Ethan and the Florida Mangler continues. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #96 (20.5)

“You want to talk to me about your engagement? How sweet.” His eyebrows raised in an affectation of surprise even as he glanced back and forth between us. “So, I take it you’d like some advice? Color schemes? Menu choices? What font to use on your invitations? Ask away. Mayvbe you’d like me to give the bride away?” This was said with a wink at me.

As if.

Ethan’s response was to laugh, a deep, rich sound that showed me he wasn’t in the least intimidated by this lowlife scum sitting before us. I wish I could have said the same.

“If we wanted or needed that kind of assistance, Chip, you would be the last person we would ever turn to for advice.”

Did I imagine Chip faltered for just a second before he immediately came back with, “Oh darn, does that mean I won’t make the guest list either?”

“You got that right,” I managed to get out, which only produced a grin from him.

“Okay, enough of this, I’m going to get right to the point, Chip,” Ethan said in a no-nonsense voice. “This has got to stop. Now.”

I knew Ethan intended to question Chip about everything that had been happening to us, to Uncle Benny… to all of us. But I hadn’t expected this. I tried not to let my surprise show, but Chip wasn’t focused on me. He was intensely regarding Ethan, his bland expression revealing nothing.

“Whatever do you mean?” he asked in a voice filled with disdain. The flip side of the coin. From laughing prep boy to cynical narcissist at the speed of light. “To what this do you refer? I assume you don’t mean my current accomodations, which are temporary at best. Amazing what a good lawyer can do. And, of course, the right judge.” He winked at me agan. Shivers coursed down my spine.

Maybe this had been a mistake after all.

“I mean I know you’re the one who put Caroline St. Clair up to everything she did, thinking she was auditioning for some supposedly legitemate director. William Faulkner? Really? Maybe she didn’t catch on, but we certainly did.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Chip gave an overly loud yawn and patted his mouth to show his boredom, along with more than a touch of contempt. “You mean that lovely actress from the Civil War drama I’ve heard so much about?”

I was startled for a moment that he knew about a film that hadn’t even been released yet, but then I realized people were probably talking about it already. After all, it was also a Troy McGarrett film, and he did hold a certain place in the hearts of moviegoers. A deserved place. Plus he was a great guy offscreen. I could think of nothing nice to say about St. Clair other than she was safely locked up in a rich person’s mental health facility, at least for now.

“You know very well who I mean,” Ethan replied. Beneath the table, he squeezed my leg for reassurance. He knew how mention of that particular actress agitated me.

“I heard the two of you were once engaged,” Chip replied. “Was that before or after you became engaged to dear sweet Vinnie here?”

How did he even know about that?

 to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #95 (20.4)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

The moment has arrived. Vinnie comes face to face with his worst nightmare. Can this end well? Will they be able to learn anything from the Florida Mangler? See what's happening in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #95 (20.4)

I bit back the witty rejoinder that surely lurked on the tip of my tongue. No sense in antagonizing him right off the bat. As the saying goes, you can catch more flies with sugar. Or is it honey? Maybe once we’d gotten all the information we needed, I could tell Chip what I really thought of him. I forced a smile I was far from feeling.

“Not long enough,” Ethan quickly countered on my behalf.

“Aw, and here I thought maybe you missed me.”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” Ethan said. “It doesn’t become you.”

Without missing a beat, Chip turned his attention to me. “And what do you think does become me, Vinny, my friend?”

“I am not your friend and never will be.” So much for remaining calm, cool, and collected. He was already getting under my skin. I had to force myself to take a deep breath. And hide my actual feelings. Namely, that he scared the shit out of me. Especially at closer quarters than I had anticipated. Maybe some people appreciated the up-close-and-personal with their incarcerated loved ones, but I didn’t count myself among that number.

I was grateful to be sitting. Otherwise, my shaking knees might have given me away. Assuming my quivering voice hadn’t already done so.

