The Armadillo Files, Episode 33, How much is that? — Featuring Roberta Cheadle

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Saturday, July 30, 2022

Cropped image from serial cover
Cropped image from serial cover

You’ve reached Teagan’s Books. There is nothing wrong with your electronic device. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. Time Manatees are controlling transmission. You are about to participate in a great adventure. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to… The Armadillo Files.  Stay tuned for zaniness.  

Random Reader ThingsA Ghost n His Gold

Most of you are familiar with multi-talented author, Roberta Eaton Cheadle.  She was inspired by the previous set of things when she left these.  So, I held them in the wings until I could use the two sets consecutively.  Robbie’s things are: wine glass, silk rose, and chocolate cake.

Previously in The Armadillo Files

Last time Ali Baba and Dilly found Fang.  We assumed he went to rescue the Calutron Girls. However, it seems he disguised himself as a woman, in attempt to get into the place where the kidnapped young women were held.  They found him on stage, at the auction block, in deep trouble of his own.  Meanwhile Dilly has gotten “jumpy” in a very literal sense.

Are you still with me?  If you need to refresh your memory, you can always find all the past chapters by going to the categories on the right side of the screen.  Click on Armadillo Files.

All aboard!

33 — How much is that?

Dilly

Bazaar Unsplash
Unsplash

Ali Baba groaned at the antics on the stage.  So did I.  We looked at each other and shook our heads at the inevitability of the situation. 

Fang must have sneaked into the place where the Calutron Girls were held.  He probably tried to disguise himself as a woman to avoid notice.  Then again, he was so fond of costumes that he may very well have simply tried on the outfit and got caught.

The auctioneer turned worriedly to the commotion on his stage.  Sweat beaded his brow.  I got the feeling it had been going on for some time.  The man put shaking hands on a decanter and poured.  He lifted a wine glass to his mouth and downed the contents.

The man holding Fang was as big as an ox.  He had hauled the resisting Tatu Pinkerton over his shoulder to carry him.  Although once at the auction block, his burden refused to be set down.

He repeatedly struggled to extract Fang from his shoulder.  The man turned in circles with Fang clinging to his neck.  I wasn’t quite sure how it happened, but suddenly Fang was upside down holding the brute’s ample waste.  At one point, the smaller man rode on his back.  The crowd of prospective buyers laughed uproariously.  Finally, with one ham-handed grab, the man pulled the erstwhile pink fairy armadillo free and dropped him to the stage.

“As you see, we have a lively one,” the auctioneer began in a tone that suggested he was putting the most positive spin on things that he could.  “Not so shapely, but to each his own.  Am I right?”

Fang made an indignant noise at that insult to his pretend femininity.  When the auctioneer motioned for the big man to turn Fang around so everyone could have a good look, Fang slapped his hand away and pulled free.

Blue-Purple Silk Rose on pink Pexels
Pexels

Fang strutted up to the end of the stage.  He wriggled his bottom with such enthusiasm that I was afraid his armadillo tail would pop out.  A veil covered his face.  He had stuck a silk rose over one ear.  When he made to remove his veil, the auctioneer suddenly stopped him, muttering about some things being best left to the imagination.

That elicited a “How rude!” from Fang.  He sashayed away.  Back at center stage, he propped one hand on a hip and gave a prissy giggle.  However, the burly man turned him back when he tried to leave the stage.  Fang almost got away with openly “sneaking” off that way.

“What is the first bid?” the auctioneer cried out over the sound of the crowd.  “How much for this one?”

A roar like a raging bull split the air.  The stage shook.  It nearly collapsed when Sesame leapt onto it.

“You dare steal my habibi and try to make coin from your crime?  My bid is that I do not break off your arm and beat you to death with it!” Sesame bellowed with contempt.

Startled by how loud her voice was, I sprang at least three feet straight into the air.  Ali put a hand on my arm.  She looked concerned… about me, not Fang.

“Try not to get emotional.  It will speed up… um… things,” she told me, but I wasn’t paying attention.

The auctioneer hid behind a row of baskets.  The burly assistant cringed.  Bowing repeatedly, he crept backward.

Sesame scooped Fang up into her arms and strode away.  No one dared interfere.  Fang went limp.  I thought he might have fainted.

