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The Body

by Laurence 

Posted: 04 February 2010
Word Count: 400
Summary: Week 195 Challenge


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A Morris minor pulled into the side of the verge. In the fading light Betty Orchard, a very trim lady in her late sixties, checked her map again. She was sure she was close to her destination; her greatest fear was to miss the turning and then find herself completely lost. It was all a great adventure; she had decided to sell up in the north of England and join her best friend in the village of Aston in the Cotswolds.

She calculated she needed to take the next turning on the left. As she indicated the beam of her headlights spilled over a signpost lying near the hedge. Presuming it to be important she got out to investigate. It was difficult to decide whether Aston was straight on or up a small road opposite. Betty decided to take the small road. Her terrier was barking furiously because of the new country smells. 'Be quiet Spike, we'll be there soon.'

Betty made her way carefully along the road. It appeared to be extremely narrow and she prayed no one would come the other way. After ten minutes she came to an abrupt halt; it was a dead end. A five-bar-gate blocked any further access. Betty's heart skipped a beat as she saw a huge cow bending over the fence and staring into her car. Spike went berserk. Betty got out of the car and looked around 'What shall I do now?' she exclaimed.

Turning she noticed something under the hedge opposite. Betty took out a small torch and shone the light in the direction of the bundle. She let out a small shriek as she realised it was a body.

Two hours later she was sitting with Nancy, her friend, and a burly policeman in her new cottage trying to explain exactly where she had found the body.

'Tell me Mrs Orchard, why did you follow the track and not keep to the main road?'

'Officer the signpost was down. How was I to know which way?'

'Did you know the man?'

'Excuse me?'

'Did you know the deceased?'

'Are you absurd?'

The policeman cleared his throat, 'I'll let myself out.'

Betty looked at Nancy 'What have I let myself in for?' she stared into the log fire for a moment; a smile crossed her face.

'What?' asked Nancy.

'Miss Marple!' she whispered 'I've always fancied myself as a sleuth.'






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Comments by other Members



Prospero at 08:29 on 05 February 2010  Report this post
Ah! I spy another Agatha Christie fan.

This is lovely, Laurence, gentle and langurous like a summer's afternoon.

A bijou pick if I may. Burly not Burley.

best

John

CharlieMac at 08:54 on 05 February 2010  Report this post
Agree with John, Laurence. Particularly as I live about 15 minutes from Aston in the Cotswolds and I can almost smell the setting! Oh, and Spike was quite right in his excitement - there's a beautiful walk near Aston which takes you through a wildflower meadow and bird reserve.

But, like Midsomer Murders ('down the road', there's always a body to be found. I'm surprised there's anyone left in these parts...

Thanks for the read!

Charlotte

CharlieMac at 08:56 on 05 February 2010  Report this post
(Smiley face not meant to be there but obviously ' + ) = him)!

Laurence at 10:45 on 05 February 2010  Report this post
Thanks John, just corrected the pick - there is a small town of the same name where I live so forgive me!!

Thanks for your comments Charlotte, I think I am vehering in the direction of writing a mixture of Agatha Christie and Midsomer story over half-term.

cheers

Laurence

<Added>

oops - veering!

tusker at 06:55 on 06 February 2010  Report this post
I really enjoyed this Laurence.

Great sense of place with growing tension. The countryside can be quite scary in the dark, but finding a body!!

This makes me want to read on. Who's body was it? Why was he murdered? Drug dealer? A robbery gone wrong? A police informer, his hands and head removed?

So many questions which I'd love to be answered.

Jennifer

Laurence at 15:44 on 06 February 2010  Report this post
Thanks Jennifer

Some day your questions will be answered!

Laurence

Findy at 18:03 on 06 February 2010  Report this post
Hi Laurence

From one Agatha Christie fan to another - I enjoyed this very much

Like Jennifer I too would like to know more, what happened next?

five-bar-gate blocked any further access.


Nice.

findy



Laurence at 18:30 on 06 February 2010  Report this post
Thanks Findy for your kind comments.

I'll keep you posted on what happens next!

Laurence


jenzarina at 16:36 on 07 February 2010  Report this post
What is it with trim ladies in their late sixties and murders?

Oh please do write a Cotswold-set murder mystery!

Enjoyed this.

CharlieMac at 10:22 on 09 February 2010  Report this post
You can stay at mine for research...

Laurence at 19:16 on 09 February 2010  Report this post
Thanks Charlie I might take you up on that - I stay in the Cotswolds near Chippenham every year house sitting my sister's house.

Love the area. People so keen to tell their yarns.

Laurence


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