“Oh say it isn’t so, Vinny, my sweet!” he exclaimed with an exaggerated look of sorrow directed at me. I swear if his hands were free, he’d have clasped them together against his chest for melodramatic effect. But then again, if they had gone that route, we could have been on the safe side of plexiglass instead of the somewhat precarious position we found ourselves in.

“Knock it off!” Ethan growled, clearly annoyed. “There’s no time for this nonsense. I have a few questions for you, and I’d like you to answer them.”

Chip laughed. “Ah, my dear detective, I wish I had a lover who was as protective of me as you are of our sweet Vinny.” He glanced back and forth between us, before adding, “I hear congratulations are in order. Have you set the date yet?”

“How did you know?” I blurted out without thinking. I knew our engagement wasn’t exactly public knowledge, and we certainly hadn’t placed an announcement of it in any newspapers. I wasn’t sure if people still did that anymore. Then I glanced at my hand and spied my engagement ring, the mate to which sat on Ethan’s finger. That explained that.

As if reading my mind, Chip said,” The rings are a giveaway, I admit, but I already knew about the two of you planning to get hitched.” He gave us a lascivious wink. “I have my sources.” Could he get any more smarmy?

“Interestingly enough, that’s what I want to talk to you about,” Ethan said in a rather level tone of voice. He seemed to have shaken off his previous annoyance. I wasn’t surprised. Ethan really wasn’t the type to fly off the handle. That would be me.

 to be continued

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #94 (20.3)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

The moment you've been waiting for (but not Vinny) - face to face with the Florida Mangler once again! See what's happening in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #94 (20.3)

We were shown into a private room off the main hallway. The only furniture in the room was a table and three chairs. And in the single chair across from us, sitting there with the smuggest expression on his smarmy face, was… you know who.

The Florida Mangler himself. The man who’d killed our late partner, Eva June, among others. The man who’s kidnapped me and held me hostage for reasons I still didn’t comprehend. I won’t add injury to insult by referring to him as the alleged Florida Mangler, even though he hadn’t been to trial yet and wasn’t everyone innocent until proven guilty, because we knew without a shadow of a doubt that he was the Mangler. Despite whatever his lawyer might or might not plead when the time came, up to and including insanity. But I didn’t believe for one moment that Chip was crazy, just very evil.

If I’d expected Chip to look the worse for being incarcerated all this time, I was sadly mistaken. Apparently jail agreed with him as he retained his frat boy looks. If anything, his reddish-brown hair had grown longer, giving him a somewhat more feminine appearance, and his pale green eyes wore a look of amusement that definitely did reach his lips in the form a smirk.

I came to an abrupt halt in the middle of the doorway, having followed after Ethan and the policeman, my feet having refused to cooperate and enter the room. I could clearly see that Chip was manacled in place, and even if we sat directly across fom him at the table, he would not be able to reach either of us. That didn’t keep me from worrying that he might try.

I barely heard the recitation of the rules given by our escort, until he said he would be right outside the door, which I was still standing inside. Ethan turned to face me, a concerned look on his handsome face.

“C’mon in, Vinny,” Chip beckoned me with a wolfish grin. “Let me see that pretty face.” He chuckled at his own warped wit.

Ethan stepped closer to me, lowering his voice so only I could hear. “We can leave if you want. We don’t have to do this.”

But I knew we did if we were ever to get closure. I didn’t trust the court system to provide that. I’d seen too many cases where killers were sentenced but never had to explain why they had done what they’d done.

“I’ll be okay, Ethan,” I assured him, even though I wasn’t so sure myself. I took a step inside the room, and then another. Ethan nodded at the officer and he left, closing the door behind him and locking us in with our archenemy.

Straighten your spine, DelaRosa. You can do this.

I took a deep breath and nodded to Ethan. We covered the short distance between us and the table and took our seats.

