IAIN KELLY

GABRIELLA

He shifted the pawn forward and sat back.

He undid the top button of his shirt and took a slug of the oaky scotch.

‘You don’t have to hide, I know you’re here,’ he called out to the empty room.

A head of chestnut hair rose silently from behind the chessboard. How had she managed to get so close?

He looked into the frozen stare. ‘Who sent you?’ he asked.

She answered by raising the silenced gun barrel.

‘You know, my whole life…’

His last reverie was interrupted by three bullets. One to the head, two to the heart.

And then she was gone.


chess-eyes
Copyright Jeff Arnold

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.


BANNER LAUNCH DATE

Gabriella is a central character in my first novel, ‘A Justified State,’ a political thriller set in an imagined future. The Kindle edition will be released on the 3rd of November (this Saturday), and is available to pre-order now through Amazon. The paperback edition is available to order now through Amazon in most territories: UK / US / GER / ITA / JAP / CAN. More territories to follow soon.

114 responses to “GABRIELLA”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar

    I tasted the scotch

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Hopefully not while being resigned to your fate…

      Like

      1. neilmacdon Avatar

        No guns so far. All quiet

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar

        Phew, thank goodness for that 🙂

        Like

  2. pensitivity101 Avatar

    Great intro Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Di – my favourite character to write in the novel 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Varad Avatar

    As I read through I was thinking this would be a great way to introduce a badass character. Great to see it actually is. Good work, Iain and good luck for ‘A Justified State’

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Varad. She is pretty badass. Hope you can find the time to check out the novel.

      Like

  4. Sandra Avatar

    Clearly a woman of few words. But all action, unfortunately for your main character. Nicely done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      No time for small talk when there’s a job to be done. Thanks Sandra.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Susan A Eames Avatar

    Good grief, I wasn’t expecting that. Thanks for surprising me, Iain.

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      You’re welcome. Thanks Susan.

      Like

  6. Snow's Fissures and Fractures Avatar

    She’s a kick-ass for sure. Great story.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much, she is indeed 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  7. michael1148humphris Avatar
    michael1148humphris

    A man with foresight, no bullet hole in the shirt. Seriously as usual I enjoyed your offering. Hope the book goes well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Michael, if you have time, do check it out.

      Like

  8. J Hardy Carroll Avatar

    I thought for a moment it was “okay”scotch, something like J&B or maybe Johnny Red. A violent end. Three in the head seems a bit excessive, but sometimes you just gotta “murder the hell out of that motherf***er.”

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Well, yes, I think she likes to make sure the job is done 🙂

      Like

  9. ceayr Avatar

    She might just have countered with her own pawn!
    Nice photo of Glasgow’s Squinty Bridge.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you CE. No time for a long chess game here. A bridge of similar design plays an important role in the novel – well spotted.

      Like

  10. Anita Avatar

    End of game.
    Great twist.
    This victim is not gonna be a victim any more. She has settled the score…
    Have a great week!
    Queen In Quicksand – Anita

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Anita.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar

    I can almost feel that he expected it to come… I imagine him being a sexual predator, but then on the other hand I think Gabriella should have aimed lower.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Ha. She certainly seemed sure this was what he deserved, whatever he had done.

      Like

  12. James Pyles Avatar

    Well, that was sinister.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Let’s hope she had good reason.

      Like

  13. Reena Saxena Avatar

    Look forward to the book … Gabriella is fascinating!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much Reena, I’m glad you think so 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  14. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Iain,

    Gabriella is a force to be reckoned with. Best wishes on the book.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Rochelle, she certainly is 🙂

      Like

  15. Liz H Avatar

    Now THAT’S a deadly chess match!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      What’s the point if the stakes aren’t high? 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz H Avatar

        ‘Zackly!

        Liked by 1 person

  16. BarbCT Avatar

    Love this preview of Gabriela’s character. I don’t normally read political thrillers (especially when the setting is a foreign country) , but I love your writing so much I just HAD to pre-order it. I’m really looking forward to reading it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Oh thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it. Although a political thriller it is not set in a specific real country so no knowledge of real world situations required. Do leave a review or let me know what you think once you’ve read it 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. BarbCT Avatar

        Will do. 👍

        Liked by 1 person

  17. ForgivingConnects Avatar

    Wow, very real and powerful. Congratulations Iain on your first novel coming out this weekend! Blessings to all who read it. 🙂 Debbie

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much Debbie 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Jelli Avatar
    Jelli

    Congratulations on your novel’s release! 🙂 Your story this week is very powerful. Rings too too true for the week.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, I do hope you will find time to give it a look 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  19. pennygadd51 Avatar

    Excellent story, Iain, with not a word wasted. Lean and muscular writing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Penny

      Like

  20. pennygadd51 Avatar

    PS Good luck with the novel – I hope you sell plenty!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Penny, do give it a look if you have the time 🙂

      Like

  21. Dale Avatar

    First off: good luck wih the book! Another FF-er to read!!

    As for your story. It was so well-described, I could taste the scotch and feel the mood… I wonder if he knew his demise was nigh…

    Like

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Dale, do let me know what you think or leave a wee review if you get a chance to read the novel. I get the feeling he was resigned to his fate here.

      Like

      1. Dale Avatar

        I will indeed!!
        Hmmm. Wonder if he deserved it…

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar

        Now that’s another story…

        Liked by 1 person

  22. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar

    He undid the top button of his shirt and took a slug of the oaky scotch. ~ this line really foreshadows the tension, although this reader didn’t realize it at first read. Nice.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you for spotting the little details Alicia 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  23. JS Brand Avatar

    A chiller that stands on its own, buy also a nice way to whet the appetite Iain. Good take.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, glad your appetite is whetted! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. JS Brand Avatar

        It definitely is Iain.

