#margomortelle

[squids-and-jellyfish]

dear anon

You've got me hanging on

You could be anyone

And no one at all

Yet I find myself waiting

My faceless friend

Are you the thing that goes

Bump in the night

Or a lovely phantom?

Yes or no

The planchette heart moves

Swirling and swirling

Around the ouija board

In a fog of mystery

Fog or steam

Through the clouds I can't tell

A dark figure looms

Masked with mist

Shrouded in secrecy

I ask only for a letter

In which to call you

So I know what to yell

If I jump in surprise

When you sing me soft lullabies

Before you dissipate

When the sun begins to rise

[squids-and-jellyfish]

The Phantom Thief

part 1

It was an average day when Claire came home. Like any other she rose at dawn, tended her fields and cared for the animals. After letting them out to graze the pastures she headed into town. She followed her daily routine, greeting everyone she passed by. Visiting every shop and making home visits. She gave out gifts as the day went on. Having memorized everyone's favorites. Ending her trip to town at the local bar before heading down the long path home.

As she approached her front steps it was then when she noticed the flag was up on her mailbox. Puzzled, she retraced her steps walking back. Stopping with the box before her. Claire reached out to put the flag down and open the door. Inside was a purple envelope. Curious, she opened it on the spot. The letter was written on purple paper decorated with glitter that looked like stars. She gasped as she read the contents.

“Hello beautiful. You should keep a better eye on your things.

Until next time.

-The Phantom Thief.”

Just when Claire was about to close the door she noticed something glittering in the moonlight. Almost missing it. Reaching her hand in once more she retrieved the second item. A small parcel once again wrapped in purple adorned with a silver bow. Tearing it open, to discover her own necklace. The one she found digging in the mines a few days prior. Had this mysterious visitor been in her home? Nervously she looked all around her scared she was being watched. Then she bolted into her home. Her home was more of a small cabin.

It was a mere one room and a bathroom. She had a twin size bed with a nightstand inthe corner, a table in the middle of the room and a TV. Hurried Claire ran to the nightstand searching the drawers for the necklace. It was gone. A chill ran through her, stopping her dead in her tracks. This thief had truly been in her home, riffled through her belongings and invaded her space.

[squids-and-jellyfish]

The Phantom Thief

part 4

The pot was massive. Instead of just being an absurdly large stew spot, it was actually a cauldron. From top to bottom was easy four feet tall she thought. Where does one even find something like that. It had three golden feet etched with swirls and strange markings she had never seen before. An ancient language she thought. The handles on the side were golden and marked as well. The cauldron itself was dark, with purple blue undertone if you looked at it just right. Despite having legs, the cauldron was not sat down directly on the fire. It was hung by a chain from a large teepee sized wooden tripod. Because the top was so far off the ground, there was a small step stool.

Claire walked to the other side where the step stool was, finding Granny seated right beside it. As if she were there as a guard. Granny greeted her with a smile and small hum. Her hair was up in a messy bun as it was every day. Though it was contained with a black hair net sticking out like a sore thumb compared to the white hair it controlled. Thick cat eye glasses rested at the bottom of her nose causing her squint as she peered over them to look at Claire. Her baggy shirt and skirt mixed with the glasses gave a quaint appearance.

She climbed up the steps and opened her bag. To her shock, the melon and pepper were no longer there. Replaced with a rotten turnip and a purple calling card. “The Phantom Thief” written in gold across the paper. Her heart skipped a beat. Unsure if it was from this thief once again breaking into her home or the mayor's unwavering stare while he watched her. Accidentally making eye contact with him, he raised his hand pointing his index and middle fingers towards his eyes and then at her. A silent threat.

Panicked, she tossed in the turnip and quickly backed down from the stew. Be cool, play it cool. Stay calm. She told herself. No one noticed what she threw in. Only that she participated. She looked around for an open place to sit in the sand. The beach was pretty crowded.

