Interrogation (1st Place)

Blood oozed down Clay’s chin from the corner of his mouth. He licked the wound and tasted the repulsive substance. He glared at Tommy and clenched his fists. The ropes held his wrists tight behind the hard-wood chair.

“Are you ready to talk?” Tommy stated -- fully knowing the answer.

“Go to hell.” Clay spat at Tommy’s feet.

“Oh, I will. But I’m taking you with me.”

Another vicious right cross to Clay’s jaw spewed more blood which splattered against the wall. A large welt formed on his cheek.

“I told you all I know anyway.”

“Why don’t I believe you, Clay? You are the last one to know where the diamond was.”

“I told you what happened and where the diamond is.”

“Well, it was hard to find, because it wasn’t there you filthy lying piece of…”

“Wait.”

“For what? For you to lie to me again?”

“There’s only one person who could have possibly moved it.”

“I’m listening.”

“Who exactly went to look?”

“Me and Nigel. Who do you think?”

“Who got there first?”

“Nigel went in first and I… You’re not saying…” Tommy’s words melted into the still air as he posed in thought. “That bastard.”

“You’re telling me. I’m the one getting pounded into a fine powder.”

Tommy stormed from the room and slammed the six-paneled door.

Clay worked and twisted at the ropes. His wrists rubbed raw, he finally slipped free. Exhausted, Clay heard two men arguing down the hall. He scampered down the hall and dropped out the open window.

Kara posed, hands on hips at the edge of the woods.

“What took you so long?”

“I was a bit busy.” He rubbed his jaw as if in response. “Where’s the diamond?”

“Right here.” She held up the sparkling gem. “Just waiting on you.”


299 Words

Flash Story
Limited to 300 Words
Must contain the line: "it was hard to find, because it wasn’t there"