By, Nan Claire Falkner
Last March, the Kansas City Fire Department answered a two alarm fire near the University. After a wild party, Rodrick fell asleep with a drink in his hand, smoking. The accelerant was tequila. The one good thing that came out of the fire was an insulated, fireproof safe.
When Sara, Rod’s “on again – off again” girlfriend, found the key and opened the safe, there was a life insurance policy on top. She opened it up and read – “Shit,” she said, “He didn’t have to do that – I don’t need money – I need him!”
“Well,” the detective said “That’s motive!”
nanclairefalkner 
Wrongfully accused happens too often. For example, with DNA testing of old evidence, there has been hundreds of people waiting on death row released who did not commit the crimes for which they were falsely convicted.
Dear Mike, Love your truthful comment! Thanks hon! Me
And her nightmare is just beginning, by the sound of it. Nicely done Nan.
Dear Sandra, Thanks for reading and commenting! Nan 🙂
Looks like the detectives need some ‘good practices’ guidelines.
Nicely narrated. 🙂
Thanks Yarnspinnerr: Thanks for reading and commenting – I appreciate it a lot! Nan
You are most welcome. 🙂
I think the tequila is probably more at fault. Let me confiscate that evidence!
Dear Perry, Are you a arson detective now? I’m impressed – you’d be careful with the evidence I’m sure. Nan
At least she’ll be able to afford a good lawyer!
Very true Draliman! Good point! Nan
Yes, she’ll need him to testify that she didn’t do it. But now she has the money. 🙂
The beginnings of a murder mystery!
Dear Dawn, I think it very well could be – shady characters, large insurance payout. This would be fun to follow! Thanks! Nan
It’s always the spouse/partner …who is suspected. Nicely done.
why wouldn’t the detective believe her? she sounds really honest. 🙂
You know what – I agree! I think she’s tellin da trooth! Thanks for stopping by! Nan
Dang, I thought she was genuinely surprised. I’m in the minority I guess.
I think she’s honest as the day is long – oh well, I guess in early Spring that days aren’t that long in sunlight yet.
Oh oh
Dear Nan,
This was a superbly imagined and written story. Take the money and run.
Aloha,
Doug
Dear Doug – I think there’s a song with those lyrics! Excellent comment!
Dear Nan,
A question remains, did she do it for the insurance or was she genuinely surprised? Perhaps the clue is in on-again-off-again girlfriend. 😉 Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle – I think “onagain” has been around for quite awhile! Who knows – she has enough money for a good lawyer now! Nan
Well written story, with an unexpected dotdotdot ending. Let’s hope the truth will out
It so often is a ghoulish as it sounds– poor Sara, will be the victim of cliché!
I agree Dawn – She is going to be a victim too! Maybe or maybe not. Nan
The beginning of a good murder mystery! We’ll read it while drinking Margaritas 😀
Thanks Jan – she obviously likes Margaritas.! Thanks for stopping by – hiccup! Nan
I think Margaritas are safer.. not as flammable as tequila. I have doubts about her being guilty,
I agree Bjorn – I think she is facing a “Liquor is Quicker” mentality and she probably is innocent. Nan
Tequila does it every time. I blame the tequila, Nan. Nicely conceived and crafted.
Thanks Amy, tequila is a sneaky liquor but it does burn all the way down (for me) Nan 🙂
He’s the one who fell asleep smoking! I enjoyed this story, Nan 🙂
Ellespeth
Thanks Ellespeth, I agree – she’s not a “Lush” so she has a clear conscious! It was HIM! Nan
It used to be such a common tale, not so much now smoking is on the decline and fire retardant materials abound.
Good piece.
Dear Mick, You are so right! Smoking has caused a lot of fires – especially when there is liquor involved. Nan
I’m sure that guy was a private investigator hired by the insurance company. They never want to pay anybody.
Ain’t it the truth Russell!?! You are right, they never want to pay. I worked for an insurance company before Steven (first son) was born. That company balked at every payout. – which I thought was unfair. Nan
Nicely done, now she needs a good lawyer like Atticus Finch. He did a good job in another case involving Tequila. You may have read about it – Tequila Mockingbird.
BRILLIANT Subroto: I love this joke – you are so funny and clever! You make me giggle! Nan
I had no idea that Sara could be involved. I just thought it was just a terrible accident with Rod drinking and smoking!
I agree with Russell. I think a regular detective would be more discreet in his accusations. He wouldn’t just blurt it out like that. Good thing she can afford a good lawyer. Well done as usual, Nan. 🙂 — Suzanne
I imagine the minds of detectives work that way. An act of love on the dead man’s behalf – leaving her a hefty lump of insurance money – would be the first thing they pounce on. I agree, she needs a good lawyer now. Atticus Finch might be difficult to contact. How about Perry Mason – if he’s still around! Good story, Nan.
Wait. He framed her?