Copyright – Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
“You can’t go wrong with bricks and mortar.”
Vernon recalls his father’s advice. The old houses seem tired now, as though it’s becoming an effort to keep up appearances.
Children’s laughter drifts through a window. Sounds of life. Vernon is no longer the man of vigour who created these buildings, but he loves to walk here and remember the passion, his ruthless refusal to be second best, cutting down competitors to build his empire, starting at the bottom with trowel and cement.
These houses will surrender, in time. People will wonder at the whitened bones in the crumbling brickwork, but he’ll be long past telling.
*****
This is another one for Friday Fictioneers, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’ weekly flash fiction challenge.
Onto the page 
Oh my. Nice twist.
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Thank you, Tracey.
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Wasn’t expecting that!
Love the tired houses.
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Thank you, Miranda. Glad you were surprised.
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Something about this photo makes us think of bodies buried! Nice twist ending.
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It took me a while to come up with my bodies. I thought I’d never get going this week. Thanks for commenting.
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That turned beautifully at the end. Well orchestrated twist.
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Thank you, Sandra. I’m glad it worked.
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Talk about ruthless! I’d hate to think he really will get away with it.
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It’s a horrible thought, but I think he will. Thanks for commenting, Alice.
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This is such a perfect story for this photo. Really well done, Margaret. I like the line about the houses surrendering. I wonder if the place is haunted because of the buried bodies.
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There’s certainly something strange going on down deep. I’m delighted that you like my story, Amy. I took a while to get an idea for this prompt, so it’s very encouraging to think it worked. Thank you for your kind comment.
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Dear Margaret,
Sounds like daddy had a grisly method of dealing with competitors. Well written turn of events with great descriptions.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle. I’m glad you liked it. Vernon’s a determined man. And a very happy birthday to you. Hope you’re feeling top of the world.Cheers, Margaret
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Ruthless indeed! Nice take on the prompt and well-written, I could feel the weariness and weight of it.
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That’s great. I’m glad that came across. Thanks so much for your response.
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I enjoyed reading your story
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I don’t think Vernon feels any remorse either. In fact, I think he’s beyond feeling. Well written.
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I think he’s just sorry that his glory days are over. Thanks for reading and commenting, Russell.
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Beautiful and surprising end. Is it bad that I like Vernon for some reason? I feel for him remembering the good old days, even though he wasn’t exactly “good” in them.
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I’m delighted that you like Vernon. Even the worst villains are human after all, and Vernon’s just a harmless old man now – I think. Thank you for your feedback, Ula.
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Whoops! That’s a wicked ending 🙂
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Wicked indeed, but I think he’s going to get away with it. Thanks for your comment.
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Sinister! Not what I was expecting for the ending. Nice!
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Thank you, Tiffany. I’m glad the ending surprised you.
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Great twist at the end. Makes me wonder how many buildings, bridges, roads, walls, ect., have bones mixed with the bricks, cement, and asphalt. You don’t mess with some people. Well done, Marg. 🙂 — Suzanne.
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It would be a really good place to hide the evidence, wouldn’t it? I don’t think anyone messed with Vernon in his heyday. Thank you for your feedback, Suzanne.
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Ruthless and will be gone before he is caught out. Good twist at the end. 🙂
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Yes, he’ll be gone and forgotten, I expect. I’m happy you liked the twist. Thank you for commenting.
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