She collapsed on the sofa, kicked off her red boots and threw the boat key on top of the coffee table. She remembered the movie Die Hard and dug her toes into the cool carpet. I need a drink.
While stumbling into the small kitchen, her head drummed to the beat of her heart. Her clammy hands shook as she unscrewed the bottle of Jim Beam. She poured herself a triple.
She glanced at the clock and then across the room at the TV remote. No. I won’t turn it on.
She pressed the power button and smiled.
~~~
Dawn broke across the crashing surf as a bloated body rolled in with the tide. Soon, a crowd and TV crew gathered. “It’s another floater,” said the officer.
~~~~~
You gotta see this video. The Ukulele Orchestra “kills it!”
Are you an ambulance chaser or do you keep moving?
Photo prompt by Susan Wenzel
Oooh….very interesting take on this week’s prompt. Nicely done
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Thanks Boomiebol!
I had forgotten about my flash until 6 last night! It’s been a crazy week. After looking at that clam and I thought death washed up on shore…
I hope you liked the orchestra! It is killer! Hahaha!
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Scary! Did she fall overboard? Or was there “foul play”!
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She’s a psycho killer! Quesque c’est.
Fa fa fa fa fa fa …..
Thank you Renee!
….Just sang that along with the Ukulele Orchestra…..
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How dark, LOL
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I used the photo prompt from the Fictioneers. When I looked at those dead clams, I thought death. No Susie sunshine today!
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Hey girl…I don’t really get it?! Okay she’s wound up cause she’s the killer, the psycho killer? Help honey! I’m a good mind reader, but whoa… not sure about psychos. Oh, now I see the clam , bejezus I’m slow. ha ha.
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The photo was a prompt and I thought “death.” The lady is a psycho killer and it seems she has killed again. I have no idea how to get into the head of a killer, but I would guess that some of them are very conflicted….I hope you liked the video! Now that rocked!
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Nice one. Cool customer hey?
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Exactly! And she could be shaking from the excitement of it. Who knows??? Oh I guess a psycho killer does! Hahaha!
Thanks so much!
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Great post today. Thanks so much for sharing. I enjoy reading your blog very much!
It pays to write:
Writers Wanted – Writing Jobs Available
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Thanks Writing Jobs!
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A great take on the prompt Susie.
She sounds like a lady I wouldn’t want to meet.
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Thanks Mike! I haven’t seen you around for a while!
She’s a crazy one that is for sure!
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What?!?!? More. More. More. Please. This was awesome.
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Thanks Tameri!
She is pretty creepy eh? Oh sorry. Just got back from the land o cheese….🙂
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Nice slice of Flash Susie. You’re feeling very Tales of the Dark Side.
Love that video!
When I see an ambulance coming I just get the hell out of the way!
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Just wait until October! Halloween is my favorite holiday!
The video was the best ever. I finished my flash last night and thought, “Wow, she is a psycho killer.” Then I added that she smiled and the officer said “another.” I looked for the Talking Heads version (One of my fave bands) and there was the Ukulele Orchestra!
Getting out of the way is a great idea in NYC! I saw a camera crew outside my daughter’s apt. today (I helped her move) and just kept on walking. I am sure they were interviewing students and weren’t interested in middle-aged mothers….🙂 Pretty ironic though. That seems to be the story of my life.
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So you think you were subject to generational profiling or was it as if you were invisible? Hey, it happens, but on the bright side it’s easier to slip into another film at the multiplex when no one notices you anymore. I loved the Talking Heads, too! Are you familiar with this cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze”?
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They are so great! I love the twitching and spazzing over their instruments. It really adds to the performance. It makes me think I should have been a stringed instrument musician since I have the spazz thing down pat.
Jimi would have loved it!
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Can you play anything? As I recently told another blogger bud, I can only drop, stomp and trample a tune.
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Love it! The story was great, and the video addition made this a multifaceted romp of awesomeness. Haha! Feeds so perfectly into my mood this a.m.!
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Thanks Kelli! I am so glad you stopped by.
The orchestra is a real find. I haven’t had time to see what else they perform, but I bet they are equally amazing!
Glad I could add a bounce to your step this morning. I was out most of the day!
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Cool story short and sweet and most excellent. Of course I chase ambulances..:) Dont you??:)
HUGGGGGGGGG
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My mom is an ambulance chaser and used to embarrass me. Ironically, I saw a TV crew right next door to Courney’s apt. (I was helping her move out today), and I just kept on walking! Hahaha!
Thanks so much Linda!
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Excellent ride, Susie. In fact, I’ll take another. The video was an awesome accomplice to the story. Your question about the ambulance brings to mind the line, “it’s interesting when people die,” from the song Dirty Laundry.
http://russellgayer.blogspot.com/
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Thanks so much Russell! Nice to see you!
That is another great song. That video is amazing. I have been gone all day and am just now delving into their website. Such unusual and talented musicians!