A hand squeezed her shoulder, “So you're the new farmer?” a voice behind her questioned. Spinning around on her heels, Claire turned to face the stranger. Her feet now buried in the sand. She assumes this must be the Governor, the man Mayor Thomas has been talking to when she arrived. “I've heard an awful lot about you.” He continued. “Farming must be pretty tough. What was your name again?” “I'm Claire! What's your name?” She replied with a soft smile. “You can just call me Governor. My birth name is not important. Say did you know, before you took over the farm, years ago there was a farmer who had a dog, and Bingo was his name.” smirking at the thought. “ Man old Bingo was such a great dog. My favorite part about my visits here to Misty Cove. Steve, the farmer, was alright I guess. Always a bit of a grouch though.”

“Bingo was the farmer and Steve was the dog” she interrupted, baffled by the mix up. She couldn't help but make a face. “He was my grandfather.” came out a bit more offended than she intended. Quickly changing the subject, “So have you been coming to Judge the valley for a long time then?” “Ah yes. I've been doing this for about 30 years actually. I like to say it's my passion in life. Plus I love the free food.” He answered with a smile and winked. “Well I must be off now, lots of people to greet and the tasting soon enough. Nice to meet you Caitie.” “It's Claire…” She said but he was already headed to mingle with the florist and the psychic who were always together.

*A MargoMortelle original

[squids-and-jellyfish]

The Phantom Thief

part 3

Chapter 2 the Luau

The Luau

   “Ugh I don't know what to wear” she grumbled to herself. How formal was this luau supposed to be? And is it in theme, would everyone be dressed in grassed skirts and Leis around their neck. She kept digging through her unpacked suitcase, clothes strewn across the floor. Finally deciding on a pink tank top and green shorts with a floral trim. Claire grabbed her backpack and slung it over her shoulders. Packed the night before with some spices, a juice melon and a few hot peppers. She wanted to be sure she didn't forget anything today. The mayor's words echoed in her mind, everything must be perfect. 

     He had only said to bring ingredients. Surely he meant just that and not an actual dish. She checked the watch on her wrist, 9:45. Shit. No time left to stress about it now. The invitation left at her door this morning said it started promptly at 10. If she left right this instant she could get there on time. Barely. She locked the door behind her before leaving the farm. 

     It took 5 minutes just to get to the town. A relatively small village. It consisted of all the essentials though.  A school, a church, a general store and even an inn. A large sign hung in an old wooden archway, “Misty Cove” symbolized she was officially there. Passing through the gateway she thought to herself, it was aptly named. Each morning the whole village was encased in a misty fog shortly after the sun began to rise. 

   She hurriedly walked passed home after home until she found herself in the village square. Most festivals and events were held there. Any given day it was always busy with chatter and laughter. Bustling with life. Housewives gossiping over a cup of tea sitting at benches. The florist had her daily booth, selling bouquets and seeds. Filling the area with the sweet aroma of various blooms. On nice days the psychic would set up outside beside her. And the bakers coffee and bread would mix with the flowers, outside his shop would smell like home. Edna, who liked to go by Granny, usually was around tending the gardens that encircle the town center while keeping an eye on the children. 

    Today however, it felt like a ghost town. Not a soul in soul sight. Leaving her walk eerily quiet. Without all the fresh scents swirling around, the air smelled almost stale and dusty like an attic. An uneasy feeling sent chills down her spine. Causing her to quicken her pace even more. The small graveyard came into sight.  A large oak sat in the middle surrounded by headstones in various states of crumbling.  The weirdest part was the grass never seemed to grow. Perpetually dead, crispy and brown. You would think if anything the decaying matter acted as a fertilizer.  Encouraging lush green growth. 

    Just a little further she thought. I'm almost there. Music filled her ears as she grew closer to the path for the beach. She relaxed, releasing the breath she had been holding for much longer than she realized.  Relief washed over her as she entered the beach. 

