Pass the parcel
“Take a look Paolo.” Tony pointed to the package. “What do you make of it?”
Paolo knew exactly what to make of it but went through the motions of examining it and reading the note on the top.
“It’s very light” he said, weighing it in his hand, “for its size. Do you think it’s some kind of joke?” he added. “And I’ve no idea what the message means!”
“It’s pass the fucking parcel,” supplied Tony. “Layers and layers of fucking wrapping paper. When the music stops... etfuckingcetera... I’m guessing what’s inside is another part of Terry! But which part?”
- Category: Crime, Murder & Mystery
2 comments add one below
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Drew Martyn about 2 years ago
The use of "supplied" is great here, Neville. I don't recall ever coming across it being used in that way, but I think it does more than just replace "replied" or "said", it also confirms Tony as being in the dominant position, able to supply all the solutions. I don't know if that was intentional or not, but it works superbly.
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Neville Hunt about 2 years ago
Thanks very much Drew. I had thought of it as a way of ringing the changes, but there wasn’t any great thinking behind it. I was sure I had seen it in literature somewhere before and I quite liked it. Now I’ll use it more thoughtfully. Thanks!
