Wednesday, June 20, 2012

FINAL INTERVIEW

I hope you enjoy this short story.

FINAL INTERVIEW

 Joyce Brennan



Her hands shook slightly and she clasped them together. I sat across the table from her and introduced myself.

“I don’t usually give interviews,” she said, “but I’ll make an exception because this is such a special day.”

Dressed in white, she began to fuss with her hair while attendants watched her every move. I couldn’t help but admire her natural beauty.

“I appreciate your time,” I said. “I guess my first question, how did you reach this point in your life?”

“I can sum it up in two words…true love.”

 “But there had been many obstacles.”

“That made it all the more exhilarating. We had overcome all odds.”

“We? You’re referring to you and Ted. How did you become attracted to Mr. Mason?”

“That should be obvious. Ted’s exciting and extremely handsome.”

I understood the attraction. Ted Mason’s face had graced the front pages of all the newspapers. Women from throughout the world were swooning over him.

“How did you cope with the letters he received from his fans?” I asked.

She waved her hand in the air. “I knew he was completely dedicated to me…to us.”

“Tell me how you met?”

“It was fate.” A blush crossed her pale face as she evaded my question. I tried another approach.

“Have you always lived in Texas?”

“No. Ted and I came here to get married.”

“Why Texas?”

“You know. The wild, wild West. It seemed appropriate. We had an amazing affair.”

I checked my notes. “Wasn’t Ted already married?”

“That happened years ago. We were completely devoted to each other.”

“Tell me, Gilda, did you have long term goals?”

A high giggle filled the room. “Ted and I lived for the moment. That’s more exciting.”

“Do you want to talk about Sylvia Tanner?

Her face paled briefly, but she quickly recovered. “I don’t think that’s appropriate. How do I look?”

“Fantastic.” I wasn’t lying. With her clear skin, light complexion and delicate features, she reminded me of Dresden china.

Our conversation was interrupted. “The priest is here. You’ll have to leave.”

Gilda smiled brightly. “You’ve been so kind. Now I must meet my intended. For better or worse, richer or poorer, till death…well you know.”

I knew.

I paced the floor until the designated time. I stood behind the curtains and when the lights dimmed, I cringed. Gilda Bennett joined her beloved by lethal injection. Sylvia Tanner became their final victim. Ted Mason had been executed six month before. The serial killers, now joined in death, were no longer a threat.


16 comments:

  1. I knew something was coming, but I didn't guess that! LOL Great story, wonderful twist. Thoroughly entertaining.

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    1. Ane, I love to write a story with a surprise ending. Glad you enjoyed it. Joyce

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  2. I would not have guessed the ending of this story in a million years. I was very surprised. I loved it.

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    1. Karen, I hope you share the story with your friends. Joyce

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  3. Great short story with an ending that blew me away! Loved it!

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    1. Edwina, I'm glad I caught you by surprise. That's the fun of writing a short story. Please pass the blog site to your friends.
      joycebrennan.blogspot.com

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  4. I love stories with a twist! Good job.
    BTW, I found your blog through LinkedIn's "Book Marketing / Do You Have a Blog?" group.

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  5. Great story. Very well done. I knew something was off and thoroughly enjoyed the way you unfolded your story and neatly wrapped it up.

    Thank-you for the link through LinkedIn.

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    1. I love to write short stories with a twist. Glad you enjoyed it. Joyce

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  6. Love this story and the knockout punch at the end. I never saw that coming. The pacing is a perfect lead-in to your ending, and even though it's a short piece, we still get to know a great deal about your character. Brava!

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    1. Thanks, I love to write flash fiction and short stories. Keep writing. Joyce

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  7. I like the twist at the end. It definitely caught me by surprise. Larry

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    1. That's the fun of a really short story. Glad you liked it. Joyce

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    1. Glynis, The goal of flash fiction or a short story is to catch the reader by surprise. Glad you liked it. Joyce

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