Abigail Wick: Private Eye
Arrested Author?
Abigail was still recovering from the attack upon her home. Soon, a month had passed since. It was quite a mess. The Police and Abigail had done some thorough investigations but found nothing. Not a fingerprint, a DNA sample, or even the smallest hair follicle. But, soon there would be a new mystery for Abigail to solve.
Three months later…
A sequence of murders had occurred in the last few weeks.
A sequence Abigail was all too familiar with.
One of Abigail’s favorite books had always been Shadow’s Hit. It was a mystery novel by the one and only, world-renowned, Harriette Gizmo Regent. It followed 3 young teens in a quest to solve the truth behind the murder of one of their friends and other people in the city. In the book, The Murderer always left a peculiar pattern when they struck. After the first few kills, people desperately pointed fingers at the only logical (in their eyes) suspect.
Harriette.
Soon Abigail received the following email from Harriette, begging her for help.
Dear Ms. Abigail Wick
As you may know, vicious murders have occurred in numerous areas across the US of A. As you also may know, many people have started pointing fingers at me. This is a major problem and threat to my place in society as an author. I have a trial on the 29th of July. My lawyer recommended you back up my alibis and other forms of evidence.
Please meet me at my private vacation home, in southern Pennsylvania. I advise you to dress for the weather; all expenses are on me. I will pay you any requested amount if you get me off the suspect list.
Sincerely, from the desk of Harriette Gizmo Regent, world-famous author of several books.
Abigail thought in-depth about Harriette’s email and request. Abigail wasn’t a lawyer. She never even dreamed about being one, let alone ever wanted to be one. But Harriette wasn’t asking for a lawyer. Harriette was asking for a private eye.
Exactly what Abigail was…
On the 27th, A silver-lined limousine was parked in front of her apartment building. Abigail was packed. Arlette was adjusting to her cat cage. From the limo, they went to an airport, and from there, they flew to Pennsylvania. There Abigail was picked up and driven to Harriette’s manor on the 28th of January. Harriette was a quiet, lean person. Her eyes were puffy and dull green and she wore a Skobeloff robe. Best of all, Harriette also had cats too!
It wasn’t long before Abigail was investigating the home of one of the greatest writers and authors in the world. Arlette raced and leaped around with Harriette’s cats, Birch and Beech. Abigail searched through CCTV footage and credit card history and found nothing that implied that she was responsible for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd kills. She couldn’t have. Twice at the vet for Beech and Birch. The other time she had been out bowling with friends. Abigail was sure that much should be enough to prove Harriette innocent especially since most authorities were convinced that the same person committed the murders.
When Abigail revealed this to Harriette, she was over the moon. “I think you are quite right about the Police believing that there is only one person behind the killings.” She said.
“ That’s the perk of being a private eye, you get to know all sorts of things that others may never know. Conspiracy theorists, street fighters, and wrestlers are only a few of the clients I’ve received,” Abigail replied. “ Oh, by the way, I could use some magazines to read, especially the gossip panels… I believe any true detective worth their salt could have at least 3 mysteries solved if they truly tried. And all the evidence could come straight from the press.”
“Interesting, very interesting. I read that phrase in a book of mine.” Harriette responded.
Their conversation quickly turned to books and ideas for Harriette’s new draft. Abigail cautiously avoided the subject of the trial. Judging how open and jubilant Harriette was. Over the time Abigail had stayed, Harriette had been ever so tense and quiet. It was surprising to see how chatty she was. And boy, could she talk! Everything from restaurants to safety procedures to good book cover artists. Abigail thought she had just collected more information than she would have in an updated encyclopedia.
But through all this threaded a slight air of terrified paralysis. Abigail had sensed it many times when dealing with hysterical clients who had their homes robbed or had a beloved family member kidnapped. That anxiety and fear. She knew Harriette was nervous. After all the trial was tomorrow…
At the trial, Harriette wore a top hat with a saffron ribbon and a black top with white ruffles. She adorned her ears with long, golden earrings and a choker at her throat. She walked over to a mahogany desk and quickly wrote in messy, jagged handwriting.
During the ride to the trial, Harriette managed to maintain a cool composure. Still, Abigail heard her crack her knuckles and fidget with her elegant earrings, all basic signs of nervousness.
Soon Harriette and Abigail arrived and gazed at the towering pillars of marble and the details carved into them. Abigail wondered if people had painstakingly engraved them bit by bit or if the stones had come out of a factory preprinted. Abigail snapped back to earth as she noticed the huge crowd rushing towards them with flashing cameras and mics. “Reporters…” Harriette grunted under her breath with a sideways glance at Abigail, “Smile!”. Every reporter exploded with questions. Another cut off most before they could finish their question. A behemoth clocktower nearby signaled that the trial’s registration time was mere moments away. Harriette casually waved to them and smiled ear to ear as if this wasn’t her murder trial. They strolled on a vermillion carpet leading them toward the court. A person came up to them and identified himself as Barry Mallow and that he was to show Harriette where the courtroom was. All around them statues and portraits of historical figures covered the walls of the corridors. Abigail hurried to sign in as a visitor in the lobby and strolled out of the building to find a restaurant to eat at.
