Stopwatch Stories vol 9: Stopwatch Stories

By M Todd Gallowglas

The ninth installment of the flash fiction stories collection.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bard's Cloak of Tales
• Release date: Nov 23, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386205548

Book preview

SERENDIPITY

Two starving musicians happen to wander into a sex shop on the exact same night. Well, one wandered in, looking for something to inspire songs for her current project, a concept rock opera mix of Clerks and Rock of Ages set in a porn shop. The other came in because it was storming and he didn’t want to wait a half-an-hour at the bus stop just outside.

What’s that you’re humming? she asked.

Huh? he asked.

That tune, she said. You’re humming. What is it?

Oh, he said. Just a thing I’m working on. I have the melody, just no lyrics yet.

Hum it again?

He did. She improvised some lyrics. It clicked.

They wrote the song while he waited for the bus, and exchanged numbers.

A year later, their rock opera opened at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

TROUBLESHOOTER

The man opened his door and immediately knew something was wrong. The light in the living room was on. He took a step back, ushering his daughter back down the hall toward the elevator.

Take another step, Mister Chambra, a distinctly Southern American accent said, and you will never make it to the elevator.

Chambra stopped. Who are you? What do you want?

I’m a troubleshooter, the man replied.

Chambra felt like he’d just swallowed a block of ice. He hadn’t expected this and realized that was foolish.

Come in, the troubleshooter said. I’d rather keep this civil.

Not really having any choice, Chambra and his daughter, Shanti, entered the penthouse apartment.

Shanti, be a dear, the troubleshooter said. Go into your room and pack a bag. Favorite clothes and a couple of toys. We’re going to trip, a long trip, back to your mother.

Mommy! Shanti beamed as she raced to her room.

The man sitting on the couch, drinking a bottle of Chambra’s best imported beer, looked like a typical American business man. Nice suit. Well groomed. Except this man had a pistol resting on the coffee table in front of him.

Here’s what’s going to happen, the troubleshooter said. "I’m taking Shanti back to her mom. I have all the paperwork, passport, the whole deal. I know you have enough