For a smile as wide as a country sunrise
(Previous chapters for this story and previous stories can be found on my home page under 20/20 Investigations, Inc. So, grab a cup of coffee and thank you for reading!)
It’s already late so we call it a day and head off to bed. I carry Muffin into our bedroom and put her on the bed up close to the pillow, she likes that spot, and she quickly falls asleep. Not me however, I can’t stop thinking about all this mixed up case. I’m still trying to figure out what is going on around here. If Bill is alive, then why is he staying here? In that small town he would be recognized right away. Or is all this just part of a plan between him and Jessica? Part of the plan could be that Jessica finally gets scared enough that she decides to leave after getting the insurance money. Then her and Bill could meet somewhere and go off to live in a different area, maybe even a different country. Really, that seems like the most logical idea at the moment. But, Jessica seems so genuine, is she really such a great actor?
Then there is Trish, the woman who owns the other hotel, where does she fit into all of this mess? That part of it is out of place, just doesn’t make sense. If this is an insurance scam then it just isn’t wise to involve other people, you would just be inviting problems. Someone could have seen Trish come out here the other day and…wait a minute, Muffin didn’t see any vehicles come to the hotel and we never passed anyone coming out here as we left. That is very odd. How come I never thought of that before? Is there actually another way out here? And how did Trish and Bill know we would be in town? Questions, and more questions. Hmm…after a while I drift off to sleep, still thinking.
I wake up to Muffin swatting my nose lightly with her paw. Meow, meow!=Wake up, no time to sleep! Well Muffin, you seem to be full of energy this morning. Meow, meow!=Right, time to look for ghosts, let’s go! You actually want to look for the ghosts now? Meow, meow.=If ghost can carry stick, I can hit ghost with my muffins. Hey, that’s good thinking Muffin. But wait a minute, we have to eat breakfast first. Meow!=Great idea! I talk some things over with Muffin, then off we go to the kitchen. Jessica does like making a big breakfast. This is country living, she said, a big breakfast is a must out here. What was that loud thump I heard? Oh, that, I was just checking to see if Muffin can still use her slingshot even though she is a bit sore. Can she? Oh yes, perfectly. Meow!=That right!
After breakfast Muffin and I look around the hotel together. Then we head back down to the cellar. I push open the boxes again and that door is still on the far wall. I was wondering if I had really seen it or not. But it’s there. I try the door, but it’s locked. Poor lock on it though and I have it open quickly. I shine my flashlight down a very long narrow tunnel. How odd. Why build a tunnel to the mine? Unless perhaps it goes somewhere else. Meow?=We check? No, not now Muffin. There’s something else I want to do first. We go back upstairs after I lock the door again and tell Jessica we need to make a trip to town. Why? I need to pick up some things at the store. Okay, she said, anything you need, I’ll pay for it. I try to argue that point since this stuff is more for me, not her, but she insisted.
Do you think it’s safe to leave Muffin behind?, asks Jessica. I think so, she is well equipped with her slingshot and I gave her specific orders to follow. If anyone comes around she is supposed to hide. That’s good, said Jessica, I don’t want her getting hurt again. She seemed to really be concerned for Muffin. But is it genuine, or does she know something is going to happen? Turn around and go back, I said. What? Now? Yes, now! So she did, somewhat reluctantly, and as we drove into the yard…the hotel, screamed Jessica, it’s on fire!
To be continued.
Steve and Muffin.
© 2020 Steve McLeod.
