A Short Story…

Keith's Ramblings

…for The Sunday Whirl 

.

;

.

A roar goes up from the crowd as he receives the entrepreneur of the year award at the prestigious Business Ball 25. The jazz band strikes up as he holds his trophy aloft.

Look at him wandering around the ballroom shaking hands, kissing ladies on the cheek. Little do they know that it was he that conned them out of millions. They recovered, more didn’t having fallen victim to his evil ways.

It has to end. He needs to be eradicated. Tonight. But by whom? It needs to the person least likey to carry out such a deed.

Through a filmy curtain at a corner of the room she appears. A mysterious woman with glossy black hair, draped in a claret velvet gown. She strolls this way and that, then gently touches a lady on her shoulder. In that moment, the chosen one knew  what was needed of her.

The woman in the claret gown leaves the room and walks from the castle. It was as if she was never there. Forgotten by the crowd, stripped from their memories.

He’ll be murdered tonight by the chosen one. Even she will have no recollection of the task she carried out. Quite who that is will remain a secret, never to be revealed.

. 

.

,

.

I used all but one word and changed the tense of a couple – for your own sake I suggest you forgive me. By the way, any similarity to a certain television show is purely coincidental!

.

16 thoughts on “A Short Story…”

  1. Suzette Benjamin's avatar Suzette Benjamin Oct 12, 2025 / 17:53

    Wow~ Outstanding story. Love the intrigue, mystery and more in this fabulous tale, Keith. And a mysterious lady in red too…well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Denise's avatar Denise Oct 12, 2025 / 18:01

    No idea what show you are referring to, but there is someone I’d like to see eradicated – Mr. Big Beautiful Businessman – NOT!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings Oct 13, 2025 / 13:24

      I’m not saying unless I get a tap on the shoulder, but suffice to say US and Australia also have their own versions of it!

      Like

      Reply
  3. Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶's avatar Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶 Oct 12, 2025 / 19:09

    Intrigue, mystery and murder! All the makings for a fantastic story …. and using the prompt words, to boot! Excellent storytelling, dear Keith.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. messymimi's meanderings's avatar messymimi's meanderings Oct 13, 2025 / 23:31

    Well, that’s intriguing and excellent, especially that no one will ever know who, even the person who did it will not remember.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings Oct 17, 2025 / 14:56

    Incase you are wondering, the TV programme that inspired this piece is….The Traitors!

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment