The town square was placid. Bread was bought, coffee drunk, chess played.
I was never placid. Orderly routine filled me with divine rage. As a child, crossing the square, I would imagine a detonator in my pocket. Click, and Mme Albert vanished; click, and M Leroy became a puff of smoke. As I grew older, I dreamed of knives and bombs.
You probably think I’m a psychopath and came to a sticky end. Think again. I made my fortune and bought this town. Deploying the citizens on the board is much more fun than killing them.
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here
Fancy sharpening your skill with writing exercises? The Scrivener’s Forge offers a new exercise every month to hone one aspect of your craft. Take a look at this month’s exercise on character and world-building
Neil MacDonald Author 
Great ending twist, Neil. He found a legal way to seek justice. Good writing as usual. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks, Suzanne
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Loved the misdirect. This story fits the picture so well.
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Thanks, Michael
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Yes, a misdirection that finally drove home the point, which is there are legal ways to indulge in ones craziness. Great writing, Neil.
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Chilling. You don’t have a blonde comb-over under that hat, do you?
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I like that you made the connection
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Dear Neil,
Sinister game of Chess that. Well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, Rochelle
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It had such an eerie feel to it
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Thanks so much
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Well. That was certainly a different twist, and I’m so glad your character didn’t blow up the place and commit all sorts of mayhem 🙂
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The imaginary psychopath. Well I know it. Were I to behave like some of my characters, I would be in prison for sure.
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At least he channeled his aggression and anger into something non-violent. I wonder if that is the mindset of all politicians or people in power?!
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I wonder that too
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Well, it’s certainly true that many CEOs have psychopathic tendencies – not all of them become killers, but they are very good at manipulating others. Your man fits right in! Nice twist on the expected tale, Neil and very nicely written
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Thanks, Lynn
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My pleasure 🙂
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Childhood fantasies turned out to be the road to success.
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This is exactly the difference between a failed and a successful psychopath…
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Nice mis-direct.
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Thanks, Clare
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WE both enjoyed that one this evening.
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Thanks
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Perhaps a slower death? I loved the twist. Well done Mr. Neil.
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Thanks so much
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An unpleasant man. Like so many in possession of power.
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If I’d had more than 100 words I would have given him some positive qualities
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Enter the puppet master…
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I immediately thought of the Patrick McGoohan series, The Prisoner. One of my all-time favorite shows. Remember the human chess pieces?
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I don’t remember that. But my subcoscious may have
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Buying a town and playing chess with the citizens as board pieces sounds like a standard super villain gig. Love the descriptive start to the story.
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I looked at that picture and almost wrote about a bomber! That’s a divine twist at the end of your story, although it did creep me out, as it rang all too true and has definite parallels with many people in positions of power.
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Thanks, Sarah
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Nice twist. Always a surprise. Loved the read!
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Thanks, Sascha
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Loved the use of the word placid. I loved this dark twisted tale.
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Thanks Cindy
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You definitely have captured the hard-nosed tycoon’s voice.
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Thanks, Christine
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You had me worried – until the end. Phew!
My FF story, Ma Fantaisie Francais!
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A man who enjoys being in control. Chess seems like the perfect metaphor in your story, Neil.
Great take on the photo prompt.
Isadora 😎
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Thanks, Isadora
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I could just see the younger incarnation wishing away the local residents. That directness and honesty contrasts well with those later manipulative deployments.
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Thanks, Sarah Ann
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Oh oh oh! Elegantly sinister!
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Thanks so much
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I love the way the character has been described. All the usual prejudices about such opinions creeps in and then the twist! Loved it.
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Thanks so much
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My pleasure!
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Sounds like a politician.
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Such a diabolical character! You’ve made us hate him in a few words! Good job.
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thanks, Dawn
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A veritable megalomaniac but at least he found a way without hurting people. Physically that is.
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The question is, is that better?
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The last line really packs a punch. Enjoyed your story.
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Thanks so much
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Hoho a very spotty despot.
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