The Fortune Teller

By Elizabeth Fortini

In the quiet Louisiana town of Turnberry, the circus rolls into the annual Berry Festival. Turnberrians are delighted to engage in the merriment that visits them only one week out of the year. But all the smiles and good times hit a brick wall when a town’s resident is murdered. The citizens of the bayou turn to Officers Lucious Wickers and Cassius Dawson to unmask the villain behind the killing. When faced with the fortune teller, however, they discover dark secrets shrouding the common people of the swamp. Troubling Lucious Wickers on his journey to reveal the murderer, Madame Lucy remains an eerie suspect throughout the case. In the end, will she prove to be a helpful asset or be the killer herself?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Fortini
• Release date: Jan 6, 2013
• ISBN: 9780984848331

Elizabeth Fortini

Elizabeth Fortini was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1993 at St. Catherine's Hospital. She grew up in Ballwin, Missouri and discovered her passion for writing after returning to Wisconsin. Some might believe that age reflects the quality of writing, but Miss Fortini has defied this notion showing that even young authors can develop writing beyond their years.

Book preview

The Fortune Teller

Book 2

Silent Harvest Series

By

Elizabeth Fortini

Edited by

Cornel Rosario

Cover design by

Eva M. Fortini

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Published by Fortini Hartland Publishers

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 Elizabeth Fortini

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank her friends and family for their unyielding support, Editor Cornel Rosario for his patience and her sister Eva Fortini for the delicately designed cover.

As always, the author wants to thank the Lord God for the many blessings He has bestowed. Without Him, nothing would be possible.

Lastly, the author extends her gratitude to her readers for their hunger for literature. Reading is such a magnificent journey that takes individuals to realms once unknown. The author hopes that by reading her mysteries, an individual will be sucked into the stories themselves and really experience what the characters feel.

For my dear friend, Emma Paulsen

Chapter One

The soft rays of the early morning sun had just begun to peak above the lush blueberry and strawberry fields scattered around the small Louisiana community of Turnberry. The air was silent and the bayou still. Tents towered high in the field across from the water, while games and other engaging activities lingered in the adjoining meadow. It was the annual Berry Festival, ‘Celebrating over ninety years of growth and togetherness’. Oftentimes carriages rumbled down the dirt roads: revelers revisiting their childhood homes, remembering well how the festivities had helped create a break in the dull routine of everyday life.

But the fourth day of the celebration was anything but happy. The nighttime cacophony had spilled over into the daytime. Anxieties only grew as those who had just awakened wondered why all the smiles had vanished. And when they discovered the truth, they were left gasping in disbelief.

As the townsfolk spoke amongst themselves, they saw Officers Wickers and Dawson entering into a home closest to town. Officer Lucious Wickers was twenty-six-years-old. He had brown hair and blue eyes. Of the two officers who manned the local police department, he was probably the more reasonable. Officer Cassius Dawson, on the other hand, was quick to judge. He was a short thirty-year-old man with white hair and dull, green eyes. If something wasn’t to his liking, he would say so.

Slamming the door to the house shut, the men stepped into the parlor. They found six individuals seated there; all of them showed fear on their faces. Upon seeing the officers, one stood up. His name was Donald Barstow. He was clearly distressed as he addressed the two men.

Officers, he said trembling, have you found anythin’? The men exchanged glances.

We found this in the woods, Lucious said, waving a bloody knife. He laid it down on the table. The perpetrator could be anywhere by now.

But what if he’s still in town? a young woman named Harper Knight inquired. We could all be in danger.

Cassius, upon hearing this, raised the anxiety level in the room by adding, That’s true; in fact, he could be in this very room.

You think one of us did it? Harper’s husband Cory Knight asked. Cassius shrugged his shoulders, but didn’t respond.

We’re not sure what to think now, Lucious spoke up. But we’re going to find out who killed her.

And then what? Donald asked. Are you gonna put ‘im behind bars? This is Turnberry! We have no prisons! We’ve never had a problem like this before!

Please, calm down, Mr. Barstow, Lucious urged. I know you’re very upset, but I assure you that everything will be done to bring your sister’s killer to justice. Donald was clearly not satisfied.

The only flesh and blood between me, and you ask me to calm down? he said enraged. Do you even hear yourself? You can never understand my pain unless your whole family had been slain. Lucious remained calm.

You’re right, he admitted, resting a hand on Donald’s shoulder. I don’t understand. But when I witness injustice, I feel the painful strain in the deepest part of my being. Donald shook his head and sat down, looking pitiful. The others, who sat across from him, stared silently ahead. The Christophersons, Billy Don and Ernest, exchanged glances and looked at the officers. They were twin brothers, and Ernest was married to Betty Lou, the last individual in the room. Ernest understood that there had been a death, but how Donald’s sister had died was less clear. He had been out of town.

Ahem, he coughed, nervously raising his index finger to catch the officers’ attention. All eyes turned to him and he withdrew somewhat. Pardon me, fellers, he said, but can y’all explain to me what exactly happened? There was a heavy feeling as he waited for an answer. Lucious nodded towards his colleague and Cassius stepped forward.

Allow me to enlighten you then, Cassius spoke. About a few hours ago, Miss Prudence Barstow was found in the middle of the swamp, yelling for help as alligators attacked her. Your brother pulled her ashore, but Miss Barstow was dead before she was able to receive any medical attention. Officer Wickers and I then searched the area and found this blood-spattered knife in the woods.

