She couldn’t wait to share her news. The temptation to step on the gas pedal so that she might reach her destination sooner was a strong one, but she resisted it. A traffic ticket would slow her down more than anything else could, and though she doubted it was possible, she didn’t want anything to put a damper on her mood. Besides, she was already late, and she knew that her friends would still be there waiting for her, even if she was the last to arrive.

Smiling as she thought about the event that had taken place before she’d left to spend an all-girls weekend with her two best friends, she wondered how they’d react when she told them…would they be surprised, or had they seen the signs before she’d been able to recognize them herself?

These women had been there for her in times that weren’t so happy; now that her dreams were coming true one by one, she was fairly bursting at the seams to share her good news with them. Glancing quickly at her directions, her smile widened as she realized her destination was right around the next corner.

^^^^^
Lorna sighed with relief as she pulled her car into the forecourt, she pulled down the sun visor and checked her appearance deciding to apply a touch more lipstick on her otherwise unadorned face. Lorna climbed out her old and well used sedan, it was rusting in more places that she dare admit she decided as she shut the door and went to register herself at the summer retreat, that she and her two friends, Madeline and Cindy had been frequenting for years.

Lorna had first met her two friends when they were all fourteen, many summers ago at a camp in California. Cindy had been the closet to home, but she and Madeline were far from their native North Dakota and New York State respectively. Since the trio had turned eighteen they had met up every summer and for the past ten years here. It was a serene and tranquil spot in the heart of the countryside, not too far from DC and although Cindy had to travel far it was quite a good base for the other two, who now lived in Tallahassee and New York City. Lorna got back into the car after a quiet banter with Cyril the elderly male receptionist, who liked to brighten his day chatting up the ‘ladies’ as he put it, knowing in his heart that nothing could take or replace the love he felt for his wife of forty years, Mabel. She drove up the dirt path to the chalet they always rented. Indeed Cindy’s rented motorbike and Madeline’s Porsche were already parked in the allotted spaces; she parked her battered car between them, before retrieving her equally tatty holdall out of the trunk.

Lorna swallowed hard wondering why she was nervous these were her best friends after all, but this time she was the one with the news. She totally missed the view of the lush countryside and lake beyond which she usually took time to admire as she placed her hand on the door handle and walked right in to where her friends would be waiting for her.

Powerful start ... leaving us with lots of questions beginning with ... who are those people???

Oh yeah Marlo you're so right!!! So much questions to be answered...
a- Who are these people?
b- What are these great news?
c- When is the next post, Rosa???

O'seam

Rosa - You've entered the challenge!

And have created at least four new characters for us to get to know! Ditto the super questions. And can't wait to see how they relate to the team!

Lynn

I agree with the others. Your first post has got me very curious already. I'm looking forward to more!

great start i have loads of questions but will sit here none too patiently and wait for them to be answered

cath

Great start...I'm very intrigued!!!!!

Very intriguing start! Lots of questions but will wait patiently for you to unravel the mystery.

Oh exercise for the brain, excellent.

Yeah, but I'm too tired to exercise my brain....

Rosa, this is a wonderful beginning and I can't wait to see where you're headed.

Thank you. I feel for the next couple of posts I will be bringing more questions to your minds, but please bear with me, the team will appear eventually.

A man sat sulking in his studio apartment in a seedy part of DC. It was rented and he paid for it on time wanting to remain as inconspicuous as possible. The furniture was spartan he only owned what was necessary. There was a single bed in one corner, the duvet a chocolate brown but what the original colour had been was anyone’s guess. Beside that stood a night lamp on a stand, perched on an old cabinet. And completing the bedroom section of the room was a cheap wooden closet. The lounge area consisted of two faded red armchairs which sagged when you sat on them facing a fairly old television set. A glass topped dining table, the glass of which had shattered but was kept together with heavy duty tape. There were two chairs neither matched each other or the table and finally there was the computer desk and chair on which he sat.

His fingers flew over the keys of the computer he had acquired second or third hand and on the black market. It worked, that was all he cared about, it didn’t matter if it was old or stolen as long as he could do what he needed and that is exactly what he was doing. Pausing he scrolled through a page of results from a search engine, on the third attempt of opening a page he found exactly what he was looking for and she was exactly how he remembered her. Tracing her had been easy, killing her was another matter entirely but one he was prepared to do, for his sanity, for his self worth for the very being of his soul. Shutting off the machine he walked to the kitchenette and poured himself a coffee. He scanned the contents of his cupboards and knew that a trip to the grocery store was necessary not only for the gift he wanted to send but also for the food to sustain his very being.

