Writing a mystery is an all-consuming thing. I mean, it sort of takes over. For example, I went to get groceries. That was where I was, physically. My mind was somewhere else. My thoughts went something like this: The plantation was once called a plantation but it has changed now to growing soybeans and race horses. Is it still a plantation or is it a farm? Which? Plantation? Farm?
Where did the store move the canned chicken? Why do they do that? Is it just to plague me so I’ll have to look and look and maybe buy something else on impulse?
OK.I think farm would fit better. But, Miss Evangeline loves to ride her gentle little mare named Melanie. So, if Melanie is gentle and not a bit temperamental, what would cause her to bolt or buck and pitch Miss Evangeline over her head, all to the detriment of said Evangeline? Is it just an accident? No! It has to be a nefarious act. What act? By whom? Look at her family first. Of course. And, her family is a real lulu.
Now, what else is on my list? Where is my list? Don’t tell me I left it at home! Didn’t I pick it up from the kitchen counter top? Drat! Well, let me see, I put it in alphabetical order. I’ve got apples and butter and chicken. It must have been detergent. Detergent! That’s it. Oh, wonderful! Detergent is on the other side of the store.
So, let’s think about the scene of the crime. It’s out in the country, so that would be the sheriff’s jurisdiction, not the chief of police, wouldn’t it? But, the chief of police is Ned’s love interest and he’s got to be involved. Let’s see…Ednalee is a small town, the crime happens to an influential citizen, the whole county, country folk and town is interested and the chief of police is a friend of the sheriff. Perhaps he would go with the sheriff to investigate. He’s got to have a first-hand knowledge.
That’s it! That problem is solved, now onto the next. Oh, here I am, all finished shopping. Did I get everything on the list I left at home? One can only hope. Should I use the self-check counter or go to an actual, live, helpful attendant? I would use the self-check, except for these apples. I really hate having to look them up, punch in kind and pounds, etc. Technology can be very confusing and time-consuming. So, here’s a short line. I’ll go through the old-fashioned way. Nice, friendly clerk and we chat a bit. The apples? Yes, they’re for my horse. Thanks. Have a good day, Evangeline.
Now, why is she looking at me so strangely? Let’s see now. Ned is in danger because she knows too much about the murder, but when does she realize it? Will she tell Grant?
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