The Fifteen Minute Novel is a novel written fifteen minutes at a time with each week day’s section starting with the sentence from the previous day. At least it is attempting to be a novel. For now I am just aiming at one continuous story, worked on for fifteen minutes each day. Started Friday January 1st, 2021 (in case you want to search for the beginning. I can’t wait to see where it ends up. It could be good, or it could be a mess. We’ll have to see. For now, here is today’s fifteen minutes.
Day 257: No words came to mind and he closed his mouth.
No words came to mind and he closed his mouth. Facts and impressions swirled in his mind and tried to realign with the new information added. It was as though his thoughts were a strange sort of kaleidoscope intent on reformulating the truth instead of showing him different pictures of colored light.
“Carson was a good agent,” Morris said.
Tucker turned back to him, once again ignoring James. “He was,” Tucker said. “He was also a big fan of on-line poker. He wasn’t a very good player though. Debt can cause the occasional moral bending. After all what’s one more dead dirt bag in the grand scheme of things?”
“And what’s your plan now?” Morris asked. While James’ heart was racing, Morris sounded merely curious.
“Well, I still think he knows something about Cassie,” Tucker replied. “That hasn’t changed. And I know she is alive, because I haven’t killed her. Not yet anyway.” He shrugged. “I didn’t realize she had copies of the files. I underestimated her involvement. I thought Eric was in charge. “ Tucker laughed and shook his head. “Turns out, she was using Eric as the middle man the way I used the hitters and Carson.”
“She is a clever woman,” Morris said.
“True, but she can’t hide forever. It isn’t in his nature. In fact I’m betting someone helped her. I just can’t figure out who.”
“You don’t think it was James then?” Morris asked.
“No,” Tucker replied shaking his head. “She thinks he is well and truly dead. I’ve monitored his contact on his cell and e-mail since she disappeared and came up with nothing. He hasn’t been in contact with her. But it doesn’t mean he doesn’t know something useful. I just have to get it out of him. After all, there is no one else I can ask.”
“And you think that I am going to help?” Morris asked. “Or simply stand by and watch while you torture James for information?”
Tucker sighed. “No. I suppose not. Which is why you will tragically be killed in this next office invasion. It’s a pity your still healing wound is going to make you too slow to respond to the threat. I’ll be injured of course. Knocked out and bleeding when help arrives. James will sadly be dead as well. Tortured while I was unconscious and unable to help.”
James saw Tucker reach a hand to the small of his back and slip a hand under his shirt.
Ten til Midnight 