100 Word Challenge - Fear

...A woman in a purple two piece. Jet hair. A stringy man next to her. Pensive, serious looking.

Both sat at the back, their robotic eyes scanning the congregation.

"David was my brother..."

Their eyes closed in on us. I turned away, feeling laser like strokes up and down my spine.

Something wasn't right.

"Char," I whispered in her ear."Have you clocked those two at the back?"

Charlotte turned. Then looked back abruptly, tears replaced by fear.

"He had years ahead of him, taken far too soon..."  

"What's the matter? What's up?"

"I don't believe it Chrissy, it's the guy who pushed David."


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was... I don't believe it...


This is part of a wider story. You can read the other instalments in the series here.

100 Word Challenge - A Beautiful Day

"And what could you have done? Nothing."

"I just feel...."

"No Char, don't, don't blame yourself."

The paper said suspected suicide. Was it a helping hand instead? A whip of icy air found the base of my hair line.

"So you saw this guy moving towards him?"

"Yeah. He was right there when David disappeared. I just know it."

'It's a Beautiful Day' reverberated around the crematorium walls.

"Oh my goodness!" Charlotte panicked, "I nearly forgot - the funeral."

I led my friend back inside, back to our vacant seats.

Then something caught my eye - two characters set apart from the mourners...


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was... Oh my goodness. I nearly forgot...


This is part of a wider story. You can read the other instalments in the series here.

100 Word Challenge - Pushed

"There? On the platform?" I'd barely absorbed Charlotte's words.

Charlotte was there, the day it happened.

"I was in the middle - it was so packed - I saw his head." A sharp inhale. "He was stood right at the edge, I tried to move forwards but no one was budging. There was this person - a bloke I think - edging through towards him. He got close, there was this sudden swell, and then David wasn't there, and then the screaming, the screaming..."

Charlotte's hands covered her ears. Beneath the surface, I saw the scolding bubbles of self reproach.

"Char, this wasn't your fault."

"Chrissy, I should have done something!"


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was... Beneath the surface ...


This is part of a wider story. You can read the other instalments in the series here.

100 Word Challenge - Slapped

I found Charlotte doubled over next to a grave coating humiliated snowdrops in sticky bile, thick yellow drool hanging from her pale bottom lip.

"Char, what is it? You okay?"

She placed both hands on her stomach, cautiously straightening her back.

"Chrissy, got a tissue?"

"Here. Have this."

 A chilly gust slapped my cheek as Charlotte wiped her mouth.

"Chrissy, I can't keep it in any longer, I have to go to the police."

"WHAT? You said you'd do WHAT?"

"Found it so hard to tell you Chrissy."

"Tell me what?"

"I WAS THERE when he threw himself on the tracks."

A chilly gust smacked my other cheek.


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was... You said you'd do WHAT? ...


This is part of a wider story. You can read the other instalments in the series here.

100 Word Challenge - Trembling

"Chrissy," Charlotte half wailed, "we're going to be late."

"I'm doing my best." Stupid car. Stupid me.

The engine had finally coughed into shape after nearly twenty attempts. Now we were late for David's funeral.

"Left turn, Chrissy, left turn."

I took a sharp turn down a slice of solemn suburbia, ahead the crematorium.

Limp coats were already entering the old stone building.

We shuffled in at the rear, Charlotte dressed in polite black, I, an indifferent grey.

On a plinth lay the casket.

Charlotte's hands trembled, her face bloodless.

"I'm gonna throw up Chrissy."

Hand over mouth, she bolted outside.


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was... Grey ...


This is part of a wider story. You can read the other instalments in the series here.

100 Word Challenge - Past Has Passed

"Stop deflecting Chrissy."

I tried not to laugh. Charlotte was handing over a frothy mug of self reproach. But guilt, I decided, wasn't a garment worth dressing in. I'd sunk my toe in David's gaze - that was all.

"Just don't understand. It's so long ago. Anyway, you dumped him remember?"

"Told him to disappear," Charlotte recoiled.

"He was so intense, so controlling."

"Still stung when I saw you both Chrissy."

"Was one time, it freaked me out. I'm sorry."

A weak smile mollified Charlotte's sour expression.

"Past has passed I guess."

"Thanks."

Now I needed a long soak.

David's funeral couldn't come sooner.


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was... I tried not to laugh...


This is part of a wider story. You can read the other instalments in the series here.

100 Word Challenge - Glaciated

My body prickled with cold. Flashes of his gaze, that knowing exchange, abused my thoughts.

It might be a Spring morning but frost permeated the kitchen, ice dislocating words between allies, and Winter will bring heartache and shattered ties...

"Did I want him?"

"Yes, that's what I asked," Charlotte jabbed.

"No, not like that. I mean he was attractive. But repelled me too. Listen Char," I pleaded, "I would never have gone for him."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. You're my friend."

