Tuesday, June 09, 2009

the accordian player

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A crowded street. People passed by hardly aware of the busker performing in the shop doorway. Suddenly the piano accordion player slumped forward. As he fell a flash of light bounced off a steel blade protruding from his back and in seconds his white shirt blushed blood red.
He collapsed in a heap like a puppet with broken strings, the instrument beneath him emitting a wheezing breathless groan.

As the curtains swept across the stage the audience remained silent for a second or two before erupting in spontaneous applause. It was the interval and they made their way to the gilded bar where glasses clinked and chandeliers sparkled; a roomful of amateur sleuths each with their own idea of who committed that dastardly deed. The shrill bell rang time, and they made their back to their seats to await the outcome of this grisly tale.
Was it the man with the dog or the boy in the hoodie? Could it have been the lady in dark glasses or the beggar with the white stick? In thirty minutes or so, they all would know the answer.
*
The audience left the warmth of the auditorium for the chill of the night outside. In a doorway opposite the theatre, an accordion player squeezed a jolly tune. He suddenly stopped and the crowd turned and stared.







13 comments:

  1. Ah, a mystery with a hint of haunt at the end. An excellent short fiction.

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  2. wow, this is positively chilling...

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  3. Intriguing but you left me confused Was it the same accordian player? Is this a magical trick.

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  4. Think this is the first time I've read your work. Very interesting; very dark. I enjoyed it.

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  5. Welcome back Keith!! its been too long.
    short - to the point and chilling - simply delicious!
    visitors can see my submission for FF here
    http://annieevett.blogspot.com/2009/06/hot-keys.html

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  6. Ending leaves the reader as spooked as the audience. Great to be left with an arresting image.

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  7. Left with a mysterious tune. Just as I like them.

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  8. that is spooky! A very well written piece Keith. I love the expression and the visual imagery here!

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  9. obviously "White Snake" has paid a visit to your community. He does not like accordion players

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  10. An interesting short story, very dark and spooky, I have to agree with anyone here. Excellent!

    people can read my story at:
    http://tyuditha.wordpress.com/2009/06/12/the-murderer/

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  11. Oh, VERY well done. Life imitates art!

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