Chapter 1

This is the first chapter of a murder mystery/psychological thriller style short story. It promises to be an intriguing puzzle with unexpected twists.

“What the f**k is this?!” I find myself shouting to no one in particular, as everyone else is too busy enjoying themselves. Shrugging and frowning in an elaborate expression of discontent I pull out a little spike for my punch, which probably has plenty spike already. "I swear my ears are going to bleed any minute now." Nobody notices my protests but still I continue pretending someone's listening. As I stare out at all the blurred faces I feel a wave of bored irritation wash over me. “I can’t stay in this room much longer, everyone’s so happy clappy.” I mutter. Ever the invisible man. I take each step carefully, yet still I get bumped by every bugger in the room. It's not unlike being in a poorly thought out riot. “Best village of the year.” I read while sipping the relieving liquid. No, it’s just a celebration for the village ego. I don’t understand how we won this title; all we have to offer is the same s****y lighthouse. I suppose that’s the problem with living miles away from civilisation, in a tiny community by the sea. Perhaps that's why they thought it’d be a good idea to build the biggest lighthouse in the country. 

Outside at last and the breeze, as always, is scented heavily with rotting crustaceans, rusting sea defences and more than a lick of salt. That most sought after 'all healing', damn near magical sea air. I look around pondering where to go, but honestly? There’s only one place on my mind, and hopefully the tide is in. I spent precious time there as a child with my father, we’d go crab fishing by the small mountain of rocks, it’s peaceful, and the only memory I have of him since he died.  

The sand hugs my feet for each step I take, it's as relaxing the wind brushing gently against me. I've always loved my walks, especially on nights like this where the moon is illuminating the rolling water in a dim glow that occasionally borders on eery. Not to mention the low call of the cormorants which accent the quiet rush of the waves pleasantly. My daydream is interrupted abruptly as foot lands on something unexpected, it’s cold and soft..Not sand. Not sand at all. I move my foot delicately to reveal a hand, “What the fu-” I try but I'm distracted by the metallic sheen of the small compact mirror its clutching. My eyes trail up the arm towards the figure, but they land back at the palm and the circular object within it's grasp. The incessant thud in my ears grows to a crescendo. My head start’s to swirl. I reach out my hand for the mirror but my conciousness falls away first.

Author's Note

Special thanks to my friend Libby c:

Reviews

[Libby]

c: You have undersold yourself. This is the first chapter of a murder mystery/psychological thriller style short story. It promises to be an intriguing puzzle with unexpected twists!