Flash fiction with, hopefully, my favorite element orchestrated correctly – a twist! Hope ya’ like!
“I’m here. 1645 Pepper Lane, right? You sure this is the right address?”
“Yes. Positive. Manny had been watching her for weeks before his untimely demise. Shouldn’t be a problem.”
“And this here is her most current picture?”
“Yes. She lives alone. Easy target. You’ll get a bonus for the short notice. Let us know when it’s done. Can’t have her testifying next week.”
“Of course.”
The contact hung up. Peter examined the photograph. The young woman was with a group of friends at an island-themed bar striking a ridiculous pose. Another beauty with bubbles for brains. Vapid women, about as deep as a teaspoon. Wasted space. Easy to kill.
Peter exited his car and followed a trail of shadows to the woman’s backyard. Steam escaped from her bathroom window along with the scent of some fruit-inspired shower gel. Perfect opportunity. His expertise with B&E afforded him a smooth entrance. He was waiting patiently in her closet within mere minutes, hypodermic needle in hand.
The woman from the photo emerged from the bathroom wearing a pink robe. Typical. She sat before her mirror and ran her fingers through her dripping curls. Peter flicked the needle in preparation when the woman reached into a drawer and pulled out a gun. A scowl contorted her face. Tears flooded her cheeks. He froze.
“How can I go on in this, this, wasted life?” she said. “I don’t even deserve a space here…”
She cried to no one and in those moments Peter felt his heart move for the first time. When she placed the barrel in her mouth, he bolted from the closet without forethought but a sudden, desperate desire to protect her from harm and make her happy.
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Kimberley Nicole Manning 