Heart beats jolted in the hollow of my throat. Then it occurred to me...

"Char, you're deflecting guilt onto me."

Now Charlotte stood rigid, glaciated.

"Why? Why Char?"


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was... and Winter will bring...


This is part of a wider story. You can read the other instalments in the series here.

100 Word Challenge - Sleeping Dogs

It can't be that time...

... Time for truth to reveal its purpose. What good was going to come of this? 

"What did you mean Chrissy?"

"Nothing, just that David was under hand."

Did we need to mine the raw detail, empty the past of painful scraps?  

"How? I want to know."

"I'm not sure."

"C'mon Chrissy," Charlotte's impatience aroused, "Spill."

"It's just that David's eye's wandered."

"To you, you mean? I did notice."  

"What? Why haven't you said anything before?"

"And it's not as if you looked away."

Impatience took flight into righteous indignation. 

"Char, why now?"

"Did you want him?"

Can't sleeping dogs just sleep...

I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was ... it can't be that time ...


This is part of a wider story. You can read the other instalments in the series here.

100 Word Challenge - Homeward Bound

Charlotte returned from her room, the furrows lining her brow the depths of my deceit.

The faded slogan on her blue t-shirt made light relief of the expression she bore...

'I woke with another headache'

"Chrissy, there's ten thousand in my account."

"What?"

"No," Charlotte sat ashen on the sofa, "This can't be from him."

"Who else?"

"Haven't a clue. The sender's anonymous. But why else would Mark ask?"

"Why though? When was the last time you saw David?"

"C' Can't remember. This whole thing's sick. It's my ...."

"Fault? C'mon Char."

"You called David a duplicitous idiot? This connected?"

"No, I meant something else."

Guess truth was homeward bound.


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was ... I woke with another headache ...


This is part of a wider story. You can read the other instalments in the series here.

100 Word Challenge - Ring. Ring. Ring.

Charlotte's tears softened, finding restraint against my shoulder.

She withdrew, the resignation brushed intently upon her expression.

"I could really do with that coffee Chrissy."

"Sure."

I felt relieved, hungry for equilibrium, and hungry for more cereal.

Charlotte steadied, redeeming her composure with every sip of caffeine.

RING. RING. RING.

Charlotte's mobile hollered. Suddenly it was in my hand.

"Anonymous - Want it Char?"

She nodded.

"Hello? .... Oh .... I was gonna call you .... Okay, I guess .... How are you? .... I'm so sorry .... Yeah .... On Saturday .... Really? .... Why? .... Okay, speak tomorrow."

"Chrissy, that was Mark, David's brother. Funeral's in two days. Said I should check my account?"


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was ... suddenly it was in my hand ...


This is part of a wider story. You can read the other instalments in the series here.

100 Word Challenge - Long Way Down

Morning.

David, dressed, sat on the edge of the bed, summarising his existence.

Always wanting. Never stopping. Grasping more.

Staring at the carpet, he witnessed the empty abyss of his own creation. It was a long way down.

It mattered not whether he returned the advance. He was finished.

Dead if he did. Dead if he didn't.

But The Client could kiss his note stuffed arse as far as the money was concerned.

Laptop open, he distributed the dividends without trace. Most to charity. Some to his brother. And a little compensatory bonus to Charlotte - he owed her.

Then, for a last cup of coffee.


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was an image ...

This is part of a wider story. You can read the other instalments in the series here.

100 Word Challenge - Tempted Too Far

David was greedy for opportunity, he couldn't resist the insider deals.

This time he'd been tempted too far, and failed, had screwed the timings ...

Eden within his grasp. Then snared by the snake.

As the apple fell, the phone rang ...

"You messed up David. That wasn't on the cards." The Woman fell silent.

"Listen, I can make this right. There's another trade ..."

"Enough." The Woman interrupted. "You blew it. There's no going back. You know what happens next."

The phone cut dead.

David's mouth felt drier than The Client's account.

They were coming for him. But he wasn't giving in.

He held the final plan.


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was ... as the apple fell ...

This is part of a wider story. You can read the other instalments in the series here.

100 Word Challenge - Forbidden Treasure

The attache case lay on the table.

David stared at the clasps. It was sealed like a clam guarding a black pearl. Forbidden treasure, he already knew its contents.

The Woman sat motionless on the other side. David felt sweat collecting on his brow. He clenched both his fists into compact grenades.

The line was drawn. There was no going back.

"David, the details of the trade are inside," The Woman instructed, "We'll wire you the cash. You know the fund. You get this wrong, you lose. We'll be watching."

David grabbed the case and left.

The future felt starved of oxygen.

He was in too deep.


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was ... the line was drawn ...

This is part of a wider story. You can read the other instalments in the series here.