Oooooh nooooo!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, bad news! Thanks for reading!😬🙀🕵️♂️🕵️♀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another narrow tunnel…😱😵😅😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
But at least it’s tall enough to stand up this time.😳🙀🕵️♂️🕵️♀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Luckily 😅
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonder where the tunnel goes …
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been thinking the same thing.🤔😂
Thanks for reading Pene!😁😸🕵️♂️🕵️♀️🔦
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my, I had to laugh out loud at your answer, I know you will have a great destination by tomorrow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, already working on it Pene! Glad it gave you a laugh!😂😹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm….where did chapter 6 go? 🤔
LikeLiked by 1 person
Did you miss chapter 6?🤔 Go to my home page, look under 20/20 Investigations, Inc and it’s there.😁😸🕵️♂️🕵️♀️
LikeLike
I did. I’ll look again. I’ve got know what happened! 🙃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry, I forgot to put it on the list before, but it’s there now.😂😹🙄
LikeLiked by 1 person
No problem I just read it—ok up to speed now—carry on, Muffin! 🙀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry about that. And the fire burns.😳🙀🕵️♂️🕵️♀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s fun trying to figure out where you are going…keeping in mind you don’t know yourself.🙃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, sometimes I have no idea, I just take one chapter at a time. Didn’t do that with the first story, I had it planned out right from the beginning, except for little details. I need to start writing more ahead so I don’t get myself in trouble.😂😹
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is the fun part—seeing how you get yourself out of trouble😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, that is so true. Sometimes I really wonder if I can keep things going and tie it all together!😂😹
LikeLike
I nominated you for the liebster award
LikeLiked by 2 people
Cool, thanks so much!
LikeLike
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
My oh my ! Poor Muffin…love the mystery ! 🕵️♂️☕️☕️😯😢🙀☕️☕️😿
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading Sharon! Next we find….next time!😳🙀🔥🕵️♂️🕵️♀️ Enjoy your evening!😃😺🌙
LikeLike
Oops😳 that’s a lovely twist ✨👌 the hotel is not important, so something else is, I suspect it should be the insurance, Jessica wants that hotel someone doesn’t want, what is there inside the hotel? Where is this tunnel goes? Is there something Jessica hides about the hotel. That was going so super interesting Steve ✨✍️ Great writing ✨ Eagerly waiting for next part😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Simon!😀 Very good questions there and you’re on the right track with one of those questions, but which one?🤔🙄 Sorry, can’t tell you, you’ll have to wait for the next chapter!😂😹 I’m terrible.😬 And we haven’t even gone in the…..oops, almost gave that away, next time maybe!😄😸 Have a great evening Simon!😃😺🌙🕵️♂️🕵️♀️🔦🔎🕯
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ohhh this what we called releasing a teaser 🥰😍😍😍 great clue, I totally figured out nothing 😜😋 Looking forward to your next post 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed, the fun will continue!🙃 But can we save the hotel?😲 Will we have to stay in town at the other hotel?😳 What about poor Muffin?😬🙀 Why would someone burn the hotel?🤔 All this and more in chapter 8!😁😸🕵️♂️🕵️♀️🌧
LikeLiked by 1 person
You missed the coffee part 😜 Did you had enough coffee to think about next part 😉? How is your test results, hope all is well. take care Steve, here Its complete lock down in india, but all necessary items are available, no one is allowed outside 😕 Staying indoors 🙄And virus spreading 😳 But we are happy, in our state so far it’s only 15. But we are serious about precautions. We should ensure its not spreading. Hope Canada is recovering from Corona. Stay warm and safe Steve ✨🤗💐
LikeLiked by 1 person
The virus is getting worse here in Canada now😬 and is slowly getting closer to us,😳 but nothing in my town yet.🙂 Although people could have it and think they just have a cold or flu.😳 I am staying home.😀 All non essential businesses have been ordered to close now.😕 Our prime minister has told people to go home and stay home. Some provinces have implemented tough regulations, even arresting people who do not follow orders of the government.😲 Too many people still think this is not serious🤔 and still getting together in large groups.😳 That’s not good.😕😬
There is over 500 cases in our province now.😳 Best to stay inside.🙂
I won’t know my test results until next week,🤔 usually it would be faster but right now things are slower due to the virus. That’s okay.😁 Have a good evening Simon!😃😺🌙🥗🌮
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is really serious, very serious. Almost same situation here, but everything is available here and the count is low so far. Thankfully 😉 Stay inside Steve and let the test results come to your email. Don’t go. How about the checkup over the skype ☺️let’s make use of technology 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