   “You made it!” A loud excited voice boomed. “We were all getting worried you slacked off or forgot about us” the overly cheerful Thomas chuckled. “I was about to deploy a search party for you”. Claire checked her watch again, 10:01. She was a whole one minute late and he was acting like it had been hours. 

   “Now tell me Claire, did you remember the goods?” he asked, winking with the eye behind his monocle. “The …goods?” she started to ask in response but was abruptly cut off. “YES Claire,” Mayor Thomas interjected with a condescending tone raising his eyebrows. “You're best most valuable gold star produce from your farm. Use that beautiful head of yours to think. Silly little peach.” That made her stomach turn. 

    Nudging the man standing next to him, “What did I tell you, she's not very bright is she. Now be a dear will you and go add what you've brought to stew. Can you handle that or do you need one of the men to do it for you?” “I can do it myself” she glared at him before turning to the large pot. 

[squids-and-jellyfish]

The Phantom Thief

part 2

  The next morning had come far too soon. Tossing and turning all night, the birds began to sing and the rooster crowed when her eyes finally succumbed to sleep.  Exhausted as sleep eluded her. Today she would sleep in. The first time since leaving the city to take over her grandfather's farm. Once his pride and joy, abandoned and left to ruin over the years. She did not get to sleep in.

    The sound of a knock knock knock echoed through the room. Someone was at the door. Claire let out a groan as she rubbed her groggy face. Again knocking filled the room. This time in a rat a tat tat. She opened the door to Mayor Thomas impatiently gleaming at her.  His mouth hidden, buried beneath his large hideous mustache. He wore it with pride,  curling it up on the ends. A brown  head of hair covering his face. The hair on his head was neat and combed to the side,  kept in place with a silly top hat. Adding to his humorous appearance he was a short, heavy man in a red sports coat, a cane and a monocle. He looked like a ringmaster straight from the circus.

“Mornin’ Claire!” He yelled in a chipper tone. “You're surely not sleeping in are you dear? That's no way to run a farm you know. That may be the way they do things in the city but we are not the city. That's no way to get things done. If you're going to live here,  you have to, my dear, immerse yourself into the country life. If not, you might as well quit now.” He scolded with disappointment on face. He shook his head looking at the ground in disapproval. When he returned his gaze to meet hers, she was met with his usual happy demeanor.  A wide smile and excitement gleaming in his eyes. 

    He continued, “Anyhoo I just wanted to invite you to the annual luau and pot luck tomorrow at the beach. As it is your first year here I thought you should know. Our end of summer celebration will of course be judged by the Governor who is also the gourmet food critic. No pressure but he will be evaluating the valley. Everything must be perfect. Remember to bring only your best ingredients to throw in!” Without waiting for a response, Mayor Thomas bowed and tipped his hat before striding back to town. Stunned Claire stood there in silence watching him go.

[squids-and-jellyfish]

Flames of desire

Boss me around and take control

Tell me I'm a good listener

Call me a good girl

While you pin me down

And hold me tight

Moan my name

When you bite me

Tell me how badly

You've always wanted me

Let the desperation

Echo through your voice

How badly you need me

Crave and desire

Like a dream come true

You just can't help yourself

I may not be in control

But honestly

Neither are you anymore

Frantic urgency

Pure instinct and assertive

Your very soul

Burning, begging for this moment

Hungry hands eager to explore

Searching in haste

Racing all around

Yanking at every whim

Passion and bliss take over

Mark me as yours

I wont need a hero

Don't be gentle

Once the beast is unleashed

The air thick with yearning

Bring us to sweet ecstasy

Love me so completely

Longing for more

[squids-and-jellyfish]

I am the sun, you are nothing

Are you in or are you out

You really never could decide

One foot on either side

Straddling the threshold

Wanting the best of both worlds

Failing to commit either way

Each foot

A half assed attempt

Barely touching ground

So I chose for you

Sick of the games

Slamming that door closed

Pinching your toes

Praying it hurt

Inflicting even a fraction of the pain

You made me endure

You always turned a blind eye

To my obvious agony

Leaving me in deafening silence

While wanting credit

For my success as I rose

Wanting to share my glory

And yet still

After all these years

You can't commit

Peering through the cracks

Gazing in the window

Trying to catch a glimpse

At what I've become

Hoping to see yourself me

But you're full of hate and jealousy

And I have accomplished

What you never will

Best of all

I can commit

I choose peace and happiness

To show up for those who need me

Because you never could

I'll never be a failure

Like you.

