The Good, the Bad, and the Guilty: A PI Hubnugget Mystery
A Little Background...
As you must remember from last weeks HubNugget Hub, "Private Eye KoffeKlatchGals Always Gets Her Nugget" by our own Patty Inglish, the krewe seems to have been scattered about and quite busy.
RedElf and Enelle Lamb are out enjoying their swashbuckling pirate movie. They are having a fantastic time showing off their sword fighting prowess and drooling over Johnny Depp.
Ripplemaker and ladyjane1 are nervously awaiting their screen test for that new new film about fashion. We know they'll do great.
KoffeeKlatchGals is off shooting her scenes on Daniel Jacksons's new TV show and loving every minute of it. Patty was gracious enough to offer to watch Gal Noir's office so she could do this. We think Patty is looking forward to getting involved with a mystery or two.
And So It Begins...
Pi happily unlocked the door to Gals office. She'd been looking forward to this day. Sitting down in the big overstuffed chair behind the desk she gleefully spun around. All she needed now was an interesting case to come walking in the front door.
As if by magic there came a knock from the door. Peering through the frosted glass from her seat PI tried to size up the person. Jumping up she walked over to open the door. "Come on in. Welcome to..." The words died in the throat. There standing in front of her was an older woman looking like she had just dropped in form the 1930's. She was all glamour and glitz.
Finding her voice PI invited her to have a seat wondering what in the world she could possibly do for this woman and where had she been since 1930.
"So, how can I help you?"
The Introduction
In a soft honey warm voice she spoke, "My name is Amelia Price Hunnicutt and I believe that someone is trying to kill me."
She paused," There are three people it could be. My husband would love to get rid of me. Divorce is not an option, he would have to split everything with me.
My stepson would also like to see me gone. He blames me for his mother's death.
And there's Richard assistance Teresa. She's been in love with him since she began working as his assistant. I believe she thinks with me gone he will turn to her."
"Well", said PI slowly, "that tells me who might be trying to kill you but not why."
Beatrice reached into her purse and pulled out a long elegant cigarette holder and carefully placed a cigarette into the end of it.
Just Give Me The Facts Ma'am.
Patty leaned forward, this was getting interesting.
"Well", Amelia continued, "My driver brought me here straight from the hospital."
Standing up she began to pace around drawing a puff delicately from the cigarette. "Last night we all had a drink before we were to go into dinner. My drink made me violently ill. I had to be rushed to the hospital. They told me there that they believe my drink was poisoned. The three people that I mentioned were the only ones who could have poisoned my drink. Don't you see? One of them wants me dead."
PI sat back and intently gazed at Amelia, almost as though she was trying to see the truth in her face. Somehow she didn't believe this whole thing was going to turn out to be so simple. Coming to a decision she leaned forward. "I'll tell you what we'll do. You're going to give me some more detail about these people you think are trying to kill you. Then you're going to set up a meeting tomorrow at 5:00 PM with all of them at your house. That will give me time to come up with a few answers."
Amelia quickly began talking while PI sat and scribbled notes. Before long PI believed she had all the information she needed for now. All she had to do was a little more digging and she'd have the truth.
The Gathering
When PI arrived at the Hunnicutt mansion she found everyone scattered across the huge Drawing Room each with a drink in their hand. They were not talking or even looking at each other, no love lost here. Offered a drink PI settled for a ginger ale, she was going to need all of her wits about her.
As she cleared her throat and settled back in her seat everyone turned their attention to her. "OK folks, I know who put the poison in the Amelia's drink. Suddenly everyone was interested in what she had to say. Denials began coming from all parts of the room.
Holding up her hands, silently asking for quiet Pi then continued,. "I will tell you what I have found out person by person. You'll have to be patient."
"I think I'll start with you Teresa." PI swung her head to focus her signature level stare at her. Everyone else follow suit.
The Good (sorta)
Nervously twisting a kleenex in her trembling hands she denied having anything to do with the poisoned.
"I found out some very interesting information about you. Your mother is very ill and needs constant care which cost way more that what you bring in. You have a beautiful apartment that also costs more than your weekly salary. I wonder how this is all possible? "
"I, I"....studdered Theresa.
"I don't required an answer." said PI sternly. "I also noticed the glance between you and Richard, it confirmed the information that I received that the two of you are having an affair and this is how you are financing your life style and your mothere's care."
Theresa hung her head, a silent nod of admission.
"I don't think you are necessarily a bad person I think you're in a tight spot. I also understand that you are only in this affair for the money."
PI's phone rings and she glances at the number. "Pardon me for a moment, I need to take this call."
