The Incident
The evidence was stark and slim.
A photograph of akimbo’d limbs against a whitened sky. A dark bird.
The detectives were at a loss, many losses, and uncertain of how to proceed.
They called in “the expert,” a wizened old crackpot retiree who still seemed to capture things no one else could.
He was sent for and trundled his bulk up the sidewalk later that day, grimacing and cursing his way to the station.
Huffing and grunting, he picked up the picture between leathered forefinger and cracked swollen thumb. He squinted.
“All I can tell you boys, is that it sho’ ain’t no murder. A murder involves always more than the one.”
N Filbert 2012
be sure to join us at Friday Fictioneers – photo prompted flash fiction
All my Words are Silent 
Being a lover of words, I especially appreciate your use of adjectives here and as I’ve always loved “arms akimbo”, I like “akimbo’d limbs.” I wonder where this story goes. I imagine a hanging body, but who knows? And if the “expert” says it’s no murder, what is it? I still suspect (so to speak), murder.
thanks for reading and for saying so! Not being the expert, I have no idea what he saw or where it goes 🙂
I see. It’s the old case of the story leading the author. I totally get that. Thanks for stopping by and come again any time.
Thank you as well
I’m glad you are discovering things about your writing. This piece is really thought intriguing and the language is sumptuous:) You are so gifted!
More than one bird, more than one body? I love the mystery here!
thank you love
If not a murder? What? Suicide? Just like you to leave us wanting more. Love your description of the old man’s forefinger and thumb. I’m #14 on the list.
love the word akimbo’d — enjoyed it
thank you 🙂
Neat use of collective noun and ambiguity. Clever and I think you have sent some of your readers down a blind alleyway with your sense of mischief. I will be watching you closely from now on.
curious tale…enjoyed the “expert” and his opinion 🙂
thank you much
Tough case. If it’s not murder, what is it?
I like the use of akimbo’d limbs.
http://logo-ligi.com/2012/07/12/soliloquy-of-a-disgruntled-raven/
Love your use of words. “leathered finger.” Great picture.
http://www.rochelle-wisoff.blogspot.com/2012/07/arson.html
Intriguing. What happens next? Mine’s on the list.
Intriguing indeed, and looks good on the page, like your interpretation, very original.
Obviously not an open and shut case. Well done. Mine is here and linked too: http://readinpleasure.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/fridayfictioneers-spectators/
I’m waiting for the rest of the story. Your characters have drawn me in.
thank you very much!
thank you very much
The open ended declaration of the expert begs the question, more than one person? True enough with a murder. Or more than one bird? We are left to wonder. Great story.
Aloha,
Doug
“A photograph of akimbo’d limbs against a whitened sky. A dark bird.” These sentences really capture the mood of the photo, on first glance (or read-over) it is merely description, but then it sets the scene quite clearly.
“A murder involves always more than the one.” I also liked this line, really expresses the old time’s voice.
thank you very much Chris