You're right...I have even more questions now, but I'm loving it!!! Looking forward to more!

more soon please...lots more questions... and looking forward to the answers!!!

Ouch these brain calisthenics are giving me a headache. Obviously there are muscles up there that I haven't used in a long time.

kav

Ok, sign me up for this brain calisthenics class...now, magic, did you say it was 2 days a week or 3 days? B/c if it is 3 days a week I don't know if my brain can handle that much exercise in one week!

Great job building the mystery, Rosa!

Lynn

yup i have even more questions

cath

Okay I am going to go out on a limb and say this person is no good.

Ooh, I don't like the feeling I'm getting from that man. Just two, simple, short paragraphs has me searching for my teddy bear already.

And you're right, more questions are emerging and I don't like a single one that's come to mind.

Rosa, I'm so glad you have joined the challenge!! I love Rosa stories!!!

This is very intriguing so far!! You already have quite a mystery going with just two posts!! I'm going to just sit back and enjoy the ride!! And, maybe guess a little along the way!!!

Joy

Thank you. I hope that your questions are answered throughout the story

The women shrieked as they ran to hug Lorna, it was always like this every time they met. Each eager to impart news; even though they each emailed each other on a weekly basis and caught up with one another then. Finally they stepped apart and each lounged in a comfy chair in the main sitting room of the chalet. It was a light and airy room with neutral colours and tasteful furnishing to match.

They spent the next two days doing what they did every year, catching up with each other properly and reminiscing of days gone by and the fun and sometimes the hardships they had encountered.

Lorna who had kept quiet on her news for too long said that first evening “I have some good news” her face broke into a smile and both the other women knew that if anyone of them deserved happiness it was Lorna.

“What is it? You’re hiding something from us?” said Madeline.

Madeline, Lorna mused could always tell if something was amiss, good or bad perhaps because she was a lawyer.

“I’m getting married” she announced, bubbly with her enthusiasm “To Charles”

“The builder?” asked Madeline, her face breaking out into a grin

“The gorgeous, hunky blonde, bronzed builder?” clarified Cindy, who was always on the look out for a good catch herself, not that she hung on to any of them for very long.

“The very same” Lorna said and produced her finger on which an expensive stone set in an equally nice ring lay.

“That is beautiful” Cindy gushed and hugged her friend tight “You deserve happiness Lorna you really do”

“When is the wedding? Is it soon?” asked Madeline, dragging her organiser out of her purse ready to fill in the date and time and to ensure it did not clash with any court case she had going.

“Yes, I have wasted too much of my life. We are getting married in three weeks time”

“Three weeks!” exclaimed Madeline “I might have to cancel an appointment” She looked up her face and tone softening and added “But for you one of my oldest and closet friends that will not be a problem”

“Count me in” said Cindy “I work as you know to my own schedule”

“That’s wonderful…I mean I wondered if you both would be my bridesmaid’s”

“Aren’t we a little old to be bridesmaids. I haven’t been a maid for a long time” Madeline commented.

“Well my maids of honour then” Lorna asked more shyly this time.

“I would be delighted” said Cindy “What can I wear”

“I thought we might go shopping tomorrow, for dresses, if it suited you both” Lorna told them.

“That’s perfect, I haven’t had a girly shopping day for months” agreed Madeline.

^^^^^
The three women spent the weekend as they did every year, enjoying their friendship and the beauty and tranquillity of the beauty surrounding them. This time however they spent a lot of time discussing weddings. Lorna’s forthcoming one, Madeline’s failed one. They hopes for the future, their reminders of the past and the hope of happiness to come.

Why does that last sentence leave me with a in my tummy?

kav

I know what you mean Kav. Can't wait for more!

why do i think one of them is ging to die?

cath

Why do I feel like something bad is going to happen to one of them? and why do I feel like this Charles is involved?

Why do I have an ominous feeling that at least one of the women won't be at next year's gathering?

Kim

I have just started this Rosa and it sure
is one mystery thats got me hooked I have have A weird
feeling about it and agree that one of the girls will be missing
next years reunion more soon please Rosa
Lin

I'm with all the others...I think this creepy guy is on the trail of one of these ladies. I hate to see one of them die, though! I'm intrigued with them Rosa! Alas, there must be sacrifices given for the cause of a good story! Just so long as the sacrifice doesn't involve one of our team. And, I'm wondering how they will get involved? If it is a clear case of murder, the FBI wouldn't investigate. So, me thinks things are not what they seem. And what is the recipe going to be?

