IAIN KELLY

STREET HUSTLER

This was her spot. Ideally quiet away from traffic at the end of the alley, yet near enough to the main roads of the city centre to guarantee custom.

She had fought off challengers over the last few months. Not just other, older, more experienced girls who knew a prime sight when they saw one, but drug pushers trying to claim her corner too.

She had a couple of loyal consumers that she could rely on to keep her income steady. The authorities had tried to move her on in the beginning, had given her a formal warning, but now let her be.

She adjusted her short skirt – always helped to show a bit of leg, cynical but true – and got set for another day of work.

She threw the strap over her head, adjusted the tuning on her guitar and then confidently hit the first chord.

Soon a small crowd had gathered and her guitar case held a few shiny coins and a couple of notes. Enough to add to her savings and finally get her out of this small town.

The big city beckoned.


steps
Copyright John Brand

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.

46 responses to “STREET HUSTLER”

  1. aramblingcollective Avatar
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

  2. Shweta Suresh Avatar

    The story took an unexpected turn. I hope that she can save up to finally move out of the small town! Great story, Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  3. syncwithdeep Avatar
    syncwithdeep

    that was a great beginning and a nice ending.

    Like

  4. ceayr Avatar

    Nice misdirection, Iain, unless it’s just my sordid mind!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Not at all, I knew exactly where I was trying to lead the reader. Glad it worked as desired.

      Like

  5. JS Brand Avatar

    A compact but beautifully formed story Iain. You’ve fitted in an impressive range of social issues. I thought early on that there was a twist coming, but you wrong-footed me and took me by surprise with what the twist was. Loved it.

    I wondered whether you’d sussed where the photo was taken?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I hadn’t thought too much about the location, but knowing now, I can see it belonging to S. Queensferry. Glad my twist managed to still catch you out a little 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Jordan Avatar

    Nice twist Iain! It took it to a totally different place, amazing. Jordan

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Jordan, I’m glad the twist worked.

      Like

  7. scr4pl80 Avatar

    Typical Iain work. You make us think one way and then BAM it ends another. Nice.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Janet 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  8. pensitivity101 Avatar

    Lovely Iain. Glad she was a street busker, didn’t see that coming.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Di, then my plan has succeeded!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. pensitivity101 Avatar

        It did indeed!!

        Liked by 1 person

  9. michael1148humphris Avatar
    michael1148humphris

    A lovely teasing misdirect

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Michael

      Liked by 1 person

  10. mandibelle16 Avatar
    mandibelle16

    Nice one Ian, sounds like the start of an interesting story. I like the leg detail to, done well. Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! 🦃

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Mandi, always lovely to hear from you, hope you are well and enjoying Thanksgiving!

      Like

  11. Joe Owens Avatar

    Expected a different profession, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Joe, that was where I hoped to take you!

      Liked by 1 person

  12. peppylady (Dora) Avatar

    looks like a place for movie sence.
    Coffee is on

    Liked by 1 person

  13. notestowomen Avatar

    Great story, Iain. Love the twist.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, happy you liked it 🙂

      Like

  14. Abhijit Ray Avatar
    Abhijit Ray

    A feisty girl, knows her mind and capable to fighting drug pushers and other girls who want her corner. Good luck to her.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. aheartforafrica641064503 Avatar
    aheartforafrica641064503

    Nice story, Iain. I liked the twist at the end. Her true profession was completely different from the one I was thinking of.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, exactly as I had hoped 🙂

      Like

  16. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    Either a tasty twist or she had two jobs! Nice one Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Ah, I never thought of it like that, but then a lot of people today do need to work 2 jobs to get by!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. neeltheauthor- author of WHEN LIFE THROWS THOSE CURVE BALLS Avatar

    Your stories have a seamless narrative arc which is so very attractive. As usual, wonderful writing Kelly.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Neel

      Like

  18. Darnell Cureton Avatar

    Wonderful. I wrote a story that started out like this one. You never know what you’re reading until you read it. Bravo!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Darnell, got to keep the reader on their toes!

      Like

  19. Bobby Fairfield Avatar

    Proves the old adage, “Sex sells,” even if it’s not what’s expected. Nice one.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I’m thinking it might be the only way I’ll ever get that book publishing deal!!

      Like

  20. anuragbakhshi Avatar

    Nice bit of misdirection 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Coming from the master of misdirection 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. anuragbakhshi Avatar

        Ha, I am but a humble student.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. Jelli Avatar
    Jelli

    Not the ending I was expecting… but a good one, nonetheless. I could picture the girl, skimpy dress…expected a john on the horizon… threw me with the guitar. Loved it! 🙂 ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, I knew I was cheating the reader a bit, but hopefully in a good way 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Dahlia Avatar

    Nicely crafted twist Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Dahlia

      Liked by 1 person

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