On previous visits I used to miss my anonymity, but this time was different. My arrival (with the inevitable ripple in reality) had stirred up the enemy like kicking an anthill – I could sense their anxiety, their restlessness, their searching gaze. But I found myself relishing rather than resenting it. I suppose it was just good to be back in the field. It was what I was made for, after all.
But there was still the target to be found. Leaving the river, I plunged into the maze of narrow streets at the heart of the city. The pavements were no longer deserted but I remembered a time when the river basin was a forest of tall masts, when the shipyards and docks never slept, and when it was easier to disappear into darkness and fog.
There were two of them on lookout duty, but they weren’t experienced operatives. When I made eye contact and greeted them, I don’t think they knew what to make of it. They were clearly so wrapped up in their celestial radiance that they expected their quarry to cower before it and I passed without difficulty. I hadn’t been trained for nothing.
Radiance my arse.
Comments
celticman | March 2, 2011 - 00:02
I can't remember the first one. I'll need to go back and look, but this is classic thriller territory.
Silver Spun Sand | March 2, 2011 - 08:46
'Classic thriller territory'...I like that description, and agree.
Tina
MistakenMagic | March 2, 2011 - 11:00
Really love the voice of your narrator in this one, Rob. Great last line too ;)
Magic xxx
insertponceyfre... | March 2, 2011 - 20:39
we still don't know who they are yet, do we? (I didn't look back because I thought it would be cheating somehow) - very good way to end Rob!
fatboy74 | March 2, 2011 - 22:24
Yes, very good - like Magic i'm already rooting for this narrator because of the ending - I kinda wanted him to waste those guys Jack Bauer style - but i'm sure all that's to come. Love the description of the old docks. :-)
Dynamaso | March 2, 2011 - 22:51
Fatboy took the words out of my mouth - is this character a medievel Jack Bauer? Looking forward to reading more.
rjnewlyn | March 2, 2011 - 23:51
Many thanks Celticman, Tina, Magic, Insert, Fatboy and Dynamaso
I'm pleased it looks like thriller territory - I'm not hugely familiar with the genre (in written form, that is) but was aiming for something of that ilk.
I'm also very pleased it isn't too obvious what's going on (it's obvious to me but then I'm not the reader). I think it will leak out over the next few.
Very kind comments
Rob
Sooz006 | March 18, 2011 - 06:39
I've got Annie Lennox in my head singing something about angels, but I'm sure I'm way off beam. Liked this and the mystery of it. You write easy. I can't decide whether I like the bite-sized pieces, or not. Might get back to you on that one, but for now, onto little-bit, 3. I do like that I can get through several in one sitting.
rjnewlyn | March 19, 2011 - 00:46
Many thanks Sooz. Well you've read ahead now but weren't too far off ... Yes, I personally like 200 words because they fit on a screen all at once. I find scrollbars oddly tiring.
Rob
Sooz006 | May 14, 2012 - 20:24
I'm guessing this is London, but for some odd reason I've got Prague in my head.
rjnewlyn | May 15, 2012 - 16:55
I don't think it's specified. I've tried (until the current set) to avoid specifying places because I worry that it cramps what's in people's heads.
Rob