It’s March! Spring is only a few weeks away. I’m ready to kick Old Man Winter to the curb. What about you? This week, the Tuesday Tales authors are creating scenes around the word GREEN. I’m continuing with The Case of the Missing Prince. Today, I’m introducing you to a new character — doesn’t every disappearance involve a mysterious woman?
“As I do,” I asserted, pushing myself into the conversation once more. “I trust Al to have my back should we run into trouble. He’s honest and trustworthy.” I let the word hang there a minute before continuing. “When I’m hired to do a job, I don’t think of it as going into battle. Rather, I approach it much like I would a game of cards. If I agree to sit down to play poker with someone, I expect all fifty-two cards to be in the deck, not missing or up my opponents sleeves. Sadly, that’s not the case here. Emile Novak hired me to find the missing prince, but he failed to be honest with me; in fact, not one of you was candid with me on Monday. I’m not some green operative fresh off the turnip truck. I’m a skilled professional with the experience and reputation to prove it. Emile provided me with some information yesterday, but not enough. I need to know absolutely everything that happened if I’m going to succeed in recovering the prince. I’ve learned a great deal from Anton, Zandro, and Petrov today, things that should’ve been in the cards you laid on the table. Now, I would like to know why you lied to me.”
He straightened in his chair, his eyes narrow, trying to gauge how far I was prepared to push this.
“I wasn’t aware that I had,” he parried, leaning back, his gaze focused on mine.
“Bullshit!” The word exploded from me before I could stop it. “I realize that dealing with women in authority may not be what you’re used to, but when I asked you if anyone other than your party knew who Leo was, you said no. We both know that isn’t the truth. Andreea Popa knew who he was and who the other members of your party were—except perhaps Anton who wasn’t with you that night. She had dinner with the four of you, and spent the night in Zandro’s bed. He assured me that she knew that you were all climbing the Bow Glacier Falls area the following morning. You claimed that what happened to Leo wasn’t an accident, that someone had followed you to Calgary. You never mentioned her presence to Petrov, and I doubt you said anything to Emile. So, I ask you, how do you know Andreea Popa?
Don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.
Living the Dream 
Love how in command she is! And direct questioning with no beating about the bush. I love strong female characters and you create some of the best! Looking forward to her finding the Prince. This is a great story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jean.
LikeLike
Thanks, Jean. Appreciate the praise. These days, I feel that my female characters need to be empowered more than ever.
LikeLike
She’s fierce here and rightly so. Without her pushing them, they are not going to tell her everything they know. Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
When it comes to cold cases, the smallest detail could be the critical one. She needs to know everything!
LikeLike
Interesting here how green is a synonym for inexperienced. Enjoyable read.
“What I say is, a town isn’t a town without a bookstore.” — Neil Gaiman
J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) @JLenniDorner ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I’m glad you’re enjoying the story.
LikeLike
What a great snippet! I’m clapping and cheering her on from the sidelines here. I just love how she called him out like that! (I think I’m a bit jealous too – I wish I had some of her moxie!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish I’d had her gumption when I was younger, but I’ve modeled her after one of my granddaughters who works in the trades as an appretice, eventually hoping to earn her full her HVAC certification. This week, she starts the in-school portion for gas line technician. It’s an all-male environment and she holds her own very nicely. She’s my hero.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kudos to your granddaughter, Susanne. I’m impressed with what she’s doing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
She told me yesterday that there are 42 people in her course and she is the only female. Might intimidate some, not her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Clapping for her from afar.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I knew something way up! I love how she defends herself. And who is this Andreea person? I can’t wait to find out. Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tricia. We’re getting closer to discovering what happened.
LikeLike