“My poor dear one!” I heard Sesame coo just before she pounced from the stage.  “I have chocolate cake.  That will make you feel better.”

Feeling slightly off balance, I stumbled backward against a cart.  I didn’t hit it very hard, but I muttered about the sharp pain.  There was a sore spot at the base of my spine.  The impact hurt.

I adjusted my veil and tucked my hair behind my ears.  Both of my ears were extremely tender as well.  Conversely, my legs felt quite strong.

iStock
iStock

♦ ♦ ♦

Holy Hannah!  What a mess Fang has gotten into.  And why is Dilly so jumpy… literally?  Well, I think we know why, so I guess we should ask what she’s going to be… 

Episode 34 — “Why do you have that?” features three things from Resa McConaghy at Graffiti Lux Art & More: Purple Heart, aerosol hairspray, 45 RPM record.  Tune in next weekend to see where those things take the story.  Will the things lead to a rescue?  Hugs on the wing!

♦ ♦ ♦

Dead of Winter has now concluded with Journey 14, The Veil.  It is now available!  

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♦♦♦

This is a work of fiction.  Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2022 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved. 

No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.  Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.

 

…

61 thoughts on “The Armadillo Files, Episode 33, How much is that? — Featuring Roberta Cheadle”

  4. HI Teagan, my apologies for being late to this party, work has been insane and I am behind. This is a fantastic episode, so exciting and I just do not know how you wind your story around these items. It is so impressive. Thanks for featuring my three things and have a wonderful day.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. *Pshaw*, Robbie — there’s no such thing as late here. It’s good to see you whenever you can spare the time. I’m happy you enjoyed this episode. Your silk rose helped inspire Fang’s wriggly antics. Although for a moment, I wasn’t sure what to do with the cake! 😀 I appreciate you spending part of your day here. Hugs on the wing.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. I’m a very visual thinker and you had me picturing every aspect of this installment. I couldn’t help but laugh at all the prancing and posturing!! having said that you left us hanging with a transformation coming….stay tuned….!! Great work as always!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Ahhh! Another interesting episode, where do you get your ideas! ! I was glad to see Fang rescued, I am partial to this character! But, it was good to see and hear from the others. I admire your gift for story, keep it up. I guess there is only two chapters left? ! I hope you are staying cool in this hot weather. Take care! !

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks so very much, Ms. Frances.
      My ideas? Ha! Sometimes I’m afraid to ask. Although some vintage Bob Hope may have inspired Fang’s antics here. That’s right, only two more episodes. Then I’m taking a break from writing spontaneous serials. Instead (for a few weeks) I’ll write and post some short stories (inspired by photos or art from any readers who want to send them).
      Yes, indeed, it’s very hot. You be careful too. Hugs on the wing.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. Pretty good! Pretty, pretty, pretty good!
    Fortunately, theres no chocolate cake in the house. ( you set up a craving)
    Okay…. what’s next? Will Fang become an armadillo wearing pink sunglasses?
    I’ll be back to find out! {{{hugs}}}

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. Fang’s antics cracked me up! And yes, it was miracle his armadillo tail didn’t pop out amid it all. But I’m worried about Dilly. She is shifting, but to what? Guess I’ll just have to wait to find out. Brilliant, Teagan!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. Your imagination must be about worn out, Teagan. Great episode. I had to go back and re-read last week’s episode since I had not absorbed much of it. Will Dilly be a kangaroo, frog, or bunny (with those ears)? Hoppy Hugs hopskipping your way.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. I’m always glad to hear that my pink armadillo is safe once again, but now he’d better get to work on Dilly who appears to becoming a kangaroo (or at the very least, a frog).

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  19. Oh Teagan. I am so glad Sesame rescued Fang, but I have to say, I was enjoying his situation. What delightful images came to mind. I think you must have had fun writing this episode.

    I hope they manage to find those girls. I also hop you have a wonderful weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  20. Leave it to Fang to make the most of being on a stage! Hooray for Sesame!

    Dilly seems to be very jumpy lately! Lol! I hope she can hop right back into her old self quickly. The Calutron Girls need to be rescued.

    Happy weekend Teagan.
    Ginger

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  22. Sesame came through, although it sounds as if Fang was having fun! I can’t wait to see what Dilly is transforming into. Thanks for another fabulously fun episode. Enjoy your weekend!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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