“You see, a man could find himself in a lot of trouble.” He was the typical sort. I’d seen them before: tall, no longer young, and dressed entirely in black. Sober and malign, but impressed with his own authority. He was leaning very close; I could smell his stale breath.
“A man could end up in a lot of hot water, in the end. Most people, well, they know the game and they play by the rules. No problem. But others refuse, they think they know better … they decline. Something as simple and straightforward as this, and they refuse. Can you believe it? You can be sure they’re not so happy now. Do you see?”
I could see, and I nodded quickly. This man had a mission, and I wasn’t about to divert him. I didn’t try to back out.
What a racket. Protection. They come to an honest man like me – a businessman, husband and father – and they want to sell me a solution to a problem they created in the first place. Ah, but once their gaze settles on you, once you’re marked, there’s nothing you can do. You either play their game or you’re damned.
“So, you will contribute?” He was still leaning close and breathing on me.
“Oh yes,” I said. “No worries there.” I spoke calmly, but I was boiling with fury. The push, the threat, the sheer bloody front of these people. They just walk in and deal out misery if I don’t play their game. Then they shake me down.
But what can I do? “Alright,” I said.
He straightened his back and smiled, a little too oily for my liking. But when was any of this ever to my liking? I reached for my wallet.
“I only have a tenner today, Father,” I said. “Will that do until Sunday?”
“You are a good man, Seamus,” he said, putting on his black hat and snapping up the cash. “The missionary priests will be very grateful. Bless you, and give my love to your delightful wife and daughter.”
Matthew Dalton
This man had a mission
Very clever Mr Bones. So many clues and still I failed to see what was coming.
I enjoy your writing – it’s good to see you back this week.
anya
Yes Mr Bones. Nice to see you return to the fray. I can almost hear the Irish accents. Lovely twist, to be sure.
Jeannette Sheehy
Excellent Mr. Bones – didn’t see that coming at all!! Great twist! :)
Mark Bateman
“dressed entirely in black. Sober and malign, but impressed with his own authority”... unfortunately so true. Great twist – and you had me right till the the fourth line up..
Alison Pearce
Great imagery!
Zolton
I like the writing style and the first paragraph was great. Haa… didn’t see the twist coming either!
Banalheed
Brilliantly done. Great story and amusing twist. I read with growing envy!
lightsmith
Gorgeous. Had no idea…... and it’s great!
Jeannette Sheehy
Congratulations on first place Henry!! Well deserved – fantastic story! Looking forward to your prompt for next week :)
henrybones replied
Thanks, Jeannette – and to everyone who commented. Having a fine old time with these twisty stories!
Matthew Dalton
Well done Mr Bones. This really is a great story.
henrybones replied
Thanks Matthew. Glad you liked it
Banalheed
Congratulations Henry. As I said before, a fantastic story and a deserved winner.
henrybones replied
I’ve had a lot of fun with these twisted tales. Thanks for your comments, BH. Much appreciated.
KMFalcon
Excellent. I read it a second time to get all the subtle comments that have such different meaning when you know the character’s. Yep the twist got me.
Bob Fox
Clever twist and moralistic comparison.