A change of focus, episode 103

Three words, more or less weekly, from which to concoct a drabble of one hundred.  That's how Prediction Fiction works, and this week's words are ... well, go and see for yourself.

John Pettinger first appeared in a short story written for a Writer's Retreat in Kansas in 2012. Episode one of 'A change of focus' appeared at the end of 2012, intended as a stand-alone.
But I become attached to my characters.  John himself;  his impossible boss Vanessa and her unsuitable associates.  His Khakbethian relatives, including the evil Raptor.  And lately, since episode eighty-four, the daughters of the murdered Edward Cherrystone:  Faith, Hope and Charity.  All can be read about via the Page tab beneath the heading.

Despite his cordless phone, Pettinger was rooted to the spot as they told him; detached police reaction impossible when the crime was personal.  More personal than he’d imagined it could be.  Sick fear lodged, pebble-like, in the hollow of his throat, as he tried to make sense of what was being said – stuff about a shredded bible and a wingless bird.

‘Laid at her head.  There were other objects – bones and ribbons, baby shoes.  We got your name from what was written on her back –‘

‘Written –?’

‘With a scalpel –‘

Brickwood’s being right was bittersweet.

Charity’s revenge long-held.