5 Minute Mysteries with a Twist

By James Dykes

in this book you are about to have a humorous, mysterious relationship with characters who are like some of the people you know or hope you can get away from. the cheating boyfriend, the future no good son-in-law, a couple of stupid gamblers, a girl desperate for a boyfriend, a cheapskate on his honeymoon, the first lady who wants to be president, people in the office who run things their way, and being close to a serial killer. that's not all the characters, so expect the unexpected. expect screw ups. enjoy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Dykes
• Release date: Jun 26, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310206856

James Dykes

James Dykes is the author of three books: 5 Minute Mysteries with a Twist (short stories with surprise endings), The Secrets of My Survival: The First 81 Years (a memoir), and Hitler’s Journal: A New Look into the Mind of the Leader (historical fiction based on actual facts we know about Hitler’s life). James Dykes has a BA in English from Baylor University and a master’s in education from Western Washington University. He served as an instructor for twenty-five years and has published for a periodical. He has won a writer’s contest sponsored by a major league baseball franchise and served in the Admissions Department of Mt. San Antonio Community College. He has experience as a commercial actor and has served as a mentor of students at Azusa Pacific University.

Book preview

5 Minute Mysteries with a Twist

James Dykes

Copyright 2014 by James Dykes

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 purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Introduction

William

A Job Well Done

The Face

Our Big Chance

Close Call

Planning the Execution

The Neighborhood Watcher

My Personal Report

Innocent

Not a Clue

Touché

A Fool and His Money

Someone or Anyone

Do Your Homework

Color Me Red

Moses Jr.

Why We All Just Can’t Get Along

Lighting Never Strikes Twice In the Same Way

The First Lady

Intelligent Life

Reality Disturbs Reality

A Particular Talent

Dear Diary

Frus-nation

Movie Madness

Introduction

One of the most vexing problems in people’s lives is their relationships. Why can’t we all just get along? That is what the following stories are about. In the stories, you will meet people who remind you of someone you know and appreciate. Others will be someone you wish you could get away from. In either case, they will remind you of people at work, or those who have hidden agendas, naive ones, people who like to manipulate or be manipulated. You might even meet yourself. In any case, enjoy.

William

Andy said to Jess, Williams out there on the building’s ledge. What should I yell to him?

Just do your best to keep him calm. Don’t rattle him.

All right, I’ll give it my best shot.

Andy yelled out the window, Look, William. We’d like to discuss some things with you. Ok?

He leaned back to Jess, He’s not answering. I’d grab him, but he’s out of reach. You try.

William, this is Jess. Why don’t you inch a little closer so we can hear you better?

"He’s not uttering a sound, just staring straight ahead. Maybe he’d listen to Captain Murphy He turned to the Captain who was standing close behind him.

What do you think, Captain?

The Captain stood proud and said, I’ve dealt with many cases like this. He won’t listen to anyone, but maybe he’ll listen to you two guys or to Miss Wilson here.

He turned to Patricia Wilson and asked, Is this William a religious man?

She replied, Well, he never discussed it much. He did say if we ever married it should be in a church. I don’t want anything to happen to him. I’m afraid he’s going to do something any minute!

"Don’t worry Miss. Sergeant Martin’s contacting a priest and this Williams’ mother

Are you on good terms with William?

We broke up three months ago, but it was his idea. He seemed OK at the time.

The Captain suggested, Why don’t you talk to him? Tell him you care about him and all that other stupid stuff.

I can’t. If anything happens to him, I will cry forever.

Jess said, Look Patricia you used to say how gorgeous he was. Body builder and all that. What happened?

I don’t know. He changed. He let himself go. He lost interest in everything.

Andy interrupted, Well you three can sit around and debate this thing, but I’m going to do something about it!

With that, Andy clutched the sides of the window, and pulled himself out on the ledge!

Patricia screamed, Andy, what are you doing?

Captain Murphy tried to grab him, but Andy was too quick.

The Captain exclaimed, Holy saints, now there are two of them out there! They’ll give me a desk job for this

He said to Jess, All right. Get your friend back in here or we’ll have a double mess on our hands!

Jess shouted out the window, Andy, why don’t the two of you hold hands and come back inside?

Patricia cried, That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard!

Jess answered, Well, if you can think of something better, let’s hear it.

Captain Murphy said, All right, all right. The two of you calm down. Let me look out and see if Andy is helping.

He leaned out and said, By golly, they’re holding hands. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it.

Jess asked, Are they coming inside?

No. Just standing there staring at the clouds.

Let me look, Jess said.

He leaned past the Captain and yelled, Andy, are you two coming inside?

He turned back to the Captain and shrugged, You heard him. He says William still won’t talk.

Captain Murphy mumbled, And to think, this is my last month before retirement.

He said, Anyway, the main thing is to keep talking to him. One of you has to do this.

Jess replied, That means me, while ‘Little Miss Do Little sits this one out.

Patricia answered, You can call me all the names you want, but you’re going to get him killed. I just know it.

Jess leaned out the window, Andy, be careful. You may have to hold onto William.

Andy said, Ever since we touched hands, he pulled away from me.

Jess answered, Keep talking to him. Tell him we care about him. We want him inside. Nothing else matters.

Andy cried, I’m starting to get dizzy. I think I better come back inside.

Jess said, "Good. Don’t look down. Keep your back pressed against the wall.

What’s the matter?

Andy replied, I can’t move.

Then just stay put. Don’t go any farther. Close your eyes and think positive.

I feel like throwing up.

Captain Murphy asked, Did I hear him say he’s throwing up? I’ve got officers down there.

Jess yelled, Just stay cool, Andy. We’ll get you some help. Hold on.

Patricia reached in her purse, Would Midol help? I think I’ve got a Tums. Here’s one. Give this to him.

The Captain questioned, Does anyone have a clue as to why this William’s out there?

Jess answered, I don’t know. I can’t figure it out. I thought I knew him. I was on the same debate team with him and played on the same rugby squad. I never saw him down.

For a few seconds, no one said anything.

Then Patricia spoke.

I know why he’s on that ledge.

They looked at her.

He caught me with someone else.

Captain Murphy said, Well, now we’re getting somewhere lady. Why didn’t you tell us this before?

Because it involves another person.

Jess exclaimed, "Look Patricia, of course it involves someone. How could it