(It would be fun if any of you wanted to continue my story using the second six words: gigantic, healthy, innocuous, jaundiced, kitchen, linger.)
NIGHT OUT FOR CLARICE by Granny Annie
The thief entered the room with stealth. She took a cursory glance around the huge library. There were many antique books on each bookshelf. Clarice was not after a book. She was searching for a very old Chinese wooden bead abacus. She did not plan to take the abacus with her either. She knew this vintage arithmetic calculator was placed in a position that, when moved, would open the hidden safe.
The beam of Clarice' flashlight skipped around the room. It created shapes of the full moon, a half moon and even a moon in eclipse. At last, she spotted the old abacus. She approached the delicate object and carefully turned it. Nothing happened. Then she lifted it. Again nothing happened. Clarice began to move the beads attempting to work out a combination. She tried placing the beads in an order of the owner's birthdate. At that moment she heard a click and turned to see the door to the vault opening. Clarice tiptoed carefully toward the slowly moving, heavy door. She gazed in wonder at the valuable jewels and finery that awaited her large tote.
THE END...or is it.
Feel free to use the second set of words to continue my story. What might happen to Clarice?
Thank you E.C. for using the second six words to share this great ending. Hope others might accept the challenge as well.
Clarice wanted to let out a gigantic yell of triumph. She had done it.
However, a healthy respect for her safety kept her quiet. Mr Jones took a jaundiced view of anyone attempting to relieve him of his ill-gotten gains. Clarice's job was in the kitchen, and she had no innocuous excuse to be in the library. No time to linger, just stuff that tote full - and RUN.
Now a second conclusion from River.
Thank you E.C. for using the second six words to share this great ending. Hope others might accept the challenge as well.
LOVE your story. You met and conquered the challenge.
Clarice wanted to let out a gigantic yell of triumph. She had done it.
However, a healthy respect for her safety kept her quiet. Mr Jones took a jaundiced view of anyone attempting to relieve him of his ill-gotten gains. Clarice's job was in the kitchen, and she had no innocuous excuse to be in the library. No time to linger, just stuff that tote full - and RUN.
E.C. you did a great job weaving the last six words into this fine and funny ending. I can just see Clarice stuffing the tote full and running. Loved it!
Now a second conclusion from River.
Part two: Her eyes travelled from glass cases of jewellery to racks of fine gowns in silks and velvets and came to rest on a gigantic cedar chest. Prying it open, Clarice discovered a half dozen extremely well-preserved mink and sable fur coats. She stroked one lovingly and couldn't resist trying it on. Wrapping the sable closely around herself, Clarice danced across the room with healthy vigour, until she reached the racks of gowns. Happy laughter floated in the air as Clarice tightly rolled several of the silks and placed them in the bottom of her large tote. Adding a carefully folded ruby red gown, she turned to the glass cases for the jewels. Rings and necklaces of diamonds, rubies and emeralds were tossed carelessly on top of the red velvet, a string of matched pearls followed and a pair of pearl and diamond drop earrings also.
Clarice silently thanked the innocuous chatter of the older kitchen maids, without them she would never have discovered the secret of the abacus. She covered the jewels with a snug and warm hood made of white winter-fox fur, and clicked the tote firmly shut. Deciding to linger no longer, (she could always come back now that she knew how), Clarice draped a mink coat between the handles of the tote and turned to the door. It had silently swung shut as she looted and Clarice reached for the handle giving it a firm turn and tug. It wouldn't budge, the door was sealed tight. She dropped her tote and began searching for a way out, perhaps there was another abacus hidden somewhere on this side? There was none.
Clarice silently thanked the innocuous chatter of the older kitchen maids, without them she would never have discovered the secret of the abacus. She covered the jewels with a snug and warm hood made of white winter-fox fur, and clicked the tote firmly shut. Deciding to linger no longer, (she could always come back now that she knew how), Clarice draped a mink coat between the handles of the tote and turned to the door. It had silently swung shut as she looted and Clarice reached for the handle giving it a firm turn and tug. It wouldn't budge, the door was sealed tight. She dropped her tote and began searching for a way out, perhaps there was another abacus hidden somewhere on this side? There was none.
Oh my goodness River, someone is going to discover the corpse of Clarice. Thanks for adding a second conclusion to my story. Love it.
LOVE your story. You met and conquered the challenge.
ReplyDeleteClarice wanted to let out a gigantic yell of triumph. She had done it.
However, a healthy respect for her safety kept her quiet. Mr Jones took a jaundiced view of anyone attempting to relieve him of his ill-gotten gains. Clarice's job was in the kitchen, and she had no innocuous excuse to be in the library. No time to linger, just stuff that tote full - and RUN.
E.C. you did a great job weaving the last six words into this fine and funny ending. I can just see Clarice stuffing the tote full and running. Loved it!
DeleteSuch fun to read! thanks
ReplyDeleteThanks friend S.T.:-)
DeleteWell aren't you a tricky dickens. Great start....it will be interesting to see the different endings.
ReplyDeleteTricky is my middle name:-) I did this before and had a couple of additions. So far Elephant's Child has written a neat ending.
DeleteThis really could be expanded on and has the makings of a fun mystery. I liked your making the thief female
ReplyDeleteWonderful use of the words...great imagination. Well done to you, Annie..and to EC for her contribution! Lots of fun, me ladies! :)
ReplyDeleteI'll give it some thought. I'd like to see Clarice caught inside the vault when the door swings closed automatically after a certain time.
ReplyDeleteWell done Granny Annie and EC.
What a great intro and perfect challenge. Wish I had not been so busy this week and missed it. I am eager to see if anyone takes the challenge!
ReplyDeletePart two: Her eyes travelled from glass cases of jewellery to racks of fine gowns in silks and velvets and came to rest on a gigantic cedar chest. Prying it open, Clarice discovered a half dozen extremely well-preserved mink and sable fur coats. She stroked one lovingly and couldn't resist trying it on. Wrapping the sable closely around herself, Clarice danced across the room with healthy vigour, until she reached the racks of gowns. Happy laughter floated in the air as Clarice tightly rolled several of the silks and placed them in the bottom of her large tote. Adding a carefully folded ruby red gown, she turned to the glass cases for the jewels. Rings and necklaces of diamonds, rubies and emeralds were tossed carelessly on top of the red velvet, a string of matched pearls followed and a pair of pearl and diamond drop earrings also.
ReplyDeleteClarice silently thanked the innocuous chatter of the older kitchen maids, without them she would never have discovered the secret of the abacus. She covered the jewels with a snug and warm hood made of white winter-fox fur, and clicked the tote firmly shut. Deciding to linger no longer, (she could always come back now that she knew how), Clarice draped a mink coat between the handles of the tote and turned to the door. It had silently swung shut as she looted and Clarice reached for the handle giving it a firm turn and tug. It wouldn't budge, the door was sealed tight. She dropped her tote and began searching for a way out, perhaps there was another abacus hidden somewhere on this side? There was none.
River: Love this - and wonder (anxiously) what happens next. Nothing good for our light-fingered friend.
DeleteOh my goodness River, someone is going to discover the corpse of Clarice. Thanks for adding a second conclusion to my story. Love it.
Delete