[squids-and-jellyfish]

Me, in my towns city hall 🥹🥰

[squids-and-jellyfish]

The Phantom Thief

decided to try first person with this one. It's different but picks up in the same spot

part 9

Once I was finished buying my seeds, i headed back home with the tiny kitten in my arms. Carrying this precious baby made the walk seem much longer than usual. As I went under the town arch way an odd feeling ran through me. I had to much to do when I got home but sopmething felt very off.  My instintcs told me to turn around and run back to the safety of the small quirkly town. and yet I find  myself taking a step forward, and another. The trees along the path growing larger and looming down on me, the sun turning into darkness. Surely that cant be the case. Almostt back to the farm i swear I can see glowing eyes watching me as I go. Then up ahead like the light at the end of a tunnel the cabin comes in to view. And then the feeling is gone. 

“here we go kitty its okay. See we are home. Its not much but do you like it?” Holding the little guy up to look around. “ theres plenty of room for you to run around and play.” “Meow!” he purrs in affirmation, rubbing his face against mine before pushing out of my arms jumping to ground and running straight to the front door. A bell jingles and chimes as he pats is back and forth on the steps. Huh where did that come from? On my porch pinched in his claws is a silver bell tied around a purple envelope.  My heart drops and my breath catches. Oh no.  Not another letter. Snatching it up tearing at the paper like air, my feet overed in purple confetti. 

“I hope you like your gift! I thought it might be nice to give you something instead of always taking. 

Ps. I attached a bell for his collar. I like to think of it as a necklace though.

-The Phantom Thief”

What the fuck? This psycho broke into my home, went through my things, pretended to steal my jewelry and now has given me a cat. Who even does that? A crazy person that's who.  I could call for the police but what would I say,  hi officer yes I'd like to form a complaint that someone gave me a cat. Yeah that would go over so well. 

Wiping my brow from sweat and dirt I admire the job I've done. My pumpkin rows more of a zigzag that straight lines, the stakes for the eggplants all leaning at an angle but one. I made an attempt to create a design with the corn that came out like something a child would scribble. But it was done. I did pretty decent for someone who doesn't have a clue what they're doing. Fake it till you make it or whatever. More like fake it till you fail it. The last 2 seasons of produce I've tried to grow have ended up being small and flavorless. 

Trailing behind me the kitten jingles as I enter the cabin. He rams into the back of my ankles when I come to a dead stop just inside the threshold.  All the clothes scattered across the floor, neatly folded and sitting on the now made bed. The sink is clean from the days old dirty dishes. A bouquet of sunflowers in a vase sitting in the middle of the table. You mean to tell me I've had a vase this entire time. Wow I don't think this place has ever been this clean, even since before I moved in. I locked the door before taking yet another purple envelope,  this time clipped to a flower, and opening it. 

“You looked so beautiful this morning. I thought a pretty girl deserves pretty flowers.

-TPT”

Did this creep know they were my favorite or was this just a lucky guess. This whole day has been a roller-coaster. Up and down. I feel like I should search if something is missing but honestly I don't think I'd even be able to tell. They did say that they were giving today not taking so I'm sure it fine. And if it's not, I'm too tired to care. 

“what should your name be, I'm thinking maybe Oliver? Do you like that?” he comes and rubs his body around my feet weaving between them. “Okay let's try it out. Oliver. Oliver. Yeah that sounds good.” Now it's decided, I'll head to bed. 

