For reasons I am unable to fathom, and despite such innocuous words, several of last
week’s entries had a high level of nastiness, reaching unanticipated depths. I
thank you all for your enthusiasm and confess to a small amount of trepidation
as to what those for next week will bring.
My favourite of the week, however, has to be R J Wayne’s for the action- and
detail-packed account of a simple murder.
Words for next week: destination plug surreptitious
Entries by
midnight Thursday 12th April winners
and words posted Friday 13th
Usual rules: 100 words maximum (excluding title) of flash
fiction or poetry using all of the three words above in the genres of horror,
fantasy, science fiction or noir. Serialised fiction is, as always, welcome.
All variants and use of the words and stems are fine. Feel free to post links
to your stories on Twitter or Facebook or whichever social media you prefer.
Thank you. It was fun to write. And as always I love this strange little corner of the web I have found. This is a great group keeping that in mind, here's my offering for this week
ReplyDeleteGood story RJ. Very worthy. It is often overlooked how much work murder really is.
DeleteWonderful little tale, RJ, and well worthy of last week's top honours. I would tip my hat...if I ever wore one. And I echo your sentiments about this being a great group. I think it could quite well be rather unique in its encouragement and magnificently creative minds...week after week, I might add!!!
DeleteHearty congratulations, R.J. a very well written story,quite deserving of top honors. Great job.
DeleteA well-deserved win last week, RJ. Unlike Patricia, I always wear a hat, and I tip it to you.
Deletecongratulations, RJ! superb story but then so were all the others - the problem comes in choosing, poor Sandra, doing it week after week... we just get to read the offerings!! lucky us!!
Delete"We Are The Dark"
ReplyDeleteUnplugging from the mainframe, Cassia closed her eyes and replayed the last few minutes in her brain.
Jacking into the Multi-VR, her destination was not the same as the other users who surfed the intergalactic internet. No, she preferred the dark, nasty corners of the deep web, where vile things could be found or done surreptitiously. Virtually, of course. Much safer that way.
But this had been her first murder. And what a rush. Her mind was still racing. Her heart pounding. Her body aroused. She wanted more.
Virtually, of course.
So smooth a read I forgot to look for the prompts - excellent stuff. And for your turning up here, with such offerings I count us the richer - thank you.
DeleteVirtual murder... it probably is a thing somewhere. Entertaining and darkly delicious.
DeleteDark and stunning. That was really good.
DeleteHow current. We hear so much about the "deep web" these days and it seems like the perfect location to pull off such a scenario as you have described. This was indeed dark and about as innovative as you can get.
DeleteA fascinating and pulse-stoking piece. It's interesting to me what people become when they believe there are no consequences.
DeleteItinerant Season
ReplyDeleteOne of the downfalls of destination-free wanderings through the defunct underground entertainment district was countless surreptitious glances and catcalls from the residue of societal evolution. Or perhaps her skirt was once again too short.
“Put a plug in it!” she called out to a long haired man wearing everything he owned. She applied more candy apple lip gloss. He’d follow for a block or two, until his energy depleted, or she stabbed him, whichever came first. She slowed to let him catch up and popped open her blade. It’d been a while since she’d eaten.
Hmmm. I love the line "or perhaps her skirt was once again too short." At first glance, this cals to mind a hapless girl, as much a victim of the streets as anything else. But your last line really shifts the focus of the entire piece. What??? Good one!
DeleteGreat last line. Not at all what I expected. Very unsettling. Nice!
DeleteKnocks the reader off-balance for sure. And superb characterisation.
DeleteYou pull the reader along so craftily, John. Then you lower the boom! This is very nice.
Deletevery observant and very very cold, as a good little horror vignette should be!
DeleteLovely build up to the final gut punch. As RJ mentioned, that "skirt once again too short" observation was as good as it gets, indicating much in a very short composition of words.
DeleteI love the phrasing of the last two lines - wicked and lovely. I can almost hear the click of the blade opening. Fascinating story!
DeleteJudices Angelica
ReplyDelete"You realize it is this verdict that will determine your final destination?"
"No jury exists that would condemn me."
"Did you attempt to reason before resorting to surreptitious methods?"
"There was never any talking to that man."
"You originally tried...?"
"Sleeping pills. Earplugs. Different room. Different bed. Nothing worked. The volume of his incessant snoring was unbearable."
"And so..."
"The pillow smothering the nose and mouth. Yes."
"Doesn't look good."
"Justifiable homicide, surely!""
Mmm ... there's been time when I'd wholeheartedly agree with her. Another well-polished vignette.
