Because I'm a writer, I have a good excuse to use my imagination to make up stories with quirky characters and interesting settings. In keeping with the humor in my latest cozy mystery, Dangerous Sanctuary, I thought we'd have some fun imagining a conversation with the main character, Pastor Christine Hobbs, and her Nosy Neighbor.
You know
how nearly everyone has a nosy neighbor in the neighborhood. Well, the
pastor’s neighbor called her to find out about the murder at Pastor Christine’s
church. Realizing the neighbor’s right to be concerned since she lives so near the
church and parsonage, Christine took time to answer her questions. Perhaps
they’re some of the same questions you may have about this romantic
suspense, Dangerous Sanctuary.
Phone Conversation between Pastor
Christine and her Nosy Neighbor
Nosy
Neighbor: Oh, Pastor, what in the world happened over at Dayspring Church?
Ambulance, fire engines, police were over there on Thursday morning.
Pastor
Christine: Oh dear. I bet you were scared when you saw all the emergency units
here at the church. I’m sorry I didn’t call you. It’s been pretty crazy around
here.
Unfortunately
our talented Director of Music, William White, was found dead in our church
basement. We’re trying to deal with his loss as best we can. We’re having a difficult time imagining anyone would murder
this kind young man.
Detective
Cole Stephens considers our custodian, Dutch, and myself to be “persons of
interest.” Perhaps you saw something
from your window that morning that could help the police with the
investigation?
NN: Oh,
no Pastor. I didn’t see anything till the emergency vehicles arrived. I must admit I did see the story on the news
and in the newspapers. It’s so ridiculous how the stations play the story over
and over 24 hours a day. But what is crazier is to accuse you and that gentle
custodian of murder. I’m so sorry this has happened at your church.
PC:
Thank you.
NN: Can
you tell me how you came to minister to the people at Dayspring Church? I mean
they’ve NEVER had a female pastor in all the years I’ve lived next door.
PC: I love being the spiritual leader of the
folks at Dayspring. I’ve been there about a year now, but I’ve been in the
pulpit for five years at another church. I was happy to move away from that
area, not because I had problems at the other church, but because I could put
distance between my ex-husband, Brad, and me.
I’m
having a terrific experience getting to know so many wonderful people at
Dayspring. We’re becoming a family. Of course, there are always conflicts that
arise when dealing with so many personalities. The president of the women’s
group, Mrs. Jewell is not exactly happy that I’m caring for a pig and kangaroo
in the back yard of the church parsonage and that I’ve taken in Mrs. Whitcomb’s
cat after that sweet lady passed. I’m looking for a family who wants the darling tabby cat.
Bitsy is litter trained and I have re-assured the parsonage committee that
Bitsy has not had any accidents on the church-owned parsonage floors. Say, you
wouldn’t consider taking in this adorable cat, would you?
NN: Oh no, Pastor. I’m very allergic to cats. I
was wondering about the animals in your back yard though.
PC:
Well, yes. Now the backyard is another story…you know pigs like to root up the
ground and eat everything in sight. I keep telling President Jewell that their stay just temporary, and I’ll replace all the bushes, trees, flowers, and grass when
their owner re-claims the animals.
NN: How
much longer will they be there for heaven’s sake? Of course, they aren’t
bothering me, but Wilda just a few doors down from the parsonage is worried
that pig is going to get loose and root up her yard! And, uh, I’m sure she’s
also concerned the pig might get in the road and get run over.
PC: Of
course, she’s concerned about the pig getting hurt…Please assure her the
animals will be gone as soon as their owner is healthy again. She’s in the
hospital. And, well it’s a long story how I ended up with Abraham the pig and
Katy the kangaroo in the back yard.
NN: I
often see the flower shop’s delivery truck at the church and in your driveway. You
know, I just notice when I’m outside walking. I’m not watching out the window
at your comings and goings, of course.
PC: That
would be my friend Lacey, the gal who owns the flower shop. She’s the petite strawberry blonde. We tease
each other about our difference in height because I’m six feet tall. With the weddings and funerals, she’s always
delivering flowers to the church, so we have time to talk and get to know each
other.
NN: You know, I have a very tall nephew who’s
divorced. He’s a sweet guy and after awhile, you don’t notice his big ears or
his lisp. Can you date being a minister?
PC: Well,
yes I can. I’m not a monk. I’m a real person who likes to enjoy a movie, and a
beer and pizza with my friends. Thank you so much for wanting to introduce me
to your nephew, but I’m just not ready to date anyone yet.
NN: Not
even thinking about that cute Detective Stephens? I’ve seen him going into the
church and parsonage—a lot!
PC:
Strictly for the murder investigation. Why would I be interested in a man who
wants to put me in jail for murder?
NN: Why,
of course not. I’m sorry I asked, but he IS around a lot and I just thought…
PC: Hey,
look at the time. I’m almost late for a meeting at the church. Good talking to
you. I’ve got to run. Good-bye.
NN:
Okay. Well, I’ll bring my nephew over when he stops in again. Uh, hello….hello.
Are you there???
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| Author J.Q. Rose |
Connect with J.Q. Rose online at