In my pajamas sitting in bed, watching little Oliver play on the floor I glance at my clothes creating a new pile at the food of them bed. Great now I feel like shit for making a mess in my own home. Though I feel more like a guest here. I play with the thought of leaving for my new “house keeper” but nah that's rude. I should clean it up incase they come back and it angers this, stalker. That is what you'd call them right? My eyes wander the room, taking in the potential this place has. I never really noticed it before. With a little personalization it does have a certain charm to it. They settle on a pink food and water set on the ground next to the kitchenette. My eyes pop as realization hits me like smack to the head. “You're a girl! Well Oliver won't due in that case. Hmmm,” tapping my chin as I think to myself. What's a good name for a girl? Observing her features, she's almost white with a brown face and blue crossed eyes, a siamese.  “What about we drop the R and make it Olive? “meow meow!” 

[squids-and-jellyfish]

The Phantom Thief

this one isn't as good but everything is a very rough draft

Part 8 Autumn

Rooster crows woke Claire to a chilly morning. Frozen toes made her curl into a tight balled up cocoon. Not ready to face the day, she laid in bed a little longer.  She always hated mornings. Back in the city when she worked an office job and now knowing all the chores waiting ahead. She was definitely not a morning person. Never has been and she hated the idea of becoming one.  Mornings sucked.  If she had it her way,  the world wouldn't start until noon. But alas the farming life required an early start. 

Groggily she got out of bed and made a pot of coffee on the kitchenette.  While it brewed she prepared a fire in the hearth to warm up the small cabin. The room filled with the cozy smell of coffee and wood smoke. She drank her coffee black in her grandfather's mug, marked with a B, as she sat on the floor huddled in front of the flickering flames. Feeling a bit more awake she got dressed in her favorite orange sweater and jeans. 

As she stepped outside she was greeted by already browning grass littered with fallen yellow, orange and red leaves. Amazed by how fast everything changed overnight. A light crunched followed her as she fed her 4 chickens and the small herd of ducks.  Letting them out in the field with her one cow named Petunia.  Chickens and ducks fed, check, cow milked, check. 

About half way to town she heard rustling in the bushes. Just a rabbit she thought. It happened again and then once more. Deciding to investigate she crouched down and began poking around bush after bush.  She must have been close because suddenly it got louder and sounded like it ran away. Resuming her trek to get seeds for the fall crops the rustle happened again. She was going to just ignore it as the little guy didn't want to be found, a quiet “meow” broke the silence.  Spinning around on her heels, she was met with a tiny orange kitten. 

“psst pst psst hi little kitten. I won't hurt you” kneeling she stuck her hand out. The kitten ran and jumped right into her lap. It rubbed it's little face and purred as she scratches it's head. She felt it’s to see if it was skinny and guage it'd over all health. It appeared to be quite healthy. “poor thing, did you get lost or some one leave you out here all alone? Shhh it's okay I got you now. Your safe.” half to the kitten, half to herself.  “oh your a little boy cat!” continuing to check out she saw he had a very slim purple collar with an ID tag. The front had a fish bone design etched into the silver.  She flipped it over “give me a good home. -TPT”

In town she ran her errands, buying pumpkin, eggplant and corn seed from Lili. 

“Aww who's this little cutie?” “I found him in the woods on my way to town.  He has a collar with this written on it,  look” she twisted the collar around to show Lili.  “How strange. Who do you think that is?  You know it makes me so angry someone could do such a thing.  Leaving this helpless baby out there like that.�� People are so cruel.” Lili scratched the kittens chin lovingly but her face was filled with anger. Claire had never seen her anything but cheerful, full of sunshine and rainbows. She was angry too and sad.  Her chest felt heavy with disappointment like a bowling ball was sitting inside it. 

