The jagged edge of a smashed decorative glass hangs in the doorway. A gust catches it, sending it swinging into the wall. Another piece of blue shatters.

Progress through the dark house, flashlight highlights: furniture upturned, crockery smashed, cupboards ripped open.

Had they found it? Move upstairs, lift the floorboard. Still there, safe and sound. Sparkles in the torch beam: The Dauphin’s Sapphire.

A creak. The wind? Or a tread on the floorboard?

You fool, you led them straight to it.

Glimpse of a masked face, before thudding pain and darkness descends.

A final glint of blue, snatched away.

Copyright Jean L Hayes

Written for Friday Fictioneers 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). Come on everyone, just wear a mask.

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

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