Another hot day in Kansas City began by 9 a.m., and David sighed. Why the hell did we move here? Why? Chicago to Kansas City was a leap of insanity, especially in July.
David found himself on the library steps, trudging up into the brisk cool air of books and tables, musty and old.
Purposefully, David headed back to where he had last tossed “The Adventures of Lord James St. John” onto the floor. The book, of course, had been shelved by some over-zealous librarian. Even so, he caught the sapphire blue spine among other lined up remnants of insipid adventure fiction books.
Purposefully, David headed back to where he had last tossed “The Adventures of Lord James St. John” onto the floor. The book, of course, had been shelved by some over-zealous librarian. Even so, he caught the sapphire blue spine among other lined up remnants of insipid adventure fiction books.
Sitting in a dark corner on a battered leather chair, David experienced a surge of anticipation.
“…the ground rumbled beneath him... as he raced ahead of the cave-in, only to sense burning vitriolic acid mist surrounding him, engulfing him. The air morphed into a freezing mixture, combined with rotten egg scent of liquid sulfuric acid…
Oh,
come on! Sulfuric acid AND gaseous nitrous oxide? Together? Ancient
tribes would have no knowledge…Idiot writer…Do your research, why
dontcha? David sneered.
“Misfortune loomed as the fumes waved over him. Coughing through a torn shirt sleeve, he had an epiphany. Holding his breath, he crouched and crept along the craggy cave floor, breathing through the rock and dirt.
Stay low, stay low…out of the mist…David whispered.
Stay low, stay low…out of the mist…David whispered.
A light gleamed ahead, a source of rescue. St. John tumbled and rolled into the bright daylight. He snatched grass and twigs to pull him the rest of the way until he could escape the fumes. Lord James revived just enough to see his worst nemesis towering over him. Lord James St. John groaned.
David smirked. Well then…this was unpredictable. He should have been taken captive, tortured, or something.
A tall man glared down at him. “…had to take another gamble, didn’t you?...A man who finds misfortune, unworthy to bear the colors of the St. John banner…”
James lost consciousness blessedly, but when he came to, the man was still there, still haranguing at his son. “…you impertinent worthless…."
Can’t he just shut up…just shut up…David growled.
First you deny the privilege of serving Queen and Country…A PACIFIST….”
Can’t he just shut up…just shut up…David growled.
First you deny the privilege of serving Queen and Country…A PACIFIST….”
David groaned. His dad. Just silly plot twist. Come on, really?
Lord James William Arthur St. John, puffed out his medal covered chest. “Why, in my day…”
Lord James St. John gazed through a haze at the self-proclaimed hero of martial glory. Before passing out with a fading smile, he whispered, “You peacock you…”
David chortled. Flipped a few pages ahead, Lord James St. John was already on another adventure.
Why not? He took the book to the check-out desk.
The underlined words were provided in 2015 from Wednesday Words, started by Delores and maintained by several talented bloggers: Elephant's Child, River, . Over the years, the words have been challenging and entertaining.
After editing and rewriting and then editing more, this emerged. It was a load of fun, but then, isn't writing just that?
This was published in 2018.
The underlined words were provided in 2015 from Wednesday Words, started by Delores and maintained by several talented bloggers: Elephant's Child, River, . Over the years, the words have been challenging and entertaining.
After editing and rewriting and then editing more, this emerged. It was a load of fun, but then, isn't writing just that?
This was published in 2018.
It is astounding what things you can find in the library.
ReplyDeleteI was always in the Pride and Prejudice section.
DeleteOh oh, I think I see a banned book in that last picture!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, dear.
DeleteTo begin with, I was annoyed that David had thrown a book onto the floor, then the cheesy plot made it worse, but then he checks out the book anyway? interesting.
ReplyDeleteCheesy plot? It is a boy's book, so it has to be cheesy.
DeleteWords for Wednesday is a great meme and I remain very grateful to Delores.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteI am with River - why would anyone who loves books throw one on the floor? Interesting story, Susan.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
A boy with an attitude problem would.
DeleteI remember this one. It's amazing how you can easily lose yourself in a book.
ReplyDeleteYes I just finished one that I got really wrapped up in. Good books do that to you. I really do enjoy one that grabs me on the first page. An author is good that does that .
ReplyDeleteAnyway, yep I do understand the Post for sure. methinks.
Sherry & jack Hope you are doing GREAT!
I always wonder what you will think about my writing.
DeleteYour writing always make me stop and think and I always enjoy the stories. I used to visit the library more than I do today. I'd love finding a good book and sitting in a quiet corner to start to read it just to make sure it was worth checking out. I just donated many books to our library for the sale in January.
ReplyDeleteWe need to clean out my hubby's science books! One can keep theoretical physics book only for so long.
DeleteHi Susan, nice to meet you! The tree you asked about is likely a Weeping Japanese Maple. We live in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, at the foot of Skyline Drive and Afton Mountain. So why did you move? I saw a photo of this unique library on line, and was so tickled by it that I posted it. Thanks for visiting!!
ReplyDeleteIs that what the Kansas City Library looks like? That is marvelous.
ReplyDeleteIt must be amazing.
Delete