Uninvited Guests
A Harris Burdick Mystery (by Natalia)
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“His heart was pounding
He was sure he had seen the doorknob turn.”
Fifty-nine years ago, back in 1943 lived the small
family Prichard. There was a father Dan and his eighteen year old son Joshua
(Josh). Josh’s mother Grace had died long ago when Josh was only nine. What
caused her death was a small jewel given to her by her husband. It was said
that “the one who wore the emerald shall be rewarded.” And one time Grace was
walking near the river and was found drowned two days after, leaving Dan with
no wife, and Josh without his beautiful mother. Now it was early December
almost to the day Grace had passed away. That Dan and Josh got a visit from his
uncle Robert. Robert was Grace’s brother, and always comes for a visit before
Christmas and just to pray for Grace. But it is very hard for Robert to get all
the way to Texas when he lives five hours away. Robert Curt stayed with the
Prichard’s for three days. Suddenly at supper the phone rang. I’ll get it said
Josh… “Hello?”… “Hi this is the chief of police Howard Dingby, would Mr.
Prichard be there please?” “Yes one moment please.” Dad it’s for you. Thank you
son, he shot back. “Hello?” “Hi there Mr. Prichard, sorry to bother you, this
is Howard Dingby the chief of police. It’s been a while since we’ve spoken of
your wife Grace’s case, but it seems that three hours down the river away from
you, was found a gold pendant with an emerald down the front. We know it was
said the emerald was stolen, but it was very odd that we must have thought
wrong. We are not positive that it is the one, but we would like you to come
see us first thing in the morning, if it is the one we think it is, I’m happy
to say that the case will be opened again. Wow thought Dan! Okay thank you Mr.
Dingby, I’ll see you tomorrow morning. As Dan got back to the table he told
about his conversation on the phone. Robert agreed to stay home with Josh until
he got back. The next morning Dan went to the police station with lots of doubt
that it would be the one. His eyes filled with tears remembering the day he had
given it to Grace. The chief patted him on the back happily saying “It’s been 9
years and we haven’t solved this case, we gave up once but this time the case
stays on until it is solved.” When Dan got back home, he showed the rusty
pendant to Josh and Robert. It was very hard to believe. The next day December
17th, the day Grace had passed away, Dan, Robert and Josh bought
some flowers and went to her grave saying a little prayer for her, and dropping
the flowers by her tomb. Now it was time for Robert to leave for home. He said
goodbye and gave Josh a hug, and then left. Dan and Josh went home to get some
rest. Two weeks later, after Christmas and right before New Year, Robert showed
up. Dan welcomed him in, and was very surprised to see him, he thought that
maybe something was wrong because Robert only comes during Christmas time, near
the anniversary Grace’s death. Robert said that everything was okay. He was
going to move to Texas and wondered if he could stay with them until he found
his own apartment. Dan said it was fine. Josh was very happy about. Two days
later a man just showed up in the living room. Dan was sure he had seen the
doorknob turn, but nobody opened the door, the man just showed up in the living
room, their front door, his name was
Paul Lenex. He claims to be friends with Robert, so they invited him in. When
they were all sitting down drinking beer Robert gave Paul a look, and suddenly
Paul and Robert pulled out guns and threatened to kill them if they moved. Then
Paul began tying Josh’s hands, when Dan tried attacking Robert. Robert fell to
the ground and Josh began trying to stop Paul, he suddenly was able to snatch
the gun and tied Paul up then called the police. Suddenly something shiny fell
from Robert’s pocket. Josh tied Robert up, Dan picked up the shiny item which
fell from Robert’s pocket, he noticed it was a pendant the same that was found
in the river. Dan reached into his pocket and took out the same pendant but
then noticed on the back of the one Robert had, was carved the initials GC
(Grace Curt) + DP (Danny Prichard). All a long Robert had the real pendant!
Then suddenly the police arrived. Dan explained everything and Robert and Paul
were taken to prison.
They didn’t understand how Robert could do such a
thing, but remembered, that ever since Robert and Grace were children, Grace
would always be given all the love and attention. It was all about that, and
for once Robert wanted to be rewarded with something great. Robert had stolen
the pendant and killed his sister; Paul was his partner. Robert now lives an
eternity in prison. Dan is doing well, he is now a grandfather and got a new
job as a detective. Josh has his own place, is now twenty-seven years old, has
a beautiful wife Kiona, and two wonderful children Andrew and Kate.
The End!