The assignment in the Keep Writing Challenge is to write a 250-word (exactly) story using the prompt "jack."
Another Throwaway Evening
Typical, Melvin thought. Another throwaway evening. Nothing
to do; nowhere to go. He grew sleepy as he half-listened to the game show on TV
and scrolled through Facebook. Finding nothing of interest on either device, he
closed his laptop and stretched out on the couch.
Melvin caught a word here and there from the TV and realized
that the game show had given way to a newscast while he’d dozed.
“Breaking News…. under the bridge…Cobb County … Roger
Edwards.”
Melvin’s eyes popped open at the name of his former boss. He
sat up abruptly. It had been almost 20 years. Had they found the body? Fully
awake now, he listened closely.
“Edwards, owner and CEO of Astrid Industries, disappeared in
1999, during a Federal investigation of his company. Tune in at 10 for our interview
with his wife and business partner, Colleen Edwards.”
Melvin pulled himself together. The cops had questioned him
back then, but they’d seemed satisfied with his answers. They’d had plenty of
better suspects to look at -- a jack like Roger collected enemies like magnets
collect pins. And Colleen – plenty of motive there. And any of her lovers….Still…
Resolutely, Melvin began preparing. Regretfully, he shaved
the dark wavy hair that attracted the ladies and his much-loved soul patch. The
ten grand he’d stashed in a sugar canister years ago was now stuffed into his
go-bag and waited by the door.
Melvin glanced back once and then closed the door. He’d have
no more “throwaway evenings” anytime soon!
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