Relato Corto Blog Fiction

Dangerous curiosity

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I was going through drawers in the bedroom of my new boss, when I found a loaded gun. Why would he have it in such a reachable place? James quickly hid the gun when he heard a sound—closing the drawer while cleaning the dust.

James had recently accepted a job at the home of a lonely man—a person feared by his neighbors. Sure these were just superstitions, but the aging construction seemed haunted. Furthermore, the owner was seen as an evil man.

It was surprising for James to see the house before accepting the job. The ad called for domestic staff, but he was about to change his mind as soon as he found the place. Two weeks have passed since he started working with mr Colin. Although, they hardly spoke.

The gun in the drawer was just another proof that the situation could turn dangerous…James didn’t even notice the man standing by the door—watching.

“Mr Colin,” James said upon noticing his presence. “I’m almost done with your room.”

Colin stood still, staring blankly. He wore a brown robe and a pair of slippers.

“Is there anything I can help you with?” James asked.

Colin turned and left the room.

He saw me, James thought, he must have. A chill runners up his spine, he remembered the cold steel in his hand. While the oldman looked at him in silence. I’m sure he saw me.

James couldn’t be sure, but he understood the darkened Colin’s eyes. He felt threatened by his gaze. Calm down, he told himself, it’s all in your head.

When he was done with the room, James thought it would be best to hide in the kitchen—that’s a safer place. Or at least, one could find a weapon to defend himself. He hurried out the room and towards the stairs….

“You’ve done a good job, boy,” Colin said, walking out of a room.

“Mr Colin,” James said. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“This is my house,” Colin said. “I know everything that’s happening.”

“I’m going to work in the kitchen,” James said. “Do you need something?”

“It’s possible,” Colin said. “I’ll see you there.”

James watched the wrinkled man turn and walked away. Of course he saw me, he thought. Why did I do it? I’m so stupid.

Time passed but Colin never made it to the kitchen. James imagined different scenes, while listening at the footsteps coming from the second floor. I should get out of her, he thought, and the house fell silent. James searched for a weapon and grabbed a kitchen knife.

Come on, breath, he thought, everything is in my imagination.

James walked out of the kitchen and I to the dining room, on his way to the living room. When he saw Colin, although he wore a formal suit. This was the first time James didn’t see him wearing pajamas.

“I see you’re all dressed up,” James said. “What’s the occasion?”

“I like to be prepared.”

What is he planning to do? James thought, feeling the cold steal of the knife against his back. “I have to go home early today.”

“Sure,” Colin said, “I just need a hand in the backyard.”

James couldn’t refuse the order. After all, he needed the money. “Yes, anything. Thank you.”

“Follow me,” Colin said. “This will take just a moment.”

It can’t be, James thought. What is he up to?

Both of them walked through the kitchen, James following Colin closely, analysing him. He’s up to something.

Colin went into the cellar and pulled out a shovel. “This will do.”

James watched him walk out of the house. That’s your plan? he thought. You want me to dig my grave. That’s not it, he told himself. And followed Colin into the garden.

“This is a good spot,” Colin said, sticking the shovel into the group. “I need you to dig a hole.”

“What?”

“Do not worry.”

“You’re crazy,” James said, pulling the knife from his back, and charged forward.

“Hey, take it easy,” Colin said, jumping backwards.

But James didn’t stop, slicing Colin’s arm with a swift motion, then swinging horizontally and hitting his face.

Colin stepped back, covering his face. “Stop.”

James took the shovel and attacked again, knocking the man unconscious on the ground. And he began to search his pockets. It must be around here, he thought and kept looking. But he didn’t find the gun, so he ran back to the house. He went upstairs and into the room, the gun was no longer in the drawer. James peeked around the window to see from the room, but Colin was not in the Garden.

What am I going to do? thought James, and turned to leave the room.

“Is this this what you’re looking for?” Colin asked, tossing the gun to the ground. “It won’t do you any good.”

James saw the man launch himself to attack, but instead of feeling an impact, he felt a black blanket covering his body—immobilizing, suffocating him. Until James felt life leave his body.

About the author

Sebastián Iturralde

Writer of enigmatic tales, weaving captivating narratives that provoke thought and stir the imagination. Unveiling the depths of human experience through words.

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By Sebastián Iturralde
Relato Corto Blog Fiction

About Author

Sebastián Iturralde

Writer of enigmatic tales, weaving captivating narratives that provoke thought and stir the imagination. Unveiling the depths of human experience through words.