IAIN KELLY

RAMBLIN’ MAN

It would be nice to stay, sitting in his chair under the trees, letting the sunlight warm his face.

But his instinct said it was time to move on. He’d done all he could here: broke a few hearts, sowed some seeds of dissent, encouraged a few minor indiscretions.

In time, the place would fall, they always did, and he would call back to see the fruits of his labour. Until the then, it was time to go.

Soon all that was left was the settling dust of the fresh tyre tracks, and the echo of his voice singing along to the car stereo.

‘Please allow me to introduce myself…’

Copyright Bill Reynolds

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).

For no particular reason, The Rolling Stones song ‘Sympathy for the Devil’ inspired this little tale.

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

‘The Barra Boy’ is available now. You can find all the information for getting a copy HERE.

49 responses to “RAMBLIN’ MAN”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar

    Now that’s who we need for Prime Minister

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      He’d get voted in in a heartbeat – not that you need to be voted in these days.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. pensitivity101 Avatar
  2. Liz H Avatar

    No sympathy for THAT guy. 👹

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Good song though 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  3. msjadeli Avatar

    Iain, such a good story as I read along, but that last killer line, took it to the next level. Excellent!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Ah, thank you so much 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. msjadeli Avatar

        You’re very welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. pensitivity101 Avatar

    Good stuff Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. pensitivity101 Avatar

        You’re welcome

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar

    Somehow I don’t like this fellow very much. I hope he gets his come uppins’. Well done/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Alicia

      Like

  6. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Iain,

    He sounds like a self absorbed fellow.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Rochelle

      Like

  7. elmowrites Avatar

    Someone’s got a high opinion of himself. I wonder if it’s merited.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I’m pretty sure he has a track record of ‘success’!

      Like

  8. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    I hope he doesn’t sit down next to me!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Bill Avatar

    I am cheering you on with this story, Iain.
    Of course I knew it was the Stones’ song when I read the last line, thus my smile and one raised eyebrow. On second reading “Goodbye Stranger” by Supertramp also started playing in my mind. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Bill, glad you appreciated it 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  10. creatingahome Avatar

    I do not like him at all.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      To be fair, he’s not looking to be liked 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. creatingahome Avatar

        I thought as much.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. poetisatinta Avatar

    No moss on that ‘Devil’ – great story Iain 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  12. dorahak Avatar

    We really make it too easy for him, don’t we? Great writing as usual, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks so much, and yes we do!

      Like

  13. plaridel Avatar

    good for him, he knows when time is up.:)

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Bear Avatar

    Good one. Leaves you wondering who/what he is exactly. But it’s a good wondering. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Patricia Clair Avatar
    Patricia Clair

    Oh, this one was GOOD. Definitely saw The Devil himself sitting there.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks so much 🙂

      Like

  16. Nobbinmaug Avatar

    I can thank my dad and his loud stereo for my understanding of that reference. Great song and story.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, my dad left his mark with his music choices too!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Tannille Avatar

    Karma… wait for karma…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It hasn’t caught up with him yet…

      Like

  18. granonine Avatar

    A different sort of Pied Piper? Sounds like a good one to stay away from 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Oh definitely steer clear!

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar

    Loved the Stones! I can guess his name (haha). Thanks for the song, had to listen to it again. I could just imagine your character’s smug grin as he moved on to create more chaos. Entertaining tale as usual, Iain! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Brenda, those that know the song definitely get more out of this story!

      Like

  20. Liz Young Avatar

    I don’t like him much, though you described him well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  21. subroto Avatar

    Rolling Stones always work, though in this story the first thing that came to my mind was smooth operator.
    Nicely done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Could apply equally 🙂

      Like

  22. Na'ama Yehuda Avatar

    Oy vey and too true. I don’t think I like sneaky people much at all.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. authorfleurl Avatar

    This fellow sounds dodgy. I hope karma gives him a kick somewhere. Great story.

    Liked by 1 person

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