Monday Microfiction: "Lady Carrington's Attic"

Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

This week's microfiction is a 150-word story about secrets held in a respectable lady's attic.

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Lady Carrington's Attic

Detective Inspector Hastings mopped his forehead with a stained handkerchief.

“Lady Carrington, I must insist,” he apologized to the gentlewoman who stood barring his way to the attic. He was certain the rumors were falsehoods, but one had to appease the public.

“Preposterous,” Lady Carrington sniffed. “I have the right to refuse entry to anyone of my choosing.”

“I’m afraid not, madam. Now stand aside, or I will have you arrested.”

Lady Carrington’s gaunt face tightened. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish, but she stepped aside.

Hastings pushed open the door. An awful stench greeted him. Gagging slightly, he pressed forward, peering around the dark, dusty room until his eyes came across a cot and a bucket. There was a huddled shape on the cot. He stepped forward, then stopped.

One withered hand stuck out from the bed, holding a music box that had long since stopped turning.

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