DeleteMany of us have been on both sides of this pillow. This was very cute.
DeleteI feel her pain. Good one. Wonderful, actually.
DeleteI think everyone can empathise with that one - brilliant.
DeleteExcellent use of dialogue to tell a story. I've been around a person before who snored nearly as loud as a chainsaw. Not fun. I loved her argument in the last line. :)
DeleteA Darker Destination
ReplyDeleteI first realised that I was bound for a darker destination when I surreptitiously used an electrical plug as a weapon.
Rob Harrison was walking away at the time. In anger at his attempt to cheat me on my quote I swung the extension lead around my head like an Argentinian bola.
He turned just as I released it.
The prongs of the plug hit him between the eyes.
He went down like Goliath.
I stood over the corpse. An opportunity had presented itself. Two careers in tandem, perfectly complementing each other.
Electrician and serial killer!
Another snort of guilty laughter. Such well-told action.
DeleteA very cool method of dispatching someone! Well done, David!
DeleteGuess he should not have inflated the quote. Loved it.
Deletething is, you can't help laughing at such a bloodthirsty story, can you? David, it's brilliant!
DeleteTalk about making the most of a given opportunity. Love that it seemed to be by chance that our protagonist found himself embracing dual occupations. This was so lighthearted in its delivery as well. Magnificent job.
DeleteA dark and humorous piece. I loved the imagery of the extension chord swinging around like 'an Argentinian bola'.
DeleteParked at the cliff edge
ReplyDelete"Destination Anywhere"? Bon Jovi. Haven't you got it?'
Perfect opportunity.
'I've another box of CDs in the boot - let me check.'
Surreptitiously, I slipped the handbrake off. Got out. Went to the rear of the car. And shoved. Hard.
Very nice. A bit of premeditated chicanery. Well thought out story
Deletewhoo, clever little one!
DeleteShort....sweet....and devious as all get out. Clever is indeed the word here. A lesson to us all in talented brevity.
DeleteShort and deadly with the perfect end.
DeleteBy Design
ReplyDeleteTime to research a new destination and pull the plug on this one. No point in being surreptitious about it. Not his style. Open and above board, always the best course of action. Regretful though, since he'd looked forward to success with this attempt.
Oh well, back to the drawing board.
This was really getting old every four billion years or so.
Intriguing and so much can be inferred from that last line.
DeleteUh oh. The big guy has given up on us. Very original.
DeleteFour billion, eh? Suppose one can't complain.
Deletebut we probably would - nice one, Patricia!
DeleteThis one spiked my imagination. You have a lovely way of presenting a story that sounds one way, and then flips and becomes something else at the end. I love where my head goes with this.
DeleteCripplegate Junction/Part 140 - Preparatory Measures
ReplyDeleteThe display board that announced arrivals, departures and destinations remained unilluminated. It likely wasn't plugged in but had never been operational anyway.
Marmalade was more interested in securing accommodation for the potential upcoming journey. With surreptitious stealth, he made his way to the empty Dining Car. It was the coziest spot on the train, heated by the ovens and plentiful supply of nosh within easy reach.
He checked the top of a tall utensil cupboard, his favourite former hidey-hole, perfect for catnaps. It was still there...that oversized linen-lined bread-basket (complete with warming stone) labelled:"Property of the Orient Express."
-------------------------------------------------
To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/cripplegate.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
---------------------------------------------------------
At least all's well in Marmalade's world!
Deletehaving just seen my Burmese saunter off out of my office, after stuffing his face with chicken, this instalment fits well in my mind. Cats are crafty, devious and excellent at getting what they want - comfort, attention and food, not necessarily in that order...
DeleteI always love Marmalade's cozy, little installments, and how he wanders through it all with his own agenda.
DeleteCongrats RJ!
ReplyDeleteKursaal (Episode One Hundred Fourteen) - "Picking A Winner"
ReplyDelete(100 Words)
For the time being, the travelling circus appeared to have made the area its current destination. Several of the plug-uglies were eager to try their luck at the Kursaal's Boxing Booth, where Bruiser Bartók took on all challengers.
Ludmilla, the brawler's oldest daughter and official dispenser of first aid to the injured, attentively watched each match. A matrimonial union (albeit usually brief) had often resulted courtesy of Bruiser's brutality and Ludmilla's subsequent care. But not every contender met Ludmilla's standards.
With a surreptitious wink, the spellbinding Ludmilla made her father aware of the potentials.
He was happy to oblige.
---------------------------------------------------------
To read the earlier installments (a suggestion only) which led to this point in the tale, please visit:
http://www.novareinna.com/kursaal.html
A link to return to "The Prediction" can be found on the site. Thank you.