My doctor will phone me once the results are in. Yes, they have been talking about doing doctor appointments over Skype which would be safer. While your working at home, make it more interesting, change you “office” around regularly so it doesn’t get boring. Actually “create” an office space.😃 Close to a window for natural light, if you have plants make sure one is close by,🌱🌺 it does make a difference.😀 Maybe even have a different spot for morning and afternoon. Have a specific gym area to use also.🏋️♂️🚴♂️💪 Enjoy your time indoors. Have a reading spot,😁📚📘 and a writing spot,😀✍ make things different and it won’t get boring. Have a great evening Simon!😀😺🌞🌙
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now it’s like no work situation, I’m literally jobless the whole day. Sitting idle is making me think so dark. So I’m writing down such Things. Might help for my Story 😜. Got some dumbbells and so the workout is happening everyday. Gym not required 😋 Need to find a book Steve, I didn’t like the books I got for free 😕 why don’t you refer me a book😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, that’s too bad Simon. You need something to do. Stop thinking dark all the time, that can get you depressed and you don’t want that right now. Start thinking some beautiful thoughts, that will keep you feeling good. Give your place a super good cleaning. Rearrange all the furniture.😀🛏🪑🛋 Start a new hobby.🎺🔨 Books?🤔 Where do you normally buy your books? Most of mine I get from the US. Let me know where you buy.😁😸
LikeLiked by 1 person
I prefer online books, and audio books Steve. I don’t have much time to sit and read. Anybook you refer me I’ll download in text or audio ☺️. Dark s good, it helps me to write horror story. One is waiting, tomorrow will publish 😁. Yes I’m a bit depressed, away from my wife almost a month now. Can’t travel back to her place as I am isolated now in my city. It’s pretty hard, but smiling 😸😁 I don’t want anyone to know what’s happening inside my head.🤗 have a beautiful day Steve, don’t forget the book name Pls ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmm, online books, that makes it tougher, most of mine are only available the good old fashioned book way. But give me a day or 2 and I will look through my books and see if I can find something good for you.😀📚
Be careful, and watch out for that depression,😕 you don’t want that, keep looking ahead,😄 the clouds of this virus time will go away and the sun will shine again!🌞😁 Why not try writing a book?🤔
Shouldn’t you be in bed now?😴 Have a good night Simon!😃😺🌙
LikeLiked by 1 person
No Steve, Just reading a small book, Tuesdays with Morrie☺️ I kind of liked that book, would complete in an hour. But I need to sleep 🙄. Sigh. With half heart I’m going to discontinue now. Time for bed. I have only 3 books in hand. After that I decided to save space and went to digital books. Take your time Steve, refer me a book. I would love to read it when it referred from you 🥰. Please be careful ✨ Stay Safe Steve ✨💐 Good Night ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, you need to get sleep so you don’t wear yourself out. Sleep late too, no problems there. Yep, we all need to stay safe. Good night Simon!😁😸🌙😴
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Steve, Good Night 💐☺️
LikeLike
Oh, no! Poor Muffin! This is getting better by the minute. 😱🙀😬☕️☕️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Eugenia! The race is on, will the hotel burn to the ground? Can we save it? Where is Muffin? And here we go!😃😺🕵️♂️🕵️♀️☕☕
LikeLike
Looks like your comments and followers are growing everyday! Congratulations
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Dusty! Yes indeed, the numbers keep going up! And sometimes a little hard to keep up though. How’s things?
LikeLike
Glad to hear it. Im out on a walk and should be home in about 30 min. Got a few things on my mind that needs sorting
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good idea, walks are good, just don’t go near anyone.
LikeLike
Closer the better! Big Hugs too. Don’t want anyone to think I don’t like them or im scared of them!😁OBTW… HOW ABOUT A BIG OLE HUG?😂😂😂😂 We can chicken wing it some other time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re crazy.
LikeLike
🤪😜😳🤡 Why do ya say that??
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yuh huh.
LikeLike
Its the covidcabin fever 2020! Even worse than the cabin fever
LikeLiked by 1 person
Doesn’t bother me, I’m used to being inside a lot and now that warmer weather is here I can be out on the deck. I’m just staying away from people. Government orders anyway.
LikeLike
Is that the same one that doesn’t allow Bird Feeding? 🤔🤫🤭
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope, that’s our town. Provincial govt. Federal too really. It’s going to get worse. People have to learn to live with it or suffer. I’d rather live with it.
LikeLike
I completely agree! I just had to tug on your pant leg a bit. Haven’t chatted with you much recently. Gotta make up for it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, was wondering if you were okay. Just never know these days.
