IAIN KELLY

THE ENTERTAINER

The press and public were behind the fence that circled the property, far enough away to prevent them seeing inside the old house.

Horowitz looked out at the growing crowd. News had spread fast.

He had got the call as he was about to end his shift. A dead body, suicide. He recognised the address.

Now he looked at the faded entertainer slumped behind the desk, gunshot wound to the temple. Note on the desk ending ‘Please forgive me.’

The investigation would take time. The grounds would be dug up. The truth about the rumoured bodies would finally be known.

gateway-jhardy
© J Hardy Carroll

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

92 responses to “THE ENTERTAINER”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    Crunchy after so many celebrity scandals

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Neil, that’s where my mind was heading. Crunchy indeed!

      Like

      Reply
  2. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    What is it about that gate that just inspires murder and mayhem? Well done and reminiscent of a hometown situation a few years back of a Kansas City man who had lured young boys to his home, then murdered them and buried them under his house.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Rochelle. There must be something about that spooky old house! Or maybe it’s seeing it was J Hardy that took the photo! Not aware of the Kansas man but a few similar tales around, and a few scandals involving celebrities in recent years too, so used them as my inspiration.

      Like

      Reply
  3. J Hardy Carroll Avatar
    J Hardy Carroll

    Spooky story. This is a house in Peoria on Moss Avenue, a decidedly creepy street you can look up on Google maps. This story completely fits the area.

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks J Hardy, must be something about the house that suggests that mood, that’s what came to mind when I saw it.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  4. Rowena Avatar
    Rowena

    Thanks for filling us in on the photo. I always like to find out the back story. I enjoyed your take on it.
    xx Rowena

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Rowena

      Like

      Reply
  5. David K Avatar
    David K

    A succinct, macabre tale, well told, Iain.

    Like

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks David

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. James Avatar
    James

    Well played, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks James

      Like

      Reply
  7. ceayr Avatar
    ceayr

    Yes, Iain, well crafted and great denouement.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you CE.

      Like

      Reply
  8. Jane Dougherty Avatar
    Jane Dougherty

    You people have gruesome imaginations! Nice one 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  9. D. Wallace Peach Avatar
    D. Wallace Peach

    Nice flash piece. I like the addition of the buried bodies at the end. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I felt it needed some sort of twist at the end. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. Martin Cororan Avatar
    Martin Cororan

    Should make for a fruity eulogy!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I’m not sure many will be there to hear it!

      Like

      Reply
  11. nonsmokingladybug Avatar
    nonsmokingladybug

    He took the easy way out so it seems. Gruesome twist at the end, I didn’t see it coming. Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, glad I managed a surprise 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  12. Magaly Guerrero Avatar
    Magaly Guerrero

    It seems that old houses and creepy trees bring the grim out of the muse. I like it. I also want to know what happens next… and, of course, what happened before forgiveness was needed.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, yes the house is giving everyone dark thoughts this week!

      Like

      Reply
  13. Lynn Love Avatar
    Lynn Love

    Wow! That last line is a zinger, Iain. Where the bodies are buried, eh? Very well told, nice tension and pace throughout

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Lynn, much appreciated.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Lynn Love Avatar
        Lynn Love

        My pleasure 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  14. John Davis Frain Avatar
    John Davis Frain

    That looks like a really cool house to live in. Until you read the story. Then … let’s drive by and look at the next one, Helen.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Probably will be available at a knock down price now though…!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. csheldonblog Avatar
    csheldonblog

    oh interesting… Someone elses flash fiction I could see go in other directions…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  16. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    It does look like “that” kind of house. Now we are left wondering what he is begging forgiveness for…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It seems a few of us see it as that sort of house.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  17. rgayer55 Avatar
    rgayer55

    Oh, the tortured lives of celebrities. That’s why I never let them put my picture on the cover of the Rolling Stone. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Yes better to be unknown if you’re​ going to be murderer…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. rgayer55 Avatar
        rgayer55

        I’ll never admit to that.

        Liked by 1 person

  18. joyroses13 Avatar
    joyroses13

    OH MY!! What a way to end! Good job.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  19. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    based on the stories i’d read so far, there’d be no happy ending this week. 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Something about that house!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. J.A. Prentice Avatar
    J.A. Prentice

    I love the sense of mystery. Wonderful story!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    Seems a shame to have to dig up the grounds. But the truth must out!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      We’ll see if they find anything, might be a shame, might be revealing!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  22. neelwritesblog Avatar
    neelwritesblog

    I liked this especially the last line which was a zinger. Well done, LAIN.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Neel, glad I managed a zinger!

