Heroes die needless deaths

The moment Parker opened the car door a shot rang out.

He bolted to a low wall.

Jackson cowered behind the vehicle, babbling into his radio receiver.

‘Come-on,’ Parker urged.

‘We need to wait for back-up.’

‘She could be dying in there.’

‘And so could we.’

‘You’re just going to let her bleed out?’

‘Heroes die needless deaths.’

‘They save the day.’

‘This isn’t a Hollywood movie, John. That fucker’s killed before.’

‘Will you at least cover me?’

‘No.’

The first shot sliced through Parker’s neck as he vaulted the wall.

‘Idiot,’ Jackson muttered.

In the distance, sirens sparked into life.

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Seriously?

‘If you’d like to meet again, then great. Or if you’d just like to forget about it …’

‘Or we could go back to your place.’

‘Seriously?’

‘No!’

‘Oh. Well, it was nice to meet you.’

‘That’s it?’

‘That’s not it?’

‘When was the last time you dated, Ralph?’

‘2009.’

‘You’ve been single for thirteen years?’

Ralph pulled a tight smile.

‘So, why did you ask me on a date?’

‘Because I think you’re the most wonderful person I’ve ever met.’

‘Seriously?’

‘So, I wanted to at least try. It’s fine. I know I’m an acquired taste.’

‘But worth acquiring?’

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

You don't get a say

‘You’re what?’

‘Dating.’

‘You’re brother and sister!’

‘Not by blood.’

‘You’ve lived together since you were five.’

‘That’s why we know we’re perfect together.’

‘Perfect? It’s incest!’

‘Brian, stop shouting.’

‘Seriously, Cath, our son is fucking our daughter and you’re worried about me shouting?’

‘Technically, they’ve done nothing illegal; they have different parents.’

‘We’re their parents!’

‘Look, it might seem strange, Dad, but we’re twenty-three. We’re not kids.’

‘You’re acting like kids.’

‘You don’t have to like it, but you don’t get a say.’

‘Really? Either you end this madness or I’ll disown you both.’

‘Brian!’

‘Fine. Sally?’

‘Let’s go.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Huffer and puffer

‘Well, did you meet him?’

‘Uh-huh.’

‘And?’

‘He was a bit older than I imagined. And more doddery.’

‘Well, if you’re going to date in your sixties …’

‘But he was charming.’

‘So, it was a success?’

‘It depends how you define success.’

‘Meaning?’

‘Well, you know, one thing led to another. And he invited me for a coffee.’

‘At his place?’

‘So, I thought, you only live once.’

‘So, you …’

‘He was a huffer and puffer!’

‘Maeve!’

‘I thought he’d never stop!’

‘My god.’

‘And then he did.’

‘You … killed him?’

‘Should I call that a success?’

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Always a cheater

 ‘I’m sorry, Cathy.’

‘It’s your loss. And I’m glad your true colours have been revealed. I’ve had a lucky escape.’

‘Escape?’ Kelly snapped. ‘He’s too good for you.’

‘You’re welcome to him, Kelly. Just remember: once a cheater, always a cheater.’

‘He won’t cheat with me!’

‘He already. You were the mistress.’

‘I wasn’t …’

‘Leave it, Kelly,’ Eric said.

‘Why should I? She’s the one …’

‘Who was cheated on,’ Cathy said. ‘Don’t try to make out you’re the aggrieved party.’

‘You …’

‘Though you will be.’

‘I won’t.’

‘Enjoy spending every day wondering if he’s cheating on you.’ 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.