A Weekly Dose of Fiction

Heartless, Part 3 & The Insecure Writers' Support Group Question of the Month

May 07, 2025

Dear Readers,

Well, it’s time for Part 3 of Heartless. Part 1, introduces the diabolical character and the mystery. Part 2 hints at yet another young girl becoming a victim. Let’s see what happens next. And because it’s the First Wednesday of the month, I’m answering #IWSG’s question. Here we go!

Part 3 The Glenford-Leigh Estate

Miller entered the sitting room where the Glenford women were having tea with Mrs. Kent. “Madam.” He held out the small silver tray with a calling card.

Mrs. Glenford took the card and immediately excused herself. Following Miller into the foyer, she greeted Mr. Grayson with a stiff nod. “What a pleasant surprise, Mr. Grayson. Did you forget something last night?”

“No. Not at all. I simply wanted to express my appreciation for your gracious hospitality.” He took her extended hand and brought it near his lips.

The door to the sitting room opened, and Giselle peered out. “Oh, Mr. Grayson.” She smiled and came to stand at her mother’s side. “I didn’t know Mama had asked you to tea.”

“I’m very sorry. I’ve come at a bad time,” he said.

Before Mrs. Glenford could speak, Giselle stepped back and held open the sitting room door. “Not in the least. Please stay. Mrs. Kent is here as well. You remember her from last night.”

Mrs. Glenford clenched her hands, but looking toward the butler, said, “Another setting, Miller.”

The hour passed with talk of the coming holiday season, and Mrs. Glenford kept her eyes on the intruder. It was clear that Giselle favored him. What was a mother to do? A trip to the continent would be perfect to distract her daughter, but that was out of the question this time of year. She needed time to plan for the Thanksgiving and Christmas parties. Mrs. Kent, bless her, guided Mr. Grayson’s attention away from Giselle each time there was a lull and her daughter’s eyes rested on that detestable face of his. How unfortunate he was handsome and well-spoken, his manners impeccable. Mrs. Glenford was at a loss for how to manage this situation. It was times like these she regretted even more that her dear George had fallen under that carriage.

After Mr. Grayson left, she and Giselle saw Mrs. Kent to the door.

“So it is all arranged,” Mrs. Kent said. “I shall send my carriage for Giselle about ten tomorrow. We are to have a day of it. We’ll see my seamstress to give her some new ideas, and then we’re off to the Palmer House. I hear it serves a splendid lunch.”

“Mama, you must come as well,” Giselle pleaded.

Mrs. Glenford had been so preoccupied by her concern with Mr. Grayson that she’d missed the plans for an outing. “Of course. I do want to visit our newest hotel.” She smiled at Mrs. Kent. “Ten o’clock it is.”

Police Headquarters

Hawkins waited until Detective Scofield read the latest report.

“This is all that you’ve found?” the detective asked, holding out the paper.

“About the girl, yes, sir. She’s not related to the others, nor they to each other, but they are all of about the same age and physical description. Each of the young ladies appeared in the society columns within the last year.” He shifted from one foot to another. “I got replies from two police departments that I telegraphed about similar cases.”

“And?”

“Nothing solid, but last year, Philadelphia had some society girls vanish. They never found them. Then, something almost the same happened in New Orleans. Neither of them had much to tell me, other than they had never solved the cases.”

The detective waved him away and sat at his desk. He needed to think, and he did that better alone. He took out the images of the four missing girls and set them on the desk. All of them were close to his own daughter’s age, and that sent his pulse racing. The thought of anything happening to his precious child infuriated him. He slammed his hand onto the desktop.

“Damn.”

Someone was kidnapping and, he rubbed his eyes now stinging with frustration, probably murdering young society ladies. The similarity in each disappearance was not coincidence. What was he missing?

He rose and paced, then halted by the window to look out at the busy street. Carriages and bicycles. Vendors. A newsboy. Across the street a dressmaker’s shop.

“Dresses,” he said, fogging a spot on the window. He returned to his desk and picked up one of the images, then the other three. “Hawkins! Come in here.”

It seems there might be a clue at last. Part 4 next Wednesday. And now for The Insecure Writers’ Support Group question of the month. You can read it below or visit our WEBSITE.

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The awesome co-hosts for the May 7 posting of the IWSG are Feather Stone, Janet Alcorn, Rebecca Douglass, Jemima Pett, and Pat Garcia!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

May 7 question - Some common fears writers share are rejection, failure, success, and lack of talent or ability. What are your greatest fears as a writer? How do you manage them?

You can read my answer HERE!

I don’t mention this book very often, but it has been well reviewed, and I liked the mystery element. One reviewer says: Sudden Secrets is different from the fantasy and thriller novels I am usually drawn to, but I zipped through this novel in three days. I just didn't want to stop. C. Lee Mckenzie's writing is incredible. I truly enjoyed this read!