EDENVILLE

Just Another Day

By @lyttlejoe

Inspector Fellow sat in the office of Sergeant Wendell Jobb and listened to the report on the men arrested for attempting to run guns in Edenville. His fingers kept seeking the large red welt on his neck and he continuously glanced over his shoulder every time a door opened or closed.
"It was a co-ordinated planned effort by the Mayor and members of the Edenville Home Front. Criminals need to get up much earlier to fool our citizens."
"I dare say. Uhm- is the Doctor's clinic open do you think?"
"Never closes. Why I could tell you tales--"
"Yes, well. Jolly good work on the uhm, arrests. I'll be sure to pass it on. Is there a back way I might use- you know, a short cut?"
***
"Yoo hoo, Japonica!"
"Hello, Beulah you look . . . radiant!"
"Yes, have you seen Ernest- I mean Inspector Fellow?"
"No, but he's likely with Cushy or the Mayor. Why, is there trouble?"
"Trouble! Oh, ho no . . . well depends on your definition I suppose. I'll try those places, thank you, dear."
***
"Last I saw Mr. Dobbs, Japonica was when he was released from jail and he rode away on a new bike - down Oleander Lane I think." Twilla filled the Tiki bar drink umbrella jar and set out the Eden Grand cocoanut shell coasters around the tables.
"I wonder why he didn't come to see me."
"Bianca might know, she witnessed the accident and had to appear before the judge. She's down on the tennis court."
***
"That's love, Carlos," Bianca called, retrieving her tennis ball and heading for the gate. She paused as Japonica came toward her, finger waving.
"Bianca, have you seen Porter Dobbs since his release?"
"Should I?"
"I believe that last point was mine," Carlos Monteverdi jogged up, patting Bianca with his racquet.
"You haven't made your last point yet, Carlos. Sorry, Japonica can't help you. Hotel business."
***
Millicent applied compresses and helped Corky stay on his feet walking him around the recording booth.
"You really need to take better care, Corky. The smell alone in here is enough to warp the records."
"It must have been a bad batch." Corky fumbled for a joint and missed his mouth, jamming it up his nose.
"Wrong product, Corky."
***
Sid sat on the bank of the river waxing his gondola and watching Edith Churn excavate a hole in the churchyard.
***
Tom Fiddler walked with daughter Cassy and Eli Green across the village square, stopping to watch the Weebols and Rosemary Tipplewuck dismantle their placards for recycling.
"Will cucumbers be back now?" Tom called
"Edward is having a sale as we speak and offering a articuke combo ice cream sundae for every dozen sold."
***
Edenville was calm again and the notes from the Unstrung Quartet wafted across the walks and hedges bringing a serenity to the bucolic scene.
"Do you know what they're playing, Fay?" Pop asked, digging a dollop from his pipe.
"I think it's Down Under."
"Aah, a tribute no doubt to our latest guest."