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About the Author: Warren Bull is an award-winning author with three novels and two short story collections published. He has ore than fifty short stories in print. He is an active member of Mystery Writers of America and a lifetime member of Sisters in Crime with no hope of parole. He will talk about his first novel Abraham Lincoln for the Defense.
The cell door slammed shut behind me with a clang that sounded like my death knell.
A most unsavory large wretch lying on a cot smirked as he looked me up and down like a housewife examining a fish of doubtful freshness. He was unshaven. He wore the grimy clothing of a cattle herder. He emitted an odor comprised of sweat, cattle, horses, dust and bad whiskey.
“Why are you in the lock up?” he asked.
“My dear fellow, I doubt that you would find it edifying.” I replied.
He stood and walked toward me.
“I ain’t good enough for the likes of you to talk to?”
“You are of course.”
“So start eddie-flying me.”
“You see, I am the third son of a Baron with a very small barony in England. My elder brothers are both frightfully healthy. I am most unlikely to ever inherit the title. While other men in my position join the army or the church, I did not find either option appealing. I stayed in the family manor after coming of age. I went abroad to seek my fortune only after a spot of trouble in the village. A serving wench in a pub completely misunderstood what I said to her. To avoid having even the slightest hint of impropriety blot the family name, I took the quickest available conveyance away from England. I ended up in your country.”
“Serving wench gave you a bit of service, did she?” The ruffian pounded my shoulder with his fist.
Interesting juxtaposition of Chandlerisms and posh British accents.
Great story with a great twist. I loved it.
Mr. Warren Bull: I thank you for the excellent short story.I just read your most excellent short story, "Newton's Laws," and was greatly entertained. The story moved quickly and although I was horrified by the Englishman being stupid enough to be an accomplice to murder, I didn't catch on to the real situation until the "cellmate" said, "I believe you." Even then I was surprised that the ex-miner wasn't dead (but greatly relieved for his well-being!).
Review cont.—This young Englishman certainly deserves a few kicks in the pants for his stupid behavior! Oh, my, you certainly drew me into the story, to the point of caring about the characters and noticing that the "dumb" sheriff knew about Newton's Third Law of Physics. No wonder they picked up the Englishman so quickly! Oh, you are a very good writer, indeed! Thank you, and I will be looking for more of your work! cjp
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