The room was cold and damp, poorly lit and had an odor of old gym socks. A shadowy figure cloaked by a fog of cigar smoke sat at the end of an old wooden table. “This is him?” he asked of the thick necked goon that had escorted me into this pseudo lair. “Yeah Boss, this is the guy” the cretin mumbled. “Leave us”, the seated patriarch apparent commanded. Goon boy backed out of the room, closing the thick door behind him with a thud.
“Sit”, the smoke obstructed mouth beckoned. I walked over to the table and sat in the only other chair in the room. I deducted it may be the culprit of the gym sock odor. “It seems you’ve been asking a lot of questions around here lately, what is your interest in such old stories? Tales told by old men to widen the eyes of their grand-children.” “I guess I am just a history bluff” I replied, trying not to sound too brash. “Mind your tongue or find it removed from your mouth” , said the man, leaning forward as he spoke I could make out a long scar running the length of the left side of his face. “Apologies, Mr… Mr… What should I call you?” I asked. “ My name is not important Mr. Hood”. Apparently he knew mine.
“Perhaps I could do something to lubricate this situation” I stated, reaching for the thick envelope inside my jacket pocket. I heard a pistol cock and a dark figure stepped out of an unlit corner and ordered me to show my hands. “Where the hell did he come from?” I thought to myself as I held up the envelope. “Does it look like I need your fucking money?” the seated man snipped. “Actually it does, my money, a maid, an electrician, a hazmat team and maybe a neck for goon boy” Were the words I wanted to say but valuing life over humor “No sir, no disrespect intended” was all I could mutter. The surprise guest lowered his pistol and backed into the dark corner.
“State your purpose Mr. Hood and choose wisely of word”, said the man with an obvious tone of shortened patience for my presence. “I am looking for information regarding the crypt that holds the remains of Saint Sebastian” The man motioned with an upraised hand. I heard the pistol cock again…….
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Very interesting take on the prompt. There's a hint of danger here, but it compels you to read.
ReplyDeleteFirst time out of the gate and you produce a grabber!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to 3ww
-Tim
Phew, it's scary like The Da Vinci code book!
ReplyDeleteGreat start to 3ww! Makes you wonder what's so important in St. Sebastian's crypt.
ReplyDeletehe did not choose wisely....great tale. has me wondering what happens next!
ReplyDeleteWow, you know how to end on a cliffhanger! Very compelling tale. :)
ReplyDeletewhy is it money is always offered for information thinking it will be easy somehow... enjoyed the image of the smokey man who stinks with all the power... small portions cleave
ReplyDeleteIntrigue and suspense. Great atmosphere and insights into the protagonists mind. You've created a story where the reader wants more! Well played.
ReplyDeleteMinor edit: Third sentence of the second paragraph I think you meant "deduced" rather than deducted.