THE LIBRARIAN ALWAYS KNOCKS THRICE

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Miss Harriet patiently waited 

 Outside the barber door 

 She heard Mr. Strop inside 

Hurrying across the floor

So she ready a polite grin 

 Suddenly door flew open 

 The blade took her by surprise 

 As did the look of murder in Strops blue eyes

As the blade barely skimmed her

It cut her favorite ribbon velvet chocker

Before the ribbon had time to hit the floor 

She drew fast pointing at Strops bald head

Her hidden derringer with two shots of lead 

"Sir drop that blade!"Miss Harriet coldly said 

 "Sorry Miss Folio I didn't know it was you 

 I didn't mean too-"

Her gaze as cold as ice 

 Strop knew she wasn't asking twice 

 The blade dropped landing by her velvet chocker 

 "Inside" 

 She coldly order

Strop arms in the air 

 Stepped back towards his barber chair 

 Miss Harriet followed closed the door  

Strop knew he was done for

"Mr. Strop it is with utmost regret that I must perform this unpleasant act. But it is a breach of etiquette to murder me just because I knocked more than thrice times which custom dictates. I mean if I banged on your window that I could understand. But an extra few knocks. Sir that's taking murderous intent to far."

She raised and cocked her pistol 

"No please Miss Folio you, I did not mean to murder. I thought you were my brother." 

"Why pray tell would you want to murder your own brother?" 

 Miss Folio patently listened to Strops strange narration 

 About his wife's visitation 

This very evening 

His amnesia cured his beloved wife had explain 

What really happened on that train 

About her coma and her sister murder 

All caused by his outlaw brother 

And tomorrow night he will meet his beloved Heather out by salt marsh well.

Miss Folio lowered her pistol 

"I believe you Mr Strop you are sincere and I know you love your wife dear." 

"Thank you, Miss Folio, you are a true friend." 

Strop in relief, his arms descend

"Yes, friend I had hoped to be more. But that has changed now since your Heather entered that door." 

Strop was taking aback. 

 "You love your wife that is plain to see. But I fear for your sanity. Tomorrow night this friend shall accompany you it is the right thing to do." 

"There is no need for you-."

"Please for my own peace of mind I need to." 

"Miss Folio I don't know how to thank you" 

"Pish posh it's the least I can do." 

As the two bid each other a good night 

She made Strop promise not to kill his brother 

Least until he knew for sure

Miss Harriet Folio looked lonesome as she strolled silently home 

She thought about the convenience of meeting 

Strops inconvenient wife out on salt marsh estuary. 

The perfect spot to hide her body.