Good job keeping us asking questions Rosa!

Lynn

Defintiely feeling that same thing that the others are feeling...Charles...leaves a bad taste in my mouth!!!!

Rosa, I don't know how you do it - you have me not trusting Charles and I don't even know him, and you've only mentioned him once!!!

Joy

Methinks the guy in the studio apartment in the seedy part of DC is the scary guy! He's after someone! This is really creepy in an intriguing, have to know more kind of way Rosa! More soon

The more I think about the whole situation, the more I have questions...
But I do agree with others about Charles...
And I share your feeling Kim,


Just wait and see what will happen next...

O'seam

Thank you for your comments, hopefully some of your questions will be answered soon

Part 4

Monday morning was sunny and bright, making leaving that much harder. Cyril hastened down the path to their chalet with a parcel in his hands and after enquiring as to whether they had all enjoyed themselves over the weekend, promptly delivered it into the hands of Cindy.

Madeline and Lorna said in unison “Open it”

Cindy, who was always like a child of their birthday when she received a gift, ripped the packaging revealing a white cake box and a written note.

“What does it say?” asked Lorna.

“You never told us you had an admirer” added Madeline.

“Perhaps it was the guy giving me the eye in the restaurant last night” she said.

The note simply said ‘Enjoy, as much as I enjoyed your company’ T.

“T?” asked Madeline.

Cindy shrugged her narrow shoulders and said “I am aquatinted with plenty of men whose names began with T”

“Romantically? Or professionally?” Madeline queried.

“Both” said Cindy, blushing, she wasn’t always, especially in front of her closet friends that proud to admit her lovers numbered in the hundreds.

“Still it looks tasty” said Lorna eyes the richly decorated chocolate cake which lay within.

“Want to share it?” Cindy asked.

“Not right now” Madeline replied.

“Too early for me” said Lorna with a regretful shrug “and there is only enough for one, baked to perfection for the single portion”

Cindy shut the lid regretfully and said “I’ll eat it on the way back, or perhaps after I have returned my rental bike”

^^^^

Within half an hour they had all hugged and parted ways. Madeline was driving to DC for a business meeting with a fellow attorney. Lorna was spending a few extra days in DC. Looking for extra things for her wedding and she had to collect the dresses they bought on Saturday. Cindy however was flying back to San Diego that day.

At a service station before the end of the freeway Cindy pulled over to fill the motorbike up with gas. There were several people milling about, mostly truckers. After she had paid for her fuel she parked her bike in a space and eyed the chocolate cake once more. She took a glance at her wristwatch which told her she had more than enough time to spare before she had to check in at the airport. She made then a split decision to eat the cake now. It was delicious, as she savoured every morsel, letting it melt in her mouth before swallowing the soft, light and creamy texture.

Cindy felt light headed afterwards and decided perhaps too much chocolate wasn’t good for her after all as she entered the store for some bottled water to wash the cake down. Her last thoughts before she crumpled to the floor, was that the lid seemed rather difficult to unscrew.

I think I may never look at a cake the same way

I'll never look at cake the same way again either

I'd say eating something sent by a secret admirer is not always the best idea!

As soon as I knew it was a cake, I started getting bad vibes!!!

Joy

and Yikes!

This is great, Rosa! I can't wait for more!

Em

Oh, Rosa....chocolate cake is my very favorite...why did she have to eat chocolate?

It could have been confetti or spice or even yellow or white cake...but, chocolate?

Ok, so, I'm assuming she is dead...poisoned; so, instead of this being a San Diego police matter it is under the DC police. Hmmm, I wonder whose jurisdiction it would be under had she eaten the cake on the plane?

FAA?

Probably FBI, b/c of crossing interstate lines. Speaking of which, I'm wondering why our team, or the FBI, would be involved in this plain and simple murder. Or, maybe they won't think it is murder; but, illness that killed her. Maybe she isn't even dead, just drugged.

Oh, so many questions. I'l just wait patiently, reading other stories, trying to write mine, until you grace us with your next post. I'll be anxiously awaiting though! Great job creating a mystery!

Lynn

i love chocolate cake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

however since i don't have an admirer secret or otherwise i think i'm safe to carry on eating it

cath

This is fantastic Rosa but Im right Off chocolate cake
Lin

Obviously she was not paying attention when her mother told her to not eat food from strangers!