“Long time no see, guys,” Chip remarked.

 to be continued

Now see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #92 (20.1)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Vinnie and Ethan are on their way to Green Cove Springs, Florida, the city where the Florida Mangler is currently incarcerated. Ethan offered to go alone, in order to spare Vinnie, but he wasn't having it. See what's going on in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #92 (20.1)

Chip, aka the Florida Mangler, was being held in the Clay County Jail, in Green Cove Springs, Florida. His trial hadn’t happened yet, which was why he wasn’t in prison, and he was being held without bail, so I knew he wasn’t getting out any time soon. Under Florida law, a judge had the right to rule that a particularly violent crime warranted withholding bail, deeming that person to be a threat to society. Considering what Chip was accused of, that decision seemed to be a no-brainer.

Normally, according to what the website for the jail said, visitation had to be scheduled 24 hours in advance. But Anderson was able to get that formality waived for us—don’t ask me how, probably as a courtesy between law enforcement officers. However, that meeting wouldn’t happen until the next day, since Green Cove Springs was a good five hour drive from where we were. Probably a little more, depending on how often we stopped to walk Benny. To be honest, that didn’t exactly break my heart, either. If I could postpone this meeting forever, I would. But I didn’t tell Ethan that, naturally. Just nodded when he gave me the information and said that sounded good.

On the drive, we discussed Sarah’s moving in, and what we needed to do to facilitate that. Of course, it wasn’t like she’d given us an actual date or anything. We just wanted to make sure the extra bedroom was ready for her and Alex to move into for however long they needed to stay. I knew it wouldn’t be forever, and I was fine with them staying for the foreseeable future. Ethan would be happy to have his twin there, so I would be happy. Win-win situation.

We arrived in Green Cove Springs in early evening. While Ethan drove, I had been searching for places that would accept pets, as well as daycare services for them. We certainly didn’t want to leave Benny in the car while we went inside the jail, and I doubted he would be a welcome visitor either. Luckily I was able to find both.

The motel, which wasn’t part of any chain or anything, was small but nice. The clerk who checked us in proudly informed us that they were family owned and operated, and the entire family were animal lovers. He oohed and ahhed over Benny and, with our permission of course, offered him a treat from a bowl they kept on the counter for canine visitors. That won our pup over, of course, at which point, he gave his approval for the sleeping arrangements.

“You know what’s funny,” I said to Ethan as we settled into our room and ordered delivery from a nearby restaurant.

“What’s that?”

“I can’t imagine our lives without Benny, you know? I mean, sure, I remember a time before we had him, but it seems so long ago.”

Ethan chuckled. “I can remember a time when you wished I wasn’t in your life. I bet you couldn’t have imagined us together back then. Not only together, but engaged to be married.”

My cheeks heated, not surprisingly, at his words. What he said was very true. I had to admit I’d grown a lot in the time since I’d met Ethan, and he’d been the catalyst for that change.

“I know I treated you badly…” I heard myself stammer, which was no end annoying. But before I could add anything to my statement, he’d rounded the bed and cut off any further conversation with a kiss. Kisses, rather. Which ended up with us tumbling onto the bed together, kissing, rubbing, moaning…until a knock at the door reminded us we were expecting food. And that put an end to things. At least for then.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

 

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #92 (20.1)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Vinnie and Ethan are on their way to Green Cove Springs, Florida, the city where the Florida Mangler is currently incarcerated. Ethan offered to go alone, in order to spare Vinnie, but he wasn't having it. See what's going on in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #92 (20.1)

Chip, aka the Florida Mangler, was being held in the Clay County Jail, in Green Cove Springs, Florida. His trial hadn’t happened yet, which was why he wasn’t in prison, and he was being held without bail, so I knew he wasn’t getting out any time soon. Under Florida law, a judge had the right to rule that a particularly violent crime warranted withholding bail, deeming that person to be a threat to society. Considering what Chip was accused of, that decision seemed to be a no-brainer.

Normally, according to what the website for the jail said, visitation had to be scheduled 24 hours in advance. But Anderson was able to get that formality waived for us—don’t ask me how, probably as a courtesy between law enforcement officers. However, that meeting wouldn’t happen until the next day, since Green Cove Springs was a good five hour drive from where we were. Probably a little more, depending on how often we stopped to walk Benny. To be honest, that didn’t exactly break my heart, either. If I could postpone this meeting forever, I would. But I didn’t tell Ethan that, naturally. Just nodded when he gave me the information and said that sounded good.