[squids-and-jellyfish]

The Phantom Thief

part 7

Some time later she is woken by two women arguing above her whether they should wake her or not. Opening her eyes to see Lili and Callie standing on either side. “What time is it?” She asks while rubbing her sleepy eyes. “Late” Callie responds in a low monotone voice. Her jet black hair is darker than the night sky. The rest of her attire was different from what she had on earlier during the potluck portion of the day. Now wearing a long purple and black dress adorned with silver jewelry of suns, moons and stars around her neck and arms. If anyone wanted to look the part of a mysterious psychic with mystic abilities, it was Callie as if she were saying I wear my insightful heart on my sleeve. Anyone who didn't know would look at her and immediately want a fortune reading. If you compared her to Lili you would be baffled by how exact opposite they looked beside one another. A bright pinks and green cheerful girl versus the other dark and spooky, seemingly enveloped by shadows of the night. “We've brought you a lantern to light” she continues passing a yellow square water lantern to Claire. “Don't forget the fireworks too!” Lili chimes in. “Oh that's right, you've never done this before. So in just a few minutes everyone's going to the shore line to release the lanterns and once they're out a little ways they'll set off the fireworks. My favorite part is watching them from the waters reflection intertwined with the lights” She explains, singing “I just think it's so magical!” “You can watch with us” Callie adds, walking away.

In the few seconds it took her to slip her sandals back on they were already halfway across the beach. Running she chased after them. Catching up when they were at the water's edge. For two ladies moving at a casual stroll they sure do walk fast she thought. Imagining them scurrying like crabs and then just taking off in a sprint. What a silly idea, laughing to herself. “It's so quiet and peaceful out here” she whispered. Nothing but the sound of soft whooshes and gentle murmurs as candles are passed around. Suddenly a realization hits her like a light bulb moment in her mind. “Hey where is Mayor Thomas and The Governor? I haven't seen either of them since this afternoon when he stormed off back into town.” emphasizing how ridiculous it is to go by title and in part she didn't know his real name. “Didn't you hear, they got into a huge argument and now he's hold up in his house refusing to come out or even talk to anyone.” she paused for a beat collecting the nerve to ask “So I'm guessing we didn't get a good review then?” The girls shared a glance before turning to Claire and silently shaking their heads. Shit that's not good. “What does that mean?” “That means it's tomorrow's problem.” Lili offers a sweet smile calming her nerves.

They made idle chit chat as they placed their lanterns in water, watching them slowly drift out to sea. Bobbing up and down with the soft waves. Then the air filled with the sounds of whistling followed by loud booms, crackles and fizzy sizzles. The night sky became a collage of bright colors dancing through darkness. From large dandelion puffs to fun shapes like hearts, actual flowers and even a few smiley faces. She'd never seen such a diverse display. Half way through a hand nudged her side, a reminder to look at the water too. Claire dropped her gaze to see an even more breath taking view than she expected. “It's….beautiful” she could barely get out, drowning in awe. A cold breeze blew between them sending chills down her spine. Fall had officially arrived

[squids-and-jellyfish]

The Phantom Thief

Part 6

She heaved and heaved until long after her stomach was emptied leaving it with an aching pain. Once she gathered herself, Claire helped start packing up the tables and collecting the trash. The Luau was over but they still have to do a midnight fireworks display. In no time the beach was completely cleared out. The only evidence of today's events were the messy footprints that covered the sand and string lights to see in the dark.

It was late as the sun finally began to truly set with the moon almost in full swing, casting a beautiful mixed reflection across the water. Just as swiftly as they had been able to clear the beach, it was busy and full once more. Kappy, the livestock farmer's son, rode his horse pulling a wagon behind him full of folded lanterns and fireworks. He parked it by the dock and unloaded everything by himself. His yellow hair glowing in the evening sun. He was a hard worker, putting in more hours than his father at the ranch. Never once did he complain. Several people offered to help him move the fireworks but he always refused not wanting to burden anyone. Claire sat in the sand enjoying the fading light, wiggling her toes. She didn't let herself relax often. He would make a fine husband one day, she thought and ladies in town made it clear they found him attractive with the way they're always swooning around him or finding excuses to talk to him. She supposed he must be, pretty on the eyes yes. But not for her. Granny tried to set them up a few times declaring they'd be a perfect match despite her insistence he wasn't her type. Causing Granny to say that if only she was younger and hadn't met her husband she'd marry him herself.

