TBC Publishing Pride Month Flash Fiction Challenge, 27 of 30
Title: The Diary
Author: R. Scott Tyler
Genre: Mystery
Word count (500 max): 479
Howard took himself on a solo train trip across Europe for his thirtieth birthday. He hadn’t been involved with anyone for the past five years, despite having dated quite a bit before that. He tried everything—dates with women, men, and couples—but nothing ever stuck. Some relationships lasted less than a day, others up to a month, but he never really connected with anyone.
A few years ago, he gave up and decided that the single life was his future. Embracing this, he chose the European train trip because it had been a bucket list item for years.
Starting in London, his home for only the past year, his first stop was Paris. Well, technically, Brussels, because he chose this route to get another stamp on his Euro-Train card stamp book. He selected window seats on both legs and was surprised when a handsome King’s College student, whom he could tell because of the school’s colors and emblem, took the seat next to him before they pulled out of the station.
Hi, I’m Howard. I see you’re a King’s College guy. I went to Cambridge myself, I’m a Pembroke guy. Heading to Brussels?” All his dating experience had taught him to make conversation, anyway.
The stranger extended his hand and shook Howard’s before smiling and saying, “The name is Casey. I’m not actually heading to Brussels; I’m just taking some time off to ride the rails.”
“Aha, we have a similar itinerary in mind, then,” Howard replied.
The two men talked about Cambridge, trains, and authors throughout the entire trip. Howard was very intrigued when Casey told him he was writing a book about European secret service organization communications during World War II.
“Fiction?” Howard asked.
“No, it’s something of a documentary. You wouldn’t believe the number of people I’ve interviewed,” Casey replied.
“I bet those are some interesting interviews,” Howard stated.
“The most telling thing about each of the interviews is what happens afterwards,” Casey said. “If nothing happens, I suppose I should discount some of what the person told me in the interview.”
“I’m not sure I understand,” Howard said.
“Well, on one hand, I received an invitation to meet with the Queen’s personal security staff after one interview, and on the other hand, I had my college flat ransacked two times, after two separate interviews,” Casey clarified for him.
As they pulled into Brussels Midi train station, the full compartment of business people was on their feet and queuing for the exit before Howard and Casey reached the aisle. When Casey rose, he reached over his head for his bag and exclaimed, “Shit, my bag is gone.”
“Oh, Casey, that sucks!” Howard replied.
“Well, the biggest loss will be my diary, if it doesn’t show up in the trash outside the train,” Casey said.
“I’ll help you look. Don’t worry, we’ll find it,” Howard states.
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Seven of Swords. Deception and dishonesty.
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