Short Murder Stories

Murder in the Courtyards

5/8/18 - If you've just started reading this book, you can skip the first, like, 6 or 7 chapters if you don't want to read my rubbish from a year ago, I assure you it gets better... well, um, I hope. lmao

Queen Janette sat in her throne. Today was job day. Nothing but job day. The most boring day of the year. Some servants left and some new servants arrived. Five lucky people would be selected, or you could take the place of another willing servant. 

"Next," She was exhausted. The last ten people were rubbish. Including one that was an 'entertainer'. He ran around and tripped a trustworthy subject over and then a courtier!

"I am Edward." A man stepped forward. He wore a pair of worn out shoes and a ripped shirt, "I can cook, I can clean. I am the perfect servant to have!"

"What exact job do you do?" Janette sat up, interested. If this man was actually the man who could work as hard as five, sure - come in!

"I am a chef, a cleaner and I can sew!"

"Well, you are in!" Janette rubbed her hands together and smiled, 4 more, then to get rid of some. 

After 4 more people were picked - a footstool, a dresser/dressmaker, an entertainer and a bodyguard.

Now the best part, Janette thought, The kicking out time.

"I came to take the place of, Gerald." A woman stood up.

"Ok, what can you do?"

"I can sew better than him. I once saw one of his dresses, it ripped. On Lady Drew. It ripped in front of everyone, couldn't go out in public for weeks! I do not want that to happen, so I will be the best I can not embarrass you, your highness."

"I can't take any chances. Gerald, out!"

"But, your highness, he is lying! You know I produce the highest quality silk dresses!"

"I can't take chances!"

He walked away, his head drooped low. If that went loose, he would be humiliated in front of everyone. No one would want him anymore. No one.   Not even a kitchen maid. No one.

The next person enters and took a big sweeping bow at Janette. 

She smiled at the man who coughed and said in a confident voice, "I want to take the place of Richard." 

"Why? What has happened to Richard - the best of the best" Janette smiled.

"I once worked with Richard. A couple of months ago actually. He was an average worker who was hardworking. That was one of the reasons he was classed as an 'expert'." He grinned at Richard, who was smiling at the audience in puzzlement.

"Go on!" Shouted a courtier.

"Yeah, we want to hear how the great Richard fell!"A man shouted. 

All the courtiers mumbled in agreement and this interesting gossip.

"I can explain this tricky situation you are in. You think I am now a rubbish cook. I am not. He is disguising the fact that he is the bad cook!" Richard tried not to sound desperate.

"How can you explain this:" He brought out a film and shoved it in the machine.

"Welcome, my guests!" -Lord Dely

"Thank you!" -some Lord

"Now, I will please you with some interesting and delicious meals, made by Richard! The greatest cook, of the century!" - Lord Dely

Everyone cheers

Richard stumbles in and smiles shakily, "The food... has... arrived!"