Written for Sunday Whirl Wordle. Our host is
Brenda Warren; her words for this week are
shown below. Here’s where they took me.
tolls ~ spell ~ inclined ~ mind ~ find ~ pretending
sigh ~ hit ~ guilty ~ fine ~ fault ~ liar
The clock on the wall tolls midnight, which suits me fine. I’m not inclined to do my best work in daylight.
She walked in like a spell someone forgot to finish …. all sharp edges and expensive perfume that had no business being in an office with a busted blind and three-week-old coffee on the desk. I didn’t mind.
“Mr. Malone,” she breathed. “I need you to find someone.”
I leaned back, let my shirt do what it always does …. look like it lost a fight it never should’ve started …. and studied her face. She was pretending to be calm. She wasn’t.
“Who’s the poor sap?” I said.
She let out a sigh that could’ve hit the back wall.
“My husband, Marcel. He’s been telling people I’m a liar …. the wrong people.”
“Are you?”
She smiled. Just a little. Just enough.
“That’s not the point, Mr. Malone.”
I dragged myself upright and reached for my hat …. also a mess, but not my fault.
“Doll,” I said, “in this town, guilty or innocent don’t mean much. But don’t worry …. one way or another, I’ll find your husband.”
She didn’t answer. Which was answer enough.
NAR©2026
#MLMM
#Wordle
This is “One Way Or Another” by Blondie
Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
You picked the perfect music!
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Thanks, Sara! So glad you enjoyed it. 🎶
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Excellent story and excellent music choice, I am listening to it right now.
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Thanks so much, Mark. Really glad you enjoyed them both.
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Another day, another case!
Great track, I love Debbie Harry’s unmistakable voice!
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I think Debbie Harry was every man’s dream girl! Thanks, dear Keith 😊
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Good one. Does he ever succeeds in his quests?
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Oh yes! He just doesn’t brag about it! 😂
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Lol! 👍🏼
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You get into Dirk’s head so well, Nancy. I could hear him speak in my mind.
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That’s a fabulous compliment, Esther; I feel very close to Dirk and hope he stays around for a while. Thank you!
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When I Google Dirk Malone it finds all of these posts fron the elephant’s trunk, you made a loveable character here, Nancy.
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Seriously? That’s so cool, Jim! I wonder if there’s someone out there actually named Dirk Malone. Thanks much, my friend.
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Another brilliant installment!
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Dirk never disappoints! Thanks, Jodi 😁
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No one calls anyone ‘doll’ anymore. Damn shame.
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Not allowed; someone’s sensibilities might get hurt. 😏
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Ah, very apt, a song from my fav’ ‘Pin-up’ girl …
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Debbie was some hot number! So glad you enjoyed this, my friend. Thank you! 🥰
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Always my pleasure my pleasure my friend 🥰
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Love love this – great write perfect descriptions – ‘all sharp edges and expensive perfume that had no business being in an office with a busted blind and three-week-old coffee on the desk.’ 👏 also love the Blondie track – classic just like Dirk!
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Dirk never lets me down, Ange. What a guy! 😁 Thanks so much. ♥️
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😀
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One day, I’d love to know how his cases turn out.
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LOL! Thanks, Iris!
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