---------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: Bruiser Bartók and Ludmilla (his daughter), as well as the Boxing Booth, have all featured in previous episodes.
114 - and a thoroughly entertaining episode, not least for 'plug-uglies'
Deleteyes, I liked plug-uglies too and there's a lot going on in this instalment. Good read.
DeleteAnother delightful set of characters (I think I missed them before). Sandra and Antonia called out the word that stuck out in my mind. I also always enjoy the atmosphere you set for each of these Kursaal pieces.
DeleteA nice bond between father and daughter, Patricia, but I think I'd avoid this family. A good, clear piece of writing.
DeleteChange of focus [277]
ReplyDeleteOn arrival at his destination – Easingwold farm – DI John Pettinger found the CSM smoking and frustrated. ‘Slurry tank not pit.’ A final drag on his cigarette, surreptitious glance before he dropped the butt, squashed it into the mud with a rubber-booted toe.
‘So?’
‘Should’ve made things easier. Drain the tank, examine and determine cause of death. Hoped you’d ID –‘
‘Why me?’
‘Near-neighbour, yeah? Then we could hose down prior to extraction. But –’
‘But?’
‘But the flow ceased after ten minutes –‘
‘Because?’
Because drain plug was blocked. By the head of whichever poor sod is stuck in there.’
now there's a horror scenario start to finish!
DeleteYe gods, you certainly know how to conjure a visual guaranteed to horrify. I like it...!!!
DeleteGrisly! I really like the tone of the CSM's voice in this. I pick up an interesting accent with his phrase 'Near-neighbour, yeah?'. Love it. :)
DeleteDecision time [Threshold 204]
ReplyDeleteA mix of anger and frustration swept through me. I’d plugged my heart so often ‘twas surprising there was enough of it left to hurt, but while it was still beating – and me still breathing – it made good sense to leave. Raven lay on his front still, for comfort, but his wounds were near-enough healed for him to cope in my absence.
Surreptitiously checking he still slept I stepped out of reach, and turned to go.
As I reached the door, from behind me, his voice, amused. ‘You’re leaving?’
‘Yes.’
‘Destination?’
‘O’Bedrun’s’
A grunt. ‘He’ll see to you, for sure.’
it's not always possible to slide out unnoticed, is it? Nicely done, Sandra.
DeleteI'm not sure that Raven isn't reacting with just a soupçon of envy or jealousy there. As always, this serialization leaves me anxious to find out what will happen next. Number 204...yikes! My episodal attempts should last that long!
DeleteIt seems fitting that Raven notices her leave. Curious where the story will go to with that parting line.
DeleteI'm beginning to question what Raven really has in mind. I'd be very careful. You skillfully keep us wondering, Sandra.
DeleteAS ALWAYS
ReplyDeleteAs always…
From the safe place within myself, I surreptitiously
watched myself sluggishly awaken and rise from a black,
soundless pit of catatonic senselessness toward a patch of
muddy luminescence. I watched as my vision slowly adapted
to the brightening light. I continued watching as I arrived
supine and immobile at the familiar destination – a
strange bed in a strange room. Next I watched the muddy
patch approach and coalesce into gauzy human form.
Then as always…
From the safe place within myself, I asked the question I
had asked countless times: “Why don’t you just pull the
damn plug?”
This is truly thought-provoking. Deep and intriguing.
DeleteAnd on second read, truly horrific.
Deleteyes, Sandra nailed it, deep and intriguing and horrific all at the same time. Very different.
DeleteMagnificent in concept and execution. There's really nothing further to add.
DeleteHorrific and achingly vivid, with beautifully descriptive and slow steps towards consciousness. I love the phrase 'muddy luminescence.'
DeleteMistaken Identity
ReplyDelete“Your destination, buddy?”
“The Regency Hotel.”
“You got it.” The cab pulled away from the gawking crowd of onlookers. “What happened?”
“Some guy got shot. Very sad.”
“Wow. Is he dead?”
“Yeah. Plugged behind the ear. He wasn’t very surreptitious. His name was Bronson.” The cab swerved. The driver regained control, knuckles white on the steering wheel.
“But, that’s my name.”
“Oh, right. His name was Phillips. Your partner.” The silencer touched flesh. “Goodbye, Bronson.”
Two for the price of one ... sort of. Impressive how big a scene can be fitted into 100 words.
Deleteoh nasty one, nice twist at the end there - excellent use of the prompts.
DeleteAnother lesson in why to keep your mouth shut. Nice work, Joe.