100 Word Challenge - Grief

"Don't shout at me Chrissy. You just don't understand."

"Look I'm sorry Char."

Charlotte began to cry. Sunlight traced the tears flowing down her anguished face. Each heavy drop left a path as straight as a Roman road. They began falling with sudden intensity like the undifferentiated raindrops of a cloud burst. The rain turned the road into a river; Charlotte's cheeks were awash with grief.

Without another breath I moved to encase my friend in my arms.

"I'm sorry." I whispered.

"Why did you ..." Charlotte sobbed "call him ... duplicitous?"

"I dunno. Just spur of the moment."

I'd lied but truth, for now, could sail on the horizon.


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was ...the rain turned the road into a river...

This is part of a wider story. You can read the other instalments in the series here.

100 Word Challenge - Duplicitous Recess

Fresh morning light flooded through the kitchen window invading shadows and mocking the stack of grease laden plates by the sink.

I sat at the breakfast bar hunched over a bowl of muesli. I managed one dry flaky mouthful before returning to the shocking news in yesterday's fingered paper.

David had committed suicide.

In the dark recess of my mind David's empty eyes met mine. Back then I'd felt equally compelled and repulsed by our attraction.

Charlotte entered. I felt uneasy.

"Coffee Char?"

"Yup. I'm gonna call David's brother."

"We're still going to the funeral then?"

"It's my fault. I have to go."

"Charlotte!" I was frustrated. "How is that duplicitous idiot's death your fault?"


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was ... in the dark recess of my mind ...

100 Word Challenge - Electrifying

David's laptop bag collided with the primal force of rush hour commuters jostling on the escalator.

He felt himself shoved and carried along the alimentary passageway that broadened onto the belly like chamber of the platform.

There's a real buzz about this place David thought.

He battled passed back packs and down turned faces until he reached the edge.

David tipped his weight forwards.

The train approached remorselessly.

Then. A pause. What was he thinking of?

He'd begun to straighten when his back made contact with a stranger's forceful limb. A hand? An elbow?

David barely registered the push. He lost balance and fell onto the electrified path.

Beaten.


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was ... there's a real buzz about this place ...

100 Word Challenge - Just Disappear

The waitress placed the latte and croissant on the table.

David barely registered her. His eyes were caught by the bait of the financial news.

The coffee had bitter overtones and was barely warmer than the life left in his blood.

Enough.

It mattered no more.

He closed the laptop. The finality of this action brought sweet relief.

Unrelated memories surfaced. Mainly women.

"Just disappear" she'd said.

David smiled at the irony.

He'd noticed her flat mate. Their eyes once met in silent recognition. The flame flickered before Charlotte, oblivious, had wrenched him out the door.

David shook his head.

Time to leave.


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was ... the flame flickered before ... 

100 Word Challenge - The Closing Hand

"Can I get you anything love?"

David cocked his head at the waitress trying to ignore the nauseating brilliance of her yellow cotton blouse.

"Latte and croissant."

He stared at the Apple folded on the table and with resignation opened it for the last time.

The news was the same. Markets crashing. Banks collapsing.

He'd built an empire once. And then destroyed lives.

Now they were coming after him.

But he would play the final card. The closing hand.

For a brief moment he felt omnipotent. Enormous.

Then shrank into irrelevance.

Soon he would taste liberty.

Escape from his pathetic shell.


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was the inclusion of four words; apple, empire, enormous, liberty and yellow. 

100 Word Challenge - The Undead

"What? Your fault?" I intoned aghast.

"I liked him. I did." Charlotte began. "He was just so intense. He kept calling. He ..."

Charlotte's thoughts trailed off. 

Without a word she disappeared into her room.

She returned pressing the newspaper into my hand.

The story reported a suspected suicide. It was grimly offset by an editorial at the bottom; an advertisement for an exhibit of prehistoric relics. The caption read The Undead.

"I'm going to phone David's brother."

I looked up at Charlotte's troubled expression.

"Why?" I asked.

"I have to go to the funeral. To make amends. Come with me Chrissy?"


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was ... this picture;

Old Bones

100 Word Challenge - Ruby Tears

I don't remember collapsing onto the beaten sofa.

I can only recall a cushion brushing against my arm as Charlotte's news registered.

David ... Dead? What? How?

I sat motionless. I saw his face. That crooked smile. That hollow gaze.

I fidgeted. I got up. I closed the curtains again. I sat back down.

I waited.

Charlotte appeared. Her eyes puffed. Cheeks crimson.

She crashed next to me.

The red lamp shade cast a ruddy shadow over her face. Ruby tears rolled down her cheeks.

Charlotte slowly turned to face me.

"Chrissy?" She croaked.

"Yeah?"

"It might be my fault."


I'm linking up with JB47's 100 Word Challenge. This week's prompt was ... Ruby