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The last 2 weeks (the 1st 2 entries in this new theme), we’ve seen the return of my Route 66-based writing with Chapter 73 & the continuation of my fledgling story “The Newspaper Limo”. Today, the writing sparked by a nondescript event-experience & a quip from Pat Hughes on Chicago IL’s WSCR; it was 1st a short murder mystery story, which turned into a running sequel, the last entry via THIS LINK HERE: “Don’t Forget Schuster”.

Click HERE for entire Don’t Forget Schuster.
Click HERE for entire Route 66-based story.
Click HERE for entire The Newspaper Limo.

mystery story sequel-continuation

“So, it really was just a mixup!?!?!” an exasperated Evan half-blurted out in shocked disbelief.

“That’s my understanding, yes,” the Sheriff replied.

“Quite a costly mixup,” Vern deadpanned. “At least we know the Crown Vic wasn’t headed out of state.”

“I would’ve rather it had been bound for out of state,” Evan said a bit sarcastically. “My goodness, Grandpap’s car was almost crushed!”

The Sheriff, Evan & Vern were sitting in the Sheriff’s office the next morning. Vern had, as he said he would, picked Evan up on the way into town, albeit a bit earlier than planned.

“I’m sorry, Marty, but I don’t buy it that that 1976 Buick Century was headed for the crusher.”

“I know, Vern,” the Sheriff replied. “I don’t buy it, either.”

“I mean, c’mon, it may not be in supreme shape, but it sure looks better than a lot of cars, including some new, actually still on the road!” Vern was visibly quite agitated.

“Calm down, Vern,” the Sheriff offered. “You know you’re not alone in that assessment. I looked over that car early this morning, & even took it for a short spin around the block. Sure seems in fine running condition to me.”

“Do you suppose,” Vern began, “that it being crushed has something to do with its owner?”

“Now, Vern, don’t go there,” the Sheriff warned.

“Who’s the registered owner?” Evan asked.

The Sheriff hesitated, exchanged a knowing glance with Vern, sighed, then replied: “A Mrs. Wilma Schuster.”

“Schuster!?!?” Evan exclaimed. “She wouldn’t be related to David Schuster, would she?!”

“We’re not sure,” the Sheriff tried to calm Evan.

“Oh my,” Evan could only say.

“Marty, you’re certainly not going to turn over that Buick to whoever drops off the 1991 Ford, are you?”

“No,” the Sheriff said matter-of-factly. “As far as I know, the truck is only delivering the Crown Vic. Captain Wyatt told me the Buick is to stay here under my charge for now. Later today or tomorrow Wyatt will send an investigative unit to look it over.”

“Good,” Vern said emphatically.

“So, wait, when is Grandpap’s car going to be delivered?” Evan asked, moving his eyes from Vern to the Sheriff.

“Should be before Ricky’s services,” the Sheriff responded. “I talked to Captain Wyatt about 8:15 this morning, just about an hour ago now, & he said the delivery truck was scheduled to leave the yard around 10.”

“Was he going to keep tabs on it & call you when it actually left?” Evan queried.

“Well, he didn’t specifically say he would,” the Sheriff admitted, “but if I don’t hear from him by 10:30, I’ll call him. Ricky’s services aren’t until about 1:30p or so anyway.”

“& Grandpap’s car will be delivered here, right?”

“Yes, Evan, the truck will bring the car here. According to Wyatt, he’ll want the investigative team to look it over again before I can release it to you.”

“So, why did you have me’n’Vern come all the way into town this early before Ricky’s services?”

“Because I wanted to tell you both in person at the same time,” the Sheriff offered.

“I see,” Evan said, obviously pondering something.

“Look,” the Sheriff started, “Evan, as you know, this is a sensitive issue, for you, me, Vern, the town … I could go on. So, I didn’t want to deliver the news via a nonchalant call.”

“I can understand that, Marty,” Vern said, then turned to Evan. “Evan, I don’t know what you’re pondering or what you are trying to get at here, but Marty really is looking out for all of our interests. Having us come here to discuss it at the same time & in person was best. I certainly don’t mind driving you back to your place & then picking you up again if you don’t want to stay here right now.”

“OK,” Evan simply said, looking like he was relaxing. “But I want to be here when Grandpap’s car arrives.”

“That’s fine,” Vern acknowledged. “I’m happy to drive you back now, then come get you in an hour or so to bring you back here. Maybe it’ll arrive closer to noon, so we can grab a quick bite at Charlene’s Diner before Ricky’s services.”

“OK, let’s go, please. Thank you, Sheriff.” With that, Evan stood up & headed out the door.

Vern & the Sheriff exchanged a what-was-that type look, then Vern spoke: “I guess we’ll see you a bit later.”

Vern stood up while the Sheriff replied & stood up, too: “Yeah, I guess….”

“I wouldn’t worry about Evan, Marty. I’m sure he’s just rattled at all of this. I promised him it would all work out if he just took his Grandpap’s car back. So far, that hasn’t been the case.”

“Yeah, I know,” the Sheriff noted. “It’s OK, Vern. It WILL work out … just is taking a weird road to get there!”