Crime never sleeps.
As the Year of the Jackdaw unfolds, it’s time for more Sparkle Anwyl mind games as we continue the six-part story called ‘Custody Chain’.
Enjoy this chapter, and if you wish, please comment or suggest what happens next. Many thanks for reading.
Plus, ensure you visit all the other writers in this challenge via:
https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com
CHAPTER TWO – MASTERPIECE
2014
Monday, March 17th
Masterpiece. Same colours. Same brush-strokes. Smells original.
The stolen replica of Van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night? I study the painting on the easel – and Tesni Szarka’s face. Expressive as her gestures.
The artist smiles and signs, “Once each masterpiece. Stay priceless.” Then she motions to seats by a picture window with a view through the trees towards the rippling stream. “Coffee?”
Kama nods. When we’re alone, and as I scrawl notes, she asks, “Did you pick up more?”
“Yes. Hidden meanings I need to interpret. Patience.”
I grew up learning the connotations beneath sign language. An advantage Kama needs.
My tattoos tingle. R for Rationale and Robbery. U for Unique and Urgent.
Kama is scanning the room.
My focus is on Tesni’s work desk positioned in the natural light. Her current project isn’t a painting.
A blue cracked ceramic pot. No clay. But a sanding tool. Smoky epoxy stings my nose.
R for Repair and Restoration – not Replica. C for Cracked Ceramic.
My analysis is interrupted by Tesni’s return with a cafetière, mugs, jug of milk and sugar bowl on a tray. But she’s noted my observation of her workspace.
“I broke. Repair. Return later.”
E for Epoxy and Excuse. S for Sander and Smoky – and Sapphire.
She pours the coffee and passes us mugs of welcome black warmth.
Kama points to the painting and signs. “And that?”
Tesni sips her coffee, brow furrowed.
“Painted for Urien. Someone try steal. Safer here. We protect. Together-please.”
A mnemonic forms – SECURE. Or RESCUE? Both. She rescued the painting, so secure – if we help.
We need more and Kama delves.
“You in Uriel house? When?”
“To stop thief. I broke urn on head.”
U for Urn.
More notes, then I scroll through my smart-phone to the active CSI report. Chips of pottery…ash.
Tesni tackled the thief – she was at the scene. I show Kama the evidence. “We’ll need her DNA.”
As Kama explains to Tesni about the sample, I examine the ‘weapon’. On closer inspection, the urn looks old – or aged with the same techniques Tesni uses.
“You made this? Another replica?”
She shakes her head and gestures distance. Then signs ‘Abroad’.
Another artist. From the plum blossom, I guess a replica of an antique Oriental vase.
“Whose ashes?”
“Urien’s wife.” Tesni drops her head in her hands and sobs.
L for Loss and Lonely. A for Ashes.
She calls the collector by his first name. Did she know his wife? Is that why she was at his house? Is he a loner too?
W for Wife. F for Familiarity.
Kama reaches out a hand and squeezes Tesni’s knee. The artist looks up and wipes her tears. She stands, then fetches an A4 pad and a calligraphy pen.
On the paper she writes in flowing italics, ‘You need more. My written statement?’
We nod and let her write.
FLAW.
In our approach? Her story? The CSI report?
We leave with her detailed statement, which needs corroboration. Plus, the painting and the urn – vital evidence. Tesni hesitates over us taking them, but we reassure her they’ll be protected in police custody.
W for Witness or S for Suspect? A for Attack.
SAW
For now, we have to class her as a vulnerable witness. Disabled, even if she did fend off the intruder.
Have we increased her danger? Even if my uniform colleagues now watch her house?
*
http://brynholcombe.co.uk/2012/06/18/last-minute-holiday-cottage-in-llandudno-north-wales/
Tuesday, March 18th
A return trip to Llandudno to talk to Desmond Deckard arises as Tesni’s statement claims he imported the urn.
“Bespoke so unique. Ordered specially for Mr Cadwallader – after his wife passed. It’s a replica of an antique Chinese vase. However, as it was crafted abroad, you must talk to my sister and co-owner. Carys handles our imports.” He escorts us to her office.
Carys Deckard is younger than Desmond – and fitter. Early forties. 5 feet 11. Tall and slim.
She smiles as we enter.
“I missed meeting you appealing ladies, when you called before. What can I do? Any excuse to assist you.”
Kama ignores the beguiling undertones.
“Is the artist who made the urn a regular supplier? And where are they based?”
Carys hesitates, then looks at her computer monitor.
“In Hungary. The artist calls herself Aranka.” She scrolls her mouse and clicks. “I wish I had more. Is this important?”
R for Relevant. I write down the name. A for Aranka. But I let Kama pursue.
