The Rich Customer
My entry for the Star Twister 56 – max 350 words, prompt was ‘deal’.
The Rich Customer belongs to the following groups:
Short stories - Spherical Scriptings, Twisted Tales and WMGHe walked into my workshop with a confidence I’ve learnt to associate with the rich.
‘Hello. You in charge?’
The question hung in the air like a hot air balloon.
When I nodded he extended his hand towards me. I looked down and felt awkward. It was clean, finely manicured. I turned round as if I hadn’t seen it and shuffled to the back of the workshop.
Some unfinished oak carvings littered the walkway, and I moved them to one side as I passed.
‘I like your work.’
I nodded once more.
‘I want something extraordinarily beautiful.. A one off if you like. I’ll pay you handsomely.. Double your usual fee..’
My eyes jumped from the wood stain I’d picked up, ran over the bench until they crashed into his. He must have sensed my anger, for he lowered his eyes.
‘Sorry. But I need a work of art in a hurry.’
It was always the same. Always in a hurry. As if the world had run out of time. I sighed.
Fear flickered across his face. ‘Look. We’ve done our research. We believe you are the best. I realise it’s not about money for you. But, if it helps, I’ll triple your usual fees. I need it finished in two weeks.’
I laughed.
Moments passed.
‘Three?’
I nodded once more.
‘Ok. It’s a deal. Three weeks.’ With that he placed more cash on the workbench than I’d ever seen and promptly left.
I’d used the best wood I could find. Worked every hour God had sent. Poured my soul into my creation. Just like normal. And oh what a beauty. One of my best. They all were. When he returned and saw my work of art, he’d gasped in delight and my heart had swelled.
He invited me to the unveiling.
This is where I am now. I can just see it and it looks just perfect, if a bit brightly lit. I’m hidden of course. Don’t much care for television. A flicker of recognition hits me like a brick wall. Is that Michael Jackson lying in there?
(C) Mark Bateman 2009
Inspired by Florence And The Machine song ‘My Boy Builds Coffins’
Teacup
Good one Mark. x
Mark Bateman replied
Thanks Teacup!
John Braxton ...
Nice job, Mark.
Mark Bateman replied
Cheers John.
dancharles
A good story Mark with a topical twist
Mark Bateman replied
Thanks Dan.
Alison Pearce
Great twist Mark!! I was kind of thinking some kind of forgery – and so I was totally off kilter at the end!! Whole tale was beautifully written as always :)
Mark Bateman replied
Thanks as ever Alison.
Solar Zorra
Surely wasn’t expecting Michael Jackson. Good story Mark. :) Solar
Mark Bateman replied
:D Thanks Solar Zorra!
KMorral
lol, great twist- the coffin and the contents, didn’t see either coming!
Mark Bateman replied
Glad you didn’t see it coming.. thanks.
Zolton
haaaa….. wouldn’t that be an honor? Most unexpected, Mark. Love your unique view of life. : )
Mark Bateman replied
Thanks Zolton – and I’ll take that as a compliment!!
ArcadiaTempest
I just did not see that coming at all….and liked the Michael J reference it worked so well with the all the media hype around his coffin of late… I think you have a really polished writing style :))
Mark Bateman replied
Ooowwww. Thanks so much Arcadia..
Jim Hall
Being a carpenter by trade, I must say that the use of the word oak tipped the scale. but i have to admit that it’s a wicked twist and a likely winner. Good one! JH
Mark Bateman replied
Thanks a lot Jim, as ever. Mind you, you have been so far off the money before…
ANNIESUNSHINE 7 days ago
What a great twist!