On the drive, we discussed Sarah’s moving in, and what we needed to do to facilitate that. Of course, it wasn’t like she’d given us an actual date or anything. We just wanted to make sure the extra bedroom was ready for her and Alex to move into for however long they needed to stay. I knew it wouldn’t be forever, and I was fine with them staying for the foreseeable future. Ethan would be happy to have his twin there, so I would be happy. Win-win situation.

We arrived in Green Cove Springs in early evening. While Ethan drove, I had been searching for places that would accept pets, as well as daycare services for them. We certainly didn’t want to leave Benny in the car while we went inside the jail, and I doubted he would be a welcome visitor either. Luckily I was able to find both.

The motel, which wasn’t part of any chain or anything, was small but nice. The clerk who checked us in proudly informed us that they were family owned and operated, and the entire family were animal lovers. He oohed and ahhed over Benny and, with our permission of course, offered him a treat from a bowl they kept on the counter for canine visitors. That won our pup over, of course, at which point, he gave his approval for the sleeping arrangements.

“You know what’s funny,” I said to Ethan as we settled into our room and ordered delivery from a nearby restaurant.

“What’s that?”

“I can’t imagine our lives without Benny, you know? I mean, sure, I remember a time before we had him, but it seems so long ago.”

Ethan chuckled. “I can remember a time when you wished I wasn’t in your life. I bet you couldn’t have imagined us together back then. Not only together, but engaged to be married.”

My cheeks heated, not surprisingly, at his words. What he said was very true. I had to admit I’d grown a lot in the time since I’d met Ethan, and he’d been the catalyst for that change.

“I know I treated you badly…” I heard myself stammer, which was no end annoying. But before I could add anything to my statement, he’d rounded the bed and cut off any further conversation with a kiss. Kisses, rather. Which ended up with us tumbling onto the bed together, kissing, rubbing, moaning…until a knock at the door reminded us we were expecting food. And that put an end to things. At least for then.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

 

 

 

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #91 (19.3)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

When Vinnie figures out what Ethan has in mind, to say he is upset is an understatement and his reaction is unexpected. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #91 (19.3)

 “I’m sorry, baby, I’m sorry,” Ethan murmured in a continuous stream, his breath warm in my ear, his strong arms like a lifeline I could not seem to let go of had I even wanted to, while I continued to sob my heart out. I was angry, and I was frightened, and even a little guilty for yelling at Ethan when I knew everything he did was in my best interest. Our best interest.

“You know I wouldn’t put you through this unless I thought it was absolutely necessary. We can’t go on with this hanging over our heads. It needs to stop. Now.” His hands stroked my back in soothing circles while I worked at evening out my breathing.

Suddenly aware we were not alone, I glanced around us. No one was paying us any particular attention, for which I was grateful. Still, I didn’t want to embarrass Ethan any more than I probably already had. I started to rise, and he graciously helped me.

“I’m sorry,” I began to babble. “I know I’m acting childish. I know I have no reason to worry about him. He’s locked up, and he won’t ever get out again, I’m sure. And I’m with you.” Unspoken but clear was the understanding that I knew noone and nothing could harm me as long as Ethan was with me.

“Baby, no, it’s not your fault.” He walked me back to the table. Reaching for a napkin, he wiped my cheeks then handed it to me so I could blow my snotty nose. Such a sight I must have been. Of one accord, we grabbed our drinks and returned to the car, where I attempted to pull myself together.

“Would you like me to take you home first?” he began, but I shook my head vehemenly.

“No way. Not a chance. Not happening.”

The corners of his mouth turned up in a smile and I realized he’d expected just that reaction from me. He’d just wanted to make it my decision to go or stay. I couldn’t let him walk into the proverbial lion’s den without me. Even if I was afraid of the lion.