Did you know that people in stories cant hear you shouting at them through a computer screen? Well, I didnt until she ate the cake when I was screamin at her not to. Go figure.

I hope you dont kill them off. I like the three girls! Well, you cant get rid of the creepy guy.

Good Story! Cant wait to see what happens!

"Obviously she was not paying attention when her mother told her to not eat food from strangers!" YOU STOLE THE WORDS RIGHT OFF MY KEYBOARD DUCKFAN

This is scary Rosa! What a creepy way to poison or kill or whatever bad thing just happened to her!

She had 100's of lovers and that didn't kill her

More please

Maybe she's the daughter of a governor or senator or something along those lines. The FBI might be involved for a reason like that... or not. Just a suggestion.

Just think what would have happened if all three women ate it, though.

Sorry I have put you all off chocolate cake. i think it's about time the team made an appearance.



Lucy blew her hair out of her eyes; it was hot today even with the air conditioning working to its full potential. She took a routine glance at Jack, then Sue, both were working, she hadn’t caught them sneaking glances at each other for over an hour. But that was probably because the work load was intense. Everyone was hot though and like her longing to be outside not cooped up in the bullpen, she sighed, she needed something entertaining or at least mildly interesting to take her mind off the boring reports she was supposed to get through before home time today. She thought better of switching her PC to games in case Randy slipped in while she was engrossed on a new game; Tara had shown her on the internet called bubbles. As if an answered prayer D appeared looking full of purpose with some official looking documents in his hand. He rapidly gained everyone’s attention and then began to speak.

“I think there might be a lead on your lethal designer drug cocktail case”

“The one we were almost going to file as cold?” asked Myles

“Yes that one”

“What’s the development?” asked Jack, twiddling a lone paper clip between his fingers.

“A woman collapsed at a gas station on the freeway. She was taken to St Michael’s but declared dead, an hour after arrival. It has been revealed she had the aforementioned cocktail in her system along with what was possibly chocolate cake”

“‘Death by chocolate’, that’s different” said Bobby as the others groaned at his pun.

“How novel” said Myles to him.

“I am never going to look at chocolate the same way again if it was the cake” Lucy said pulling a face.

“What else do we know about her?” asked Sue.

“Her name is Cindy Bailey aged 40, she had several business cards on her being, she is a sculptress and resides in Lemon Grove near San Diego, California, we think she was renting a motorbike which at the moment is in the hands of highway patrol, her holdall was on there too by all accounts”

“Right” said Jack sitting up straight and discarding the paperclip onto his otherwise tidy desk “Bobby, Myles visit Highway patrol, get this bike and any personal belongings. Tara find out more about her life, why she was in the DC area. Lucy find out her next of kin and contact them and Sue, you and I will take a trip out to the gas station”

^^^^

Jack and Sue make good headway out of the city. Sue couldn’t help by shifting the odd glance in his direction. With his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his tanned forearms stood out against the white of his shirt, and she took a deep breath to refocus herself on the case and not how she wished Jack’s warm hands would graze her soft skin as they skimmed across her body. Jack kept his attention on the road, this was a good break in the case, unfortunate for the woman, her friends and family though he knew, and that sadden his from within. He was acutely aware of Sue and the scrutinising glances she threw his way, it took all his will power not to look at her, he had to concentrate on the road. Thinking perhaps she was trying to gain his attention to talk he risked a look, she returned his smile but said nothing, that meant only one thing, she was looking at him like he wished he was looking at her.

With the team on the case, I just know they'll catch this guy. I can't wait to find out more....this is really interesting!

YAY! Its the Bullpen crew on the job! Sad that Cindy died....

HEHEHE I love that scene with Jack and Sue.

Oh, dear, I know there have been times while eating chocolate cake that I have thought I have died and gone to heaven, but this is a little different!! So, she evidently is part of a serial murder case?? Or, the person who poisoned her wants the authorities to think so???

I love Jack's thoughts about Sue looking at him the way he wishes he was looking at her!! Be still my heart!!!

Joy

Okay, two questions answered...the team gets involved b/c it was a designer drug that killed her; and she died. I'm sorry for Ms Bailey and her family.

Now, will her friends will become embroiled in the murder and end up staying in DC?

Yes, Sue, fantasize about those beautiful tan arms around you, holding you...massaging you...making your heart pound

And Jack, you also fantasize about holding Sue...well, you get the picture!

Oh, one more question...how does the recipe figure into this case? More, soon, Rosa?

Lynn