Smoke & Mirror
1st place CRIME STORY COMPETITION £200
by Peter Caunt
Peter Caunt has lived in North Yorkshire for over forty years and has been trying to get started writing all that time. He is now retired and has had time to accumulate a small pile of acceptances to go with the large pile of rejections. He has had stories published in various magazines, and is currently seeking interest in his fi rst novel.
I knock back another bourbon and think about going home. Then I hear the noise in the outer office.
Reaching for my Webley,
I edge towards the door.
Shadowed on the glass I can see an outline. A dame; but I take no chances.
I throw open the door. She steps back.
Her eyes wide and I hear the intake of breath through those pretty red lips.
‘Mr Travis? Mr Sam Travis?’
A customer. And a hell of a looker as well.
I motion to the armchair, ‘Sit down, Miss… ?’
‘Coverley, Anita Coverly.’
‘Well, Miss Coverley, what can I do for you?’ Her eyes follow as I slip the Webley back into the drawer.
‘Just a precaution. You could have been some lowlife.’
She’s certainly no lowlife. The outfit is Fifth Avenue, and fits in all the right places.
I lean over and offer her a cigarette from the box on the table.
‘No, no thank you.’ Her voice is soft with a slight tremor.
I lean back and take the sack of Bull Durham from my desk and begin rolling my own. She’s taking her time, but what the hell, I’ve nothing better to do than sit and appreciate the best looking dame I’ve seen in a long time.