"Hi RedElf and Enelle. How is the pirate movie going?"
Speaking both at once, "We have a ball." Enelle breaks in "I have a part where I am standing on the captains wheel during a sword fight - You should see me." RedElf breaks in,"I'm fighting while hanging from the ships ropes. What a rush."
"It sounds like you are doing great. You've called at just the right time. You can help me by introducing the Family and Parenting nominees for this week'
"We'd love to" they cried in unison. "Listen up everybody, this week we have an unbelievable group of nominees. They have all outdone them selves. Make sure you read their hubs and then vote for you favorite in each category. You'll be glad you did"
Which one of this week's Family and Parenting nominees is your favorite?
This poll is now closed to voting.
The Family and Parenting Nominees
- Ten Items Every Mom Should Keep in Her Car
Ten things every super mom should keep in her car to stay organized and prepared. - How to Get Your Kid To Stop Picking Her Nose
Some days I love living in the wonderful world of four year olds. My daughter has taught me so much. For instance, she is very knowledgeable about creation-- explaining that my dog is white because God forgot to "color her in." She is an expert on... - A Fleeting Gift
Sometimes a "gift" is a fleeting moment given to you by someone special. This is one of those moments. - Chores and Children: Foundation for Success
It isn't always easy to get a child to clean his room, feed the cat, or to mop up his glass of spilt milk. However, it’s critical a child learns to take responsibility for his own actions at some point - Are They All Yours???
This is my take on the comments and looks you receive in public if you are not the typical family of four. - Top Ten Reasons Why I Hate Being a Special Needs Mother
I want to say I'm perfect and I never get frustrated or angry, but that just be a lie. Sometimes, parenting a special needs child just plain sucks. These are the top ten reasons why I hate being a special needs mother.
The Bad (definately)
Return to the Group PI stared on her next potentially guilty person (this is kind of fun she thought).
"Richard you are the cheating husband. You are inconsiderate, controlling and just plain nasty at times. From the information I dug up you're like this in business and at home. You are not only having an affair but you've made sure that Amelia knows all about it".
Pacing over to the bar she turned and faced him. "Richard you could have very possibly poisoned your wife's drink."
Once again the phone rang. "Sorry, I'll be just a minute."
Turning her back on the she answered her phone. "Ripplemaker, ladyjane, how great to hear from you. Have you had your screen test yet?"
"Not yet, but boy are we being pampered" said ripplemaker. "You should see us, we're get a facial everyday, we are treated to a massage, a pedicure and manicure, it's amazing."
"It sounds like you two have been all fluffed and buffed. While I have you on the phone can you help me introduce the next set on nominees for the week? Your category will be Politics and Social Issues."
"We'd love to. Come on down everyone and cast you votes for you favorite in each of the categories. The hubs for this category are amazing. It'll be hard to choose your favorite but it will be worth it."
Which one of this week's Politics and Social Issues nominees is your favorite?
This poll is now closed to voting.
The Politics and Social Issues Nominees
- Benefits of Higher Gas Prices: Why I Don't Mind Paying More at the Pump
With rising gas prices, we all grumble a little when we fill our tanks. However, the long-term benefits of higher gas prices may well be worth the short-term pain. This article outlines how higher gas prices can lead to a healthier population and can - Dinner Discussion: Who is Jim Yong Kim? a look at Obama's nomination for World Bank president
Need a good opener for your next dinner party? President Obama recently made public his nomination for the president of the World Bank. And now we all need to know all kinds of cool stuff about Dr. Jim Yong Kim, current president of Dartmouth College - The Top Ten Things Americans Don't Want to Talk About
Seeing as this is my 4th hub for the day, and it is only 8:52 am, I can promise you this is the last one! My brain is so hyper active in the morning, then is down hill from there. I have been thinking about this topic all morning, and have decided... - Child rights above human rights
There are thousands of infants and kids died on roads because of hunger and abject poverty.You can find their mother hanging them in their arms begging in front of newly created class. The sorry picture of humanity.
The Guilty (sorta)
Spinning quickly around Pi fixed her star on the youngest of the group, Theresa's step-son Rick.
"Rick, I know you blame Theresa for your parent divorce and you think if she were gone all of your problems would go away. Well, I'm here to tell you. She didn't cause your parents divorce, that had been in the works since the day they got married. Your father has cheated and mistreated her from day one. There is only so long a person can take that kind of abuse. Theresa was only the last in a long line of indiscretions that your mother had to endure. As for your other problems, those are your own. Your gambling and drinking are choices you made. Your outrageous bills that your father will no longer cover are your problem. I know you thing Theresa stands between you and the millions your father has control over but she doesn't. Your father is using money to try to control you. You could have put the poison in the drink.
