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 visitย HERE.

To read more of the stories based on this weekโ€™s prompt, visitย HERE.

46 responses to “STREET HUSTLER”

  1. 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

  2. that was a great beginning and a nice ending.

    Like

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Like

  4. 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. 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 ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Liked by 1 person

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Like

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Janet ๐Ÿ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Di, then my plan has succeeded!

      Liked by 1 person

  8. michael1148humphris Avatar
    michael1148humphris

    A lovely teasing misdirect

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Nice one Ian, sounds like the start of an interesting story. I like the leg detail to, done well. Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! ๐Ÿฆƒ

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Like

  10. Expected a different profession, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Liked by 1 person

  11. looks like a place for movie sence.
    Coffee is on

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Great story, Iain. Love the twist.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, happy you liked it ๐Ÿ™‚

      Like

  13. 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

  14. 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. Thank you, exactly as I had hoped ๐Ÿ™‚

      Like

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 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

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Like

  18. Proves the old adage, โ€œSex sells,โ€ even if itโ€™s not whatโ€™s expected. Nice one.

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Like

  19. Nice bit of misdirection ๐Ÿ™‚

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Coming from the master of misdirection ๐Ÿ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Ha, I am but a humble student.

        Liked by 1 person

  20. 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! ๐Ÿ™‚ โค

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, I knew I was cheating the reader a bit, but hopefully in a good way ๐Ÿ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Nicely crafted twist Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

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