Iain Kelly

A typical midweek night in the hotel bar. The usual collection of travelling business men and insipid locals.

I stuck to the set list, occasionally adding a meagre jazz interlude.

Gwen was sitting at the bar. Her cheap perfume stank the place out, the attempt at an alluring red dress screamed desperation.

By eleven it was deserted. Behind the bar, Sam was clearing up and wiping down.

I stopped playing.

‘Early finish?’ I asked Sam.

He shrugged. ‘Might as well. There’s no one gonna notice.’

‘Thanks Sam.’ I pulled the fallboard down over the keys and the cover over the piano. I pocketed my tips. A measly ten bucks.

Walking out I saw a small crowd gathered. As I passed I recognised the cheap scent. I saw the red dress and the pool of blood. Gwen had turned one trick too many.

I would miss her in the bar each night. I wondered if anyone else would.

This desolate town would carry on regardless. The set list would remain unchanged.

Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story in around 150 words, based on the weekly photo prompt. Thanks as always to the challenge host Priceless Joy. For more information visit HERE.

To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.