“Dude, you are stuck with me,” I continued. “For better or for worse.” Without thinking, I’d spoken the vows that we would take someday.

“For richer or for poorer,” Ethan said. “Till death do us part.” He looked so solemn in that moment, as if he were already making a vow. How could I even doubt we were meant to be together?

“Once this is over, let’s set a date,” I said quietly.

 Ethan’s eyes shone at my words. “Really? You’re ready to do that.”

“I’m ready.” I nodded. “I want to have you as my husband. For always.”

Were those tears I saw in Mr. Thorne’s eyes? Maybe the match to the new ones in mine?

“I love you so much, Vinnie.” He drew me closer to him, our lips meeting in a gentle kiss. “I can’t imagine my life without you, and I don’t want to. You’re the best person I know, and I want to spend the rest of my life proving how much I love you.”

My cheeks warmed at his declaration. “You know I love you, Ethan. You changed my life in so many ways and made it better. I never want to lose you, and I just hope you don’t regret—”

His lips on mine once more stopped whatever I’d been about to say, and I gave myself over to the sheer joy of being with Ethan at that moment.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #91 (19.3)

  Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

When Vinnie figures out what Ethan has in mind, to say he is upset is an understatement and his reaction is unexpected. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #91 (19.3)

 “I’m sorry, baby, I’m sorry,” Ethan murmured in a continuous stream, his breath warm in my ear, his strong arms like a lifeline I could not seem to let go of had I even wanted to, while I continued to sob my heart out. I was angry, and I was frightened, and even a little guilty for yelling at Ethan when I knew everything he did was in my best interest. Our best interest.

“You know I wouldn’t put you through this unless I thought it was absolutely necessary. We can’t go on with this hanging over our heads. It needs to stop. Now.” His hands stroked my back in soothing circles while I worked at evening out my breathing.

Suddenly aware we were not alone, I glanced around us. No one was paying us any particular attention, for which I was grateful. Still, I didn’t want to embarrass Ethan any more than I probably already had. I started to rise, and he graciously helped me.

“I’m sorry,” I began to babble. “I know I’m acting childish. I know I have no reason to worry about him. He’s locked up, and he won’t ever get out again, I’m sure. And I’m with you.” Unspoken but clear was the understanding that I knew noone and nothing could harm me as long as Ethan was with me.

“Baby, no, it’s not your fault.” He walked me back to the table. Reaching for a napkin, he wiped my cheeks then handed it to me so I could blow my snotty nose. Such a sight I must have been. Of one accord, we grabbed our drinks and returned to the car, where I attempted to pull myself together.

“Would you like me to take you home first?” he began, but I shook my head vehemenly.

“No way. Not a chance. Not happening.”

The corners of his mouth turned up in a smile and I realized he’d expected just that reaction from me. He’d just wanted to make it my decision to go or stay. I couldn’t let him walk into the proverbial lion’s den without me. Even if I was afraid of the lion.

“Dude, you are stuck with me,” I continued. “For better or for worse.” Without thinking, I’d spoken the vows that we would take someday.

“For richer or for poorer,” Ethan said. “Till death do us part.” He looked so solemn in that moment, as if he were already making a vow. How could I even doubt we were meant to be together?

“Once this is over, let’s set a date,” I said quietly.

 Ethan’s eyes shone at my words. “Really? You’re ready to do that.”

“I’m ready.” I nodded. “I want to have you as my husband. For always.”

Were those tears I saw in Mr. Thorne’s eyes? Maybe the match to the new ones in mine?

“I love you so much, Vinnie.” He drew me closer to him, our lips meeting in a gentle kiss. “I can’t imagine my life without you, and I don’t want to. You’re the best person I know, and I want to spend the rest of my life proving how much I love you.”