“Yes, more details could help resolve this. Anything.”
“Aranka is not one of our craftspeople. I only expedited the import of the urn for Mr Cadwallader.” She stares at the view, hand on her lips. “His contact…and the urn was a gift – no charge, except import costs.”
G for Gift.
Kama’s phone rings – DCI Baines.
We move out of earshot and listen, heads together.
“Forensics fast-tracked their analysis. Same ashes in the urn as at the scene. Plus, Tesni Szarka’s DNA is all over the house.”
T for Tesni Traces.
“Her statement implied she visited often” says Kama.
“There’s more – she shares DNA with the dead wife and Urien Cadwallader. She might be their daughter – if she knows.”
F for Family. GRAFT. By who? Why?
“Urien Cadwallader is conscious. Interview him – gently. He may not know either.”
***
Word Count 988: FCA
Comments are welcome as usual, and the following applies:
WINNERS UPDATE – 30th April 2020: Many congratulations to the winners of the April 2020 Challenge. This month there were more talented writers on view. Details of all the entries and winners have been announced here:
https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2020/04/winners-post-april-challenge-antique.html
And many thanks to those at WEP who awarded me this, again. And especially Olga for designing another great badge.
Writing Wings 
Very clever combo! Glad you’ve jumped into the WEP during this A to Z Challenge. Well done!
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Not as great a challenge as some face at this time, Lee. Juggling writing is a distraction. I feel blessed to be taking part.
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I am always, but always glad to see more of Sparkle and this installment is no exception.
And huge praise to you and everyone who can use these challenges to continue a story. Thank you.
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Thanks, EC – the only challenge is staying focused. Praise is due others at this time.
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Intriguing instalment! I like the way you’re building the tension!!
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Some of the tension comes from my stumbling around the ongoing plot, Jemi. The ending is still a distant unknown.
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Mystery deepens, definitely. The shared DNA is almost a twist from a soap opera. I like it.
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A thread I intend to pursue next time, Olga – the clue being Szarka.
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Hi Roland. There’s enough praise to go around. You’ve crafted a clever piece. I loved the subtle humorous touches (at least I hope they were supposed to be humorous). Always like me a little bit more Sparkle. We’re definitely getting in deeper now. Thanks for continuing your much-loved character through your WEP contributions!
Hope you’re doing well and are safe.
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The humour crept in uninvited, but Sparkle tries to mellow the mood where she can – keep the intensity internal. Whether the humour muse strikes again, I cannot predict as I’m not in control of her.
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And the plot thickens. I really can’t wait to see how Urban Nightmare ends up fitting into your story. This one certainly did, and beautifully too. Thank you, for participating and for your loyal support! It’s so appreciated!
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‘Urban Nightmare’ will add a twist – well, that’s the current intent. Depends what Urien decides to admit.
WEP has helped me develop Sparkle since I’ve been involved. Many thanks to all of you.
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Hi Roland – we’re all stumbling around at the moment – but you’re certainly taking us along with your story line. Well done – take care – Hilary
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And take care yourself, Hilary. Writing is proving a welcome distraction in the present crisis – along with gaming.
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Blogging for me – guess that’s writing … or certainly thinking about it – you look after you too …
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I’m enjoying the story, as always. But the anagrams–I feel like I missed something there (am I forgetting something?). Are they just her way of remembering–creating anagrams about important stuff?
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As you’ll discover in ‘Fevered Fuse’, Sparkle uses her mnemonics to trigger her lateral thinking – although here, events sometimes overtake/overlap her thoughts. And yes, they are sometimes her way of remembering stuff too. Some people, like Kama and Tesni, keep up with her lateral thinking.
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Hi Roland! I really like the idea of using all the prompts to build a continuing story and appreciated you inclusion of sign language in your story. Thanks for sharing!
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Writing a continuing story adds to the challenge, Zagu. My attempt last year got sidetracked after the Fall challenge, although it was the sub-plot to a series of posts – A to Z – in April last year. It will be finished as will this one. Sign language is integral to Sparkle as her sister is deaf, but not easy to write – still working on how to improve that thread.
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Another fantastic installment. I love the continuation of this storyline and can never have enough of Sparkle. The twists in the installment really pull you in deeper into Sparkle’s process and really moves the plot forward.
Does Urien know? I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Great entry.
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I’m scribbling out the next installment as you read, Toi – well, whenever the dog is exploring the garden. I was wondering if Urien knew – until I worked out what happened. Pleased you can’t get enough of Sparkle.
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Hi Roland,
The investigative approach in this part of your novel is good. There are so many avenues opened that kept feeding my curiosity.
