Goodbye, Operator

Submitted to the Reedsy writing contest #285. Prompt: write a story in the form of a landline phone conversation. Theme: flash(back) to a time before our own, in a flash fiction style.

TRIGGER WARNING: This post may contain mentions of and/or allusions to sexual violence, mental health issues, substance abuse, physical violence, gore, or abuse, and/or suicide and self harm. Reader discretion is advised.

One
Good afternoon, this is Huberton. Yes, hello. I’m calling on behalf of Malstrom’s wife. Yes, it’s for him. Very good, thank you.

Two
She said what? I’ll tell you, I can’t believe that girl. Told her she’s good for nothing if she doesn’t learn to keep her mouth - yes? Are you there? Oh, hello. Put me on the line with Mrs. Dalsby, please. Yes, I know! It’s the damnedest thing. I was out on the front porch today and you won’t believe -

Three
Scores? The scores from the game, stupid woman. Well damn you, then. Damn it all.

Four
Operator? Operator? Oh, thank God! I believe I’ve just witnessed a murder! Put me through to emergency! What? No, I’m in no danger. It’s Mary! They’ve hit her and she’s bleeding out all over the street! Hello? Are you still there?

Five
(Someone is breathing on the other end.)

Six
That’s fine, Huberton. Thanks for being such a jolly chap and ringing me up. I know you don’t like this sort of thing, what with people listening and all. And say, you’ll have to come by and help me fix that loose floorboard sometime. Bloody thing keeps catching my foot. Have a good night, old sport. Thank you. Goodbye.

Seven
Eh? Oh, hello, dearie. You’re the nice girl who brings me flowers every Sunday, aren’t you? Oh, no, I didn’t call. Say, while you’re on the line, would you mind finding out when my darling Mary is planning on coming home? It’s been hours and I’m beginning to worry… erm, who are you again?

Eight
Good heavens, Eliza! No, I can’t imagine anyone saying such a thing! Roberta must have been shocked out of her mind, poor girl. If anyone ever said so much as a church cuss to me, my Dennis’d give ‘em a firm patch on the cheek! He’s just been so protective of me ever since the appointment. You’d better let Bethany know. I’m not sure how long she’ll remember it, but I reckon it’s the right thing to do.

Nine
(A nickel strikes metal, followed by two dimes.) Hello? This is Mrs. Malstrom. Would you call my husband and tell him I won’t be coming to dinner tonight? Oh, Westley already rang him up? Never mind it then.

Ten
Information, please. Thank you.

Nine
I’ve got her. They almost saw me, but an old friend helped me out. Meet me at the regular place. Bring cash. Loop back around a few times to make sure you aren’t being followed. If you’re caught, you will deny this conversation ever took place.

Eight
(A man is yelling slurred obscenities. The smell of his breath is almost carried with them.)

Seven
Eh? Oh, hello again, dearie. You’re the nice girl who brings me tulips every Monday, aren’t you? No, I didn’t call. Say, you haven’t seen Mary have you? She’s usually home by now and I’m beginning to get worried… erm, remind me your name?

Six
Operator? Yes, hello. Lovely evening. I’m concerned about my wife. She told me she wouldn’t be home for supper, but it’s almost an hour past our bedtime. Would you give me a ring if you hear anything? Oh, thank you. You are a fine woman. I’ll go make some tea and wait up a while in my chair.

Five
(A nervous pen scrawls hurriedly on a wooden countertop.)

Four
Operator! Operator! Respond, please! I have reason to believe there’s going to be another murder!

Three
It’s the top of the ninth folks and the Reds are not letting up. This will be a heavy hit for the Blues… (the radio announcer’s voice expands before cutting to static).

Two
My God. I’m speechless. Did you call the police? She ignored your call? What kind of brute would do such a thing? Damned witch is probably listening to us as we speak.

One
(China cups and two sets of cutlery clink in the distance.)

Two
We ought to do something about it. I refuse to sit silently and watch while - oh, one second, someone’s at the door. Coming!

Three
(Multiple crashing and shattering sounds cascade in a cheer of audible rage. The sound is comparable to the noise one would make if one tried to play a baseball game indoors.)

Four
Oh! Oh dear! Eliza? Eliza, are you alright!

Five
(A chair creaks as though someone were tip-toeing to reach some unattainable fantasy.)

Six
(Obsequious snoring oscillates across the wire.)

Seven
Eh? Oh, my dearie. Something’s not right. I’ve got this terrible feeling in my bones. Mary? Where are you, Mary?

Eight
(Tears roll soundlessly down a patched cheek.)

Nine
Ya woussn’t happen *hic* to has a nickel on ya… oh, iss you Denny? I saw ‘em *hic* dragging one a those fancy laidees *hic* with some sorra fur neckslass or summssin… *hic* crazsy what tha drinkss’ll dotaya…

Ten
Goodnight, operator.

Nine
(The line is dead.)

Eight
(Sniffle.) H-hello? Operator? Connect me with Eliza Wallace p-please. What do you mean she - why - how could you p-possibly know that? No, that doesn’t make any s-sense! I was - we were j-just… (the woman begins to sob, taking in large amounts of air.)

Seven
Meeeow? (A cat must have sat on the receiver.)

Six
Hello? Yes, any news from my wife? You’re sure? No, no, nothing like that. The girl can take care of herself. It’s simply not common for her to be out this late. I’ll go make some tea and wait up for her a little longer. (A long groan is succeeded by a large thud.)

Five
(Nobody is breathing on the other end.)

Four
Emergency! I’d like to speak to emergency! Put me on the line you b*****d!

Three
I tell you boys you’ve lost a fan today. You’re dead to me. Damn it all.

Two
(An angel blows into the receiver.)

One
I can’t do this anymore! For God’s sake, Westley, I have a husband! And not just a husband - your best man! Have you forgotten so quickly? No, don’t touch me! Hey! Get off of me!

Zero
You unplug your jack and call it a night, your face disappearing into the darkness.