Friday, November 29, 2013

Terrible Minds Flash Fiction Challenge: 200 words, part 2

Written for the 2nd part of Chuck Wendig's 5 week flash fiction challenge on Terrible Minds.  Basically, one picks 200 words written by someone else for last  week's challenge, then adds their own 200 words to the mix.  Below, the story beginning I chose by Fatma Alici, and following that, the 200 words I added.


Another shot glass slammed down as Toops flashed her big, black eyes at me.  “Are you going to black out.”  Her tone as dry as the desert planet we had left.
I never black out. “  I grinned motioning for another shot.  “I’m only resting my eyes.”
 Toops rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.   “Yeah, I believe you, Lancer.  I really do.”  Her scarred fingers pushed her still full glass back and forth across the metal bar top.  “Didn’t you say we have a man coming in to offer us a job?
You handle all the contracts.  I’m your simple minded muscle.”  I winked at her.  “Me big man.  Me hit things hard.”  The burning fire scalded my throat as I took another shot.
Her hand snapped out faster than my eye could follow.  Those strong fingers crushed mine into my palm.  “Do not call for another shot.  I swear I will break your fingers right now.”
A hearty chuckle rumbled up my throat.  “Alright, alright boss lady.”
My fingers were released.  “We are partners.”
You say that now, but once the client gets here you’ll change your tune.”  She couldn’t deny it.  It was true.
---
The mark joined us not too long after that. I know they're supposed to be clients, but I can't help thinking of them as marks. Lancer likes to think of us as noble ruffians, taking on jobs to help the weak and disenfranchised. Truth is, we take on the jobs that pay the most. Sometimes that means we take the client for a bit of a ride.

Lancer was right about one thing: when the client arrives, I play boss. Pretty much have to; no one would buy me as the hired muscle – at least no one with all their bits in tact. Marks are always weary of a girl without a purpose. They'll buy me as the brains, but not the brawn.

Lancer brought this one in. I let him do that once in a while because it makes him feel like we're equal partners. More importantly, it makes the marks think that I'm hot stuff. They're so lucky to get me, I send one of my peons first to see if they're worthwhile instead of going myself. Doesn't always work, but when it does, it's a much bigger payday.


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ty said...

Wow, this challenge sounds intense! It's always exciting to see what writers can come up with under tight constraints, and the 200-word limit definitely poses a challenge. I'm curious to see how authors will use their words wisely to craft a compelling story. Plus, with a prompt like "The last person on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock at the door," there's bound to be some creative and unexpected twists. I'm looking forward to reading the entries and seeing how the prompt is interpreted. Good luck to all the participants!

Auto Parts said...

Chuck Wendig has once again proven his mastery of the flash fiction genre. Part 2 of his Terrible Minds Flash Fiction Challenge delves deeper into the mysterious world of the protagonist's dreams, where reality and fantasy blur together in a surreal and unsettling way. The vivid descriptions and unexpected twists keep the reader on the edge of their seat, leaving them eager to see what happens next. Wendig's ability to pack so much depth and meaning into such a short piece is truly impressive, making this challenge a must-read for any fan of flash fiction.