Love that song “Dirty Laundry” too. Haunting….🙂
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yes, of course, I’m an ambulance chaser, who isn’t? Want to know more, you got me hooked!
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She is a creepy gal, red boots, boat and all! Thanks for reading Clay!
I think everyone has to at least admit to being curious!
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oooh… serial killer in the house. Great one Suzie.
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She could be right next door Nifti… Hahaha! Thanks so much!
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Nothing to see hear folks, let’s move along. Great story!
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You are really looking at the TV crew, you’re just hiding behind those dark shades….What else are you hiding MJ????
Thanks so much!
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oh man clams do bring out some dark thoughts🙂
what a brilliant story Susie…
loved loved loved the song😀
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Thanks Soma! I am so glad that you clicked on the video. They really are amazing!
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I settle on only a few shows. I’ve got ADD and I feed it. I’ve burned through two remotes. Anyway, I’ve found, in my youth, certain substances can enhance the boat experience, along with the fact you become entertainment for everybody else.
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Two?! Wow that is funny.Sometimes I think I am slightly ADD but I really like to stick with one program. I think skipping around is a guy thing too!
Be careful not to rock the boat. You don’t want to fall overboard…
Thanks Tom!
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I heard that orchestra do Smells Lie Teen Spirit. They’re very good!
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The orchestra is from England and I am just starting to check out their website. They are fantastical! Thanks for coming by Janet!
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Love it Susie!
Great tale accompanied by great music!
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Thanks so much Tom!
The music is so amazing. I am going to send their link out to my friends. They will love them!
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As Boomiebol I thought it was quite interesting too. Definitely unique for this prompt. I did enjoy it very much.
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Oh good. Thanks so much! I thought of death when I saw the empty shells. Not too cheery coming from Susie Sunshine, but I love writing about the dark side once in a while!
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Another fantastic story. Amazing how you can pack so much in so little words! Well done.
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Oh! Thanks so much Darla! As I write and rewrite my book, I keep editing. It is going to be hard to hit 90,000 words! I am so used to these flashes! Hahaha!
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Excellent, Susie. I liked the twist of her trying to resist the TV and remote.🙂 I also love the new look of your blog.
–Jan
http://janmorrill.wordpress.com/2012/08/10/fridayfictioneers-flashfiction-shell-phone/
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Thanks so much Jan! Nice to see you!
I am glad you liked it. I kind of forgot it was Thursday yesterday!
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Just Keep Moving – Happy Friday:)
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Hahaha! Same to you Renee!
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Dam girl you have me on the edge of my seat. Love the temptation to watch the News. I would have to know.
The Ukulele Orchestra is amazing. Now there’s a sentence I never thought I’d say, but I have no choice they are great.
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Thanks so much! I knew this would be a dark one as soon as I saw the Fictioneer’s prompt. I can’t always include dancing in my stories! Hahaha!
When I saw the Ukulele Orchestra, I was so surprised. I had been looking for an official Talking Heads rendition of the song and used this version. They are incredible! I would love to see them in concert!
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Good story, and reminds me of Sarah McLachlan’s Drawn To The Rhythm.
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I will have to look that one up! Thanks so much Nelle!
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I think this rendition of “Psycho Killer” is even weirder than the original!
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But that is exactly what I LOVE about it. The weirder the better! Hahaha! I am glad you watched it.
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an unfortunate case of alcohol poisoning?
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I think she “lured” (pun intended) a guy into a boat and killed him and he wasn’t the first….bumbumbumm!
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Ambulance chaser isn’t a luxury choice I have anymore. When My dad was younger he used to have police radio and would show up to all the fires and big events before the authorities. You can bet he was on their watch list.
So, was she party to what happened the night before that led to the body?
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Hahaha! Can you joke with him about that now? Hilarious!
I have no idea what happened. I am thinking messed up hooker or abused housewife that goes off the deep end. (pun intended) Hahaha! Either way it is not the first time she has killed… She is pretty sick!
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Can anyone truly resist the pull of Die Hard? There’s an interesting coldness to her character in the main section, which just piles on the questions when we learn about the body later on. I want to know more!
Brian (Here’s mine: http://pinionpost.com/2012/08/10/the-reunion/)
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Thanks Brian! I had originally said that she was reminded of an old Bruce Willis movie and dug her toes into the cool carpet. My proof-reading-husband had no idea what I was talking about!🙂
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Strange little piece. Not much remorse there. Well written.
Thanks for commenting on mine.
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I don’t think psycho killers have much remorse, but I would imagine a small shred of humanity strikes them and they have internal conflict.
Thanks Rochelle!
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Excellent writing (as always!). Love the dark intrigue to this piece. And the ukuleles make that song so creepy and good. Love it!
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Enjoyed it but didn’t get any sense of danger or foreboding. Was there a psycho killer on the loose? Was she the psycho killer? Was this a suicide (my first thought)? The only reason I mention psycho killer is that it’s mentioned in your tags. Whe n you get a chance, please read mine. Thanks!