      Like

      Reply
  23. justjoyfulness Avatar
    justjoyfulness

    Ah! What a last line twist! Loved it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

      Reply
      1. justjoyfulness Avatar
        justjoyfulness

        Thanks Iain 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  24. Rommy Avatar
    Rommy

    Sounds like fodder for a really gripping biopic, bodies or no bodies. Horowitz is going to be busy.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I think it could be the case that makes his career.

      Like

      Reply
  25. Vaidehi Soni Avatar
    Vaidehi Soni

    Some people hide their secrets so well. Great story. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  26. Clare Hempstead Avatar
    Clare Hempstead

    Shame the truth will only come out now he’s dead – sounds familiar! Great story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Yes, based on true events.

      Like

      Reply
  27. Sarah Potter Writes Avatar
    Sarah Potter Writes

    I’m guessing the entertainer has gone somewhere nice and hot for his afterlife! Sadly, this scenario you describe, happens far too often. At least the finding of the bodies will mean closure for the families and friends of the victims, but the murderer has taken the coward’s way out.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Afraid so, leaving a trail of devastation behind him. Thanks Sarah

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  28. Life Lessons of a Dog Lover Avatar
    Life Lessons of a Dog Lover

    A twisted tale. So did the gates keep his victims in or curious people out?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Ideal for both 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  29. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    Ooooo i sense a lot more is there to be found. Sorry for what? Well told

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Laurie

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  30. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar
    Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

    There are scandals and there are SCANDALS in the entertainment world.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  31. goroyboy Avatar
    goroyboy

    No doubt a “Dramatic ” actor . Well done Iain. Nice realistic touch on the detective was almost off duty

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  32. Keith's Ramblings Avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    He carried a few guilty secrets to the grave methinks! Nice one Iain.

    Click to read my story

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Keith

      Like

      Reply
  33. anintrovertedblogger Avatar
    anintrovertedblogger

    I wonder what he did to ask for forgiveness. Well crafted!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, I leave it up to you to decide!

      Like

      Reply
  34. Sascha Darlington Avatar
    Sascha Darlington

    Good story. I like how the title is open to interpretation.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Very much so, thanks Sascha

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  35. Joy Pixley Avatar
    Joy Pixley

    That looks like the perfect grounds for burying a bunch of dead bodies in, too. Liked the celebrity aspect too. Of course, my mystery-reading mind wants to know — was the celebrity really left-handed, or right-handed, and where was that note?!?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      If he was left handed why is the gun in his right hand? And where did the 2nd bullet lodged in the wall come from?!? 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Joy Pixley Avatar
        Joy Pixley

        Yes, exactly — inquiring minds want to know!

        Liked by 1 person

  36. Dahlia Avatar
    Dahlia

    A gruesome but gripping tale

    Like

    Reply
  37. Inside the Mind of Isadora Avatar
    Inside the Mind of Isadora

    A haunting thought that’s often played out in the news.
    Bodies buried on properties like cast-a-ways. You nailed the feeling and the gruesome acts perfectly, lain. The photograph does exude horrific things happening behind that gate.
    Isadora 😎

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, it certainly has a menacing look to it – not sure I would want to stay there!

      Like

      Reply
  38. gahlearner Avatar
    gahlearner

    He made sure that he’ll be talked about a lot even after death. I wonder who gets the book and film rights… Nicely creepy and telling a lot between the lines.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Very true, someone will make money out of it, that’s for sure!

      Like

      Reply
  39. The Reclining Gentleman Avatar
    The Reclining Gentleman

    Lots of dark tales this week, I enjoyed yours Iain. His truth caught up with him, as it tends to do eventually

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  40. Emily Livingstone Avatar
    Emily Livingstone

    A dark story! I love it. It ends just right.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Emily

      Like

      Reply
  41. magarisa Avatar
    magarisa

    Suspenseful story – it goes so well with the prompt!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. magarisa Avatar
        magarisa

        You’re welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

  42. lingeringvisions by Dawn Avatar
    lingeringvisions by Dawn

    Another mystery. I love it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Dawn.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  43. athling2001 Avatar
    athling2001

    Great story. Sad but true.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Afraid so, thank you.

      Like

      Reply
  44. Michael Wynn Avatar
    Michael Wynn

    Great story. People are certainly wondering what went on behind the railings this week.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Not much of it seems good. Thanks Michael.

      Like

      Reply
  45. Siobhan McNamara Avatar
    Siobhan McNamara

    There’s room for a lot of bodies in that garden. The dig could take a while!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Yep, could be a long few weeks…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.