One hour later…
Abigail had eaten Thai food, her favorite, and returned to the courtroom to watch the trial with a fresh bag of buttery, steaming popcorn. But, as soon as they reached the towering double doors of the courtroom, the guards confiscated it with a smile. Then as she entered, they stopped her again for an ID check.
“Ma’am, we can’t let you in here… but I remember you from a newspaper! May I have an autograph?” the first guard asked, crunching on some popcorn. The second one hid his smile and nudged the first. “ Really?’’ He said, “Since when have you asked people for their autograph?” he chuckled, grabbing the bag from the first and taking a handful.
“Since FOREVER! When was the last time a celebrity walked in this hallway and I DIDN’T ask for an autograph!” the first retorted indignantly.
“Umm… there was that one time on February 3rd when Katy Perry came for something…” the second muttered.
“I wasn’t one DUTY in February! I was in HAWAII! For YOUR information!”
“Well, I guess…you missed it when Katy Perry came here…”
“Wait WHAT? Katy Perry came here? YOU’RE MAKING THAT UP!”
“NU-UH”
As they bickered, Abigail slowly backed away. They probably wouldn’t notice. She exited the building and wondered what was going on inside the courtroom. She wandered around to the center of the town and tossed a coin in the fountain. She was thirsty and walked to a coffee shop and bought a Boba. She enjoyed her drink, the warm sun, and cool breeze made for a perfect day. She took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding area, watching people pass by and listening to the sound of a nearby fountain. It was a peaceful and relaxing moment, and she felt grateful for the opportunity to enjoy it. After finishing her snacks, she took a stroll around the town to explore more of what the area had.
Abigail sympathized with Harriette, who was stuck in a suffocating courtroom, holding onto the last bit of hope and innocence. Abigail wondered if the guards were still busy arguing and munching on popcorn or if someone had the mind to record the trial. Abigail was eager to know whether the Trial would favor Harriette.
Five hours later…
Abigail hadn’t been in the mood to eat. She sat on the soft bed of the hotel, staring at the TV, waiting and waiting to see if the anchor would share anything about Harriette’s trial. As the minutes ticked by, Abigail's anxiety grew. She couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was going to happen. She reached for the remote to change the channel, but her hand trembled so much that she dropped it on the bed. Suddenly, her phone buzzed on the nightstand beside her. She saw it was a message from her friend, who was also following the trial closely. With a sense of trepidation, Abigail opened the message and read the words: "They've reached a verdict." Her heart racing, Abigail picked up her phone and headed out of the hotel room, determined to find out what had happened.
She paused with her hand on the doorknob before walking to her bed and sitting down. She realized that if she were to leave the room and start asking questions, she would draw too much attention to herself, no matter what her profession. It would be like a blazing tiger walking down the middle of a busy street. She then released Arlette from her cage and watched her playing with a ball of yarn that had rolled under a chair.
When they arrived, she dumped her towel on one of the loungers and slipped out of her cover-up. The water was cold and invited her into its embrace. Arlette mewed joyfully and followed her in, splashing water all over her. She laughed and dunked her head under the water, feeling the coolness wash over her. It was refreshing, and she felt a sense of relief from the heat that had been bearing down on her. After a few laps, she got out, wrapped herself in the towel, and headed to the shower, feeling refreshed. The pool had done good, and she felt ready to face tomorrow.
One day later…
Abigail struggled to open her heavy eyelids the next morning, still feeling groggy from the previous night's restless sleep. Suddenly, her phone rang with an obnoxiously loud tone, plunging her into an unwelcome state of alertness. Without even checking the number, she answered and sleepily said “Hello? This is Abigail, Private Eye.”
The caller hung up. Then after a moment, the phone rang again. Abigail's heart skipped a beat as she picked up the phone and heard a familiar voice. It took her a moment to realize that it was Harriette on the other end of the line! The two friends hadn't spoken in months, and Abigail was overjoyed to hear from her. She couldn't wait to catch up and hear about what Harriette had been up to since they last spoke. “ What happened at the trial!” Abigail babbled into the phone.
“It was EPIC!!!!!!” Harriette gushed, The judge was a huge fan of my books. I pointed out the differences between the killer in my book and the killer's method in this case. Plus the evidence that you collected was too much for the judge to say that I was the Killer.”
the end…?
