My Words, My World

99-word fiction: The stranger – part IV

Outside, the woman hunched her shoulders against the rain and crossed the car park. She started the car and left it idling, the lights off. She looked at her bag on the passenger seat.

A half of something is better than of whole of nothing; for now, she thought.

In the darkness she revved the car and watched the entrance. And waited.

Inside, the barman shook his head and pointed towards the door. The stranger felt his stomach twist and his blood chill. He hadn’t seen her car leave and she had a gun. She also had a motive.

If you haven’t read the previous stories, you can find them here:

99-word fiction: The stranger – part III

Thanks to Sharon, now I want to know what's going to happen every week...

The stranger sat with his hands in his coat pockets. The woman leaned forward, and felt inside his coat. She removed an envelope.

‘That feels about half of what was agreed.’

‘Half now, the other half …’

‘You’re in no position to negotiate.’

His eyes flickered down to his right hand, under the table.

‘I didn’t come empty-handed either. We can both get out of this if you finish your drink, and leave.’

Seeing no bluff, she drained her glass. With a smile, she stood, and left.

He asked for the bill.

‘Is there another way out of here?’