THE
ALLEY
During the
day the flagstones rang with the footsteps of people on the way to the beach. Tourists
bought souvenirs, or scarves to protect sunburned shoulders, locals stopped to
drink coffee in the shade.
It was
different at night, when the alley exuded menace, the walls echoing with the
clink of bottles and frequent fights.
Each morning the shop owners swept up broken glass and syringes, saying nothing to the authorities for fear of discouraging trade, but it was more difficult to hide a body.
Ayla
from the hairdresser's was still hosing down the blood when the police arrived.
.................................................................................................
Perhaps the traders went a tad too far in their efforts not to lose trade, but needs must when times are tough! I know the deeling, as I am trying to drum up customers for my books, the latest of which can be found by clicking on the image on this page. Please do buy a copy!
Thanks to Rowena Curtin for the photo prompt and to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers on her blog https://rochellewisoff.com/ You can read other stories by following the frog link on her blog.
Oh!
ReplyDeleteWe live such sheltered lives, don't we?
DeleteThose tourists get frisky at night
ReplyDeleteHaving lived in a tourist area, I know it can be a mix of tourists and locals!
Deletetourists can be both a victim or one of the crowd of miscreants. I would not be a victim, I would kick butt.
ReplyDeleteThey have a bad reputation, but it's not always the tourists!
DeleteThey'll be delighted she's cleaned up for them.
ReplyDeleteYou have a point!
DeleteHeaven by day, hell by night. An all too common situation in some places.
ReplyDeleteEspecially in areas with poor lighting.
DeleteNicely observed, interesting how so many places of peace during the day become dangerous by dark.
ReplyDeleteEven my quiet village has its darker side!
DeleteLight and dark always walk hand in hand, in communities and in each person. The trick is to keep them in balance.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Jade.
DeleteOh dear, why did they tamper with the evidence? Interesting take.
ReplyDeleteThe. Police won't have been too happy, that's for sure!
DeleteOh no, what a scene
ReplyDeleteBlood everywhere!
DeleteDear Liz, such a full chilling piece. Thank you. Wishing you inspiring writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you x
DeleteOne wonders if the hairdresser wielded the scissors and delivered the killing blow. I always respect a women with sharp objects near my face. Ha ha.
ReplyDeleteTracey
Could be!
DeleteAs the song goes, "it was a good year for the undertaker." Interesting place, Liz.
ReplyDeleteI don't know that song!
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a good place to stay away from.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Àt night anyway!
DeleteThey are only making it worse by covering it up. Criminals are probably delighted.
ReplyDeleteThe police won't be too pleased.
DeleteDangerous place to have a shop!
ReplyDeleteOnly at night!
Delete