They were here, and then they were gone—the couple at the next table. Sure, you tell yourself, it’s a restaurant. People sit, they eat, and go, in a constant carousel. But her laughter had been a coded message, unique to you, and the one glance across, unmistakable. That’s why they’d removed those diners, consumed in a single bite like an amuse bouche. Next, they will come for you. How to mount a defence? The fish knife? If only you’d ordered the steak!
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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
Neil MacDonald Author 
I’m not a lover of steak. So that’s why I always keep an axe under the table for such emergencies. Great take, Neil. Well done.
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I’m trying to imagine the size of your diamante handbag to conceal that axe on the way in. Thanks, Sandra
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🙂
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Already we’re concealing an axe. Just to be on the safe side, of course. Infectious humour in this one, Neil.
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Thanks so much, Jilly
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Dear Neil,
Being a lover of rare steak, I shall tuck this advice away for future reference. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It beats Sandra’s axes
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Spies and secret codes in laughter. Great.
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Thanks so much, James,
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Hmm. Perhaps one should take one’s own steak knife, tucked up one’s sleeve or hidden in a garter–just to be on the safe side 🙂
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It’s a dog-eat-dog world
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Not sure what the heck is going on here but good tension ratcheting.
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Well, there are two possibilities. One, people are being disappeared from the restaurant. Two, he’s having a strange interlude.
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OK, that helps, thanks, Neil.
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Good one.
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Ha. What’s a vegetarian to do?!
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Thanks so much, Sascha.
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I always have my old Swiss Army knife with me, I never know when I might need it – not that I ever have yet!
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You can’t take them on planes anymore
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That’s true!
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Running shoes, so far that’s the only defence I have.
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Not a bad defefence
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Steak it is then. I think a steel pen could make for a decent weapon.
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Mightuer than the sword
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hah! can’t he enjoy his meal in peace without looking over his shoulders?
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It seems not
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Great take! And I always order the steak so no problem!
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A wise precaution
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Laughter as a code? That sounds implausible and extremely clever.
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These cryptographers can be fiendish
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Disappearing diners…..I hope the restaurant is not one of Sweeney Todd’s 😄
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The demon baker?
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You probably know – he was a fictional barber written about in the 19th century who became a bit of a legend, he slit the throats of customers and his wife/partner baked them into pies – lovely 😄
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When the restaurants aren’t safe then we’re all in trouble. Or more trouble. I like the coded laughter.
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Thanks so much, Michael
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Disappearing diners! Something truly horrible is going on here. Intriguing interaction between the woman and the narrator – I want to know why she’s warning him. A very intriguing story.
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Thanks so much, Margaret
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A large handbag can conceal a good hunting knife.
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And many other sins
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I like the cadence to this, builds tension nicely. I’d look around to grab somebody else’s steak knife.
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Thanks so much
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An intriguing yet fun piece!
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Thanks so much, Dahlia
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Good thing he spotted them and their odd behaviour. A steak knife would be better but needs must, he’ll make do I’m sure. Get build into an action scene here.
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Thanks so much Laurie
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Neil you doing ok? Haven’t seen you at #FF and you are like clockwork.
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Thanks so much for being concerned. I’m very OK. I was away on a trip
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YAY! I’m glad and you are welcome.
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