IN
HIDING
The police
answered the alarm call too late.
While officers
scoured the grounds, Jeff from Forensics did his work, kneeling on the
blood-soaked Persian carpet, his bag of tools on an onyx table.
He jumped as
a book fell from a shelf, revealing a scared face, but it was just a cat. He
made a note to call Animal Control.
The body
went to the morgue, the police ended their fruitless search, and the isolated
mansion fell silent.
Nobody heard
the children’s cries from the panic room – no-one was even aware of its
existence, let alone the codes to open it.
The way my mind works often surprises me! Dale's photo made me think of secret rooms concealed behind bookcases, and from there we have this story. Thanks to Rochelle as always for running Friday Fictioneers for umpteen years, and for posting the prompts that get our minds working. https://rochellewisoff.com/ Go to her blog to read other stories - or to write your own.
Interesting concept.
ReplyDeleteCreative. Immense possibilities are there.
When they don't know, they cannot find.
He should at least have left instructions with his solicitor.
DeleteOh, my! What a creepy twist in that cat's tail!
ReplyDeleteI tried for a happier ending but it wouldn't work!
DeleteThat went very dark at the end. Terrifying nightmare for the children.
ReplyDeleteMy heart still aches for them, and I put them there 😳
DeleteWell imagined, Lizy. Very creepy
ReplyDeleteThank you, Neil.
DeleteAh gee... That is so not right! (But so well done!)
ReplyDeleteHorrible, isn't it? Thanks for the photo.
DeleteYou are welcome :)
DeleteCats indeed can be barometers for a home. An attuned detective would have picked up on it. Poor kids!
ReplyDeleteIs there such a thing as an attuned detective, except in fiction?
DeleteI like where the prompt took you, Liz.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra x
DeleteTerrifying and tense. Let's hope animal control hears them when they come for the cat.
ReplyDeleteThere is always hope.
DeleteThe picture certainly took you to a dark place, well done, Liz.
ReplyDeleteIt is somewhat dark this week.
Deleteshame, shame, i don't think the police tried hard enough.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope they work it out in time.
DeleteNice details to build the picture of the wealthy family's home. The panic room fits right in. I also like the sudden appearance of the cat's scared face. Very good. I have my fingers crossed for the poor children.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Margirene, you always make such well observed comments 🙂
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteOh dear. I hope someone finds the children before it's too late. Well told tail. ;)
Shalom,
Rochelle
Maybe next week's photo will prompt a sequel?
ReplyDeleteThis is certainly a different twist on the prompt. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Bill.
DeleteA tragedy in the making? We can only hope the Animal Rescue people hear the children.
ReplyDeleteWe can hope.
DeleteOh, goodness! A multi-faceted tragedy.
ReplyDeleteThe ramifications are legion.
Delete