Friday Fictioneers – Terminus

Every week, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (thank you, Rochelle!) hosts a flash fiction challenge, to write a complete story, based on a photoprompt, with a beginning, middle and end, in 100 words or less. Post it on your blog, and include the Photoprompt and Inlinkz (the blue frog) on your page. Link your story URL. Then the fun starts as you read other peoples’ stories and comment on them!

FF - Terminus 190724

PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook

Terminus

As the express raced through the night, Cameron sized up the other passenger in the first-class compartment. Strong, fit, and, it would seem, armed. Like many before him, he seemed oblivious of the scrutiny of the self-effacing Scotsman sitting opposite. His mistake, thought Cameron.

The train roared as it entered the tunnel. Acrid steam blew into the carriage.

“I’ll shut the window, shall I?” enquired Cameron.

He stood, and operated the emergency brake. The train bucked, the brakes squealed, and Cameron turned, gun in hand.

“You’re past it, old man,” he heard, as the other man’s bullet felled him.

Blue Froggie!

 

 

39 thoughts on “Friday Fictioneers – Terminus”

    • Dear Neil
      Thank you for reading and commenting. The story hints that he’s making the same mistake that he attributes to his planned victim, namely that he doesn’t realise the full extent of the threat that he poses.
      With very best wishes
      Penny

      Liked by 1 person

    • Dear James
      Thank you for reading and commenting.
      Why? Cameron was a hitman; he doesn’t care who he kills or why somebody wants them dead, as long as he’s paid. This time his target spotted him and got in first. I could have explained this in the text, but it was more fun to write some description instead!
      With best wishes
      Penny

      Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Suzanne
      Thank you for reading and commenting. You hope he survives. I’m not sure that I do. Cameron was a cold-hearted hitman, who didn’t care who he killed or why, as long as he was paid. He was over-confident, and paid the price.
      With best wishes
      Penny

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  19. The fast pace made my head spin (in a good way). I like the way you revealed Cameron’s status as an old hand by his judgment of the other passenger “like many before him”. A good reminder that pride/complacency can result in disaster.

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  20. This man it appears was ready and waiting for Cameron to make his move. Too bad Cameron was not prepared for his adversary.

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