Rachel Palmer is the readers’ choice in this week’s Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Challenge.
The winning entry is rewarded with a special feature here today and a place in our collection of winners which will be published as an e-book at year end.
Without further ado, here’s the winning entry:
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Switched Opportunity
by Rachel Palmer
“Enjoying the view?” Chad calls, so overtly flirtatious that Jessica thinks maybe it really was his arrogance that made him so easy to follow.
But she’ll play her part. “I’ve seen better.”
He laughs as he reaches her side, shaking his head like a dog until she has to step closer to block the salt water from touching her paints. “Well, I’ve seen better painting. Is that – what is that?”
The light, teasing tone puts her back up. “It’s an abstract. Of Goat Rock.”
“Ah, I see it.” He’s behind her, close enough for her to feel his heat along her entire body.
A thought comes and Jessica takes a moment to consider it, looking at him side-eyed in a way she knows he’ll take as flirting; of course he will. She’s been sent to kill. Perhaps she can, instead, take him back for her superiors to get information from. His kind are always the best to interrogate. Insult their pride and they’ll spill all their secrets.
Making sure her tone is only slightly warmer than it had been – wouldn’t want to seem too eager – she says, “I’ve got a gallery showing soon. If you’d like to see more.” To snag him, she lets her face imply there’s more to that invitation if he wants it.
‘This is almost too easy,’ she thinks.
She hardly feels the stiletto slide into her kidney before she’s lowered to the ground.
“Tell them I decline the invitation.”
Congratulations. Nice twist at the end. 🙂