Will we have rain and thunder and lightning again today? If we do, I doubt that it will hold a candle to the day a couple of years ago when the Cozy Critters met in spite of threatening weather. Anyone listening in would be alarmed, but there was nothing to fear. These ladies were not planning anything nefarious. It was just an innocent little cozy critique.
It was a dark and stormy afternoon. Rain beat against the deck. Lightning flashed and thunder rattled the windows. Within the dining room, four women sat around an antique dining table, sipping coffee and munching chocolate. They spoke in hushed voices, almost as if they were afraid they would be overheard although they were the only ones in the house. I hesitate to tell you: they were discussing murder.
“The dog brought a piece of clothing from the dead body,” said one.
“Who was murdered?” asked another. “You’ve got to have a murder victim.”
One of the women sat quietly, looking from one guest to another. “It’s like this,” she said, “there was a long ago killing, but it’s not who you would expect it to be. It was tied to a recent crime and there’s somebody in town who does not want the real culprit known. He’ll not stop at anything to keep his secret.”
Lightning sizzled again and a tremendous clap of thunder jarred the dining table. One of the women jumped and yelped while the others giggled nervously.
But, enough was enough, and, after all, the Cozy Critters were here to critique.
I remember that day. I had to pull over at the nursing home because it was raining so hard I couldn’t see to drive. If the parking lot had been bigger I might have stopped at the liquor store. Ha, ha!
I understand! It was a real toad-strangler. But, it was fun to be here too.