Once again the phone rings. This time Pi just answers keeping her eye on the group. "KoffeeKlatch Gals I'm glad you called. I'm about to reveal a person guilty of attempted poisoning. But, before I do, tell me how is it going for you. Are you having fun with your TV show?"
It's a blast. Everyone here is so nice and helpful. Tell what's going on there."
"I will, I'll call you later and fill you in. But first I need your're help introducing our nominees for the week in the category of Travel and Places."
"Certainly, I'd love to. You know, it's kind of funny that we have this category this week. Here we are all in a different location than we usually are. Everybody, come and take a few minutes of you time to read and enjoy each of our nominees hubs this week. Make sure you vote for your favorite in each category. You'll meet new people and learn new things."
Which one of this week's Locations nominees is your favorite?
This poll is now closed to voting.
The Travel and Places Nominees
- The Secret to "Big Family" Vacations
Can your family vacation together every year? Mine can and it is a big group! Find out the secret to "Big Family" vacations. - Safe Travel in Mexico - See Manzanillo
Mexico is a safe vacation destination, keeping a few tips in mind. Manzanillo in the state of Colima is a particularly safe town with enhanced security from the presence of the Mexican navy and prosperity with near zero unemployment. Manzanillo has - The Coolest Hotel in the World
The Hotel de Glace. Enjoy it January through March, and stay over, more comfortable than you'd expect. - Visiting Penguins in their Natural Habitat
One single glance. That's all it took for me to fall in love with penguins--their beauty, their grace, their intricate feathers, and their completely difficult habitat. After seeing a colony of more than 1,000 King Penguins last year in the... - Renaissance Faires - Things to Do (and Not Do) with your Children at a Renaissance Faire
Planning on taking your child to a renaissance faire? Here's some tips and ideas so you both get the most possible fun out of your faire day.
PI Solves the Mystery
"I know who poisoned Thresa's drink." Pi slowly scanned the group. They all sat up and looked around at each other as though they would see the word guilty written across one of their faces.
"I'll start with Theresa. Theresa let out a small sound of protest.
"We've established that Theresa has a need for money, first and most importantly for the care of her mother. She also like to live beyond her means. We all know where the money she has been receiving comes from. She is having an affair with a married man, never a good idea. These are all good arguments for why Theresa could have been the person who poisoned the drink but she in not the one. Right now she is in a pretty good spot. You might think she would want Amelia dead so she could marry Richard but she doesn't. Theresa is in love with another man. She is only having the affair to make sure her mother gets the medical care she needs. Theresa did not put the poison n the drink."
Richard, now you are really a good suspect. You are having an affair, you like to be in control, you're poor wife is being abused and humiliated by you continuously. You would make a great villain. There could be an argument that you need to get rid of your wife so you can make Theresa but that's not true. As much as she doesn't want to marry you, you don't want to marry her. You are perfectly content in you position as Theresa's husband. It would be counterproductive for you to divorce her or get rid of her, the money that you love flaunting so well is hers. Not only is it hers, if she dies, you will only receive a piddly little bit. No, you didn't poison that drink."
"That leaves Rick. You didn't know your step-mother was the one with the money. All this time you thought your father held the purse strings. It would have done you no good for your step-mother to be dead. Your mother has been filling your head for years with nonsense about her. She made you believe that if Amelia were gone she would be back and everything would be the way it was. Wrong. Your father needs her alive. You would have been the perfect one to poison the drink. I happen to know you didn't, you have spent so many years being told what to do and what not to do that you are unable to make a simple decision on your own. You never would have poisoned the drink unless your mother was standing beside you telling you to do it."
"Wait a minute," demanded Richard. "If none of us poisoned the drink, who did."
"Amelia did it. Didn't you notice that she slowly sipped at her drink instead of drinking it right down? Her habit for years has been to drink the first drink right down then sip the drinks after that. Didn't you find that strange?"
"Why? Why would you do that and then accuse us?"
"You people can ask me that after what you've done to me? Richard you're having an affair with your assistant, you remind me of it everyday. You flaunt her in my face. You have tied up my money in ways I can't get to it. You go out of the way to embarrass and humiliate me."
"Theresa, you are the tramp my husband is having the affair with. You come into my home and help him humiliate me. You live off my money.
"Rick, you lie, you scheme, you are disrespectful, and you are obnoxious. You act like you haven't a brain in your head. You blame me for your messed up life and I'm sick of it. I just wanted all of you to feel as miserable as I do."
PI happily leaves the mansion. She has successfully solved her first case.
- About the HubNuggets Program
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