An excellent take on the prompt.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
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I enjoy dashing down avenues, Pat – thanks for your encouraging words. I just have to find a way back this time. I never solved one crime last year.
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You do such a good job of crafting an intriguing continuing narrative! I enjoy following along with the investigation, and the intrigue at the end has me anxiously waiting for more. Is she their daughter after all? Who else knows? Where will all of this lead? Well done!
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DNA is usually accurate, LG. I have played with that in a later Sparkle case, but here – well, it’s more about who knows and why. ‘Urban nightmare’ will answer some questions – and pose others.
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The writing in this is wonderfully dreamlike. I enjoyed it.
~cie from team netherworld~
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Dreamlike makes me pleased, Cara/Cie – I struggled to find an approach with this episode.
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Ha, ha, à murder weapon … I expected no less from you Roland. As usual great dialogue. The letters, I still find distracting though. Thank you for the beautiful pictures. See you soon on A to Z, getting out of steam personally, it’s been a long, long month ….
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Not quite murder, Susan, but used to assault the thief – so Tesni says. I still find explaining Sparkle’s mnemonics within each episode a challenge. Maybe, I can find another approach with ‘Urban Nightmare’ – without abandoning her mental gymnastics or revisiting backstory.
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That’s an interesting problem. What works well in a novel doesn’t always in a flash, and you are kind of trying to do both (note: I’ve been tinkering for several years, off and on, with trying to convert a series of flash fiction pieces into a novel, and… it’s not a pretty sight). You could just reference her creating mnemonics, and flesh it out when this becomes part of the next novel?
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It is indeed a problem, Rebecca – even if my ‘novel’ came first and the flash fiction second. In the novel context, I have space to explain and develop, so your suggestion makes sense. The Sparkle novella which evolved last year, Azure Spark, made more sense when I edited it at the end of the initial A to Z posts. I aim to do the same with this ‘Custody Chain’ case.
Hope you can sort out your tinkering.
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And the plot thickens, as they say. This is getting so intriguing, and you manage to put so much into the word count. Can’t wait for the next installment!
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Next installment underway, Donna – the problem as always is cramming all the plot elements in without creating confusion.
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A tale that balances both mystery and intrigue in a splendid display of duality, without either element overpowering the narrative. Well done, Roland.
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Thanks Christopher, encouraging to know I got that right. Hope I can build on this with ‘Urban Nightmare’.
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This is interesting and unusual but intriguing. The letters were a little confusing at first until I read further and you spell the word out. It’s a good way to explain things, brief but to the point and it makes it memorable.
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I’m trying to find a better and clearer approach with the letters/mnemonics for the next episode, Sally – as they were a ‘road bump’ for many readers.
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Intriguing! Very intriguing! And fun. i’m so impressed with your ability to write part of a linked story for the WEP+IWSG. I would have liked to have refreshed my memory and think a link in this blog post, to the first part, would have been helpful.
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I’ll try to insert a link to previous episodes next time, Kalpana. I was trying to evade that with just a reference to the ‘stolen replica of Van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night’ in the first paragraph. But I can see that was short-changing readers. Thanks for the reminder.
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I enjoyed the use of the alphabet mixed in with this story. And now I want some coffee. 😉
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Alphabet, mnemonics, and coffee – just what Sparkle needs, Lenni.
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Hi Roland – congratulations on your commenter award … it’s great you’re supporting everyone else who enters the competition. Take care – Hilary
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I hadn’t discovered that, Hilary – not until you congratulated me. I’ll have to check that out – many thanks.
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Huge congratulations on your commentator award. With all you have on your plate at the moment it is a fine (and deserved) tribute to your commitment and support for other writers.
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Thanks, EC – or should I call you Sue. Anyway, I’ve now read the WEP post and commented on the ‘again’ award. As I said there, “Yes, a brilliant touch on the badge, which I’ve now added to my site. Thanks WEP Random Selector”. Plus, on this page too. Commenting is almost more fun than warren-diving 😉 .
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I respond happily to either EC or to Sue.
And have been super impressed (and not just this challenge) at your commenting diligence.
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I’ll use Sue then, EC 😉 – whichever I remember first. Diligence is my third middle name – and a new rabbit-dive.
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I’m a great fan of linked stories for the challenges, and also glad to see Sparkle and Kama anytime! Thank you for this flash and for taking the time to comment on mine.
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Pleased to see you back, Nila and to have been able to read your piece. Sparkle and Kama will be back in June, although I’m sensing some followers of this blog want me to go alternative historical. But not for WEP 2020.
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It’s just me rereading the three pieces together. Always nicer to read linked stories all together in one go. 🙂
Hope your week is going well.
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Enjoy, Nila.
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OMG, daughter really???
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