The affair had been stupid, a typical middle-aged spasm to prove there was still life in the old dog.
The grey tarmac rolled on in front of him, miles of it already lay behind. On the horizon ahead, blue sky met blue sea.
‘Why the hire car?’ she had asked when she had picked him up for their secret weekend away.
‘My own car is too distinctive,’ he smiled at her. Her twenty-year old conspiratorial smile beamed as she slipped into the passenger seat.
He rounded a curve and pulled in to the familiar lay-by. It hadn’t changed in the intervening years since his last visit.
The early morning silence assured him no other cars were approaching.
Moving the dead weight from the passenger seat to the driver’s side was unpleasant. He thanked her silently for the last chance to relive his youth, wiping her brunette hair away from her placid face.
Then he closed the door and pushed.
He watched until the surface of the water settled before lifting his backpack and setting off back along the road.
He was expected home for family dinner at six. Whistling along with the morning birds, he set off along the road.
Written as part of Sunday Photo Fiction. Write a story of around 200 words based on the photo prompt given (above). Hosted by Susan Spaulding. For more details visit HERE.
To read more of the stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE
Another good tale Iain.
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Thanks Di
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This has scope for growth, Iain.
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Thank you Roberta
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20 years is a life abbreviated. I wonder if she had any thought he had it in for her? Iain, your skill is very strong here.
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Thanks Joe, I fear she was completely unsuspecting.
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Putting your story into an image comes naturally to you. I enjoy what you come up with in the writing prompts. Keep up the excellent writing. (no pressure! lol)
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Thank you so much for the encouragement Darnell.
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First have an affair and then kill her. Dangerous liaison!
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For her it certainly was!
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Dangerous for her certainly!
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Nice guy!
But tidy, at least.
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Leaves things as he finds them.
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Oh my God.
Dude! Sometimes you scare me…
Well-played, Sir Iain!
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Disclaimer: this is not based on anyone real, including myself 😉
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Lol!
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Nice one. Hope he makes it right on time for the dinner! hahaha.
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It would round off a perfect Sunday! Thank you.
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Great writing, as usual, Iain. What a way to end an affair. Poor girl.
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I don’t think he gave much thought to her feelings in this matter. Thank you.
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A very cheerful murderer.
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Someone who enjoys what he does.
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What a selfish pig. Hate to be his wife.
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I suspect he hides this side of himself from her. Do you think she suspects anything?
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Seems that having served her purpose she was duly disposed of. He sounds very contented!
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It’s nice to be content with ones work.
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Well done, but very creepy. His matter-of-factness makes it all the more scary.
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He seems very at ease with it all. Thank you.
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Superb flash. The story had a staccato cold bloodedness that served to bring in the sheer horror of it all. Excellent writing,
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Thank you very much Neel, much appreciated.
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That poor unsuspecting girl. It’s scary how he could be so cheerful after what he did. I feel sorry for his family, especially his wife who has no clue–as yet, the true nature of the man she’s been married to all this time.
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These things have a habit of coming back to catch them – let’s hope so!
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Whoa. So very matter of fact, the guy!
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Like he’s used to doing it…
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I hope her ghost haunts him until he confessed to both his wife and the cops.
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If she has a ghost, it’s definitely going to be after him!
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Well, that was unexpected – nice one Iain!
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Thank you Debs! Hope you are well 🙂
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omg.. that was a cold-blooded murder. i think u should develop this story with their past or future
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Thank you 🙂
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Oh wow, that took a turn. A very interesting excerpt to a potentially fantastic murder mystery novel. Nice job as always Iain!
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Thank you Jade
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I think the most chilling part is how nonchalant he is in disposing of the body. He even still has an appetite. It’s as if it doesn’t affect him at all. He could do this every weekend! Great story man!
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Every weekend might be a bit stressful. Once a month perhaps?! 🙂 Thank you Jacob.
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I wonder what he was proving to himself by killing her. You’ve pointed a selfish character who’e not at all easy to like. Well done.
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Proving that he can still get away with it, I think. No he is not easy to like at all.
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This is one dangerous fellow Iain. I have a feeling that he will come to a sticky end
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So far, he’s in the clear!
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A true family man 🙂
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Always puts them first 🙂
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Something about the photo inspires bloodthirsty instincts! I am sure he had a good dinner – nicely crafted as usual Iain
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Thank you Dahlia
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