My cheeks warmed at his declaration. “You know I love you, Ethan. You changed my life in so many ways and made it better. I never want to lose you, and I just hope you don’t regret—”

His lips on mine once more stopped whatever I’d been about to say, and I gave myself over to the sheer joy of being with Ethan at that moment.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #90 (19.2)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Vinnie and Ethan spend a pleasant time with Ethan's family, but it's time to go now. However, Vinnie is surprised at the route they are taking. Where are they headed, and why is Ethan acting strangely? See what's up in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #90 (19.2)

I admit that there are times when I can be somewhat oblivious to the world around me, especially when I’m with Ethan. But even I couldn’t help but notice that we were not headed in the direction I had assumed we’d be traveling. I shot Ethan a confused glance. “Aren’t we going home?”

Ethan didn’t answer immediately, which sent a chill creeping down my spine. Was something wrong that I was unaware of? What now? Hadn’t we been through enough already?

“Not right away,” he finally answered. “I meant to talk to you sooner, but with one thing or another…” His voice trailed off. Now I was getting frightened.

After what felt like a long moment, I found my voice and hoped it didn’t come out as shaky as I felt. “I don’t understand. Did we get another assignment already?” I didn’t think that was likely, though, as I would have known if Anderson had called. And he hadn’t. Unless he’d told Ethan during their last conversation? But no, that was the night before. Ethan would have told me by now. Besides, we had Benny with us, and we would have needed to know so we could make accommodations for our pup’s presence. So no, that couldn’t be it.

“Vinnie, how about we stop for coffee?” Ethan said, which was definitely an answer to the question I’d asked. I felt my heart begin to beat erratically and I told myself to calm down. How bad could it be as long as we were together? I trusted Ethan. Whatever it was, we could handle it.

“Coffee sounds good,” I replied. When did coffee not sound good?

A sign alongside the highway indicated a chain coffee shop was located off of the next exit. Within a few minutes, we were sitting outside, grasping our hot coffee in our hands, admiring the overcast day. A slight chill permeated the air, but nothing we couldn’t manage.

I waited patiently for Ethan to find his words, sipping at my mocha latte, trying not to panic. I kept my eyes on the table so he couldn’t read the fear in them. Finally, he began.

“Vinnie, I think it’s time we got to the bottom of what’s going on.”

Didn’t that go without saying? I made no immediate comment.

“When I talked to Anderson last night, and he assured me Chip is still very much behind bars, I asked where he’s being held.”

My entire body came alive with tingles, but not in a good way. Surely he wasn’t trying to say what I thought he was trying to say? Knowing how much the thought of being anywhere near that man… I couldn’t even complete that thought.

“I think Chip holds all the answers,” Ethan continued. He reached for my hand, but I didn’t respond with my usual alacrity, still cradling my drink. Ethan didn’t seem surprised at my reaction.

“Go on,” I said in a stiff voice I barely recognized as my own.

“You don’t have to go with me. I wouldn’t put you through that. You can wait somewhere else. I don’t plan to stay very long. I don’t even know if he’ll talk to me—” His words cut off abruptly. Probably because I had risen from the table and was slowly backing away. Whether from Ethan or the situation, I wasn’t sure. But my flight instinct had definitely kicked in, and I just knew I was about to run. Not to mention, I was filled with anger.

“How could you do that?” My voice was rising in volume with each word. “After what he did…what he tried to do…what he…” Words failed me just then. Frustrated, I threw my cup at Ethan, but thanks to being suddenly blinded by hot tears, my aim was way off and I missed him by a mile.

“Goddammit, Ethan!” I roared.

Ethan turned pale. No wonder. I don’t think I’d ever actually yelled at him before. Or tried to hit him with a projectile of any sort.

My brain was frantically trying to shut down, to not think about what was happening, what had happened, what had almost happened. I needed time, I needed space.

“Vinnie…baby…” Ethan’s voice was gentle and soothing but I was in no condition to be pacified. I had to get out of here, had to get away… I knew he wouldn’t take this lying down, he would try to reach me but I had to go. And there he was, moving toward me, trying to stop me.

I tried to turn, to escape, but found myself on my knees instead, sobbing my heart out as Ethan wrapped his arms around me.

to be continued

Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb