Written for Crimson’s Creative Challenge
Detective Nadine Harrow crouched at the edge of the old boardwalk, where sun-bleached planks gave way to a tangle of willow and nettle. The wood underfoot was soft with rot, groaning with each step she took toward the fallen railing …. snapped clean, not weathered.
She’d been told the bridge was impassable, that no one used this stretch of the marsh path anymore. Yet here, wedged against a broken post, was a boot print pressed fresh into the mud. Too fresh for a path nobody walked.
Detective Harrow ran a gloved finger along the splintered rail. The break was deliberate …. someone had wanted this passage to look abandoned, discouraging casual walkers while leaving it just navigable enough for those who knew the way.
She spoke into her two-way radio. “Nelson. The old footbridge. I’ve got a bad feeling about this. I’m going in”.
NAR©2026
This is “In the Woods Somewhere” by Hozier
Everything seen here was created by me, unless otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
You are so good at leaving us dangling! Hopefully, she’ll find her way out again.
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Thank you! I’m sure she will; she’s a smart cookie.
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Detective Harrow is a smart woman. I hope you write about her again!
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Thanks Lisa. I’m glad you enjoyed my story. I’m sure I’ll be writing about Det Harrow again.
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Detective Nadine Harrow sounds like a brave woman.
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Yes …. she’s had some harrowing experiences.
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Tread softly…
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Excellent advice
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So what happens now?? Do tell!
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Haha! Another addition to my “What happens next” folder!
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And the mystery deepens further into the woods, and this Hozier track is perfect my friend … and I’m just awake from my nanna nap …
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Thanks so much, my dear friend. The Hozier piece really added to the atmosphere, didn’t it? The Puscifer song is excellent! 🎶💙
Happiest of birthdays, dear friend, and welcome to the 3/4 century club …. rather daunting when you look at it that way! I hope your day is perfect and you make wonderful memories. Here’s to many more trips around the sun, dear Ivor! 🥰🥳💫🎂
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Thank you kindly … I’m getting giddy doing all these circles but it looks like my giddiness is going to hang around for a few more years my friend 🥰🌏🎶🐶📖💕
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Great piece of writing Nance love the detail- you need to add this one to your ‘What Happens Next’ folder! 😃
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The folder is getting bigger, Ange. Thanks much! 😊
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🤣
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