DeleteNow that was unexpected. I find myself being duped by the conclusion of many a submission this week. This is no exception. It has the definite flavour of "film noir" to me.
DeleteI was also surprised by the ending. 'The silencer touched flesh' is a powerful line.
DeleteSatisfaction Guaranteed
ReplyDeleteThe promise of free shipping to any destination is but one of the benefits from ordering online. Other highlights include custom design, excellent return policy (no questions asked) and delivery anonymity (i.e., plain brown packaging).
Unfortunately, certain penchants are still not considered the norm, subject to ridicule. Thus, to be surreptitious is often a regrettable necessity rather than a choice.
A bicycle pump (or similar device) was required to inflate the earlier versions, but the new models (far more anatomically correct) come with a complimentary three-prong plug that fits easily into any wall socket.
Err ... thanks, but no thanks. I think. So clever, Patricia.
Deletevery funny, very true too!
DeleteYou are so skillful at saying just enough to spike the imagination. I found myself laughing as well.
DeleteThe Mad Italian 50.
ReplyDeleteThe hands of the great clock have been removed. This led to many thoughts, such as could we surreptitiously remove the majority of the MPs and only leave those whose destination is losing their seat next election anyway… and could we find a way to plug the ballot boxes so no one got back in and we were free to rule ourselves…
What chaos would ensue! But what wonders would come out of it, when those constant complainers realise it isn’t as easy as they think it is to organise a budget and run a country. But they could try…
Do I detect a little less dogmatic gloom in this one? Some semi-playful musings? Even Leonardo is not immune to the start of Spring methinks.
DeleteI envision a quite interesting form of chaos. Could be fun for a time.
DeleteYes indeed. I echo Sandra's observations regarding the atmosphere invoked by this contribution from the talented Leonardo. I do believe this might be one of his best...in my humble opinion anyway.
DeleteLots of interesting chaos would result, I'm sure.
DeleteTaking the Long Way
ReplyDeleteWhoever said the real treat was the journey and not the destination, had likely never spent a week wading through Hayborthien crap.
Jaes had plugged her nose with strips of cloth on day one, but she could still smell the sickly-sweet stench. The yellow sludge was everywhere. It sloshed into her boots and coated her thighs with every step.
At nightfall they climbed into the bleached trees and prayed a sleepy turn wouldn’t dump them into the muck below.
Daav had chosen this lovely, surreptitious route, and Jaes might have murdered him if it didn’t mean more to carry.
Magnificent visuals as always. Loved the notion of a "sleepy turn" dumping our characters into the "muck below."
DeleteZaiure, among your many talents is one for inventing names that never jar, then applying them to characters whose task is to endure a variety of vividly-drawn situations.
DeleteThank you! I always appreciate your comments. :)
DeleteAll Roads
ReplyDelete“Plug ‘im.”
The quivering mass emitted a high, keening note: desperation, and surrender. That thing had been a man, half an hour ago. A man who had no idea his path in life would lead to this destination. That his public life of respectability and success would be overtaken by his surreptitious one - no less successful, and respected, in certain quarters.
One of the goons smiled, and the room shook with the report of his hand cannon.
“Now, Tony. I know youse a reasonable guy. You wanna end that way? I don’t think so.” I didn’t think so, either.
Great to see you back, Bill, with your unmistakable brand of grittiness and dark drama, all wrapped up in your special touch of deadly amusement.
DeletePatricia used the words that immediately came to my mind - dark and gritty, with a promising final line that maybe this isn't the end.
DeleteAmusingly, I've been reading a lot of sci-fi recently, so I first got an image of the 'quivering mass' as some kind of alien creature. :)
Bill, as ever, such a treat to read your unmistakable hard-ground style of noir.
DeleteThe Adventures of Rosebud, Pirate Princess #124
ReplyDeleteDon't Judge a Book by its Cover
The next morning we set off, our first stop being my home, Mother’s castle. The Council would be shocked at our choice of destination, being that they believe this perfect little princess would never create secret hideaways. Of course I’d rather they continue in that belief so we’ll be taking the surreptitious way in. There’s been a Natasha-sized door under my rooms for years, disguised as a storm damage repair. They never thought about how convenient that hole and its plug were.
Week after week, you never cease being amazing how you manage to weaver a variety of words...regardless of what they might be...seamlessly into the universe that is the continuing Adventures of Rosebud.
DeleteI agree with Patricia. I'm impressed you've been able to continue with Rosebud for so long, seemingly with ease. I love the idea of a secret door and it being 'Natasha-sized'.
DeleteAnd echoing Patricia's again - your voice invariably strong and never misses a beat.
Delete