Ahem,
They found him in that little bit of time between sunset and dusk. He was still alive. But it was dark and M. Hergé and his colleague M. Goscinny had no medical training, so they assumed the worst. Besides, they were on a diplomatic visit from D_ville and had not expected murder to be part of the agenda.
The evening started promisingly enough. M Hergé and M. Goscinny were shown around the painting exhibition and introduced to Bamtree’s most important figures by the town’s mayor. But an hour after they arrived the mayor had been called away on urgent business, leaving the two men somewhat out of their depth in such parochially prestigious company. When the private view began to wind down and the guests were invited to explore the renovations going on in the rest of the Guild Hall, M Hergé and M. Goscinny were without a chaperone, and decided to take their leave. As Bamtree’s most important people made their way up the main staircase, M Goscinnyd made for the main door, but his attention was caught by what looked like an unusual piece of art deco sculpture down an ill-lit, ground floor corridor. On closer inspection, the sculpture proved to be a poor imitation. But just beyond it lay the gents toilets. M. Goscinny decided to pay a visit, while M Hergé waited outside. Switching on the light, Goscinny saw blood and cried out. M Hergé went to his colleague’s aid, and found he had stepped into the aftermath of a bloody pre-meditated killing.
Later, M. Goscinny would say, “We were not certain of protocols for this situation…” “Assuming there was no person with legal authority in the Guild Hall, we left the scene to seek assistance,” said M. Hergé. “To find a policeman,” said M. Goscinny.
“We had no idea finding that policeman would lead to such complications,” said M. Hergé.
*
Disappearer is the seventh track on Sonic Youth’s 1990 album, Goo. The album was the band’s first release on a major label and their most accessible work. It is often unfavourably compared to their previous album, Daydream Nation, (lacking that albums panoramic sweep) but nevertheless contains a number of great alternative pop/ rock nuggets. Disappearer was released as a single in 1990. You can listen to it here.
*
Kingsway is part of the A4200. It runs from High Holborn (in the London Borough of Camden) to the Aldwych (in the City of Westminster, and home of Bush House – the BBC’s old home). The road was formally opened in 1905 and linked the ancient routes The Strand and High Holborn. It’s 100 feet wide and a lot of slum dwellings were demolished to make way for it. They were replaced by mid-rise buildings in a neoclassical or neo-baroque style. We’re going to head north towards High Holborn…
Compelling shot, Richard. I love the Sonic Youth title. Where’s the fiction excerpt from?
Thanks very much, Chris. The excerpt is from my unfinished novel, The Wrongness. Yes, I’m rediscovering Sonic Youth. They’re good for summer in the city.
I hope to read more excerpts soon.
Great story to go with the first image.
The second image is just a rockin abstract. Wonderfully done.
Thanks very much, my friend. I’m beaming.
Haunting, Richard. I love your photography, of course. I love your prose. Have you thought about creating a book with your photos and brief passages from your short stories and novels? Meshed with your soundtracks-your music inspiration? On all levels, it works. Transports. It would also work as an exhibition with the aid of headphones. Bravo!! T.
Thanks very much, T! Yes, I’m sort of working on a book with various different elements very slowly. Thanks, T!
Fine piece of writing Richard. And I like the title. You’re good with titles. You know that.
I’m glad, very excited!!
Ha! Thanks so much, Arjun. That is such a very nice compliment.
Change compliment to fact. See, that sounds much better 🙂
🙂 You crack me up.
Talk about cliffhanger. Can’t wait to hear about the complications.
🙂
Herge and Goscinny. 🙂 Loved it.
🙂 I’ve got a bit of a thing for referential names.
Great post, Richard! Two French cartoonists, eh? And I LOVE that album Goo, too. I’ve always found Disappearer quite haunting.
I just need to know, Richard: Are you gonna liberate us girls from male, white, corporate oppression?
Thanks so much, Ashley! Guilty as charged, yes. Yes, Disappearer is one of my favourites on Goo. I’ll try my best, Ashley, but it’s a big ask (which would have been much funnier lyrics coming from Chuck D, but would have ruined the song).
Great songs, great photos and great word, disappearer!
Thanks very much, Elena! Yes, it’s a nice word – like something a child would make up.
I knew it was your writing! Keep going Richard!
Thanks very much, Kathryn! I’ll try…
Intriguing, both excerpt and images.
Thanks very much, EllaDee.
Ooh, great post, Richard. Mysterious and You have left us wanting more…
Ha, thanks very much, Karen. Great, I’m glad you want more. If I can get my act together over the next few days there will be some.
I’m reallyl liking this new concept of text and photo, Richard! It works really well! 😀
Thanks very much, Richard! 🙂 Great to hear that.
My first thought was that it was a parking guard,
but there was no uniform – great post… 😉
🙂 Thanks very much, Drake!
Great, great, Richard. So excited to read this text, and combined so wonderfully with the photo. Love the abstract, too.
Thanks so much, Melanie! I’m really glad they do something. If I can muster up the energy, there will be more…
Wow, it is fascinating to see how your blog has developed in such a really interesting unique way. Me, too. You left me hanging! I love it all, Richard. Keep going. I hope we don’t wear you out – you knowing we are waiting for the next post! Have fun, Carla
Ha, ha, thanks so much, Carla. I’ll try to keep going.
Love the excerpt of text works perfectly with this photo. Same with your last post Barrytown. I must admit I find these posts and the ones on books in general more gripping but that’s probably because i have an addiction to reading. Art and Literature are my vices
Those are not bad vices to have. I’ve got them too 🙂 Thanks very much, Leon. There will be a few more like this.
A talented photographer AND writer! 😉
🙂 Thanks very much, Jennifer!
ciao! imagination…you rock.
thebestdressup
Thanks so much, TBD!
Fascinating post. 🙂
Thanks very much, Joseph – the text is from a novel I failed to write 🙂