At last he let Lili lend him a hand. His cheeks flushed as pink as her hair when she reached out for a stack of lanterns, her hand brushing against his. Even if Claire had taken Granny up on her match making, it was clear to her he only had eyes for another. Any dates they would go on were already doomed before they began. She turned her gaze back to the water while still listening to the couple nervously chatting and giggling to themselves. Slowly letting her eyes close, drifting off to sleep.

[squids-and-jellyfish]

The Phantom Thief

part 5

She stood there for a moment, watching the interaction. It seemed to go well as Lili, the florist, was giggling and reached out touching the Governors arm. Her other hand was twirling her long pink hair. As she watched them flirt she noticed something odd. The Governor didn't look a day older than about thirty. That was impossible if he'd been judging the valley for the same number of years. She wanted to chalk it up to pure exaggeration. But even if he started as a teen her grandfather passed over fifteen years ago. How very strange indeed.

Moving on from the scene Claire went about her day. Enjoying the festivities. She mingled with the townsfolk. Even danced with Molly who did well despite having had a few drinks. She did trip a few times, needing Claire to catch her. One time she failed to and they both fell into the sand laughing. At this point it was late in the day. The sky has changed from a clear blue to a yellow. Everyone was tired and getting restless from waiting for the food. There was snacks and drinks set out on dozens of tables, now nearly bare.

A Klink klink klink from Mayor Thomas tapping his cane against the cauldron caught everybody's attention. “Ahem! It is that time we have all been waiting for. The main event! Mr Governor will now be tasting the stew that represents our town as a whole. Let's pray he loves it.” He yelled so loudly as if he was using a megaphone. The Governor approached the cauldron ladle in hand. He was so tall he didn't have to use the step. He kicked it off to the side before leaning in to smell its aroma. Satisfied he dipped the ladle in. He took a long sip with a loud slow slurp. “Amazing!” He shouted “I can taste the essence of every single one of you. All your hard work from the year and of course your love. This is possibly one of the best meals I've ever tasted here. Let's EAT.”

Every person in attendance cheered. Lines began to form with bowls in hand. After the Governor, went the Mayor as he struggled through the sand with his cane that kept sinking in. Followed by the children. Soon everyone had been served. Claire tasted hers feeling relief wash over her. That rotten turnip hadn't made a difference. Hungrily she finished off her bowl and headed for seconds. Just as she finished getting her refill, that's when it happened. Freezing her dead in her tracks. She filled with dread and nausea. Not daring to look up, convinced she had been found out.

“What in the hell is this?!” screamed the Governor with such vigor it became absolutely silent. Voices stopped and the music turned off. “Is this someone's idea of a joke. Who's underwear is this!” That made her look. In the Governors waving hand was a pair of purple mens underwear. Claire let out a big sigh. Phew she thought. Its not me this time.

You could cut the tension in the air with a knife. Annoyed at the lack of response he decided to check the tag on the inside. “MT” he read out loud. “Who has the initials here of MT? Any takers. No? Hello people. Who do these belong to? I want answers now!” he turned to the mayor “Any ideas who's to blame?’

Mayor Thomas snatched the underwear from his hands and shoved them into his pocket. His face had become redder than his suit. He looked like a giant red and gold tomato. “Those …are my lucky boxers sir. I assure you though I have no idea how they got here of all places.” Someone from the crowd burst out laughing. It was impossible to tell where it was coming from. Especially through the whispers and murmurs going on in the background. “The Luau is OVER! Go home. I can't even look at any of you right now” stomping his feet like a toddler. He stormed off the beach back into town. Soggy pants and all. A green faced Claire threw up instantly with disgust.

*A MargoMortelle original