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The clue is the boat key and that a body washed up on shore. She is the psycho killer!
Thanks 8teen39
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The ride – Amazing! And, I love the new look for your blog.
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Thanks Sheri! I am so glad1
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Susie- A femme fatale who rocks the red boots, drowns a triple J and has 101 evil uses for duct tape? Love. It.
As for that David Byrne interpretation, you’re right on. The Uke!
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Thanks Cayman! Not everyone “got’ it. I didn’t have much time to write this one and usually try to make them a little bit more obvious.
She had to wear the boots. I would have IF I were a pyscho , hard-drinking, boat driving, crazy chick! Hahaha!
Going out today to hit some balls around the court? I am still of the walking wounded, but am getting really anxious to get back out there.🙂
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Simpatico with you on the injury front. An old knee injury sidelined me for a couple days last month, and I’ve battled plantar fascitis for a few years now. Hopefully I can get out there this evening for a bit. Good wishes on your healing.
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Thanks so much Cayman! I am going to PT. Apparently, my alignment is all askew and that’s the reason for all my injuries. Why didn’t someone tell me not to stand with my weight on one hip! I have been doing it for decades! Hahaha!….oh well…..
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Are you talking about your back? If so, you’ve gotta take the TM route. Deeply.
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No thank god. Pelvis and rib cage…
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Okay. It’s your pelvis and rib cage. Hey, that’s no party either. Take care of yourself, Colorado. I need you around here to keep me in check. It’s not like anyone else wants the job.
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It’s MY job!!!!!
It’s not that bad. Apparently, I have been out of whack for a while. I want to be back playing tennis by the first week of September! I neeeeed to run!!!!!!!!!!!! The idea is to get into alignment and end the injuries! Woohoo!
Thanks Cayman!
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Hi Susie,
Glad you’re back! Very tasty bit of hard boiled writing from you this week. Like to see where this one goes. Nothing from me this week. Mentally on vacation.
Ron
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It has been hard to get back into the swing. Thanks so much Ron! Hey it’s still summer so enjoy it. We’ll be here when you come back!
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Consider yourself nominated for the Beautiful Blogger award!
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Awwwww! Thanks so much John and congratulations to you! That is so sweet of you to think of me!
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😉
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Great character description. I wonder what happened to her as a child? A poor, sick, dangerous lady!
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You got it! She is sick. I have never written about a character like this before and it is one I would love to explore. Thanks so much!
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Pingback: Thoughtful Blog Reading: Habits and Perks « August McLaughlin's Blog
Nice use of breaks in the story to stretch it.
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Thanks so much!
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We’re big Bruce Willis fans, too. Have you seen “Red”? It’s a blast!!
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No, but I will rent it. Thanks!
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I think you’ll love it. It also has Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren and a great combination of thriller and comedy.
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You’re one gifted wordsmith, girlfriend!
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Wow! Thanks so much. You just made my day!
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You’re most welcome. Can’t believe no one’s told you that before…🙂
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I am really new to this whole writing thing (a year and a half), so I’m still learning about the process. I was a medical illustrator and then a mom. This is a third career!🙂
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Well, I certainly think you’ve found your calling. Don’t stop!
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Ohh! Thank you! I really love it and would rather write than do anything else!
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The world needs more quality wordsmiths….stick with it🙂
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I plan to. Thanks! When are you blogging again?
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Soon. Just did 3 more today, so am now eyeing off a bottle of Jim Beam to slack off a bit😀
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Hey! That was in my story! You must be ahead of me in time zones. Happy hour won’t arrive here in Colorado for 8 hours!
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lol it’s 12:20am here (in OZ)..so the bar is definitely open😉
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Oz!!! That explains it. You are halfway around the world from me! LOL! Tip one for me!
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Roger that!
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🙂
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😀
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Not sure if my replies are going through…we seem to be having a storm that’s affecting the internet…but I put out 3 more posts today, and am collecting my thoughts for another.
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Better pace yourself. You aren’t going to blog them all at once are you???
Your replies are coming through.
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Already published them….so ‘Jim’ is looking real good right about now. And yes, I read about ‘him’ on your blog…
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She sounds like a workaholic like you, Susie!
Great piece of writing!
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Thanks Hook!
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I would certainly need a drink too if I had anything to do with a “floater”…great story. I can’t help but wonder who, what, when, where, why…and how!
~Susan
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I leave a lot hanging or floating …. Hahaha! Thanks so much Susan!
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The before and after is left to our imagination. Wonderful writing as always!
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Thanks so much Barry! Yep. I pack as much as I can into 100 words!
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You certainly have the ability to do so.
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I am so impressed the way the story presented, wow, there are soo much words in my mind now hanging…. 😉. well done…
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Love it! Thought it was about you at first, with the red boots…
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Hahaha! A little she-devil she is!
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