LikeLike
Yeah, I never see anyone either here at home or away from home. Get groceries and back to my hubble. It will be different when we start getting into the upper 50’s. I can get my pontoon out on the lake and enjoy the Sunshine and warmth. Nobody can get near me out on the lake and I’m out of the house!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, once the snow is gone I will get out and walk on my path. It will be nice to get down to the river again.
LikeLike
Yeah, it’s nice enough here now and the sidewslks are all melted clean so its safe to get out there again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No sidewalks here, but I’ll wait until my path is open anyway. Won’t be long now hopefully.
LikeLike
Yep! It was so nice and sunny here yesterday. Today alot fog and heavy clouds
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same here, got a bit of rain this afternoon too.
LikeLike
Yep! Samething here! People here barely go out on a walk these days. Only a few cars on the streets beside the squad cars.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, best thing right now. I don’t want to get that virus, probably wouldn’t survive it.
LikeLike
Never know. Its odd how it hits some harder than others. Just dont use Ibuprofen if you get it. Bad combo. Just like the flu and aspirin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, a woman in her 20s died from it in our province. So far 38% of people in hospital from it are between 20 and 55.
LikeLike
Yeah, im not certain about the deaths here in MN haven’t heard of any yet. Last I looked I think we had 90 cases? I think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
585 cases in ON as of this morning, 10 died.
LikeLike
Wow! Thats amazingly scary. ON is a big province and fairly spread out population centers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So far it’s mostly in the southern part of the province, not much up here yet, nothing in town so far, that we know of anyway. Fort Frances, south of us right on the border, has some cases though.
LikeLike
Well with border closed it should help keep the chances of new carriers from coming in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Snowbirds are still coming back though and could bring it in. But mostly community transmission now.
LikeLike
Are they allowing them to cross the border still?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, if they are Canadian citizens, but they have to go into isolation right away for 14 days.
LikeLike
Yeah, thats what we’re running into with truckers. If they cross borders they are imefiately put in isolatoon for 14 days. Each time its another truck out of service for 2 weeks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here truckers are exempt from that rule.
LikeLike
Really? Wow. I know in Europe they’re not. As far as the US goes theres no rules like that. Thats good though. It should keep goods moving then.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, that’s the idea, got to keep things moving good, so much comes from the US.
LikeLike
It sure has caused a bunch of extra work for my group in the company I work for. We have been overstocking parts all over the world in case the airlines, trains and truckers get shut down. Most of the health care groups in the US use our equipment in there data centers along with the big world world type banks and investment houses. If they have a computer go down that could really disrupt the economies here and around the world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, at least you should keep your job anyway.
LikeLike
I hope. We got a breifing on the business outlook going forward today. It looks bleak until the virus is under control enough to allow people to go back to work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, everything gets shut down at midnight tonight except essential businesses like grocery and pharmacy. I need to try and get some groceries tomorrow if I can. Shelves have been totally empty for over a week now.
LikeLike
Oh wow! Thats not good. We had a big run on groceries last weekend with some empty shelves but the last time I went shopping there weren’t many shoppers and all the shelves were full. I hope they get your logistics up and running better. No good without groceries.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, people are hoarding stuff like crazy, that’s the problem. If people would just shop normally there would be plenty for everyone. We keep getting told there’s lots of food, but where is it? Down south. They are forgetting about us in the north like usual.
LikeLike
That’s not right that they get away with that. If they find that stuff they should prosecute them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what I say. Everything is limited now, but too late, how do you limit when there is nothing on the shelf? We even had people fighting seriously at stores so the police had to be called. It’s crazy. And people were grabbing stuff out of older peoples carts and running off with it.
LikeLike
Oh man! Carry a baseball in your pocket and peg’em when they try. Some just revert to basic instincts! Amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would prefer a rock. Yeah, it’s terrible. Sorry to say, but I have to log off early, I’m in a lot of pain this evening. Nice talking. I’ll be here tomorrow if you’re around.😁
LikeLike
Yep. Depends on work and whats broke. I’ll be around.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“I can hit ghost with my muffins” that’t the right attitude dear Muffin 😼
It is so intriguing, love it 😍 😻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Ribana! Yep, those muffins are hard too! Happy to know you are enjoying the story, chapter 8 today!😁😸🕵️♂️🕵️♀️
LikeLiked by 1 person