        Liked by 1 person

  24. 4963andypop Avatar

    Very James Bond-y. Of course scotch is not a martini. Your last lines make it unclear who shot whom–the fact he is telling the tale might give us a clue…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      There is only one person holding a gun, that is the main clue 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. 4963andypop Avatar

        Well now I feel silly. For some reason I thought it was written first person!

        Liked by 1 person

  25. JoHawkTheWriter Avatar

    That is one way to get your man. She sounds like the type who carefully considered her options. Nicely done Iain and best of luck to you on the book launch.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Jo, I do hope you get the chance to give it a look 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  26. granonine Avatar

    Congrats on the book, Lain. I hope it does superbly well.

    As for this post–certainly drew me in! This has turned out to be quite a sinister chess game!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much. Fingers crossed for the book, I do hope you will check it out if you have the time 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. granonine Avatar

        Yes, I will.

        Liked by 1 person

  27. Russell Avatar

    She’s a cold-hearted killer. I like her already!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Russell, she’s very likable – so long as she’s not coming for you! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  28. anuragbakhshi Avatar

    A child assassin? Now THAT I would definitely like to read more of 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Abhijit Ray Avatar
    Abhijit Ray

    Silent assassin! Why was he killed? Nice suspense.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I will let you decide what you think he had done. Thank you.

      Like

  30. draliman Avatar

    Finally, an assassin who doesn’t hang around for the final words, just gets on with the job 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Yes, no time to explain grand plans for world domination here, just do the job and move on 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    Fortunately, there wasn’t one to the scotch bottle!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      She may have pocketed that on the way out.

      Like

  32. Priya Avatar

    One hell of a character! Good luck with your novel, Iain. I wish you all the success.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Priya, do take a look at the novel if you get a chance and let me know what you think 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  33. liz young Avatar

    That was a surprise. Good luck with the novel.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Liz 🙂

      Like

  34. mjlstories Avatar

    Good luck with the book. That’s quite an introduction to Gabriella. We have one thing in common at least – I never was very keen on chess but can’t say I ever went to those lengths.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, do check it out if you like the sound of Gabriella 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  35. plaridel Avatar

    and so it wasn’t a romantic rendezvous after all. poor guy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Alas, it seems to have been the furthest thing from her mind!

      Liked by 1 person

  36. James McEwan Avatar

    Those pesky assassins they just like to creep up on you. Nicely built tension.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      The good ones are the worst – you never see them coming!

      Liked by 1 person

  37. Laurie Bell Avatar

    Ooooo deliciously creepy. Doll assassin! Delightful Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Laurie

      Like

  38. StuHN Avatar

    Nicely done. At first, I thought it was a child, sent to fetch him from his solitude. And then there’s the gun. Suspenseful in the whole telling.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Stuart

      Like

  39. jillyfunnell Avatar

    Gabriella – cool as ice cream but not in the least sweet. I am sure her job appraisal form highlights her thoroughness – “a completer/finisher”. Very best wishes for the future of your book, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Haha, yes I can see her getting good reports at her annual appraisal! Thank you Jilly, do let me know what you think if you get a chance to read it 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  40. i b arora Avatar

    gruesome end to the game.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It was high stakes for sure.

      Like

  41. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar

    The beginning lines indicate he’s resigned to his fate. Well told! Congratulations on your first novel. I look forward to reading more about Gabriela.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much Brenda, he is resigned indeed. Hope you get the chance to read more about her and do let me know what you think of the novel if you get the chance to read it 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  42. Tina Stewart Brakebill Avatar

    Fun (deadly) fun 😵

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  43. lisarey1990 Avatar

    Very fascinating. Best of luck with the book!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Lisa, do check it out if you get the chance 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. lisarey1990 Avatar

        Will do! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  44. theministryofshrawleywalks Avatar

    Gabriella sounds super cool, and this time I know I will find out more in A justified state, Brilliant Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, I think she is pretty cool 🙂 The book is officially released today so do check it out on Amazon 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  45. AshleyDannie Avatar
    AshleyDannie

    Wow! Not where I thought that was going! Great job!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Ashley

      Liked by 1 person

  46. Inside the Mind of Isadora Avatar

    I was almost expecting it to end with her sitting next to him drinking that oaky scotch.
    No sense in wasting a good drink. : ) Great story …
    Isadora 😎

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, that’s a neat idea!

      Liked by 1 person

  47. subroto Avatar

    What a waste. Of a perfectly good bottle. A chilling story indeed. Congratulations and best wishes on the book.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

  48. Piyali Avatar

    I like Gabriella. She seems badass. Congratulations on your novel, Lain. Will surely check it out.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, hope you enjoy it 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  49. magarisa Avatar

    He must not have expected her to shoot him. Otherwise, how could he have been so calm? You’ve painted a vivid scene. Congrats on the new novel!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Or perhaps he was just resigned to his fate. Thank you very much, do let me know if you get a chance to read it 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. magarisa Avatar

        I will definitely let you know once I get the chance to read your book.

        Liked by 1 person

  50. michaelwynnauthor Avatar

    Ha you threw me for a moment as I started reading your book before this and thought, ‘sounds familiar.’ It works well here and I’m enjoying the book so far

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Michael, a little introduction to her. That’s the first bit of feedback on the book, glad you’re enjoying so far!

      Liked by 1 person

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