How do ya know that the knife was involved? Ernest broke in. Them gators could have done her in.

We believe that the knife was used to slash her throat and… Lucious stopped in mid-sentence, seeing the effect of his words on Donald’s face. He then coughed and reworded his report. Excuse me, he said apologetically. We found marks on her wrists and neck which show a more uniform cut compared to that caused by alligators. But this was just from a cursory examination of the body. A full report will be released tomorrow.

Then what do you want with us? Donald asked sullenly. Lucious was patient.

Each of you has a story, he said calmly. Perhaps hearing your narratives will help us discover the individual behind the killing. The slightest detail could clear the air.

You’re wastin’ your time, Donald remarked. Turnberry has never had an issue like this before. The individuals here are inherently good. Those outside are the ones to blame. I suggest you check with that pompous bastard Farefield.

Maybe that’s what the perpetrator wants you to think, Lucious replied. In any case, we need more evidence. I know this is difficult for all of you, but we need your cooperation. Officer Dawson and I are going to question each and every one of you. Afterwards, we’ll go and interrogate the circus performers and any other individuals who may emerge from all your stories. Fair enough? Donald was not satisfied, but resignedly accepted the plan of action.

He was the first to be questioned. He followed Lucious and Cassius into the kitchen while the others remained in the parlor. Sitting down, he listened to Lucious’ directions.

Mr. Barstow, Officer Wickers addressed him, it is imperative that you report all that you can remember of yesterday. We need to know the exchanges you’ve made, what you did and where everything occurred. Understand? Slowly, Donald nodded, letting out a sad sigh.

Taking out a notebook and pencil, Cassius carefully took notes while his colleague asked Donald to begin his story. It took a few minutes for him to compose himself, considering the circumstances. Setting aside his resentment and gloom, however, Donald related the previous day’s happenings to the best of his ability.

Chapter Two

Cassius’ log:

According to Donald Barstow

I woke up earliest of everyone that day. Prudence and Harper had been awake all night, talkin’ about whatever nonsense women talk about. I didn’t expect ‘em to come down the stairs any time soon. To my surprise, they were just minutes behind me, still as lively as they had been the night before.

Donald, Prudence said to me, why are you up so early? I eyed her.

You two had been talkin’ all night, I said. I hardly got any sleep. Prudence smiled guiltily.

So sorry, Donald, she apologized. We hadn’t the chance to speak the other night. The circus performance had tired us both out.

There’s another show tonight, Harper reminded her. And you have tickets to the afternoon performances. My attention was immediately grabbed.

You have tickets for this afternoon? I asked. Where’d ya get those?

I’ve been savin’ up, Prudence replied. I didn’t buy that.

I don’t remember you gettin’ those, I continued.

What does it matter? Harper said. The performances start at ten. We still have a few more hours ‘til departure.

I cannot stress enough how I detest Harper. Her parents and mine were both killed in the same accident years ago. Her sister Viola took care of us until I became of age. Harper and Prudence had always been close friends, but she and I never agreed upon anythin’. Remember this, officers, since Harper oftentimes goes behind my back, doin’ things she knows I wouldn’t approve of Prudence doin’. You’ll most likely find out after questionin’ her.

Anyway, the girls chatted for several more hours, until Cory finally came down the stairs. It appeared he hadn’t gotten much sleep either.

I suggest you slept terribly, I said to him. He smiled.

Quite alright, he replied. My Harper has been waiting for this visit for ages. She adores your sister, you know. You’ve done wonderfully in raising her.

Really? I said. Because it don’t feel like it. What if she runs off with some stranger to start a new life, only to have her hopes shattered, should he decide to leave her?

Worried about Farefield, are you? he guessed. "I wouldn’t, Donald. Your sister is very prudent in her decisions. After all, her name is Prudence."

It’s just a typical reaction I s’pose, I said. I’m just worried. I know that Farefield is up to no good.

And she knows it too. Let Prudence make her own decisions. She’ll do what’s right; you’ll see. Cory is such a kind and gentle spirit. What he’s doin’ with Harper, I don’t know.

Not long after, all of us changed out of our pajamas and went to see the performances that Prudence had somehow gotten tickets to. We saw Muscles, Mitch the Midget, and the magician. During all of ‘em, I kept a close eye on my sister. I made sure that I knew where she was every second.

No trouble came to us during those three hours, thank goodness. We then went into the game field and played a few games. It was clear that Prudence and Harper weren’t interested, though. They wanted to see the fortune teller. Apparently, she had predicted somethin’ ‘spot on’ and they were eager to see her again.

Alright, I said to my sister. Cory and I will wait outside for you.

The girls entered, delighted. I thought that it would be some quick prediction of somethin’ ridiculous, but they took their sweet time.

Durin’ that visit, I spoke with Cory on huntin’ and fishin’. I’ve grown to like the guy. He’s very level headed, quick and to the point. We was plannin’ a time to meet for some shootin’ when the girls came out. But before we were able to hear the nonsense the fortune teller had spewed out, Braxton Farefield approached ‘em.

Now hold it, Cory said, restrainin’ me. He sees you already. No need to create a scene.

Reluctantly, I took his advice. I could see that schemin’ smile, castin’ a momentary taunt towards me. My fists clenched, but Cory warned me not to approach him. It took everythin’ I had to not slug that smooth-talkin’ scoundrel.

He left shortly, tippin’ his hat towards ‘em, and the girls approached us. Harper was her regular,