Image courtesy of J Hardy Carroll
The camera flashes are as dazzling as my smile. Angling my body, I suck in my stomach. All I ever wanted was to be famous.
‘Silly cow.’ You slammed your fist into my face. ‘Ain’t nobody never gonna wanna look at you.’
But you were wrong, weren’t you?
‘How are you going to plead?’ I am asked again. Already the papers are calling me Sleeping Beauty. I’d stabbed you while sleepwalking – allegedly anyhow. Now everyone knows my name. My solicitor says he’ll line up talk shows once I’m acquitted.
I push out my chest as I’m led into the court. It’s my time to shine.
I am ridiculously excited that tomorrow is paperback publication day for The Gift in the UK! I can’t wait to visit the bookshops & supermarkets & see my second psychological thriller on a shelf. Tesco have an exclusive edition with a short story in I’ve written especially for their customers. Don’t think I’ll be getting much sleep tonight!
’15 minutes’ was written for Friday Fictioneers. A weekly 100 word story challenge inspired by a photo prompt. Hop over to host Rochelle’s blog to join in.
fabricating fiction 
Superb writing!
Thanks Reena!
I know I ought to think ‘karma’ but somehow, I don’t like her. Good story.
Thanks Jane – I think she was pushed to her limit though.
She must have been. It’s just that some victims don’t elicit the sympathy they ought. They are supposed to act beaten down and broken, not defiant. We don’t like defiant victims.
One way to reach for the stars, I guess. Sounds like exciting times for you, well done.
I’m sure she’ll write a book about it one day! Thanks Sandra.
Loved it, I see her standing there, just a little bit on a crazy side. Congrats on your continuous success.
Thanks so much!
She has earned her 15 minutes of fame even if she doesn’t deserve them! Look forward to seeing your book on the shelves 🙂
Yes, let her bask! Thanks Ian, I can’t wait to go out book spotting tomorrow.
Congratulations on the new book.
Thanks Joseph!
Brilliantly told ad mega congrats on the publishing!
Thank you on both counts.
Seems she got all she wanted. Congratulations on the release of your book. Exciting.
She did. Thanks Irene.
If the gloves don’t fit, you can’t convict. Just ask O.J.
DJ
True!
Gosh, that’s one lady you don’t want to annoy. Got to admire the…courage of her. Congrats on the pub, I shall keep a vigilant eye out. X
Thank you!
In America, all you need is an assault rifle. The land of opportunity!
Indeed. Great photo.
Thanks! I heard the sirens as I walked home from a friend’s house and came upon the fire trucks. This was in Iowa City, so there were trucks from small towns as far as forty miles away.
I love to hear the story behind the photos.
A devious little story with a victim I don’t have much sympathy for!
She’s not very likeable.
Why do I think she may not have been sleepwalking? Great story Louise, and congratulations on the book
I suspect she wasn’t! Thanks Neil.
Dear Louise,
She’s nothing if not creative. Good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle.
Hopefully, she’ll enjoy her five minutes of fame, or should that infamy? I’m going to Tescos tomorrow – I’ll be searching the bookshelves!
Click to read my FFfAW!
Me too! Thanks Keith.
She is one demented person to enjoy fame of this type.
Congratulations on your success. Well done.
I wouldn’t cross her! Thanks James.
Great story – and I didn’t find her ‘unlikable’ – perhaps a little sad. Congratulations on your book!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thank you Susan.
That’s sort of amazing while ebing absolutely terrifying! I could suggest one or two celebs that this might actually be based on, but I won’t. The cold cynicism of a wannabe starlet. Taut and wonderfully written
Thanks Lynn. The price of fame!
Yes, indeed 🙂
That’s a very thought-provoking piece. Guilty or innocent? Self defence or murder? What is an appropriate karma for a man who attempts to destroy the self confidence, indeed the whole self-image of a woman? A gripping tale about a character I dislike.
Thank you. She’s given me lots to think about.
People will do anything for their 15 minutes of fame these days! Great story.
Indeed some will! Thanks for reading.
Well that is one way to get your 15 minutes of fame… but then again, it is also a very sad way
A sad situation for all.
True
How exciting for you! Congratulations–and I love this story 🙂
Thank you!
Hmm, sounds like he deserved it but now she’s capitalising on her crime. I both like and don’t like her 🙂
Me too! Thanks.
She sure does know how to make some lemonade, at least her agent does. Good one, Louise. Congratulations for your book publication. Cheers.
Thanks very much Varad.
At last she is getting her 15 minutes fame. Congrats on the book publication.
Thanks Norma 🤗
Hmm – will the sleepwalking defence work, I wonder?
I think not!
A harsh way to get your 15 minutes, but it sounds like her victim was laying the red carpet.
I think so Susie!
Wow! Wonderfully written . Perhaps,
that was her last resort.
Congratulations on the print book release, Louise. Smiling as you celebrate!
Thanks! Can’t stop smiling right now 😃
Great story
Thank you!
So happy for your success.
You have another character in the making here.
Thanks Dawn.
I think writing a book like you do is a healthier way to success… ha.. love the calculation behind it
Me too – harder work though 😃
I say “Not Guilty” too. He had it coming! So, she could concentrate on what color of shoes to wear to trial. Such as the movie “Chicago”, that husband departed the world prematurely too. Good story!
Thanks Nan. I didn’t even think about her choosing her outfit but yes – I bet she gave it serious thought!
Good story, Louise. Very timely. Congratulations on your new book! All the best. 🙂 — Suzanne
Thanks very much Suzanne.